01/17/26 Gathering
- gkhanselman
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
Summary: The meeting focused on deepening spiritual intimacy with Jesus through silence, prayer, and surrender, emphasizing God’s everlasting love and the call to make Him Lord of our lives. There was heartfelt intercession for peace and revival in Minnesota and the nation, alongside encouragement to embrace spiritual pruning to bear fruit and fully live for God. Apostle Garth shared personal testimony about honest surrender and the joy of following God’s leading.
Deepening Relationship with Jesus
Emphasis on honoring the Holy Spirit, practicing stillness before the LORD, and making space for Jesus in one's daily life.
Call to make Jesus not just Savior but Lord, inviting Him to "sit on the throne" of one's heart.
Encouragement to surrender physical ailments and burdens to Jesus; practical instructions include laying hands on afflicted areas while praising and thanking Jesus.
Emphasis on spiritual language (praying in the Spirit) as a form of perfect worship.
Recurring message of God's everlasting, unconditional love and His desire for intimacy with individuals.
Call for honesty with God—admitting lack of love or distractions, trusting that transparency leads to freedom and deeper experience with God.
Encouragement to lay down material possessions and idols, focusing solely on Jesus.
Teaching on the importance of spiritual hunger and thirst; the "requirement" for experiencing the fullness of God is an active choice to pursue Him.
Use of metaphors (e.g., threshing floor, wine press, pruning) to illustrate the process of spiritual growth, surrender, and preparation for God’s purposes.
Bearing Fruit and Spiritual Pruning
Reference to John 15 about branches in the vine—God prunes fruitful branches to bear more fruit and removes unfruitful ones; believers must be willing to be pruned for greater effectiveness.
New breed of ministers: Quoting Heidi Baker, the message highlights a passionate, committed, and joyful group of ministers who serve wherever God sends them, embracing hardship for the gospel.
Teaching on Obedience & Being Set Apart
Encouragement to embrace being "peculiar" or "set apart" for God’s purposes, even if it means being different from cultural norms.
Illustration using historical revivalists (e.g., Charles Finney) and biblical characters (e.g., Peter) to highlight the need for bold, Spirit-led action.
Emphasis on the importance of meditating on and studying God’s Word, not just reading it.
Reflection on the dangers of spiritual complacency and the call to move beyond “first world problems” to wholehearted devotion.
Key Decisions & Action Plans
Action: Practice regular periods of silence and stillness before God.
Action: Engage in honest prayer.
Action: Prepare for upcoming regular fasting as a discipline of self-denial.
Action: Be open to spiritual pruning, accepting moments of discomfort for greater fruitfulness.
Decision: Make Jesus the center, above all relationships and pursuits.
Practical Announcements & Upcoming Events
Announcement to begin to prepare oneself of regular fasting to be incorporated into the community’s rhythm.
Upcoming visit from Dana Mulla (Albanian orphanage leader and intercessor) on February 7.
Save the date: Passover celebration scheduled for April 4.
Want to dive deeper? Watch the full sermon on YouTube!
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