Weeping Lions and Roaring Lambs-

Proverbs 28:1, John 21:15-16, Psalms 34:10

Recently, while speaking in Phoenix, AZ at a men's conference God began to speak to me. At the time I was lying on my face worshiping. I heard God say to me, "Son, I am looking for Lions that weep, and Lambs that roar!" Therefore I must share this message!

Proverbs 28:1, (msg) The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one's after them; Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions.

Boy I love that! I picture a lion standing on a rock! Overlooking the landscape! Piercing eyes, stone hard jaw, paws in position to pounce, ready to defend or offend. Lions are the fiercest beast of the jungle. I love the old song "In the jungle the lion sleeps tonight."

Yet, God told me he was looking for lions that weep and lambs that roar! At first I wanted to say to God "you got that backwards Jesus! It doesn’t work that way… I didn’t understand this." Then I began to realize what God was saying.

I have always considered myself a lion. It is my favorite animal in the jungle. I have always wanted to operate as a protector of the pride!

OOPs there it is Protector of the Pride! We have been protecting our pride too long!

Yet, as a lion I have found that in the season we are in I must seek God. Boldness and passion are amazing, but I feel God calling me to brokenness and desperation.

Recently, God spoke to me, “son I am not looking for those who finish the race first, but those who can finish the race with a limp called brokenness.

There is a call from heaven for the strong to be broken and the weak to lift their voice in triumph. The church has operated as a place where the strong at heart blurt their opinions, run their committees, voice their desires, while so long those tender of heart have sat on the sidelines, waited their turn, and wept in their pillows!

There is a supernatural shift taking place. We are moving into the land of the opposites. The land is crying out for the wanderers of Holy Ground to arise with a holy passion and for the prowlers of Spirit to weep and wail.

Recently- I stood on a stage in front of thousands in FL. The powerful and very pure worship band had just finished its set. It was now my turn to speak. My heart was heavy. The night before worship was incredible. Thousands of students were crying out for God. Yet, when the speaker began to speak the students were inattentive. As I began to speak God told me to share with the thousands of students that if they were not careful they would be the Saul Generation. They love worship because it soothes their demons, but when the word comes they pick up spears to kill the Davids. Instead of soothing our demons we must get free of them. My prayer is that while worship is awesome we must have the word. That day I felt as a weeping lion. Students ran to the altars wailing, and many had supernatural miracles take place. Many of the cutters in the room had their scars disappear.

Thus I must share weeping Lions and roaring lambs.

Mass confusion has infiltrated the body. We no longer fight for he unborn, we vote with our greed on our sleeves, we are careful to not say right from wrong so that the wind doesn’t shift in our direction…. Today I say enough is enough.

1 Tim. 4:1-2, The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

As I recently stood in Singapore I asked a crowded room of hundreds- How many are first generation Christians? -90% were first generation Christians- I began to weep- I knew this meant a very tough life was in front of these champions.

There is a stirring in the atmosphere: As Israel’s winter begins while it is being surrounded by the Arab Spring, while occupy wall street protesters defecate in the streets with a starbucks and Iphone in their hands, while our nation ponders a secularist or a Mormon for the office of president, while the stock market rises and falls on corporate whims, while the homosexual agenda invades every child media outlet, while the church has no trouble with winning the world as long as they can continue to look, act, and smell like the world, preaching shallow holiness and weak grace…

Key verse- Amos 3:4, (message) Does a lion roar in the forest if there's no carcass to devour? 
Does a young lion growl with pleasure if he hasn't caught his supper?


In other words why are we roaring if we haven’t done our job?

Where is the call for holiness! Where is the roar for defining salvation on every level? Most do not even know when they got saved, or what they gained through salvation. Oh that God would remove our roar until we hearing the bleating of the lambs!

Part 1- Weeping Lions:

There seems to be very few voices to stand tall for Jesus.

Psalms 58:6, (NASV) O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth; 
Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD.

I believe the eyes of the Lord are roaming. He isn’t wearing bi-focals so he can see some from a different perspective. Choosing which way to tilt his head. God see's us all the same.

II Chronicles 16:9, (message) God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him.

#1. Lions have grown weak?

You see we are called to protect the pride. We are called to stand firm!

Psalms 34:10, The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

We have all grown tired and weak, but if we seek Him!

#2. The Lion surrounded by worshipers!

Rev. 5: 4-5, (message) I wept and wept and wept that no one was found able to open the scroll, able to read it. One of the Elders said, "Don't weep. Look—the Lion from Tribe Judah, the Root of David's Tree, has conquered. He can open the scroll, can rip through the seven seals."

The scroll is the title deed to earth which Jesus snatched back from the Devil . God the Father is holding it - seven seals means completeness. Who is worthy? - no one, so John wept- John WEPT!

But the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is because he has prevailed in His mission!

But what is the significance of calling Jesus the Lion of the Tribe of Judah?

Judah 4^th son- (4 means creation or universal truth) son of Jacob who fathered the 12 tribes

Why didn' t Jesus descend from the 1st son Reuben? Well, Reuben committed incest with his father's wife. The 2nd & 3rd sons (Simeon & Levi) had the blood of the Schechemites on their hands after avenging their sister Dinah's rape. So the birthright fell to the 4th son Judah

Judah- means -Praise, praised, thankful

King David was also from Judah's bloodline which is why Jesus is called the Root of David about whom it was prophesied, the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever (1Kings 2:45)

But the first prophecy of the never-ending Kingdom of Jesus was given by Jacob on his deathbed- Genesis 49:8-12, “Judah, your brothers will praise you; 
your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; 
your father’s sons will bow down to you. 
9 You are a lion’s cub, Judah; 
you return from the prey, my son. 
Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? 
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,[b] 
until he to whom it belongs[c] shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. 
11 He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; 
he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. 
12 His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk

Judah means praise- Judah is a lion's whelp- lions cub

KEY: Lions that weep- represents the brokenness that must fall once again on the worshipers!

John the revelator was weeping and therefore the Lion stepped up to open the seals! The Lion of the tribe of Judah is the one who receives worship! We are his cubs and we must worship!

Part II- Roaring Lambs!

#1. The Lamb of God has come!

We know that Jesus was both Lion and Lamb! We know the lamb has always represented that acceptable sacrifice! The lamb skin would cover the nakedness of man in the garden. It would cleanse the people of their sins when the priest would make sacrifice.

Jesus was the Lamb! He came wrapped in flesh! He was born at an Inn- to show that he would be staying only for a short time- Just behind the Inn was a stable (manger) where the animals ate- He was born in filth and poverty.

II Corinthians 8:9- ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Facts about lambs- Lambs- Up to 20 percent of newborn lambs can die soon after birth unless they are given improved conditions. Some starve if their mothers reject them! Many farmers will have special areas for ewes to give birth in so they can keep the lambs warm and fed. Sheep have a flight zone, which is the space they like to keep between themselves and others. Sheep don't like to walk in water or move through narrow openings. They prefer to move into the wind and uphill than down wind and downhill.

#2. Shepherds must find the lamb!

Who did the angels speak to first- Shepherds abiding in the fields watching- God always uses the shepherds. Look at Moses and David they were shepherds. They were shepherding when their lives were interrupted. The night Jesus was born the shepherds were looking for a lamb! A shepherds job entailed looking for the lost lambs! They also encountered a lion! In essence they were searching this time for a lamb that would save them and a lion that would rise again! They were probably running- They were probably weeping- here these lowly shepherds were the first evangelist!

Luke 2:812, And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Can you imagine? As the shepherds approached the manger? God chooses the simple things to confound the wise. He chose the watchers of the lambs! These shepherds were going to find the Head Shepherd.

1 Peter 2:25- For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Mom and Dads you are the watchers of the lambs!

The shepherds could hear the animals, they could feel the excitement in the atmosphere, the night was lit up, but there under the wooden roof lay a king. A lamb that would take away the sins of the world. A lamb who would later roar like a lion!

#3. Disciples must declare the Lamb!

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way. He declared the lamb of God.

John 1:29, The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world

Then the next day John declared it again! This would cost John two disciples!

John 1:35-37, (message) The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

#4. The Lamb must be led to the slaughter!

Isaiah 53:7, He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, 
so he did not open his mouth.

The Passover Lamb was to be observed from the 10th day until the 14th day of Abib (This is the new moon of he new year when the barley is ready for harvest)

Exodus 12:3, (NIV) Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household.

Jesus Christ was the Passover Lamb that the priests sacrificed.

Matthew 25:27-31, Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

Matthew 27:25 (NIV) All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"

#5. The Lamb Roared!

Matt 25:45-46, From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

The lamb was in such agonizing pain! His father turned his back on him. Isaiah was right! He was being slaughtered. The noise reached the heavenliness!

Matt 25:50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

So Jesus was the lamb that roared!

The Lion and the Lamb- While it was the Lion of Judah who was deemed worthy to open the scroll, it is actually the Lamb who sits on the throne and opens each of the seven seals.

III. Jesus died as our lamb and arose as our lion!

Let me set the scene. Jesus has died on the cross. He was the lamb led to the slaughter! The disciples were scattered. Simon Peter- The Rock- The big mouthed disciple who had rejected Christ at his worst moment

Mark 14:72, Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.[a] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

Peter would become the lion of the church! The one who would lead, preach, and exhort! But for now he had broken the heart of God!

Now three days have past. Peter and some disciples were now out fishing.

John 21:4-5, Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

John 21:7- Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

Peter swims to the shore to see Jesus. They then shared breakfast.

John 21:15-16, (message) After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep."

Key- When lambs are hungry! A lamb bleats the loudest and longest when it is hungry. The lamb is dependent on food constantly, and as it grows, is always foraging for food. Appetite is an indicator of health.

Jesus was saying- you were a weeping lion, but now you must feed the roaring lambs! The lambs are hungry! He is the Lion of the tribe of worshipers! We are his cubs! We must weep again! Roaring lambs are the ones who hungry for freedom!

We must get back to weeping! The lambs are roaring! They are hungry, but we are so busy roaring we cant hear their cries!

The lion and the lamb shall commune together in the millennial reign! Isaiah 11:6-9

IV. The lion and the lamb awaits his bride!

Rev. 19:9, Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Today, it is time for us to weep again and listen for the roaring of the hungry lambs! Let the lions weep and the lambs roar!

"Branding the vision!"

“Branding the Vision!”
By Pat Schatzline, www.mercyseatministries.com
Lyall Mercer, www.mercerpr.com

The following is teaching that has burned in my heart for a while. I asked my dear friend from Australia name Lyall Mercer to contribute. I pray you are blessed!

Branding- The desire to authenticate, manufacture, and publicly proclaim your vision or idea.

Proverbs 29:18, (message bible) If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.

Is it possible to create a brand and vision that could change cultures, environments, and lives? It isn’t unholy to create a plan for your vision that gets the attention of the church world while developing a “hook” for the drive by seeker or lost person.

Habakkuk 2:2, (message bible) And then GOD answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. 3 This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.

We have seen that done in every aspect of community. The church is no different. We must create an idea/ vision that sticks. Whether it is a vision to love your city, serve your arena of influence, or establish a safe place of corporate worship people are looking for something to belong too. In the church arena we must compete with the cultural noise around us. There is a constant onslaught against our values and beliefs. Today’s, media is mostly owned by secularist, or social driven groups whom always have an agenda. Most of the time works against our core values. I truly believe that the church is just now catching a vision for branding. Social groups have done this for years.

Why can’t the church have an agenda? I believe our agenda trumps the worlds. Our goal is to populate heaven and depopulate hell! Oops! I mentioned hell. It is a very real place that we compete against for the very souls of mankind.

Christian influenced social media has taken off with an attempt to brand our services, our vision, and our newest outreach. It is a great start. We can now website and twitter our newest sermon, blog our most recent revelation, face book our big gatherings, and e-invite people to join our newest cause. We are Branding!

I honestly believe that this generation is looking for churches, movements, youth ministries, and Christian arenas that will proudly proclaim truth. What if we branded our vision like the backrooms of the environmental headquarters? What if we shouted our plans of invasion like the gay and lesbian culture? What if we stood tall upon the mountain of misinformation given to the students of universities and declared truth? God has chosen us to “Brand” the truth! If you don’t believe in your vision, dream, and purpose who will? There is a reason why super bowl adds cost 1.5 million for 30 seconds. Advertising works. But it isn’t just advertising it is branding your concept. Living your Brand!

We want to share with you some guidelines and principles for branding your vision.. I will tell you that if you brand your vision the right way you will see eventual growth in the area of team, congregants, and community recognition.

Part 1- "12 Guidelines for Branding your vision”
By Pat Schatzline, follow @patschatz, www.mercyseatministries.com

1. Getting started: Pray! Dream! Consult!
2. Ask yourself and your team what do you want to be known most for in your city. It maybe that your ministry is “a thriving place of encounter for the entire family,” or a place that is known for “loving everyone regardless of history”, or maybe a place that “rescues the lost, heals the hurting, and empowers the least of these.” Establish what it is that creates the very “pulse” of your vision!
3. What is your pulse? Define and simplify!
4. Make sure your if your idea is borrowed you have done the leg work to secure the right to use it!
5. Create the artwork that defines the vision. Remember: keep it simple! Easy to read on the go? Leaving the passer with curiosity, but understanding.
6. Make sure the vision is simplistic in nature, but deep in meaning!
7. Many times the “brand” will come from the heart of a leader or team. It can be a sudden vision that comes, or is birthed over a long period of consistent ministry
8. Develop a plan and calendar that will answer the “brand.”
9. Get as many as possible on board who can begin to help in the best way of advertising “Word of Mouth.” In other words sale your vision to your inner circle! Excitement always starts at the core!
10. Dream out a way to share it with your church, company, ministry, city, or nation. Ask God for inspired ideas, look at what others are doing, and don’t be afraid to start small.
11. Sell it to you! How we push the vision and brand truly determines its success. Does it mean you have to stretch and put on a new wine skin. The greatest hindrance to a vision is when the leader sends mixed messages. Sometimes we ourselves must be willing to die on the hill.
12. Your “brand” should emulate the ultimate goal of your vision. Many times people “brand” off their history, but most of the time this brings little or no influence. Brand for today and tomorrow!

Part 2- “Practical Rules for Branding”
by Lyall Mercer- Follow @Lyallmercer, www.mercerpr.com
(Lyall Mercer is a former church planter, Christian speaker, crisis and talent manager who also owns a successful public relations firm called Mercer PR.)

1. Your brand must be authentic. It must be you. It must reflect your values and passion.
2. There is no right or wrong way to “do” youth ministry, just as there is no right or wrong way to “do” church. However the values and principles cross all styles and methods
3. If all you do is copy others – you are not being true to yourself or obedient to God. It’s OK to get ideas from others but God has called you to be you.
4. Know your market. Are you targeting Christians or the unchurched? I see a “community” identity as one that connects with the community, so speak and act in ways the community understands.
5. Do you want to preach at people or connect with them? Jesus connected and so should we.
6. Connection takes understanding. Don’t pretend to understand the way the unchurched thinks if you never associate with them. If you have gone from school to bible college to church ministry you probably have very little understanding of the way unbelievers think. Church “cool” is not enough if you want to connect with the un-churched.
7. Is your marketing directed at Christians or the un-churched? If you think “awesome worship” is a term that will attract the un-churched this is a sure sign that you are on the wrong track.
8. Connecting with the community means to accept people whoever they are and whatever they are into. It means to rise above judgment and understand that they are being true to their world-view and have different priorities and values. As Christian leaders our role is to respect the views and values of others not degrade them. This doesn’t mean we have to share their views and values – on the contrary we need to be influencers of the truth. But the first step to influence is respect for others.
9. Know your message. Everyone has a message that they are passionate about. My message is that the church is the connection point between the world and eternity and that we must live lives of connection not condemnation. I want this message to define my ministry. What defines yours?
10. Your message becomes your “brand”. It must be reflected in everything you do. The words you use, the graphics in your logo and the programs you operate. The leader sets the culture, the message and the course. Your leaders will follow you and eventually reflect the culture you set.
11. Do not allow others to vary your message or culture. If they see things differently allow them (even encourage them…) to take a different course. Your culture, direction and message is non-negotiable because this is the message and culture God has put into your heart.
12. Think of the youth ministries and churches that are huge and doing great things. They are originals. They didn’t follow someone else’s path but blazed their own trails. This is what separates the remembered from the forgotten.
13. Do things that relate to the community. Be a part of bigger community projects and events. Promote what you do through local media and throughout it all, stay true to your message and brand.
14. Look at your self and your ministry through the eyes of an unbeliever and ask if you’d be interested. Be honest.

Part 3- "18 ways to Implement the plan" By Pat Schatzline

1. Begin to the put the “brand” in place via meetings, services, encounters, and gatherings that resemble what you plan to “brand.” In other words be doing it before you reveal it!
2. Let your plan begin to grow by constant communication.
3. Once the artwork is in place bombard all of your avenues of influence, marketplace, web traffic, and street traffic.
4. Have others model the vision by way of communication, t-shirts, social media, touch cards, and text.
5. Create the write signage. Banners and yard signs create excitement.
6. Let your theme be known at every level. Act it out at every level. Create ways to be seen, heard, and watched.
7. Guard your “Brand” from outside interference. In other words make sure that you own your brand. Your brand defines your mission statement.
8. Constantly look for ways to improve your brand!
9. Your brand should say everything there is to know about you.
10. Never be afraid of over exposure.
11. Realize your brand is not in competition with the church, but rather is competition with the outside noise.
12. Your brand will take on a life of its own. Get out of the way and let it work for you.
13. Be prepared to always defend your vision!
14. Make sure your team always makes decisions that will bring honor and integrity to the brand.
15. Constantly look for avenues to increase the vision without de-simplifying your vision.
16. Make sure your vision can carry the load of expectation.
17. Make up your mind to not deviate from the plan. This is who we are, and until God changes our direction this is who we will be!
18. Your “brand” will define your next 5-10 years. Let’s quit playing catch up! Have fun! This is your chance to be at the helm of the boat! Make up your mind to lead to a revolution! Let history declare you didn’t sit back, you never played second, but you desired to impact your world. Go Glocal!

Invade your world with the good news!

Healing! - The Backside of the Cross!

The Backside of the Cross… Where healing stained the cross!

There has been a deep stirring in my heart for some time concerning miraculous healing's. For years I have seen crazy physical healings across the world. From Cancer to Blindness all healed in services. In factsSince writing this word we have begun to see supernatural healings.

My journey: I have always so deeply desired the suffering of others to be healed. Where is our authority? When I see a child afflicted with twisted limbs from a palsy I want to walk up to that child and lay hands on him. Alas, most of the time I question my own faith! There has been times where people have stood in altar lines for me to pray for them… I would see the wheel chair and almost want to run. I wanted to shout father I don’t have the faith….

Story of Nate: I must admit to you something so deep I thought I would never share this with anyone but Karen… It concerns my son Nate. He was injured playing college football. He has two crushed disk that are causing his spine to be out of place. The only way to fix it is major surgery. I had a personal battle with healing- I have prayed for my sons back- We prayed and prayed and he wasn't healed! This caused me to go on a journey. Seeking out how to walk in a healing anointing. He still hasn’t been healed. It caused doubt in my life until I began to study. Then I realized healing is divine! Now I am waiting on God as I walk out this journey. I know God has got him!

*I am learning that sometimes in our doubt the door of discovery shines much brighter! It is when doubt shifts to expectation that miracles begin to happen*

Psalms 103:1-4 Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 
2 Praise the LORD, my soul, 
 and forget not all his benefits— 
3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 
4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

I have thought at times that maybe there is a formula…. But really it is about walking in faith, prayer, and His word!

Healing isn’t just New Testament!
Exodus 23:25, 
Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.

Psalm 107:20
He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.



Jeremiah 30:17, But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, `because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.

So healing was promised before the cross, but brought into completeness at the cross! I know God still does miracles!

"Expectation is the birthplace of a miracle"!

I. God loves to heal His children!
God doesn’t punish the righteous! Sickness is the result of the curse!

In John 14:9 Jesus told Philip that if you have seen me (Jesus), then you have seen the Father.

I John 3:1, How great is the love the father has lavished on us that we should be called his kids!

It says later in the New Testament that everything that the Father wanted to show us about Himself, He revealed to us in Son, Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1:1-4, In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven

I love the story of the prodigal son. He was so hungry he desired pig slop. He settled for less than his fathers table!

Luke 15:16-18 (The Message) 16 He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any. 17-18"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father.

I love it! I says that when he saw what he was settling for in this life, that that is what brought him to his senses.

So many times we look at this as someone that has completely walked away from God. But I believe this passage also applies to those that are believers but have settled for a life that is less than what God ever intended for them.

John 10:10 (The Message) A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

I find it amazing that so many believers actually believe the opposite of this verse. Oh, we don’t verbalize it that way and say that God came to kill, steal & destroy & that the devil, or thief, came to give us abundant life.

Religious people say…. God has given me this disease to teach me a lesson. That is not possible. He is not the author of sickness.

We live like the prodigal son before he came to his senses thinking that God has put us in this situation or allowed us to be in this situation.

But can I tell you, if you did to your kids what we accuse God of doing to us, you would be put in jail for child abuse.

There is a law of seedtime and harvest. If I am a giver he will bless me back! What I sow I reap!

Genesis 8:22, As long as the earth endures, 
seedtime and harvest, 
cold and heat, 
summer and winter, 
day and night 
will never cease.

If I am sowing seeds of gluttony, then I will most likely reap the harvest –heart failure, diabetes, etc. So much of our disease is caused by our choices. Yet, other diseases are just that- DISEASES.

Somehow, we have begun to believe that God has given us this affliction to teach us something and we won’t lose it until we learn the lesson.

Well, if everything that the Father wanted to show us about Himself, He showed us through Jesus…then let’s look at the life of Jesus.

I never saw where Jesus went up to a person that needed healing and said, “Hey bro, I would love to heal you right now, but my Father is trying to teach you a lesson right now and you still need more time. Maybe come back later.

It’s difficult to imagine how much the church has fallen in 2,000 years. What has happened to the miraculous?

Acts 10:38 (NKJV) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were
oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

If you look back over church history, the John Alexander Dowie’s, Amiee Simple McPherson’s, & Smith Wigglesworth’s…people who had incredible healing ministries. One thing they all had in common, one common denominator, was that they believed ALL sickness is from the devil.

Not everybody believes that…but they also don’t have any miracles in their life. So do the math.
If we go back to the Garden of Eden in Genesis 1 & 2. There was no sin in the Garden until Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. Likewise, there was no sickness or disease up until that time.

Acts 4:11-12, Jesus is “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

The New Testament was written originally in Greek, and the word for salvation is literally translated as to:
1. deliver one from the penalties of judgment
2. to heal from sickness and disease, make well, restore to health.

Psalm 103:2-3 (NIV) 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases

Sickness and disease are mentioned again in the same breath as sin. So in other words if he can forgive my sins then he can heal my diseases.

It’s a transformation of how we think regarding healing and miracles

You say, ‘Well my Great Aunt got cancer and died and it really brought our family together. Well God can win with any hand. He can win with a pair of twos. He’s big enough that He can win with any hand. That’s the greatness of God. It’s not that He ordained calamity or difficulty.

And it’s that kind of thinking has given so much room for the devil to come and steal and destroy and we say God has allowed it. No He hasn’t allowed it…the church has allowed it.

We have reduced the cross to merely a get out of jail free card while missing the messages of freedom surrounding the tree of forgiveness and power!

There is a battle against everything we believe. It is a constant war. God is calling his church to experience complete freedom. The law is always at work with us.

II. Jesus broke off the chains of law for us!
What began as a selfish act under a tree ended with a selfless act on a tree!
Galatians 3:13, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole! (Deut. 21:23)

Romans 8:3-5, For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[a] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
We broke the law and Jesus was condemned to death for it. The problem is we still live in bondage to what he destroyed!

The Cross…He gave us freedom over sin!
He gave us freedom over death, hell and the grave!
He gave us freedom over our thoughts! (crown of thorns)
He gave us freedom over what we do with our hands- (nails)
He grafted us to him- (piercing in the side)
But now slide to the backside of the cross….(look at His back)

III. The Backside of the Cross mandated my healing!
2700 years before Christ would go to the cross a prophet would foresee the future! He would declare the most horrible and most powerful day to fall upon humanity.

It would be the day that the sin in the garden would be abolished.
It would be the day that separation from God would be amended.
It would the day that healing would be ripped into a savior!

Isaiah 53:2-6, (message) The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, 
a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look.
He was looked down on and passed over, a manwho suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself, 
that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him, 
that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed.
We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way.
And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong, 
on him, on him.

Is 53:5- By His stripes we are healed! (on His back he took my sickness)

They took Jesus and tied him to a whipping post and beat him with a cat-of-nine-tails that had shards of metal and glass. And every time he was struck with this whip, it would attach itself to His flesh. And then the Roman soldier would yank it off his body pulling massive amounts of flesh off with it. They would do this 39 times (40 death) until he was completely unrecognizable.

I used to read the passage in Isaiah that I read to you earlier and I never understood why it would say, ‘by his stripes we are healed’ right in the middle of all the reasons why we are forgiven of sins.

Then I began to realize something…sin is to the soul, what sickness is to the body.

1 Peter 2:24, He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.

Today, whatever your sickness or affliction may be, He paid for your healing, your deliverance, your salvation, before He left the story.

IV. His stripes created 5 mandates for your healing!

#1- A life of Faith mandates healing!

Romans 10:17, 
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ

1 Cor. 2:4- My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

Hebrews 11:1,[ Faith in Action ] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

#2- Speaking life mandates healing!
Matthew 18:19, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

Proverbs 18:21- “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat the fruit thereof.”

Death and life are in the power of your tongue. Most times we misquote this verse and talk about the power of death and life are in the tongue, but death and life have no power in and of themselves. The power lies in your tongue’s ability to produce or create death or life.

Hebrews 11:3 says, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.”
(so frame your world)

Proverbs 6:2 says, “You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth.

Matthew 12:37 says, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned

#3 The laying on of hands mandates they shall be healed!

James 5:14-16, 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Jesus often laid hands on people before healing them (Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40; 13:13). Paul laid hands on a sick person and he was healed (Acts 28:8).

#4 The mandates of heaven demands healing!

Luke 11:2-4 (NKJV) 2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”

It is the job of every believer to live in such a way that we see the reality of heaven on earth. (Lifestyle shouldn’t change at all in heaven)

#5- Authority mandates your faith

TL Osborn- “Physical eye site can blind spiritual vision”

We have authority through the cross!

Authority to cast out demons:
Mark 16:17, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils..."

Authority to heal the sick:
Mark 16:17-18, "And these signs shall follow them that believe...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

Now we must apply this authority and declare healing!

It Ain't Over! By Karen Schatzline

It Ain’t Over!! By Karen Schatzline
Text: Rev. 3:2, Phil. 1:6, Mark 5

I feel I must share a word straight from the heart of God.
There is something so powerful that takes place when you realize it isn’t over!

In Revelation Jesus says I have not found your deeds complete!
Revelation 3:2, Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
In other words he was saying- He’s not done! It Ain’t Over!

All of creation is groaning right now… Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Tornadoes, economic collapse, Middle East Spring, elections, mortgage crisis, deflated dollar, sickness, fear….. I have come to declare a word from the heart of God! IT AIN’T OVER!

Where is God? There is a push in our nation to make God obsolete. It is working. I have listened lately to the media and pundits as they spread terror and even spread falsehoods about God! Some say there is no such thing as sin. Others say God accepts all life styles. Others say God has given up on America. Others Just MOCK HIM.

Proverbs 14:34,(message) God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak

I wonder if God gets tired of hearing all that he isn’t?
Malachi 2:17
 (message) You make God tired with all your talk. "How do we tire him out?" you ask. By saying, "God loves sinners and sin alike. God loves all." And also by saying, "Judgment? God's too nice to judge

This is the hour where we must rise up with power and authority. It Aint Over!
For all those who feel your at the end, for all those who feel time is up,
For all those who feel forgotten and misplaced- It Aint Over!
For all those who feel relegated to the back of the room- It Aint Over!

I’m a lady, But I’m not fat! I am definitely not singing! The Fat Lady isn’t singing yet! IT AINT OVER! We are just beginning! I am ticked off at seeing the body of Christ act as if somewhere a long the way Jesus gave up his power to be all that you need!

I. The awesome awakening of you!
This morning I feel as if there is about to be a stirring! AN AWAKENING!
Almost the sound of feet hitting the floor in the morning light!
I feel as if God is saying ok this is your moment to realize I am not done!

There is nothing more powerful than when Gods people begin to stretch out of their slumber, call your families back to him, stir the flame which once burned so bright, and you yourself have a fresh revelation!

Ephesians 5:1 (message) Wake Up from Your Sleep! Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

God knows when you’re weary. He is calling you to His presence.
Matthew 11:28, (message) 
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

He has heard your worldless prayers, and deep sighs of exhaustion!
Romans 8:26, (message) Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer) said “God did have something bigger planned for me – What we need to do is trust & believe. If I can help others find hope in God – then that is worth losing my arm for”

God has a massive plan! He’s Not asleep at the Wheel!,
Philippians 1:6, (message) There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.

He told me to come and tell you! It Ain’t Over!

Hebrews 12:2- 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

II. When Doubt screams It’s Over! Hold On!
Psalms 94:18&19 (NLT) “I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”
***I want to read to you a passage of scripture that absolutely frustrates me. ***
My patience gets tested in this story.
I have learned that despite my whining, despite my complaining, GOD IS IN CONTROL!

Mark 5:21-30, (message) When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

Jesus is at the shore. He is multitasking! He is ministering to the people. The crowd is now a mob. They are pushing on him and shoving him!

Suddenly a man of prominence who probably, up to this point, didn’t like Jesus!
He was a religious ruler. He understood etiquette! He understood being proper!
But now his life had changed. His little sweetheart, his little girl, his relief from the pull of the world, his escape from reality, his pride and joy- His little princess was sick!

On his shoulders sat the weight of everything important!

Little girls have the power to turn a grown man into a dress-up partner, a tea party guest, and the prince at the ball.

Now she was in trouble. When he left the house, her fever was spiking, her breathing was shallow, and her body pale.

He suddenly had faith! He suddenly believed! He was willing to do anything to save his daughter!

He runs to Jesus! He grabs Jesus and says- Help me!
Mark 5: 24, So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him.

Then suddenly a woman touches him! The crowd interrupted this man’s miracle! It’s over! We only had a little time….
III. Maybe your miracle got lost in the crowd!
Just when you think it is your time….

Mark 5: 25-30, And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
Here is a man who is desperate! Is it really that easy to get Jesus off his game, distracted?!
I mean come on Jesus I was here first!
I am a religious leader!
I do your work everyday! Surely
I am more important than that woman.

Remember this woman had been bleeding for 12 years. She was hemorrhaging.

This woman was cursed! I am the keeper of the temple! I stood outside her house once a week and announced her unclean!

Look what happens- while this unclean woman is being healed! This nuisance! This hindrance to his miracle! Didn’t Jesus know – My daughter is dying!

Mark 5:35, While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”
It’s over! Give up man! She’s gone! This lady has stole your miracle!
We will get back to this powerful moment! First lets talk about…

IV. Those that realized “It Ain’t Over!”
1 Corinthians 1:7-9, 
Just think—you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that

It really isn’t about those who start the race, but those who finish!
Those who refused to quit! Those who realized against all odds- IT AIN’T OVER!!!
Those who kept the faith regardless of the battle!

Can’t, never could do anything!

Don’t tell Noah no one ever built an ark!
Don’t tell Moses it’s over as the bush burns and his future is marked!
Don’t tell Esther it’s over as she marches into the kings chamber!
Don’t you tell Hosea it’s over as his wife Gomer slips out for the night!
Don’t tell Ruth it’s over as she gleans in the field of Boaz- her Redeemer
Don’t tell David it’s over as Goliath screams insults!
Don’t tell Nehemiah it’s over as he rebuilt the wall!

I am talking about the history makers!
Don’t tell Christopher Columbus there is no new world!
Don’t tell the founding fathers we cant govern ourselves!
Don’t tell Abraham Lincoln all men aren’t created equal!
Don’t tell Thomas Edison you cant make a light bulb!
Don’t tell Rosa Parks she cant sit in the front of the bus!
Don’t tell Dr. King his dream wont come true!

Don’t tell Nelson Mandela South Africa can’t be free from Apartheid.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Don’t tell Pat Schatzline he can’t win a generation!
Don’t tell Auburn that its over when the are down 24-0
Don’t tell ME, I cant go to a distant land and rescue my daughter!

You see history is full of people who should have thought it was over! The greatest was Jesus!

Hebrews 12:1-3, (message)Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

V. Ignore the noise around you!
Mark 5:36-43 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Get your faith back today!
Your following the master!
Your miracle wasn’t ignored it was delayed!
It may be time for your miracle, but it’s just not your turn!
I believe Jarius had his faith activated by seeing someone else’s miracle!
VI. Change the atmosphere of the house!
Mark 5:37-40, He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was.
Everybody said she is dead! Jesus said she is sleeping! They laughed at him! You know your about to have a breakthrough when everyone around you is laughing at your faith! You have to put them out of the house! Clean out what is stopping your faith! Change your circle of friends!
Mark 5:41-43, He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
He said give the miracle something to eat! Church we have to feed our faith!

In other words it is time to stand up and declare- IT AINT OVER!

He didn’t forget you! He was working it out!

Your marriage…
Your job….
Your children…
Your finances…
Your future….

He told me to tell you – It Aint Over!

Galations 6:9 (Message) “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit!

VII. It’s Gonna Be worth it!

Understanding Spiritual Authority

I wanted to take a moment and explain what it means to place yourself under someone else’s leadership and authority. This is the greatest key to going to the next level of ministry. It is also is the toughest and hardest to learn.

Romans 13:1-7, Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

*Recognizing: The law of the flesh vs. the law of authority
Understanding where your authority begins the enemy ends!

*You will never have power to change the atmosphere until you change your garments! Joel said it best when he said rend your garments!

I. The following is some guidelines concerning walking under and with those in Spiritual authority!

*When self runs into team- self will always search for an exit strategy

• Jesus gave you authority! He understood that authority is given and not stolen. He said everything he did was because His father allowed him to do it!
• Your authority is determined by your brokenness.
• Realize from the beginning of your life self preservation has been driven into you!
• Realize when authority is placed over you- rebellion is the natural reaction
• The mirror will always be your biggest enemy
• True disciples must live daily killing their flesh and resurrecting their Spirit
• The enemies number 1 goal is to make you feel isolated
• When your Spirit is tired your flesh feels free to roam
• Jesus gave us power to change every situation, but our flesh screams your not worthy!
• Spiritual authority is never activated over your life until you are in a position to rebel
• When asked to do what hurts your pride- then your pride will be louder than your humility
• When authority walks into the room the hidden desires try to scream louder
• The biggest moment of change for a disciple comes when they have a knife in their hands and they refuse to use it.
• Spiritual authority has the power to use, abuse, and refuse!
• Realize under spiritual authority is where you actually have freedom.
• Your future depends on those over you and their future depends on those under them.
• When confronted with an opportunity to serve Spiritual authority must recognize those under them as a part of the team.
• Spiritual authority is not removed when the disciple surpasses them, but when it is handed away.

Recognizing those over you! Will bring recognition of what God has done in you!
II. How to react to those in Spiritual authority over you:
1. Authority is only given to those whom have placed themselves in a place to grow.
2. When authority comes in conflict with self preservation there will be a battle.
3. Always ask yourself is there a reason for the direction being given.
4. When being asked to complete a task watch for a moment to take it to another level.
5. Understand the person in authority is also under authority.
6. The next level of ministry is always determined by the foundation of the earlier times of submission.
7. If authority rubs you wrong you must always ask is there something in me that has to change.
8. If authority rules incorrectly then know that God will expose that leader.
9. When asked to complete a undesirable task realize this is the moment for your Spirit to win and flesh die.
10. Remember those in Spiritual authority will always have to give an account before the heavenly father.
11. There is a harvest awaiting those who receive and handle spiritual authority correctly.
12. Once you learn that you must submit and walk under a covering then it opens doors for you to establish a life of authority!

III. Understanding how to walk in Spiritual power and authority!

A solid understanding of spiritual authority is vital to build your faith when casting out demons, healing the sick, and exercising your authority over the powers of darkness.
When we have been given authority to cast out demons, but instead we pray that God brings the demon out instead, we are basically asking God to do something that He gave US the tools to do ourselves! Jesus told US to cast out demons! Nowhere in the Bible does it tell us to ask God to cast out demons!

Mark 13:34, "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch."

How authority works
Authority doesn't beg; authority doesn't ask; authority commands! We are not told to ask God to cast out demons, we are told to do it ourselves! We are not told to beg demons to come out, we are told to CAST them out!

Matthew 8:8-9, 13, "The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it... And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour."

Authority is exercised through our spoken word. The power of life and death are in the spoken word: Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Jesus' own authority
One thing that made it clear that Jesus was the son of God, is because He exercised authority that nobody else had access to in history!

He cast out demons using His authority: Mark 1:27, "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him."

He cast out demons with His spoken word: Matthew 8:16, "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word..."

He healed the sick with His spoken word: Luke 7:7, "Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed." Also John 5:8, "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."

Jesus has been given authority over everything: Matthew 28:18, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

Authority to heal
Jesus said to, "Heal the sick"! Matthew 10:8, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." I think it's interesting how Jesus didn't tell us to pray and ask God to heal the sick, He told US to heal the sick!

I have never seen where Jesus prayed, "Father, please heal this person!" Instead, we see that Jesus healed people with His spoken Word! In John 5:8, Jesus told the man to, "...Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."

The early church healed people in this same manner. In Acts 3:6, "...Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Notice in Luke 9:1 that He not only gave His disciples authority over all devils, but also to cure diseases: "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."

Authority is exercised when there is a RIGHT to exercise it. They weren't praying and asking God to heal people, they had the authority to heal, and they were exercising it with a spoken word, just as Jesus did!

I want to clarify that I'm not saying that prayer can't heal people... because it can (James 5:14-15)... I'm just saying that we are taught to heal the sick using the authority that Jesus gave us! I have seen and heard of many healings that took place through prayer, so I'm not saying not to pray, or that prayer doesn't work. I'm simply saying that we have authority over sickness, and therefore we can exercise our authority to bring about healing in another person's life!
I also think it's interesting how Mark 16:17-18 tells us that healing can come through the laying on of hands: "And these signs shall follow them that believe... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

The laying on of hands can encourage the transferring of power from us into the person and heal them, just like the woman who felt power flow from Jesus when she touched the hem of His garment (Mark 5:30)! Jesus said that those who believe will have the Holy Ghost flowing out of their innermost being (John 7:38-39), and even Peter's shadow healed people (Acts 5:15)!

Authority to cast out demons
Notice that we are never told to beg or coax the demons to come out, neither are we told to pray and ask God to remove them, but we ARE told to cast them out! Matthew 10:8, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." And also look at Mark 16:17, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils..."

Luke 9:1, "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils..."

Luke 10:17, "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."

Jesus distributes His authority
Mark 13:34, "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch."
Jesus is given authority: Matthew 28:18, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

Authority given to Jesus' 12 disciples: Luke 9:1, "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."

Authority given to Jesus' 70 disciples: Luke 10:17, "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."
Through Jesus' name

Notice that the authority Jesus gives His people is not to be used in their name, but Jesus' name:

Luke 10:17, "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."

Mark 16:17, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils..."

Acts 3:6, "...Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
To use somebody's authority through their name is quite an honor! It's like being able to go to the bank and draw out a million dollars on behalf of a wealthy businessman!
Authority has been given to "Them who believe"

Jesus gave His disciples authority to carry out His will here on earth, but they weren't the only ones. He also gave ALL believers authority to heal the sick and cast out devils as well! (Mark 16:17-18)

Authority to cast out demons: Mark 16:17, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils..."

Authority to heal the sick: Mark 16:17-18, "And these signs shall follow them that believe...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Mark 13:34, "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch."

Authority is accessed through faith
It is also helpful to point out that our spiritual authority is accessed by faith. There is a lot to be learned from the story told in Mark 9:17-29 about how faith allows us to access our authority. When the disciples came across an unusually strong demon that wouldn't budge (verse 18), Jesus made it clear that they lacked faith by calling them faithless (verse 19). He also made it clear that some demons are so strong that a higher than usual level of faith is required to cast them out (verses 28 and 29), and that we can gain that higher level of faith through prayer and fasting (verse 29).

Matthew 17:20, "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

This is your moment to live a life of power and authority!

Is Jesus America's Mascot?

Recently, while praying I felt God lay on my heart that for so many years our nation has looked at God as our "mascot." I mean this with all integrity of heart. God has to be more than our mascot! Our currency say's "In God we trust." Do we really? This summer in America the stock market has acted like a roller coaster, the debt keeps growing, out of control flash mobs disrupt cities, unemployment edges towards 10%, our soldiers are dying in battle, and politicians battle each other for voting blocks. I think I am one of those voting blocks. Everyone loves their team mascot. Although, mascots do not win games! A mascot is a great cheerleader for a team, but doesn’t actually play. A mascot is someone we look too for motivation and one who stirs-up the crowd. A mascot looks great on bumper stickers, flags, and t-shirts. However, a mascot is just a symbol of an idea. God is not an idea! We have always been known as the land of opportunity! The richest nation in the world! On the inside of the statue of liberty is our nations invitation to the hurting, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." Our Republic has stood for freedom, and liberty as we have restored democracy around the world, fought on the beaches of distant lands, and declared a better way of life. Most of all we have declared that God is who we trust in! That is a awesome mission statement, but do we really trust God? During the turmoil we are now living in, if God is whom we trust, I believe with all my heart the churches of America would be filled to the brim with a nation crying out for God. God must be so much more. He must be our Lord! Psalms 33:12, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance"

Throughout history, when things get rough, a nation can turn in one of two directions. The nation can head down the devastating road of secularism where elitist minded people declare that man can fix our issues, or we can turn to God as our answer. I believe we are so close to an awakening. I see desperation for Jesus in services. I see a generation that has had enough of no Salt and Light religion. There is a cry coming from the mountains, plains, and shores for an encounter with Jesus. We the church must rise up. It is time for a crying out from the pulpit to the pews, from the subway to the dirt roads, from the schools to the courts that Jesus is our Lord. Now is when we truly decide are we a nation that trusts in God, or do we trust in the corners of Wall and Broad Street. God loves America, but he loves all nations on the earth. What separates our nation is that we put God up in plain site. We call on Him for our answers. If we are to be the city on the hill, and the beacon of hope we must open the door for Him to come in. Rev. 3:20 declares He is knocking at our doors. Will we answer?

The wickedness of this world is increasing. The clock is ticking on liberty and justice for all! Israel is waiting for us to rise up while Islam knocks at their doors. From Beijing to Moscow they are watching to see if we truly believe what we have declared for over 200 years. The question is this, is God just our mascot that we parade out to motivate an electorate or is He our King? There are millions in our great nation who are ready to see God pour out His Spirit. From pulpits to bible studies, to students at flag poles, there is a cry for heaven to invade earth. I still believe that “In God We Trust”, but we must not just parade him out to motivate the electorates, and try to win another moral victory. He must become our very breath!

God spoke five things to my heart:

1. We must get our joy back! Psalms 45:7, "You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." The joy of the Lord truly is our strength. No Joy means no strength!

2. We must exercise our God authority! Col 2:10, "and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority."

3. We must realize that we are overcomer's! Luke 10:19, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." An overcomer always makes sure to insert their influence in all situations.

4. We must pray and cry out! II Chronicles 7:14, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." We must seek Him and will we find him!

5. Give Him access to move in our daily routines of life. Acts 17:28, "For in him we live and move and have our being!" He wants to interrupt us. That doesn’t mean we have to lose excellence in place of anointing. I love what a dear pastor and mentor named George Sawyer told me about his church "We believe in anointed excellence." We must give him access to the inner sanctums of our offices, living rooms, bedrooms, cars, and sanctuaries.

God is calling all of His pastors, influencers, and churches, with the hand of God upon them, to call for a Holy Spirit revolution! Together we can take our nation back! It first must start on our knee's! For too long the media, the pundits, the philosophers have set the spiritual climate. We must declare Jesus from the roof tops. This is the moment the church has been awaiting! We must be the statue of liberty! Our mantra must be "Give me your tired (Matt 11:28), your poor (James 1:30), your huddled masses (Acts 1:8)yearning to breathe free (Acts 2:4)." Let the breath of God breathe life into the lungs of all believers! He breathed into the lungs of man in the garden and will do so again in their garages! It's great to have God on our t-shirts and money, but even greater to have him on our thrones! Remember to keep your eyes on Jesus! Matthew 24:12-14, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Let's stand together! We love and appreciate you so much! Pat and Karen Schatzline





Patrick H. Schatzline

Mercy Seat Ministries, Inc.

PO Box 1150, Trussville, AL 35173

Office: 205-680-9241

www.mercyseatministries.com

www.forerunnerschoolofministry.com

I am Undone! By Karen Schatzline

I Am UNDONE! 
By Karen Schatzline 

Dear Friends and Leaders, I am so excited about all that God is doing. He has been blowing our minds as we travels the world touching lives. The ministry is just exploding and we are so honored to touch and minister to lives for Jesus! Last weekend was out annual Forerunner Campus Days. It was called “Undone.” We had an amazing outpouring from God. I wanted to use the months newsletter to let you experience a little bit of our campus days. Below is an unbelievable message from Karen that she shared last Sunday while I was ministering in Indiana. This message rocked lives to the core, and I believe Karen has tapped into the heart of God for people’s lives. This message can also be heard on our podcast. Check it out! It is fire! Please check out our upcoming schedule.

Sincerely, Pat Schatzline 

I am Undone! For so long my heart has been this one cry- “God make me what you want me to be, and don’t let there be anything of me left when you’re done with me!” I understand that for God to truly change and use someone they must first have an encounter with the Savior! A one on one with God! Where you finally say-WOE IS ME! Where you realize that outside of God, There is nothing good in me. I am talking about a Face to face encounter! Look at 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” I want my selfish flesh to die so that God Sprit can take over and live in me. Here is Isaiah having a supernatural encounter. Isaiah 6:5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined (UNDONE)! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." “Ruined- Undone”- in the Hebrew- damah (daw-mam'); to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy: cease, be cut down (off), destroy, be brought to silence, be undone from past, utterly reduced. I am convinced today more than anything else we do not need just a nice visitation of the Holy Spirit, but we must have a habitation. We all want to experience the Fire of God – but we don’t need in our churches just a “comforting, feel good fire” but rather an “All consuming Fire”. We’ve made church so comforting that people are falling asleep in God’s presence and there is no change. My focus is not on the angels crying holy, it is not on the glory of the throne room. It’s not even on the shaking of the threshold, but my focus today is on Isaiah. He was out of place! Have you ever felt out of place? So often I feel out of place! This message is for everyone that could hear the shouts of the worshipers, feel the beating of the bass drum, watched the twirling of the banners, experienced the jumping of the crowd in the service…But you felt that if you could just stop everything- listen- and wait- you knew that God would speak to you!! Don’t get me wrong – I love the excitement and the energy and passion of Praise & worship. God loves it! But SOMETIMES, I just want to hear the Father’s Voice. God is calling his church back to secret encounters and passionate glances with the father. That is where Pat and I have been lately. We are done with the normal. Tired of not seeing more of the supernatural- Not for the sake of seeing miracles, but so that this generation will take Jesus of the cross on their little necklaces and place Him back on the throne of their life! Lately we have seen supernatural healings. Look at this amazing promise! 1 Cor. 2:9-(message bible) No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it — What God has arranged for those who love him. God has already won the victory! 2 Corinthians 2:14, (message) And I got it, thank God! In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Today I want to take you on a journey to encounter God! I believe that Isaiah had to go on a journey to being undone! Let me show you five steps I believe we must take. The five steps to becoming “undone!”

#1. The place of frustration! Isaiah was frustrated and desperate. He had nowhere to turn! His mentor, friend, and king had died. Worst than that the king had died due to his pride! Pride kills – Marriages, relationships with kids, and influence with people. Isaiah had served a King. For years he had simply reiterated what the King had for him to say. He repeated what the king had seen. He was a scribe. He was the king’s personal secretary. But the King had died! Now he is frustrated! - Now he must find God on his own – not second hand information – It had to become personal now. I have learned that God will allow you to get frustrated! It’s time for CHANGE! I’m usually frustrated with Winter by the time Spring comes, but season’s always change. Now King Uzziah (his cousin Uzziah, has just died). Look at I Chronicles 26:16, “But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” Now we go to Isaiah 6:1, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.” Isaiah was frustrated: Have you ever needed an encounter before, not just information? It’s usually in my lowest points in life, when I have done everything I CAN DO and finally relinquish it all to God, that I can hear HIS voice. Look at Romans 8:19-21, “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” Your frustration is a sign that God has something huge waiting on you. Sometimes God will allow you to become frustrated to open your eyes to truth and your need for Him. Frustration leads to desperation!

#2. The place of desperation! Isaiah had declared Woe is me! Look at what the Psalmist declared in Psalms 34:6-7, (Message bible) “When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. 7 God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.” Desperation leads to revelation! Have you ever been desperate? We are living in desperate times. Times when nations are rising against nations. Days when earthquakes and tsunamis are ravaging the earth. Times when divorce and suicide are at an all time high. This is the hour when the voices of confusion and humanism are infiltrating a generation at every level. People are searching for answers but we never keep quiet long enough to hear God speak. God loves desperate people! Psalms 31:14, (Message) “Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God! My desperation has left me speechless many times which opened the door for God to speak.” We must let our faith rise up again! Your faith will be on display. Look at 1 Peter 1:7, (message) “Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.” God is looking for people that simply desire him above everything else. No matter what state you’re in, He can reach in and pull you out. Look at Ephesians 5:14-17, (message bible) “Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! 15 So watch your step. Use your head. 16 Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! 17 Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” From frustration, to desperation, and now confrontation

#3. The moment of confrontation! Here is Isaiah! He was all alone! No one was there to see him get to enter the throne room. It was a perfect recipe for a supernatural encounter! Isaiah 6:5, "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined (UNDONE)! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." He said WOE IS ME! Not EVERYONE else, but ME! I have no mask or façade to hide behind – I am exposed in all my unclean ways! His presence reveals TRUTH! “Don’t complain about what you are not willing to confront!” There is a moment that has to arise where you’re willing to confront what has held you back!” When Isaiah declared woe is me he was confronting his past! We must learn to confront! Jeremiah 31:19, “After those years of running loose, I repented. After you trained me to obedience, I was ashamed of my past, my wild, unruly past. Humiliated, I beat on my chest. Will I ever live this down?” Some of you can’t let go of the past in order to see your future. You past has become your crutch to remain a victim. You can’t get UNDONE without confronting where you have come from! 1 Corinthians 11:32, (message) “Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.” I tell my kids that it is better to hear the truth from them to find out later from someone else. Woe to me! He was saying “I have to stop right here! He began to recognize how dirty he was! What are you refusing to confront in your life! You are missing your moment! Look at what Jesus said about confronting: Luke 12:51, (message), “Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I've come to disrupt and confront!” God never called us to be comfortable. He even allows the seasons to change. From frustration, to desperation, confrontation and now revelation!

#4- The moment of revelation! There is a moment in every person’s life where you have to become the one who experiences the encounter with God. You see, Isaiah was no longer writing down what someone else had seen- second hand revelation had died- You can’t live off of everyone else’s revelation! The place where you know that you know God is big! God is real! God is the healer! God is the author! God is your friend! HE was NO longer looking and talking the part, but now he was experiencing God! “WOW – I want to live the God experience, not just talk about it!” The place where you suddenly have an encounter is the place where you receive his revelation and his love! Look what Paul told us: Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I share constantly across the nation that what every girl needs is a personal glimpse from their father! The place where their daddy looks their way! It is that moment when they know they have his full intention! His full Affection – When you see the Fathers glace – You will be changed forever! You see, the fathers love is calling to you! 1 John 3:1, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”Today, it is time to catch the glimpse of the father. I am convinced if you get a hold of this message- it will set you free. You will finally know who you are! This is the way the woman at the well must have felt. This is the way the small children Jesus called to himself must have felt. This is the way Mary must have felt when Jesus looked at her from the cross. This is the way Lazarus must have felt when he exited his tomb. This is the way Peter must have felt when he felt the hand of God as he sank in the water. I am talking about a personal encounter with God! We tend to see the face of the father as maybe how some see their earthly father: angry, condemning, arrogant, unimpressed, or even disappointed. I am here to say, “Take another look.” See the Father’s loving eyes as He looks at You! Isaiah somehow ended up UNDONE? How? It wasn’t the angels, it wasn’t the thunder of the moment, it wasn’t even seeing the train of His robe that filled the temple proving everything must bow to God. What was it? It was an encounter with his father! From frustration, to desperation, confrontation, revelation, and now transformation!

#5. The place of transformation! God has been waiting for this to happen to you! Isaiah didn’t fit in with the room! I love that! God doesn’t use the ones everyone else would pick! He chose the strange wild hair prophet in the room! Romans 12:2, (message) “Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” My favorite part of this scripture is that Isaiah didn’t respond to the room! He didn’t even respond to how the angels were worshipping. He responded to the Lord! He was frozen in the midst of Gods very presence! His response was to acknowledge God and surrender to Him. Isaiah 6:5b, “….my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." My deepest desire it to just see Him and experience His awesome presence and be changed in that moment. Can I tell you passion is awesome. Celebration is incredible. But I loved that Isaiah simply reacted to the very presence of God! He was UNDONE! He was at the end of himself. That is what God is looking for in His people. You see, It is Gods awesome presence that changes a person for good! We must have His presence! God is calling you to an encounter! If you’re frustrated! If You’re desperate! If you’re ready to confront! If you’re ready for a revelation of the fathers love! If you don’t fit in! This is the moment! He is ready to transform you! Isaiah was having a salvation experience! Today God is ready to wrap his arms around! Today begins a new season! God Bless you! Karen Schatzline