The Power That Changes The World: Creating Eternal Impact In The Here And Now by Bill Johnson {Review}

The Power That Changes the World: Creating Eternal Impact in the Here and Now by Bill Johnson

This is our brightest hour!

Every day we make choices that influence the culture and atmosphere around us. We are designed, as part of our purpose, to invade and solve problems here on earth. We've been given the keys to unlock infinite change in the here and now.

Take hold of God's power and God's wisdom.

As we wield the long-term strategy of His wisdom and the immediacy of His miracle-working power, we will live out the most undeniable demonstration of the heart, passion and nature of God. We will touch--and restore--the hearts of individuals, families, communities, cities and nations. We will create eternal impact and significance right now.

What a moment to be alive!
As we live out God's power and wisdom, and fully yield ourselves to His purposes--maintaining a heart of hope and promise for the days ahead--we will work wonders for His Kingdom.

My Thoughts:

The one book I always tell my friends, or anyone who asks, that changed my life ten years ago was Bill Johnson's When Heaven Invades Earth. Bill has a way of teaching that is both intelligent and down-to-earth. I am always both challenged and encouraged when I read his books or listen to his messages. When Heaven Invades Earth taught me so much about God's heart as a good Father and about my responsibility as a believer in Jesus Christ to bring heaven to earth. And now, The Power That Changes The World continues the same message and goes even further, specifically pointing out the importance of wisdom and power. 

Do you ever find yourself longing for more? You may have been a believer for 5 years or 45 years but you know there is something missing in your life. It's like this deep craving for something you know to be true but haven't  yet seen materialize in your life. I can relate. One of my favourite Scriptures is Psalm 34:8, "Oh taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!". Once you get a taste, you know there is so much more. If you have been craving more, I encourage you to read this book. In The Power That Changes The World, Pastor Bill shares the values he deems as crucial to us as believers, the church, the Bride of Christ. How are we to think? How are we to behave toward unbelievers? How are we to serve our communities to see Kingdom culture become a reality? He lays out ideas and principles for us to ponder and emulate. 

There are many passages I could quote from the book, but here are just a handful I find encouraging:

Seeing a Kingdom culture established on earth is the dream of God, and it must become the dream of His people. (pg. 15)

Heaven is the model God set for us by which we are to approach life. (pg. 16)

The Gospel is good news for eternity, but also for now. (pg. 24)

Creativity is normal for any believer who is not influenced by anxiety. The purest expression of our faith often can be seen in the unique way we approach life - conscious of a perfect, loving Father, and with a heart that beats to see the impossibilities of life bow to the name of Jesus through our lips. We live as people with access to heavenly solutions for earthly problems. (pg. 67)

Discovering our significance in God's eyes is one of the most important and gratifying revelations we can ever receive. It frees us to live life as a joyful offering unto Him. (pg. 180) 

 

If wanting to know more about how to live from heaven to earth and how to see more of heaven on earth in your own life, family, community and nation is burning in your heart, get this book today! You will be encouraged and, I believe, you will begin to see Kingdom culture come to fruition. 

Buy now!

Blessings and love. xo

Disclosure: I received this book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you.

Ava's New Experience

May I just share how much I love my church? Oh glory! It is such a joy and delight to go and be the church with these beautiful people every week. We praise, we pray, we cry, we laugh, we worship, we learn, we do life together. What an amazing gift my church is to me (and the whole family feels this way) and I am incredibly thankful!

Ava just joined the youth choir and Sunday was her first time singing with them in a service. She had such a blast and I am thrilled for her. Thank you, Miss Lisa, for your incredible heart and leadership.

I LOVE this song and had to dance a little while filming the video, so I'm sorry about the sway and blur. There are just some songs you can't sit still through, ya know?

I included the lyrics so you can blast the volume and sing along! Enjoy.





A God Like You by Kirk Franklin

Everybody wanna be like you they
Want power and praise like you but
See there is no God like our God
There's no one like you
Who gave their life like you and
Who paid our price like you see
There's only one God that's our God
There's no one like you.

Who can touch like you
Or heal us like you do
We stumble and we stray
Til' you always get us thru
Who makes all things new
And comes to our rescue
Death, hell, and the grave
They could not conquer

You became just like me
To unlock and set free
This prisoner that was deeply wounded and redeemed
The me I could not see

Everybody wanna be like you they
Want power and praise like you but
See there is no God like our God
There's no one like you
Who gave their life like you and
Who paid our price like you see
There's only one God that's our God
There's no one like you.

Some may worship things
But what joy do they bring
They try and hide the stains
But can they set us free
See where would we be
Without calvary
A king upon a tree
So the whole world can see

You became just like me
To unlock and set free
This prisoner that was deeply wounded and redeemed
The me I could not see

Everybody wanna be like you they
Want power and praise like you but
See there is no God like our God
There's no one like you
Who gave their life like you and
Who paid our price like you see
There's only one God that's our God
There's no one like you.

Healer, Father, Savior
Counselor, Friend, Provider
Was is and forever
That's why I just wanna be where you are
I'll travel life with you no matter how far
[x2]

Became just like me
To unlock and set free
This prisoner that was deeply wounded and redeemed
The me I could not see

Everybody wanna be like you they
Want power and praise like you but
See there is no God like our God
There's no one like you
Who gave their life like you and
Who *paid* our price like you see
There's only one God that's our God
There's no one like you.

There's no one like you, there's no one like you, there's no God like our God
There's no one like you.

Blessings and love. xo

Holy Spirit, You are welcome here

What a glorious experience of the Holy Spirit we had today in our church service. I mean like hold-on-to-the-pew-in-front-of-you-or-you'll-have-to-sit-down kind of experience. His Presence is real. It's palpable. And He wants us to experience more of Him in that way here on earth. Glory!!! 

I am amazed by God, once again, and thankful to be a part of a church where humility is visible, praise to Jesus is evident and enjoyed, love for everyone who walks in the door is stunning, genuine joy shines on faces, pain is acknowledged, prayers are offered, the Word is preached and the awe of the Lord is a part of every meeting. Glory!!!

I just want to take a moment and declare again, 

"Holy Spirit, You are welcome here" 

over my life, my family, my home, my church and even this little blog. Jesus, be glorified and lifted high. I exalt You in my life, in my town, in my state, in my country and over all the earth. You are the One I live for and I want to know more of Your Kingdom here on this earth. Glory!!!




Love and blessings. xo

A Quick Update . . .

On one of my delivery runs this week, a mechanic friend calls out, "Hey, Rev.! I want you to pray for healing for me."  So we found a quiet spot outside the shop. I laid hands on him and spoke healing in Jesus' name.

Three things I'm thinking:

1. Humility. . . asking for help
+
2. Faith. . . believing there is supernatural power to help
+
3. Setting. . . normal workday, not in a religious meeting, just doing life
=
The tide of spiritual awakening is rising.  

Wow . . .

Also, I have three unsolicited preaching engagements in the next 6 weeks which is very unusual.  I am very grateful for these opportunities.  Please pray for the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to help me prepare and also to come during these meetings.

Thanks for your continued prayers and financial support as we move forward to expand our donor team.

Thankfully,

Bob

To join our support team, click on Field Staff Support at IFA Royce Team.

Bob Royce

Intercessors for America

Mobilization Coordinator

PO Box 915

Purcellville, VA 20134

800-USA-PRAY

540-317-2097 Direct

TransformingAmerciaThroughPrayer.com

Let The Rain Of Your Presence

We sang this beautiful song in our church service last Sunday and I cannot stop thinking about it and singing it. We've joined a new church and I weep every Sunday. The Presence of the Lord is so powerful and I am overwhelmed. 

I found this rendition and hope you enjoy worshipping with me this morning . . .



Lyrics:

By Clarence McClendon

Let The Rain Of Your Presence Fall On Me
Every Day That I Live With Every Breath I Breathe
Let The Rain Of Your Presence Fall On Me
Every Where That I Go Lord Let Your Presence Flow
Rain On Me

Let The Rain Of Your Presence Fall On Me
Every Day That I Live With Every Breath I Breathe
Let The Rain Of Your Presence Fall On Me
Every Where That I Go Lord Let Your Presence Flow
Rain On Me

Love Divine Joy Unspeakable
Overflowing In My Soul
This Heart Of Mine Is Refreshed And At Rest
In Your Presence, In Your Presence

Love Divine Joy Unspeakable
Overflowing In My Soul
This Heart Of Mine Is Refreshed And At Rest
In Your Presence, In Your Presence

Let The Rain Of Your Presence Fall On Me
Every Day That I Live With Every Breath I Breathe
Let The Rain Of Your Presence Fall On Me
Every Where That I Go Lord Let Your Presence Flow
Rain On Me

xo

Inaugural Prayer Breakfast

From my husband:

Friends,

At 3:30 am this past Monday, Inauguration Day, I started meeting and gathering with hundreds of colleagues from across the country to pray for our nation and the inauguration specifically.  I have three brief highlights I want to share.

1.        Native Americans – In a humbling and profound act of repentance and forgiveness, the descendants of the tribes who owned and settled the land before it became Washington D.C., officially forgave our English ancestors for mistreating and displacing their forefathers and “welcomed” everyone else to their original native land.

2.        The Voyage of the St. Louis – In 1939 the United States refused 900+ Jewish refugees from Europe who sailed on this ship seeking asylum in our country and were waiting just off the Florida coast.  We publicly repented and asked forgiveness this week from our Jewish friends who were in attendance. 

3.       Keynote speaker was Jonathan Cahn, author of The Harbinger.  He gave a clarion call and urgent message of repentance for the church and the nation in light of the cloud of judgment that has already started.

As always, thanks for your partnership in helping us mobilize our country to prayer and repentance.  It is a privilege to be here in the nation’s capital.

Bob

Bob Royce

Mobilization Coordinator

Intercessors for America

PO Box 915

Purcellville, VA 20134

800-USA-PRAY

540-317-2097 Direct

GetAmericaPraying.com

Bob's New Video

Bob is starting a series of video updates to communicate what is going on here in the D. C. area, around the country and the world.

Here is the first installment...



More words of hope and encouragement to come!

Enjoy your night. xo

Our latest prayer letter

Over the past year in our country, we have experienced some very unusual and even tragic events:

·         August 23, 2011 - 5.8 earthquake hits D.C. cracking both the National Cathedral and Washington Monument.  “As goes the church, so goes a nation.”

·         June 30, 2012 – Derecho storm knocks out power to over 1 million in DC, Maryland, and Virginia the day after the Supreme Court ruled on the Affordable Health Care Act.

·         July 20, 2012 – Mass shooting and killing at Colorado movie theater

·         August 5, 2012 – Mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin

·         September 11, 2012 - U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and others killed and wounded in Benghazi, Libya

·         October 22-31 – Hurricane Sandy, the largest Atlantic hurricane on record, pummels the northeast

·         November 6, 2012 – Election

·         November 9, 2012 - General David Petraeus, CIA director resigns due to an alleged extramarital affair with his biographer

·         November 12, 2012 - For only the third time on record, the total number of acres burned due to wildfires across the country so far this year has topped 9 million, according to data from    the National Interagency Fire Center.  The area scorched, as of Friday – 9,101,461 acres – is roughly the size of the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut combined [USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2012/11/11/wildfire-season-destruction/1695465/].

From a diagnostic perspective,  the alarm bells are going off in our country at many levels, and we cannot hit the snooze button any longer.  We need supernatural, wisdom, power, mercy and intervention.  At Intercessors for America, we believe that what is needed is  a decentralized, grass-roots, community by community awakening and visitation.  We are praying for a Third Great Awakening which transforms and realigns us to the original intentions and purposes on which our nation was founded.  Thanks for helping us spread this message.  If your community is eager to learn more, we can help.

My recent trip to Asheville, NC, was enlightening.  I spent 13 hours listening, praying, repenting with about 250 people from around the region who are interested in revival.  One man asked for prayer for healing for a hearing problem he suffered with for years.  I gently and authoritatively placed my hand on his ears, quietly and briefly spoke healing and love in Jesus’ name over him.  After the meeting, he and his wife came up to me in tears saying that he was already hearing better.  The joy and freedom on their faces was radiant.  What a privilege to see the Lord do this first-hand!

As we continue to move forward informing, connecting and mobilizing prayer around the country, I want to say thank you for investing with us.  In the past three months 18 new friends have joined our financial team through either one time or regular monthly giving.  Thank you so much for praying and helping us in this initiative.  The need is ongoing, so please continue to pray with us and give when you are able. And if you know of anyone who might be interested in supporting us, please let me know.

§  To join our team through online giving, click on the link below [https://www.ifapray.org/donations.php], click on Field Support Bob Royce

§  

As our nation, and world, navigates through uncertain and perplexing times, let’s encourage one another with these words from Jesus, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world” [John 16:33].

Deeply concerned, yet hopeful.

Bob

Bob Royce

Mobilization Coordinator

Intercessors for America

PO Box 915

Purcellville, VA 20134

800-USA-PRAY

540-317-2097 Direct

GetAmericaPraying.com

Just reminiscing here

I'm walking down memory lane a little bit tonight. So much has happened in this past year. Here are some sweet shots of what was going on in our lives last May and early June.

Packing and goodbyes....

This is just a glimpse into our lives a year ago.

We have been given so many beautiful gifts of friendship. We love all of you (and those of you not pictured, especially our neighbours Kelly, MC and Pip) and we cherish the time we had with you. What richness and beauty you have bestowed on our lives. We have been strengthened and challenged by you and we loved doing life with you in Canada. You are in our hearts forever.

We are so very thankful!

NDOP Update

 Ambassador Oren

IFA Team

Hi Friends,

Just sending a brief update since the National Day of Prayer [NDOP] about 10 days ago.

Thursday, May 3, NDOP

It was a privilege being with our IFA leadership in the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill for the 9 till noon observance…going through security and visiting with the Lithuanian Ambassador, Žygimantas Pavilionis, and passing the offices of Representatives like Michelle Bachmann and others.  We enjoyed the first hour of the NDOP meeting and then joined others in smaller rooms to pray for the nation in 2 one hour shifts.  One lady even received healing in her arm without even asking for it.  Powerful time.

Friday, May 4  - Solidarity with Israel Event at Israeli Embassy

It was an honor to join Christian leaders from across the country and Israeli Embassy leadership for about 3 hours to show support of our Jewish friends and Israel.  It was a sobering, yet joyfully holy time as we listened to Israel’s Ambassador Michael Oren share some of the threats Israel is facing these days, whether it is continued random violence from Israel’s neighbors bent on their annihilation or the Anti-Israel media spreading it’s message [See Bob Simon’s recent report on 60 Minutes].

IFA also hosted our First Friday monthly prayer conference call that Friday with over 300 friends from around the country joining in.

Sunday evening I will be speaking at a local church for their Awakening Meetings this week.  I met with their pastor yesterday and another area pastor to pray for the community and to prepare for next week.  Some good things are happening.

If we at IFA can help mobilize your family, church or community to prayer or our country during these days, please let me know.

Lastly, thank you to our financial partners.  We need help in expanding our donor base and generating additional support.  Suggestions are welcome!   My anticipated ministry expenses are $8,400 per month, roughly $100,000 this year .   As of yesterday, there is $700 in our ministry account.  

Here is how to invest with us:

Go to GetAmericaPraying.com

Click on Donate on right side

Important: Be sure to enter in the Comments section “Field Staff Bob Royce”

You are also welcome to send checks to IFA: Intercessors for America, P.O. Box 915, Purcellville, VA 20134. Important: Enter in the Memo section “Field Staff Bob Royce” (or write it on a separate note).

Thanks again for your partnership with us.

Bob

Bob Royce

Mobilization Coordinator

Intercessors for America

PO Box 915

Purcellville, VA 20134

800-USA-PRAY

540-317-2097 Direct

GetAmericaPraying.com

Egyptian Christians

This video (and there are more) was just brought to my attention. The children and I just watched with rejoicing and tears (on my part)! I am so encouraged by seeing these brothers and sisters in Christ, who are facing such danger and opposition, full of the Spirit and praise to Jesus. Absolutely beautiful!

We bless you, Followers of Jesus in Egypt, and we pray for continued joy and peace and protection for you.

Belated prayer request

I am late again with the latest prayer update that Bob sent out this week...

Hi Friends,

A couple of prayer requests....

1. In partnership with Intercessors for America and Community Prayer Watch, here in Northern Virginia, there is a pastors retreat this Saturday, Oct 15. Bob will be helping to cast the vision for awakening and transforming revival here in the community and the DC area. There is already a good sense of unity with focus on Jesus and His Kingdom. Please pray for humility, repentance, and power from the Holy Spirit to fill the body of Christ and to rest on us to demonstrate, communicate, and share God's love and freedom for us in Jesus. The meeting will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2. Pray for the next step for the Royce crew regarding permanent housing here in the area. We are currently and temporarily residing in a vacation home near Middleburg, Virginia.

There are good and exciting things happening here...thanks for walking with us.
Much love,
Bob and Scarlett Royce

P.S. And the update on request #1 is that the retreat went very well. Bob was so encouraged by all the men he met and spoke with today. They discussed what repentance is needed in the group and this area. Unity was a theme. We believe God is at work and we are excited to be here for this time. Several men said they believe a breakthrough is coming!

Blessings!

Night of Worship

Local friends, don't miss an amazing night of worship at McMaster University tomorrow! Call or text me with any questions!

Twelve-Eighty Bar
Sunday, January 9
6:30pm - 9:00pm

Blessings!

Prayers for Kenya

I'm sorry I have not even been on here in the past few days to say Happy December! It's been colder here and we have had snow flurries almost every day but no significant accumulation yet. We are doing very well, other than a cold I have been battling. I have several things to share, but this came in today from Peb (a.k.a. Perry) and I wanted to pass it on right away so that you can join us in praying.


This is an update concerning some of the recent events in the Kenya work in Machakos. There have been two tragic deaths of women who because of their faith have been rejected by their husbands and in one case severely beaten because of this. This is not an unusual story there. Witchcraft is real and the enemy exploits every situation to bring as much destruction and confusion as possible. In all warfare there are casualties. This war is no exception. However you will remember what the Lord tells us in Rev 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death." I am reminded of these words as I think on the price paid by these two ladies because of their faith.

I send you these accounts so that you can be in intercession for these families and now orphans and also so that you can be in intercession for the fellowship there in Machakos so that their faith does not fail and they can indeed overcome in the midst of great difficulty. When we as His disciples begin to move to bring the Kingdom of Light, the domain of darkness does strike back. However, Greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world. So I just ask you to stand in the gap for this fellowship and for these families who are paying a high price for their faith.

I ask you to disregard the need for money in these letters. This has already been met. It is an African tradition for the fellowship to cover funeral expenses. This seems strange to us in the West, but as I meditated on that this morning, I realized that this is the way that the Lord meant us to operate....as a family. In Africa, they need one another more and they take care of each other better than we do. It is closer to the concept of having all things in common. This is something that we have not grasped. So I ask you to pray for these situations.

Peb


Dear Brother Perry Smith,

I regret to inform you that, one of our ushers in the fellowship passed away at Machakos General Hospital on Thursday 2nd this week at 5:30pm. Her name is Jane and we believe you know her. She was one of those we have been using to pray for the people in the fellowship during our week days deliverance and healing services. This attack came after we finished our open air crusade at Mwanyani market within Machakos area last Month. When we went there, many people got saved and the witchdoctors and witchcraft reacted against me and my family whereby, they send to me their witchcraft in the form of snakes which I saw in my dream and because, of that I was in prayer and fasting, I rebuked them and covered my family, the Fellowship and you with Blood of Christ Jesus.

So Brother Perry, pray for us during this time as we are preparing for the burial which will be next week at Mwingi South District about 220 Kms from Machakos Town. We would require a coffin, a vehicle to take us to the place and to pay mortuary charges. Jane was left by her husband and was living with her 3 Children. So, pray for us so that we may get enough money to take care of all these expenses.


Dear Brother Perry,

We have another woman from our fellowship who passed away last week on Sunday 5th at the hospital in Machakos town. The Death of this Lady occurred when she was been treated by the doctors in the hospital. She had been seriously beaten by her husband and 4 ribs on her left hand were broken. She had internal bleeding and after 2 days she died. Her name is Florence, we believe that, you know her because you baptized her last time you were in Machakos.

Brother Perry, Continue praying for us because of these situation so that,we can overcome and have victory. All these deaths would require amount of Money to meet the burial expenses of each body to their rural home. These 2 ladies had been chased away from their home by their husbands because of believing in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

According to your previous email concerning the cost of the burial,we would require Ksh: 52,500 to meet the burial expenses for the 2 bodies. The Money will be needed to purchase 2 coffins, mortuary expenses, vehicles to take each of the bodies to their different rural homes.

Jane has left behind 3 Orphans who do not have somebody to take care of them. Florence has left behind 2 Orphans.


Please,keep us in prayers.
Pastor Onesmus & Esther

East Africa Zarephath Ministry

Blessings in Jesus.

Scenes from November

Hanging out with our Westside family...

Austin loved the red bean curd dessert...

Benji, not so much...

Chopsticks lessons...

So happy..

Backyard shots (taken by Ben)...

Christmas came to our house (thanks to Emma and Christine!)...

Home church last week...

Saying "see you later" to our friend, Nyuon...

A brisk, beautiful day...

Christmas baking with our sweet sister, Vivian...

So many gifts for which we are so very thankful!

Blessings.