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Jacob's Blog
 Hello and welcome to my personal blog page called "faith lounge". Unlike my official ministry website, this is just a place for me to share my most current thoughts.
Fire on the Mountain
My soul is kindled with fresh flames today. I recently returned home from a three-day youth camp in Julian, CA, a quaint town in the mountains outside of the San Diego area. Julian, a peaceful abode known for its world famous apple pies, will never be the same.
From the moment I was invited to be the guest preacher for Lighthouse Christian Fellowship’s youth camp, I was excited. As the days approached, I could sense that something powerful and extraordinary was going to happen. It’s always my practice to prepare spiritually and mentally for events such as these. A few days before I preach at a camp, conference or revival, I sort of get into a zone of preparation that typically includes additional prayer and fasting.
This camp was no different. However, I could sense that God was up to something bigger than I could imagine. That foresight led me into deeper consecration. I didn’t want to bypass or miss what God wanted to do. Allow me to explain what unfolded in this camp.
Night One
From the get-go, the worship was awesome. This group of young people came ready to praise and magnify the Lord. They wasted no time, but rather worshipped God with all they had. The presence of God really began to manifest in that chapel. When I stepped behind the pulpit, they were ready to receive God’s Word.
The title of my message was, Tarry in the Tent. I spoke about Joshua, and how he lingered behind at the tent of meeting, even when Moses left. I also spoke about how the others in Israel would simply watch Moses from a distance, standing at the threshold of their own tents. I likened that to how many young people know God from a distance. They stand at the threshold, the doorway to personal relationship, but don’t enter in. Joshua, unlike the others, tarried in the tent. He had a personal relationship with God, while others were satisfied with simply religion. I encouraged the campers to ignite their relationship with God (pitch a tent). We are the “tents” (temples) of the Holy Ghost.
Anyhow, this is just a nutshell of what I spoke about. That night, the power of God manifested in such a dynamic way. Nearly every young person was refueled with God’s Spirit and symbolically “crossed over” the threshold.
Night Two
Just like the night before, the worship was incredible. However, the heat was turned up. There was more passion and hunger for God. You could feel God’s presence so intensely. Again, the youth were ready to receive God’s Word.
The title of my message was, Release your Fire. I spoke about Eldad and Medad, two men who prophesied in the camp, after Moses imparted God’s Spirit upon them. Some didn’t like the fact that these men were being used so greatly, especially Joshua. But Moses defended these men and released them to minister. How timely the enemy is, that right when you’re finding your place in ministry (things are clicking), he tries to silence you. I encouraged the youth that even when critics and opposition attempt to shut you down, keep on releasing your anointing. Keep ministering. Keep letting God you use.
What happened next…is virtually unexplainable. Although I enjoy being able to express myself with words, this night left me speechless. Few experiences with the power of God have left me so awestruck. As we moved in the altar call, I began to minister as the Spirit led. I had everyone who wanted to be delivered from issues and strongholds that were silencing his or her fire, to stand in a line. Yes, we did an old-time prayer line!
The result of this prayer line was a phenomenal demonstration of God’s power. Young people were healed, delivered from drugs, fear, insecurity, low self-worth, guilt, and other addictions. Chains were broken! There was a great spiritual breakthrough that hit that humble chapel. It was so strong that nearly everyone was laid out on the floor, unable to contain the atmosphere.
Several waves of the Holy Ghost flowed as we experienced everything from holy silence, interpretation of tongues, to loud wailing. This went on for quite a while. The Glory of God was so raw and thick…that you could cut the weight of His presence with a knife.
I can’t give justice to just how dynamic the service was. It was a night, that as a minister, I’ll never forget.
Night Three
I know what you’re thinking, “did it actually get better than the night before?” Yes, but in a different way. The title of my message was, The Vision Needs a Vessel. I again preached about Joshua. I talked about what he felt after his father figure “Moses” died. He possibly doubted his abilities to lead like Moses and wondered if the people would follow. He could no longer hide under Moses’ wing. He had to grow up. Much like older youth today.
Joshua’s biggest fear would have been to repeat the mistakes of his forefathers. He was haunted by the reality that all his prior generation did was GO IN CIRCLES. But the reason they merely circled, but never entered their promise land, was that they had lost their vision. I explained to the youth that they have the power to break the cycle and refuse to lose their vision. I went on to share many other insights.
The altar call was powerful, yet again. Two waves of the Holy Ghost swept the temple and a great outpour of God’s anointing filled their lives. They were empowered! The power of God poured out so strong that many were laid out, weeping and speaking in tongues.
Closing:
At least one young person (I know of) received the Holy Ghost, and three others decided to get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ! There truly was fire on the mountain! I personally want to thank the camp staff at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, and also my good friends/hosts Josh and Joanna Herrera for their warm hospitality. Cherie and I were ministered to on many levels as well. To Lighthouse and everyone else, keep the fire burning!
Blessings,
Jacob Rodriguez
posted by Jacob Rodriguez at Tuesday, April 01, 2008
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