Opening Article: Limitless! New depths in God.
Purity: Delete White Washed Tomb Philosophy!
Quad State Tour Update - Join the Army of Victorious Intercessors invading the land
The Quad State gatherings are spiritual CPR revival meetings! (Christ Performing Resuscitation)
Mike and Linda Schreurs
Limitless!
Is there such a thing as a new depth in God? Can it be? How can it be? If it is so, how do you get there? How does one know when you’re actually going deeper into realms of the Eternal One’s heart, Presence and magnificent glory? Are we too afraid to try? Do we already think we’re ‘religious’ enough and don’t really need any more than we have or already know? Is going to church, Bible studies, fellowship with believers, going on mission trips, fasting, spending time in prayer – whatever we categorize as a good and godly life, are these enough? Maybe, but maybe not. Why? Let’s ponder that a moment.
The other day I was sitting in a Sunday service at our church when the Lord said, “I’m limitless!” Well, sure He is. I already knew that. “Tell me something I don’t know, Lord.”
However, He didn’t just drop it into my spirit as confirmation of this fact, but for me to grab hold of it, test it, grow in it and abide in it. He wanted me to search for the deeper meaning of His limitlessness. I began to think of all the possibilities in my life that now seemed totally open for a profound miracle.
I thought of all kinds of healings needed in our family and in others. I thought of starving people in different parts of the world or for that matter, even those who need bread on their tables tonight in America because of lost jobs… our God can bring mammoth provisions! Why not?! He actually dropped bread out of the sky in Exodus for 40 years straight. He fed 5,000 famished people on the hills of Jerusalem with just a few loaves and fishes. He brought water from a rock and wine from water. He rolled up the Red Sea, the Jordan River, and walked on water that was not frozen, even inviting Peter to join Him. He raised a dead army. (Ezkl. 37) The list goes on and on, and there are countless other powerful extravagances throughout the millennia that mankind just can’t grasp because of their magnitude.
I began to think about people who fight, argue and disagree. And you know what? For those who call upon His Name, He can bring agreement, ushering in peace, because He is the Prince of Peace.
My mind and heart also pondered those who are hurting in so many ways and how the Lord is above all things – everything! The end of the matter is this: All WILL surrender to His majesty, holiness and authority. Sooner or later, every knee will bow willingly or unwillingly before the King of kings and Lord of lords! Read it for yourself. (Isa. 45:23; Rom. 14:11; Philp. 2:9-11) So why not do it now? Why not do it willingly? There’s no one greater than the Creator. There’s no one more powerful than ‘I AM that I AM.’ (Ex. 3:14) Just think of all the possibilities in your own life if you submit and surrender to God. Name your ‘issues’ one by one and lay them at feet of Jesus in humility, forgiveness, purity, love, and with good character that the Lord requires of His people. It’s not hard to do and it’s the right thing to do.
Limits
Almighty God has not changed. It’s too bad we have. We’ve put limits on Him. Honestly, since I just can’t seem to keep up with the on-going, fast paced technology of our times, how is it I could even question God’s limits?! How about you? Think of what you need in your life right now and ask the Lord for it. He tells us nothing is impossible with Him. (Luke 1:37)
Since our eternal Godhead of Father, Son and Holy Spirit are just that – eternal, I was ecstatic to embrace the privilege of having the ability to tap INTO ETERNITY with Him from now and forevermore. It blows my mind quite frankly. From the moment of my spiritual birth the adventure began! God had no beginning, has no end and has always been. Glory! So once we’re born again by the power of accepting His sacrifice for us on Calvary, we have the honor of being grafted into a paradise of eternity at that point. That’s a Wow and an Amen for me! He is limitless! There is so much more glory to come – now and forevermore! Don’t you love it?!
Psalm 42:7 is trumpet call to us in this hour: “Deep calls to deep.” In light of this beloved people of God, pray this portion of Jeremiah 33:9 into your life today: “Fear and tremble because of God’s goodness and peace.” Have you ever trembled in holy reverential fear of God because of His goodness and peace? Now is the time!
Linda Schreurs
PURITY
Many of us are familiar with Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (See also Ps. 24:3-5; Prv. 22:11) Has anyone seen God lately? If not, why not?
I don’t know how many of you follow the Kansas City House of Prayer movement in Missouri, but Mike and I have found it to be quite profound and in total alignment with God’s Word. Mike Bickle, who is the founder, continues to lead this vast group of growing HOP’s worldwide.
Recently, there was a posting on the KC-IHOP which has caused a buzz among Christians. I am including it here for you to check it out on your own: http://blog.ihop.org/2011/03/. The message is by John Mulinde of World Trumpet Mission of Kampala, Uganda. It was given on March 1, 2011. My husband and I waited for a weekend time in order to watch it as it’s about an hour and ten minutes long. We were encouraged to watch it in its entirety and we are so glad we did. I took notes along the way. We were amazed at its content agreeing with it fully. If I were to categorize the contents, I would simply say it has everything to do with purity. It has everything to do with getting right with God before it’s too late.
Some of the criticism has been twofold: one, that it was given to just one individual, and two, that it is seen as too harsh and condemning. However, the Lord has oftentimes given a profound message to just one man or woman which is then to be shared with many. In regards to harshness or condemnation, we need to remember Romans 11:22, “Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness, otherwise you also will be cut off.”
Unfortunately in today’s society, even churches are afraid of offending people with the truth of God’s Word. They will indeed suffer judgment according to the above scripture. John the Baptist admonished some by calling them ‘vipers.’ That’s not very nice! (Luke 3:7) And Jesus, even though kind, loving and compassionate, was as well, quite direct sometimes in His own harshness calling the Pharisees ‘serpents and a brood of vipers.’ That’s not nice either! (Matt. 23:33) Many became offended and scripture tells us they became very hostile toward Jesus. (Luke 11:37-54) What a price to pay for truth, because in the end, it was the religious establishment that crucified our Lord.
Isn’t it interesting nonetheless, that our Messiah, as well as ourselves, must share God’s divine, holy truths regardless of what some may consider an offense, even if we have to suffer for it. We had better take the whole of God’s Word and stop picking it apart, distorting it.
Just one person
The fact of the matter is, just because the Lord speaks to one man, or just a few people assembled, does not mean there is no authority or weight in it. One may ask, “How is it that God gave this pertinent and timely message of holiness to just one man in Africa?” Let me ask you in return, “How many times did the Lord give a message through only one man, or one woman to save many changing the course of history?”
Moses was the only one encountered by a non-consuming burning bush. It changed his life. It also changed hundreds of thousands more! What about Gideon? He overheard a dream of someone from the enemy’s camp about a loaf of barley bread rolling into their camp. Odd to be sure as dreams go, but Gideon took it as a message from God and experienced profound victory over the bad guys with just a small army! Joseph, this one lone guy, has these odd dreams about people coming to bow before him. His brothers mocked him for these things. Yet, in the end, this is exactly what happened as his family and many others came bowing before him begging for food in the days of famine. Multitudes were affected. By the way, he also stayed pure by running from Pharaoh’s wife! There’s a huge lesson to be learned here in that Joseph was thrown into prison because of a false accusation against his purity. However, the Lord rewarded his holy stance by bringing not only vindication, but promoting him to the number two spot in all of Egypt. He followed scripture where God says, “Be holy, because I am holy.”(Lev. 11:44-45; Rom. 12:1; 2 Tim. 1:9)
Esther was one little orphan girl being raised by her uncle. She became the queen of the land…goes in to the king and pleads for her people to be spared. Thousands were saved from being hacked to death! She was just one person, but one who sought God and obeyed Him with all her heart even unto death if it was so required. A modern day version might be that of Joan of Arc who brought great victories on the battlefield because of her heavenly visions. She obeyed God rather than seeking comfort for herself. Martin Luther King had a dream, and he died for it, but multitudes have been impacted by its message. This one man began a movement that has changed history.
Elijah, one guy in the wilderness, calls down fire from heaven. It comes. It falls with frightening power. It burns up all of the enemy’s delusional, demonic gods and priests. Then a torrential downpour of rain comes as he crouches down in a birth position to pray for an end to the long drought. He was just one man, but one who obeyed the Lord. Powerful!
These kinds of testimonies in the Bible go on and on about how God uses one man here, or one man there (or woman). The Lord doesn’t always speak corporately. We ought to know that. So why the persecution against this man in Africa whom after many days of fasting, prayer and confession, why wouldn’t God to speak to such a one? I would have to say that the Lord would probably much more use one man or woman of deep, intense prayer, fasting and repentance, than one who thinks they know everything. And by the way, what has the Holy Spirit spoken to YOU while alone in prayer? If you haven’t heard anything, it might be wise to find out why.
Our God is limitless! He speaks to one, and He speaks to the multitudes doing powerful things. How great is our God!
Unabashed purity
The message from our African brother, John Mulinde, is extremely timely and it’s an ALERT to God’s people. It was entirely scriptural. Therefore I feel it’s a wake up call! What in the world are we doing with our lives? It may be snuffed out in a second and what shall we say as we stand before God’s Throne of Judgment if we lived a lukewarm, compromised life-style of sin? Revelation 3:16 has always been near and dear to my heart because of a dramatic, personal account I had with the Lord. Let us awake dear people. This scripture brings a warning: “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” Can you imagine being vomit in the Lord’s mouth because of our lack of complete commitment to God in every area of our life?! Lukewarmness is down right dangerous! But I sense this is where much of the church is today.
Personally, I do not believe our pulpits teach much on purity and holiness any more. Do you know, even our very garments are to be pure?! Ladies especially remember that. When you clothe yourself each morning ask yourself, “Does what I’m wearing honor the Lord?” Remember these strong words from Revelation 16:15, “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his garments, lest he walk about naked and men see his shame.” (My emphasis)
The Holy Spirit called me to do a whole conference about being properly clothed a few years ago, so I won’t go into any depth here, except to share a few examples from God’s Word: Ex. 19:10; Deut. 22:5; Job 29:14; Rom. 13:14; Prv. 31:22,25; Gal. 3:27. See for yourself.
It’s time the church begins to passionately cry out for our calling of holiness in Christ Jesus to be manifest in every area of our lives. We have to be pure in how we dress, what words we use, what we’re listening to, what TV shows we watch, what we’re saying on the internet and where our footsteps take us.
Where are the messages to the flock about the dangers of the lack of holiness in God’s people? Why are the live-in lovers accepted without giving a warning to their compromised lifestyle and endangering their eternal souls? I’ve seen it time and time again, where even pastors or church members allow their adult kids to live with their ‘partners’ in their own homes, under their own roofs! Something is terribly wrong here. It’s called - sin. Does anyone care anymore?
So I ask again - Where are the pulpits that are giving God’s Words of truth about taking a life in abortion, the sin of homosexuality, people shacking up together, those having surgeries to change their sex, same-sex marriage, polygamy, pornography, and a host of other offenses of purity against our holy and spotless Redeemer?! If the Lord is to return for His bride who will be without spot or wrinkle, I’d dare to say, it’s time to clean house! (Eph. 5:27)
Too many churches are now being found to comply more with a man-pleasing spirit trying to be politically correct and user friendly in order to be accepted, rather than being Biblically correct. Our Savior God cannot be pleased with such white washed tomb philosophy. He won’t be very nice to them when He comes again. Take heed. (Matt. 23)
Be different
Lest anyone of us Christians think we are OK, we better take a closer look at Matthew 7:20-23 where many followers were doing wonderful things in Jesus’ Name. They were prophesying, casting out demons and doing many miracles. Nevertheless their souls were in jeopardy because of their private lives or lack of fiery passion for God and spiritual intimacy with Him. The Lord warms them of pending judgment: “I never knew you.” Let’s wake up!
Our heavenly Father decreed we bring everyone this timely message from Ezekiel 44:23, “Moreover, they shall teach My people the DIFFERENCE between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.”(My emphasis; See also Ezkl. 22:26) So, where are those teachers today? Have they clammed up and given up because of the fear of man? Let us only fear God! Let me state God’s word even further. Look into Hosea 4:6,“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” It’s not just about us, but our kids, grand kids and beyond. What legacy are we giving and leaving? Is it of God, or of man? Choose this day whom you will serve! There are many scriptures in this regard. Please allow me to share one more. It’s from Micah 3:9 “Now hear this, heads of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who abhor justice and twist everything that is straight…” (My emphasis) Go down to verse 11d of this same chapter as the people will wrongly say, “Is not the Lord in our midst? Calamity will not come upon us.” Oh yes it will!
Would you agree that probably more than at any other time, we need to give ourselves a heart check to see where our soul lies? It is in the bosom of the Lord, or that of man? Reckoning is coming and it’s coming soon. Be aware. Be alert. Be holy! A holiness movement is arising!
Judgment
Just as God’s Word declares, all things will be shaken as the life-span of earth comes to a close. (Haggai2:9) In the last few years, fears and tears have come upon many. It’s been spurred worldwide because of faltering economies, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, lawlessness and wars. Perhaps we could speculate that God is trying to get our attention. Some will seek the Lord in times of crises. Others will curse Him.
In the last book of the Bible, Revelation, which is the only one yet to be lived out (!), there’s a phrase repeated often as disasters befall mankind. It says, “They did not repent.” (See Rev. 9:20; 16:9, 21) Oddly it goes on to say that many will be drunk with immorality. (Rev. 17) Why? Ungodliness will be rampant everywhere. “Wide is the road to destruction and narrow the road that leads to life, and few that find it,” warns Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14. FEW?! These are alarming words to be sure. I, for one, want to be a part of that exclusive set of people who steadfastly seek a lifestyle of purity and holiness. How about you? Remember, God’s eyes are going to and fro across the earth seeing who is running to Him and who is running away from Him. (2 Chron. 16:9) He’s looking for a few righteous men in a city, any city! May you and I be a part of the FEW, the 10 righteous whom Abraham asked of God in Genesis 18 and 19. Sadly, even 10 could not be found in Sodom and Gomorrah, so an angel led his nephew, Lot, out of the city before judgment laid the city flat with fire, hail and brimstone.
Pruned for greater depth in God
Please understand however, that bad things can happen to good people and it is not a judgment. The Bible attests to this fact many times. However, in these instances it had more to do with pruning for more growth in God and going deeper in Him. (Matt. 5:10-12) But be careful because with one it’s judgment and with the other it’s rewards! Remember my earlier mention of Joseph and how he suffered much, but it was for an effectual cause in God. Many others who suffered for righteousness are mentioned in the powerful chapter of Hebrews 11. Keep in mind 1 Peter 3:17-18, “For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” And be sure of this, many will be mocked for taking a stance for righteousness, purity, holiness and the truth of God’s Word. This is the whole context for my recent book, Armageddon Bride.
Let’s follow Abraham in asking: “How many truly righteous people are there in my city: 50, 45, 40, 30, 20,10?” May we be counted among those few. The Holy Spirit is about to use that one man, or one woman to be used for His glory in saving entire towns, states and countries! Are you the one?!
In conclusion, here’s the HIGH RED ALERT MESSAGE OF THE HOUR:
Be holy.
Here it is again:
Be holy.
Again:
Be holy.
The Hermitage Experience
A testimony
I have known about the hermitage but never had the desire to go. The thought of being secluded did not seem appealing. But I was at a desperate time in my life and I heard the Holy Spirit "knocking" at my heart door prompting me to go.
Oh what a holy and sacred time it was!! I realized how I had allowed the daily distractions of life to obscure my spiritual view. How awesome it was to be with just Jesus.....to be still before Him.....to love on Him...to worship and praise Him. My love relationship with Him has become richer because of my hermitage experience!
On the last day of our hermitage, Linda led us in Holy Communion. I have never in all my life, experienced taking communion in such a holy and sacred way. Often times, communion is taken out of ‘tradition.’ We had the opportunity to truly drink in His presence and ponder the sacredness of the wine and bread as we communed with our precious Lord and Savior.
K.L., Clarion, Ia.
UPDATE - IOWA QUAD STATE TOUR
(Below is something you can copy/paste and send to your own e-lists!)
Five Spiritual CPR Meetings
Christ Performing Resuscitation – Revival!
Intimacy With God Ministries
FULFILLMENT OF GOD’S PURPOSES IS NOW!
Since our book, Words Aptly Spoken, was published after our prophetic prayer journey to Iowa’s 99 county courthouses, the Holy Spirit has been calling us according to Acts 15:36, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
Therefore we are calling churches, prayer groups, ministries, intercessors – all those concerned about the fulfillment of God’s purposes and plans in your area of Iowa to gather for a one night spiritual CPR meeting! Attend all the meetings if you can. The Lord is about to fulfill some amazing things that Iowa has never seen before! Go to our website at www.intimacy-with-God.com to see the schedule. Click onto the current ‘Journal’ for more information. Then click the ‘Iowa Map Tab’ to register to be an intercessor for your county. Please pass this information on to your own lists! See you soon!
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Each Quad Meeting (consisting of approximately 20-30 counties in those regions), are scheduled to begin at 7 PM and will last several hours. They will consist of prayer regarding specifics in those counties, not just those from our book (Words Aptly Spoken), but things others are seeing/hearing as well. Worship will be key, followed by Linda Schreurs leading the group into an intimate, life-changing encounter with the Lamb of God in Holy Communion. (This is the content of her next book and CD!) This will be followed and concluded with a message by Randy Bixby from KHOP, Des Moines. We are honored to have him as God is using him powerfully to heal the sick. You are welcome to bring your worship banners and shofars to add to the celebrations of what the Lord is doing.
God’s Shekinah glory is prophesied to fall in our midst, where the atmosphere is charged with healings, signs and wonders from on High! Plan to attend the Quad meeting in your area, or all of them if you can, and especially the Grand Finale Celebration on 11-11-11. Anything can happen! In fact, we are required by the Holy Spirit to look for it! (Eph. 3:20)
SCHEDULE OF QUAD STATE MEETINGS
Come to all of them if you can!
1) April 29 - Counties from the NW Quadrant of Iowa will meet at the Twin Lakes
Christian Center (about 27 miles from Ft. Dodge), 7718 Twin Lakes Rd., Manson, Ia. 50563 in the Northwoods Room. Worship with Patrick Green and team.
Host: Women's Aglow.
2) May 20 - Counties from the NE Quadrant will meet at IHOPE, Waterloo, Ia. Host: Mike
Peters.
3) Sept. 23 – Counties from the SE Quadrant will meet at Trinity Friend's Church, Richland, Ia.
Host: Rev. Tim Hadley.
4) Oct. 14 - Counties from the SW Quadrant will meet at HHOP in Council Bluffs, Ia.
Hosts: Jim and Teri Kohl,
5) Nov. 11 (11-11-11!) Center of state and Grand Celebration for all the Lord has
done, is doing and is about to do! These are all Spiritual CPR (Christ Performing
Resuscitation) Revival Meetings! This last one will be held at the Foxboro Conference
Center on 86th St. in Johnston, Iowa.
* More details will be forthcoming upon each upcoming meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Women’s Spring Hermitage - Register now! May 12-15th. These are precious ‘alone’ times with the Lord that take you deeper and higher! It’s an awesome, intimate encounter with God in the privacy of your own beautiful little cabin in the woods. The autumn dates are Oct. 6-9th. Contact us for more info.
KHOP (Kingdom House of Prayer) led by Randy Bixby. Let this be the time in your life where you become enthralled with prayer, praise and worship of your mighty King of glory. May you be inspired to come and partake of amazing things happening many hours of the day and night at KHOP. Healing and prophetic ministry are also available. It’s located at 1212 NW 36th St. in Ankeny, Iowa 50023. Check the schedule by going to: www.kingdomhop.org
LINDA’S BOOKS:
Words Aptly Spoken, endorsed by Francis Frangipane, Randy Bixby and others, is about IWG Ministry’s prophetic prayer journey to Iowa’s county courthouses declaring righteousness and truth to come into these places of governmental decisions on various issues. All the states of America ought to do this very thing for the area in which they live. May our prayers shake America for revival! ($20, plus $4 shipping & handling) Order from web site or address below.
Armageddon Bride, endorsed by Lou Engle, the late Jill Austin and others, is about true intimacy with God and the moral issues of our day that are playing havoc in many societies globally, mainly the marriage issue. Who is the true Bride of Christ? Will she stand up for truth at all costs? ($14, plus shipping & handling). Order from web site or address below.