Brett Miller + Serge Moskalets + Justin Gambino + Two On Tuesday + Heather Evans + Blzn Dave
FOR THE RISK-TAKERS
MAGAZINE
5 THE MEGAMORPHOSIS MAGAZINE STORY
+ INTRODUCING NEW SECTIONS: 1 THE UP & COMERS 2 THEN & NOW: THE JESUS MOVEMENT
BRETT LEE MILLER
UNDONE #SHARERADICALLOVE #EXPECTMIRACLES
RETHINK CHURCH
CONTENTS
ISSUE 5 UNDONE
CREATED, DESIGNED & EDITED BY A MIGHTY TEAM OF 5+ A BUNCH OF BEAUTIFUL WRITERS JENENE STAFFORD BRALYNN NEWBY NISSI GUIAO AARON GUZMAN CLAIRE ROGERS AND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO BRALYNN NEWBY, JEFF WITTMER, MALVINA LAUDICINA–MY FAITHFUL WRITERS, AS WELL AS HEATHER MURDOCK FOR HOSTING MMTV...AND TO ALL OF YOU, MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS.
14 A JOURNEY TO UNDONE Payton Frances Carty
16 UNDONE Jenene Stafford
28 IN ART VULNERABILITY IS
LITERALLY THE #1 VALUE
16
UP & Comer: Brett Lee Miller Nissi Guiao
34 JUST TRUST UP & COMER: Serge Moskalets Nissi Guiao
38 REACHING FURTHER: SACRIFICE UP & COMER: Justin Gambino Nissi Guiao
40 MISSION MINDED UP & COMER: Will Derryberry & Two On Tuesday Bralynn Newby & Nissi Guiao
42 THE SOUND OF HEAVEN UP & COMER: David Laudicina
28
INTRODUCING THE UP & COMERS
50
Bralynn Newby
THEN & NOW: THE JESUS MOVEMENT
44 SACRAMENTO SONGWRITERS
BRING THE LIGHT UP & COMER: Heather Evans Bralynn Newby
6
FOUNDER'S THOUGHTS A word from the Founder.
22
Jenene Stafford
8
12
A MUTUAL INHERITANCE Troy Albano
LIVE TO THE BEAT OF HIS DRUM Nissi Guiao
WORSHIP IS WARFARE
46
Warrior Cry Column
Jonathan Fitt
Bralynn Newby
24
26
JESUS IN THE MARKETPLACE
50
58
THE NEW NORMAL
THEN & NOW: THE JESUS MOVEMENT
Includes the Megamorphosis Mag Story Jenene Stafford
Lori Hill (The Dokimos Project)
APPOINTED TIME TO UNLEASH THE SOUND Malvina Laudicina
King Maker Column Jeff Wittmer
ISSUE 4 + THE APPROACHABLE BRIDE
MADE TO WORSHIP
62
2
PSEUDO-CHRISTIANITY Anita Alexander Prophetic Teaching for 5779
2018
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We are looking for Contributors!
THOUGHTS FOUNDER’S THOUGHTS
will ultimately come into unity in the Spirit and set our denominational differences to the side. We will become Believers, rather than Pentecostals, Baptists, Lutherans, Catholics, etc.
We will see sooner
The labels must evaporate where all
than most think
that’s left is the truth of the love of
that Jesus is
the Father. And . . . although the world
absolutely undone
is often outraged with the
over the ones that
word “Truth,” many are longing
carry the fire of God's love into the streets.
for it because no one likes the feeling of being fooled by a counterfeit or even by their own imagination. As we draw closer to the “New Jesus People” preparing for Holiness, the beat of God’s drum will play through our hands and our voices and it will be heard and felt in the streets and across the airways. The angels will join in this worship. You will see in
COMPLETING THIS ISSUE HAS ME UNDONE IN MORE WAYS THAN I CAN COUNT
time. There will be a “Truth Teller Revolution” and it will be an unveiling of Love and Truth and it will be
his is my passion, to see a radical love movement, one
messy at times and unpredictable. It
before. We will have a profound awakening
where people are drawn in by
in understanding Jesus as the Way, the
the experience of the love of the
Truth and the Life. Secrets and myster-
Father’s heart—a move so strong that it
ies will be revealed the more we let go
leaves the bride of Christ UNDONE before
of the past “moves of God” and do a high
the throne of God. It is one that will mark
dive into the Word of God in the Hebrew
humanity and shake things up, but it will
year 5779 that will take the body of
not be denied; it will be revolutionary
Christ deeper into the Truth than ever
and shake all true believers at their core
before.
to uncover the burning desire of the Father’s heart. Many people will be surprised and will
Our passion will shift from our desire to experience revival or the next big move to a passion and zeal to see all
awaken to the truth that walking in the
people come to the immense passion
Spirit and healings and putting demons
of God, which is love. Our motives will
in their place is a byproduct of awaken-
become Holy the more we surrender our
ing to the love of God, not a requirement
ways to Jesus’ ways and eliminate the
or a notch in our belt.
box.
God’s love will stir up the Holy Spirit
The pure undefiled love of God will
gifts as we have a monumental shift in
transform church as we know it. Love is
wisdom and understanding of the trini-
an Almighty Power, a Holy Spirit gift and
ty work of the Godhead. We will see
the Truth of the Lord Jesus Christ and
them work together in ways we had
it will have much of the world in awe
not intimately recognized or honored
and drawn into repentance. The church
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
6
will also be magnificent and beautiful because God Himself is going to paint a vibrant, metaphoric, abstract and precise masterpiece across the globe. And we, the True Believers, are the strokes and colors from His paintbrush. We will see sooner than most think that Jesus is absolutely UNDONE over His bride, the ones that awaken to the depth of the love of the Father and carry the fire of God’s love into the streets. The Fire knows where to go and it will not be stopped, it will not be extinguished, even though establishments, religious and political, will try. Remember, we were born for such a time as this. Rise B.R.A.V.E. Church. Prepare yourself. Pierce the veil of darkness and share radical love! M
2018
THE WORLD DOESN’T NEED
MORE RELIGION.
THEY NEED LOVE.
#MEGAMORPHOSISMAGAZINE
#SHARERADICALLOVE
#EXPECTMIRACLES
RISK TAKERS REVOLUTIONARIES DEFYING STATUS-QUO CHRISTIANITY
A Mutual Inheritance By Troy Albano
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
8
2018
"The Lord has the same heart for us; He wants to get us past the things that have held us back for too long. He wants to see us live in our inheritance, though our minds can't fathom how good it is. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9)."
hen considering our inher-
struggle with speaking. And that’s what
on Moses to rise up and deliver
itance in the Lord, it’s hard
the Lord desires for us—to rely on Him as
His people. It was time for them
not to think about Israel’s
our source of life, not on ourselves or on
to be set free from bondage and
journey through the wilder-
what we can or can’t do (Galatians 2:20).
slavery under Pharaoh back in
ness into their Promised land. What should’ve only taken them
Today, it’s easy to get enslaved just as
Egypt. God delivered them, yet
the Israelites were in bondage. As they
He led them right to the edge of
eleven days, ended up taking a drawn
wasted forty years, we can find ourselves
the Red Sea. They were stuck
out forty years (Deuteronomy 1:2). Still,
caught up in all the world’s attractions,
with no where else to go—the
God made sure to provide their daily
passions and ambitious pursuits that can
Egyptian soldiers catching up
needs like water, food and clothing even
eventually lead us to slavery to ourselves
behind them with their chariots,
though they were acting stiff-necked and
and the environments around us. But the
horses and weapons, planning
rebellious. Their clothes and sandals
Lord has the same heart for us; He wants
to enslave them again. What
never wore out through their journey to
to get us past the things that have held
happened next was nothing short
their inheritance in the Promised Land
us back for too long. He wants to see us
of a miracle.
(Deuteronomy 29:5)—a miracle in itself—
live in our inheritance, though our minds
yet they were still completely unbeliev-
can’t fathom how good it is. “No eye has
power, used Moses with his staff
ing of Who was trying to lead them out of
seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has
to do the unimaginable (Exodus
their misery.
imagined what God has prepared for
14:16). He delivered His people
those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
by parting the Red Sea and taking
Why did the journey take forty years?
God, through His mighty
Well, the number forty generally symbol-
How did the Israelites get to their
izes a period of testing, trial or probation.
Promised Land from Egypt? They trav-
saved them right out of Egypt;
Moses himself lived a whole forty years
eled far and wide, through the Red Sea,
He did it His way. In the same
in Egypt and forty years in the desert
through the wilderness, through the
way, He wants to lead us right
before God chose him to lead his people
Jordan River. They even drove out the
out of our own Egypt, whatever
out of slavery. And he didn’t quite believe
seven tribes in Canaan. All of this was
in the world that prevents us
in himself when, from the burning bush,
to experience rest, and to enjoy the full
from being free and living free.
God said he would be His mouthpiece
inheritance that God gave His people
The crossing of the Red Sea
to break bondage in Egypt. He started
(Joshua 21:43-45).
represents a type of holy baptism
to reason with God that he’d never been
We can so relate to Israel’s journey.
them right through it. The Lord
and salvations—a freedom from
eloquent a day in his life, that his speech
As you read on, think of Egypt as the
the world which Jesus purchased
was too slow (Exodus 4:10). When he
world or the “flesh,” the Wilderness as
for us on the cross. Once they
had his eyes on himself, he couldn’t see
the “soul,” and the Promised Land, or
reached the other side, God
the full truth because according to Acts
the Inheritance, as the “spirit,” to more
swallowed up their enemies by
7:22, he was highly educated—a man of
deeply connect to this story (1 Thessalo-
allowing the waters to engulf
power in words and deeds. The beauty in
nians 5:23).
them and drown them out.
this story is that he learned to depend on
When Israel cried out to God, He re-
This is the point where the
the Lord for everything and not rely on
membered His covenant with Abraham,
Israelites began their iconic for-
his natural abilities, or especially on his
Isaac, and Jacob. Because of it, He called
ty-year journey in the wilderness
9
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"Ultimately, obedience has to be tied to, 'I want to do what You're asking out of love.'" where they grumbled, complained, made
evict or drive out the squatters that made
that keep us from wholeheartedly walk-
idols and worshipped them. Their actions
a home in the very place God gave them.
ing out God’s purpose in our lives.
resulted in a major loss for their genera-
The Israelites’ inheritance represents
tion; they did not make it to the Promised
Christ as our inheritance in the New Tes-
properly? It’s simply by faith in the work
Land. Joshua and Caleb were the only
tament, but we, too, are His inheritance
Jesus chose to do for us on the cross.
ones from that generation to walk into
(Ephesians 1:11-17). This Promised Land
Through His death, burial, resurrection,
their Inheritance (Numbers 14:30).
represents our human “spirit” where
ascension, and Kingship, He already
He resides for anyone who believes (1
drove out the squatters for us. He dealt a
Corinthians 6:17).
deathly blow to them through His glori-
Remember, the wilderness represents our “soul,” which is our persona—our
Finally, how do we deal with them
mind (thoughts and opinions), emotion
Now, Christ dwells within us, and
ous sacrifice. Our Heavenly Father seated
(feelings about things), and will (wants
even more glorious than that, He is one
Him at His right hand, and since then, all
and desires). After journeying forty
with our “spirit.” This mystery that was
authority has been given over to Jesus
exhaustive years in the wilderness, they
hidden from the ages is what we have
Christ and to the Ecclesia (Ephesians
began to approach the edge of the Jordan
the honor and privilege of knowing
1:18-23). He is King and when we genu-
River. There was a significant difference
today—“Christ in us the hope of glory”
inely make Him Lord of our entire lives,
this time, compared to their experience
(Colossians 1:26-27).
we instantly gain His inheritance. It’s
at the tip of the Red Sea. There were no
With that understanding while remem-
going to take us actually walking out His
enemies chasing them down, pressuring
bering that we’re spirit, soul, and body,
finished work if we want to truly possess
them to cross over. And the Promised
we need to let Christ saturate our entire
what’s already ours. Jesus had the last
Land that they were eagerly anticipating
being (1 Thessalonians 5:23) so that we
words when He spoke out “It is finished!”
was just before them. They could see it;
can honestly express Him. Every part,
And it’s all because of Him that we get
ultimately, having faith was the only re-
every ounce of ourselves should be open
to walk in His victory all the time, and
quirement to enter. They simply needed
to Him. When we only let Him in certain
continually enjoy Him as our inheritance
to exercise their will, and choose that day
areas, it’s like having a home but only
while He gets to enjoy us as His own.
Whom they’d serve (Joshua 24:15).
allowing Him to enjoy the living room.
Transformation happens in the wilder-
Instead, He should not only be welcome
ness (Romans 12:2), where our “souls”
into every room for His full enjoyment
are being worked out, coming into align-
but also have full freedom to rule and
ment with the Lord. And regeneration
reign. Again, we are His inheritance as
from death to life is experienced when
well (Ephesians 3:17). Perhaps, we have
journeying through the “Red Sea.” When
squatters in those other rooms that won’t
we follow His lead, we walk in His flow
leave unless we make them.
where His blood can wash over, engulf,
Before we, God’s people, can fully
and drown out everything that enslaves
enjoy rest and the riches of the land, it’s
us in the world.
imperative that we drive out any illegal
The Israelites did cross the Jordan Riv-
inhabitants. It’s just like what the Isra-
er, and it happened just like this. As soon
elites had to do with the Amorites, the
as the priest’s feet touched the waters,
Hivites, the Girgashites, the Jebusites, the
it began to recede, and the they walked
Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Canaan-
across on dry land (Joshua 3:15-17). They
ites. These seven tribes that inhabited
activated their faith by stepping forward
the land represent those areas in our
before it ever even became dry (1 John
lives that get underneath our skin. The
5:4).
things that irritate, harass and oppress
After that miracle, they found their
us—this is where spiritual warfare comes
way into the Promised Land at last. But
in. These are real obstacles, hinderances,
it didn’t end here. They still needed to
and giants that we face on a daily basis
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
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"Before we, God's people, can fully enjoy rest and the riches of the land, it's imperative we drive out any illegal inhabitants."
2018
to build your brand
+ RISK TAKER
+ By Nissi Guiao
Photo by Nathan Dumlao
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
12
2018
rum beats have the power
keep us in a slumber, leaving us unaware
their destinies. All they had to do was
to drive the directionality of
that we’ve made a home in the snare of
get close to Him. All they had to do was
a song. And so it is that our
today’s wilderness.
silence their complaints, listen to what
own decisions drive the direction of our
Let’s think back to the Israelites’
He was saying and follow Him to the best
lives. Unfortunately, in our world today,
journey for a second. When we read this
we are more quick to sing I have decided
story of old, we can’t help but cringe
to follow Jesus than to actually—you
at the thought that out of the countless
RECALIBRATING THE GOAL
know—decide to follow Jesus. If we’re
people who embarked on the journey,
Too often, I witness the ones I love
not careful, we’ll entangle ourselves in
only but a few of them made it to the
circling the same mountains, wondering
nonchalant thinking. Caught up in our
other side. After suffering for four, whole
why they feel so jipped in their lives. I,
own deceived notions that our futures
decades, in the end, the majority never
too, have been there. And sometimes I
are better off in our possession, we’ll
got their heart’s desire. Shouldn’t this
still find myself enslaved to the same lies
abandon the abundance that eagerly
open our eyes?
that tend to keep me from all that God
awaits us. Christianity today is becoming normal-
It’s plain to see that God really had
of their abilities.
has for me. The difference now is that,
the Israelites’ back even though they
because I’ve gotten close enough to hear
ized, yet in ways true followers of Christ
assumed the opposite. They were so
the way His heart passionately beats for
want nothing to do with. The more we get
convinced that they knew better. They
me, I’m better trained to notice when I’m
a real taste of Kingdom-living, the more
became so selfish that they forgot about
off and out of sync with the perfection
allergic we get to any of its counterfeits
His faithfulness. Although, as the good,
of His timing. When I just quiet myself,
(any and all forms of religion). When we
good Father that He is, He wanted to give
allow the Spirit to drown out all the noise
go deeper in intimacy with God, we can’t
them so much more than a final destina-
around and within me, I get to learn
help but to “play in the pocket” with His
tion, so to speak. He was trying to give
the catchy rhythm of His accents and
timing in everything because of the trust
them the greatest gift of all—an intimacy
crescendos—the brilliance of the way He
that’s inevitably formed. Thus, we discov-
with Him that could breed the very trust
plays.
er our smooth groove with Him. It’s when
they needed to pass all the testing.
It’s not that our desires aren’t import-
we find our stride that we learn to live to
If God had just let them carry on with
the beat of His drum, instead of marching
no direction and make it through without
taught me how much He actually cares
aimlessly to the beat of our own.
learning the lessons of rich value, they
about them, even more than we do. He
would’ve died for similar reasons any-
just wants us to be more in tune with
ASLEEP TO HIS BEATS
way. The moment their hearts hardened
Him than we are with what we want. The
Walking around these walls/I thought by
toward Him, they hit a dead-end. They
whole reason why He created us was for
now they’d fall has been our mighty chant
unplugged from Him completely. When
intimacy and relationship with Him. And
ever since Elevation Worship came out
they lost their ability to tune into His
if we forget to connect, we shut down
with their album “There Is a Cloud.” We
frequency, there was no teaching them
and lose all ability to progress with Him
walk and we walk and we walk in expec-
anymore.
into the wild, wondrous places beyond
tancy of seeing our dreams, our miracles
God took the Israelites through the
ant to God. In fact, being close to Him has
our capacity to comprehend. His sound,
come to life; we’re dying to get to our
wilderness in the hopes of getting them
His words—everything about Him—
personalized Promised Lands. We pray
to “unlearn” their old ways. Day by day,
should be chiming louder than anything
and we sing songs of hope in desperation
He gave them the opportunity to learn
else we hear. So when going deeper with
of seeing our agendas come to pass in our
trust in His perfect timing. Remember,
Him becomes priority and our sole goal
timing—the precise way we’ve planned
it should’ve been a quick learning expe-
for living, we’ll find ourselves strikingly
things out in our minds. But by marching
rience. It was an educational field trip;
in perfect position to live to the beat of
to the beat of our own drum, trying to
His plan was to speedily teach them in a
His drum, because we’re finally close
figure things out on our own, we drown
measly 11 days. He was ready to stretch
enough to hear it.
out the voice that leads us there. Doing
and bless their imaginations, so that they
our own thing our own way, our actions
could seamlessly transition straight into
"When we go deeper in intimacy with God, we can't help but to 'play in the pocket' with His timing because of the trust that's inevitably formed. Thus, we discover our smooth groove with Him."
13
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A Journey to Undone hen I think of being undone, I think messy, I think screaming, I think dancing, I think outrageous singing, I think extravagance, and I think of a deep unraveling. When Jesus was on the cross, He was completely undone before the Father. His death and resurrection give the greatest undone moment in human history. Something in us dies every time we become undone before the Father. Whether it’s bringing Him the shame you’re carrying, crying out to save a marriage, praying for cancer to be healed, or discernment on moving to a new town, you will leave changed when you become undone. Your heart will be-
Photo of Payton
gin beating again but to a new rhythm. When we bring our hearts before him, we too, die ourselves, in order to gain life.
BY PAYTON FRANCES CARTY
When I have truly become undone before the Father, I find myself walking away with new breath in my lungs. In a sense, it’s
the day in a very basic way without any
like I’ve entered into Jesus’ resurrection.
intentionality. But then you fell in love,
I want you to be a part of them as well.
There is no better place to be un-
got married and you married into a
KNEE-DROPPING
done than in the secret place, the mo-
family with deep rooted Christmas tra-
I run regularly for exercise. One season,
ments where the door shuts and it's
ditions. Each year now, this new family
in particular, I was riddled with anxiety
just you and the Lord. Jesus tells us in
you are apart of shares and imparts what
as I questioned what I was doing and why
Matthew 6 to “go into your room, close
they have done for years together with
the Lord had me where I was. This began
the door and pray to your Father, who
you. You are changed because you nev-
my knee-dropping, undone, running sea-
is unseen. Then your Father, who sees
er knew that a day could be celebrated
son. I would be out on a run and I would
what is done in secret, will reward you.”
with purpose, fun, intentionality, and joy!
choose to fall to my knees. I didn’t know
and
I find the same to be true with our
what to pray for, but I knew I could fall
meant
undone moments where our room door
before God. When I’d fall to my knees, I’d
bedroom? is shut. No doubt this can happen in
pray "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on
Have
you
ever
wondered
if
maybe
far
than
more
just
read
that
Jesus our
I believe there are moments when
our actual bedroom—I have countless
me." I didn't know what I wanted, but all I
the door shuts and how we intimate-
times. I believe there is an even greater
could do was fall to my knees and ask for
ly connect with the Lord will for-
undone moment where the Spirit leads
mercy. My runs became my prayers. This
ever just be between us and Him. you and you unravel beyond your bed-
grew in me a humbleness before God, not
However, I also believe there are pow-
room. For my own unraveling, I’ve found
just in my mind, but in my body and spir-
erful secret place moments where we
what is most important is that my heart's
it. The posture of praying on my knees
can walk out of the room and share our
door shuts and I am alone with the Fa-
became an intimate place for me where
experiences with each other. This ex-
ther. This can happen anywhere, at any
I could feel His presence. When I wasn’t
change reminds me of beautiful family
time, in any location. Here are 3 "door
running, I would get in my car, go for a
traditions. Imagine growing up without
shut, undone" moment's I’d like to share
drive just to think and pray. When I had
any Christmas Eve or Christmas morn-
with you. These have become like tradi-
enough driving, I would pull my car to the
ing traditions. Your family celebrated
tions to me, resurrection moments, and
side of the road and drop to my knees in
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
14
2018
the middle of the road at 2:00 am. For me, being undone meant finding a wide-open
life or death.
FAV’S
space to simply humble myself before the
FIELD DANCING
Lord.
I always wanted to dance before the Lord.
But when it came down to it, I felt awk-
VOICE MEMOS
ward. I didn’t want to be “undone” be-
Many of our "undone" moment's before
cause I was afraid to be seen by God
the Lord go un-remembered. We vaguely
and be seen by others. Mostly, the fear
remember because these moments can be
of “Well, what if someone saw me and
so raw and honest it's difficult to go back
thought I was weird!” kept me at a safe
and harness emotions of the spot we were
distance. However, my desire for God was
in. This is where voice memos have come
outgrowing my fear of man. When I lived
in and transformed my ability to reflect
in Michigan, I would go out and find an
and remember. There is a little app on
open field just to dance. While driving
most phones called “Voice Memos” where
to my destination everything in me was
at the click of a button you can record
pulling me back. Thoughts like these fol-
anything. Many of my “undone” moments
lowed me as I drove: “This is a waste of
surface in my car. I have memories of
time!” “You are so lame!” “Is this really
crying before the Lord, screaming at the
worth it?” But the exhilarating feeling of
Lord, praising Him, and praying through
being “undone” and dancing before the
so many situations. However, I don’t just
Lord truly does bring your body, mind,
have memories, I actually have record-
and spirit into deeper freedom. There is
ings. I have learned a practice of click-
no formula for this. However, what helps
ing “record” when I find myself praying in
me is taking what I know I love, like the
the car. I can go back to voice recordings
ocean or open fields, and use those as
from years ago, hit play, and listen to my
my target. I believe God’s delight for me
prayers and remember what the Lord has
grows when he sees me dance in places
done. It’s extremely difficult to listen back
that I already find beauty and freedom in.
to a voice recording and dismiss it like
My prompt to you is to get alone before
it never happened. When you hear your
the Father. Drive your car to the top of
own anguish in your voice or pure joy in
a mountain and sing your heart out. Get
your words, you can literally feel the pow-
out on your bike at 2:00 am, feel the wind
er each of your words carry. We tend to
across your face, and then cry out to Him.
flippantly use our words and speak out
Find the most beautiful meadow, lay down
quickly, only to forget what we’ve said.
and receive the warmth of the One who
Voice memo-ing can give you deep insight
created the sun. Wherever you find your-
to what you are believing about yourself,
self this week, what is most important
to what you are praying about, and to the
is this: Shut the door, get alone with the
reality that your words can bring either
Father, and let yourself become undone.
"BUT THE EXHILERATING FEELING OF BEING UNDONE AND DANCING BEFORE THE LORD TRULY DOES BRING YOUR BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT INTO DEEPER FREEDOM."
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created "Mankind" in God's image
God was so undone over us he created Plan A, B & C to make sure we could be with Him forever, at all cost, His love never fails.
BY JENENE STAFFORD
I
the angels celebrated with the Father, Je-
dominion over every living thing in the
will unveil the exquisite facets in-
sus and Holy Spirit as they saw each new
earth” (Genesis 1). He fully expected us to
volved in God’s biblical and prophetic
day’s creation—how good it all really was.
take dominion, and throughout the first
mysteries of “undone.” To glean the glory
With immense anticipation, I envision
two chapters of Genesis, it is a love-fest of
of God’s unfolding grace will require you
they must have awaited what came about
His blessing, speaking and creating.
to let go and let God. Let Him into your
next as the Father formed and shaped the
mind and spirit and He will unveil the
most brilliant of creation with His own
UNDONE OVER HIS CREATION
mysteries of His vast goodness through
hands—“Mankind.” This magnificent cre-
We get a taste of God’s desire for loving
this word undone. What I see in the spirit
ation wasn’t only formed from imagina-
relationship when He proceeded to walk
is a great whirlwind of heavenly emotion
tion and beauty, but incredibly made in
Adam and Eve through the Garden. Show-
with opposing forces, extremes, light and
God’s very own likeness, His enjoyment
ing them around, He said, “‘See, I have
darkness. Yet in the midst of the whirl-
and special purposes. How extravagant—
given you every herb that yields seed
wind is the solidity of the Cross and all
as He turned mere dust into a living,
which is on the face of all the earth, and
that it meant when Jesus said, “It is fin-
breathing, spirit-filled being that super-
every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you
ished.” The finished work of the Cross was
seded every other creation that came just
it shall be for food. Also, to every beast
the ultimate done.
days before. The earth, plants, animals,
of the earth, to every bird of the air, and
stars, angels and even the heavens cannot
to everything that creeps on the earth,
DONE WITH HIS CREATION
even closely compare to what came on
in which there is life, I have given every
I can only imagine what it had to have
that sixth day.
green herb for food’; and it was so” (Gen-
been like to be there when God created
By God’s design, we were named “Man-
the heavens and the earth and the beauty
kind.” He blessed us from the very begin-
So then the heavens and the earth,
of “Mankind.” How the earth and every-
ning by making us in His own image. He
and all of the hosts of them were finished
thing in it must have danced and sang to
gave us the world when He commanded
(done). God, on the seventh day, finished
have been made by Him. I imagine how
us to “fill the earth and subdue it; have
His work. He saw how, indeed, it was good
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esis 1:30).
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(Genesis 2 paraphrase). After creating for
by the lying serpent (who
several days, He Himself saw all that He
would eat dust forever). Adam
had done. From His plan for Mankind to
followed suit as the husband
His blessing, provision and dominion, ev-
and lost the perfect, earthly
ery piece was included in the beginning—
domain to sin, imperfection,
the first done of creation.
striving and suffering. He also discovered that the thief had
THE DARK UNDONE MOMENT
come, and that he let it hap-
Not long after, the unimaginable hap-
pen. In that moment, sin re-
pened. Adam and Eve let their own de-
duced “Mankind” down to an
sires for wisdom supersede the command
imperfect, unholy “man.” And
of God. The celebration came to a screech-
by then, they were all undone
ing halt when Eden could no longer hold
with a rude awakening of how
Mankind as they were disobedient and
their choice changed God’s
their eyes were opened after eating from
plan for everything (eterni-
the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
ty, the Garden of Eden and
Still, in the middle of the Garden, stood
Mankind). I can only imagine
the tree of life and it needed to be protect-
how deeply grieved they were
ed. The cherubim along with the flaming
about the separation through
sword were positioned at the east of the
this devastating fall. I’m sure
garden to guard the way towards it.
they wanted desperately to
Despite all the life and beauty that sur-
undo what had been done, but
rounded them, Mankind saw shame that
it was too late. Such groaning
day. Eve realized she had been deceived
from creation and heaven took place, knowing that Plan C, the ultimate plan of King Jesus for man, was going to come into play—but not for nearly four thousand years.
GRIEVING FROM WHAT WAS DONE From creation to Noah, the Bible only points to a select few that chose to walk with God. Because Cain killed Abel
grieved over what was done.
and replaced him with Enosh about 235 years later, this was the one time the Bible mentions that “men began to call on the name of the Lord.”
Enoch (Adam’s great,
great, great, great grandson) walked with God for 300 hun-
Plan B came into play for the sake of Mankind (man made in God's image)
dred years and then He just took him up to heaven. In the beginning
of
creation
God
walked with us, but how many now will choose to walk with Him? Many of us may know what happened not long after. The Sons of God (Genesis 6) saw the daughters of men and took
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Plan B came into play for the sake of Mankind (man made in God's image) wives for themselves which produced giants in the earth. I believe God became painfully undone once this took place. The Bible says, “The Lord saw that wickedness of man was great in the earth, that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth and He was grieved in His heart” (Genesis 6 paraphrase). But, fortunately, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
DONE WITH WICKEDNESS AND FULL OF GRACE Depending on how you look at it, you can see the flood as some horrible thing God did to humanity. But the truth is, His heart has always been for us and He has always desired to walk with us. God didn’t want the loss of Eden and His perfect plan for “Mankind.” So many things are not the way God wants them to be, but still He is full of grace and goodness and mercy if we will turn and be done with our ways. We can’t get to the joyful part of undone before God, living a life in worship of His goodness, until we recognize how much love is on the other side and we’re done with our old life, ready for our new life walking in His glory, truth and presence.
TIME TO BE DONE WITH OUR WAY God saw; and that seeing is so important to understand the nature of God and how He designed us to see as well. We can’t hide from Him. Our hearts and our thoughts are laid out before Him because humanity is intertwined in spirit with our Creator. He wants us to continually seek His face so we can see like He sees, with His eyes and heart and vision. This is like looking through a prism sometimes, and other times is like being on the highest mountain and looking down on earth. Now more than ever, it’s a time to choose to be undone before our Lord. We’re getting to that place of being so done with the world’s wickedness and the darkness that keeps people blind and shackled with fear. We’re waking up to the ancient intent of God’s heart and to see Him give Mankind a capital “M” again. His plan remains the same; He wants us to be blessed and take dominion of the Earth and to walk with Him like we did in the Garden. Even in the face of darkness, we
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to listen to it. It will leave you left undone in a beautiful way.
SEALED FOREVER Even in those times we have allowed love to
sealed to eternity because of Love
fade from our daily choices, Jesus has a message to His Church, to return to our First Love. The calling of Jesus’ Bride is a call of wholeheartedness, an absolute die-to-thine-own-self loyalty. This level of surrendering our own desires to someone else only happens when we are madly in love. We are sealed to the greatest Love any person could ever experience. When
God loves us so much that He sealed Himself to those who would choose Him and He's coming back very very soon for us, His Beloved Bride.
we say yes to this journey of becoming the Lover of God, we can begin to live out our full purpose. Still, His will is that we would rise up with Him, wholeheartedly share radical love and expect miracles. It is because He is absolutely without question undone over His Bride and longs to be with us that He designed the ultimate, perfect plan with a seal that is imprinted not only on our heart, but into the everlasting. Those that are sealed to heaven are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (See Revelation). This seal cannot be undone, and that is a real gift in itself. The ones who have chosen the Kingdom of our God, the One and Only Lord Jesus Christ and the will
have the power to choose, to rise, to decree and to declare what we hear God singing
of the Father will experience the unthinkable.
over us and our lands. All because of the One name above every name who came
Through the journey, He is unveiling more of
and showed us how to walk with him, Jesus, the Christ.
Himself. He is reminding us that even since the fall of man, He was undone over us. And He has
GOD’S LOVE PLAN TO RESTORE INHERITANCE
been doing everything He in His power to pur-
Now, I see us gaining more revelation of how much the Father loves us. In our right-
sue us and bring us home.
ful position as His sons and daughters, we’re able to access more in the Spirit be-
The Crucified Christ is the risen One and He
cause we’re opening ourselves up to see Him and His plans for our lives. And we
will come back for His beautiful, Holy Bride
can’t forget, only Jesus made this possible. Because of Him, we’re learning how to
like a mighty whirlwind, a blazing fire and a
overcome anything we face and how to stop falling into the trap of the enemy’s tac-
crashing flood. One day, we will ride into the
tics. We’re taking ground and making progress. We’re starting to break through in
Great Battle fully empowered, inspired and
unity and we’re getting stronger as a body. This is all part of our inheritance.
equipped by the Holy Spirit to ride victoriously
We’re waking up to the heartbeat of God to bring healing to the nations, to get
as overcomers and warriors for the Lamb of
back to Him, back to Eden, and married to the Lord Jesus Christ. We’re preparing
God. In the meantime, we have the honor to
ourselves as the Bride to pierce the darkness knowing full restoration of our inheri-
keep living a life in worship to our Father and
tance will happen when we’re out of this flesh body and with the Father, King Jesus,
our King. He is present with us and He is speak-
the angels and the aspostles. We’re beginning to see many mysteries of the Kingdom
ing. Just listen and you will see. God's perfect
the more we tap into our inheritance as the Bride. We’re feeling a new level of the
plan for "Mankind" to walk with Him has
Spirit’s glory.
awakened. We're beginning to taste and see it once again as the world groans for the Sons of
THE SOUND OF HEAVEN
God to be made manifest and God is once again
We’re also feeling the groaning of heaven and earth and experiencing the shift in
being reminded that what He created was in-
government. The Kingdom era has begun and I’ve personally seen the angels blow-
deed good as we approach coming full circle.
ing the trumpets in the spirit in the last couple of months. They are letting us know
Remember that Jesus, the Bride's Groom, is
there is a changing of the guard and the era. Sidenote: Many believers are hearing
waiting in anticipation for the wedding feast.
the sound of heaven, including David Laudicina (Blzn Dave), one of our Up & Com-
With great passion we long for each other and
ers. He released his new album Sound of Heaven and it’s a spiritual experience just
He is the seal of fire on our heart that will usher in the Kingdom era.
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+ WARRIOR CRY
WORSHIP IS WARFARE BY BRALYNN NEWBY
W
arriors are designed to fight. We get an adrenaline rush from
unsheathing our spiritual swords and going after injustice in a torrent of menacing tongues. Slaying the enemy with prayer satisfies our need to take action, do something, be bold. It’s in our DNA.
But we’re in a new season. It’s time to take up a new weapon. Don’t get me wrong, there is still undeniable power in prayer— don’t stop. But as God’s cosmic clock shifts into the new age, He is revealing to us modern warriors what the ancient warriors knew. Worship is a weapon. In a posture of surrender and honor, we flex our spiritual muscles and intimidate the enemy. In letting go of our agenda, our prayer list, our side of the trade—“I’ll sacrifice this time to you, Lord, and You’ll do x for me,” we find victory. Our Father’s Kingdom operates differently from the world; it’s usually opposite, actually. =The world celebrates (worships) after something good happens: their team wins, they land the job, someone is cured, and so on. This is easy—a natural reaction. Kingdom power comes when we worship (celebrate) before the victory, before the good news, before the manifestation
It really made me think—if our mission is to heal the nations
of a miracle. This is more difficult; it’s not natural to cheer and
and set the captives in them free, then the corrupt power struc-
dance while you’re miserable, going through troubles, indeci-
tures ruling them must first crumble. Those who set themselves
sive, or heavy with worry. It’s a sacrifice to intentionally change
up and traded with the enemy for power must be humbled.
your physiology and get into a state of gratitude, awe, wonder,
But first, we warriors must humble ourselves at our King’s feet.
being open and submitted to receive His love, and just be in His
First, we need to lay down our earthly defenses, the stories
presence. But in this true worship is where true power lies.
we’ve made up to cover our insecurities, the walls we’ve built to
Louann Lee, an Auburn, California worship leader wrote “At
protect ourselves. First, we must surrender and repent.
Your Feet”:
Yes, it’s difficult in the swirl of our t houghts, concerns, emotions. But it’s easier than you may think. Tommy Walker says it like this, “It is not effective to simply tell someone to stop worry-
At Your feet kingdoms crumble
ing; stop being proud; stop being self-consumed, distracted,
At Your feet the proud are humbled
insecure, bound and materialistic. But it is effective to tell them
At Your feet the weak are strong
to start worshiping.”
And Your power is made known
Just start worshiping. There we will fight with power what we can’t even comprehend. In our true worship, we wield the true weapons of war.
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+ +RISK TAKER RISK TAKER
Jesus, our High Priest, relates to us in every aspect of life, including working in the marketplace. When my husband, Larry, and I were going through a particularly difficult time in our business, the Lord spoke to my heart about how He understood what it means to have a family owned business. Jesus worked in one! He was a Jewish carpenter, and His father, Joseph, taught him the trade as he was growing up. Biblical scholars believe that Joseph died before Jesus started his public ministry. As the eldest of the family, that would mean he stepped
JESUS & YOU IN THE MARKETPLACE
into his earthly father’s shoes to provide for his family. When we think about Jesus’ life, and read His teachings, we can see that the marketplace was important to Him. Jesus was born in the marketplace—a stable behind an inn. When Jesus was born, God sent angels to the marketplace where shepherds were in their fields working. I’ll bet you hadn’t considered that the shepherds were business guys. That was their job. And then, as a young man, Jesus began to work in the marketplace—as a carpenter. Did Jesus talk to the multitudes about working in the marketplace? Yes, He did. In Matthew 7:24, He speaks of construction. In Mark 4, He speaks of farming. In Matthew 18:12-14, He speaks of ranching. In Matthew 21:28, He speaks of family owned business. In Luke 20:9-19, He speaks of hostile takeovers. In Matthew 25:14-30, he speaks of return on investment. In Luke 12:16-21, He speaks of futures markets. In Luke 12:35-48, He speaks of management. In Luke 14:24-35, He speaks of research and development. In Luke 15:11-16, He speaks of bankruptcy. In Luke 19:11-27, He speaks of venture capital in high-risk situations.
+ Lori Hill, Co-Author of the Dokimos Project
WE WERE ALWAYS MEANT TO BRING LIGHT TO THE MARKETPLACE
Work, in its different forms, is mentioned approximately 800 times in the Bible. That’s more than all the words used to express worship, music, praise, and singing combined. God
What do you do most days? Do you go to work? Do you
created work, and He is a worker. “My father is always at his
a student? If you do any of these things, then you’re a mar-
out, “…that of Jesus’ 132 public appearances in the New Tes-
ketplace minister! Did you know that Jesus can relate to your
tament, 122 were in the workplace. Of the 52 parables Jesus
struggles in the workplace?
told, 45 had a workplace context.” So why didn’t Jesus clar-
work to this very day, and I too, am working” (John 5:17). Os Hillman in his study on “Work in the Gospels” points
own or manage a business? Do you work in your home? Are you
ify or address the sacred/secular divide that we currently
Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let
have in our culture? Because it wasn’t in the Jewish way of
us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high
thinking. That divide didn’t exist. The Jewish people under-
priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we
stood that everything they did was to be done for the Glory of
have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—
God. It’s interesting to note that Paul encouraged the believ-
yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace
ers in Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with
with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to
all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human mas-
help us in our time of need.”
ters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from
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the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ
we are, we have a sphere of influence
you are serving.” Paul was writing to Gen-
that the Lord wants each of us to have an
tiles who did not have the same under-
impact on, in His name. Jesus set the ex-
standing of the Hebrew work ethic as the
ample for us by ministering in the mar-
Jewish believers. Work and worship were
ketplace most days of the week. He went
synonymous in the Hebrew culture. Rabbi
to the synagogue and the temple, yes, but
Ira F. Stone clarifies this when he writes,
he wasn’t there every day. He was out
“The Hebrew word for service, avodah,
amongst the people, in their everyday
is the same word we use for both work
lives, in the marketplace.
and worship. This is not an accident… the
Marketplace ministers, I want to en-
true obligation is not merely to worship in
courage you that your High Priest is very
words, but to do the difficult work of ser-
aware of the battle that you face. You are
vice.” The Jews are known for the quality
called to do your work for the Lord, not
of their work because they are acting on
just for people. Remember, work is wor-
this belief. And God has blessed the Jew-
ship and you are a light set upon a hill.
ish people with favor. There are more No-
You have a divine purpose to what you
bel Prize winners in the Jewish communi-
do. So, as it says in Hebrews 4:16, let us
ty than any other nationality even though
approach God’s throne of grace with con-
they account for a very small percentage
fidence, so that we may receive mercy,
of the world’s population.
extend that mercy to others, and receive
Work, in the Bible, is never presented as
the grace needed to help us fulfill our
non-spiritual. But somehow in our society,
divine purpose. May the Lord bless you
we started believing that “spiritual work”
with understanding, may He flow in you
was only in the church or being a mission-
and through you to impact the sphere of
ary in a faraway land. That is not true.
influence that He has placed you in, and
The idea that work is non-spiritual is a
may you glorify God in all you do every
deception in our current culture. If you go
day. Work is worship.
to work, then you are marketplace minis-
ter, and your work is worship. Wherever
MM TEAM
“THE IDEA THAT WORK IS NOT SPIRITUAL IS A DECEPTION IN OUR CURRENT CULTURE.”
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THE NEW NORMAL
+ KING MAKER
Photo by Simon Zhu
BY JEFF WITTMER
"J
eff, I need you to put your salad down, go outside and
looking like the beginning of a demolition derby. The evening
look around. Take in what is happening right now. We need to
air was filled with the shrill cries from multitudes of sirens and
evacuate. Now.” My wife, Sheri, was trying to be as calm as possi-
horn blasts.
ble encouraging me to soak in the gravity of the moment.
After creeping in traffic for about a mile, I impulsively pulled
I reluctantly set my Trader Joe’s salad on the counter top of
my truck off the road into a vacant parking lot and climbed
our kitchen and stepped into the heat of a late Northern Cali-
out into the night. I could hear my wife pleading from an open
fornia afternoon. Our neighbors were gathering in the streets,
window in her car now wedged in the bumper to bumper traf-
pointing to the sky to the west. The so-called “Carr Fire” was
fic. “You are NOT going back for your motorcycle, are you?” “Yes!
out of control consuming everything in its path like the Biblical
I have to!” I yelled in what I realized must have sounded overly
plague of locusts devouring Egypt.
dramatic.
“How did it get so freaking close, so freaking fast?” I exclaimed
With that, I ran back to the house where I had to kick in a gate
to no one in particular. The smoke-darkened sky looked angry as
and a door to rescue my beloved Kawasaki Vulcan. My heart was
explosions of fire danced wildly sending plumes of smoke billow-
pounding in my chest encouraging me to move faster as I could
ing like a chugging locomotive. “We need to get out, now!”
see the fire getting closer. My eyes filled with smoke as debris
We had prepared for a potential evacuation earlier in the day,
peppered my face while racing through the string of traffic and
but we had little concept of how quickly this fire would spread.
trying to avoid the oncoming emergency vehicles screaming past
We had to move swiftly because our neighborhood, clearly in the
me.
path of this fiery beast, was being evacuated.
I made it safely back to my waiting truck, secured my motor-
We hastily gathered a few things and stuffed them into our
cycle and wedged my way back into the evacuating flow of traffic
vehicles, our minds racing with images of what should not be left
inching along. The sky behind me was shimmering in exploding
to be reduced to ashes. The streets quickly filled with vehicles,
fire light and around me was a combination of deck, dash and
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grille lights, light bars and other strobes and sirens screaming to
est fire destroys indiscriminately. An incinerator consumes
effectively alert drivers to the present emergency.
completely. But verse 6 says, "I the LORD do not change;
I texted my girls to let them know I was back in my truck, then
therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed—you are
allowed my mind to calm. Then, these thoughts bubbled up as I
not destroyed."
posted on to Facebook (7/26/18, 9:31 pm):
A refiner's fire purifies. It melts down the bar of silver or
“Update: we have been evacuated, chaos everywhere! Do you
gold, separates out the impurities that ruin its value, burns
ever have that feeling that your life is about to change?”
them up, and leaves the silver and gold intact. God is like a
Change comes to all of us. Nothing is as permanent as change.
refiner's fire.
Sometimes it happens slowly, almost unnoticeably like aging;
One thread of observation that weaves a fabric of unity
other times it is forced upon us. Change, like a wildfire out of
among those who lose much to catastrophic events or sud-
control, can’t be stopped from happening.
den change: it is cleansing. The deep grief over loss slowly
The days to follow were very intense for all of us as we moved
yields a burgeoning new beginning. The old normal yields
into my son’s home about 12 miles from the western edge of the
to the new. There is an invitation to begin again—a Renais-
fire. Our nerves tense and fear palpable as we stayed riveted to
sance emerges.
our cell phones trying to track the progress of the fire’s attain-
The first Renaissance of the 14th century was a bridge
ment.
leading humanity out of the Dark Ages and into the Mod-
A few days later, I posted again on Facebook (7/31/18, 8:27 am):
ern Age. Most historians believe that the catalyst for this
“We sense that ‘normal’ isn’t coming back, that we are being
transformation was the horrors of death experienced in Eu-
born into a new normal: a new experience of being human.”
rope due to the Black Plague. The agony and suffering ex-
Even though this incident impacted our regional community,
perienced by all of Europe because of the Black Plague led
there is a greater fire burning and it’s impacting our global com-
scholars to begin to focus much more on how to improve life
munity. From the smoldering ashes, could this be the birth of a
on Earth rather than on how to get into the afterlife, which
New Normal, or a New Renaissance (French: Rebirth)?
had been the predominant focus of scholars during the Dark
Can anyone disagree that we are in times of epic change? Con-
Ages.
sidering that change is inevitable, it is imperative that that we
A second and greater Renaissance is now beginning to
learn to adapt to change. First, we must embrace the reality of
emerge. This greater Renaissance is arising as creatives such
what we are experiencing. Often, we need to grieve the losses
entrepreneurs, artists, and theologians are joining together
as we process change. Then, we should allow one season to fade
to re-discover ancient wisdom and reinterpret that wisdom
away as a new season is born.
into new, fresh, and creative ideas that will lead to an even
Despite the fact that everything changes, God Himself de-
greater cultural revolution than the first Renaissance.
clares, “I the Lord do not change” (See Malachi 3:6). This does
This Renaissance, a New Normal, will be a bridge leading
not imply that God is stagnant, uncreative and archaic. In fact,
humanity out of the isolation of the Modern Age and into a
the Scriptures introduce God as Creator, which denotes one who
Golden Age of harmony, prosperity, and community. Could
creates and initiates the principle of change.
this be what was expressed in the words of Jesus, “On earth
Change is a component of time. Time produces change. Time,
as it is in Heaven”?
as created by God, is an interruption in eternity and a measure
The first Renaissance arose out of the horrific ashes of the
of forever. God created it, according to Scripture, to give eternity
Black Plague. The second Renaissance is arising out of the
a measure manifested in seasons and years.
ashes of a horrific existential crisis of meaninglessness, pur-
According to King Solomon stated in his book of wis-
poselessness, and depression that so often characterizes our
dom, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every
modern culture.
purpose under heaven” (Ecc 3:1). His words capture the spirit of
I have come to rest in the sovereign heart of a loving and
change that is inherent in time. In essence, God's purposes and
good Heavenly Father although it is easy to grapple with
activities in time are designed for seasons, which in turn require
unanswered questions during turbulent times. Even though
change. Change is the essence of life lived in time.
God doesn’t cause crisis events, He does seem to allow in His
What about fire? A characteristic of fire, beyond its destruc-
wisdom what He could easily prevent by His power.
tive, transformative capacity in its fuel-consuming fury, is its
One of my mentors, Dr. Mark Chironna summed it up
ability to refine and purify fine metals.
thus, “In the pursuit of our life's purpose, there will strate-
In the ancient text of the Bible’s book of Malachi, it is fore-
gically occur a defining moment in the form of a refining
told of seasons where God’s movements among humanity would
crisis. In this refining crisis, God sets us free from confining
be like a “refiner’s fire.” “For he will be like a refiner's fire or a
limitations and empowers us to step into greatness.”
launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he
On a recent drive through the charred landscape of our
will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver” (See
once beautiful wilderness now resembling a burnt, shaved
Malachi 2:17-3:6).
cat, my wife observed the flowers poking through the ashes.
It does not say in verse 2 that He is like a forest fire, or like
A New Normal is emerging.
an incinerator's fire. It says that He is like a refiner's fire. A for-
Jeff Wittmer is a speaker and certified personal coach.
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PEOPLE JESUS IS MAKING KNOWN IN THE MARKETPLACE
"IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING TOGETHER, IT'S ABOUT BEING UNRAVELED AND RADICALLY ENTRUSTING WHAT WE HAVE TO THE LORD."
Brett Lee Miller
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up & comers
Photos by Danielo Parjea
In Art—Vulnerability Is Literally The #1 Value Interviewed by Jenene Stafford
A VULNERABLE CONVERSATION WE HOPE INSPIRES OUR READERS TO GO DEEPER
you so much for being at the center of this.
sense, really, really, really horrible. We found out two weeks ago that we miscar-
B: I’m so honored—ridiculously honored.
ried our second baby. And to make things
J: Like everything else with the magazine,
Thank you so much. Well, I do have some-
worse, we’re trying to process and my wife
we’re going to have a really open dialogue
thing on my heart that might kick this off
has been waking up a lot with severe anxi-
about whatever God wants us to talk
in a direction. You were talking about what
ety attacks. It’s just crazy how like what I’m
about. This issue is Undone and it’s just all
God can do in the blank space, you know,
learning about the Kingdom and what I’m
about worship and learning to worship,
of the seasons that we enter. And I think in
learning about the Lord is that He may not
and being at the feet of Jesus, and going to
my life, personally, I feel like I’m constant-
cause the horrible things that happen to
the throne of God. It’s like, How do we be
ly stepping in and out of seasons of drastic
us, but He is so excellent at crafting beauty
who God’s calling us to be and how do we
breakthrough and seasons of the complete
after it happens and while it’s happening
live this life of Worship? So, we’re just go-
opposite in terms of what I’m seeing. The
and even probably before it happens.
ing to have a conversation and I just thank
past two weeks have been, in a worldly
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I wasn’t even processing the name of
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"In art, vulnerability is literally the #1 value, that if that's off, then your art is going to suffer for it." your next issue and then when I sat down,
intro.
what promotes us into being great leaders.
It’s insanely beautiful because I realize
J: Thank You Holy Spirit for that. I love
this specific rule system (almost an unwrit-
that the Lord is so kind and so good. If I
it—it’s such a great introduction because
ten rule system) where you always have to
can express in a Kingdom term what I feel
I think it is that vulnerability place and
step into the same persona every time you
right now, it’s completely undone, because
I’m with you. I don’t think that God “caus-
walk out on the platform in front of peo-
I don’t have much to even distract me from
es” these things. I think He’s just there to
ple. And I’m not trying to demonize that
the face of God right now because I do feel
sort of carry us through and to just walk
or say that is a horrible thing, but what I
like I’m in one of those pressing seasons of
with us. I think also that God cries over us.
will say is that I’ve seen vulnerability in-
like “Oh man, everything’s falling apart in
I think He laughs and all of that occurs.
stantaneously, the millisecond it’s intro-
terms of around me.” But when the Lord
I think this is what the church needs to
duced, completely unify what’s happening
said that He’s nearest to the broken-heart-
hear—it is a breakthrough! We do not have
on the platform with what’s happening
ed, I cannot express how much we feel that
everything figured out. We are not perfect
in the congregation. It’s so beautiful. And
right now as a family.
Christians or perfect people and we are go-
that’s what I love about what God’s doing
My encounters with Him—my worship
ing to argue with God and we are going to
in the artistic realm right now. That does
has been firing on all cylinders and He’s
throw fits and we are going to cry and we
go in partnership with art in the world and
you reminded me that it’s called Undone.
It’s hard because in church, we do have
using a lot of these horrible things to drive us into His heart. And so, it is not coinci-
also art in the church. But what I’m seeing
"There has been so many seasons where I literally am just driving around asking Him, 'Why me?'"
is that we’ve got a lot of people that believe
new depths of worship begins with vul-
are going to say, “God, how could you have
do on the platform inside the church is me
nerability on the platform, every time. In
done this to me of all people when I am try-
inhaling and what I do outside the walls
art, vulnerability is literally the number
ing to be the leader?”
of the church is me exhaling. And so if I
dence that we’re going through that when we’re having this conversation because I feel more raw and more vulnerable than I have in a while, but I think there’s a lot of beauty to that, too. So, I wanted to set that up because I’ve learned with worship-leading, especially in the church, that one of the fast-tracks to take a congregation into
that they are trapped in doing art in the church and that means they can’t do art in the world or we have people doing art in the world and that means they can’t do art in the church. And what I think the world needs to see is people operating in radical obedience because I think both is needed. My view is that art is breathing. What I
one value, that if that’s off, then your art
only exist outside the walls of the church,
is going to suffer for it. It doesn’t matter
B: For whatever reason, Lord knows He
then I’m eventually gonna be a dry, life-
if you’re leading worship or writing, so I
has given me these specific platforms
less, zombied person because I’ve only
wanted to introduce vulnerability into the
to speak from right now mainly to the
been exhaling. And if I only exist inside
atmosphere here and hitch our wagon to it
church. There have been so many seasons
the church, then my lungs are gonna be
and see where it goes.
where I literally am just driving around
over expanded and they’re gonna need to
asking Him, “Why me? What on earth do
release somehow because that’s our whole
I have together that You’re entrusting me
commission to be here—to love the lost.
J: That’s beautiful—thank You Jesus!
to stand in front of these people and pull B: I’m really, really honored to be here.
them closer to You?” And I think what God
I don’t have a specific answer on what that
I’ve been looking forward to this for a long
has been teaching me is that the lie that I
looks like for me yet. But I know that the
time and even when the things started
used to believe is that being a leader or a
Lord has been faithful in maneuvering
falling apart for us, I just had this conver-
forerunner in something meant that you
me and promoting me properly and I’ve
sation kept like a milestone in my spirit. [I
were together. When really (this is what’s
stopped trying to promote myself because
knew it was going] to be a powerful con-
brought so much permission and courage
I have hurt myself enough times to know
versation and I thought, “I’m going to be
to my heart) it’s not about being together,
that He’s way better at promoting than I
able to process some of the things we’re
it’s about being unraveled and radically
am. So when He gives me a platform in the
going through—even just through talking
entrusting what we have to the Lord. And
church, I take it. When He gives me a plat-
about how good [God] is.” I guess that’s my
it’s the amount that we do that is actually
form in the world, I take it. I’ve found a lot
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of beauty in both of them.
love that process.
maybe finding some healing. That’s where
J: Oh my gosh, what a beautiful conversa-
J: Oh man, it’s beautiful. I just think that
Do you love Me? Do you love Me? Do you
tion! I think that really distinguishes who
this area here is an awakening. We’re start-
love Me? Then love My sheep. And it just
the bride’s called to be. Because we need
ing to have this breakthrough. . .you’re
took me into this journey in because what
to be the same no matter where we are.
trying to walk it out and I think you’re
I noticed in my worship leadership—I be-
Right? We need to look in the mirror—and
not alone in that. There’s a lot of us that
gan leading worship when I was angry.
that reflection coming back needs to be
have felt something’s been off and we’ve
I left the invitational method of leading
the same person that you see in church or
asked the question, “What are we missing
worship and I started trying to force it and
in your business or wherever we are. We
here? Something’s missing.” Slowly but
it wasn’t working. And what I realized in
need to be the same person. The message
surely, we’ve started to recognize that this
that moment was that where I thought
might shift slightly, but that’s about being
connection needs to be made—we need to
in that season the Lord was telling me to
Spirit-lead.
be the same person all the time, and how
corral that church, forcing them into their
does that happen? Now, it’s happening and
next expression of worship overall as a
He lead me through these Scriptures like
B: One hundred percent! The cool thing about walking in freedom, especially if you’ve been given any microphone or any means of having your voice elevated and shared with the world, is when we do choose that, Kingdom is represented every time. It can be represented through our mourning, it can be represented through our victory, it can be represented through our joy. The only separation for me exists
"What I was neglecting in my worship was humility because I thought that I had it figured out and the church didn't."
in, “Am I choosing to walk in freedom through what I’m going through or am I
church, He was teaching me how to worship in the face of adversity. I’m sure it had something to do with them, but I think it had more to do with me. And that comes in mind with one of my values with worship which is humility. (I have four values— heart, humility, beauty and bravery. I’m constantly taking my worship and running it through those lenses.) What I was neglecting in my worship was humility because I thought that I had
we’re still trying to figure it out.
choosing to walk in slavery through what
it figured out and the church didn’t. And when I realized that, and I started looking
B: I can’t tell you how many times this
at how Jesus spoke to people in His minis-
The closer I get to the Lord’s heart and
topic has kept me up at night. And what I
try, He didn’t force the woman at the well
the closer I try to understand the Lord’s
love about this conversation and where it’s
to change, He gave her an invitation to
heart, the more I long to let go and walk
headed is that these are the things that I
change, and when she looked into the eyes
in freedom, and trust the persona that
feel like the Lord has been deeply working
of compassion, she couldn’t walk away the
I’m striving so hard to create and trying
out in me just in the past couple months.
same. So me as a worship leader, I have to
so hard to represent in front of these dif-
It’s like one of those really fresh things that
lead the same way. These are things I’m on
ferent people. I’m trying so hard to get to
the Lord has been teaching me because I
the cusp of implementing right now. It’s
the place where I completely entrust and
still experience this to such a frustrating
not something that I can say “This is gon-
abandon that to the Lord and believe that
degree. I would get offended when I would
na be your byproduct after twenty years of
that interaction in itself is what’s going to
pour everything that I had out to the Lord
doing ministry that way.” In twenty years,
thin the veil between Heaven and Earth
on a platform and be met with skepticism
hopefully I’ll be able to say that, but what I
and these different arenas.
and crossed arms from the congregation.
can tell you is that at ground zero, it frees
One thing I’ve learned about the world
I even wrote in a journal entry some feel-
me before it even messes with anyone else.
right now is that the meter that kind of
ings I had to process with the Lord. I’m
It helps me walk in freedom; a worship
pings when people are being dishonest
like, “Lord, I feel like if I can’t put into a pic-
leader has to learn how to walk in freedom
with who they are, that is fully function-
ture what I feel like I’m experiencing when
if they ever wanna guide people into free-
ing in the world right now. It is forcing us
I’m leading worship right now, it’s that I
dom. Those are some current things I’m
Christians to make sure that we’re bring-
walk onto that platform with no clothes on
going to the mat with the Lord on.
ing our true selves to the table when we’re
and I’m met with crossed arms and judg-
talking about the Lord, and I think that’s
mental gazes.” That’s what I felt like was
only going to help forward the Gospel, it’s
happening and that was the beginning of
not going to hinder it. I just love that. I do
my really honest process with the Lord of
I’m going through?”
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J: Oh, it’s just so good. B: I don’t recommend everyone getting tat-
2018
"There was a constant spirit of comparison that was flooding my heart. Everything was trying to get me to not only walk away from what I love, but to walk away from what I believe."
toos or anything like that, but I have this
an artist or I’m really good at admin) lose
ly been a beautiful thing.
one here that says Servant, and it’s funny
sight of the fact that the most free I can be
J: So, so good! Every time you say some-
because I walked through this long season
is serving His sheep and loving His sheep,
thing, there’s 10 things I want to ask.
of being angry. I walked through it and I
then not only are they going to miss out on
There’s just so much there.
didn’t want to look at this tattoo that whole
something, but mainly I’m gonna miss out
season. Then, I felt the Lord in a moment.
on something.
Individually, as an artist, you have an edge. You do have an edge; I’m not going
I was getting ready one day, I looked in the
I do believe that love is the purest form
to tell you what your edge is because each
mirror and I saw it. It was one of those
of freedom. And if I’m letting anything get
artist, each person has to figure out their
things where the Lord was like “Remind
in the way of that, especially my preferenc-
edge for themselves. But as the bride, I
Me why you got that again.” And I snapped
es of how I think worship is supposed to
think that’s our edge, that we have to [get
back to when I got it—I got it as a remind-
look and sound, then it’s just prolonging
humble]. It’s in that humility, it’s in that
er. It was such a sweet Father/Son moment
the process the Lord has me there to influ-
surrender, it’s in that listening so we can
of like Okay, remember. It was another
ence in the first place. He’ll still get it done
hear the Holy Spirit. And it gives us obedi-
process, especially being in an artistic
because He’s good, but it’s just gonna make
ence. When we’re humble, we’re obedient.
craft where there are lights and haze and
it take a little longer and I’d rather it not.
They all go together, it all works together
there’s this cool factor and all these things.
So, yeah, I’m experiencing a lot of freedom
so God can create such a powerful person
Which, I don’t despise those things. I look
in stepping on a platform and inviting His
in that.
at those as excellence and art. But at the
people into worship rather than forcing
end of the day, if we (in all our different
them into worship. I’m encountering the
B: You know, that is so beautiful because
spheres, whether I’m an IT engineer or I’m
Lord regardless right now, which has real-
there is a handful of Scriptures that I
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lean on pretty heavily when it comes
be…you’re worthy of love right now…” I
where I was that song—that was a sea-
to my approach to worship. I love that
do think the world needs to hear that des-
son of my “done.” I would wake up with
Scripture tells us that God no longer de-
perately. I think that a lot of church people
these whispers in my ear going after what
sires burnt offerings, He desires broken
need to hear that desperately, too. We’ve
I believed. There was a constant spirit of
hearts—contrite, flat hearts. There’s so
got two mission fields right now.
comparison that was flooding my heart.
much permission with that Scripture.
Everything was trying to get me to not only
The thing is, with a burnt offering, there
J: We totally do! For me, it’s a burden that
walk away from what I love, but to walk
is striving required and there is a heck
I’m completely honored to carry.
away from what I believe. It was this crazy
of a lot of work required. What’s crazy is that the world is already trying to break
thing that I could not find purpose. I was B: Same.
like “This is where I end. This is where my
our hearts and the Lord has literally wo-
story, my testimony (if that’s even a thing
ven Himself into the fabric of that pro-
J: It’s because I remember the “done.”
anymore)—this is where it all stops. I’m
cess and it’s turned it into worship…if
God shows up when we’re done and God
gonna be that guy that washed up.” These
we allow it, if we stop striving, if we stop
showed up for me completely.
are real things that I was believing, and it
trying to produce a front that says, “I’ve
always happened at night. I sat down (I
got it figured out and together.” It’s the
B: Yes, and I think it’s funny because maybe
was making a record at the time) and I just
opposite. And 10 times out of 10, I don’t
for someone who picks up this magazine
wrote this song. I was like “God, I’m going
know what’s going on and I simply wake
and sees oh, Worship leader talking about
to speak to You because I know in my heart
up and say, “God, I just wanna be sub-
how to live a life of worship, instantly,
of hearts that You are real, that You are
mitted to You.” That is when incredible
people are probably expecting this 5 step
here. And so in the face of the adversity,
things happen. He never fails. He never
process to get your church really stoked on
in the face of me questioning everything I
doesn’t show up. It’s this daily wrestle of
what you’re doing—it doesn’t exist. What
know to be true about You, I want to write
realizing, fighting that constant anxiety
exists is a broken individual submitted to a
a song about grace even though that is the
that creeps in when I don’t have myself
good God—that is the secret. There’s noth-
furthest thing I feel.”
or things around me figured out.
ing else. My heart comes alive when I hear
What He began showing me was that
If I can just get the Gospel down into
testimonies like [yours] because I wrote a
the one thing that every single experience
a statement and I can look into the eyes
line in a song on the record that came out
had in common was that I perceived a lot
of hurting people, I just want to tell them
that’s “Perfect scars like works of art.” And,
of “together” people making simple, life
that one thing, “If you’re broken, you’re
if I can say anything looking into the eyes
decisions that made them Christians and
in a good spot right now to receive free-
of an individual that is done, it’s to believe
that was it. I just completely (even as a kid)
dom and don’t believe what you’re may-
that that line is true for them, whether
couldn’t buy into it. I didn’t get it. I didn’t
be perceiving the church to be, don’t
they can see right now or not.
understand what was so beautiful about
believe what religion perceives itself to
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I had this crazy moment with the Lord
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that life. And when I started writing this
2018
"I have come to the realization that a life without contrast and texture is a blank canvas and a blank canvas is not that much fun to look at." song, I kept seeing it—imagery of scars
of art. And He uses depth, He uses height,
and building. Pretty soon, that wave is go-
everywhere. (My wife fell into a fire when
He uses it all. That is one thing I know to be
ing to get so big, it’s going to start covering
she was a little baby and so she has skin
perfectly true about the God that we serve.
people and [they’re] going to want to ride
grafts all the way up her arms. Most peo-
I think this is why it’s been hard for me
[it]. It’s something that’s building in the
ple can’t see them now, but they’re very
to make friends because I sit down with
much there.) We were at dinner one day
people and unless the conversations are
and I was just staring at them, realizing
this potent, I find very little to cling to. I sit
how beautiful they had become over time,
down with people for coffee all the time
not because they healed, but because they
and I probably scare some people away
J: We can’t bring healing to the nations un-
were there. It was absolutely beautiful.
because I guess I view things through a
til we bring healing to the church because
The revelation I had with grace is that
different lens. I just don’t do surface well,
it’s the church that’s going to heal the na-
Jesus showed me that out of all the imag-
and maybe that’s why the Lord’s called me
tions. We can’t heal if we don’t receive
ery He could’ve chosen, from like a perfect,
to be a Worship Pastor because I can’t do
healing ourselves. Fortunately, God’s on
still lake to anything perfect that He’s ever
things any other way. I’ve just found so
the fast-track right now. It’s going to seem
created in creation, He chose a bloody and
much beauty in the depth.
like it happened rapidly, but it’s because
battered Man. And I had to come to the
church, and it’s building for humanity. B: Couldn’t agree more.
we’ve been laying the ground work for so
realization that He chose that image for
J: Oh, absolutely. That’s so good! I think
long. That ground work is what people ha-
a reason and the scars that He bore, all of
that’s probably another thing that sets you
ven’t seen.
a sudden I started to compare them to all
apart. I love having these conversations
the things that I was shameful to still car-
that are real.
B: Yes, and it’s also a very hard position to
ry from my past. Then I started looking at
be called into. If I could have recorded a lot
things in a different light and I realized,
of the conversations with my wife for the
Oh my gosh, this is the revelation that the things that I have disregarded as being imperfections, flaws, He has woven into the fabric of grace. And that is why He chose that image for us to cling to. And maybe we’re just doing things wrong. Maybe it’s time to be undone at the feet of Jesus. That’s the bottom line—it doesn’t have to
"Everything was trying to get me not only to walk away from what I love, but to walk away from what I believe."
past 5 or 6 years in ministry, a lot of our processes within the communities we’ve been called to, we haven’t gotten to see the harvest. The Lord calls us into stir up the soil and sprinkle seeds and do all these different things, and then He leads us on. And I just, for once, I want to see the harvest of all of this brutal work. That’s a very
be more complicated than that. The clos-
fleshy part of me speaking when I say that,
er I walk in step with that, the closer to
but it’s conversations like this—it’s the way
the Lord’s heart I feel. The more I feel His
that the Lord weaves in these friendships B: When you’re commissioned with start-
and relationships where all it takes is one
ing a movement that sets people free, the
conversation for me to be reignited to-
J: Yeah. Wow, it’s just beautiful because
thing that’s going to kill us is when people
wards that call. And I go home excited to
there was a time where I was really
aren’t walking in freedom. I deal with that
continue dreaming. We’re not meant to do
ashamed and sort of embarrassed about
daily. It’s a really hard fight, but I’m real-
this alone, so it’s really encouraging when
my scars and the Lord told me, “No, no, it’s
ly honored that He’s entrusted me with
you get to cross paths with other forerun-
part of your story.”
bringing a voice to that table. It’s a deep
ners and people that are tilling the soil. It’s
honor to be chosen.
dirty work, it’s hard and it’s frustrating,
heart for people around me.
B: Thank you for sharing that with me. I
but my gosh, it is so so so fulfilling at the
have come to the realization that a life
J: Oh, it so is! It’s exciting because I can see
end of the day. And I know we’ll see the
without contrast and texture is a blank
waves of truth that are coming—waves of
breakthrough.
canvas and a blank canvas is not that much
freedom that are coming. Right now, it’s
fun to look at. But my goodness, a life with
like we’re the beginning of the wave. We’re
contrast and texture is absolutely a work
starting this wave and it’ll keep building
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Go to BrettLeeMiller.com to listen to Brett's music and get his recent album Topography.
MEGAMORPHOSISMAGAZINE.COM
By Nissi Guiao
T
rust is a must if we want to step into all that God’s got for us. Sometimes, it’s like we shut down or hear the opposite when He says, “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for” (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG). If we take a look at our lives, often it seems as if the enemy’s done quite the superb job in desensitizing us to the truths that set us free to be all that we’re meant to be. But God is on the move, gracefully at work to help us change the way we think (Romans 12:2). Serge Moskalets, Worship Arts Director at Bayside of Citrus Heights, is currently in process of releasing a worship record later this year. His fresh endeavors in fully trusting God beautifully lay the groundwork for anyone to follow suit. Serge says, “You know, God gives us these visions—these cravings—for something great. And we’re usually the ones who squash it, [focusing too much on thinking] ‘I don’t have this, this, this and that.’ We’re literally at the mercy of God in everything we do. But He’s giving us that flame, right? And He’s going, ‘Just trust Me. Just go. Just take that step. Just walk into that door and I’ll meet you on the other side of it.’ He’s wanting us to trust Him.”
OBEDIENCE BEARS FRUIT “Fear and insecurity has been really strong in my life,” says Serge, “the moment we set out to write [the record], it was like, ‘Alright, I’m just going to put some guys together and they’re going to write it. I’m just going to facilitate.’” When it came to it, he says that all he did was be obedient and say “Yes.” All he did was walk into the promise already prepared for him; he believes that “God brought the people around.” For quite some time, He’s had the dream to write a project like the one God’s been calling him to write, but the deceitful feelings of insignificance set in early. Doubts tried to limit what God was up to on his behalf.
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2018
Even with a steady flow of affirmation
He was already well into his journey of
funny, there are people who are like, ‘You
from his community and peers and
trust; this strategically set him up for
have to go to church! Did you read your
leaders, he struggled to believe that God’s
success. He says, “I’ve come a long way.
Bible today?’ [But] when you spend 95%
chosen him to lead and make it happen.
I’ve always been trying to grasp how I
of your time thinking of Heaven, you’re al-
Fear is such a liar, and a very good one
can be a better worship leader. Seven
ways in church.” Easier said than done if
at that.
or eight years ago. . .I copied a model
we’re not aware and intentional about it.
because I didn’t know how. I don’t have
But when we grab hold of this powerful
us hanging to fend for ourselves.
any regrets in that because that was the
truth, everything changes.
Hebrews 13:5 (TPT) reminds us of this
best I could do. But what God’s been
promise, “I will never leave you alone,
teaching me over this whole time is that,
BECOMING UNDONE
never! And I will not loosen my grip on
first of all, the actual worship-leading in
Becoming Undone is proof that we’re
your life!” Because He knew what Serge
music on a weekend is, like, 10 percent
trusting God on deeper levels. It’s an
needed for encouragement to risk in
of my job now. Which is crazy, because
unraveling, an unlearning of all the
faith, He arrested his heart in love. He
I always thought that’s going to be my
extra stuff that tends to keep us tied up
gave him a word that spoke life to the
main thing. Majority of what it takes to
in a “neat” package. And in that, we find
dream he thought he wasn’t cut out for.
be a Jesus follower, a worship leader,
ourselves vulnerably close to Him since
Serge says, “It was interesting—[some-
is relationship with people, the void of
there’s little to nothing in the way any-
one] walked up to me one Sunday. She
strive, the genuineness, and literally just
more. In His presence, all of the nonsense
had no clue of any of this happening and
sitting and talking to people (most of the
withers away if we let it. Then, we’re left
she took me aside and said, ‘I need to tell
week). And then, number two, is living a
with an openness that we’ve been hun-
you something. . .you’re going to write
life of worship.”
gering for that gives us a greater capacity
Thankfully, God never lies nor leaves
this project.’” That encounter was God’s way of graciously nudging him in the right direction. One simple word from Him can change everything. At this point, Serge had two choices: answer the call to trust God on new levels, or don’t. A wise man very recently told me, “We may say we believe, but do we really?” Our actions are pretty big in-
"Babe I am blown away! You know what I realized today? Ninety-five percent of my thoughts are of Heaven."
dicators of what we regard as truth. And if we’re honest, more often than not, we
to be full of the Spirit. Once we find our home in that spot, we explode with awe and wonder and we don’t hold back in our trust. When we walk it out, we then gain the authority to share it with the people around us. All of this encapsulates the journey Serge has been on for the past few years. And his surrender is what has opened the door of his opportunity. Serge shares, “There’s this put-togeth-
As we know, actions speak louder than
erness of everyone. And everyone is
don’t believe to the extent that we should
words. For too long, worship has been
losing their identity, slowly. They’re just
as sons and daughters of the Most High—
limited to song and dance [typically the
losing grip on who they really are—their
as joint heirs to His throne. The thing is,
same time on Sundays], but in hearing
calling and what God’s telling them to
if God starts a work, we can believe that
some of the lessons Serge has learned,
do. They’re starting to just follow trends,
He’ll surely finish it. Most times, it just
we can be reminded of what it should
changing so much that they’re com-
won’t look or turn out how we typically
really look like—involving the entirety of
pletely lost. That’s where the depression
expect it to. Whatever the scenario, how-
our lives. In his words, we’re “to model
comes in, insecurity. All of that drives
ever, we can guarantee it’ll always be far
a life of worship (not just that hour).”
even more [pressure] to be put-together.
better than what we could ask or think
He also told his wife, “Babe, I am blown
To just strive and strive and strive. As I
because that’s just the way He works.
away! You know what I realized today?
think about being Undone, it’s literally
We can also expect God to search the
Ninety-five percent of my thoughts are
just clearly knowing your calling. And
earth, alert, always seeking out anyone
of Heaven.” He says, “There was a time
that’s easy. I don’t have to be put-togeth-
who’s seriously committed to Him (2
in my life where I thought that’s kind of
er. I don’t have to put on a face. I don’t
Chronicles 16:9, MSG paraphrase). Before
weird—that’s a Sunday thing. The reality
have to put on a show; I know my identi-
Serge stepped into writing the record,
is I don’t go to church anymore. I don’t
ty. I’m Undone and I can be as free—I can
he was already writing it with his life.
have to go to church anymore. It’s so
be as wacky as I want to be.”
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#shareradicallove Because Serge’s focus isn’t on himself
to Jesus. “I think I’m genuinely excited
or his own agenda, God knows that he’s
for this next season of life. Just life,”
trustworthy in a place of influence. What
Serge says, hopeful about the future, “be-
The Megamorphosis Team
" . . .There’s been a season of drought. That’s so common to say, but honestly, a drought because of the put-togetherness—the striving—that people are just exhausted [and they’re asking], Is somebody just real out there? That’s what’s next—just genuine people being Jesus with skin on." Serge says next is evidence of his humili-
cause I can see God moving. I can just see
ty and how he honors the Lord: “We want
that He’s doing something on a grander
our project to emit a specific frequency,
scale, not just in what we’re doing on the
that specific people in tune to the Spirit
record and the album, I feel like He’s do-
will hear. Not just [thinking] How can
ing something with people. There’s been
this song be really catchy and really cool?
a season of drought. That’s so common
But [asking ourselves] How can we emit
to say, but honestly, a drought because of
that frequency? That frequency comes
the put-togetherness—the striving—that
from us being in tune with what we are
people are just exhausted [and they’re
doing, and not allowing anything fake—
asking], Is somebody just real out there?
anything that’s like striving. We talk
That’s what’s next—just genuine people
about striving a lot because striving is an
being Jesus with skin on.”
interesting thing. The moment we start
If we want to live loud and be Jesus
striving, we’re ahead of Jesus and we’re
with skin on, we need trust God massive-
no longer really following where He is
ly like He does. Trust is valuable in the
going. We are striving on our own. [So]
Kingdom because the more we do it, the
we’re really careful about not doing that
more He can trust us where He places us.
with this project. I can’t wait to share the
Like most things, it is a continual journey,
stories because the stories of how God’s
not a final destination. We can see this
written it is just incredible. Every word,
with Serge’s project—it’s been one step of
every melody in this project, is literally
trust at a time. As he moves forward, God
written by God.”
will remain trustworthy. Whatever He
It’s a big deal to God when we give Him
Jenene & Heather
Sandi & Heather
Nissi, Emma, Claire
began in Serge, He’ll finish—and it will
all the honor that’s due. And because of
multiply through the power of his obedi-
that, I’m so sure He’s working every de-
ence to share His music with the world.
tail together for Serge’s good, and for the good of the project he’s excited to release with his team. We can all learn from the way he serves and chooses to trust God;
Follow Serge Moskalets on social media to be in the loop on the release of his team’s latest project.
Jenene, Heather & Nissi
he has integrity and character that points
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Justin Gambino
+ UP & COMERS
"I THINK CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERS AND CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEEDS TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE REAL AND AUTHENTIC AND HONEST IN OUR WRITING, IN OUR MUSIC.” Photo by Mandy Fiock
+INTERVIEWED BY JENENE STAFFORD +BY NISSI GUIAO
REACHING FURTHER "I THINK GOD CHOSE JUSTIN GAMBINO TO BE AN UP & COMER AND MAKE HIM KNOWN BECAUSE HE'S FULLY COMMITTED TO FOLLOWING THE CALL ON HIS LIFE AND HE'S PASSIONATE ABOUT GOING AFTER REACHING PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF THE CHURCH." - Jenene Stafford
Sacrifices quietly make bold statements. We don’t always talk about them—most times we avoid them altogether—but every time we make the choice to surrender ourselves for the Kingdom, we attract the heart of God. There’s no sweeter fragrance than when we choose Him above all else. Justin Gambino, a gifted musician, singer/ songwriter and recording artist from Hous-
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
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2018
would get people thinking to make decisions, and to ultimately (prayerfully/hopefully) encourage people to go out and be
SAC RIF ICE
the hands and feet of Jesus.” With such a heart to reach people, he says “Some of my favorite venues are not churches, because that’s where you find the lost. That’s where you find the broken. I would say that my music isn’t always meant for followers and believers. I want to reach people that are hurting and are broken. Like me, I’m not perfect, but I serve a perfect God. And I believe that He writes this music through me so that I can reach those that you wouldn’t find in church.” It’s easy to talk about the dreams in our hearts, but to put in the work it takes to bring them to pass is another story. It took the span of 6 whole years before Justin released his latest album Journey Within My Soul. And it’s been a lifetime of journeying with the Lord for him to get where he is today. When he first started out, he juggled a full-time job and serving
When you’re doing ministry and Kingdom
in the Navy, all while pursuing a career in
work, you know, you’re gonna have oppo-
music. He’s been paying a high price since
sition. The enemy does not want [us to be]
before anyone really knew his name. Now
doing what [we’re] doing, so he’s going to
after all these years, the excitement in his
try to throw everything he can at us while
heart to go big for the Kingdom is drasti-
we’re doing stuff for the Lord. That’s just
cally growing. He says “I really see [God]
how it goes. Some people think ministry
expanding my territory across the world.
work is just a cakewalk and it’s sad that
Here in the next 5-10 years, I see God’s
ton, Texas, has been on his Journey Within
only people in ministry will understand
going to write a few more albums through
My Soul Tour for the bulk of this year. He’s
ministry.” With this mature understand-
me. The Philippines has been heavy on
been on the road significantly more than
ing, he is able to be real and vulnerable
my Spirit. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of
he’s been home, and the way he talks about
through his music that people can sincere-
people messaging me and tuning in to my
the sacrifices he’s been making on a daily
ly connect with and relate to.
Facebook page from Manila. So, I think
basis deserves to be highlighted. He says
Justin says, “I try to be authentic and
God’s going to take my ministry to the
“Yeah, it’s definitely difficult being away
honest in my writing. Like, if I’m feeling
Philippines. I think He’s going to take it
from home, but what makes it not as hard
this spirit of darkness or if I’m in this
outside the country. And that’s my heart—I
is that this is a calling. This is a dream that
season where I just feel darkness around
want to reach as many people as I can with
God put in my heart. So, yeah, it’s hard be-
me, I want to write about that. Because
my music, and I know that God knows that.
ing away from my family. It’s hard being
being a Christian and being a follower of
And I think He’s going to open those doors
away from [my wife], but what makes it
Jesus—it’s not all daisies and roses all the
to places across the ocean and just any-
worth it is whenever people are being min-
time. It’s not skipping along in Candy Land.
where I’m willing to go. I always tell Him,
istered to by the music.” Justin’s dedication
No, there are days where it sucks and it’s
‘Lord, rock my world! I want to be rocked!”
to live out the call on his life no matter the
tough. And I think Christian songwriters
Many have been prophesying over Justin
cost is a genuine example for us to follow,
and Christian music needs to be a little bit
that [his ministry] is going to go to a whole
whatever season we find ourselves in.
more real and authentic and honest in our
new level. He wholeheartedly receives and
writing, in our music. I’m not bashing any
believes it, and his prayer this year has
it’s going well. The first part of the tour
other Christian artist at all. There is great
wildly been “[Lord,] I dare You to just blow
was difficult. There was a lot of spiritual
music out there that’s very uplifting and
my mind with what You have for me!” And
opposition. There were a lot of blows. I just
positive. But I think God gave me a gift to
He’s surely been doing exactly that. M
think it kind of comes with the territory.
write some thought-provoking lyrics that
Regarding his tour, Justin says, “Overall,
Go to JustinGambino.com for tour info.
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MEGAMORPHOSISMAGAZINE.COM
+ UP & COMERS
+ BY NISSI GUIAO
shaking a finger, saying ‘Go to church. You need to do this.’ It’s the relationship and the desire to be known—to let others know you in a vulnerable way. In a way that’s not weird, but is just real and authentic and genuine. That’s the basis, I think, from which we (as a missional church) can go out and actually show people the love of Christ. And do what He had mentioned in Mark 12, which was—love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and love others as you would yourself. So in doing that, they just partner together the way God wants them to partner together. But you can’t have one without the other.” "To be able to take a moment, for example,” says Will, “in a congregational setting, together where we’re building each other up, where we are desperate for God (regardless of what style is being played musically)—to me, that is that essence of the new. It’s really not anything new. It should be something we’ve always been doing (as far as worshipping God), but sometimes it gets missed within the high production stuff that goes on in churches now. [Instead of] just making sure everybody stacks the chairs at the end of the service, gosh, wouldn’t it be great if we just prayed together after service instead of moving on to this or that and the other thing? For me, it’s kind of out of a desperate place that I desire this new sound—this deeper place, this simpler way of living out our faith.” Will thinks “that [regarding the] new sound of worship, sound can mean a lot of different things.” He mentions, “It can be those deep things that are even beyond music styles. When I think of worship, I think of those deeper things, those things that require us, in our hearts, to live more sacrificially. . .that
Photo by Shelby Renfeld
require us to really live out that loving God with all your heart, your mind, your soul and all your strength. And looking at that
WILL DERRYBERRY & MADELINE MCARTHUR
widow who gave everything (out of her poverty) versus those that gave out of their wealth, I think that’s how we should be worshippers—to give out of our desperateness. Many times (it’s
MISSION MINDED
sad to say this) worship has become music; worship has become somewhat of a business. And I start getting sad and angry for those who really want to experience God in a place that is authentic and genuine and maybe desperate [for it].” Reflecting back to our nations’s history, Will says, “[When] I think of the days of old where the churches would go out to parks and do a ministry day, it was always this imposing “We’ve
onestly, I really love talking about the missional stuff,
got to seal the deal to get you saved. And come to our church!”
probably more so than anything else,” says Will Der-
The thing is, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I think that
ryberry, a musician, singer/songwriter and worship
there are steps in that—especially with seeds [being] planted
leader based in California. The Bible says that “out of the over-
relationally. If we don’t take our time with one another, we’re
flow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45) and it doesn’t
gonna miss that opportunity. We’ve got to share that radical
take much for Will to dive in and express what makes him tick,
love, but we’ve got to be okay with doing it in a different kind
the kind of passion that burns deeply in his heart.
of narrative. It’s still Jesus; it’s still God. We’re being true to
Will holds a real kind of radical love for the ones who don’t
Scripture, but we’re living it out in a way that’s re-telling (but
have a voice and are simply looking for a safe and welcom-
it’s actually) looking back to more of an Apostolic way of living
ing place to connect. He says, I think that our community, our
out our faith rather than historically what we’re used to in mod-
culture, wants something—wants people who are authentic and
ern-day church that’s been given information from Christen-
genuine, and isn’t drawn to the imposing, sort of, mom and dad
dom-type ministry and doctrine and thought.”
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2018
FAV’S
Will hits right on target as he explains, “What it really means to be a church in the community —it’s definitely an eye opener to how important it is to just be normal, and to do what you can as a normal human being. . .just demystifying Christianity.” He says, It’s a slow process, but it’s a worthwhile process and just earning the right to be heard and trusted. If that’s the only thing that happens, that’s a great seed planted.” Will lives his message; his words
JOURNEY WITHIN MY SOUL JUSTIN GAMBINO
THE LIFE HEATHER EVANS 2017
2018
are far from empty. He’s moved by the needs of his own community and sows his own seeds through sharing music and serving the world in that kind of way. He’s part of a duo, Two on Tuesday, with Madeline McArthur (a fresh, young musician, singer/songwriter, and worship leader) who is “totally into the missional approach and creating wins and connection for community [as well],” says Will. They "press into their desire to foster a connection between people and create a
TOPOGRAPHY
SOUND OF HEAVEN
BRETT LEE MILLER
BLZN DAVE
2018
2018
safe place for people without feeling like they're at a worship service", Madeline says. This duo is committed to seeing healthy relationships spring up and bring the unity they both are after. Go to wilderryberry.net for their new album coming out soon.
“FOR ME, IT'S
LIVING WITH A FIRE
HEAVEN
JESUS CULTURE
MOSAIC MSC
KIND OF OUT OF A
2018
2018
HALLELUJAH HERE BELOW
LOOK UP CHILD
DESPERATE PLACE THAT I DESIRE THIS NEW SOUND— THIS DEEPER PLACE, THIS SIMPLER WAY OF LIVING OUT OUR FAITH.”
ELEVATION WORSHIP
LAUREN DAIGLE 2018
2018
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MEGAMORPHOSISMAGAZINE.COM
"When I play my instrument, I want something to happen. When I hit a drum, I want someone to be healed. I want somebody to hear God's voice. I want somebody to hear God say 'I love you.' When I hit a cymbal—for someone to see an angel, or for fire to come down from heaven."
BY BRALYNN NEWBY
We sat down with up and coming musician David Laudicina
wants to tap into the other attributes of God. The goal of this al-
to discover how he creates his uniquely inspired music. His
bum is to get rid of the God-box completely, so it’s no longer an
latest album, Sound of Heaven, miraculously came together in
option to step back into the box—it’s gone. He wants to express
just 30 days. In 2016, at just 21 years of age, David heard the
God so that we know Him so well that there’s no opportunity to
call that forged his destiny-driven resolve. At the Azusa Now
define God by our own cognitive limitation.
gathering in Los Angeles Lou Engle gave a prophecy that spoke
David sees God wanting to move in that direction, but under-
directly to David’s drummer heart, “Each move of God began
stands that we’re often too comfortable where we are. We’re
with a sound—with an instrument, and the next move of God
not willing to give up the things that we need to give up in order
will be lead by the drums.” When he said that, David knew he
to move with him. Our eyes and ears have to be opened. As a
wanted to take part in this new move.
young musician, he is very aware that God has entrusted him
David says, “When I play my instrument, I want something
with a huge responsibility to usher in the new age.
to happen. When I hit a drum, I want someone to be healed. I
Being very straightforward, David needed to know details. If
want somebody to hear God’s voice. I want somebody to hear
God were to tell him the new sound is like life, or like revival,
God say, “I love you.” When I hit a cymbal—for someone to see
or something like that, David would just tell God, “That’s pretty
an angel, or for fire to come down from heaven.”
vague. Give me more details. I need to know exactly what heav-
When you hear his music, you can truly feel an emotion of
en sounds like.”
God that has always been there, but has not been tapped into.
He truly desires to be the vessel that can actually make that
We often view God in a solely loving, affectionate, even fluffy,
sound, and the only way that can happen is for him to know
manner. That’s our only viewpoint of who He is. But David
exactly what it sounds like. Literally, like what chord would
ISSUE 4 + THE APPROACHABLE BRIDE
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2018
the guitar play that sounds like life? Would it have distortion,
emulate that cacophony.
would it be clean tone, would he be soloing, would it be more of
“When you think about it, if all this is going on, and we ex-
a pad? On the drums, would it be on the snare, would it be on
perienced all of these sounds all at the same time, I don’t think
the toms? There are so many options, that, for David as a musi-
we would have the church that we have today,” David noted.
cian, he needs to know the specifics. He gets frustrated with the
“I think that if every time God gathered us to worship and that
church as a whole because we speak so vaguely. We need to be
happened, I think the church would look very, very different.”
able to actually hear what heaven sounds like, and bring that
Once he created these sounds and the musical expression
exact sound to the earth. We need to be more literal and more
to go with them, they tested the album on some audiences,
specific in what we ask God.
and the testimonies they got were absolutely extraordinary.
David realized the only way for us to manifest heaven is to
Specifically the Isaiah 6 track. The testimonies of visions and
know what heaven is doing. For him, it was very important to
healings brought forward were more than anything David had
know what heaven is doing musically. He began to ponder what
ever experienced. That was his longing—Can music actually do
heaven actually sounds like. God motioned him to scripture,
this? Can music actually put people in a position where they
looking up instances where heaven is portrayed, or where God
experience who God really is?
makes himself visible to humans, actually coming down from
One lady had a spine disease that curved her spine, and
heaven. He studied what tangible things were really going
during the service her spine literally straightened up. She
on. Isn’t it fascinating how we have all this information about
measured herself when she went home, and she was 2” taller.
heaven and we don’t even know about it because we gloss over
Through the music, somebody had been cured of asthma.
the “nitty gritty.” God prompted David to really take a look at
When she came in she could barely breathe, but the moment
Scriptures, “What do they sound like to you?”
she heard those drums hit, she felt her lungs open up. One
The tracks on Sound of Heaven are the Scriptures David stud-
lady hadn’t slept peacefully in 10 years, but that night after she
ied. All of them, except Isaiah 40, are instances where someone
heard this music, she slept for the first time in a decade. The
was taken up to heaven, they see heaven, they see God, or God
number of visions people shared were absolutely extraordi-
comes down to earth. Those were the five main passages that
nary. David’s seen God moving in a “crazy amazing,” totally new
he found represented who God really was best. As he read these
direction through this album.
Scriptures, he came across things he’d never read before, even though he’d read the Scriptures a hundred times. In Revelation 4, the archetypical example of going to heaven, there’s fire, an
David realized that the only way for us to manifest heaven is to know what heaven is doing.
earthquake. There’s hail. There’s thunder, lightning. There’s billion and billions of angels shouting Holy and singing. There’s angel’s wings flapping as they’re moving around. There’s the sound of the crystal sea, the sound of God’s voice – so many details. There’s all of these sounds noted in various places that you can imagine there is so much noise and so much going on
Even though there have been a lot of scientific studies
that it would seem unbearably loud. We would probably cover
on the power of music, it’s so amazing to see how God uses
our ears because it would hurt our eardrums if we heard it on
the new sound to prove his power. It’s overwhelming in a
earth.
very good way. We are so blown away by the anointing of
According to David’s analysis, the Sound of Heaven would
David’s music that we’re using it for the intro and outro of
cover the entire spectrum of frequency ranges too: bass, mid-
Megamorphosis TV. We believe God is using the magazine to
range, high—all of them. There would be this huge wash of
heal people, so layering this powerful sound of heaven is just
sound, and it’s loud. Most of us would think that heaven sounds
breathtaking.
like our soaking music, so this may be a complete revelation
It’s this freshness and pointed attention to detail that
like it was for David. Sure there may be “soaking” times in the
makes David’s music so moving. You can truly believe it is the
throne room, but every time someone went to heaven in the
authentic sound of heaven when you hear it. We’re moving
bible, it wasn’t that. It was this loud, boisterous sound we may
toward a purity that is so raw and real that nothing impure
shy away from because it makes us uncomfortable.
will stand, and Sound of Heaven is what that shift sounds like.
So that’s how David started making his music. He watched
It’s like the vibrations of the music itself brings that shift. The
YouTube videos of storm chasers, for the thunder, wind and
Bible says that the earth groans for the sons of God to be made
other sounds to get the feel for what it would actually be like to
manifest. David’s music captures that groaning, that anticipa-
visit heaven—to visit the throne room. The closest he could get
tion, that warring to bring about the change. It’s a shift back to
to actually experiencing that was watching a video of some guy
the way God intended the world to be, and in the midst of the
recording a huge storm. Funny, but true. He did that with the
shift, there’s a colliding of sound. It’s magnificent and inspir-
fire, with the earthquakes, with the thunder, the hail, every-
ing, and allows us to access the heavenly realms as the church
thing he could think of. Then, he created music and sounds to
is waking up and preparing herself to be the bride.
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+UP UP&&COMERS COMERS
Heather Evans
BY HEATHER EVANS
Host of the Sacramento Songwriters Circle Photo by Pleasant Street Photography
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
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Have you ever dreamed something but
the it and He immediately gave me the
interact with the Songwriters by writing
had no idea how it would ever happen?
name “Sacramento Songwriter Circle.” I
encouraging words on “encouragement
I’ve definitely been there this past year,
was in shock. I forgot completely about
cards” that are scattered throughout the
and I’ve seen God unfold that dream right
the word, but when He said that, I remem-
audience. My favorite part is at the end of
before my eyes.
bered it and knew what it meant—that I
the evening when I get to give them to the
Allow me to introduce myself—I’m
would be gathering both Christian and
artists and see their reactions.
Heather Evans, a Folk/Pop Singer/Song-
non-Christian Artists together to share
Another dream of mine was to do Meet
writer and big dreamer living in the
their music and that I’d be able to speak
Ups once a month in the Basement of Fig
Sacramento area. I am originally from
into their lives and be a light.
Tree Coffee. I threw the idea out to Joshua,
Columbus, Ohio and transplanted here
We’ve been running the Sacramento
the owner of Fig Tree, and he said yes be-
about 2 1/2 years ago. And when I did, I
Songwriter Circle showcase at Fig Tree
cause he saw the success and the impact
longed for music community. I was a part
Coffee for 9 months now. We have had
of the showcase.
of an amazing music community in Ohio,
almost 50 artists come through and share
We’ve been meeting for about 6 months
so my heart broke when I left and had
their music. My goal every time I host a
now and have about 15-20 Songwriters ev-
start over completely.
Sacramento Songwriter Circle showcase
ery time. At these meet ups, we hear from
In efforts to meet other Singer/Song-
is to encourage and show love to each
a seasoned songwriter, do a songwriting
writers in the area, I started hosting a
artist. I’ve had opportunities to pray for
exercise, I share something inspiration-
“Songwriter in the Round” event at Fig
al, each songwriter shares a song they’re
Tree Coffee in Roseville. Each artist would
working on and we jam together.
share a song and in between, I had the opportunity to ask them questions about their music and songwriting process. I felt in my element. It was different than any “show” I’d ever done before. Joshua Lickter, Owner of Fig Tree Coffee, took notice of this unique event and how the crowd was fully engaged. He asked if I’d want to host these events once a month. Of course, I eagerly said “YES!” I felt like God was calling me to be a light in the Sacramento music scene. I started praying about what he wanted me to do, what this event needed to be.
"Our goal is to eliminate competition in the music scene in Sacramento—support, encourage and create a platform for them to share their music."
Through these meet ups, I’ve seen songwriters team up for shows around town— become friends; I have seen crazy growth and confidence develop. Our goal is to eliminate competition in the music scene in Sacramento —support, encourage and create a platform for them to share their music. My dream moving forward is to have a segment on the local news, to team up with a radio station for a segment and to host the Sacramento Songwriter Circle showcase at a theatre. I’m encouraged to see God move in the
One night, my husband and I went to
Sacramento music scene. I feel like He’s
minister at a young adult group. At the
given me a picture of each songwriter be-
end, they asked if they could pray for us.
ing a light in Sacramento, that when they
When we said yes, they began to proph-
people, give prophetic words and be a
go into Bars, Coffee Shops & venues to per-
ecy over us exactly what we needed to
listening ear. As I’m asking questions, I’m
form, they will light up the city.
hear. One word specifically stuck out to
praying and asking Jesus what He wants
me and stayed with me. The young lady
me to say. It’s always powerful.
If you’re reading this and you have a dream in your heart, go after it with
prophesied “I see you on a circle stage
The Showcase has morphed and grown
God! He wants to partner with you in
with a bunch of musicians. You’re not in
over time; we now have a team headed up
your dreams and has all the connections,
the front but in the back, playing more of
by James Carnahan who helps with sound
resources and solutions to any problem
a supporting role. But you’re definitely
and even records the event “live” for our
you’ll face. You may feel small and insig-
one of the main leaders. On one side of
podcast The Songwriter Circle. We have 2
nificant like a mouse, but He sees you as
the audience there are Christians and on
professional photographers that help cap-
a lion. Strong, brave, called and coura-
the other side are non-Christians. And for
ture photos from the event: Tyler Watley
geous. Stand in the authority He’s given
the first time ever they are all gathered in
of Verdance Visuals and Danielo Pareja
you and dream with Him!
the same place.”
of Sage & Wild Co. We have grown to the
If you’re in the Sacramento area, you’re
At the time I had no idea what this
point were we do 2 Sacramento Songwrit-
invited to the Sacramento Songwriter
word meant, but as I was praying into
er Circles a month. I have an awesome
Circle Showcase on the 1st & 3rd Wednes-
what the event was supposed to be and
Co-host, Jessie Spurgeon, who hosts the
day’s of the month at Fig Tree Coffee in
what to name it, this word came back to
1st Wednesday of the month. I host the
Roseville! Come by and say hello!
my memory. I asked God what to name
3rd Wednesday. We invite the crowd to
45
MEGAMORPHOSISMAGAZINE.COM
M
ade to worship or created to worship is an expression we've been seeing and hearing a lot recently. Of course, I wholeheartedly agree with this concept, as I'm sure most of us do. But I wonder if we understand the full implications of what exactly we're saying.
I suspect what most people mean to say is that worshipping God is our highest calling—our top priority. It's what we were made for. This may be true, but it certainly begs the question, “What exactly is worship?” Think of all the different ways that the word worship is bandied around: "Will there be worship at the meeting tonight?" "She's a real worshipper." "During the third song, everyone was really worshipping." "Hey, I was really blessed by your
Made to Worship
+ RISK TAKER
By Jonathan Fitt
Photo by Alef Vinicius
worship last week." as the thing we can do for God, but it is
14:15). And, of course, Jesus modeled
just about music? Is it about a gath-
actually the moment we decide to sur-
perfect worship in the Garden of Geth-
ering? Is it a feeling? Is it an action?
render our wills that worship occurs.
semane when He prayed “Not my will
Is it a sense of awe and wonder? Is it
The first time the term worship is
So many questions arise: Is worship
but Yours be done.”
something we can be better or worse
used in the Bible is in Genesis 22:5,
at? Who is it for? What is its purpose?
when Abraham is going up Mt. Moriah
about outward physical expression.
Worship of God (or anything) is not
If you ask any group of Christians
to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice to
Rather, it is a posturing of our hearts.
to define worship, you will get about
God. Abraham certainly worshipped
It is an acknowledgment that we are
as many different answers as there
God that day, but it was not by sacri-
in the presence of something greater
are people in the room. Few concepts
ficing Isaac. In hindsight we know that
than ourselves and a choice to place
are so fundamental yet so amorphous.
was never actually God's plan. Abra-
ourselves under its authority.
This is partially because the topic of
ham’s worship was not in his ability to
worship is so expansive, but it may
sacrifice, but in his willingness to obey.
constantly worshipping. Whether it
In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul is instruct-
is God, money, fame, reputation, or
also be that we haven’t taken the time
The shocking reality is that we are
ed to kill every last one of the Ama-
anything else, something is always
lekites (including all their animals).
seated in that position of highest value
ship throughout scripture yields a
Instead, he decides to save some of the
in our lives, and that is the object of
clear result: worship is all about obe-
spoils of war to offer as a sacrifice to
our worship.
dience or submission. These words
the Lord. But Samuel harshly rebukes
are far from trendy in our culture,
Saul, "Obedience is better than sacri-
lutely, it's how we are built. We don't
but nevertheless accurate. Worship is
fice."
even need to strive to make worship
to clearly define it. A careful word study on wor-
recognizing that someone or something
Throughout Scripture we see this
has a higher rank or authority than
theme over and over again: true wor-
ourselves and then willfully subjecting
shippers of God are those that obey
ourselves to its influence—allowing it
Him. Jesus Himself taught it clearly
to control our actions. We tend to think
when He said, "if you love me, you will
of worship as the outward expression,
keep my commandments" (see John
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
46
So are we made to worship? Abso-
our lifestyle. We already worship 24/7. The question is who or what? I choose Jesus. Jonathan Fitt is a speaker and the Founder of ChristianArtistsGuild.com
2018
The Premier Marketing Network for Business RockStars
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then & now
Photo by Toa Heftiba
new section
THE JESUS MOVEMENT
"IN THE LATE 60'S WAS JUST THE BEGINNING OF GOD DRAWING THE UNLIKELY UNDESIRABLE PEOPLE. BY JENENE STAFFORD
LOVE IS FOR EVERYONE." ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
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2018
BY NISSI GUIAO
"IT'S NOW THE TIME THAT THINGS ARE CHANGING AND WE ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY. THOSE WHO LAID THE GROUNDWORK ARE NOW THE ONES WHO ARE INTERCEDING ON OUR BEHALF. THEY'VE GRACEFULLY SHARED THE GOSPEL AND NOW WE GET TO CARRY THE BATON FOR OUR PART OF THE RACE. IT'S OUR TURN TO SHARE RADICAL LOVE. " WE NEED TO HONOR WHAT WAS SO WE CAN STEP INTO THE NEW JESUS MOVEMENT WITH A STRONG FOUNDATION OF LOVE The radical Jesus Movement (from the later 1960’s through the 1980’s) sinks deeper into the soil of our history as each new day passes. The ones who lived through this wild era are dwindling down in numbers, and we hardly discuss the topic anymore to keep those flames burning. As we progress as a people, as the true body of Christ, we can’t neglect those who have gone before us. It’s really because of their yeses that we, too, get to have our own—if we so choose. What took place in our yesterdays, especially decades ago, makes it possible for the modern-day progression we’re experiencing now. And what happened back then, it’s the solid ground we’re being built on today. It would be distasteful to disregard the ground beneath our feet. Foundations don’t happen by surprise, by a blink of an eye, or merely by the snap of one’s fingers. It takes work and a significant amount of time, as it is very much a process. If it’s rushed, the integrity of a structure gets compromised. The steps, though they can feel long and drawn out or even frustrating to follow, are necessary in the building process. God Himself designed things this way. He started off by creating man from the foundations of the Earth. But typically, we forget where we came from. It’s been the same in our culture and has carried over too long, which has resulted in this generational divide. Our neglect of honor for the heroes who have paved the way for us is the reason we can’t be fully molded just yet. A significant part of being built up in the Potter’s hands is to gain a healthy, honest appreciation for the work we didn’t have to do. Our gratitude instead of grumbling is our gift to give back. It is a genuine sign of maturity and growth. It can also be expressed by simply bearing in mind that we didn’t get here on our own. The moves of the Spirit are fresh and momentous now because of the blood, sweat and tears from the generations that we haven’t properly esteemed like we should.
It’s not a secret that the older generation has felt the disdain of the passionate young. Though not everyone is guilty of disrespect, there has been more than enough to acknowledge it. The greater fault in our step has been the way we don’t seem to care much about anything that feels “old.” Our carelessness can feel heavy on the shoulders of the ones who have carried us to this point, just like it was for Lonnie Frisbee, the most well-known hippie evangelist who shook the nation with his bold ministry and attractive love for Jesus. The masses were drawn to him, but it’s not a secret that many were only after his anointing. We can’t afford to continue making this same
"We can't move forward in the way we're burning to move forward if we blow out the flame of our history—it's the main source of our own fire. It's time to be RESET to our natural place with Jesus." mistake in our day. Many of us run in excitement because we get a taste of the anointing, and then it’s easy to step on the toes of the ones who really need our respect. It’s now the time that things are changing and we all have a part to play. Those who laid the groundwork are now the ones who are interceding on our behalf. They’ve gracefully carried the responsibility of sharing the Gospel and now we get to carry the baton for our part of the race. It’s our turn to share radical love, but not at their expense. That’s actually not real love if we stomped all over their work in pride.
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Though we all look different, we’re on the same team. The building is nothing without its foundation. Both have different roles, yet they need each other to accomplish their purpose. We can’t move forward in the way we’re burning to move forward if we blow out the flame of our history—it’s the main source of our own fire. It’s time to be RESET to our natural place with Jesus. We don’t have to be fake or change who we are to relate to what we may not understand. We have the same job today as the one back then and it’s to love fiercely, no matter who it is, and that’s how we’ll shake the world. THE MOVEMENT Earthquakes don't happen out of nowhere. In the same way, we will only shake our world by actually living our lives with Jesus. And that begins with us waking up to Him and His call on each of our lives. If we want to keep driving the Jesus Movement forward, we've got to be intentional about moving forward with Him. This means moving away from anything that doesn't have His name all over it— whether it be flawed and judgmental, religious beliefs, old thinking, small thinking, etc. We need to let go of anything that weighs us down, especially in our hearts and minds. When we welcome Jesus in fully, He is what moves us—He is what shakes us. He's the movement within us that causes His burning desires for the world to erupt from our hearts and minds. He is the change we need. Partnering with Jesus is the best thing we can do, and it's the only real way to make an impact in our culture. The creativity and gifts and talents that the world needs us to break out and share have been dormant, just as we have been living in a daze for decades. The sooner we can appreciate our foundations and the more we honor the generations before us, the Holy Spirit can expedite the building process within us. The immaculate work that only He can do is the new thing the world is starving for. And He's just waiting for us to align with Him so He can move forward with His plans.
MEGAMORPHOSISMAGAZINE.COM
+ THEN & NOW
The Story of
MEGAMORPHOSIS Magazine
BY JENENE STAFFORD
This is the beginning of the Megamorphosis Magazine [ & Media ] Story.
I
T'S ONLY THE BEGINNING OF THE MEGAMORPHOSIS OF THE CHURCH I had a dream and in this dream there were schools of butterflies flying together, all incredibly beautiful with unique patterns and colors. But, you'd see one or two go into another school of butterflies, and pretty soon it was a massive exchange while they flew back and forth into other schools as if information was being shared. In the end of the dream, all of the schools of butterflies flew up and landed on a wall that was a massive tree branch, but yet a wall. And engraved in the tree was a clock. As soon as all the schools of butterflies landed on the wall, they all morphed into one, massive butterfly… We’re coming together despite our differences—it’s a new era.
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
THE PROPHETIC FOOTPRINTS & STEPS OF OBEDIENCE TO GET US HERE Sandi Padilla, co-owner of Pure Worship Radio, and I became close friends while both being part of the leadership team of Destiny Women Global, a downtown Sacramento women's movement. During that time, we discovered we had the same mandate to bring healing to the nations and had a similar heartbeat for ministry, although with different giftings. We felt compelled to go and begin to pray at the Capitol in February of 2016; we knew that what we were doing had long term effects that were part of a much bigger picture. For about 4 1/2 months, we worshiped and prayed at the Capitol grounds and inside the building, at the Veteran’s Wall, and at the Rose Garden. At the time, the roses had since been pruned, but we anointed each bush ]and the Lord said the roses would grow bigger and more vibrant than ever before. That’s exactly what
52
happened (we have footage with the Gardener describing the new rose blooms exactly as God said they’d be) and it is the foundation Holy Spirit is building the magazine on today. When the Lord called us to the Capitol, Sandi played music and I prophesied what I would hear. Miracles happened there. Sandi has an amazing anointing for healing music of the Bible and I am an apostolic seer. As things began to heat up politically, I believe Sandi and I both felt a strong need to go and pray for our nation and the politicians in office. Although personally I dislike the whole political game, God still uses me to move things out of the way, spiritually speaking, and to intercede for His will, laws, declarations and decrees. Often, we don't know the details of how God is going to do what He's going to do, but we both believe Him and are obedient to His voice. This has been part of the journey to get from a to b to c. I am always keen to what God's saying
2018
Sue
Sandi
and what He's doing, (so it makes sense now why He chose me for MM because my desire is to solely move as Holy Spirit leads—the entire thing is based on seeing, hearing and responding to His many supernatural and divine appointments. It’s an incredible honor to be part of.) Apparently, God was pleased with our obedience because in June of 2016 (4 1/2 months later), the Lord called us on another assignment—Washington D.C. He took us from praying, interceding and anointing the grounds in California to start documenting what was going to happen in the future. I could sense strongly in my spirit it was going to be really big, like nothing ever seen. THE FOUNDATIONAL STEPS THAT STARTED WITH THE MEDIA VISION We were sitting at my dining room table in June 2016 creating our vision boards when the Holy Spirit showed up. We saw the RESET Promo Video where the goal was to come together and get a million people on the Washington Mall. (As much as people complain about Facebook, I can't begin to tell you how many times, miraculously, the Holy Spirit intervenes and drops media into my lap. The media anointing should have occurred to me then, but now, at least, it's blatantly clear.) Sandi and I both received the vision that we were to go to Washington D.C. that day when we learned about the RESET event. I can still remember that "aha" moment when we looked at each other and Sandi said, "We're going to Washington
Jenene
D.C. aren't we?" I said, "Yes." Just three weeks later, God gave us the ideas to raise the money to get there. Sandi, applied for press passes and we crossed our fingers and prayed. God worked out all the details and paid for everything (by the end, I returned home with one dollar, literally, in my pocket). EVERYTHING WAS RESET "Reset" was the beginning of us seeing the “New Jesus People” begin to rise, proclaiming to come “Together.” It was a major prophetic footstep
"The New Jesus Movement will come with a fight but with diversity and unity as we learn to love." for the Church. We saw hundreds of thousands of people put their religious and denominational
53
differences to the side for the sake of Jesus' name. People humbled themselves and prayed together—experiencing these beautiful moments had me and Sandi in awe. But, what happened next was so amazing as thousands stayed behind after the event had unexpectedly ended. It just seemed that the Holy Spirit took over and we saw a freedom that broke through in the Spirit (that reminds me of the footage I've recently seen of the 60's and 70's "Jesus People”). A HIGH PRICE The New Jesus Movement will come with a fight but with diversity and unity as we learn to love. During the afternoon of the event, the heat was at an incredible high. Even with signs and billboards and the event coordinators doing everything possible to get people to drink water, still, hundreds of people collapsed from the heat. Ambulances came to take people to the hospital and the Mayor shut the event down early due to taxing the city with all of the health issues. But then, something amazing and beautiful happened. Determined to not let anything stop the move of the Spirit, it only took a few minutes for people to start gathering together. Sandi and I began to see groups singing, praying, flagging and dancing. This sight was beautiful, and it is only a tiny glimpse of what it will be like with the New Jesus Movement. What’s coming is an unstoppable love-force that will rise all over our cities and in the marketplace.
MEGAMORPHOSISMAGAZINE.COM
+ THEN & NOW
" ...Just like we're doing the magazine, with obedience, humility and letting the Holy Spirit lead."
WHAT’S NEW—WHAT IS GOD SAYING? The New Jesus Movement will be made of “brave” believers (B-bold & brilliant, R-rulers and role models, A-anointed and accountable, V-valiant and victorious, E-empowered and engaged). It's happening now, and it began in 2016. (I’ve waited many years to see this—the rise of the B.R.A.V.E. church.) The prophetic message that I received and shared on our mission video to our tribe was that the Lord sent us to document the "revival of the nation, the rise of the B.R.A.V.E. church and the beginning of the Truth Teller Revolution." Included in this assignment was to begin a documentary called "What Is God Saying?" With limited gear, we did as we were led. Sandi knew how to film, but since we didn't have lapel mics, she had her camera often in my face.
Admittedly, at times it was irritating. But we did it. Just like we're doing it with the magazine— with obedience, humility and letting Holy Spirit lead. (Some of the photos and footage from the trip are in this article and will also be shared on the Megamorphosis TV intro of every show, being released soon. The documentary will come when the Lord gives the green light, but still there are more foundational pieces that need to come together, like what came recently with Tent America 2018 with worship happening across the nation.)
#shareradicallove. He showed me that the reason that we will do greater things than even Jesus did is 1) because the time is short, and 2) because we will learn love and unity at a much higher level. We'll never get to unity without learning to love first. Learning to unify in the Spirit (not religion) is what will make us an unstoppable force and we will see a lot of miracles. The future won't be about the miracles though; it will be about King Jesus. He's going to reveal a lot of things in the next year.
SHARE RADICAL LOVE The Lord began to put a crazy burning in my heart to see love rise a few years ago. I saw some of my old Facebook posts and saw the hashtag
GOD BRINGS US FULL CIRCLE The Lord said to go live with video streaming and to film and produce the final unknown pieces of this issue, Undone, just days before this issue would go into production from the California State Capitol at the Tent America 2018 event. With no real agenda except to listen close to His voice and leadings, my team and I dove into the newest assignment. He vividly reminded me of how and when this all began. He brought me back, full circle, to the Rose Garden and we filmed a new video at the same location we filmed the Gardener two and a half years ago. It is nothing short of incredible to see the plans unfold before my eyes and more of the story will come out in His perfect timing. WHEN & HOW HOLY SPIRIT LEADS Megamorphosis Magazine & Media is about documenting the revival of the nation, the rise of the B.R.A.V.E. church and the beginning of the Truth Teller Revolution. I receive personal revelation of
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
54
2018
the theme of each issue and I birth in my spirit the very topic. In this case, we've been "Undone" on this journey. It has been particularly challenging due to the nature of the topic "Undone." From the beginning of creation, God was undone and even He experiences the emotional roller-coaster of the highs and lows of the rises and falls and battles. So we, in turn, experience a small taste of being in His shoes in order to bring you what's real, authentic and timely. For me personally (as the apostolic catalyst for birthing the revelation through the media platforms as the leader of Megamorphosis Magazine), the burden and responsibility is mega, multi-faceted and dynamic at times. Part of the challenge is discerning the timing of when to release the prophetic and hearing God with as much precision as possible. Each issue's theme is given completely by the Spirit. And in fact, each person featured in the magazine is given by the Spirit as well. As the creative designer, nothing in the magazine is designed without first hearing and seeing the vision from the Lord. I am relentless in pursuing God's heart and by the end of each issue's production, I have battled so intensely that I typically have to rest for about four days to begin to recover. This issue, the whole team, I believe, has experienced some of this burden. But, this is what it means to be a risk-taker, to be part of the New Jesus Movement, to be a revolutionary—we give everything for Jesus. WHAT NOW If there is one thing that has become blatantly clear throughout this two and a half year journey, it is that unity and love are finally being taken seriously. It’s these two things that are going to change everything in culture and in the church as we know it. It was a controversial topic amongst "the religious" in Washington D.C. with their picketing signs claiming that the gathering was about a one world religion (more about that in the documentary)—it will unfortunately remain that way. But, the good news is, Jesus gave us the
#SHARERADICALLOVE #EXPECTMIRACLES
"WHAT I SEE COMING SOON IN LIVING ROOMS, COFFEE SHOPS, STREET CORNERS AND IN THE MARKETPLACE ARE THE RADICALLY LOVING, UNSTOPPABLE JESUS PEOPLE.
commandment to love one another as He and the Father love, and are One. He also said the world would know us by our love. He said to love the Father with all our heart, soul and mind. It seems pretty clear, Jesus is coming back as the Judge to judge the Church and we better be thinking about His commandments, not a religious spirit that loves to twist everything and is blinded by pride. We've got to keep our eyes on love, on Jesus, the Word, and the Father's will and we'll be safe. We can't allow things to get out of order. We can't be more focused on anointing, ministry or miracles than walking with Jesus, living a Holy life in service to our Lord and King and remembering we are part of a heavenly family. We are stronger together. THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT The future is going to be different, unlike anything we've seen—more real and raw than ever, but the impact will be phenomenal and the transformation from the church to the bride will
55
THE FUTURE IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT, UNLIKE ANYTHING WE'VE SEEN, MORE REAL AND AUTHENTIC, BUT THE IMPACT WILL BE PHENOMENAL AND THE TRANSFORMATION FROM THE CHURCH TO THE BRIDE WILL BE A TOTAL MEGAMORPHOSIS. be a total megamorphosis. What I see coming in living rooms, coffee shops, street corners and in the marketplace are radically-loving, unstoppable Jesus people. We believe that our job at MM is to capture these moments and empower the Church to be risk-takers changing lives, shaking things up and defying status-quo Christianity. We know that we are a diamond in the rough, but we're a very large diamond. We are twice the size of Jesus' left hand and He molds us, holds us and moves us, making us into a glimmering sight for all the world to see. It is our assignment from Jesus' very own lips to display the beauty and uniqueness of the diamond, His bride.
MEGAMORPHOSISMAGAZINE.COM
CALIFORNIA TENT AMERICA 2018
BY BRALYNN NEWBY
"ONCE WE GET BACK TO THAT, THAT WE'RE ONE IN CHRIST, ALL THAT OTHER STUFF JUST STARTS TO DISAPPEAR. IT'S TIME TO LET GO OF OUR DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES. WE HAVE SO MUCH IN COMMON, AND THAT'S JESUS."
Heather Murdock, host of Megamorphosis TV interviewed Anna Mix, who, with her husband John, coordinated the California Tent America 2018. Here are some gems from that talk, which will be coming soon in its entirety on Megamorphosis TV.
country—is really phenomenal. It’s never been done before, so we totally know the wind of the Spirit is on it for this time and this season. We’re seeing this growth of family, especially in California. Other states are seeing it too, but there’s something special on the state of California (as way-makers) into family that’s going to spread. Other states are calling and saying, “What’s California doing? What’s happening? Why is family building so rapidly there?” And it’s really because we said Yes to that heart of the Father, proving that family mattered. And it’s the body of Christ coming into our rightful place. Tent America next year? We don’t know. It’s about following God. Whatever Holy Spirit leads us to do, there's going to be fire on it, and it’s going to be exciting and amazing. We don’t know what it will look like, and we’ll just say yes again.
Anna and John were worship leaders at Fresh Winds Church in Lakeport, CA when they got the call to be part of the core team for Awaken the Dawn in Washington D.C. last year. What really spoke to their hearts about the movement, after years of doing ministry and getting burned out just going from event to event, was the idea that this was about gathering our family, and the Kingdom is about family. John and Anna really felt that God has been drawing people into this movement. God is accelerating the process of the body of Christ becoming family. Last year was the first year of Awaken the Dawn, and they felt like they were supposed to have every tent representing the 50 states around the National Mall. Every state would have worshipers come to D.C. and represent their state during that three days. So Tent America this year is God’s new move. Every state is hosting the event in their own capitol. We are lifting praise, worship, prayer, prophetic art, and we have children worshiping and praying for people. The unity of every state doing this at the same time is so powerful. This coming together in unity is laying down our doctrinal differences and our theological separations. We realize that the only true separator is sin. The blood unites us, and we realize that we were really made as one family. Once we get back to that, that we’re one in Christ, all that other stuff just starts to disappear. It’s time to let go of our doctrinal differences. We have so much in common, and that’s Jesus. That’s wanting to love the world and release the Kingdom that’s inside of us. It’s been really exciting to have this event during the Feast of Tabernacles. Tent America is like “tenting” with the Lord—creating a place for the presence of the Lord to inhabit. We know we’re the vessels He inhabits, that we’re not in a visitation, but a habitation season. But to do this as an entire nation—24/7 worship, praise and prayer in every state capitol across the
. . . AND FROM BRALYNN We thank John and Anna for saying Yes and coordinating this event for Sacramento. Ironically (i.e. by God’s design) the State Capitol grounds were not available for the entire three days, so the 24/7 part was held at the nearby Cesar Chavez park, and just one day was actually at the Capitol. But, wouldn’t you know, John explained that it’s the land where Cesar Chavez park is was the original location chosen to build the California State Capitol. God is bringing California back to its Christian roots in many ways. It’s an exciting time to be alive and be about our Father’s business. I had the honor of leading one of the prayer sessions inside the Capitol, in one of the chambers where the State Legislature meets. Prayers for the state and for the nation, and praise for the shift God is doing were rich and powerful, and sealed into the very walls, halls and grounds. Our worship leaders were singing about authority, and I felt God say, “Take the seat.” So I sat in the chairman’s seat and first repented for California’s corruption, perversion, and turning its back on God. I broke the covenants with death and sin. Then I decreed and declared that California was a God-fearing state, honoring the Constitution of the United States that was founded on Christian principles. I wasn’t the first, and won’t be the last, but it was a pretty cool God moment. Especially with the shifts in government that are coming very soon. God has not given up on California, and Tent America revealed just how firmly rooted the “Tree of Life” is right here in Sacramento—the City of Trees. 56
MEGAMORPHOSISMAGAZINE.COM
ROOTS OUR JEWISH ROOTS
APPOINTED TIME TO UNLEASH THE SOUND A WORD FOR THE HEBREW NEW YEAR 5779
+ Article By Malvina Laudicina
ISSUE 5 + UNDONE
58
2018
"We are taken from our initial conception, shaped, molded, and matured into the appropriate form, and employed to accomplish the divine purposes of the kingdom."
As one season comes to a close, another
43:19). Now, as that season concludes, we
the letter “tet” speaks of an expecting
have started a movement. But He is ask-
mother, the womb being the basket or
begins, and with it blooms new revelation
ing us to manifest and unleash His Sound
container in which the baby is kept un-
and understanding of the times ahead.
in this uncharted territory in order to
til pregnancy reaches its fullness. There
With fall signaling the Hebrew New Year,
prosper.
was a new movement that was conceived
a new cycle of movement in the spiritual
We now must examine the meaning
last year that will reach its full matura-
realm commences. God begins to move
of the New Year to start to grasp the new
tion and be birthed in the forthcoming
differently. And we must learn from the
sounds. This upcoming year is 5779, “9” be-
months. The sound similar to the song of
past year to comprehend our weaknesses,
ing the Hebrew letter “tet,” having the
Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is another pre-
but also seek revelation concerning God’s
numerical value “9,” the pictograph of a
eminent sound for this season: a sound
divine objectives to strengthen us in the
basket, and the meaning “basket,” “clay,”
of remembering all the blessings of God
days forthcoming.
“surround,” or “contain.”
and the multiplication that comes from
Every summer as I seek the Lord con-
Based on the letter “tet,” here are some
cerning the Hebrew New Year, an image
of the sounds that will define the season
or certain keywords are instilled in my
ahead:
following Him. And it reaches its climax with a sound of kingdom:
heart focusing on the foundation of what is to come. This year I heard the Lord
THE SOUND OF THE POTTER’S WHEEL
say, “This is the Appointed Time to Un-
Common practice amongst the nomadic
deepest feelings:
leash the Sound!” But to understand this
Hebrews was to carry clay in baskets to
My heart rejoices in the Eternal One;
fully, we have to dissect the year prior and
transport it to a destination and then use
my strength grows strong
how it relates to the year ahead.
the clay to build vases, lamps, plasters,
in the Eternal.
Last year was the year 5778 in the
etc. Similarly, if we are the clay and the
My mouth can mock my enemies
Hebrew calendar, and in the Hebrew
Lord is the Potter, we can see analogous
because I celebrate how
language (letters also have a numerical
comparisons to how we are formed and
You have saved me!
value). The “8” in “5778” in the Hebrew
how we are to be used in the hands of God
No one is holy like the Eternal One—
language is the letter “chet,” and to make
this season. We are taken from our initial
no, no one but You; and there is no
things more entertaining, each letter has
conception, shaped, molded, and matured
rock as solid as our True God.
its own meaning and pictograph associat-
into the appropriate form, and employed
Stop talking so proudly,
ed with it. So, “chet” has a numerical val-
to accomplish the divine purposes of the
and don’t let such arrogance
ue of eight; its pictograph is a door or gate-
kingdom. One of the sounds we need to
flow from your lips,
way, and its meaning is literally “divide,”
become familiar with is the sound of the
For the Eternal One is a
“half,” or “outside,” as a door or gateway
potter’s wheel. This sound will be prom-
True God who knows,
separates one area from another. Year
inent these next twelve months revealing
and He weighs the actions He sees.
5778 thus was dubbed “the year of the
the heavenly vibrations of the Father’s
The bows of the mighty crack in two,
gate,” being a year of passing through into
moldings in how He wants to shape us for
but the feeble are given new strength.
the promise just as the Israelites passed
our future destinies.
Those who were full have had to work
through the Jordan into the Land of Ca-
“Then Hannah prayed out of her
hard so they can eat,
naan. Last year, the word He dropped in
THE SOUND OF BIRTHING KINGDOM:
my heart was the word “movement.” The
The letter “tet” numerical value is 9 which
become fat with rich food.
Lord broke into a new movement and we
is the time that it takes to reach the com-
The one who was infertile has borne
had to follow Him into unexplored prom-
pletion in a pregnancy. This value com-
ises that were not fully revealed (Isaiah
bined with other pictures associated with
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THE SOUND OF HIS GOODNESS:
THE SOUND OF THE NEW WINE:
while the one who bore many
It is helpful to examine words that have
Last but not least, as we enter in a renew-
seven children, sits alone in sadness.
the letter “tet” to unveil deeper meanings
al of covenant, this is the appointed time
The Eternal One kills and
for this coming shift. One word that will
where we will release the sound of new
brings to life;
direct us this year is the Hebrew word
wine. This is described in Zephaniah 3:9,
He sends down to the grave and
“tov” which is a “tet” word and means
17. Like in Hannah’s song, we will expe-
raises up new life.
good. When the Lord spoke to me about
rience a shift of the sound. We will speak
The Eternal One makes both poor
unleashing the sound, He elaborated and
directly to God in one accord and with a
and rich; some He humbles, and
revealed that is time to unleash the sound
pure sound, and in return the Lord will
of His goodness, or “tov”-ness.
release a sound over us:
others He honors. He lifts the poor up out of the dust, the
During creation, the Lord sealed every
“For then I will restore to the peoples a
needy from the trash heap. He
action with the signet of “tov,” showing
pure language, That they all may call on the name of the Lord,
raises them to sit with princes
the intrinsic goodness of all things creat-
and seats them on a glorious throne.
ed through a divine declaration. This is a
To serve Him with one accord”
For the pillars of the earth are the
season of unleashing a creative sound of
The Lord your God in your midst,
Eternal One’s, and on them, He
dignity and excellence that will allow us
The Mighty One, will save;
has set the world.
to mirror the Father in achieving and ful-
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will watch over the footsteps
filling the promises that were proclaimed
He will quiet you with His love,
last season.
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
of the faithful, but the wicked will be made
The Lord created the Earth with
(Zephaniah 3:9,17 NKJV)
silent in the darkness,
the sound of His voice and said it was
Jesus’ miracle at the wedding of Cana
for one does not win by
good. Out of the ground He formed man
epitomizes this notion perfectly. Here is a
strength alone.
and breathed life into him, and concluded
moment, an appointed time, where there
The Eternal One will shatter His foes;
it was very good. Man and land are close-
is a need for a new wine, a new sound, a
from His throne in heaven, He will
ly connected; the sounds the Earth makes
new movement. The old had worn out and
thunder with rage.
impact us and the sounds we make will
run dry, but the necessity for more did not
The Eternal One will be judge to the
impact the land. As the land hears the
relinquish. This is how the new season will
ends of the earth;
sounds of His goodness, we will see great-
work in that Jesus provided the declara-
He gives strength to His king,
er shifts in the land and in humanity. This
tive ignition commencing the creation of
And power to the one He chooses to
season, the Lord will unleash a proposal
the new wine resulting in the affirmation
rule” (1 Samuel 2:1-10 VOICE).
to the Earth that speaks of His love and
and exhilaration of the master. Because
goodness for the land and human kind.
we have entered into the appointed time
It is a sound that arises from praise
We must accept the proposal in order to
to release what has been poured in these
and worship and shifts barrenness to
renew our covenant with the land and
clay vessels, because of Christ’s declara-
multiplication. We have been like Han-
with our Creator.
tion of destiny over our earthen exterior,
nah, barren for a time awaiting a divine
we will hear the Master rejoice over us
shift in the atmosphere and finally being impregnated with a promise that is to
with a sound that says, “You have saved “People won’t talk about you
the best for last.” He will sing a sound of
reach its fullness this new year. The ves-
anymore using words
sel that carried the promise now makes a
like “forsaken” or “empty.”
sound of thanksgiving and gratitude that
Instead, you will be called “My
heaven over us, but do you know what
transforms fruitlessness into a kingdom
delight” and the land around
that sounds like? What is heaven saying
you “Married,”
about you? What will you need to do in
never been perceived before. Hannah
because the Eternal is pleased with you
order to prosper in the next move of God?
prophesied the end of an era and the
and has bound Himself
I challenge you to hear the new language
to your land.
of faith, holiness, and praise emanating
As a young man marries the
from the throne room to guide you in days
declaration. This is a sound that has
beginning of the shift. This sound birthed the power of judgement and anointing that launched Samuel from being the
woman he loves,
final judge to the prophet who initiates
so your sons will marry you, Jerusalem.
the shift of the old regime into the reign
As a groom takes joy in his bride,
of the kingdom era. Samuel anoints the
so your God will take joy in you”
first King! We need to become familiar
(Isaiah 62:4-5 VOICE).
love over us and the land! This is a year to hear the sound of
ahead, in seasons to come.
Malvina Laudicina is a speaker and prophetic artist.
with the shift of the sound to perceive the shift of the era.
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A PARTIAL TEACHING FROM ANITA ALEXANDER WRITTEN BY BRALYNN NEWBY
ristianity A PROPHETIC WORD ABOUT 5779
No one can deny that a shift is taking place in the world. We feel the tension as entrenched evil pushes back against God’s exposing of it. Anita Alexander shares prophetic insight into God’s plan for this season in human history. This is a summary of her teaching. Recently she was shown the numbers 999 and 414 in a dream. The number nine is finality, or judgement. In the dream she was saying, “Recompense and Justice, Restitution and Redemption.” She recognized 414, and said, “Yes, it’s time for Esther.” Esther 4:14 says, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this, and for this very occasion?” We are in a “such a time as this” moment in the church. There is a positioning of the church that is happening for such a time as this. But you’ll notice that at the beginning of this verse, Mordecai is beseeching Esther, “If you keep silent, will God not raise up another and you and your house will perish?” There’s something about being positioned and not keeping silent. God is positioning His people to release a sound. And the sound is justice. The sound is victory. Esther had to release the sound of justice. Her calling was to bring forth justice, but what was it to do? It was to unveil the fake, to unveil the lie. It was to unveil and expose the deception of the enemy. The Lord in this season is unveiling deception in His church and He’s unveiling deception through his church. But first, He’s got to do the purification. Esther had a purification for six months, then a beautification for six months. She was purified, she was beautified, then she was presented to demonstrate. It is 4:14 time. It is “for such a time as this” time. The Lord is positioning His church in places of favor for a demonstration on purpose. The beauty of the Lord, the favor of the Lord had to be on Esther to position her so she could be presented before the king. She was positioned to be presented so she could demonstrate justice. This is the 4:14 season, time for the 999. Justice, finality to Haman’s work. Haman’s been too long in the church, and too long in the government. Dividing and conquering and causing upheaval and blinding people’s eyes, God says his day is up. His justice day is here. It’s time for Esther, it’s time for 4:14 to happen. It’s time for justice. There’s a shift in government just like the shift to Saul’s government, then to the government of David. Those two shifts in government were for the sake of the kingdom. They weren’t for the sake of themselves. There was a price they both had to pay. There was a genuineness and an authenticity that was required by both of them. Genuineness and authenticity is what’s going to overturn Haman. Not pseudo-Christianity. Pseudo-Christianity is just going to keep elevating Haman.
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Pseudo-Christianity is all about the fear
break chains off people’s lives that they’ve
of man. It’s self serving, and the opposite of
been dealing with for years and even gen-
their blood’s on your hands. It’s time not to be silent. Thus saith the
laying down our lives. The fear of man is
erations. There’s a sound of justice that God
Lord, “It is the time to speak.” And you’re
all about us and our reputation and what
wants coming through his people, like that
going to see the army that’s been asleep
can man do to us. That’s why the fear of the
of Esther, that’s going to overturn a decree
for far too long rise up. God is bringing his
Lord isn’t really that strong in the church.
of death, and bring forth a decree of life.
people back to authenticity for the cause of
In this season of preparation, He is laying
Anita sees abortion being overturned. You
justice. It starts with the purification of re-
the axe to the root of every tree that doesn’t
might say, “That’s impossible. No way.” But
pentance. So that the gavel of God can come
bear fruit. God is laying the axe to the root
there’s a Wilberforce anointing that’s com-
down through his people and we can see
of the tree of the fear of man, which is the
ing on many people. Wilberforce fought for
that resurrection life flowing as it did in the
root of all sorts of evil. There’s a fear of God
20 years to abolish slavery, and nearly died
days of the early church. Not only that—but
that needs to take its place, to shift, to purify
doing it. There’s a price to pay when we
it will be a double portion.
the church.
fight for someone else. But there’s a reward
God says, “I want my people to repent
There is a cry and a groan for authentic-
when you fight for someone else because
of pseudo-Christianity. I want my people
ity, but there is a price to pay for being au-
everyone under that victory is accredited to
to repent of the fear of man, so the fear of
thentic. Like a salmon swimming upstream,
you. They’ll meet you in the eternal man-
the Lord can return to my people, and there
others might not really like what you’re
sions and say, “Thank you.”
may be truly awe.” In the Book of Acts there
doing because you’re being true to yourself.
There’s a shift in this “Me, Myself and I”
were miracles, signs and wonders that were
The Lord anoints authenticity. He doesn’t
thinking culture that’s coming. That’s why
phenomenal. It says, “And the fear of God
anoint copycats and counterfeits.
the church hasn’t really walked in victory.
was amongst all of them that were present
He has made you authentic because you
You can’t actually walk in victory if you’re
in that assembly.” The fear of God comes
have a sound to release on this earth. He’s
living for yourself. You’ve got to be willing
with miracles. The fear of God comes with
not going to anoint you to release someone
to die in order to walk in the resurrection
the glory. And it all starts with repentance.
else’s sound. He’s got the sound in you, that
life. Die to ourselves. Die to the fear of man.
We’re about to be immersed. We’re about
you were born with. There’s a sound that
Die to our pseudo-Christian lifestyle. Anita
to see the glory of God like we haven’t seen
you carry, a sound of heaven, of the King-
knew when God gave her this dream, she
it before. If there was fear and awe in the
dom. What is that sound? What is that ex-
had to be the first. She said, “Me first. I’ve
days of Ananias and Sapphira, can you
pression of heaven that you carry? What
got to repent. Me first, Lord, I am sorry. An-
imagine the double portion of that?
comes from that intimate place within you,
other layer, strip it off, take off the cloak of
from times of intimacy with the Lord? It
dignity.”
doesn’t come from external, pretentious,
“I long for God to show himself strong in the midst of his people. That’s what I live,
The church is always dancing around
breathe, pay the price for...all of it. That’s
saying, “Revival, revival…” But there’s a
what I live for, that’s what I’ve laid my life
God will land on us when we’ve got our
price to pay for revival. People lose half
down for. I live and breathe for God to be
guards down. When we give up striving and
their church when revival comes because
God amongst his people, instead of religion
trying to do it all perfect. God says, “I don’t
they don’t like the way Holy Spirit shows
and rituals that have kept them out of God’s
want perfect, I just want real.” It’s about try-
up. You have to take the cloak of dignity off
presence. It’s a price worth paying. It’s hard
ing to take the veils off and raise up a gen-
to enter into revival. David had to take his
and it hurts. It’s lonely, very lonely, but God
eration that’s willing to die for being real.
robes off to enter into the presence of God.
is worth everything. His presence is worth
self-righteous pseudo-Christianity.
There’s a price to be paid to be real and authentic. But, it’s a price worth paying.
We need to repent of the fear of man, of
everything.”
this pseudo-Christianity. Lay the axe to the
Religion and tradition will shortchange
Esther’s famous line, “If I perish, I per-
root of that thing that keeps you down, that
you. Pseudo-Christianity will shortchange
ish.” She’d come to the end and said, “Well,
keeps you stuck, that keeps you not moving
you. You won’t be better off for it. People,
I can’t save my life because I’ll lose it. I’ve
in resurrection life. What is it that stops you
“I beseech you brethren to be a living sac-
got to lose my life, and I’ll find it.” You see,
from praying for someone in the street? The
rifice, holy and acceptable unto God.” Pay
this government of Esther is a government
fear of man. What is it that causes you to
the price for purification, for beautification.
that’s not about themselves. It’s for saving
shy away from ringing someone up and say-
God wants nothing more than to position
the people. Authenticity counts. It’s not
ing I’ve got a strong word for you because
you, and present you to the world to speak
about you. There are souls that need sav-
you’re doing something that’s not right.
up, to demonstrate justice for such a time
ing. This is the purification required for the
You’re afraid of losing a friendship. I have
as this. M
church to be positioned and presented to
lost friendships over telling them what
demonstrate justice. It’s time.
God’s told me. There’s a price to pay. In Eze-
There’s a sound of justice that God wants
kiel 33, God said that if you shut up, their
released in this earth through his people.
blood is on your hands. This is the word of
There’s a sound of justice that’s going to
the Lord to the church today. If you shut up,
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For Anita Alexander’s full video recorded teaching on 5779, please go to revival-flame.org
2018
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