If I had known just how upside down our lives would be at the time of this youth conf. I might have named it something else! I had no idea how prophetic that name would be. When approaching the subject of upside down (revolution) it is always appropriate to start with one’s own self. I know that if God is going to bring revolution to our nation it must start in the hearts of a few people who have been there and back. In this case I can truly say that my world has been turned upside down and God is shaking loose anything that is not attached to Him. Some of you have walked through times in your life where it seems all is falling apart but in reality God is allowing anything frivolous to be removed.
I can’t tell you how much closer I feel to Jesus in this time of crisis. He truly is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, even if things seem to be upside down! There is no substitute for the moments of feeling His precious presence. No alternative to feeding on His Word. No other way to find peace but in His everlasting arms.
On the eve of Upside Down, deep down, I know that this is not just a title but a testimony. Amy and I can truly say that we are not selling something that we have not walked. This is not a theory but a lifestyle. I pray that in the next few days God will give us the grace to communicate the radical message of surrender no matter the cost.
The verse in my spirit may seem unusual but I believe is fitting for this subject of upside down. Matt. 3:12- He (Jesus) will come ready to clean the grain, seperating the good grain from the chaff. He will put the good part of the grain into His barn, but He will burn the chaff with a fire that cannot be put out. NASB
Many times we think of this verse in the context of saved people and sinners, but God is saying to us today that there are parts of our lives that are acceptable and holy to Him while other parts are fleshly and worldly. The only way to be purged from these impure areas is by going through the fire. Fire is hot and uncomfortable but produces purity. Thank God for His purifying fire! So if your life ever seems upsie down and the fires of tribulations get hot remember that God is purifying your life and preparing you to be a vessel of honor that He can use for His glory.
My wife and I are believing for a total healing for you and your Amy. We wanted to be at upside down but were low on the money. I’m praying for both of you to have supernatural strentgh during and after this conference, and for the spirit to move in an unusaully powerfull way. We love you guys, God bless!!! Chris McCabe,the City Church, kirk. WA.
I tell you what, I’m NOT missing this conference! I hope to make every meeting! I cannot tell you how excited I am. You have definitely been in my prayers throughout the day every day since this attack/preparation. Worried? No way. I am assured this will be the best youth conference yet. Jesus said, ” My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” We will see the perfect strength of the Lord this next few days operating through the weakest moments you two have ever experienced. I am so blessed and thankful to be a part of Bethany. When I think of Kenneth Hagin’s testimony and what a tremendous ministry he had as a result of his healing, I can’t help but think of your present situation and what is to come. Both of you.. Oh my! Love you bro. and sis. Amen. Is it time yet?
Pastor Joel and Amy,
As a Youth Group who believes that the battle is SO on, we have been lifting you both to the Lord regarding your health, stamina, patience and strength. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and when satan comes to kill steal and setstroy, we take up our swords and shields and encamp around the both of you, forging the enemy knowing the Lord is protecting and healing you as the battle rages. Satan hates you guys…you are warriors for the Lord! What a privilage it is to be an enemy of satan! We love you guys and are so glad to have the chance to be down here to not only receive what the Lord has layed on your heart for the youth of this day, but to continue in prayer for both of your complete and total health.
In His grip,
The Net
Metro Harvest Youth
Menomonee Falls, WI
(But here for the BATTLE and FIYAH in Baton Rouge from June 25-29)
Pastors Joel & Amy, we are continuing to keep you in prayer.
Isaiah 46.4 says “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” We are believing for a great move of God at the youth conference. Because you hope in the Lord, He will renew your strength moment by moment, session after session. His Grace is sufficient for you both and for your families!
In His Love, the Noels
Last night I couldn’t wait to show my leaders your website. I read all the recent entries to them and they are firm in their word to be praying for you!! They have been going through some struggles as well, so I know that your words have brought a sense of comfort to them. Thank you, thank you with all my heart for being so in the spirit and so full of…..FIRE…a fire that will NOT die out, in Jesus name!! I KNOW because I just KNOW that God is moving mightily through the midst of all this. I love you guys, with every ounce of my being. I will continue to be in prayer for you both!!! *tight bear hugs*
God bless you.
Just like refining fine Gold. In order for it to be purified it has to go through very high levels of heat, so the junk can rise to the top. Once it’s brought to the surface the junk is removed. That’s what I think of you Pastor and Amy, just like fine gold. Thank you for being just like those Hebrew boys: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown in the furnace but they held out for GOD’s promise. They walked in the fire all calm and tranquil. Any non-believer would certainly have been killed. The heat of the furnace was blazing hot. So hot no ordinary man could withstand. As the three walked thru the flames they were joined by the image of a fourth “MAN”.
I am interceding for you guys, and I’ve put others on the alert to be on the prayer wall too. My parents told me what was going on last week and I got so ANGRY at the devil! He can pull out his best weapons and bring his best assault and the result will still be the same….HE IS DEFEATED! He is so afraid of you guys and what you are on the verge of accomplishing for the Kingdom. I know you are standing in faith, and your sister is standing with you! You will come through this storm onto the other side!! I believe that with every ounce of my being. Be encouraged Joel and Amy! I love you guys so much!
Your sis,
Jemia
Hey Pastor Joel,
Just wanted to let you know that when Bro. Clark and Bro. Rod called us with the news of your and Amy’s health Michelle and I immediately began praying. Milwaukee stands alongside of you in this hour. As Bro. Rod says, “Everything’s gonna’ be all right!”
Pastor Bill Brewer and a good portion of our Youth Network are down with you and Amy this week…we’re believing with you for a tremendous outpouring and impartation this week.
God’s Grace and manifest anointing be yours this entire conference and beyond.
Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Mike Frie
Can’t wait only a couple hours away! I know HIS FIRE will be there in awesome way! Praying for you and Amy! Keep Believing!
Pastor Joel ,
We thank God for your message. We wanted to be at the Upside down but we’re still in the wilderness, but we still thank God for it because a lot of things have been broken in our lives. So have fun at the Upside down and we will for SURE be at Upside down2
God Bless
Pastor Joel & Amy
You’re in our prayers morning & evening. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. Satan is a defeated foe. Victory is ours! It’s as if my family is being attacked, therefore we are armed for battle, winning the spiritual war.
WE WIN!
You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on you, because he trusts in you. (ESV) – Isaiah 26:3
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. Matt 11:12 (ESV)
Thank you for teaching me what these verses means.
Persevere brotha. Your not alone.