Thursday, August 19, 2010

Santa Barbara Cemetery

By Nathan D. Pietsch

Santa Barbara Cemetery
Neck and back healed

August 17, 2010


Dawn and I are currently staying in Santa Barbara for a few days. Dawn has had a small bookkeeping job for the past several years with a company, and we are here for Dawn to update the books. Dawn has been busy, so I have been sightseeing and hitting the streets by myself.

Our friends whom we are staying with, let me borrow one of their bikes. I rode down the beach and went to the bird refuge. I stayed at the bird refuge for a couple of hours talking with the Lord.

On my bike ride to the bird refuge, I noticed the Santa Barbara Cemetery. The Lord gave me a name of a person whom I thought was buried in the cemetery. I heard the name, “John Hopkins.” A moment later, I heard in a smaller voice, “Joseph (Hopkins).” I have no idea who this person is, or if they even exist. I have never even been to this cemetery before.

I have heard stories of modern day people going to cemeteries to pick up “mantles” that have fallen at gravesides of the deceased. This concept is taken directly from II Kings chapters 2 and 13. In the book of II Kings 2:8-14, the Bible says—

8 Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 10 So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” 11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.

The Bible says in II Kings 13:20-21—

20 Then Elisha died, and they buried him. And the raiding bands from Moab invaded the land in the spring of the year. 21 So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.

Many scholars believe Elisha’s “mantle” fell at his grave, because he did not have a protege. This is why the dead man whom touched Elisha’s dry bones revived and stood on his feet.

I don’t know who, John Hopkins is, but it was worth my effort to ride the bike up the hill to the cemetery. I decided to ask some workers if they knew of any gravestones with the name, John Hopkins on it. They didn’t, but they called the office. The reply was, “There aren’t any John Hopkins buried here, but there is a Joseph and Jesse Hopkins.”

Joseph was the other name I heard, so I decided to go to that grave. The workers took me right to the spot. It continued to get more and more interesting. Buried on Joseph’s immediate right was probably his wife named, Edith N. Hopkins (1882-1978). Buried right next to Edith was John Lowery (June 14, 1892-January 23, 1976). Then buried on Joseph’s immediate left was Edna M. St. John (1893-1961), and next to her was Harry St. John (1882-1963). Joseph was surrounded by “Johns.”

I felt as if the Lord instructed me to jump on Joseph Hopkins’ grave four times, and then yell as loud as I could, “Wakey, wakey!” I did this, and waited for something to happen. I didn’t experience anything in the natural. I have no idea what any of this meant, but surely the Lord had brought me to this spot. When I got home, I did a minimal search on Joseph E. Hopkins, but I didn’t find anything. I still don’t know who he was.

After my experience at the cemetery, I rode to the skateboard park down by the beach. I am very impressed with the skill of skateboarders. These guys do amazing tricks, and oftentimes eat it hard on the pavement.

A young skater kid around 15 years, was sitting on the outside of the board park. I decided to go over and talk with him. I asked him, “Do you ever get injured skateboarding?”

“Ya, pretty much everyday.”

“What’s the worst injury you have every had?”

“Several years ago, I basically did a head dive on the pavement. I actually cracked a vertebrae in my neck.”

“Does it still hurt you?” I asked.

“Ya, it still hurts, and is always stiff.”

“Do you ever get numbness, or shooting down your arms?”

“Oh ya, I will move my head and an electrical shock thing will shoot down my arm.”

“Is there anything else that hurts? How’s your back?”

“My back hurts too.”

“Hey, do you mind if I speak healing into your body?”

“What? What does that mean?”

“I’m going to command instant healing in your body right now, if that’s ok with you.”

“Sure, I guess so.”

“In the name of Jesus I command healing in your body right now. I command all the pain to go to the cross. Are you feeling anything going on in your body?”

He moved his head around a little and said, “Wow, my neck just popped. My neck feels way looser, and so does my back. Thanks a lot. I think I’m going to go test it out on my board.”

Lord, we pray a huge blessing over Santa Barbara, California. Let these skateboarders all come to know You as their personal Lord and Savior. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

July, 2010 Update

By Nathan D. Pietsch

July, 2010 update from the mission field

August 19, 2010

It was an amazing month for Dawn and I on the mission field in Las Vegas in July, 2010. God showed up in powerful and wonderful ways. Here is a brief list of some of the highlights:

  • Numerous salvations
  • Legs supernaturally grow out
  • Exorcism to salvation
  • Backs healed, legs loosen, filled with joy
  • Encouragement released over Muslim family
  • Man felt in hand after numbness for 38 years
  • Man’s sprained foot got healed
  • “Psychic” lady got touched by God
  • Man’s severely injured leg got healed
  • Man’s separated shoulder got radically healed
  • Prayed for numerous people
  • Suicidal man got saved
  • Prophecy and words of knowledge released
  • Previously dislocated shoulder healed
  • Youths feel the Holy Spirit physically
  • Sciatica healed
  • Hope to drug addict
  • Broke off spirit of suicide

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Retirement Home

By Nathan D. Pietsch

Salvation?

August 7, 2010



While Dawn and I were eating breakfast with my Grandma, a man was highlighted to me. I walked over to him and introduced myself. You could see on his face that he had a lot of turmoil. I gathered some information, and found out his name is Charlie, and yesterday was his 96th birthday. He also previously worked as a card dealer in Las Vegas. I was able to find some common ground to talk about. By looking at, and talking with Charlie, it was obvious he did not have a life-giving relationship with Jesus. I felt compelled to ask him, “Can I pray for you, Charlie?”

“I guess, I don’t know why I should say, ‘No.’”

Charlie couldn’t hear very well, and I kept being prompted by the Holy Spirit to “stand in the gap,” and say the sinner’s prayer for Charlie. I said the sinner’s prayer with Charlie listening, as if I was Charlie.

I prayed for Charlie saying, “Dear Lord, please forgive me of my sins. Please come into my heart, and be Lord of my life. I choose you as my personal Lord and Savior. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

I didn’t observe any noticeable changes in Charlie, other than he was very grateful I talked with him. I don’t remember having ever prayed for anybody in this manner before. Did Charlie just now get saved? Honestly, I don’t know. Usually I will have the person repeat the sinner’s prayer after me. In this case, I said the sinner’s prayer for Charlie while he witnessed. What I do know though, God is so gracious, and I would not be surprised if I saw Charlie in Heaven someday.

Lord, thank you for your great grace. You are so wonderful. Please deepen our relationship with You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

New Adventure

By Nathan D. Pietsch

Blessing over Vegas
Onto California

August 6, 2010


Dawn and I left Las Vegas today. We prayed a final blessing over the city before we hit the freeway. We are heading to Southern California to visit my 91 year old grandmother for the weekend.

Lord, bless us please.

Final Night in Vegas

By Nathan D. Pietsch

Healing of severe circulation issues
Prayed for man in wheel chair, missing arm
Prayed for man who collapsed at oxygen bar
Prayed for man with rotten teeth

August 5, 2010


Tonight is the final night for Dawn and I in Las Vegas until another time. We started at the Bellagio and walked across the street to the Miracle Mile Shops. While we were in the mall, we saw a woman (50’s) hobbling with a cane. We approached her and said, “Excuse, Ma’am, we see miracles all the time, and we see you are using a cane. Can we pray for healing for your body?”

At first she didn’t know what to say, it was certainly an initial “no” attitude, but I think she was pretty desperate. She gave us permission to pray for her though. I instantly started picking up on a strong witchcraft spirit over her. I honestly think she was a witch, as was her mother and grandmother. It was so strong over her, that I didn’t know what to say next. Fortunately, Dawn stepped in and started praying for the Lord’s will to be done, and for blessing. How was I supposed to ask her if she was a witch?

After a few moments, she sat down on a bench and slightly pulled up her dress at the ankle, revealing her lower legs. She had open wounds all over, with great swelling. She said her circulation in her lower body is so poor, that these open wounds form on her legs. She must have been in excruciating pain. It looked like a serious issue, one that could potentially take both of her legs, if she doesn’t get healed.

We prayed again, only more specifically now. “In the name of Jesus, we plead the blood of Jesus over you right now. Lord, wash and cover us with Your blood. We command any spirits of infirmity to immediately go to Jesus right now. You may not return nor be replaced. Lord, we pray for forgiveness over any form of witchcraft, and command all spirits of witchcraft to immediately go to Jesus right now. You may not return nor be replaced. Lord, we need more of Your grace poured out over all of us right now. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

We then asked her, “Are you feeling anything going on in your body right now?”

“Yes, I feel this tingling all up and down my legs.”

While we were talking with her, some other people came up to her, so our conversation was cut short. We blessed her and went on our way.

I’m not really sure if I was supposed to talk about the witchcraft that was all over this lady. In school at Bethel School of Supernatural Discipleship, we are taught not to call out the dirt on people. We are taught to speak the opposite. For example, if you see a spirit of pornography over a man, you would pray or prophecy something like, “I release purity over you in the name of Jesus. May you be a man who is always faithful to your wife.” You certainly want to avoid saying something like, “I see you are entangled in pornography.” The idea is to always find the gold in people, not the dirt. It is important to honor people, not humiliate them. In my situation with this lady, I felt like I was supposed to pray against spirits of witchcraft.

Another important safety note in deliverance ministry (casting out demons) is to get permission to pray for the person beforehand. Devils think they have a legal right to torment a person if they have “open doors” in their life. A person can open doors to satanic oppression by: unforgiveness, witchcraft, fear, sexual sin, and/or other things that are not holy. By getting a person’s permission to pray for them, they are basically saying, “I want to be set free.”

However, there are always exceptions to most rules. We see examples of this taken directly from the book of Acts. In Acts 13:8-11—
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

In Acts 16:16-18 the Bible says,—

16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

In both of these cases, Paul did not get permission before casting these devils out of the people.

After our excursion in the Miracle Mile Shops, we headed north towards the Wynn. We stopped to pray for a man in a wheelchair. His name was, Michael (40’s). He pretty much needed a massive Holy Spirit make-over. He was homeless with all sorts of physical issues including missing his right arm. That didn’t stop us from praying for a total body restoration though. We didn’t see him get out of his wheelchair and walk, nor did we see his right arm grow back, but he was certainly encouraged.

I have had visions of a “body parts room” in Heaven. It was really interesting having the Lord show me this room. Each body part was certainly living. I saw stacks of hands, feet, organs, limbs, and even heads with faces. It would be neat (perhaps) to see a decapitated person come back to life, receiving a new head from Heaven. I probably will some day. After all the Bible says in Matthew 15:30-31—

30 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. 31 So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

In the Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries, the word, “maimed” is referenced—
G2948 κυλλός kullos kool-los’ From the same as G2947; rocking about, that is, crippled (maimed, in feet or hands): - maimed.

Jesus uses this same word, “kullos” in Matthew 18:8—

“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.”

The scriptures tell us that Jesus healed people who were missing body parts. In Hebrews 13:8 we are told, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in John 14:12 Jesus said, “...the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do...” If Jesus healed maimed people—which He did—you and I in Christ should also be performing such miracles.

When Dawn and I were walking through the Palazzo shops, we took a wrong turn and just happened to walk into an emergency situation. A man at an oxygen bar, (I’m not totally sure what that is), collapsed on an oxygen overdose or something. His eyes were rolling back into his head. People thought he was going to die. The paramedics came and eventually escorted him away. Dawn and I stood from a distance and released the Kingdom of God. We don’t know the impact we had, but we know it wasn’t in vain (see I Corinthians 15:58).

Our final encounter was with a man (early 40’s) nick-named, “Buck.” We started talking with him, and he said he had a mouth full of rotten teeth. Dawn and I are waiting for greater healing miracle breakthroughs, because we have never prayed for anybody and witnessed their teeth being restored supernaturally. We believe it will happen though, and we are going to keep praying for such miracles. Besides, it is not us doing the miracles anyway, it is the Lord working through us.

We have been taught to keep praying for, and going after miracles. We have heard of many amazing people of God who would pray for healing for people, and see nothing happen. Time after time they would pray, but the breakthrough would not come, and the people would leave unhealed. Eventually the breakthroughs did come, and miracles flow from them now. Several examples that I have heard of are: Heidi Baker, Todd Bentley, Jason Chin, and Kristina Waggoner. We need to keep praying for people even if we don’t see any change in the natural.

We prayed for Buck, but we did not witness him get a new set of teeth. He did feel very honored that we would stop and talk with him though. Who knows, perhaps the Lord restored his mouth after we left. What do you believe?

Lord, thank you for all You have done through Dawn and I in Las Vegas. We know You have amazing plans for this city. Please fulfill them. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Criss Angel, Again?

By Nathan D. Pietsch

Second encounter with Criss Angel
Homeless get blessed
Dawn prayed over prostitutes

August 4, 2010


Tonight, Dawn and I started at the Bellagio. We walked our way north on Las Vegas Boulevard, through Caesar’s Palace. The walked through the Forum shop area. This is a very beautiful place. We were able to release the Kingdom over this entire region.

We then headed south all the way to the Luxor. We are planning on going to the Liquidity bar to “watch” the sixth season premier of Criss Angel: Mindfreak. Criss and his family are supposed to be here as well. Dawn and I don’t want to miss any opportunity to bring light to Criss.

The Lord has really put a compassion in my heart towards this guy. I want to see him set free by the power of Jesus Christ, and fulfill his God-given destiny. He has so much to offer the world, but until he gets saved, he is a liability and stumbling block to others. People are fanatics about Criss Angel, because he appears to do the impossible. He has magic kits that sell like hot cakes, especially to the children. We need to be contending for Criss’ salvation, healing, and deliverance. He is certainly somebody we want on our “team.”

Criss was blocked off in a private section with his family during the season premier of Mindfreak. However, I positioned myself in perfect view of him. I was able to pray the entire time for him. The Lord mostly had me pray in tongues.

I certainly observed that Criss is an extremely hard-worker. He also has a very large and sensitive heart. He was crying during his life’s documentary when he saw the footage of his father who passed away several years ago from cancer. I believe Criss will have a gift of mercy when he gets saved.

Despite all of Criss’ success, he does not appear to be happy at all. I rarely saw him smile. He seemed sleep deprived, overworked, and even lifeless. He seemed very hollow inside. He was more zombie-like than human-like. The reason why he is like this is because fame, fortune, and success cannot fill the void that only Jesus can fill. Every person was created with a void that can only be filled with Jesus. People might deny that God exists, but they are believing a lie.

The Bible says in Romans 1:18-21—

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Nobody has an excuse if they reject God. God has hot-wired us to know that He exists.

After the TV show ended, Criss walked around the Liquidity bar taking pictures with all the fans. It was mayhem. There were so many people trying to touch him. Dawn and I both finally got close enough to touch him. We slapped our glory filled hands on him and didn’t let go. The Lord released so much through us. We don’t totally know all that took place, but we know it was something marvelous

I’m not really sure why, but the Lord didn’t have us say anything to him. We prayed over and over again that the Lord’s will would be done through us. I guess this was all the Lord wanted us to do. I would have loved to have lead Criss to the Lord in a powerful prayer. I suppose that could happen someday though.

After we left the Luxor, we had to walk back to the Bellagio. It was already past 2:00 AM by now, but people were still getting highlighted to us on the streets. A homeless man (30’s) named, Will was sitting on one of the foot bridges. He received our invitation of prayer, and the Lord began to give us amazing downloads on him. We “read his mail.” He was so overwhelmed, that he gave us hugs and even broke down crying at times. God was all over him, and he even recognized and admitted it. We talked with him for about an hour.

Dawn also brought hope to another homeless man (40’s) named, Keith. Dawn released the truth from the scriptures over him. The simple truth of Jesus Christ has so much power. Jesus even said in John 8:32—

32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

As we were approaching the Bellagio, two prostitutes walked along side of us. Dawn boldly walked up to these women and asked, “Do you need any prayer for anything tonight?” One of the ladies replied, “What? Do you mean blessings?”

“Yes,” Dawn replied.

“Ok.”

“In the name of Jesus, I pray abundant blessings over you. I pray for jobs and better jobs for you. I pray the Heavenly Father would pour out His love over you. I pray for your God-given destiny and purpose to be fulfilled. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

It was that easy. The girl’s eyes began to well up with tears, but they walked off. We may never know what God just did in her heart.

Lord, we thank you so much for what transpired tonight. We know your grace is sufficient. Lord, have Your way in this place, and in these people. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Reunion

By Nathan D. Pietsch

Reunion with long-time friend
Prayed over Palace Station

August 3, 2010


Tonight Dawn and I started at the Luxor. Initially, it wasn’t for evangelism though, we met my great friend, Jobin from when we attended the University of Oregon. It was a total miracle and Divine appointment to see him here in Vegas. Jobin is now a medical doctor. This was his goal ever since I knew him in Oregon, about 14 years ago. He has accomplished his dream.

Jobin’s mom now lives in Vegas. Jobin is on vacation visiting her. Jobin's mom's air conditioner in her house went out, so her insurance company paid for them to stay in a hotel. They happened to stay at the Luxor. We visited with them from about 6:00 PM until 9:45 PM. It will be a highlight of my life.

Dawn and I then drove to Palace Station. We spent much more time praying over the casino, than for people. It seems that a lot of our time in Vegas has been praying for the land and casinos. We know that prayer changes the spiritual atmosphere.

Lord, pour out Your Spirit over Las Vegas and beyond. Turn all of these beautiful hotels and casinos into buildings that will glorify You. Thank you, Lord. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Unexpected Surprise

By Nathan D. Pietsch

Prayed over Luxor and area
Unexpected surprise

August 2, 2010


Before Dawn and I headed out on the Vegas Strip, we asked the Lord where He wanted us to go. We were instructed to go back to the Luxor. Our purpose was to prayer walk the perimeter of the inside of the facility. The Lord was having us pray that He would remove the spirit of witchcraft over this area. I believe most of the witchcraft is stemming from Criss Angel, because the Lord has us pray a lot for him. I believe a massive stronghold will fall over this region once Criss receives Jesus as Lord and Savior. Also, notice how his sign has the word, “Lie” highlighted in “Believe.”

If Criss is operating in the dark supernatural, in which it appears he is, I can only image what is taking place in his Luxor suite. He actually lives in the Luxor. Dawn and I spend all day in our room praying, reading the Bible, worshiping God, and resting in the Lord. We know God’s Glory doesn’t only stay in our room, but permeates the entire region and beyond. If Criss spends his days meditating in the darkness, this also permeates the region. This can obviously effect an entire region negatively, just as prayer and worship to the One and True God positively effects an entire region. This is why it is crucial that the Body of Christ arise and start praying. It is time to put off lukewarm Christianity (see Revelation 3:14-22).

Dawn and I then headed out on the Strip. We stopped and asked numerous people who were injured, if they wanted to be healed. However, they preferred to stay in their injuries, in their illness, and using their walking canes. We did pray for two homeless people, and they were encouraged. We walked from the Luxor, almost to “Paris”. We prayed over the city yet again.

When we got back to our car, there was a very pleasant and unexpected surprise waiting on our car windshield. A note said, “Pietsch, if this is you, give me a call... Jobin...” Jobin is one of my best friends from my time at the University of Oregon. We have lost contact for the last couple of years though. Apparently, he saw me from a distance and thought it was me. However, he was in disbelief, so he didn’t run to catch me. He then felt a tug to go back out to the self-parking garage where he initially saw us. He saw “Oregon” license plates so decided to write the note. It turned out it really was me.

Jobin is on vacation visiting his mom who now lives in Las Vegas. Her air conditioner just went out, and the insurance company is paying for them to stay at the Luxor until it is repaired. The timing of all of this had to be perfect to rendezvous like this. This must be a Divine appointment. I am excited to meet Jobin in a few hours. Thank you, Lord.

Lord, bless the people who come to Las Vegas. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Meeting Criss Angel

By Nathan D. Pietsch

Released double dose of the Holy Ghost

July 31, 2010

Dawn and I waited five hours to meet, Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, or better known as Criss Angel. Criss is apparently the #1 magician in the world, and has become world reknowned through his TV show called, Criss Angel: Mindfreak. You can check out his website at: www.crissangel.com.

Our whole purpose on meeting Criss, is to release the Heavenly Glory over him. If you know anything about him, he is not rolling in the light. He has a huge destiny, that God would like to see fulfilled.

We honor Criss because he is created in the image of God (see Genesis 1:27). I do not agree with his practice of magic at all. The Bible makes it pretty clear to stay clear of this sort of practice. (See Leviticus 19:31, II Chronicles 33:6, Ezekiel 13:18.)

Actually, I am pretty outraged at what Criss does. He mesmerizes the people. People think he is some sort of messiah. I am also upset that the Body of Christ has not risen up to counter such deception. Let’s look at a similar situation found in scripture, but somebody who was able to combat the sorcery with the Holy Spirit. This is an example of what should be happening in all believer's lives.

The Bible says in Acts 8:4-13—

4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
In Acts 8, we see Simon, who was a great magician. The Bible says, they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. However, Simon got converted to Christianity when he saw true, raw power displays of God working through Philip. We as believers in Jesus Christ need greater measures of the Holy Spirit working through us. When this begins to happen, God is going to receive the glory.

It is interesting that I actually met Criss Angel today. The Lord has put Criss on my heart for at least six months now. Back when I was a student at Bethel School of Supernatural Discipleship, I would have visions of meeting Criss. I would envision releasing the Kingdom on him, and eventually getting saved from our encounter. This has been the single most important task the Lord has ever given me up to this point. When Criss receives Jesus as Lord and Savior, the world is going to change. He will impact it that much.

This was the encounter Dawn and I had with Criss Angel. We waited for five hours, to spend two minutes with him, to ultimately spend eternity in Heaven together. Dawn and I went up together so he could get blasted with a double dose of the Holy Ghost. We also got a free poster for him to sign so we could have more time releasing the Kingdom on him. We made sure to slap our Holy Spirit anointed hands on him multiple times.

God’s Glory on us was actually pretty thick. We brought in our iPod, and little iPod speaker. We had Jake Hamilton and Kim Walker playing the entire time. Even when we got our photo taken with Criss, you could hear Jake Hamilton singing from the speaker that I placed on my belt loop.

As soon as I touched his shoulder with my two hands, in a partially kind of hug, I felt something release from me. I felt like I had laid hands on him in an impartation. He certainly received something.

I then began to say what I felt like I was supposed to say to him. “Do you know what the most amazing thing about you is?”

“What? Lots of things... My fans,” he replied.

“You haven’t started to step into your destiny yet.”

“Ya, I’m still working on it,” he commented.

I then shook his hand, our time was up. “It’s an honor to meet you,” I said.

Criss replied, “Thank you, God bless.”

Dawn replied back to him, “Bless you.”

After we left, Dawn told me while we were getting our photo with him that she was declaring Kingdom revelations for him, “You are royalty. You have destiny. You have been set free. You are going to shape history.” These are lyrics from Jake Hamilton, but they are true and very powerful.

The entire encounter was sort of awkward and strange. I knew there wasn’t going to be a huge scene of Dawn and I casting demons out, or some sort of showdown like that of Elijah and the priests of Ba’al in I Kings 18, but I was hoping for a little more.

Dawn and I absolutely know something happened today in Criss’ life, and his brother, J.D. We met J.D. too, and slapped our Glory hands on him. On the drive home I was a little frustrated, because there were a number of people in line in wheelchairs. The Bible says that Philip healed the lame, which was a major reason Simon the sorcerer got converted. The Lord never gave us permission to pray for these people.

There was one guy in a wheelchair missing both his legs and arms. Jesus healed the maimed (see Matthew 15:30-31 NKJV), we should be able to. If that would have happened today, the glory would have shifted from Criss Angel, to the Lord of Hosts of angels, Jesus Christ. The Lord gently reminded me, “You need not worry about it, I am going to get the final laugh.”

Later tonight, Dawn and I went to the International Church of Las Vegas. Lou Engle is here for a pre-Call to the Call in Sacramento on September 3-4. God is so good. Lou said from the pulpit, “The devil has been having his laugh now, but God is raising up and getting ready to release the consecrated ones, the ones who are set apart, the Nazarites.” This was confirmation to let me know that God is not asleep in Heaven. He knows what is transpiring down here on earth. We need to keep going after revival in all we do.

I hear the Lord speaking to all of us from the scriptures, whom will you serve? In Joshua 24:14-15, the Bible says—

14 “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! 15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Lord, transform us. It is time for people to get serious about what they really believe in. Stir the hearts of the people, and shake the sleeping nations. Bless you, Lord. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Setting the Captives Free—Criss Angel: Mindfreak

By Nathan D. Pietsch

Rejoiced over the Criss Angel: Mindfreak store at the Luxor

July 30, 2010


A couple of weeks back, when Dawn and I were at the Luxor, we saw a poster advertising a public relations event with, Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, or better known for his stage performance name, Criss Angel. He is the creator of the TV show, Criss Angel: Mindfreak. His website is: www.crissangel.com. We are planning on meeting Criss Angel.

By no means do we respect his sorcery, magic, trickery, and illusions, but we very much honor him as a person. He is created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:27), therefore, worthy of honor regardless of what he does.

Our purpose of meeting Criss, is to release the true Kingdom of Heaven over him. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Hebrews 13:8). Jesus said in Luke 4:18—

18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;”

Jesus came to set the captives free.

The Bible also says in Joshua 1:3—

3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.

You can also check out Deuteronomy 11:24.

We also claimed a phrase from Acts 8:19—

19 ...Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.

We are believing God that whomever we touch shall receive the Holy Spirit. We also believe the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 5:13-14—

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

In my opinion, Criss Angel has a lot of power. We also know the devil and demons have a lot of power, and are able to give power to people. (See Revelation 13.) Criss is able to perform some amazing stunts. However, there is more power in every believer’s pinky finger than all of hell.

It is time the church arises in its true identity as the Body of Christ without spot or wrinkle. It is time we give the world a real power encounter. Criss Angel and other magicians are currently making the church look like fools. I am also included in this. I am not currently walking in a level of the supernatural, in which the Bible says I can. (See John 14:12, Mark 16:17-18, Matthew 10:8, John 8:31, II Corinthians 3:7-18.)

Please don’t misunderstand me, watching people’s legs grow out supernatural is wonderful. We prayed for a person with a totally fused wrist, with a steel plate in it holding it together, and they got healed and full mobility returned. We prayed for a woman in a wheel chair who suffered from a broken back, get up and walk out of her chair. We have prayed for blind eyes to see, and they have. Their eyes were totally black. Where the eyes were supposed to be white, they were black. We kept commanding life, and before our eyes, the black turned to white, and then the sight was restored. We prayed for a woman with a massive tumor bulge protruding from her neck. The tumor shrank in my hands. However, Jesus gives us something to be concerned about in Luke 17:26-30. This is why the church needs more of God's power. The Bible says—

26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

Jesus said the end days are going to be like the days of Noah and Lot. We read about the days of Noah in Genesis 6. At this time on the earth, satanic creatures interbred with humans, creating giants. We read about the days of Lot in Genesis 19. This is the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, when God rained down fire and brimstone on a homosexual, abominable society.

To me, this is very alarming. The power and authority that I am currently walking in under the Holy Spirit, does not seem significant enough to combat what lies ahead. The Body of Christ, both you and I, really need to arise to combat the dark forces. So, how do we arise into the power and authority Jesus had? I’m not sure, but I can give six suggestions.

1. Believe

If you want to arise in Holy power and authority, you need to believe. You need to believe what the Bible says you can do, and what the Bible says about who you are in Christ.

The Bible tells us what we can do. Jesus said in John 14:12—

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you should be doing greater works than Jesus did. If you read through the gospels, it shows that Jesus did some pretty amazing feats. Jesus walked on water (see Mark 6:45-52), walked through walls (see John 20:19), raised dead people (see John 11:38-44), healed the multitudes (Matthew 9:35-36), and did so many other things they couldn’t all possibly be recorded (see John 21:25).

Not only do you need to know what the Bible says you can do, but you also need to know who you are in Christ. Jesus has given us our true identity, and it is stretched throughout the Bible for us. You can download a free copy of, Who I Am in Christ, on our website at: http://www.allsufficientgod.org/products.php#who_am_i_in_christ.

2. Get Baptized with the Holy Spirit

Jesus did not begin His public ministry until He was baptized with the Holy Spirit. If you recall in Matthew chapter 3, John the Baptist, baptized Jesus in the river. The Bible says in verses 16-17—

16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus is tempted by the devil, and then He begins His public ministry of radical signs, wonders, and miracles. If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit, I think we do too.

3. Worship God

Worshiping God is so crucial. Worshiping God is an act of intimacy we can display towards the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The more you worship, the more intimate you become with Them. Intimacy always leads to greater gifts. Jesus also said in John 4:24—

24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Spend time in deep worship.

4. Stay in the Word

The Bible is the inspired word of God. I encourage you to read it daily. Jesus says in Matthew 13:11—

11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

The more you read the Bible, mysteries of the kingdom of heaven will be released to you. God seems to enjoy making us search out His mysteries. (See 25:2.)

5. Desire Spiritual Gifts

If you don’t desire to receive spiritual gifts, it is going to be pretty difficult to operate in those gifts. The apostle Paul tells us that we should desire the greater gifts. Paul pens in I Corinthians 12:31—

But earnestly desire the best gifts...

6. Receive impartations from people operating in spiritual gifts

God seems to like it when brothers and sisters share. Paul writes in Romans 1:11—

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—

Paul makes it clear, spiritual gifts can be transferred from one person to another. Jesus also tells us to freely give. In Matthew 10:8, Jesus said—

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

I would encourage you to have people pray for you.

When Dawn and I arrived at the Luxor, we made our way to the official Criss Angel Mindfreak store. We stayed there in that area for 2.5 hours praying, dancing, singing, and rejoicing over the place. We want to see Criss get set free and fulfill his destiny.

Criss already has amazing accomplishments in his life. However, fulfilling accomplishments is not the same as fulfilling your destiny. Criss’ destiny is simple. It is this: tell all people the great things Jesus has done for him, and how Jesus has had compassion on him. If Criss did this, he would absolutely transform the world for God’s glory.

Lord, thank you for Criss’ destiny. Please set him free, and help him fulfill his destiny. It is too big of a calling to pass by. Thank you, Lord. We pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.