update about the conference
Ok, I went to this IHOP conference a couple of weekends ago and I have been putting off the update about it because well...it’s hard to describe. I really can’t find the word (or words) to really express my thoughts or feelings about it in the way that I really feel. I am glad that I went, very glad, but it was just A LOT. I mean A LOT! It was very challenging teaching! For instance, I started taking notes and by the time that we were about 10 minutes into the teaching, I had to stop because I couldn’t really get all that they were saying and take notes about it. It was like if I didn’t write the exact way that they worded it then it wasn’t going to have the same affect. Have you ever felt like that? Like all you could do was just listen? Well, that’s what happened.
It was everything that it said that it was going to be, specifically this part – “…Only when the church returns to our "first love" will we regain our spiritual authority and once again become an agent of change in the earth." So, that’s been the main thing that has stuck with me from the conference teaching. To say that it was good seems kinda weird, it just doesn’t fit, but I am so glad that I went. There was a call to fast and pray in deeper measure and that is always a sobering, yet challenging message. Who couldn’t do more in that area? Who couldn’t claim that is an area in which we all could weaken ourselves to see God’s strength enrich and empower our lives? I know that God challenged me in this area of self-discipline.
There were also classes offered for the children. Not baby-sitting services, but real classes for the kids! They learned about praying for the nations and seeing God moving through cultures and countries that haven’t seen the gospel. I saw two-year old toddlers praying for India! It was amazing! Very encouraging!
So, it was a “wake up” kind of conference. Not at all like anything I’ve been to in the past. I recommend it to all but I just wish that I had been more prepared to receive all that was a part of the teaching. Thank you for praying for me, if you did!
posted by Jen @ 12:06 PM
10 Comments:
Sounds like it was pretty incredible. I would have LOVED to go with you, friend! Keep on pressin' in and soakin' Him up!
See you so soon...
That's really cool, Jen. I've had a moment or two when I can't take notes and I just have to listen and hope that I can get the teaching on cd or something. I totally know. It's times like those that we need to trust God to seal that wisdom in our minds, hearts, and souls so that we can use it effectively to change our lives. I hope that is true for you. I'll pray that everything you learned will stay with you forever. It's a great tool to know A LOT about prayer! Maybe when another conference rolls around you'll be better prepared for it! Sometimes God likes to surprise us to keep us on our toes. It sucks but it's true.
What a wonderful experience to be touched so closely by the Word of God.
I agree with Gina, keep soaking Him up. He'll make sure you remember all that you need to.
I don't know about you Jen but often if I find myself in a wash of in-formation as you did at the conference and my heart is sincerely trying to discern whats valuable to my walk the realy important parts have a spooky way of sticking with me. What are the things that are still vivid this far removed from the conference? These are the things that God evidently wanted you there to hear. Just a thought. By the way I would like to take this opportunity to hijack your blog comment section to reinforce the prayer and fasting combination that has an uncanny ability to straighten our priorities and destroy the works of the devil. I love you sister...
Bring on the hujacking! I surrender to the challenge with boths hands in the air and knees on the floor. Josiah, you and I have been talking about that more and more lately . . . I do believe God has a test on the horizon followed by immense grace and strenghth that it's going to take. Not to mention that availability to the Spirit that we were also talking about. By the way, on a sad note, that CD that you gave me will not play! There must be something INCREDIBLE on it if I have taken it to 3 different sources and still is hasn't played. Oh devil, you better watch out! I WILL hear what's on that CD! Stay tuned . . .
Oops! Please don't anyone hujack me. I don't know what I will be asking for! Sorry for the confusion - it's supposed to be hijack! Haha! Hujack . . . that's a good one!
My typos are catching!! :-)
By the way, love the messge you are sending with the new profile image! The Potter and the Clay.
Although, your last image (the one of you) was excellent as well.
May God's Love surround you and hold you, My Sister!
-Steve
Jen I had a fantastic weekend just being around you, my wonderful sister, and of course Chad and Josiah. You guys are hilariously funny, very wise, and God is using you all to speak to me all the time! Thanks for letting me hang with you this weekend! I love you Jen!
Lindsay
Lindsay! Oh Beautiful! It was a great weekend! I so wished that you could have come with us to the park, your smile would have out done any human made sculpture and even put the cloud scattered blue sky to shame. You are amazing Lin, truly and wonderfully! Sweet Sister, my home, my blog, my phone, my email, and my life are wide open for you anytime you desire - remember that always! I love you Lindsay!
Princess Tracy! Thank you very much. I appreciate your comment! Please come back and visit often.
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