It is with a heaviness I compose this and share. I've been struggling lately (not a new struggle but it's been worse with as busy as I've been), to make the time to Be Still, be in the Word consistently and pray in a quiet place while awake and energized. May 7th was the National Day of Prayer and I learned Obama wasn't going to do anything in participation or recognition. How disappointing yet, I didn't really do anything in observance either because of busy-ness but also, my attitude. My attitude is this; as believers, we should be praying every day and gathering regularly (not just on Sunday mornings or the first Thursday of each May) for the purpose of corporate worship and intercession. I think we all know the enemy doesn't want this to occur and interferes and I'm sure the last thing any of the bretheren wants is for him to be victorious in rendering us ineffective. Yet, it shouldn't be so difficult for those in this valley where I live to mobilize so that together we can cry out and shake the heavens and see a Mighty move of God. This valley where I live has more than enough mature, passionate and Spirit filled people inhabiting it..... Do too many of us have our own spiritual agendas? Is there such a great lack of unity amongst us that this plays a role as well? I'm beginning to wonder if God had all the believers lined up, single file, with the intention of pulling out those who are sold out committed, how many would there be? I bet it would depend on the timing yet this is something I believe many would agree, it is quickly running out (although only the Father knows the day and hour). There are many I know who want more of God for themselves as well as desiring more of God for other "parts" or members of the Body and disappointingly enough, some of these people express attitudes of resignation regarding our government leaders; apathy regarding Israel....I hear things spoken which make it clear little or no time will be devoted to praying about things like this. I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm concerned I may find myself becoming apathetic since I find myself feeling challenged, (whether it be ministry, business, trying to eliminate debt) grieved, alone, even though I know many love me and God is with me. I've witnessed and personally experienced enough opposition I think to myself, "I don't have time for this. It should be easier if it really is of God." Or would it, since there will always be opposition? Following Christ does not mean the travels are going to be easy. It also amazes me how when some people with reputations for prophecy and healing arrive in town, how the saints find the time to gather together. Why aren't we doing this when they aren't here? Don't we believe in who Christ says we are in Him? Do we really want to live vicariously through someone else and their ministry or are there those who are ready to get on the front lines and partner in ways other than through a love offering or regular monetary support? I for one, rather than being passive, desire to participate in "Faith in Action." For those who are filling themselves up with knowledge and yet not doing anything with it, well if it's a season to just "soak" and "be" because God isn't saying to do something different, fine. However, there is a time and season for everything and the only thing that's indefinite is eternity. So Lord, when is it my Valley's season to rise up? At some point, the gifts we've received, the knowledge we've acquired, the impartations administered, are we going to do anything great with these so that lives will be impacted (people getting right with you, people delivered, healed, set free) and you will be glorified? It all begins with YOU Lord and can't be done without YOU. Just a few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a homeless man while some of us were serving 100 tent city residents. He shared his opinion in saying how for some, going to church is a form of idolatry. I'd agree there are some who are in a habit of participating in a ritual, or a social scene, overly focused on "programs" rather than attending for the purpose of worshipping in Spirit and Truth. I told him church is not about a building but loving God and others and modeling Jesus. Jesus told us we would do even greater things than He after He left this earth. This homeless man quoted the scripture verbatim before I could even finish speaking the words myself, and then asked me, "So why aren't people doing that?" My reply, 'fear,' (and in hindsight, I would have added, "disbelief"). (FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. In case you haven't seen that before -it's a good reminder for me as well.) So I set some time aside to BE STILL and pray... feeling really burdened with what seems like an onslaught of discouraging information. Every time I turn on the computer or see the news, there is something to support how quickly the moral decay of our society is progressing. So after my time before the throne room, I hop on the computer and read an email from an Apostle friend of mine that reads:

"There is a fight in the US with grave attacks against the freedom of Christians in the US. Yesterday our new president broke a long standing tradition and did not participate in having prayer at the White House on the National Day of Prayer and he has been quoted more than once stating that our nation is no longer a Christian nation. Never have we seen a national leader so opposed to Jesus Christ and our Judeo-Christian heritage as a nation. Pray as the scriptures declare for our leaders, but also remember the scriptures say that the heart of the king is in the hands of the Lord, He turns it where ever He will. Let us pray that God turns the hearts of our leaders towards righteousness, justice, mercy and truth. And where their legislation opposes the Word of God, let us pray that either God turns their heart or that He would remove them and give us new leaders who would reflect righteousness, justice, mercy and truth that reflects what we find in the Word of God. In the interim, pray God give you and I wisdom to prepare cities of refuge to provide a way through the trials and tribulations brought on due to the violation of God’s word.

Do not fear, but be bold and very courageous, if it is not time for us to pray together in Jesus name, if not you, then who, if not now, then when and if not in your city, then where! There is a recruiting call in the spirit going out, Isa. 6:8 – whom shall I send and who will go for us says the Lord?

Will He hear, as Isaiah responded, “here am I Lord, send me?” Mobilize the Church in your city, your region, your state, and your nation. Remember, Jesus has been given a name above every name."

I hope those who read this won't receive this as my coming down on anyone personally since the last thing I want to do is alienate anyone. I'm just expressing myself and wonder if anyone else can relate and has any suggestions or would let me know if they are willing to gather to pray. I can be frank and I'm as honest and transparent as anyone can be but it's not without passion and purpose. My love for God and others is my motivation and if I come across differently, this is not my intention. My hope is, in light of what's occuring in our society, others may be spurned on to commit to gathering with others to take action. Even Jesus had his initial 12 and didn't often act like much of a lone ranger.