Soli Deo Gloria

Photo Credits to Melissa Haskin

It's Christmas Eve. 

Beauty is the shroud of glory, ready to embrace the heart that's open to receive this perfect Christmas gift.

This advent is holy. Its when we remember how the wisdom of God triumphed over the foolishness of our own ways. Its when we remember that Love made a way back to return forever to His own arms! Prodigals coming home to a banqueting table.
Eden re-populated; by the sacrifice of God, alone. 

Once upon a time, (in the very fullness of time) Love, Himself, came down for the sake of all mankind. In a humble stable, in the middle of an ancient village, surrounded by zero pomp or circumstance, in fields of sheep, agriculture and endless stars...

The King of Kings was born to become the atonement for every single one. That night, the angels left the Holy Temple made not with human hands. They came to where HE WAS. For their OBJECT OF WORSHIP was now incarnate, in the tent of flesh. Jesus, the Christ. Messiah was born! They marveled at the Father's plan! They filled the skies of the earth. A celestial luminary; an army of song! The earth was saturated with their worship; "Glory to God, in the Highest." Jesus.

We join with that same song, even now.

Recently, I learned the story of the famous symphony; "Handel's Messiah," composed in 1741. He composed it for the purpose of becoming an evangelistic tsunami to a secular audience. The impact to be on a large scale, which would have renowned excellence musically, enlisting the best voices of the time. In essence, Handel was a forerunner, harnessing the forum of the arts, for the glory of God. Perhaps it even inspired some of those great revivalists of that profound era of the First Great Awakening. It is said,

At the end of his manuscript Handel wrote the letters "SDG"—Soli Deo Gloria, "To God alone the glory". This inscription, taken with the speed of composition, has encouraged belief in the apocryphal story that Handel wrote the music in a fervour of divine inspiration in which, as he wrote the "Hallelujah" chorus, "he saw all heaven before him."

Even now, Handel's Messiah continues to move, evoke and awe audiences through the ages. Even with the recent phenomenon of "Flash Mobs" performing the "Hallelujah Chorus" in malls and large public settings. The ripple effect of this one piece of symphonic score, is still relevant and astounding, to this day.

Lately, more and more, I cry out to God for the raising up of the media army of dancers, artists, musicians, composers, film, etc. I cry out to God for this army, as part of my own inheritance. I pray, "Jesus, give to me, through prayer and through my life, an army of LOVESICK worshipping artists and musicians who will fuel the end time worship movement until You return. For the Lamb who is worthy."

That in the wicked days culminating upon the earth, that there would STILL be a witness in the earth, culminating to the glory and fame of Jesus Christ, alone!

I cry out to God, for Hollywood and the places of influence. I proclaim that which the angels sang about so long ago. "Glory to God in the Highest."

For Jesus came to set the captives free. He is the embodiment and the fulfillment of Isaiah 61.

“Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, & the power of His Christ have come..." -Revelations 12:10

And we carry the torch of His mandate. HIS good news.

Not living for 'self,' but bond-servants to the Love-King.
To God, alone, be the glory!

Soli Deo Gloria. Amen.

2011: The Game-Changer Year

Photo credits to Melissa Haskin.


The year of 2011, is ebbing into the important demarcation of 2012. 

The front lines of the battlefields in this hour, are the soils and the very affections of the human heart.

This year, truly a line was drawn in the sand, for the global people of Christ. It is a point of no-return. Lukewarm faith won't do! The stakes of love have been rising. The bar for the generation has been set high. The promise is glistening on the horizon. The promises burning inside of us, they are the foretaste of the inheritance. Embedded like seeds in our hearts. "Eternity is written on our hearts." (Ecc. 3:11) Promises for victories. Partnering with a Loving God. Yet, in this year of much tumultuous circumstance, the mission of a Holy God is being UNVEILED, to men & women of understanding, in this precious hour. Unveiled and extended in intimate invitation! How mysterious and comprehensive are His ways.

He says, "Is the issue of LOVE; settled for you? What response have you now? Will you follow Me, still? Who do you say that I Am? Because after all is said and done, only FAITH, HOPE and LOVE remain." 

He wants the hearts of men! This, is His prize! 

I am My Beloved's and He is Mine.

The Lord sits as a Refiner. Terrible and True. Righteous and Holy, all of His judgments are good. Meekness defined. Restrained strength. The Great Servant of All. Who is like the Humble King, to whom every knee will bow?

Who can endure the Day of His Coming? And who can stand when He appears?For He is like a Refiner's fire and a fuller's soap. -Malachi 3:2

"...as silver is melted in the midst of the furnace, so shall you be melted in the midst of it..." -Ezekiel 22:22

He will have His way. And He will have His Bride. Bridegroom King & Judge. Prophet, Priest & King. The Branch of the Lord has been revealed to this generation. The Knowledge of the Holy One beckons us further, further, onward, higher, upwards. Deeper into the Love of Christ.

I picture the Lord Jesus standing there by 'His furnace of Affliction.' There He is! Yes, He is a man, and yet, fully God. His back is scarred from the whips of His crucifixion. His hands bearing love-scars from the nails. Yet, He is mighty in strength! He is consistent in LOVE. He is stoking the fire of a dreadful furnace, poking the coals, provoking them to a hotter and hotter flame. He says, "I am the Truth, the Life and the Way. The only Way!!" He sweats and toils over the furnace, yet, He is unwilling to leave His post. "The Author & Finisher of Our Faith." There He stands, tending the fire, which purifies the very hearts of men. Coming forth from this furnace titled, "Holiness Unto the Lord," are the pure silver vessels, and the purest gold trophies of faith. These have stood the test of time, tried and true in His fire. Its the evidence of His very own love, having given birth in the hearts of men. Faith mingled with fire. Purified.

Love-stoked Journeys Customized from the Purifier! To each one, a measure of faith is given. But, we are not alone; for we have the Helper. He will lead and guide us, in all things. He will help us to exercise with strength, the muscle of our hearts, to the drumbeat of Love. He is the manifestation of MIGHT in our lives. The might and the will to LOVE.

He is our duration. He is our REVIVAL STRENGTH.

There is safety and refuge for the people of God, even in the midst of refining. Abiding in Him, under the Shadow of His wing. Grafted into His vine of Love, we are safe. He, Himself is the one who sustains, Shepherds and upholds us. He is all we need! I am not afraid.

He will sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the priests...and refine them like gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord, offerings in righteousness. Malachi 3:3

So, I ask us all to ponder.
When tornadoes of change, transition, & opposition bear down upon the landscape of the heart, will the heart BELIEVE, even still?

Can your heart & courage endure, or can your hands be strong in the days that I shall deal with you? I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it. -Ezekiel 22:14

Steady your heart. Steady your courage.

This is the generation, which Daniel foresaw. The time of the opening up of technology, knowledge and revelation. A time of acceleration. A time of the maturing of both wickedness and righteousness, to fullness in the earth. A time of the "Great Exploits of God." The time of the end of this age is beginning to break open and dawn upon us. It is the beginnings of birth pangs that will usher the earth into another age.

...so that, in Me, you will have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but TAKE COURAGE! I have overcome the world. (-Jesus) John 16:33

This is NO TIME for the faint of heart.

My heart throbs, my strength fails me, as for the light of my eyes, it is also gone from me... Psalm 38:10

My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the Rock and firm strength of my heart and my portion forever! Psalm 73:26

He is our Steadfast! He is our REVIVAL STRENGTH!

The anchor in the storm. When the wind and waves rage!

Can your heart & courage endure...Ezekiel 22:14 

"Hope is a verb, as well as a noun." -Jim Stegall , IHOPU Student

Hope is the action of that which we believe. Hope is one foot  in front of the other, marching forward in a parade of Love and Faith. Hope is the resurgence of dreams! Body of Christ: IT IS TIME TO DREAM AGAIN!

For in You, O Lord, do I hope; You will answer, O Lord, My God. -Psalm 38:15

We are not alone. He is closer than our very breath. Hope is essential. Hope is the threadworn, effervescent, miracle fabric, sewn into righteous robes and mantles. Kingdom authority!

Forgiveness must prevail. Love must choose. Choose to invest, even when the risks are too great. Courage of heart is needed. Lift up your weary head!

"Jesus is offering us PERFECT LOVE and redemption in ALL areas of our life, promising HOPE and a future...The truth is that God can RESTORE our relationships and our hearts to the point where they are amazing and He, alone, can unlock the romance deep inside them."-B.W. (my friend)

Let FAITH arise. Get UP out of the ashes. RISE up, rise up! Keep going!

Jesus says, Come Away with Me! I am ALL YOU NEED!

Your Rescue.

"Tell me, lest I forget. Who I am to You, that I belong to You..." -Jason Gray

In moments of crisis, we, as humans, are prone to tunnel vision. As in, "Is there a light up there, at the end of the tunnel? Somewhere?!" We may momentarily forget all that is behind us, including past victories of previous battles fought and won. We may find difficulty in wrapping our hearts around a hope which is strong enough to bravely face an unknown or uncertain future. And in that moment, we can accurately perceive. Humility is the great equalizer. The ground is level at the foot of the Cross. We are all the same, in need of Love's saving grace. We are all in need of the Source of Love, Himself. There's no way around this. Here, the heart utters its wisest prayer, which becomes the simplest of them all. "Help." 

Hallelujah. For therein lies, "Your Rescue." 

For our rescue is not the "HOW," but most definitely the "WHO." He, who is the only One able. And since He died for us and lives again, who then are "we" to Him?

Today, may we reflect upon "Who" it is that is our rescue. And who are "we" to "Him." There's grace for this. Grace to progressively know Him, as even we ourselves are already fully known by Him. There's grace to FALL IN LOVE more and more, over and over again!

So thank God for this trial, which brings you even closer to Him!
 ...But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory... -2 Corinthians 3:18

Him who supplies rescue, is also the Initiator. Him who supplies rescue, is also the Helper. Him who supplies rescue, is also the KEEPER. Amen.

As we gaze upon Him, the veils of confusion, clouding our vision, are rent in two. "Hold me, Jesus, I'm shaking like a leaf."

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber. Psalms 121:1-3


Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
      You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’  Isaiah 58:9 


...He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches...’ Rev. 3
...I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him thename of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches...’ Rev. 3


I AM THE ONE HE LOVES. 

Lest I forget.

Lovesick.

“ I was asleep but my heart was awake. A voice! My beloved was knocking..." Song of Songs 5:2

I can't stop thinking about Jesus today.

He pulls on the strings of my heart, when I least expect it, yet when I need Him most. He awakens love in me.

As Christians, we swim in a murky pond of rhetoric. It is an onslaught. My question: Has the truth translated to a heart level? Are we living; TRANSFORMED? Are we actually being changed and lit up with the light of His Words? Beyond all the noise, there is a nudging and a tugging for something real. Our hearts LONG for the eternal, infinite ocean of His very love. We are more than flesh and blood and the decrepit sin of this world. We were made for so much more. Made to love.

"All I want, is to be near you, with You, where You are. Daughters of Jerusalem, tell me if You find Him, for I am lovesick..." -David Brymer, lyrics

I don't know about you, brothers and sisters, but I've lived on a steady diet of rhetoric for a number of years. What I really want most, is for the scab of complacency that threatens to cap my heart into dullness (in the stream of daily life) to be ripped off in one fell swoop. This, by the tenderizing of the very Spirit who draws me! That I would be wounded and struck; over and over again, by the very Beauty of Christ! What He did. How He died. How He rose to Life. Bridegroom, King and Judge. The Righteous One. Beyond that, I want to find that I simply RETURN, to my First Love, always. Because He is worthy. He is the Love which truly satisfies. He is ever living to intercede, ever reaching out in kindness and intimacy beyond our comprehension, ever living to draw us. He reaches out, but will we reach back?

Tonight, I strolled out onto the nearby golf course and sat under the stars. I sat in silence, taking in the vast canopy. But it was the Holy Spirit who initiated the conversation. I felt the veil between heaven and earth (the same veil between my heart and His) had become thin. I could almost hear the footsteps of Jesus sandals...pat, pat, pat. Coming to sit down next to me. We sat together under the stars. I felt His love winning me over again. I guess to me, those actions equate with the definition of a Bridegroom. One who is willing to fight for my heart, beyond the challenges and the distance. Persistence in love. The weight of His love seemed to dominate any doubts or distractions that might have arisen. It was the kind of weighty silence that is pregnant with peace and familiarity. The kind where the air is thick with honey and glory. Slowly, a tear fell. I heard my heart whisper, "I miss You. Come back soon, Jesus."

"Pain shatters our phony attachments and faulty dependencies, shows us the depth of our need and invites us to discover His Beauty and be changed." 

-Shelley Hundley, IHOP-KC

He says, "In that day, you will no longer call me Master, but instead, ISHI (husband.)" -Hosea 2:16

Yahweh become a man.

I just read this book of a little four year old boy, named Colton Burpo, who died, went to Heaven and then returned to tell of it. He was deeply struck (even at age 4) at the Beauty of Jesus. He described Jesus with "markers." (His little four year old way of describing the scars he saw.) He told his daddy, "Jesus had the most beautiful eyes. Dad, they were sooo pretty." 

Vicki Smith, a writer, wrote of Colton's story. How an impression of another 4 year old's painting (who had seen Jesus and painted Him) resonated with Colton. (I included Akiane's painting here.) 

Colton Burpo

I became acquainted with the work of Akiane through the book, Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo. 4-year-old old Colton visited heaven and when his parents realized that he truly had been given a special gift - time with Jesus – they showed Colton dozens of paintings by masters and illustrators – there was always something wrong…

Akiane Kramarik

Todd learned that there was a girl – that started seeing visions of heaven at age 4 – her name Akiane Kramarik. when Todd showed his son Colton – a realistic painting that Akiane had done at age 8 – this is how it played out…

“what is wrong with this one?”
He turned to the screen and for a long moment said nothing.
“Colton?”
But he just stood there, studying. I couldn’t read the expression.
“What’s wrong with this one, Colton?” I said again.
Utter silence.
I nudged him in the arm. “Colton?”
My seven-year-old turned to look at me and said, “Dad, that one’s right.”

Akiane wrote a poem as she painted Jesus' face. This line seems to articulate what I am trying to say:

"That night the rain, was running after me. Each drop showed God's face. His face was everywhere... I wrung out the love to make the red." 

-Akiane, Age 8

My prayer: Jesus, it is really ALL ABOUT YOU. We need You. You love us. This is paramount. This is EVERYTHING. It is not about our inadequacy, or our assessment of ourselves or others. That is called, pride. It's about the Beauty of Jesus and the vantage point from His Love. Seeking You; First. Help us, Lord. Thank You, Jesus. Amen."  

-Melissa Haskin

Though We See Dimly

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day." Proverbs 4:18 

It is accurate to say that many are experiencing trials and transitions, and the issue of authentic faith in Jesus, at a heart level, is being forged and formed to the depths; becoming paramount in this day. From the ashes and rubble of society, throughout history, is a Church who is growing in maturity. She is called the "Beloved of God."

Lately, the evidence is mounting that "though we have not yet seen Him, we love Him." It is only when we "come to the end of ourselves and our ability," that we truly discover real strength. Even corporately, the dust is settling, and the sweet fragrance is emerging.  Rising. The banner of love over this tribe reads, "TRUST and HUMILITY." As we come up leaning, we are more in love than when we first began. Truly, He who is Faithful, will finish what He started!

But, yet, much is still unclear. "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 11:11-13.

"The crown has fallen from our head; Woe to us, for we have sinned! Because of this our heart is faint, Because of these things our eyes are dim..." Lamentations 5:16-17

Reflecting upon recent writings by Jon & Jolene Hamill of Lamplighter Ministries (apostolic, prophetic intercessors, who traverse America, re-digging wells of revival, history, and destiny for this nation, from the place of prayer.) Jolene wrote of a recent vision, in which she saw George Washington.

VISION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON—JUNE 14   “Reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error; I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects… Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend” --George Washington, Farewell Address 

This morning in prayer, the Lord granted a very unusual prophetic experience. I saw a vision of George Washington. This heroic general and first President of the United States was standing tall in refined colonial garb, with a stern countenance--courageous but clearly unsettled.
Then Washington turned to me, and with tears in his eyes said, “I only saw in part.”

Eyes of a Jealous God     This vision was an answer to a decade-old quandary before the Lord. George Washington was a godly man, and the foundations of our Nation have greatly prospered by his wisdom. History clearly shows he was given to prayer at key moments—as was his mother, a devoted intercessor.
However, Washington was also a Mason. The tragedy of Freemasonry is its inherent idolatry, veiled at first, detested by our Savior. In the eyes of a jealous God, this unholy alliance has become one of our nation’s greatest “covenant conflicts.” And the consequences have been debilitating for generations to come.

Beyond our Frame of Reference       How could the “father of our country” have embraced such a dichotomy? The plea within this vision settled the matter in my spirit. “I only saw in part.”To his credit, Washington perceived the danger of the illuminati, and famously warned against its doctrines. He saw in part. And beloved, we do too! Lets ask God to make us aware of idolatry and sin that we have yet to perceive—beyond our current frame of reference.

News headlines read of earthquakes in unexpected and unusual places, like Washington, D.C. It is almost as if, there is something bigger going on. As if, like Romans says, "all of the earth is groaning, crying for the revealing of the manifest sons and daughters of God." As if the world MUST be shaken, that which is shakable, so that, only that which is UNSHAKABLE can remain. Then awakening of hearts by "en masse," in the wake of hundreds of years of prayer, culminating in the revealing of the Son of Man.

"In that day, the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious." Isaiah 4:2 

"Take me into the Beautiful, the Knowledge of the Holy. Awaken Love in Me."-Melissa

The Global Church, the very Bride and Body of Christ. Surely she is maturing in love, even now, unto that day when fullness comes, when she is presented unto her King, (Matthew 22:2) with no spot or wrinkle (Eph. 5.) Surely, the epic battle of good and evil that rages in the earth, even now, is not in vain. Surely the Ecclesia, the Church, Herself, is learning to come together, in unity, under the Headship of the Son, (Psalm 133) operating in authority. Bringing the Kingdom in every sphere. This life is but a prelude. BUT THOSE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD; will live out great exploits in the earth, for the Glory of the Risen One! (Daniel 11:32.)

I am very hopeful, this morning, as I think upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our very faith. I am hopeful this morning, as I think upon Holy Spirit, our Great Helper, who leads us, and teaches us ALL things. I am hopeful this morning, as I think about my brothers and sisters in the Lord, and the generations yet to come. I am hopeful as I meditate upon the kindness and severe holiness of my Beautiful Abba; Father of Lights. I am again lifting up my prayer, joining to a chorus of voices saying, "Come!"

"Your Love is the Light, Filling My Eyes, Jesus." -Kim Walker, Jesus Culture, Father of Lights

All who look to the Lord will be radiant. Bouyant in hope. Let us keep pressing on. Though we are frail, and our heart is weak. God is the strength of our heart and portion forever.

Though we see dimly, and prophecy in part, let our eyes be filled with the exponential light of knowing Jesus.

"For the path of the righteous grows brighter and brighter unto the full day!" 

...This little exercise was inspired by a similar one blogged by actress Kerry Washington. I found it thoughtful...

Who Am I?

Melissa Marie Haskin

IF I WERE A...

MONTH, I would be... 

October

COLOR, I would be... 

Soft Sunshine Yellow

TIME OF DAY, I would be... 

Early Morning Light_Break of Dawn

SUPERPOWER, I would be... 

Insight into Mysteries & Hearts

FLOWERS, I would be... White Orchid & Yellow Roses
SONG, I would be...  Be Thou My Vision
CAR, I would be... Outdoor Fun Vehicle, a Hybrid
ITEM OF CLOTHING, I would be... My Ivory Silk Tunic w/ 
Hand Painted Flowers
ANIMAL, I would be... 

An Eagle

FOOD, I would be... Something Spicy or a Delicious Coffee Drink
MOVIE, I would be... Its A Wonderful Life
CITY/TOWN, I would be... 

Boston

SPORT, I would be...  

Swimming or Dance

Thirsty.

AS THE DEER PANTS FOR WATER, SO MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU, O GOD. 
Ps. 42:1 

"THIS IS A THIRSTY HOUR. The world news headlines read as vivid and torrid birth pangs. 

None immune to the thirst of the age. Hearts now sing of longings. These can only be quenched in God. Your sister, your brother, your mother, your father. Your teacher, your boss. Your sports team. Your favorite actor. Your hero. They all need ONE THING. God-shaped hole. Must be filled by Love, Himself. Undeniably. Hunger and thirst becomes an escort into encountering His heart. Knowledge of the Holy One. How high and high wide, this Love. My appeal is now launched from the Secret Place. Keep me hungry. Keep me thirsty. Keep me coming back for more and more, of the Living Water. And not for myself alone, do I pray." 

-Melissa Haskin

"...the Lord, Your God, who brought you out from the Land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. He led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He brought water for you out of the rock of flint. In the wilderness, He FED YOU manna which your fathers did not know, that He might HUMBLE you, and that He might TEST you, to DO YOU GOOD in the end..." -Deuteronomy 8:14-16

May He send you help from the sanctuary 

And support you from Zion!  Psalm 20:2

Something's Gotta Change lyrics by Josh WIlson
I'm thirsty, God, I'm thirstyFrom drinking what destroys me/I'm pouring poison in my cup/I'm hungry, God, I'm hungry/Consuming what controls me/Somehow it never fills me up/We all want to find something to pass the time/But that could never be enough/Everybody says we're all so different/But everybody knows we're all the same/We're all trying to find a pill/ to numb the pain/Something's got to change/Do you remember when you/Had so much hope within you/It lingers deep inside you still/The more of us we swallow/The more we become hollow/Until we don't know how to feel/ We all want to find something to satisfy/But we could never be enough/When everything we say and take just leads to war and hate/We only pass the blame, sedate the pain, and move along/But something feels so wrong, so deep inside, so hard to hide/So desperately we try and try, and come to find that we are not what we've been loving for/I can't believe I"m hearing people say that all is well/I think it's time we all admit we have no good within ourselves'/Cause we are not okay, we're not alright, and we need to pray for help/Forgive us for our pride, Oh God, Oh God, please save us from ourselves

 ‘For I will pour out water on the thirsty land 

And streams on the dry ground; 

I will pour out My Spirit...’ Isaiah 44:3-4

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 

‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of Living water.’” 

John 7:38

Hallelujah, Amen.

Father of Lights

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." -James 1:17


I have a routine to go for a daily run, in the early morning hours of stillness. 


I let my feet pound the pavement, listening to worship music. I make each running session a living prayer. (I.e. My physical exertion become an actual pouring out of intercession. An offering, as it were.) Often times, I choreograph dances in my mind's eye as I run. The other day, I was doing just that.


Suddenly, I had a vision, which marked my heart. I am undone by this.

I had a vision in which I was dancing in front of the Father's Throne. I was unafraid. I had His full attention. I knew I was His beloved child, washed in His own blood. I was dancing, dancing, dancing with joy, joy, joy! One infinitely small being, dwarfed by the enormous glory of the Ancient of Days. Suddenly, I saw myself from very far away, (maybe thousands of miles away.) The vantage point had zoomed outwards so I saw the scene in heaven unfolding as I was dancing. A small speck on the horizon. That was me. I saw what looked like an atomic explosion. I knew this to represent the very power of God! I trembled with holy fear, observing something as a mushroom cloud of light and glory erupt. Yet, there I was; still dancing unafraid! 

The juxtaposition was not lost upon me, as I observed this vision. It was a picture of mercy. The implications continue to linger with me. I am breathless at the power of God! Holy. I am undone with a most holy fear of Him. Yet, from even that small picture in my mind's eye, my love for Him has grown. He continues to win my heart.


After all, the most Powerful Being in all the Universe, is my own Benevolent Daddy, who knows the number of hairs on my head. I approach His throne boldly through the Blood of His Son. Born for this. Made for this. Lavishing my love straight to His heart.

"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; & such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."- 1 John 3:1-3

He is surely the Father of Lights. And we are His children.

"...children of God, above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world." -Philippians 2:16

Shine.

S O U L S.    souls.  SOULS.    
 Life is but a vapor... 

"We feign devotion, while we forsake the mission. Souls. Jesus, open our mouths and transform our lives, to speak of You! The only Door to the Father. Abba, give to this generation, please give to ME, an unashamed love for Your Son. Give to Jesus, His inheritance, through us. Nations. Individuals. Every tribe, people and tongue. Nothing less than Great Awakening, must come! The fields are white to harvest. Come like You promised. Change the expression and understanding of Christianity, in this generation. May we snatch MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY from the eternal fires of hell. Amen." 
-Melissa Haskin


he who wins souls, is wise.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Timo Cruz

So, then... 

S * H * I * N * E.

"Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? 

You are but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:14

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise." -Proverbs 11:30

S O U L S.    souls.  SOULS.   

Take Courage

"Crossing the bridge that is not even built, is courage." -Akiane, Age 9

"Courage. "Courage. When every reason that renders immobile, becomes mute, and the resurgence of passion, stemming from God-given dreams, becomes the loudest thing. When sacrificial choices from bending into the First and Second Commandments, leaves a wake which impacts eternity. When the world fades, vision focuses, re-aligning with the cry; ‘Worthy is the Lamb.’ When 'follow-through and steadfastness' dance within reach, even though the horizon is beyond the eye's ability to perceive."With You, Most Merciful Father, may my desire, be what is truly desirable. And my courage be the praise of triumph."


When lovesick hearts reciprocate. When worship is a lifestyle, choices not hap-hazard, but rather, intentional, having found origin in Spirit-filled whispers. When faith is activated. The moment there is a 'yes' to the vulnerable. This is not diminishing or shrinking, even when facing violent accusation. This is when hunger has been awakened. When orphans become adopted. When some skip on mountains and tell giant hills to be cast into the sea. When the realization of 'dark but lovely' strikes and enlivens the heart, and the reality of an audience of One permeates the soul- being, like a spotlight shining down. Bringing distinction in a sea of faces. But not exclusively.

When obedience tastes so much sweeter than snuggling up in comfort zones and hunting self-preservation. When the twists and turns from the unexpected do not hinder, but rather, rally joy to the depths inside. Joy-like Strength! Merely living out our maximum potential, one day at a day, in the 'River of Grace.' Becoming champions of hope in a generation. When those who know their God are strong, and they carry out great exploits in the earth. This is the faculty to be 'yourself.' When we come to the end of 'Me.' Risking it all for love. And at the end of the day, having it no other way!"

-Melissa Haskin

-St. Thomas of Aquinas 

Sermons in Heart Chambers

King of the Living, You are Alive. 

"For the Word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12

Yesterday morning, over a cup of coffee, I dialogued with the Living God. This is a radical departure from the narrative of earthly wisdom, for the human mind is atheistic at best.

But Jesus is no Imaginary Friend. 

(though having not seen Him, you love Him...
1 Peter 1:6)

In feverishly looking backwards at a trail of brokenness, we find only a vacuum. In gazing forwards and upwards at Him, our eyes are brightened. Holy is His Name.

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3

I began to ask the Lord for His thoughts.
I spoke to Him of my questions. I waited upon Him.
He began to speak to me of the Spirit of Elijah and the call of God upon my life.

He spoke to me of this:

“ All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.”- 1 Peter 1:24-25

He led me to this:

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take the Kingdom by force." -Matthew 11:12

This little power-packed verse. It is almost like Elijah who thought he was the only prophet left, and God told him, that He had a remnant of 4,000. For the saints of God, the struggle and experience is common to all. It is not about the obstacles, but in zeal, it is about our REACH and our RESPONSE. How bad do we want the Kingdom? If we get knocked down, will we get back up?

He then began to open up to me passages from Isaiah 40, Malachi 2, 3 & 4, all of Matthew 11, Ruth 4:4, and others.

He told me, as priests, we must consider our actions in light of the Fame of God. Prioritizing His Name.

“And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name,” says the LORD of hosts... -Malachi 2: 1-2

He told me to trumpet the vapidity and brevity of human life, and to consider the Creator God. Who is from Everlasting. (Isaiah 40.) This is our message: The knowledge of the Holy. Amen.

He said, all who wait upon Him, are strong. (Is. 40)

He said to me; "Melissa: I am Your Father and Your Husband. Your Kinsman Redeemer. (Ruth 4:4) And you are my priest, a forerunner in the spirit of Elijah. So honor the instruction of the Word, give honor where honor is due. Seek peace in the inward place, not wrought up with worry. It is the unfailing beauty of a peaceful heart that I am weaving in you. Lay hold of my promises, once again. You are my favored child, and my heart is towards you, always. Consider Me."  Amen.

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves..." 1 Peter 3;3-5

All of this over a cup of coffee. Sermons in the chambers of my heart.