The Power of Sound

There is a field of study called cymatics (from the Greek meaning wave) which explores the effects of sound and vibration. Although sound waves have been observed for much of history, it was 2oth century Swiss physician Hans Jenny who really pioneered the science. He especially focused on the visual display of sound. Check out this amazing video below of how sand poured on a vibrating plate is affected by varying frequencies.

There is hidden truth and power in sound. God not only created it that way, He created that way. The Bible teaches that the universe was formed through words or declarations. When God said "Let there be light!" a holy sound was emitted that altered existence. Proverbs 18:21 says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Can it be that our words (sound) can actually create life, influence death, and alter existence? There is a curious passage in Matthew 21 where Jesus curses a fig tree that does not have any figs growing on it. Immediately the tree withered and the disciples were undoubtedly amazed. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done" (v.21). Let us draw closer to God to understand this power within us so that we may release a heavenly sound to transform the world around us!

"Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!" Ezekiel 37:4

A Proud Dad

I don't think I love anyone more than my son. He brings me such joy and delight. He is far from perfect in his behavior but I know those things will be worked out eventually. There is such a purity, innocence, freedom, simplicity, beauty, and grace about the way he lives. He is a reflection of what it looks like to be loved by our Heavenly Father.

My GQ Boy

What does our relationship with the Father look like? Are we free to be ourselves? Do we experience joy in His presence? Are we secure in knowing all of our needs are met by Him? Do we believe Abba has our best interest in mind? Is He always available to us, willing to talk, laugh, play, or just snuggle? The answer to all these questions would be yes if we had a good dad. God is the best daddy anyone could ever have. May we draw closer to our Father and be transformed by his perfect love.

"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48 (NKJV)

Hope for Haiti

It seems it has been a long time since the magnitude-7 quake that killed a government-estimated 230,000 people in Haiti. On February 12, 2010, Haitian President Préval called his nation to 3 days of fasting and prayer in place of the regular Mardi Gras celebration. Check out a video of this below.



You can also read a letter from a missionary in Haiti talking about what that was like by clicking here. We are also getting reports that schools are beginning to reopen for the first time since the tragedy. May we continue to support and pray for this nation that as they rebuild, their foundation will be upon Christ and nothing else.

"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." Isaiah 58:12

Jolly Old England

Last Wednesday I returned from a two week mission trip to England. It was a wonderful experience that included stops in Bath, Westbury, and Wales. The weather was fairly damp and dreary but the welcoming people made up for the lack of sunshine. Some of the highlights include walking around Stonehenge, ministering at different churches, and visiting the historic chapels of John Wesley and Evan Roberts.

The Roman Baths with a view of the Abbey

The United Kingdom is filled with such history and culture, especially related to Christianity. They are a nation ripe for revival. I had an opportunity to speak at an Anglican church and the Holy Spirit showed up in powerful ways. Throughout the trip, our team saw some good breakthrough with people getting healed of pain, uneven legs growing out, and injuries made whole. We also released many prophetic words and even led people on divine encounters. I pray I will be able to travel back to that area in the future (especially with my family) to witness the amazing revival that will sweep the country in love and power!

"They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." Isaiah 61:4

Drama That Transforms

They say that drama is meant to imitate life. I think this one reveals so much truth. It's an oldie but a goodie and it moves me every time I watch it. I pray it does the same for you.

Praying on College Campuses

On Thursday, February 25, thousands of people from across the nation will participate in the Collegiate Day of Prayer. Student prayer movements are always exciting because when the youth get passionate for God, heaven moves!

Lifting up holy hands to the Lord

It is interesting to learn that many of our country's universities were founded on Christian virtues and trained young men and women to be faithful disciples. Harvard, Yale, and Princeton have strong roots in the church but have waned from its beginnings because of rationalism and liberalism. These schools still have theology programs but they are certainly not as solid nor central to its mission. We need a fresh move of the Holy Spirit to impact our young men and women in their formative years. Let us join together in praying for a nationwide revival that will transform schools, cities, and states!

"I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands." Psalm 63:4

Winter Retreat

It has been a long time, but I am finally writing about my experience speaking at a youth retreat in Big Bear Mountain at the end of December. A classmate from Fuller, now a youth pastor at a Methodist church in San Diego, invited me to speak to his group specifically because I was at Bethel. Although he didn’t know much about our school, he was familiar with Jesus Culture and heard there were good things happening in Redding.

The first night I told the approximately 140 students and counselors that God was better than we thought so we needed to change the way we think. I shared my story of coming to know the supernatural nature of our Heavenly Father and testimonies of how He is still moving today in mighty ways through healing, miracles, and prophecy. This led to a time of demonstrating these ideas in giving prophetic words and words of knowledge for healing. I released the students to be the ministry team and had them pray for others with physical ailments. Several of them experienced breakthrough and complete healing! I remember one of the counselors who had pain in his knee get totally healed and he was in awe. He said "I don't know what happened but I'm freaking out because there is no more pain!"

On the second night I led the students on an encounter. I asked Father God to come and lead us into heaven, speak to us, show us around, give us a gift, embrace us, etc… The encounter probably lasted about 20-30 minutes. Afterwards we had a time of sharing and many of them experienced dramatic encounters. One of the more exciting testimonies was from a senior high boy. He came up to the microphone and told us how he had two siblings (a brother and sister) both die of cancer when he was younger. He confessed that he has always felt guilt and shame about their deaths, believing that he was somehow responsible for their illness and passing. During his encounter, he saw Jesus come to him and bring him his brother and sister! He said he looked into their eyes and saw there was no guilt or condemnation, only joy. He was able to embrace them with Jesus. He said that for the first time in 9 years, he didn’t feel sadness about their deaths but gladness because they were with Jesus!

There were so many other testimonies of powerful encounters, healings, repentance, and baptisms of the Holy Spirit. We were all humbled and overjoyed at the way God moved in power and love throughout our time together. If you are interested in hearing more about it just let me know. It's wonderful to know that Jesus is alive and still ministers in supernatural ways! May the church be transformed by this revelation in order to expand the kingdom throughout the entire world!

"As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." Matthew 10:7-8