Walking Out The Dare-Dream - AJ Butel

Well, we have the most exciting news to share... It feels like we've won the lotto, because we're finally packing up life-as-usual, and following a dream. We are moving to Thailand to work with 'Destiny Rescue' – rescuing and rehabilitating young girls who are trapped in the child sex trade.

Yes, that's right! We are heading off to Chiang Rai, a rural town, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar – wherein lies the base of operations for Destiny Rescue.

For anyone who knows us personally, you would understand that this is a journey over a decade in the brewing. Throughout this time we have visited, and wept, and prayed for the hearts and lives of millions of young children and teenagers enslaved in the darkest of places.

Can you imagine, girls as young as four, being forced to service the spirit of lust... Yes, it's shocking! And we refuse to remain numb and inactive.


THE PULL...
Seriously!!! I've read hundreds of motivational books, watched reel upon reel of inspiring movies, heard many prophetic words, and received multiple impartation – enough for a lifetime of release! Ha ha... I've even written copious interviews and articles about others living out their dare-dreams. To be honest, I feel like somewhere along the line our deep desires became stuck – inert – spinning in suburban survival mode... Sure, we were raising a young family... just awaiting the "huge windfall", the "business breakthrough" that was going to fund our mission trips to and from this secure and comfortable Gold Coast lifestyle.

But then came the call... '"Will you give up what you know, and follow Me?"

WHAT?! Give up our control and opinion on how this should play out, and take a plunge into the unknown?!

However, God's heart is weaved through the world's desperate pain and despair... And we can't ignore it!! There is such a longing to introduce those from devastated backgrounds to ongoing encounters with His Presence and healing power.

More than ever, we feel compelled to contribute Heaven's solution to the plight of the helpless and the voiceless. And so begins the season of our front-line involvement.


THE PLAN...
Well, the plan is forming, and evolving. It's outline currently looks something like this:

- Sell some / Store some / And raise support like crazy...
- Fly to Chiang Rai mid-year...
- Support the team at Destiny Rescue...
- Bring encounters of the Lord's heart wherever we go...
- Love. Love. And Love!
- Oh, and be flexible.  ;D

At the moment, the aim is to commit to 12 months. But only the Lord knows where this adventure will lead.

THE PERSONAL...
I have to admit, I'm not all bravado!! I'm discovering that stepping out into the 'What If' is really illuminating the sincerity of my faith – and the entrenchment of some underlying fears and binding familiarities. Truthfully, I'm embarking upon these uncharted waters with several anxieties skidding across my thoughts. Mostly maternal, to be sure. But what greater legacy could we impart to our children than following the Lord's call as a family, and seeing His Kingdom come in and through our lives.

We realize this choice will present it's challenges... (For one, I don't think Thailand will have enough hand sanitizer for my liking!) But I have never felt more invigorated and focused as right now... dreaming of young lives experiencing freedom – and safety – and love... for perhaps the very first time!! Now THAT'S worth me getting over myself!!

Or as Kris Vallotton would say, "One of the main reasons people don't act is because of an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. It is so easy to inventory our weaknesses and disqualify ourselves from the historic exploits God has assigned to each of us."

Seeeee... It's time to look beyond ourselves and all the limitations that may include, and focus on He who is immeasurably abundant in every way! It is HE who gives us the grace, the strength, the wisdom. It is HE who empowers our journey.

The expenses for flights and essentials are substantial – but the need on the field, even more so. And our God... well, He trumps all! His heart envelops the broken, the lost and the downtrodden. He is THE Rescuer-extraordinaire! Redeemer of all. So we know He will make a way. After all, He dwells in the realm of the miraculous!

ARRRRRGH! Yet, at times, I can be so painfully cautious, so contained, so controlled. Here's to new seasons of FREEDOM, and courage, and making a difference with Him!! What an honour to partner with Heaven in this way.


THE PROCESS...
We have received several prophetic words that this move aligns with, but we are also mindful that their fulfillment demands our faithful participation. I think Bill Johnson summarizes this principle perfectly:
"A promise from God is not a magic coin for us to cash in at will. It is an invitation to a process. When we embrace His promises we say yes to a process that prepares us for fulfillment. Some promises reach their maturity rather quickly, only requiring us to say yes and express a confidence in God's word. But other’s require that we offer a bigger container of character, refined and developed through perseverance."

GOSH! Considering we conceived this desire over 10 years ago, we must have needed much refining!!! And I'm certain the Lord is not yet done.

What comes after the initial 12 months? YIPES!! We don't know! More surrender, I imagine.
Please, whenever you think of us... pray:

* For our family – His Presence, protection, provision and power...

* And for 'Destiny Rescue' – a continual increase of Heaven's fruitfulness – from every side.

For more information on 'Destiny Rescue', visit www.destinyrescue.org, or follow them on FB: http://www.facebook.com/destinyrescue

Thank you SO much for your support. Oh how we will miss those whom we dearly love. We truly do have the most incredible friends and family around us. YAY for SKYPE!!! But hey, we will bring all y'all along on the journey... Lots of transparent updates and fun pics. And you can always come visit!? YES!!

Most excited, and in love with the One!


AJ and Carl
P.S. If you are interested in partnering with our mission, and contributing to any of our initial or ongoing costs, please feel free to give a donation using the 'Donate' button to the right of this blog. There are small and large requirements for this endeavor – none of which we can do by ourselves. Your involvement in any way is most welcome. 

This Vandal Horde - AJ Butel

ACCRUING PRESSURE...

I don’t know how things are panning out in your world, but it seems to me that even though God’s Spirit is moving like never before, many Believers have been facing extreme challenges and difficulties at this time. And many have become TIRED of fighting, weary of waiting…

You might be one who feels as though disaster is rising upon your skyline, obscuring the hope of your future. No matter where you turn, or what you do, a smog of despair continues to shroud you, and you feel OVERWHELMED as you sense the looming plans and purposes of the enemy. Whether it is emotional, relational, physical or financial… he is trying to suffocate the life-flow of fruitfulness, creativity and prosperity in and through your life. Although in the natural it may seem as though there is no way out, please allow me to encourage your heart… For our God is so much greater that the enemy’s ranting and raving, so much more powerful than any war or rumor of war; and our Heavenly Father wants to remind us that any problems and battles we are facing are in HIS hands!

I am seeing breakthrough emerging… and it’s in the very places that the enemy has been tightening his grip. I believe the Lord is bringing RELEASE. And I can see that despite the odds, God’s people are learning how to receive HIS supernatural breath – HIS reprieve and strength.

I too have had intense trials a-swirlin', and just recently as I was plumbing my Bible’s depths for His answers, Holy Spirit led me to a story in 2 Chronicles. He gave me a ‘lifeline’ Word. I pray it encourages you also. Let me set the scene…


A CLEAN SWEEP

Thousands of years before today, there reigned a king who was going about doing the right thing… Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, had been cleaning up the pollution of sex-and-religion shrines in his kingdom, and urging his people to turn back to God. He appointed judges and priests to be stationed over the different cities of Judah, and reminded them of their responsibilities before the Lord. He required them to walk and rule in the fear of the Lord, cored with the values of loyalty, integrity and courage.

He was transforming the culture to honor God. All was progressing well. Life was good.


AN INTELLIGENCE REPORT

Except, after he had cleaned house, this revolutionary leader receives the Tweet that a massive army comprised from 3 surrounding regions has amalgamated against him! A colossal takeover is in motion. Needless to say, King Jehoshaphat is scared spit-less! A formidable force is rapidly approaching, and in the natural Jehoshaphat stands no chance. He is facing a Royal dusting!

However, ALTHOUGH FEARFUL, he sets himself to SEEK the Lord, and proclaims a fast throughout his kingdom.

The country of Judah united in seeking GOD's help—they came from all the cities of Judah to pray to GOD. – 2 Chronicles 20:4 (The Message)


THE SOUND OF WAR

The King stands before his newly reformed court and lifts his heart and voice toward heaven. With bulky bravado, he renounces the natural to invoke the supernatural... He praises the Lord for who He is, and reminds his people of God’s greatness and faithfulness. He remembers that they are dwelling within the land God gave Abraham, and of the Lord’s promises for salvation.

Then Jehoshaphat gets honest with God and says, this army which You didn’t permit Israel to destroy previously is now about to, “…throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit.” - 2 Chronicles 20:11 (NKJV)

Facing eviction from their home, Jehoshaphat requests the Lord’s help and admits their frailties: “…they've come to kick us out of the country you gave us. O dear God, won't you take care of them? We're helpless before this vandal horde ready to attack us. We don't know what to do; we're looking to you." - 2 Chronicles 20:12 (The Message)

I love how Jehoshaphat remembers their history with God, and reminds Him of His promises. Then he concludes with, “…but our eyes are upon YOU.” Even though the enemy’s dust is billowing upon his horizon, Jehoshaphat is looking upon God’s promises for his future.

What about you? In your need, in your desperation, what are you remembering? What or who are you looking toward?


THUS SAYS THE LORD

So, the whole of Judah… men, women and children… stand attentively before the Lord – awaiting His answer. Tick-tock. I imagine you could have heard a pin drop!

And then suddenly, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, who prophesies to the people and their King:

“Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. – 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NKJV)

PHEW… Thank God! I can just hear the people’s gasps of relief and see their jiggy-jigs of rejoicing; but then I imagine the crowd soon hushed and leaned further in to hear the word of the Lord... Jahziel continues to download heaven’s proposition. He releases the blueprint on where they are to meet the opposing army, and then brings the punch-line of all war strategies:

“Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NKJV)

In other words, here’s your brilliant battle plan… You don’t have to lift a finger. I just want you to stand firm and watch God’s devotion transpire! By the way, don’t be afraid… Don’t waver… March out toward your vast adversary with BOLDNESS – because the Lord is WITH YOU!

YIPES! I don’t know about you, but I might have had just a wee niggling of concern… Well, ummmmm… HELLOOOO… Does anyone else find this slightly disturbing? What about the impending overthrow?! We are far outnumbered, and there is NO WAY OUT! Are we seriously just going to walk up to our assassins with a song in our mouths? SOMEONE?! ANYONE?! I’m not feeling very indestructible!

How often do we invite the supernatural invasion of the Lord, yet embrace the immensity of our natural circumstances as our dominant reality? How often do we falter at the instruction of the Lord, and set off on our self-designed, self-navigated journey of self-made success… How often do we trust in our opinion and rely on our brawn? If we are not LED by the Spirit, our potential is thwarted. If we are not empowered with His wisdom and strength then we are inferior. If His breath doesn’t fill the production of our hands then we are limited. I don’t know about you, but I want to see the riches of HIS FULLNESS at work in and through us!


AT THE TOP OF THEIR LUNGS

But look at Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. This revivalist king bows his head – so low his face is upon the ground. All of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem do the same. And they WORSHIP God!!

They praise Him – “with voices LOUD and HIGH!”

Despite the imminent disaster raring ahead, they let rip – with ALL THEIR HEART and trust – and proclaim God’s goodness and magnitude.

On their way out to meet the army, Jehoshaphat greets them all with this pep talk: “Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” – 2 Chronicles 20:20 (NKJV)

In other words, don’t forget who God is and what He has done and is doing in you and I. Put your trust in Him and we shall be built up and supported… agree with what was spoken and promised, and we will prosper or be ‘pushed forward’ into what He has prepared for us!

Have you had the Word of the Lord hidden in your heart for such a time as this? It might be a prophetic word, scripture, a friend’s anointed encouragement… Don’t take these gifts for granted. Can I encourage you to cling to the words the Lord has given you, and anticipate His manifestation. From a posture of surrender, allow the Lord to propel you into your next dimension… your next season.

Then Jehoshaphat appoints people to sing to the Lord and praise Him. Remember, this is while they are facing potential desolation! Yet, they glorify God! They give thanks for His love that never fails… They gratefully proclaim His mercy that just won’t quit… They honor His allegiance that remains standing even when everything else falls away.

I am so challenged by Judah’s obedience and faith. I have to ask the question, ‘What if instead of bickering about our doctrinal issues and judging one another, the Body of Christ arose in spectacular shouts of praise for His goodness, His majesty – and His grace?’ What would we look like? How would the world respond? And in what way would the earth echo our cry?


IN THE MEANTIME

So all of Judah is loudly and unashamedly praising their God… And IN THE MEANTIME, the Lord sets up ambushes against the invaders… and they are annihilated! Remarkably, the 3 sections of this conglomerate merger fold in on themselves. The different parties turn against each other, become confused, and all kill one another. EVERY last one! HA! No escapees!

Did you catch that? When God does a job He does it properly! And when He vindicates, He works in completion. Selah.

Now check out my favourite part… “When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much.” – 2 Chronicles 20:25 (The Message)

WOW! There was MORE profitable loot than they could carry away. So their adherence to God brings them not only salvation – but increase!!... MULTIPLICATION! Judah scores the bling – with no bang! YAY God!

I heard a breathtaking definition of ‘justice’ this week: The restoration of every violation of love. How privileged are we, that God-the-Just recovers or reinstates EVERY INFRACTION of the enemy… in His love! That’s His perfection right there! None-the-less, please note… Not only was Judah’s Kingdom sustained, but it was added to... all-be-it ‘accidently’! What the enemy had constructed for evil, the Lord converted to good.

Okay, so back to Judah and their king…

AHHHHH! Can you imagine their solace? Can you envision their elation as they are FREED from the intimidation of ravage and ruin? How about you? Do you realize that freedom and victory is available to you also?

The scripture says that the people went back to Jerusalem WITH JOY, for the Lord had made them celebrate over their enemies. And the fear of the Lord came upon all the nations who heard about what God had done. Judah was safe, protected – overshadowed!

It is the same for us today. We are shielded with the defense and favor of the Lord. And His dominion is ours as we trust and honor Him.

And as for Jehoshaphat... God gave him REST all around! (see verse 30) He gets to settle in the peace and assurance that God fights his battles, and holds his future in His hands.

Dear friend, DO NOT FEAR! No matter what the diagnosis, prognosis, doom, economy, status, or perception… Praise and worship the Giver of your promised land – your Redeemer. He is SO extravagant in His flourishing intent for you.

Remember the Word of the Lord – to you! And believe in it… so you shall be established and prosper!

May His sweet REST envelop your heart!


With love,

AJ Butel
_______

THE ALTAR

Lord, I’m longing for Your salvation, Your refreshment, and Your increase.

I confess, I have been apprehended by a fear of what lies ahead. HOWEVER, I don’t want to be living a life that is ruled by the trends of the culture around me. I don’t want to find the answers within an empty counterfeit, a powerless bandage. I don’t want to be a 'realist'—earth-bound by the world's opinions. I don’t want to be satisfied by temporary superficial pleasures. And I don’t want to be asphyxiated with the anxiety of tomorrow.

Rather, I desire to seek Your face… to know you intimately. To hear YOUR word for me in my TODAY… To download Your strategies for my future. I want Your heart to hold premium prerogative in my life.

So Lord I repent for my lack of trust in You… for my failing of faith that You will do me no harm… and my inability to believe that You desire to prosper me. And I repent where I haven’t surrendered to Your power to deliver me.

I reject the opinions of the naysayers and gloomy forecasters around about me. I refuse to enter into partnership with the limitations of my mind.

And I choose to align with Heaven... resting in Your presence, reassured by Your love, living breath-to-breath from Your whispers of wisdom, overshadowed by Your supernatural power, under-girded with Your amazing grace, surrounded by Your kind favor... and basking in Your yummy peace—which passes all!

Let Your presence cover me from every side. In YOU I stay my hope.

Amen.

From Every Side - AJ Butel

More Than Words

Last month a tragedy struck at the heart of our church family. A beautiful baby boy, the child of our youth pastors, was born full term—but without breath. His parents named him Asa. Asa Jeremy Stuart. It means ‘anointed healer’.

As we learned the news, we began to gather in prayer and support for Jeremy, Renita, and their family. We cried out passionately for the resurrection of Asa’s littleness. And our hearts burned with the conviction that our God who breathes life would raise him from the dead.

We each held Asa’s newborn earth-suit and surrounded him with the presence of the Lord. We rebuked death, stroked his sweet cheeks and declared life. We kissed his silky dark hair and spoke destiny over him. We shared testimonies of God-the-Mighty and His divine intervention. We cried. We worshiped. The room was electric. Our hearts were ablaze with expectancy and our hands buzzed with His power. His peace was thick and weighty like a tropical embrace. The young revivalists in our region spent all-night vigils praying, quoting scripture and worshipping. Many Believers from across the globe stood alongside us, and joined with our faith. And some, who had seen God’s resurrection power at work in other situations, combined their anointed prayers with ours.

But I have to tell you… even though we unswervingly believed God, Asa’s untainted lips never drew air.

Surrendered In Trust

As I write, I weep… not only because of the ache our hearts feel when we miss Asa; but the tears that line my cheeks are also ones of gratitude, for the miracles we encountered as we all contributed our faith and love—in one accord. Steadfast in trust... Surrendered to His promises… We were in unity, abiding in Him—corporately releasing His presence. I marvel at the empowerment and resilience of love. There is nothing quite so beautiful and impacting as a community resolved in His-love-which-never-fails! It is the combustive atmosphere where heaven and earth align—and miracles are realized!

Even when I saw Asa’s tiny white coffin, although heart-wrenching, I had a supernatural peace… found only in my assurance of God-the-Healer… my adoration for God-the-Kind. We hadn’t experienced our immediate desired effect, of seeing Asa open his eyes, or hearing his wee cry; but we trust in God-the-Just. We know He has promised to pay back seven-fold what the enemy attempted to steal. And try as he may, he didn’t succeed in taking our love for our God!

Admittedly the situation presented a loud-and-clanging opportunity to wallow in disappointment and anger, however I watched the most incredible phenomenon unfold in people’s hearts... Instead of dwelling on questioning how Asa died and why he didn’t come back—we continued to choose to lean into God-the-Faithful.

During this time, Jeremy and Renita contended fiercely for the life of their son… Their courage and devotion was simply spectacular! Moment by moment they drew strength from the One who had formed and fashioned Asa’s perfection in the womb. And then when the time came, I watched them dedicate him back to our Papa, God-the-Father, who now embraces Asa with a love incomparable.

Such are the complexities of the Kingdom. Sometimes we savor victory, yet there are other times when our circumstances might not align with our declarations. Regardless, God is ALWAYS good. And He works all things together for good, for those who love and trust Him. (Romans 8:28) I watched God-the-Merciful move tenderly to comfort their pain. Holy Spirit alighted His peace upon their surrender! He turned their sorrow to joy, and continues to make this exchange as they remain hidden and safe in Him. They are more in love with Him than they have ever been!

Craving Him

Throughout this time, we turned to the Bible story of Asa, and the Lord breathed His Word of strength across our hearts. As we read 2 Chronicles 14-16, we were introduced to this descendant of King David, who spent the earlier years of his reign bringing glory to God. He did what was right and good before the eyes of the Lord… He pulled down the altars of foreign gods, along with all the pagan shrines and images, and he commanded Judah to search after God.

…to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers [to inquire of and for Him and crave Him as a vital necessity], and to obey the law and the commandment. (2 Chronicles 14:4 - Amplified)

He led the people to center their lives around God… to explore Him, and yearn for Him as an urgent and integral requisite. And consequently their kingdom was rewarded with rest. The scripture says that because of the importance they placed on God as essential within their lives, they had peace and prospered.

"'The land is still ours, because we sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him [yearning for Him with all our desire] and He has given us rest and peace on every side.' So they built and prospered." (2 Chronicles 14:7 - Amplified)

This is where genuine peace is found… in the heart of God. Sometimes, because of our desire for intimacy and success, we fill our lives with everything, but God. Yes, it is very true that friends can satisfy much of our need for acceptance and relationship. Bubble baths and bush walks might bring rest and rejuvenation to the body and soul. Just like skydiving, travel and hunting can service the call to be wild, to pioneer, to dominate. But these things cannot penetrate those places in our spirits’ depths to bring a true sense of belonging, a real and lasting wholeness and refreshment. Only God-the-Redeemer can.

Only God-the-Wise can lead us to our fulfillment. Only the power of His Spirit will offer the adventure your spirit hungers after. And only God-the-Gentle can perform the surgeries you and I need to heal those hidden corners of pain and shame. Do you realize, even if you have managed to conceal secret areas from others around you, He knows every place within you. He sees all that can’t be spoken. He understands even what you can’t. And cares. In fact, He is smitten with you and utterly committed to your restoration.

If only we would allow Him to be our everything.

Now let’s have an honest moment right here… How about you? Are you burning a pure flame for the Lord? Or are there idols and images in your life that are sourced from the world, and need to be dismantled?

Does God’s heart beat through your agenda? Or is His desire dispensable to you?

Is your relationship with the Lord crucial? Or is your focus on things, people, activities, dreams, ideas, or even sins that turn your heart away from Him?
If you are eager for peace and prosperity to reign in and through your life, then be sure to firstly anchor your faith, hope and love in God’s heart, despite what storms might rage around you. For God-the-Almighty is the only one who has the authority to calm those waves, and sustain His stillness. It’s supernatural—and it’s for you.

My Soul Secure

As for Asa Jeremy Stuart… he lives. He thrives within his perfect heavenly body, in the unblemished atmosphere surrounding the throne room. I have never been convinced in the accuracy of the epitaph: "Earth's loss... Heaven's gain!" Consider for a moment the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on... THEY benefit earth! I don't believe our destinies are extinguished when our spirits leave our bodies! There is so much more to discover, receive, learn, release, pray, love and create. It's just from another realm!

So I believe Asa is being raised in the fullness of God’s glory. And he is championing forward his beautiful and brave family on earth… to the sound he hears so clearly… the heartbeat of God-the-Loving, whose warm lap he snuggles upon.

And as revivalists, we have an even deeper determination for seeing the dead raised. Through this journey, God-the-Glorious has emboldened our faith and strengthened our resolve to see bodies without breath come alive by His Spirit. But such dunamis will only arise from abiding in His presence.

No, time is not the best healer... JESUS is! No matter what your pain might look like, HE can set you free. As you release this prayer, feel the breath of the Lord refresh your soul and bring life to those places that may feel hopeless and desperate. For He loves you with a love that is everlasting!

"They found grace out in the desert, these people who survived the killing. Israel, out looking for a place to rest, met God out looking for them!" God told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!.. - Jeremiah 31:2-4 (The Message)

The Altar

Lord, I’m looking to find Your rest.

I don’t want to be living a life that is stained by the world’s influence and ruled by the trends of the culture around me. I don’t want to find the answers to my passion within an empty counterfeit. I don’t want to be a 'realist'—earth-bound by the world's opinions. I don’t want to be caught in the pain of the past.

Rather, I yearn to see Your face… to know you intimately. I want Your heart to hold premium prerogative in my life.

So I lay all my idols, rituals and wrong-thinking at Your feet, and I choose to align with Heaven... resting in Your presence, reassured by Your love, living breath-to-breath from Your whispers of wisdom, overshadowed by Your supernatural power, under-girded with Your amazing grace, surrounded by Your kind favor... and basking in Your sweet peace—which passes all!

Let Your presence cover me from every side. In You I stay my hope.

Amen.

_____

This article was published with the permission of Jeremy & Renita Stuart. © AJ Butel – Author of ‘Overshadowed’ (Available from www.ajbutel.com) & ‘His Breath’ (Due October 2010)