Part 2: Pulling Into the Stronghold "Bird Church"

In our last session, we fled with David and his mighty men into the wilderness, camping with him in the wilderness strongholds, staying one step away from King Saul, who was trying to kill him. These years were certainly not easy, comfortable or pleasant, but God had a purpose in them. While in the wilderness strongholds, David spent time praying, writing psalms, worshipping God, listening to his voice, developing strong relationships, learning God’s timing and patience, learning to trust God, and a myriad of other things that God used to prepare David to be King of Israel.

Remember the principle? "Between the place of a promise being given by God, and the place of the promise being fulfilled, there is a wilderness of preparation lying in between!" (Rick Joyner)

I had my own time in the wilderness, God had a reason for that, too. I was blessed enough to know why.

As C. S. Lewis wrote, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains."

By this time, in 2011, I had so much pain, I could hear him loud and clear. Here is the word God gave me when I cried out to him the eternal question, Why? In session 2, I share a prophetic word I received from God during a time of extended illness. Also, you will learn about the beginning of Bird Church! For Lesson Plans and Handouts, Click Here!

(15:14)

Scriptures: Psalm 91: 1-4 (4), Psalm 18:2,

Questions:

Go back and reread the word that Patti was given in 2011. What about this word encourages you? What do you think is the most important part? What is God really trying to say to Patti through this word?
Why do you think it is important that we learn to quickly pull into the secret place with God, that is, the stronghold?
In what ways can you see that God himself was Patti’s teacher during this time?
In the very first Bird Church lesson, what was God saying to Patti? Was this correction harsh or gentle? How is learning in this way different from listening to a sermon?
In the second Bird Church lesson, review what happened. Who does the mother bird represent? The ducklings? The crows? The hawk?
As a group read Psalm 91, 1-4. What part of this Psalm is your favorite?
Have you ever had an experience like this, where God taught you something through nature, or an experience? Tell what happened.

Patti's Word-- 2011

You must see me for who I am and know me. You must know how to come quickly into the secret place and find me. The time is short. You must be strengthened. It is not pleasant for a time but in due season you will testify of my goodness. You must spend time with me, my word and worship. You must learn to obey me completely.

I am training you in these days to move to a greater level of faith in me. You will need this strength for the days ahead as we move to the last days. Lawlessness is being intensified on the earth. You must build physical and spiritual strongholds for yourself and your family.

3 min.

Here is the clip of the Bird Church Story. 4 min.