Revelation

We have been studying the book of Revelation corporately since the beginning of January, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.  It has been a fascinating experience!

Most people have barely even read the book of Revelation, much less given themselves to serious study of the flow of the book.  With that as our starting point, we decided to study it for two main reasons:

1. To learn the events related to the end of the age and the 2nd Coming of Jesus to the earth.

2. To learn more about the character and thinking of Jesus, as demonstrated in His activity at the end of the age.

Now, everyone automatically thinks of the first reason as the ONLY reason to read this book.  In fact, it is was keeps most people from even bothering to begin.  They look at the bizarre symbols, the troubling events and decide that it isn't all that necessary to know it right now anyway.  I have lots of room for people thinking that way about it:  I shared that position completely until only recently!  But, I took on a challenge about a year ago to read the book of Revelation weekly (all 22 chapters each week) and to do this not just for end-times details but to grow in the knowledge of who Jesus is.

Honestly, I was interested in the end-times details more than most a year ago.  But, I was even more interested in discovering new insights about Jesus.  As I read the whole book every Monday morning I began to notice something interesting.  The fog that surrounds the details began to lift as I became more familiar with the flow of the book.  I noticed (and this is really obvious, I know) that the details didn't change from week to week...the more I read it and pondered it with the Holy Spirit's assistance, the more clear things became.  I wasn't studying commentaries or reading books on it...I was just reading it.

On top of that, my understanding of who Jesus is and how He thinks and acts began to change as well.  I began to see Him in His majesty, with zeal in His heart to bring this age to a conclusion with complete and perfect justice AND love for His people.  It caused worship to well up again and again. 

Since January, we have taught through the entire book (actually, we end the study this Sunday) and I have been amazed at how much it has caused my heart to awaken to both sides of this book.  I am more aware of the details to be sure, and I am convinced that the way we live now will matter significantly in the troubling decades ahead of us (more on that another time).  But, my heart has become alive with who He is and what He is willing to do to have this planet for Himself!

Consider taking this journey and begin to read it once a week.  There is much there for you.  This part of the bible is as alive, inspired and written for your benefit as any other part.  Enjoy the journey!

Brian Creary
Ministry Director

Another great night

Our second effort at praying through the night hours was again an enjoyable one.  We know that any prayer, focused and coming from an engaged heart before Him, matters in the kingdom.  But, not all prayer is enjoyable.  This nightwatch had moments of sleepiness and distraction, but was also filled with prophetic declaration and the sweetness of His love for us.

I arrived at 3:45am for a shift-change with those leading the meeting.  I drove through the rough north-end in the dark to get there, amazed to see packs of what appeared to be 10-year-old kids wandering the streets like it was a Saturday afternoon.  Nothing good is coming from packs of young kids wandering around in the middle of the night.  I was troubled and felt heavy about it all.  As I kept driving, I crossed the biggest street in our city, past the oldest department store in Western Canada and straight on toward the Legislative Assembly in the downtown of Winnipeg.  Almost at our prayer room, I was now able to see the line of cars parked outside of the building.  My spirit just lept at the realization that there was worship and prayer for this city happening right now...in our prayer room...for those little kids and all the others who need a touch from the Lord.  As I walked closer to the building, I could feel the presence of the Spirit, even out on the sidewalk.  How exciting!

What followed was intense intercession, pure devotion and a focus on God that was worth losing sleep over.

Let's do this again and again!

Photos and video (maybe) to follow.  And, the date for the next Nightwatch is being decided soon as well.

Blessings,

Brian Creary
Ministry Director

Another Nightwatch

Our first experience in praying through the night went so well, we have decided to try it again. The next Nightwatch will begin at midnight on the morning of Saturday, April 18th and run until 6am. We are excited to see what God is doing as we step into these hours and focus our hearts on him.

For those unsure if this is for them, consider the following reports as a positive review from those who were actually there:

There was a ton of joy in our House. It was very refreshing for me and greatly encouraged my heart. It was a great reminder why I love prayer, worship and why I want to give my life to night and day prayer. I was incredibly honored to be a part of the first Nightwatch....I hope the fact that there was a big YES on our hearts to praying at any time, even the least convenient times of the day, causes the heavens to burst open over Sanctuary and the hours to increase as fast as He knows we can handle it! Bring on the Nightwatch! --Kristi

This night represented a new beginning for our House of Prayer, and I, as well as many others, got the privilege firsthand to prepare the way for many others to take their rightful place on the wall in eager anticipation, watching and waiting. I would not have it any other way but to give the praise and honor that is due His name, even in the early hours of the morning, for He is worthy to receive all that we give. Let the incense arise, let the fragrance arise, for You, O God, are most deserving! Amen. --Joel

There were many more just like the ones above. The votes are in: the Nightwatch is a wonderful place to be! Pray for us as we step into this one more time.

Blessings,

Brian Creary
Ministry Director

Awesome!

The first-ever SHOP Nightwatch was a great success, filled with worship, intercession, heart engagement and focus on ministering to His heart. Eighteen people committed to stay for the full 6 hour slot. It is now a part of SHOP history. Thanks to all for praying for us in this effort.

More details to follow...

Blessings,

Brian Creary
Ministry Director
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Nightwatch

For the very first time in Sanctuary's history, we are about to try praying through the night. We are scheduled to go from midnight to 6am this weekend and everyone is very excited! We have full teams slotted in to sing and we even have intercession happening at 4am! Because this is our first attempt at this time slot, we are keeping this a "closed meeting", restricting it to those who are SHOP regulars. The door will be locked so don't just decide to drop by unannounced at 2am...you will not be allowed to enter.

There is something special about the night hours. Bad things tend to happen under the cover of darkness, of course. But, the bible talks also of the Bridegroom (Jesus) coming for his bride in the midnight hour. And, in Psalm 134 we see that there is a special blessing for those who "stand by night in the House of the Lord". It is a time that requires extra focus, but also a time that allows for the busyness and "mental traffic" of the day to be more easily set aside in favour of encounter with Him.

Pray for us that God may bless our efforts. And pray that this is the beginning of night and day worship and intercession firmly established in our midst.

Blessings,

Brian Creary
Ministry Director
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Goodbye Atlanta...hello Winnipeg!!

The time in Atlanta was terrific!  It was so good to be with leaders from other houses of prayer across America (I was the only Canadian) and hear the stories of faith, struggle and devotion to Jesus.  I heard a number of things that inspired me in my own journey as well as much that will be helpful for us as Sanctuary for the months to come.

One theme that came up frequently centered on the importance of living a life that reflects the convictions and activities of the prayer movement.  It was critical, they said, to think through how we handle our time, enegry and money, especially in this new season of economic uncertainty.  It was not enough to sit in a prayer room and feel that this alone was sufficient.  My entire life needs to reflect my beliefs.  Action needs to follow faith!  In other words, don't just sing about how God is your source and provider...live like its true and don't hang on to your money.  Don't just pray for God to release the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Eph 1:17) and then not take the time to press in and find out more about Him.  I loved it!

It is especially important in difficult times and we are entering quickly into a season of trouble, for sure.  Who knows just how difficult this downturn on the economy could become?  Who can say for sure what the solution to the troubles are?  I am pretty sure the folks making decisions in the capital cities of the earth have no idea what will help in getting us out of all this.  The answer, as always, is to turn to God in heaven and find His heart on the issue.  If ever there was a time when  we really need to stop and seek God for the decades ahead, it is now.  It is wisdom in this hour to press into Him...and that will be proven true as the years unfold.

For Sanctuary, we are fasting all this week and asking God to make us ready for the troubles that lie ahead.  We are asking for the bride in this city, the church in all its forms and styles, that she would be all that God has for her in the closing years of this age of history.  We want to see the church become a strong voice to a confused generation and a community who exudes light and beauty to a world living in darkness and despair.  We know this is the heart of Jesus for his bride so it is easy to pray it with faith:  He is going to see this happen before his return to the earth. 

Oh Lord, strengthen and empower the church in Winnipeg like no other time in its history.  Cause her to be beautiful in the sight of all people.   And give her eyes for only you as she longs for the return of the King and the fullness of the kingdom of God.

Blessings,


Brian Creary
Ministry Director

I'm in Atlanta

All weekend I have been attending the 2009 House of Prayer Leaders Summit, hosted by IHOP-Atlanta. This is an amazing event, both for the excellent teaching designed to help leaders like me in moving forward as a community AND for the many new friends we make that are plowing ahead in their cities. These are great people!

The more time I spend here the more I realize that God is really doing something big. We have been challenged over and over this weekend to ensure our lives (and the lives of those in our communities) actually reflect all that we are praying for. It is great to believe that God answers the prayers of His people. But, we need to have lives of prayer that demonstrate that He REALLY does hear and answer our prayers! Believe it and put it into action. Have so much confidence in Him that we live and think in a new freedom.

This weekend I have heard amazing stories of answered prayer, healing and visitation. God is demonstrating His love and care for people over and over! Winnipeg can add our stories to an amazing list of things the Holy Spirit is weaving together in preparation for the return of the King to the earth.

Lots of details to follow. This morning, Allen Hood from IHOP in Kansas City is speaking. Later we have a Q&A session that will address all our submitted questions. Its going to be a good day!

Blessings,

Brian Creary
Ministry Director

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