Author Archive

Man of the Month: Lou Engle

Posted by Patrick on Thursday, 19 August, 2010

Hello Friends,

I hope all of you that are reading this, are aware of TheCall and it’s founder Lou Engle.  If not, may this article encourage you to find out more about them both and even inspire you to attend this upcoming Call in Sacramento, Ca September 3-4, 2010 to see for yourself.

TheCall is not an event. TheCall is a movement emphasizing prayer, worship and fasting for Spiritual breakthrough. It is a nameless and faceless movement joining the generations. It is not a convention of celebrities or rock show. The musicians on stage are worshipers, not entertainers. The board of directors will not receive financial compensation, speakers and leaders come at their own expense.

I have seen Lou Engle at several different events outside of TheCall and his message has always pierced my heart with truth and conviction.   The first time I saw Lou Engle was at a Jesus Culture in Redding California.  He was speaking to a large gathering of teenagers and young adults and the atmosphere was hungry for a deep relationship with Jesus.  Lou Engle was teaching on Joseph and Daniel and was declaring and prophesying over the crowd that God is raising up young ones to live as Daniel and Joseph did.  Then he made a call for those that want to make a vow, like the Nazarites, to come up and commit themselves to the Lord and not to the things of this world.  The front of the room was filled with fiery young ones and the Spirit of the Lord was moving.  Yes, Lou Engle is very intense on the stage and his intensity is followed with words that are even more intense, but the man and the message need to be received! There is something about a message that is filled with fire and passion that reminds me of the apostolic teachings of the disciples and of the Prophets of old in the Bible.  It seems like in this day and age there are too many teaching about how to get comfortable now and how to be accepted by everyone.  From what I have seen and heard from Lou, I know that he has compassion for this nation and for the Words that the Lord has spoken that have upheld this nation.  He has been called to call those that are hungry and are longing to see the Father return to this blessed nation.  He is calling us to a lifestyle of fasting and prayer, not out of a “religious duty” but out of a relationship with Jesus that says, “I am hungry and only You can satisfy and only You can come swiftly with justice to those who cry out day and night for You.”

I also saw him at TheCall San Diego in 2009.  This was another crucial time for the state of California when Prop 8 was being voted on.  The whole day was filled with repentance and crying out for forgiveness.  There is something about gathering together with one voice and one heart that causes you to realize that God is the only answer.  You don’t have to be a scholar of the Bible, you don’t have to have it all figured out, you don’t have to be a pro faster, you don’t have to have the best prayer life ever, you don’t have to be perfect, all you have to be is weak and all you have to do is show up.

This Call in Sacramento is being held at another critical time for our nation and state.  Not only is it the 10th year anniversary of TheCall, but it is also right before the elections and I’d say anytime is a good time to gather the Body of Christ together to fast and pray to see the Lord respond to His people.  The time is now and the trumpets are blowing, will you respond?…BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN INVITED!

Also check out this message, CALIFORNIA DREAMING, to hear Lou Engle himself about the history of TheCall and the importance of it all.
See you all there!

Patrick Judah

P.S.

As some of you may know I have been writing about mystics of the past that have had some major impact and influence on our Christian History.  Now, I don’t want to get anyone confused or upset, but I am putting this article under my “Mystic of the Month” category.  I am not titling him to being a mystic in the sense that some may use the word.  However, I feel that Lou Engle, in his passion for prayer and fasting is reviving some of the ancient paths that many of the apostles, disciples, and mystics walked out in their time. Let me know if you have any concerns or questions. Thanks.

California Dreaming!

Posted by Patrick on Friday, 6 August, 2010

Dear Friends,

Please listen to this message from Lou Engle.  We are in a critical point in History and Lou is having TheCall in Sacramento on September 3-4 on the 10th anniversary of TheCall Washington D.C.  This message lays out the prophetic dreams and proclamations that have been brought together since the birthing of TheCall and Lou also explains the importance of the timing and placing of this gathering in Sacramento.  If you are not familiar with TheCall Ministries check out this link: http://thecall.com/ .  Now is the time to gather the consecrated ones into a solemn assembly to fast and pray for our state of California and for our Nation!

1. “We are going to California, we are going to pray for our government.” (Psalms 2)

2. “We are going to call on God for a great river of the blood of Christ out of the Cross in Sacramento and Jesus to give us another Jesus Movement.”

3. “We are going to pray that a massive house of prayer movement will arise in every place calling on God for the harvest and loosing a generation into the missions movement.”

4. “And were going to believe that God is going to shape the elections.”

“God is the God that answers prayer!” – Lou Engle

The first 45 minutes is a worship set with Misty Edwards, really good…but if you want to skip straight to the message from Lou Engle jump to the hour mark.

Trusting in Him,

Patrick Judah

The Choice Movement?

Posted by Patrick on Wednesday, 4 August, 2010

Today marks a very dramatic shift in California’s HISTORY as well as for the United States of America. Marriage has been defined as being “between a man and a woman” since the beginning.  I know you might be asking, since the beginning of what? Well, God had ordained marriage in the book of Genesis.  For any one that needs another source, let’s look at the definition in Noah Webster’s first Dictionary that was published in 1828:

MAR’RIAGE, n. [L.mas, maris.] The act of uniting a man and woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children.

Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled. Heb.13.

1. A feast made on the occasion of a marriage.

The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriage for his son. Matt.22.

2. In a scriptural sense, the union between Christ and his church by the covenant of grace. Rev.19.


So why has Proposition 8 been such a big deal?  Because it wanted to re-clarify the wording of California’s Constitutional “Family Code” definition of marriage as, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” that was previously voted in through Prop 22 by 61% in favor and then invalidated by a 4-3 decision by San Francisco judges.  The previous wording before Prop 22 was, “a personal relation arising out of a civil contract between a man and a woman, to which the consent of the parties capable of making that contract is necessary.”

But what about the peoples choices, equalities, and rights? Saying yes to Proposition 8 has not removed the choices from those that want to engage in a homosexual lifestyle.  Saying yes to Proposition 8 has not slanted the playing field of equality; homosexuals still have the right to a civil union with legal benefits that approach or are equivalent to those of marriage.  All Americans have the right to vote, no rights have been removed by saying yes to Prop 8; it is the rights of the voters that have been denied in this case.  7 MILLION (52%) CALIFORNIA VOTERS WERE DENIED THEIR RIGHTS THROUGH THE OVERTURNING OF PROPOSITION 8!

But, Antonio Villarigosa says, “Today, the sun is shining is little brighter on the Golden State, because by overturning Prop 8, a federal judge has affirmed what a majority of Californians know to be true: love doesn’t discriminate.”

I am thankful that our CREATOR and NOT man DEFINE TRUE LOVE.

What were some of the reasons that the opponents used against Prop 8? (Taken out of Prop 8 Ruling, pdf Link below)

1.    It prevents each plaintiff from marrying the person of his or her choice;
2.    The choice of a marriage partner is sheltered by the Fourteenth Amendment from the state’s unwarranted usurpation of that choice; and
3.    California’s provision of a domestic partnership —— a status giving same-sex couples the rights and responsibilities of marriage without providing marriage —— does not afford plaintiffs an adequate substitute for marriage and, by disabling plaintiffs from marrying the person of their choice, invidiously discriminates, without justification, against plaintiffs and others who seek to marry a person of the same sex.

To Perry, marriage would provide access to the language to describe her relationship with Stier: “I’m a 45-year-old woman. I have been in love with a woman for 10 years and I don’t have a word to tell anybody about that.”

-        Marriage is not the word to describe a relationship between two female partners.

To Stier Marriage would be a way to tell “our friends, our family, our society, our community, our parents * * * and each other that this is a lifetime commitment * * * we are not girlfriends. We are not partners. We are married.”

-        You can still have a lifetime commitment without being married.

To Katami, marriage to Zarrillo would solidify their relationship and provide them the foundation they seek to raise a family together, explaining that for them, “the timeline has always been marriage first, before family.

-        Marriage is the foundation between a man and a women and the foundation for a strong family.

To check out the 138 page article on the Prop 8 Ruling click below:

prop8ruling

If our basic rights are being overturned and our basic definitions of words are being redefined so that people can have their choice without being wrong…then at what point do we stop and realize we have lost everything that has been defined?

Lord, I thank You that You spoke everything into existence with Your Word, and that You uphold Your Word, and that Your Words will not be broken or redefined, but Your Words are the DEFINITION for ETERNITY! AMEN.

Keep praying,

Patrick Judah

A Call to Consecration

Posted by Patrick on Thursday, 22 July, 2010

Hello friends,

I wanted to share with you this “Call of Consecration” that Nina and Ryan Landis have been lead to and have encouraged others to respond to as well.  We are entering into a new season…what is your heart feeling?

‘I am writing this note to explain and invite any and all who would like to join my husband and I on a 40 Day Fast For The Eye Gates Of California. Beginning July 24th and ending September 2nd

…………………….
CONSECRATED – Solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high purpose; “A life consecrated to God.”
A solemn commitment of your life or your time to some cherished purpose (to a service or a goal)
…………………….

The tensions are rising in the earth and the lines are getting blurry between what is Holy and what is not. I believe that the Lord is extending an invitation in the next 40 days for a people to step into a greater understanding of what is truly Holy, what our eyes were made to behold and the impact that we as the BODY of CHRIST have on the earth as we let the LORD, and no one else, define for us what is compromise.

About two months ago the Lord began speaking to me about “the little compromises”. In SOS Chapter 2 verse 15 it says “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” This passage is a reference to “little compromises” that spoil OUR vine, the vine of our hearts.
As the Lord began to speak to me about personal “little compromises” it quickly began to unfold in many areas of life, not to mention the region of California.

Recently Lou Engle came out to California for a Pre-Call Rally and as he was sharing with firey zeal as he always does, he began to speak once again about the Nazarite “Call”. Nazarites were called to a different level of consecration than others. The Lord asked them to set themselves apart in many ways from their peers and even fellow lovers of God. It’s not that the Nazarites were “better” than the others, they just had an invitation to step in to a greater measure of consecration. So what ended up being “compromise” for them maybe wasn’t at all “compromise” for another.
I feel like there are people that are called to a LIFE of extreme consecration but that sometimes we are called to SEASONS of extreme consecration…

IT’S NOT ABOUT RELIGION, IT’S AN INVITATION!

I am believing God as I fast and contend and consecrate my eyes over the next 40 days to escort in a new definition of Holiness and Consecration not just for my family but for the entire state of California. A definition that comes from God and God alone! Not from the current culture, not from the way I’ve been raised or what I’ve been taught, not from the medias definition or from entertainments standards…But from the Spirit of the Living God rising up inside of HIS body of believers! ESPECIALLY His body in California…

SO WHY CALIFORNIA AND WHY NOW?!

On September 4th in Sacramento California there will once again be a CALL to consecration! God’s people will gather together with one heart and one voice to humble themselves in the site of the Lord and repent on behalf of this nation. I believe, along with many other people, that California is a “gate” to the rest of the United States. What happens here, effects our entire country in a GREAT way.
This 40 day fast for the EYE GATES OF CALIFORNIA, beginning on July 24th and ending on September 2nd will usher in a united cry for a HOLY shift to take place in California and our nation…

It’s counter culture, it’s politically incorrect, it’s uncomfortable…BUT IT’S TIME!

We will personally be fasting any and all movies, television, visual entertainment, media, etc. Those things that grab the attention of our eye gates…ultimately the access to our hearts. I am asking that you Join us in consecrating YOUR eyes, in seeking the Lord for HIS definition of compromise for YOU, and committing to shed off any and all numbed out, dumbed down, definitions of HOLINESS that we have gradually become so accustomed to.

I emphasize this one thing again, “It’s not about religion, judging, or striving”…It’s an INVITATION of GRACE for greater consecration. Will you join us? Will you step into this level of Grace, and will you let the Spirit of the Living God re-define your inner man?

With Zeal for HIS HOUSE in my heart,
Nina Landis’

p.s. check out more from Nina Landis: http://ninalandis.com/

Laus Deo

Posted by Patrick on Monday, 19 July, 2010

LAUS DEO

Do you know what it means?

Washington Monument

One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.

With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this amazing historical information.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words: Laus Deo.

No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn’t care less.

Washington Monument

Once you know Laus Deo’s history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say ‘ Praise be to God!’

Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States , it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo ‘Praise be to God!’

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l’Enfant…a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west

A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.

Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message.

On the 12th landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore;
On the 20th landing is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians;
On the 24th landing is a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6.

Praise be to God!

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique republic ‘One Nation, Under God.

I am awed by Washington’s prayer for America. Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!

Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Laus Deo!

Washington Monument

When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation’s capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of ‘Laus Deo ‘, its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: ‘Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.‘ (Psalm 127: 1)

Thanks for reading,

Patrick Judah

p.s. this article was not written by me :)

That’s What I’m Talking About!

Posted by Patrick on Tuesday, 6 July, 2010

Hey friends,

Just wanted to share some Patriotic and God Blessing American tunes that reflect our Nations HISTORY and Beginnings!

“Praise the Power that has made and preserved us a nation”,

Patrick Judah

IHOPU Class Review

Posted by Patrick on Wednesday, 30 June, 2010

Hey guys,

I just finished my first International House of Prayer University eSchool class and it was amazing!  I wanted to share this video clip and review from the IHOP-KC Blog of the class that I just took.

http://blog.ihop.org/product-reviews/from-eschool-a-life-of-communion-with-god-session-1-reviewed/

I strongly recommend this class to those of you that are interested.  I feel that the teachings that are coming out of IHOPU are 100% biblical and filled with encouragement to go deeper with Christ!  Here’s a course demo you can check out at http://eschool.ihop.org/course/view.php?id=3

Blessings,

Patrick Judah

HEAR THIS!: Jose Palos

Posted by Patrick on Friday, 25 June, 2010

This message moved me!  I do not care if you dislike rap, hip hop, or poetry…YOU NEED TO TURN YOUR EARS TO HEAR THIS MESSAGE AND POSTURE YOUR HEART TO RECEIVE IT!!!  Listen closely because it’s truth will convict as Jose speaks deeply on issues that many of us (including ME!) have a hard time hearing and actually receiving with humility and walking out.

ENJOY!

Thanks for watching! Check out more about Jose and others at this website: www.p4cm.com/

Also, feel free to check out other posts on my site and leave feedback :)

Blessings,

Patrick Judah

Developing a Supernatural Lifestyle

Posted by Patrick on Wednesday, 16 June, 2010

Developing a Supernatural Lifestyle: A Practical Guide to a Life of Signs, Wonders, and Miracles Developing a Supernatural Lifestyle: A Practical Guide to a Life of Signs, Wonders, and Miracles by Kris Vallotton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


“You are the bridge between history and His story.” Kris Vallotton

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. For starters the first chapter is titled, “History Makers”! Just this chapter alone is filled with encouraging words for those of you that are called to impact the globe (which is all of us!). From start to end, Kris gives great instruction and strategy while calling us to take our stand with Christ and with the love of Christ against a society of darkness. In this he reveals a great key to our warfare, “We are to be honorably confronting with people.” This is a reality that I am growing in and feel like it is something all believers must be equipped with. The revelation and truth in this book will break down your walls of thinking and start getting you excited about what’s in front of you. In this stirring it will cause you to start taking big steps into the supernatual! Kris outlines his own personal core values, as well those for a supernatural ministry to help encourage the reader to take serious the importance of having this foundation. There is a new mind set and pair of lenses that are revealed through Kris’ own personal walk with Christ that he shares as well as some great insight on the heart and words of Christ. The whole book is filled with scripture and examples of those mentioned in the Bible that walked in the supernatural. This really is a practical guide and it will renew your mind and open your eyes to start seeing things that you have heard before, but in a very new and inspiring way. One of Kris’ personal stories that completely blew my mind, was about his walk in the prophetic. It is an incredible story and because I want you to read it yourself I will just quote the last sentence, “You can alter the course of world history through prophetic declarations.” So if you are done with just hearing about the supernatural lifestyle and you want to start encountering it…this book will give you direction and encouragement to jump right in!

View all my reviews >>

Mystic of the Month: Bernard of Clairvaux

Posted by Patrick on Sunday, 23 May, 2010

“You want me to tell you why God is to be loved and how much. I answer, the reason for loving God is God Himself.”





ernard of Clairvaux is this months mystic, also known as the, “the mellifluous doctor”. Bernard was very passionate with his work for the Lord and because of it he had a great deal of influence with the religious, political, and military leaders of his day.  Bernard was sought after for advice from people in all walks of life and his words and works were highly respected.  It was said of Bernards personality that it, “was so attractive, his power of persuasion so difficult to withstand, that we are told that mothers hid their children and wives clung to their spouses lest he seduce them into the monastery.” The life of Bernard intrigues me so much because it is a rarity in these days to see a man of God with such passion for Christ and influence on the “leaders” around him.  Saint Bernard carried a lot of weight in the 12th Century and although like every human being, he had his flaws, he shaped history for the better.


Bernard’s father was a knight that died in battle and his mother passed when he was at a young age.  In 1098 Bernard joined a monastic community of reformed Benedictines in Citeaux along with 30 of his friends, relatives, and family members from the neighborhood.  This shows the influence that he had at a young age! The community received a fresh breath of life and continued to grow as well as heavily impact the Western way of monachism.  It was here that Bernard wished to live hidden and forgotten, concerned only with God.  Due to the rapid growth of the community they sent out Bernard and 11 others to establish a monastery in Clairvaux in 1115.  Before the monastery was established the town was called Wormwood and was a haven for thieves.   It was here in Clairvaux where Bernard was positioned as abbot and was launched into a world of popularity in and outside of the religious world.


The new established monastery grew fast and rapidly accumulated 130 monks.  It was known that Bernard was strict with fasting and eating habits and became ill, but he was restored and lightened up on his strict eating rules with his monastery.  He felt led to start preaching and because of his eloquent preaching style, he was sought from all over and people started flocking to hear Bernard of Clairvaux.   It was said by Erasmus, author of, Art of Preaching, “Bernard is an eloquent preacher, much more by nature than by art; he is full of charm and vivacity, and knows how to reach and move the affections.” The teachings brought many, but Bernard was also operating in healing and miracles, thus bringing throngs of sick people in order to get touched and healed.  There are said to be accounts of sick people whom Bernard healed by making the sign of the cross over them.


Bernard longed for a life of contemplation in Clairvaux, but his reputation was wide spread and sought after by princes, popes, and other high ranking leaders in the religious and political arenas. Because of this Bernard was traveling all over Europe.  He once wrote that his life was, “overrun everywhere by anxieties, suspicions, cares. There is scarcely an hour free from the crowd of discordant applicants, and the troubles and cares of their business. I have no power to stop their coming and cannot refuse to see them, and they do not leave me even time to pray.” Bernard himself sought after justice and longed to see righteous men in “church” positions.  The words of Bernard swayed many high up churchmen to change their ways and humble themselves.  Bernard said to the dean of Languedoc: “You may imagine that what belongs to the Church belongs to you, while you officiate there. But you are mistaken; for though it is reasonable that one who serves the altar should live by the altar, yet it must not be to promote either his luxury or his pride.”


In 1130 the death of Pope Honorius II brought Bernard into the middle of a highly disputed election.  It was a show down between Innocent II and Anacletus II.  Anacletus had Rome in its grasp but Bernard in Innocent’s defense was able to persuade a panel of bishops that Anacletus was a “worldly man” and that Innocent was the one to be pope.  His defense was heard and Innocent the II became the pope.  It was here where Bernard traveled with the Pope and preached as he went, bringing reconciliation, harmony, healing, miracles, and decisions for Christ! Bernard himself was offered bishop positions, but they were all declined and he decided to focus his time at Clairvaux.  It was his days in Clairvaux where he was able to spend his time on his sermons and writings.  Bernard never ceased to see righteousness in the land with the advancing of the Lords Kingdom, although he was heavily opposed by heresies of the time.  These heresies eventually gained momentum, thus thrusting Europe into the second Crusade of 1146, the Pope had Bernard to preach the Holy War. The second Crusade was a complete failure and Bernard received a lot of criticism for this, in his defense he said, “”How is it,” he asked, “that the rashness of mortals dares condemn what they cannot understand?”


In his aging and tiredness he returned to Clairvaux and continued in his meditations and writings.  His works include Grace and Free Choice, On Loving God, and his very well known commentary on Song of Songs which is comprised of 86 sermons as well as many more prolific writings from his lifetime.  On August 20, 1153 he gathered those who were close to him and had his Last Sacrament and passed away at the age of 63.

Commenting on Song of Songs 2:17 in his seventy-fourth sermon on the book:

“I have to confess that the Word has come to me, and come often… As often as he would enter into me, I didn’t perceive the different times when he came. I perceived he was present; I remembered that he had been there. Now and then I would be able to get a premonition of his coming, but never perceive it, or sense it when he left (Ps 120:8). Where he came from when he entered my soul, or where he went to when he left it again, and whatever the means were of his entry and exit, I must confess I’m still quite ignorant of… But perhaps he does not have to enter because he is already within? He is not something on the outside (I Cor 5:12)… Since his ways are beyond all investigation (Rom 11:33), you may want to ask how I could know that he was present? He is life and power, and as soon as he came within he roused my sleeping soul to instant wakefulness. He moved and mollified and wounded my heart (Song 4:9), since it was hard as a rock and desperately ill. And then he began to root up and to destroy, to build and to plant, to water what was parched, to enlighten what was dark (Jer 1:10), to set free what was chained up, to set on fire what was cold, as well as to set the crooked ways straight and rough ways plain (Is 40:4), so that my soul might bless the Lord, and all that is in me might bless his holy name (Ps 102:1). Therefore, when the Word and Bridegroom entered into me from time to time, his coming was never made known by any signs – by word, or appearance, or footstep. I was never made aware by any action on his part, nor by any kinds of motion sent down to my most inward parts. As I have said, it was only from the motion of my heart that I understood he was present. And I recognized the power of his might from the way vices were banished and how carnal desires were repressed… This is all true, because when the Word has departed, just as if a boiling pot had been removed from the fire, all these things began to become frigid and cold by a kind of torpor. This was the sign of his going away – my soul would necessarily be sad until he returned once more. When my heart was re-kindled in the usual way within me, I knew that it was that sign of his return.” The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, Bernard McGinn (editor), (New York: the Modern Library, 2006), p 222-4.

Some of Bernard’s focuses were Centrality of Love, Ordering, Preoccupation with Union, and Inclusion of Experience which have been brought into “Mystical Theology”.


I know that God is raising up passionate and influential believers in this day.  I pray that we set apart our hearts on the things of Christ and not allow us to be influenced by the “ways of the world” but that we may influence the influencers and carry a spirit of reconciliation wherever we go because it is the ministry that Christ has given us (2 Corinthians 5:18).


Thank you for reading.


Blessings,


Patrick Judah


Sources:


http://www.ewtn.com/library/mary/bernard2.htm


http://www.nndb.com/people/681/000094399/