God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation in Our Country

You guys, I read this story on The Elijah List last week and cannot stop thinking about it (I'll share the story in a minute). 

I know God's heart is for all people. Every single person ever born or to be born on this planet has incredible, intrinsic value. It was God's idea to create us and it is His love that sustains us. He loves people. We have gotten so far away from His plan and heart when it comes to relationships, in so many ways. Slavery was not His will and plan. Divisiveness in 2016 is not His heart. I could write pages on those issues, but I'm not going to take the time right now, because I want to get to the story. I believe with all my heart that reconciliation is God's heart. Unity and honor and doing life together on equal ground. Those are the things God wants for His precious creation.

My family and I watched the Academy Awards last night. We enjoy movies and although we haven't seen even half of the movies nominated or mentioned last night, we are genuinely interested in the lives of the actors and actresses (and producers, composers, designers, musicians, etc.) in those movies. We don't worship them, but we do care deeply about their lives. We have also followed the controversy surrounding the #OscarsSoWhite issue this year. And while I understand that this is a genuine and important issue, I believe it could've been handled differently. I believe there can be healthy, productive conversations. There can be healthy, fruitful dialogue. The divisiveness is not necessary. It's actually harmful and unhealthy. It only adds fuel to the fire and divides our country even further. 

So, what do these two things have to do with one another? Let's get back to the original reason I'm writing today. I am encouraged, and want you to be encouraged, that God is working. He is weaving us together with people who can bring His Kingdom to this earth and see lives changed. I read this amazing story by Will Ford, as well as this one mentioned in that post. I wept and will probably weep again when I share it with my family. This is Who God is! He is a connector, not a divider. He draws us to Himself, instead of pushing us away. Jesus says "Come." To every single one of us, this is His beautiful, incredible, life-changing invitation.

This is a story we need to read. This is a story we need to tell our children. This is a story we need to share with the world, because this is God's story of providence and reconciliation and purpose and love and answered prayer. Please click on the links and read it. This testimony is going to be a catalyst for even more reconciliation and healing.

I also found a church service where Will Ford and Matt Lockett share this unforgettable story. You can go HERE to watch. 

May we, no matter our skin color or gender or socio-economic status or age or background or experience, join in His Kingdom assignments and see heaven come to earth in a way that we have never seen before. May we all be faithful to press in to our God-ordained purposes and to see those purposes fulfilled for His honor and glory.

Blessings and love. xo

A Dream Come True

Hello,

I haven't been around much this past week. I had a phenomenal weekend, last week, and haven't quite recovered (nor am I really trying to recover!). I had the opportunity to drive to New Jersey for an amazing conference hosted by The Alabaster Group. I'm not really a conference go-er, although I see one or two advertised once in awhile that grab my interest. Normally, though, I don't have money in the budget to go or they just haven't been a priority. 

Then why did I choose this one, you may wonder? Simple. Two of my spiritual heroes were going to be speaking, and it was only a five hour drive. It was a dream come true for me to go and hear them speak, meet them in person, and worship with them and hundreds of others who are seeking and living for Jesus and His Kingdom. 

Not only were two of my heroes at this conference, I learned more about three other phenomenal believers who are impacting their corners of the world in beautiful, powerful, crazy ways. The theme of the conference was "Until the world is filled with love for Jesus"! Yes!!!

Here is a list of the speakers:

Heidi Baker
Bill Johnson
David Hogan
Joseph Garlington
Claudio Freidzon

If you were to ask me who are the people who have had the greatest impact on my spiritual life in the past decade, Bill Johnson would be at the top of the list, followed closely by Heidi (and Rolland) Baker. In fact, it was through Bill's ministry and Bethel Church that I learned of Heidi. They are dear friends and support and honour each other's lives and ministries. Bill's book, When Heaven Invades Earth and then Heidi's book, Compelled By Love have both been life-changing for me. Life-changing. They both carry the Presence of God and have incredible authority and power, with countless miracles on a weekly, if not daily, basis. 

Here is an amazing example of Heidi's ministry in Mozambique. This witchdoctor was coming to kill her with his poisonous snakes. Watch what happens instead . . . 




And then there's this man named David Hogan. I am so completely thrilled to know about him and his wife and family and their ministry in Mexico. He is a big, intimidating guy, and at the same time, completely loving. He walks in some crazy, Kingdom authority and has seen some miracles that I have never even heard of before. My faith was stretched and strengthened and reinforced by hearing his stories. And the fire tunnel David and Heidi led on the last night was powerful!

Father also blessed me with this precious group of friends to share and fellowship with all weekend. We met the first evening at dinner and will carry this time with us forever. I love Kingdom connections!

I hope to share more this week about where God is leading us these days. We would appreciate your prayers.  

I'll also share more this week about two special baptisms we had last week!
Blessings and love. xo

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

Mexico and 7 year old Luke {Ministry update}

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your support and prayers as Ben and I traveled to Cuauhtémoc, Mexico, recently.  The 12 hour day of repentance and prayer was powerful.  The fact that so many area pastors and churches came together to pray and cry out for their community is being called an historic event, as it had never happened prior to that day.  Many said that the Lord’s Presence was so tangible that no one was restless or physically hungry or thirsty the whole day.  It was remarkable, and we are eager to see what comes next for Cuauhtémoc.  We heard several stories of hit-men entangled in the violent culture of smuggling arms, drug trafficking and family feuds who have been changed by the power and love of Jesus Christ. 

 (from the 12 hour repentance and prayer time in Mexico)

Last week I spoke in Williamsport, Maryland, for the second time, about transforming revival.  I shared the story that I have shared with you before, about the young children in Indonesia who wake up at 4am to cry out to the Lord and worship Him.  I received this last Monday morning from the pastor's family about their 7 year old son, Luke (it was written to the family members who are away at college):

Good Morning Everyone,

I wish you all could be around to see some very cute, amazing, and touching activities going on here.  So I thought I would write and maybe capture a bit of it for you.

  

Since Dad has been preaching for awhile now about transformation and revival, he brought in Bob Royce again this past Sunday to preach for him since He was away in Lynchburg.  He spoke on the Book of Acts and had lots of stories of his own about God moving.  One story was where God moved children at a very young age (4 - 6) to wake up early and pray spurring on revival.  He was very encouraging to all of us each time he spoke, once in August and last Sunday.  At the end of his talk, he opened up a time where he asked the congregation to share what we thought God was doing here.  There was a lot of unity, everyone seemed to be sharing similar stories of confession and God waking them up early to pray.

Luke and I left almost right away to come home early to prepare for lunch for we were having          the Royce family over.  They have 5 children. 

As I was in the kitchen, Luke went, got Daniel's Bible, sat in the chair in the living room and began to read Genesis 1.  He would call me and ask for help in sounding out a word every once in a while. He sat there for about 15 minutes reading, then he told me he was going to stay in the service from now on.  I said, " that is good because next week you will be 8 years old - no more children's church for you."  

We had a very nice afternoon with the Royces and their kids.  That evening, Dad wanted to have a "technology" fast so we all sat in the family room talking and laughing.  Luke said, "lets read the Bible in Acts," so Dad read a chapter.  Luke wants to read and be together every night now.

That night Luke made a date with Elizabeth to get up early and have devotions with her.  They sat together on the love seat, he reading Daniel’s Bible and she reading hers.  He asked me if he could have his own Bible, not a children’s Bible. So Dad and I took him out for his birthday lunch and stopped by the Christian Bookstore and he picked out his Bible.  He wanted one with a ribbon and a soft cover.  He came home and started reading it right away.  I saw him outside walking around with his Bible and every once in a while he would put both hands up, then he sat in the grass and read.

That evening, he told me he now needed an alarm clock so he could get up early to have his devotions.  I found one and we together set his alarm for 7:30.  I told him he needed to go to bed early if he was going to get up early.  He decided to go to bed at 9:00 and kept an eye on the clock all evening.  He was promptly in his bed at 9.

We all got up at 6:30 and we were having our devotions when Luke came down at 7:30.  He was so excited.  He yelled, "IT WORKED", I sat right up.  He sat between Dad and I reading his Bible.  At some point, he realized that we had all been up since 6:30 so he set his alarm for 6:30 and was waiting for us this morning.  He was the first to get up.

  

You should have seen Luke sitting on the sofa concentrating on reading his Bible.  I couldn't stop smiling.  When he was done, he said, "Mom, I'm going to make myself an omelette, you might want to come and spot me."  We ended up making some for everyone and we all ate breakfast together.  Dad says, "let's do this every morning."

Luke told me this morning that now he wants to play on the worship team.  Bethany is teaching him the piano while I write this.   About a week before all this, Luke came in from outside and said he went on a prayer walk.

Looking forward to what God has for all of us.  I know we will all see and experience Him when we are in heaven...I want to experience His power on earth.  May His Kingdom come and His Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  

On behalf of the Royce family, I want to say thank you for supporting us as we spread the message of awakening and revival in America and beyond.

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

Bob

Bob Royce

Intercessors for America

Mobilization Coordinator

PO Box 915

Purcellville, VA 20134

800-USA-PRAY

540-317-2097 Direct

transformingamericathroughprayer.com

getamericapraying.com

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

Birthday Celebration!

Our little princess turned seven over the weekend! We had a fun celebration at home and then went to a fall festival at an apple orchard for the afternoon (more on that soon). 

Here is our bright-eyed girl, so happy to be turning seven . . .

Maya said, "This is the best birthday I've ever had!" Yahoo! And thank You, Father, for not only the best birthday she's ever had but also for the precious gift of this full-of-sunshine life who is the baby of our family! What a beautiful gift she is! 

We love you, sweet girl! xo

A Little Time Away

Our family had a little break earlier this week. It was fabulous to get away. I had had an interesting conversation with a dear friend at the park on Friday and found out that she does not relish holiday get-aways. She told me that it simply causes too much stress for her and that she really likes home and her routine. I can relate to that to a point, but I realised after talking with her that I just need a get-away now and again. 

It's not that I don't love home and the haven that I try to create for my family. I absolutely love home. I do normally need some sort of routine. But there are just times, once in awhile, when I need to get out of Dodge. I think it helps me be a better me. It refreshes me. And the need to explore and have adventures is embedded deep down inside. I'm not sure where that comes from or even really when I realised it to be true about me. I know Bob has this need, too, and apparently we've passed it on to our kids, who are all quite the adventurers.

We weren't able to take any holidays in the summer, so when a friend recently gave us a three day/two night holiday to the resort where he owns a timeshare, we were thrilled and thankful!

We had never driven on the infamous Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park, so we made that part of this trip. We are so glad we did! The views were spectacular. 

I had in my mind that the resort was all one building or several buildings located in close proximity. That was not how this one is laid out at all. It is very spread out. There are several thousand acres, with the main buildings and accommodations located quite a distance from each other. The main building is one place. The water park is down the road. The stables are up the road. The hotel is in another location. The condos are spread out in several places. 

Once we arrived at the resort and checked in, we decided to enjoy some of the many, many activities they have to offer. 

Maya's face cracks me up in this one. She is loving this go-cart ride!

Ben was a flying, flipping, bungee jumping machine!

Team 1 . . .

Team 2 . . . 

The water park was pretty impressive . . . 

Hiking is one of our very favourite things to do . . .

Riding time . . .

My horse-loving girl was very happy . . .

Austin had the best looking horse (Cappy) . . . 

Ben was excited to go on his first trail ride . . .

As part of our stay, Bob and I had to sit in on a tour and presentation of the timeshare aspect of the resort. We agreed to do so and were under the impression that it would be a two hour presentation. Unfortunately, the tour lasted three hours and fifteen minutes. Absolutely ridiculous. Our children were waiting for us to take them to the water park and, we were not interested in buying a timeshare at this point in our lives (and with our budget). It was the only negative aspect to our time away. Even though it was very frustrating, we would go back to this resort again (as long as we didn't have to endure the tour  another time). Everything else was enjoyable.

The rest of the time we enjoyed being together, eating in restaurants (which is such a treat for us), meeting delightful people and gazing at the beautiful scenery. The autumn colours were starting to pop and the views were breathtaking. You can see the ski slopes in the background . . .

Autumn in Virginia is a joy to experience. And we are so thankful {to the Father and to our generous friend) for a little refreshing holiday away. 

xo

God is the solution to every problem

Here is the latest update from my husband on what God is doing in our country . . .

Friends,

One of the communities around the country that IFA enjoys walking with is in Winchester, VA, about 30 minutes from our office.  A local reporter published this article last Friday after attending one of the weekly prayer gatherings and interviewing participants.   It’s pretty encouraging considering she is a neutral observer.

Winchester hosted a Discovery Weekend with IFA this past spring to cast vision for spiritual awakening for their city.  To learn more about Discovery Weekends, visit www.transformingamericathroughprayer.com.

I thank each of you for praying for us and investing with us as we assist different neighborhoods across America in preparing for spiritual awakening and revival.

Bob

Bob Royce

Intercessors for America

Mobilization Coordinator

PO Box 915

Purcellville, VA 20134

800-USA-PRAY

540-317-2097 Direct

TransformingAmerciaThroughPrayer.com

Group praying for city, county

Posted: September 20, 2013

By Teri S. Merrill

Special to The Winchester Star

Pray Winchester meets at 8 a.m. Fridays in the War Memorial Building at Jim Barnett Park, Winchester, to pray for blessings upon Winchester and Frederick County.

WINCHESTER — Christians from various non-denominational churches are joining together one morning each week to pray for the city of Winchester and Frederick County, and they believe their efforts are bringing tangible results.

The group, Pray Winchester, meets at 8 a.m. Fridays in the War Memorial Building at Jim Barnett Park, Winchester, to pray blessings upon Winchester and Frederick County, according to Rusty Haws, one of the organizers.

Pray Winchester has been meeting for about three years and has remained fairly quiet and not sought publicity, he said. However, the group would like people from other area churches to join in their prayers, he said.

Each week, about 10 people meet to pray, though the group has had as many as 25 attend, said Haws of Winchester.

This past winter, members of the group decided it was time to “get serious” about their efforts, so they joined with Christians from several area churches in a 21-day prayer service in which they publicly prayed and repented and fasted from distractions that kept them from God, such as television and computers, he said.

Since that time, the group believes that their prayers have helped bring about a “healing of the land,” said Haws.

This area, for example, has had bountiful rains this past spring and summer, whereas much of the nation is in a drought or suffering from wildfires. Many farmers here are reporting abundant fruit, vegetable, and crop harvests as well, he said.

“God changes communities when we ask for His presence. We believe our prayers are a factor,” said Bobby Alger of Frederick County, also an organizer of Pray Winchester.

Last spring, other parts of the region got a late frost, but the apple crops here were spared and are more abundant than ever, he said.

“We prayed for the presence of God and we noticed that the weather improved. We don’t attribute that to us, but to God,” said Frank Oxsen of Strasburg.

They pray for specific areas of leadership or “mountains of influence,” including education, art and entertainment, business, church, government and family, he said.

The group prayed for area businesses as the downtown walking mall was being renovated last winter, said Alger. As the work proceeded, several business owners told members of the group that the work was being done on time and efficiently.

Another business owner said that despite the mall being torn up, sales in January and February were among the best ever, said Alger. “I believe that we prayed for them, and God blessed the business owners.”

“We believe God is the solution to every problem,” said David Anderson of Stephens City. “It’s not government or politics. Who doesn’t want to see God show up and do His thing? The Bible says ‘Ask and you shall receive,’ so we ask.”

“We used to pray about symptoms, but now we pray about the causes,” said Charles Mosholder of Winchester. “Problems in this world aren’t political but spiritual. If God shows up, things change.”

Pray Winchester isn’t about the size of the group, but about having individuals who are connected to God, said Alger. The group typically chats for about 10 minutes then prays for about 45 minutes. There are no leaders or readings, and the prayer is spontaneous, he said.

Nicholas Stiso of Winchester said he was invited to join the group and believes in the power of prayer to change lives.

“I was called to do this and am personally gratified to know that God is working in my life, and I’m able to make a difference,” he said.

“The bottom line is we are moving away from God in this nation. It won’t be government that fixes problems, not food banks, and not all the things that we strive to do, but the will of God,” said Jan Anderson of Stephens City.

“Churches have grown dead and tired. We need to get serious about Christianity, and we need to follow Christ. We pray for the presence of God to come, and He will be the answer.”

Father, we thank You for raising up men and women across our country who are crying out to You for Your Presence to come and transform our lives and our land. We know Your heart is to transform and we ask for an outpouring as we repent and seek You. You are our Answer!

Hope's Anthem

This song has been such an encouragement to me, and it goes right along with the HOPE that the Father spoke over me at the beginning of the year. There are many things that can bring us down in this life. The enemy is out to terrorize our souls and the darkness grows ever darker, but Jesus is our HOPE! Rejoice in Him today! Enjoy this song of worship and declare HOPE and LIGHT and JOY over your life!

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.

Romans 15:13

Happy September! And may you be overflowing with Hope for this day and the remainder of this year. xo

I will exalt

I'm just spending a bit of extra time in His Presence this morning, and thought I would share this song with you. Enjoy.





Psalm 34:3

Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

Summer Thanks

Dear Friends,

Thank you for giving to our ministry and praying with us over the past several days.  It has been a very challenging season for us as a family, but we are determined to stay on this path until we have clear direction otherwise from the Lord.  We were able to pay our rent today and also received enough to get a helpful boost for July and begin moving toward August. We will continue to need your prayers and support in the coming days.  We are humbled by your generosity and grateful to the Lord for His love through you.

Again, thank you for helping us in the vital work of calling our nation to prepare for spiritual awakening and revival.

Gratefully,

Bob and the Royce crew

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