My heart has been heavy as I am watching the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and its effects on the East coast.  Homes have been washed away, business’s gone, Schools flooded, Churches flooded with windows blown out, electricity off for days and the tragic loss of human life.  This all happened within 24 hours.  The pictures are heart breaking.

Yet at the same time, a dream I had has been replaying within my mind in regard to the arising of cities of refuge.  I feel as if the Lord is reminding me of this dream to ‘show me the vision again’ and to put a new hope in my heart.

For I had a dream and I have seen where we are going, where we are headed though we are not there yet; I am asking myself – ‘What steps do we set in place today so that we are moving closer to this city of refuge?  In the dream I had, this city of refuge was called a  ’City within a city’.  I saw it as a City functioning within a larger city that is able to reach out into the larger metropolis and care for those when the government has exhausted all means of help.  It will take every believer…from those in the Market place to stay at home Moms, child care givers, farmers,  the Church, prayer movements, every person will play a part in the cities of refuge that God is beginning to birth again on the earth –  For a city of refuge to be able to function within the walls of a larger city; we have to begin to set things in place today and begin to pray about this today.

I am personally asking the Lord, ‘How do we do this”?

Each city had a House Of Prayer in the very center,  news and media played a big part in the City within a City.  There was always enough, it was as if we were back in time to Goshen.  There was an element of Divine protection that went hand in hand with believers who were living within the cities of refuge and believers ‘running’ the cities of refuge.  We will be the ones running these cities of refuge.  So I want to share this dream to cast vision again.  I believe even as you read this The Lord will strike your heart with an action plan, with wisdom and simple Divine ideas on how we walk this out. The ‘cities within a city’ are on the Lords heart because many people living in different places are having similar stirrings and dreams.  In all of my travels, this is what has been on the hearts of believers.  So lets begin the journey.  Let’s commit to each other to walk this out in servanthood, kindness and Prayer.  I also saw the Lord begin to shine a light on the Amish community and that we will really begin to learn to live from the Amish community.  I am remembering another dream where I was watching my ‘tell-a-vision’ and I was watching the amish community and how they worked together, ate together, did community together, planted crops together but I saw the government begin to say ‘Teach us how to do this’…For the Lord will raise up His cities of refuge that will be fully functional within itself.

I had a dream.

I saw cities of refuge—each of which became labeled “A City Within a City”—these began to arise in the earth. It was as if each of these communities was its own city within its own city, complete with stores, food, and social structure. It seemed the world was dark, but these “cities within a city” were not looking to the world for answers. They were not overtaken by the surrounding spiritual darkness. They were divinely protected by God’s favor from what was happening in the world. What was happening in the world was dark and there was not enough food or medical care. This was not the case in the arising cities of refuge.  These cities of refuge were not cities unto themselves, for they began to take on the type of fasting mentioned in Isaiah 58.

They reached out to the poor. Even when large worldly cities in themselves could not take care of their own, somehow the cities within the city—the cities of refuge—always had enough.

Always Enough

These cities had arms that reached out to the poor, the outcasts, the sick, and the lost. When large cities in the natural couldn’t handle the need, when they could not take care of their own, the cities of refuge were able to take care of all. There were medical facilities open to the community. When the local government could not help and did not have economic and medical resources or plans, they sent people to “the city within the city.” When hopeless medical words were pronounced, then even the lost and those out of covenant with God made their way to the cities of refuge.

I saw that God will greatly bless in this manner; I saw there were many cities worldwide on which God will pour out the same favor. I saw a change concerning creative and journalistic media that will come from these cities of refuge. All types of media were released in waves that were more expansive than anything I had ever seen. In fact, the means of releasing information to the public increased at a dramatic rate as well. The media created in these cities was broadcast globally and covered everything from movies and concerts to news and television shows—every category of media.

I also saw a house of prayer right in the middle of each city. A white smoke was rising that was visible to the whole of each city and beyond. The smoke was as white as could be and ascended as continual incense. It never stopped; it was always ascending. It was as if every person who lived outside of the walls of the city of refuge was reminded by the continual white smoke arising that there was prayer arising to God on behalf of the city and it brought peace to even the hearts of unbelievers – just to look up and see the incense arise to God on behalf of the city.

You can read more from Julie in her new book, ‘Dreams and Supernatural Encounters With God’

www.juliemeyer.com

About Julie

Julie Meyer is a longtime and beloved worship leader and songwriter at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City since its beginning in 1999. She is a prophetic singer who carries the glory and the presence of God as an abandoned worshipper. Her passion is His presence as she trumpets the message of the Bridegroom preparing His Bride!

Knowing her King and Bridegroom through the lens of the scripture and prophetic experiences has led her to write many spontaneous choruses and worship songs. Her worship leading and prophetic songs have inspired many to lean into their Beloved. Julie has recorded several CD’s and is the author of ‘Dreams and Supernatural Encounters With God’.

She has lead worship and spoken worldwide on hearing the voice of God, Prophetic singing and Worship.

Her 3 sons, Isaac and twins Jesse and Joseph all grew up at the International House Of Prayer serving and playing on Worship teams. Julie and her husband Walt help and support the growing community at the International House Of Prayer Missions Base.  Julie is a regular speaker at Joseph International events, and provides monthly updates in the JI blog about what the Lord is speaking to her regarding marketplace Christians.

Revelation 19:6,7

And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

Forward Thinking

Late one evening, I sat before the Lord contemplating 2007 in review. It pained my heart that I might not have loved the Lord as I was called to this past year. Because of physical challenges and other issues of life, I knew I hadn’t been all I had hoped to be in 2007. I began to ask Him, “Did I get the love out this year? Did I do all I was called to do and was I all that I was called to be for the sake of others? Did I give enough love, whether great or small, to God and to those around me?”  I did not feel a response from the Lord to the questions I was asking. Instead, I felt a physical presence enter my room and to my surprise, he didn’t comment negatively on 2007, but started declaring a vision for 2008.

The Lord Declares that it is the “Year Where We Could Get the Love Out”

This physical presence in my room ignored my insecurities concerning the past and made a powerful statement about the future. The Lord told me that the year of 2008 is the “love the Lord year.” I was immediately given a tremendous confidence that this would be the year where we could get the love out and love him in unique, powerful ways. However, even today, several years later, I still feel God’s promise over these cities!  Marketplace people would love as they desired to love without having to strive for it. This was the year of new beginnings where the Lord would take believers to a new place of green pastures, freeing them from worry and fretting, living in the oasis of love and trust in Him. It was time to have just plain fun and make love enjoyable. People would receive their unique forms of worship and be comfortable in their own expressions of love for God and for others.

50,000,000 Being Released into their Song of Love

As the encounter continued, I did not see a man but was very aware that He was speaking to me. He then spoke that the Joseph Company would begin to help 50,000,000 marketplace people be released in their “song of love,” their unique, personal expression of love for God and others. In the year of 2008, these believers would begin to find their footing and get into a place where they were confident and comfortable in love. Even in the midst of what might look like a famine in difficult economic situations, God’s people in the marketplace would thrive in love.  Now, three years later… look what the Lord is doing in these regions!

I heard that the result of love and simple faith in God would be a shattering of the low ceiling on the knowledge of God in cities across the earth. When people begin not to worry like men, but trust like children, the ceiling that separates us from the knowledge of God comes crumbling down.

Targeting Token Cities

I asked Him next about specific cities and how would He release His presence and bring people into a place where they could love Him well. I received revelation on specific cities as token cities for many places across the world. As you read the specific cities below, ask the Lord if one is a model for your own city, and begin to ask the Lord for your city.

Kansas City, MO –  I saw a banner over Kansas City and it was, “Caring Kansas City.” Even now there are patriarchs and matriarchs lining up to take a stand together and bring forth compassion and love in this city. I saw that “the stars would come” to Kansas City in 2008. The patriarchs and matriarchs of Kansas City would be able to give them the vision and the tools to go back to their own cities and explode the low ceiling on the knowledge of God. The Lord called them “fun to run” people, where there would be joy in running with these tools and they would have a building grace to go back and implement it in cities and businesses.

Richmond, VA – “Good shepherds” will come forth in Richmond. When the city is in chaos and there are cultural fears, good shepherds will be set in place to put the people’s hand into the hand of God and walk them through the valley of trouble. These good shepherds will also free doubt addicts who are walking in valleys of trouble and doubt.

Canberra, Australia – “Heart prophets” are to come forth from this city of constant communion.  These heart prophets will be leaders in the city who will hear the heart of God that will lead to the deliverance of others and the unlocking of their hearts. Some of the most profound proclamations for the whole earth will come from this city.

Atlanta, GA – I heard the Lord call Atlanta, “Affectionate Atlanta,” where love would rule. Great lovers would come forth and love people into their own personal dynamic expression of love for God. They would be “the callers,” those who would believe in others and encourage them to live out their heart dream. They would be the “you can do anything,” people who consistently declared this truth to others. I saw Atlanta running through the door of love and releasing people in their song of love for God.

Denmark and Norway – These regions will see the Lord’s eyes of intimacy – His love and affection set on them – and they will see the “God of Life” as they explode the ceiling over the knowledge of God. Here, there will be an outpost of the knowledge of God for all of Europe. People from all nations will come for this oasis and to receive the knowledge of God for their own cities.

Concord, NC – Concord would be named the “marvelous comrades” city, where brotherhood and sisterhood would reign. There is a sense of urgency in this city to build with a speedy excellence. Their works will be sustained because of the comrades they have to support them and the movement of brotherhood there.

Seoul, Korea – They will get the love out by returning to “simple devotion” in Seoul, Korea. I saw that the aroma and presence of God would increase exponentially in the next year. Ministries focused on His presence will succeed, as the “I’m not enough spirit” is broken and the clutter around their lives is removed. They will be freed up to live in simple devotion. Then they will bring the presence with wisdom, and will bring forth spiritual substance that will be sustained.

Orlando, FL – Orlando is a city called to be a “prophetic center of wisdom” for the nations. When people will want to fear, this city will declare the wisdom of God and give them the keys to His divine plan. They will see the direction and the directive of the Lord and will know how to instruct others with the knowledge of God.

The Daniel Lifestyle is the Key

I believe there is an invitation, not into religious activity, but into the doors of a discovery place where there is simplicity of pace and a lifestyle of love. This year we are to listen to the voice of love, not of accusation. We are to remind one another to walk in the Daniel lifestyle of prayer, fasting and marvelous camaraderie. My charge for you at the beginning of this year is to go for it in love and faith. Let us love the Lord well and get the love out.

For more information on events focused on city transformation, click here

(Editor’s note – This is a transcript, edited for style and length, of a spoken word Bob Jones brought at the Joseph Company Spring Summit in 2005)

There’s a child in this town (Kansas City), I said when he’d be conceived and born and that the heavens would proclaim his birth. They named him Joshua and it means that the Joshua generation is coming forth. Way back then I knew it would begin when he was 18 and he was 18 last Feb 20th. When he was born there was a great supernova in the heavens, there hasn’t been one since 1604 (7 years later the King James Bible was released). Children are signs and wonders.

I was told to watch that supernova. You may not know much about me, but I’ll often speak of what will happen in the heavens before it does.

There are signs in the heavens like never before. Last June 6th (2004) there was a supernova in the heavens and there also came a great portal up there it’s called the eye of God. That eye of God is going to be up there until June 8th 2012. By that time this (youth) army is going to be rolling. (See part 1 on the youth army)

A number of years ago the Lord told me I had lost my marbles in the garden and that my generation has been crazy for six thousand years. He told me to go out in my garden and start digging them up – over the years I’ve dug up 12 – I got my marbles back!

I spoke to Rick Joyner that he was going to have another child and she’d be born on August 8th and she’d be 8 pounds. It was on that day nearly 15 years ago that I was out in my garden and I found my 8th marble. It was amber, which means “close to the throne” – this was a generation that would be close to the throne. So Rick put her on the scales the moment she was born – 8th day, 8th month, 8 pounds, 8 marbles. Children are signs and wonders. She’ll be 15 this August 8th.

I believe that Mary bought forth Christ when she was 16. You’ve got 14 months to get ready. She’s a parable. I believe you’re going to see Christ formed within, Christ in you. And you’re going to begin to see children get a hold of it to where they take on Christ’s nature.

I walked in the glory years ago, when He said he was taking it away I asked Him take me home. He said “no!” This glory I speak about, you wont’ have to worry about finding someone to witness to – they’ll be running you down. He’s getting ready to put His name in places.

There are five seasons that are really strong for the body of Christ. June 30th, August 9th, middle of September, middle of October and especially Hanukkah this year (2005)

On Dec 17th of 1991 a friend came and gave me a watch and said write all the details down because there’ll be a time I’ll really give it to you and it’ll really speak to you. And at the same time he said, also write down all the scriptures on 14. It’s fourteen years this December.

This year on Mothers Day I was ministering (14 years later) and my other watch fell off. And a man came up and put this one on me. Now on this watch there were four other little dials. One of them was a second hand, and the Lord is saying – I’m extending my hand a second time, Isaiah 11:11 to the remnant that’s been faithful.

The other dial showed the heavens, and I believe it was saying the heavens are declaring your time now. The eye of God is on you now – it’s not tomorrow, it’s now. It’s been there since last June 6th. The heavens are open now. It’s time that we entered those portals and took our rightful place – seated with Christ in heavenly places. It’s time that you begin to go there and get that relationship going with him, that intimacy with him. Because he wants to be in a partnership with you in everything you’re going to do. You’re talking about friendship.

The third dial was an alarm – sound the alarm, sound the alarm now. For a great awakening is getting ready to take place by a great shaking. And those who’ve got Christ on the thrones of their lives they’re not going to be shaken. In any shaking there’s great opportunity if you’ve got a good partner like my friend.

The fourth dial was time. All of you should be hearing this word – it is time. It has been time for other nations, now it’s time in here. There’s enough obedience in this town to bring his presence back. And he’s going to invade the stadiums. It is time. I’ve got the watch. I believe that each and every one of you really need to begin to seek the Lord between now and Hanukkah.

Sow with youth that you know are going to go. For when that stadium becomes available, and you all get your act together he’s going to export it to a huge field. I saw what that field was – I had to have a golf cart to get to the center of it. My main word in that field was this – tell them not to quit praising, because it’s going to bring the glory down.

You have a rope in your hands – you may not know it. All you can see is those dark rolling clouds, but if you keep pulling on that rope you’re going to tug papa’s glory down. For that rope is connected to his heart and you can pull his glory down.

But I really feel that the testing and the waiting have come to an end. I feel that several places around Kansas City have been waiting just as long – Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas…the time is now. You’ve been robbed enough. You’ve had a 5% harvest. Now instead of a 5% harvest, let’s have a 100% harvest. And keep it going where you can keep it sowing. Faith works faithfulness, which brings a unity with him.

It is time. It’s time that the thief stops. So Lord, unlock doors. Let them come free; let them walk out of the prison. And let them prosper Lord, so they can all be part of what you’re doing, let them all come free.

Bob Hartley www.bobhartley.org

Forming the Canopy of Praise

In a dream, the Lord showed me those marketplace believers that he called, “Adoration Pillars” as they began to shine brighter and brighter. These were ones who lived a lifestyle consisting of continual adoration of Jesus.  As they were established in their identity, they began communing with Him in a deeper way and their light increased. The more luminous they became, the more they started to connect with God’s heart. No longer were they small, individual lights; they were now forming a much larger light that encompassed the city. In some specific cities, such as Canberra, Australia, this light formed a canopy of praise over the city. The worship of the saints formed an umbrella of light over an entire region.
The people who became Adoration Pillars would affect every area of life. They would reach many people and cause them to follow the Son of God (Matthew 4:18). Although they would reach multitudes, I specifically saw them have a significant effect on the intellectual ones in the city. Those who were lost in “charismatic clutter” (i.e. obsession with tapes, conference cds, teaching, etc) would be redirected to the Word of God as their primary source of revelation. Although these supplements are tools to accompany our devotion to the Word, they must not replace it entirely. In the dream, I saw the Adoration Pillars refocusing themselves and others on the centrality of the Word of God.

The Internal Reworking

Before the Adoration Pillars could create a canopy of praise, they would have to go through yet another time of testing.  Previously, I mentioned three external tests that would take place in their lives: worry, lack and criticism.  The next set of tests for these Adoration Pillars would take place at the heart level.  The result would be that they would live in constant communion with God. The following would be internal reworkings of the Lord in their heart:
1.    Restoration of Right Prayer — The Lord would shift their view of prayer. They would no longer have narcissistic prayers that were self-focused. They would begin to adore God and focus their language on worshiping Him and declaring who He is.
2.    The Question of “Do you want it?” — Adoration pillars would have to answer the question of, “do you want it?” Just as Esther, after she became queen, was faced with this decision (did she want to sacrifice it all for her people), so would the Adoration Pillars be faced with this same type of decision. Would they sacrifice it all for the knowledge of God?
3.    Hearing His Heart — They would be tested in the area of knowing His heart. They would need to begin to hear God’s heart for themselves and for the sake of others. They would lose their way and forsake true Wisdom, intimacy and friendship with God if they did not incline their ears toward the Lord. They would be like the blind leading the blind if they did not possess the heart knowledge of God.
4.    A “New Definition of Worship” — Next, they would be faced with the dilemma that words were never enough to express what they felt in the heart of God. They would grow in their understanding of how God had given everyone their own unique “song of love”.  They would appreciate the song of love in others and understand their gift of love through the eyes of Jesus (adoring God through a guitar, a painting or a dance). Because they were able to see and appreciate the song of God in other areas of life, outside traditional worship (music), their definition of worship would change. This new definition of worship would cause them to be “constant communers” who would adore God in work, play and every area of life.
5.    Bringing the Presence of God into the City — There is a vision and plan that God has for bringing His presence into a city, which brings redemption. Adoration Pillars have a vision for the nature of God being brought forth into cities. There is a vision that is to be birthed in the cities. There won’t be just Obed Edom’s, where there is a little presence in people’s personal comfort zones, but it will be for the whole city.
6.    Marvelous Camaraderie — Marvelous Comrades would rise up and learn each other’s unique worship. They would help to release others as divine instruments of God. Each would help to cultivate the song in one another’s heart. Marvelous Comrades would fight the demons in one another’s lives and help others to see that they are highly esteemed and loved by the Lord. They would help other Marvelous Comrades to discover how worthy their callings were and allow them to flourish in it. They would be ones to restore the Covenant of Brotherhood in Amos 1:9—all for one and one for all. They would stand and spiritually fight for one another. Amazing and unlikely friends would unite under the banner of the Lord.
7.    Call to the Wall — The final step I saw were the adoration pillars learning to come together in the place of intercession. Corporate unity and intercession, fueled with passion for Jesus, would create a canopy of praise over their cities. Before they would be fully able to stand with one another, they would have to experience the inner workings of the previous steps. However, once they reached this point, they would cry out together night and day for God’s purposes in the city, following the example of Joel 2. We feel this time is crucial for marketplace Christians.
After believers move through these steps of inward refining, they will walk in more intimacy and communion with God than in any previous season. Their vision will be restored to see as He sees, and they will form the canopy of light (praise) over their city.

“You are the light of the world, like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see.” — Matthew 5:14

Note:  This article was originally posted in the 2007

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Hebrews 11

Looking for the City

Imagine going to a bank where people drive through the service window, cash a check and receive healing prayer at the same time. Picture a home inspector working for the state government who comes to inspect your house and also releases the anointing of the Holy Spirit by praying for your family. Consider what would happen if investors asked the Lord about their business deals and then receive supernatural insight into their projects.
All across the globe, there are entire cities that are hearing the life-giving message of Jesus Christ through marketplace believers. These believers are part of the ninety-seven percent of Christians who are not called to full-time conventional ministry (in the Church), but are nonetheless called to serve in the Kingdom. The arena where the Lord has anointed them to be, is in the middle of their nine-to-five job and it’s in the place that they are experiencing revival. While a great move of the Spirit approaches the Church, there is a significant wave of mercy heading toward the marketplace simultaneously. A fire of revival is beginning to burn in the hearts of men and women who are called to the business world, and they are beginning to ignite their cities with passion for Jesus.

In the book of Hebrews, we read about the faith of many forefathers who came before us.  One of them, Abraham, waited for years to be brought to the city which had foundations, whose builder and maker was God (Hebrews 11:10). He was looking for a homeland that had God as its maker and architect, instead of mere humans. Abraham was searching to encounter the heart of the most experienced builder and planner in all of history. The one he sought can be found in Proverbs 8:30, where it says, “Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight…” Abraham was looking for Wisdom; he was looking for Jesus.

The Resting Place of God

What would happen if God himself were the master craftsman who planned the foundations of a city? What would people experience as they lived in a city where the King of the Glory found a resting place (Psalm 132:4, 5)?
Joseph International serves marketplace believers by equipping them to change the spiritual atmosphere of their city. By releasing a corporate call to prayer in the marketplace, Joseph Intl’ is enabling businessmen and women to take their stand on the wall of intercession while on the job. The goal of the Joseph Intl’ is to teach people to become vessels of continual prayer in the marketplace, and change the DNA of their city by allowing the Master Craftsman restructure their geographical region.
These cities, which the Old Testament calls “cities of refuge”, are ones in which the Lord will create pockets of mercy in the coming days (Numbers 35). Though economic crisis may come, these anointed businessmen will possess supernatural means to provide for others. Though poverty may knock on our doors, acts of benevolence will flow from the modern day Josephs in the day of trouble as a token of God’s mercy in the midst of judgment. When other nations are in need, these cities will come forth with mercy deeds to provide in the times of famine.
The Lord is searching the earth for those whose hearts truly belong to Him, and He is looking for businessmen and women who desire to see revival come to their city. The Master Craftsman is looking for marketplace Christians who will respond to the call to prayer and stand on the wall of intercession.
Imagine a city whose builder and maker was God. Consider a town that sees supernatural healing in the streets. Picture the prophetic voice being raised up in your city that resonates from the businesses on every corner. Although this concept of marketplace messengers may seem foreign in modern times, it was very commonplace in biblical times.

Reality of Biblical Proportions

Daniel, in the midst of the wicked kingdom of Babylon, was able to take a stand for holiness. He not only surrounded himself with marvelous comrades who obeyed the commands of God, but also fasted regularly and prayed three times a day. Because of his dedicated spirit, he was gifted with knowledge and understanding that far exceeded other soothsayers in the kingdom.
Nehemiah, another business guy, had a dream to rebuild the walls surrounding the city of Jerusalem. He served as a prophetic voice to encourage the people, and as a help to over see the rebuilding project.
Deborah, a judge of Israel, was a woman of high authority that exercised great wisdom and acted with a prophetic spirit. She frequently released the word of the Lord to entire nations and made decrees according to the heart of God.
These are just a few examples of the multitudes we see through the ages that had a “Joseph anointing”.  Modern day marketplace believers are working in political and educational arenas. Others are serving as craftsmen, homeowners or are raising children. Some are entrepreneurs while their neighbors are multimillionaires. In all walks of life, the Lord is calling marketplace believers, with a Joseph calling, to a new place of encounter and instilling passion to see their cities changed.
Gone are the days where business people question the validity of their calling. The Josephs are being set ablaze in every city and are uniting under the banner of the Lord. Marketplace believers are crying out to see their cities become “cities of refuge”. There is a cry rising up to see a city whose builder and maker is God.

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