Lady Gaga...

...random I know.

But after her "shocking" arrival at the Grammy's last night I couldn't stop thinking about the platform she has created for herself and wondering how she got there. (for those who missed it she was encased in what looked like an egg?)

Note: I'm not promoting that one should or should not support Lady Gaga and her theatrics. I'm just sharing a few opinions of my own :)

When Lady first stepped onto the scene I did find her quite odd...but it was just too easy to pick up on the new tunes and dance around all silly-like with my roommates. Therefore, a few of Lady's songs became fairly popular. I don't even know how it happened but one day I decided to count the number of songs that I knew of hers...and found it alarmingly high. I had no idea I'd slipped into the craze! But she seemed to be EVERYWHERE. I mean...in the past 2 years alone she's had 6 number 1 hit songs. I think it started off as a joke to sing her songs...but either way...they seeped in and were on repeat in my head.

I never found her music to be moral, that's for sure and I was always taken aback by the latest music videos...not being able to watch them without thinking something seems completely wrong and then realizing I just shouldn't watch her videos because they have no fruit, no light, no life coming from them. I can't necessarily deny the artistry she carries...however I admit it's definitely a bit off.

I don't think anyone would be shocked by 'Christian groups' calling her crazy or protesting her in every way. But the thought of that actually started to make me sad and I felt convicted of my own judgments towards her. I watched an interview she had with Barbara Walters...and for some reason when you see a person's childhood photos they become all the more real to you. And it hit me: She doesn't know Jesus. I know...that's apparent...but how many times have I skimmed over the fact and had negative thoughts towards who she is.

I think you can tell by now but the Lord actually started giving me this big heart for Lady Gaga (formally known as 'Stefanie Joanne Angelina Germanotta'). God actually gave her this wonderful, amazing talent. He gave her a voice and an ability to be creative...she just isn't necessarily using it to give glory to His name, but why would she. She doesn't know Jesus.

While speaking with Barbara Walters she said she wants to be a teacher to her young fans who felt just like she felt when she was younger. She wants to free her fans to be fearless and help them know that they have their own place in the world. On an interview I watched with Cooper Anderson on 60 minutes, I watched as she told fans at one of her concerts to let go of all insecurities and reject anyone and anything that's ever made them feel like they don't belong. Then she yelled for them to free themselves of those things. Her fans were sobbing. I mean breaking down, tears and snot everywhere. My heart broke.

They're all looking for something more. What's so sad is it's the enemy who's blinding people to Truth. Our society is more humanistic than ever and Lady Gaga's answer to feeling rejection is how to empower yourself and how to overcome obstacles by rising up in strength.

If I were to sit and listen to someone tell me they had a dream to set people free from past insecurities, I'd think they were on a pretty good path. But it's where we tell them to get healing from and draw strength from that lies a big issue. How many of us have/have had insecurities or issues of rejection from our younger years. The feeling of being left out and not belonging. I know I had some super awkward years and I just wanted validation that I wasn't a big weirdo. Thankfully I had a community around me who accepted me and pointed me to Jesus and I found my belonging in Him. But what about people who aren't as fortunate to hear about Jesus and His extravagant Love? We're all looking for healing. We're all looking for a place to belong. We all want to be loved. And what's happened is Satan has twisted the minds of so many to believe that God either doesn't exist or is mean and judgmental. And now a lot of times a second thought isn't given to God or Jesus because it's all about ME! As someone said today in our Prayer Room set, Satan has blindfolded people and then set them into confusion. So it doesn't look like anyone is worshipping the devil or anything...it just looks like a world of worship to me, myself, and I.

Humanism.

It's a stronghold we must pray is broken. It's an area where we must EXALT the name of JESUS. It's time to press in. Lady Gaga went to a Manhattan private school, Convent of the Sacred Heart. I bet she heard about God. I bet she was rejected for being maybe a little bit weird. It's been brought to my attention recently that in this world of music...a lot of the music and musicians that have brought a 'new song' forth have been rejected by the church. Ouch. So where do they turn?

The reason I'm even writing this is because we have to know what we're up against. Yes, our God is greater and higher than any other and He wins. But it's a time where we need to be on our knees crying out for our generation whose role models are Lady Gaga, Eminem, Ke$ha, Lil' Wayne, Drake...and I don't know, whoever else is mainstream popular right now. We need to be praying for Divine strategies and most of all we need to be a LIGHT in the darkness. We have to tell people about Jesus. They need to know the truth. It's not fair that so many have been blindfolded to the incomprehensible love and goodness of our God.

So all that being said...this is a huge prayer need. This is what my team will be facing as we head to the Ivy Leagues in 3 weeks. We've been crying out for 5 months for Jesus to be exalted over Harvard...a school created to send out ministers and missionaries. Humanism is creeping in. We want to show people truth. Lead them to Jesus. He's better than anything else. He created us for His glory. He wants to set His children free from this bondage and confusion. There's just no hope without Jesus. But that's the good thing...there is hope. He loves us so much.

As written on Harvard's Emerson Hall: "What is man that Thou art mindful of Him?" -Psalm 8:4

Jesus, I exalt You.

(Oh, and add Lady Gaga to your prayer list too!)

Revival is a Reality!

I've been terrible at updating my blog!

Things here are going great! I'm still learning a ton and God is turning my heart more and more towards Himself and to His will. It's been a beautiful process.

2 weeks ago I had the wonderful blessing of 2 friends coming to town to sit in on the teaching by the AMAZING Amy Sollars. First my roommate, Kim, from Nashville who now lives in NYC came over...it's lovely having a friend only a train ride away! Then my bro, Josh, flew up for a few days! I'd say it was timely for all of us. It was so great to be able to see friends and family from home and I knew God would have some things of His own for those 2! The Lord was so faithful and good to bring refreshment to all 3 of us! Thank You, Jesus!

So now we're down to the final stretch. Only 4 more weeks until we head out on outreach!!!!!! Erik Fish & Brad McKoy were just here to talk to us about church planting on college campuses. Visit StudentChurch.org. It was such an awesome week!! They stirred up so much hope in me that WE CAN SEE REVIVAL on college campuses!! It's all about being bold in Jesus and in our faith and making relationships. I can do that...I like people...and I like making friends...and I love Jesus. So yea..I can do this. I want to be a willing vessel for God to do whatever He wants on these campuses. I can't wait to see Him move...a few from our team had the opportunity to meet 8 students from 8 of the ivy leagues and there is already a stirring on the campuses -- Revival is a reality.

Just to update you: We leave after the first week of March and make our way to Harvard for 4 weeks. Then after that my team of 8 goes to Dartmouth for a week. We'll connect with some of the Christian groups on campus but mainly we just want to make relationships with people who don't know Jesus yet. We're praying to meet 'person's of peace' who we'll find favor with and give us an entrance into their lives. Have coffee with them, hang out, read the Bible, talk about Jesus. So be praying for that we find favor with the students and that even more their hearts and minds would be open to hearing about Jesus and that they would know Him! We want to see these campuses turn back to their roots of sending our missionaries and ministers! (If you are interested in knowing about the origins of the ivy leagues, God on Campus, is a good book to read about their history and revival history as well.)

The beginning of April my team of 8 heads to Amsterdam! We'll be staying at the YWAM base and joining with current ministries. Pray that our time there would create a lasting impact and that the name of Jesus will be exalted over 'the city of tolerance'. We'll also be traveling to Paris for a few days and then to Berlin to join with the House of Prayer Berlin to do a lot of worship and prayer for these cities. Pray for Divine strategies for our ministry time in Europe. That we would find ways to effectively share about Jesus and that people would come to relationship with Him...because Jesus really is the best!

Oh also...click on this link! Fire and Fragrance Podcasts --You can listen to all of our teachings from the past 4 months (and a few more to come) -- there are some life changing teachings on here!

And seriously...thank you again for your continuous prayers and support for me! I couldn't do what I'm doing without you!!! Love you all so much (and miss you!!)!

Happy New Year!

I can hardly believe it's already 2011! I rang in the new year at an event called Reclamation (Re*). Sean Feucht (founder of Burn 24-7) and Fire & Fragrance hosted the event at our church, Life Center. Re* started on Thursday, November 30 at 5:00p and ended at 5:00p on New Years day. It was 48 hours of vertical worship and intercession to give all praise to God in the ending of one year to the beginning of this new season!

I don't know about you...but I'm fully expectant for God to move in mighty ways this year. I've been feeling that this is a year of restoration, refreshment, and renewal (i'm not sure why all the r's). I fully believe the Lord is going to bring back things lost in this new season and I am so excited about 2011!

I'm so thankful for this past year of my life. God's mercy and grace have been so evident over the last 12 months. He's shown me more about His love for me and in turn I've fallen so much more in love with Him. He blessed me with life long relationships. He's given me and my family new adventures. He's brought me into deeper intimacy with Him and given me a hunger for His Word. Of course this year has had it's ups and downs, but He's been faithful through it all. What are you thankful for from 2010?

Sean Feucht has been speaking on vision this week. Vision always scares me. I feel like if I set a vision that I'm bound to it for life and that's my path...and that, my friends, is a weird thought. And yes, I know I'm not necessarily bound to a certain idea...but either way I decided to give in to some kind of vision (finally.. after 2 years of rebellion from my boss in Nashville telling me to get a vision :)...). I'm not into new year's resolutions and all that jazz...but there's just something unique and refreshing about the start of a new year. It's like a clean slate. So I pray that the Lord would reveal things to you about what's to come in this year for you and that He would give you fresh vision for what He has for you in this year.

Be blessed today. You've certainly blessed me. Happy New Fresh Vision God's Will Year!

Financial Support Update

I've added a simpler way for you to donate financially for those of you that have asked and feel led to do so. Just click on the link to the right --> and it will take you through the process...you can still send checks through mail as well, but I know that my generation appreciates the easier ways. :) Let me know if you have questions!!

Also you can subscribe by email and receive updates right to your inbox!! Just type your email address in the box to the right and click subscribe!

Many blessings to you today! (Pictures coming soon, I promise!)

Faith Journeys!

Merry Christmas season! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving day and spent some time really thinking about what you are thankful for. I think it's appropriate that Christmas follows Thanksgiving, because Jesus really is what I'm most thankful for...and following behind Him: family, friends, chocolate chip cookies, boots, scarves, spending time in NYC for the break with my friend, Kim, and my brother, and decorating the tree while playing Christmas music! It's been a lovely, busy, but restful break for me!

These last few weeks have flown by (which keeps happening the older I get) and God has been teaching me so much. Two weeks ago Tom Osterhus, from the YWAM Maui base, came to teach our class on worldview. It was so impactful and I realized a lot of my thinking has turned to a more humanistic view rather than having a Biblical worldview (scary!!). Last week Doug Tunny (YWAM Boston) came to speak on evangelism. One of the best teachings I've had on practical evangelism. We went into the streets of Harrisburg and saw 31 salvations and 12 re-dedications in 2 days!!! Praise the Lord! I learned that people really aren't that scary and I need to just open my mouth! Doug said, "The best way to do evangelism is to just do evangelism." So simple, but so true. It's just starting a conversation and then sharing about Jesus. He brought up the idea that if we had the cure to cancer and we didn't tell anyone, wouldn't that be cruel. So how much more cruel is it to keep to ourselves the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ?? Everyone was pretty nice, even if they didn't want to accept Jesus they still appreciated someone talking to them and encouraging them.

Doug's week on evangelism was a perfect way to lead into our Faith Journeys. It was a 3 day trip where they divided us up into groups of 4 or 5. We were dropped off in different cities with 3 envelopes, a backpack/sleeping bag per person, 1 phone, and a contact number if we needed one. We could only open the envelopes on the day it said to and inside we would find tasks to complete for the day with some money (we never knew how much money would be in there, if any)...oh, and we were responsible for finding our ride back to Harrisburg! My team (Shannon, Matt, Chris, and myself) was taken to Lebanon, PA (about 45 minutes from Harrisburg) and dropped off. We were given $50 for the day and some of the tasks were to 'buy lunch for a homeless person and eat with them', 'pray for someone for healing', 'all team members buy someone a coffee and share Jesus with them', and 'at some point during the week get on the radio or news'. We wanted to go to a coffee shop to strategize and figure out what to do and where to go. Across the street from where we had been let out we noticed Legend's Cafe and decided that's where we would begin. This ended up being the most Divine drop off I could ever have imagined!

When we walked in we found out it was a part of a church, Calvary Chapel! They were about to close the cafe, but we got to meet the pastor's wife, Sue, who gave us some free soup for lunch. There she connected us with Marcio who worked with the local YWAM base and a contact for a radio station!! Already God was providing and in more ways than we even knew at that point. We then met Ebeneezer who came to the church every week to pick up food and distribute it. So we helped him load his car and then piled in for the mystery drop off. We ended up at the first service of the new Nigerian church in Lebanon and the food was to be given to the congregation at the end of the service. It was so much fun and I kept looking at my team asking how it was that we got there again. We met Nigerian pastors from all over PA and got connected with a missions organization in Africa. They even recognized the 4 of us as representatives of YWAM. We also met Kristin and her fiance, Ken, who offered to be our ride home on Tuesday! Remember....we had no contacts upon arrival and within 3 hours were in a Nigerian church service being recognized and thanked! Ha ... God really does have a sense of humor and if we just let Him, He really is faithful to guide us!! The service and all of the people there were so sweet and even had us be in the picture with all of the Nigerian pastors to commemorate their first service! We decided that with how the Lord was providing we would give all of our $50 to the church and would trust the Lord to provide whatever we needed. What a great start to the next few days!

After, we were dropped off by the Legends Cafe/Calvary Chapel and decided to go talk to people on the streets for the next hour or 2 before a Bible study at Calvary. We met a few people, prayed for them, shared the gospel, and even invited a girl we met to hang out with us the next day. We walked back to the church and joined in on the last of The Passion of the Christ and the Bible study, along with some snacks (dinner!). We met the pastor, Thom, and a few of the members of the congregation and felt so blessed at how the Lord was guiding us already. On top of that Thom and Sue offered to let us stay at the church for the next few days!

The next morning Marcio picked us up and took us to the YWAM Lebanon base. When we got there we opened our Day 2 envelope and found out one of our tasks was to serve at a local YWAM base or a church...perfect! So we offered our time to do whatever the base needed done and ended up raking leaves for a a few hours. The directors of the base, David and Miriam, made lunch for us and sent us off with about 3 boxes of food! We were dropped off again at the church and decided we needed to give all of the food to a family in need. We ended up knocking on the door of Robin and Gloria. They were homeless the month before and would have stayed homeless if they couldn't find an apartment that would allow their 3 dogs to move in with them! The apartment was pretty run down and smelled like cigarette smoke. They told us they just got a refrigerator and had been eating soup for the last month, so the food we brought them was much needed. They talked a while about their dogs and then we somehow switched the conversation to talking about Jesus. Robin said he didn't think hell could be any worse than the life we were living now and how he knew about Jesus but nothing more than the stories told in his past. We talked to them for about 30 minutes going through the Gospel, telling of the hope with Jesus, and the gift of eternal life in heaven where their would be no tears, pain, or hunger anymore. I asked them if they wanted to accept Jesus and they said YES!!!! Hallelujah. 2 new family members into the Kingdom. And since they lived down the street we were able to get them connected with Calvary Chapel. I truly look forward to seeing those 2 again because they are riots!

Those are probably my favorite stories of the 3 days. The rest of the time we talked to/prayed with more people on the street, joined the church one evening to help with their prayer station and hand out hot dogs to the homeless and anyone who came around, did some worship on the streets and read Bible verses aloud so that the name of Jesus would be enthroned over Lebanon, and prayer walked around town. We also were interviewed on the local radio station (93.1 The Truth) and became the Thanksgiving spotlight for the next couple of days!!! I learned so much during this Faith Journey. My team was incredible and God wow-ed us all with His provision. He provided things for us before we needed we knew them, every single meal was provided to us free of charge, we had a place to stay, the name of Jesus was proclaimed, and Robin & Gloria made Him Lord of their lives! Thank you, Jesus! Those 3 short days will leave a lasting impact on me and we now have friends in Lebanon that I look forward to connecting with in the future.

Below is a video of some of the other teams favorite God stories from the week!


Thank you again! Everyone who reads this and prays and supports financially and offers encouraging words, you have no idea how much you mean to me. I just can't tell you enough how appreciative I am and how I would not be here without you. Enjoy this Christmas season and remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate.

I love you all,

J

P.S. You can download the podcasts of the speakers we've had for class by searching for "Fire and Frangrance" on iTunes. It will be the speakers for Harrisburg: Andy Byrd, Sean Feucht, Ivan Roman, Tod McDowell, John Leach, Corey Martin, Tom Osterhus, and Doug Tunny...and more to come! I highly encourage you listen to some of these...they've all had a hand in the change going on in my life!

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise! Selah

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.

O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!

For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts,
blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Psalm 84 - ESV

Salem Haunted Happenings- Outbreak of Miracles!

Here is a video for you guys that tells about all of the miracles that happened in Salem last weekend! Once you get to the end you'll notice my numbers were actually low compared to the amount of people we actually saw healed and prayed for! And if you look closely you may even see me in the background :)

Enjoy :)