Pastor James' Blog

It’s been a while since I last updated my blog.  I am actually updating this from Los Angeles.

Last night, I really sensed that I needed to have deep communion with the Lord.  In my prayer time, God reminded me how much He loves me.  He said He never has stopped loving me and that He has given me special gifts to touch His heart and the heart of others.  So He says to me, “Go!  Be strong and courageous.  I am always with you.”

I was reminded of what Pastor Bob Hartley said when he said that there are 4 stages of worship.  I might not represent his words well, but he said something to the nature that the first stage of worship is peace and that we ultimately move into communion with the Lord.

So many people go into worshipping the Lord and stop at peace, exaltation, or even revelation, but there is no communion, so they never really get to see the heart of God or know the inner depths of the character of God.  I’ve been traveling a bit lately and it might be exciting a few days, but then I realize that I am not in my bed.  I am not eating home-cooked meals.  I am not even driving my car!  After about two days, I am always ready to go home.  Once I get home and hug my wife and kids, I know “I’m home.”  Pastor Hartley says having communion with God is when you realize you are finally home.  You can now rest.

There are so many people who are so deceived by the enemy.  They have such little hope and no strength for life.  If you are reading this and you are one of those who have been lied to, know that God has never stopped loving you.  He cries over you.  He wants you to know the true freedom you have in Him.  Come back to God and find rest in Him.  Come home.  Have communion with Him.  He desires a deep relationship with you.  He’s not just interested in how you can serve Him; He wants you to know Him deeply.

I am praying that Higher Connection Church will always be a place where people can deeply meet God in such an intimate way.  I pray that those who have such little hope and strength will move doubt, fear, purposelessness, and emptiness out and move God to the center.  I cry so much when I see the enemy lying to God’s people and God’s people falling into those traps.  It is so not fair how Satan deceives so many.  I hope you will know that God is so good.

I am ready to go home.  What about you?  Come home now.  You have been on the road too long.  Put God in the center and move those lies out.  God is waiting for you.  He wants to embrace you.  He loves you.

I am praying for you.