James Goll

The Seer and Prophet

2012-02-29T10:26:00.001-08:00

In the spiritual realm, the flow of the prophetic from Heaven to earth resembles the Nile River. Just as the White Nile and the Blue Nile join to create the greater river called the Egyptian Nile, two streams of prophetic anointing come together to feed the greater concourse of the mighty prophetic river of God on earth. We can call these two streams the stream of the prophet and the stream of the seer.

Another way to look at this is to turn it around and think of a great prophetic river flowing from the throne of God that breaks into two streams-the prophet and the seer-which then give different degrees or dimensions or facets of prophetic impartation. Either way, it should be clear that both streams are important for the full expression of the Lord's prophetic word to His people in our day.

What is the difference between a prophet and a seer?

"All true seers are prophets but not all prophets are seers."

A prophet or prophetess, then, is a spokesperson for God; one who hears the voice of the Holy Spirit and speaks or pens God's mind or counsel through a "divinely anointed manner."

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12 Scriptures for 2012

2012-02-02T11:54:00.001-08:00

12 Scriptures for 2012

I believe its the year of the Word of the God and God of the Word. It is a time when the office of the teacher (Ephesians 4:11) or the teaching gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:7) will be re-emphasized in the body of Christ. It is a time when a convergence of the School of the Word and the School of the Spirit takes place. That is why I released a Bible reading program at the first of the year. It's ever too late to participate!

With this conviction in mind, I went to prayer and asked the Lord for scriptures for 2012. To my delight, I felt the Holy Spirit highlight the following 12 Scriptures for 2012 and Beyond all with the address of 20:12, 10:12, 12:12 or 12:20. I hope you enjoy this innovative way of gleaning from the Word of God.

1. Exodus 20:12 – Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. We must cultivate a culture of HONOR! Everyone wins and the Supernatural flows freely in such an atmosphere!

2. Proverbs 20:12 – The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them. Communion with God including a greater diversity in the prophetic will be welcomed as there is an increase in both the Seer and Hearer anointing.

3. Ezekiel 20:12 – Also I gave them my Sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them. The Holy Spirit is emphasizing REST! It will be a tool of healing for many. Some will be called into a time of "sabbatical rest", extended vacations and celebrating the Sabbath.

4. Job 12:12 – Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding. The Spirit of Wisdom (Isaiah 11:1 – 3) and the gift of the Word of Wisdom (I Cor. 12:8) will be emphasized as part of the solution for the times we are moving into.

5. Zechariah 12:10 – I will pour out on the House of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and supplication so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. There will be more global prayer that will arise for the nation of Israel in 2012 than any previous year in church history. This is all in preparations for regional conflicts in the Middle East that could come forth in 2013 and beyond.

6. Matthew 12:20 – A battered reed He will not break off, and a smoldering wick He will not put out, until He leads justice to victory. Discouraged people will find fresh hope and the justice movement will come into greater maturity and impact.

7. Luke 12:12 – For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that hour what you ought to say. Spontaneous leadings of the Holy Spirit will be released to many. Dependency on the “now voice” is a necessity. The Holy Spirit will manifest Himself as our teacher.

8. John 20:12 – …and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. There is an increase of angelic activity in the Seer realm of discerning of spirits. People who have never seen angels will have angelic encounters.

9. Acts 20:12 – …they took away the boy alive, and were greatly comforted. The revival of the resurrection of the dead will spring forth. It will not be limited to “third world countries” but will escalate globally.

10. Romans 12:12 – …rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer. The message of the hour is HOPE! The call is to “Never Give Up!” There will be a return in the local church to the call to intercession.

11. I Corinthians 12:12 – For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many; are one body, so also is Christ. This is the chapter for the year! It is time for body ministry once again. As the five-fold ministry gifts are restored, the “saint's movement” will now pick up steam. Time for every member to function in the gifts of the Holy Spirit!

12. 2 Corinthians 12:12 – The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. I am excited about this verse! It is the culminating verse the Lord has directed me towards. True apostles performing signs and wonders walking in character are now on the scene.

Praise the Lord for the Year of the Word and the God of the Word merging. Let the fullness of the convergence of the ages– along with the graces of the past be brought forward into our now for such a time as this. I trust these 12 Scriptures for 2012 and Beyond will be a blessing to you!

With Great Expectations!

James W. Goll

IT'S TIME FOR S.H.O.P.

2012-02-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

A FRESH REVELATION FOR THE PRAYER MOVEMENT!

While in Pasadena, CA this past week ministering at the Voice of the Prophets Conference, I was ministering away on the theme of Prophecy Life. Then "it" happened! What is the "it"? HA! Hold on - I will get to "it"!

For me the SEER REALM opens up - sometimes unexpectedly. I wish it were by will - but it is not. It opens up to me especially while in worship, sometimes while just doing something natural and some times while ministering privately or sometimes on stage.

This is how I got PRAYER STORM. I saw it. This is how I got The Beginning of the Third Great Awakening and other significant revelations. For me it is always something significant when this occurs.

Well while on the platform of Ambassador Auditorium, my spiritual eyes were opened and I saw the words SHOP written out in front of me hanging in mid air. Now those who know me, know I do like to SHOP! Ha! But of course, this was not a word from the Lord telling me to go shopping! I was caught by this in front of everyone - hundreds present. Then as fast as I saw it a down load went right into me. Wanna know what I heard?

It's time for SHOP! It's time for the Salvation House of Prayer! Wow! That was amazing! I saw that there was grace in the room for at least 25 HOUSES of PRAYER that would carry this anointing for Prayer Evangelism...

So you realize that most of our amazing local church and House of Prayer expressions rarely actually pray for souls? Well, it time! It's time for the Salvation House of Prayer - so let's SHOP TILL WE DROP! Just incredible.

Declaring the word at H Rock

So this is not a condemnation on any of what exists today - it is a call to add God's heart for the lost in our many different Houses of Prayer expressions. It's time for the Harvest! So Let's SHOP!

By the way, sign up for "the hour that changes the world" with Prayer Storm at www.prayerstorm.com. We will definitely be doing more SALVATION INTERCESSION there.

EXPECTANTLY!

JAMES W. GOLL

A TRIBUTE TO MY CHILDHOOD BEST FRIEND

2011-12-27T07:26:00.000-08:00

Tribute to My Childhood Best Friend

I received word from my two sisters on Friday, December 23^rd, that my best friend in childhood, Stanley Bruce Shaffer, 59 years of age of Cowgill, Missouri, passed from this life into the eternal heavenly one after a long and arduous battle with cancer. It touched my heart in the deepest place when I heard of his departure from this life. As many of you, I was flooded with both deep grief and joy simultaneously.

Where we went to school together

You see, Stan was by far my “Best Friend” in growing up. In our formative years, we did most everything together though in many aspects, we were very different from one another. But hey, when most of the time you were the only two guys in your grade school class – you had to get along! And get along we did!

My house growing up

It wasn’t only that we were the same age, attended the same grade school, played baseball and basketball together and even at times, liked the same girls; our families were close friends. What joy it brings my heart when I recall the times when the Shaffer clan of Dale and Liz, Judy, Bobby Dale and Stan would converge with the Goll clan of Wayne and Mandie, Sandra Sue, Barbara and Jimmy Wayne (Yes, you heard it – Jimmy Wayne.) Evenings spent at the farm house front porch, home made ice cream and yummy desserts, many a birthday party – and even some good ole belly laughter would erupt from time to time as family friends enjoyed each others company. Life seemed so much simpler then . . .

Differences? I guess! Stan was the eternal optimist. I was the eternal sensitive one. Stan had that infectious laugh. I was seriously serious. Stan was tall and blond. I was skinny and dark headed. Stan was an award-winning athlete. I was an award-winning singer. Stan became a graduate from Polo High School while I graduated from the competitor, Braymer High School, both in 1970. Shaffer’s grew up kind more Baptist and well, the Goll’s, much more Methodist. Stan was more of “a stay at home type” and I had the “itch for international missions”.

Carolyn and Stan on their wedding day

But we shared more in common that we did our differences. We shared country home spun values of love for family, friends and God. We both had fathers who worked hard to make ends meet and unforgettable mom’s who served and prayed hard. We shared a love for life, a desire to dress and look cool and cruising in his hot Mustang car. We stood side by side in many a church setting singing in the interdenominational group the Seekers. We both married the only women we ever truly loved and were groomsmen in each other’s weddings. Stan married stunning Carolyn and I married the adorable Michal Ann. For the truth to be known, we both married up!

Yes, later in life our journeys took us in different directions but our hearts were always knitted together. We both knew the peaks and valleys and trails of this earth bound life. Our families both desperately fought cancer and have both suffered irreplaceable loss. But by the great grace of God, we both came out winners! Huh? Winners? How can that be?

Because of the finished work of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! It is by grace through faith that we are saved and not a work of ourselves. Jesus stated concerning his friend Lazarus and now I repeat the words of Jesus concerning my friend Stan Shaffer:

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” John 11: 25, 26

This I know and herein I declare: God is good all the time and His mercies endure forever! Knowing Stan trusted in the Lord, I stand here today to Praise the Lord and declare, “Jesus Saves!

Stan’s suffering is now over as is my dear Annie’s. I am sure, as a part of the great cloud of witnesses, my Michal Ann is there right now, along Shaffer and Stephens family members as a part of the “Homecoming Crowd” to welcome and greet My Childhood Best Friend. It is my great honor to remember with fondness, tears and joy, the life of Stan Shaffer.

Today, December 27^th, 2011, we pause to thank Jesus Christ for this brother, husband, cousin and friend – for a life well lived. Let it be known, for those who know and love Jesus, we are only separated for a short time.

With Sincerity and Gratitude,

Dr. James W. Goll

The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence and Introduction

2011-10-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence

By James W. Goll

I just love it that you guys are hungry for more of God! In a recent survey on Face Book, the most asked question from those who responded was a desire for me to write tips on Practicing the Presence of God. Well, for probably a whole host of people do not know, I wrote a whole book on the subject. So for right now, I thought I would give you the Introduction from the book and then you could decide if you want to get the entire book or not. You can order The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence book from my web site at www.jamesgoll.com or from Amazon.com. I also have a study Guide called Consecrated, Contemplative Prayer also available at my online resource center with an entire CD set that goes with it. Or you can get the smaller 4 CD or MP3 set called Understanding The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence at my online bookstore as well. So here we go for starters with my Introduction from that book. Then maybe later, I will do another condensed version of some material.

INTRODUCTION

A radical desire is arising across the global body of Christ from people who want to learn The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence. They are not satisfied with things in their lives or in the typical corporate church, as they currently exist. These desperate souls are crying out to Lord for mentors, training and insight to help them get down the road further themselves. They want to know Jesus and the power of His presence! In church history past, these mentors were often called “masters” or “spiritual guides”. Where are these tutors for todays growing discontent Christian populace?

In my own life, books have played a great part of my process of becoming. Books have often been my mentors - guides - and teachers to me. That is why I have been pouring so much of my life in these past few years into developing training materials, study guides and writing of books. I would love to come and sit with you - but obviously, I am just one person. But I can come into your living room through the vehicle of a good read. That is why I have written this book The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence. I want to come sit with you in your own home and have a fireside chat with you!

I want to see you grow in Christ. Now, God knows I have not arrived yet! But one thing I am committed to is giving away what I presently have been given. That is actually one of the Kingdom principles of increase - give and it shall be given! So here we are - another round of vintage material I have learned and am learning from my tutor the Holy Spirit. He is a great teacher.

Some time ago I was given a vivid dream concerning a change that would occur in the body of Christ. In this dream I was taken along the Saint Lawrence River that separates the United States and Canada. I saw the river from an aerial view much like looking down upon a map. I saw white spots begin to glow at different geographical locations on both sides of the great river. As I was awakened a “knowing” was within me. “I will raise up My church which will be planted by the river of Saint Lawrence – the river of My presence.” I realized the Holy Spirit was actually referring to the writings of Brother Lawrence concerning the art of Practicing the Presence of Jesus. Thus this book has come into existence. I want to see a church arise planted by the river of His presence!

I want to see Jesus Christ receive the rewards of His suffering. I want to see a whole generation of Mary of Bethany’s, Anna’s of the temple, and Joshua’s of meditation arise! Don’t you? You can’t think of a better thing you would like to do with your life than to pour it out as a drink offering before Him! Isn’t that right?

What is this book about? Written in the mold of my first book on prayer – The Lost Art of Intercession, this book takes you on another leg of my personal journey with the lover of my soul. Once again, I feel like a spiritual archeologist who is dusting off the relics of the past to bring them forth for the present. In this book you will learn to love what is often called the “spiritual disciplines”. But I am not presenting this from a “works mind set.” Instead, I am presenting these life-changing concepts as “spiritual privileges”. They proceed from a heart that just aches to be joined in greater union with Him so as to sing one song.

On the practical side, I have divided this book into Three Parts that are progressive in nature. Part One deals with The Inward Journey - Proceeding Into His Presence. We dust off the truths of the past of contemplative prayer and discover it is a delight not a burden. Then we have a mystery revealed to us - that we are the Father’s House. Next we discover what true communion requires. We then discover why Mary of Bethany would pour out her life’s savings on her newfound Lord in lavish worship.

Part Two is called The Quietness of Soul - Waiting Before Him. In this section we are taking a stand to take back what is rightfully ours - that which the New Age Movement and other groups have so badly distorted. Here we learn that quieting our soul before God is part of our Christian inheritance. We rediscover that He is our Shepherd and that He wants to lead us by the quiet stream. We dust off the artifacts of biblical meditation and the lost art of listening, waiting and watching with our Messiah. We even dig deeper by looking into what it looks like to walk in union with Christ Jesus.

Part Three is then termed The Outward Journey - The Fire of His Love. Once we have learned to cultivate these spiritual graces, we find that then we must do something with what we have just received or we might just burn up! We now put feet to our love relationship with our Mentor by entering into the Bridegroom’s fast. We allow Him to walk through our tabernacle and investigate if there really is any fire burning on the altar of our heart. Then we are commissioned to go put the live coals of fire of presence onto other people’s lives.

One of my goals is help make you worse off than I am! What I mean is - to want see you shake yourself off from complacency and learn to “practice His presence!” If you hunger for more of God and less of you - then this book was written just for you.

Now take your shoes off, let’s sit down for a while. I want to have a fireside chat with you. Together, let’s keep Reaching for the Lover of our Soul and have a few practice sessions in His soaking together.

With Eager Anticipation,

James W. Goll

www.encountersnetwork.com

Do You Need Fire on the Altar of Your Heart?

2011-09-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

I have fire in my bones! I can feel it! As you know, storms in the natural are greatly escalating. Northern Africa and the Middle-East nations are in an uproar. Multiple nations are on the verge economic collapse. But this all just serves as a backdrop for the world’s greatest prayer movement to call forth intervention! This is “our hour” to shine! Let me relate a personal prophetic story for a moment to you.

It was in April 2007, that I was given the vivid dream and visitation encounter where the voice of the Lord came to me commissioning me to launch something new called PRAYER STORM – the hour that changes the world – to restore and release the Global Moravian Lampstand. We moved immediately on this and began this strategic ministry right around the time of THE CALL NASHVILLE on 7-7-07. We started small but we quickly grew into a virtual House of Prayer for All the Nations. Perhaps some of you have been a part of this ministry over the past four years.

But in January 2011, I was meeting with Che Ahn and a group of leaders at H.I.M.’s Annual Prophetic Conference in Pasadena, CA with my friend of years, Bob Hartley from Kansas City. He was ministering prophetically in a private setting to the speakers of the conference. He started out with me, as we have known each other for many years.

One of the things that stood out the most to me was his statement, “God gave you a dream in Spring 2007. You thought is was about then, but the Lord says it is for NOW!” I was rather stunned by the accuracy of the word and explained to him the visitation I had in the Spring of 2007 as it related to birthing Prayer Storm. It was such an accurate word. But did you get what he said? “The Lord says it is for NOW!”

Do you realize that since 2008 I have attempted three times to do the PRAYER STORM INTERNATIONAL CONVOCATION and it cancelled all three times due to personal crisis events. But this November 3 – 5, 2011 we are doing it in Harrisburg, PA at Life Center. Everyone who is a daytime registrant even gets a FREE copy of my Prayer Storm book! We are even hosting an all night Worship and Prayer Watch on Friday night from 10 PM to 10 AM on Saturday morning. Come one and join in!

So with an earnest appeal to hungry people who want to make a difference to come and be a part of the soon approaching FIRE ON THE ALTAR CONFERNCE! Yes, it is time for us to converge and hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying thru prophetess Cindy Jacobs of Generals International, apostolic father Don Finto of the Caleb Company, next generation leaders Sean Feucht with BURN 24/7 and Faytene Grassechi of The Cry Canada, myself, Julie Meyer of IHOP-KC and others!

It will be worth the sacrifice! This is not just another conference! It is an INTERNATIONAL PRAYER STORM CONVOCATION designed with you in mind. So join in with me and let’s light a fire that cannot go out. NOW is our time to be a voice and change the course of history! Visit www.encountersnetwork.com for more information or to register. Hope to see some of you there!

With Great Expection!

James W. Goll

A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT LADY!

2011-09-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Michal Ann Goll - Devoted Wife and Beloved Mother

Three years ago on September 15^th, 2008, one of the kindest and most genuine ladies I have even known, graduated from this earthly realm to the eternal side of Heaven. My dear late wife of over 32 years, Michal Ann Goll, was one of the most disarming people anyone could have ever met. That morning, three years ago, I watched as she escaped her body racked from four years of intense cancer as flew into her heavenly reward in grace and peace. I was frankly relieved at that time, but I did not have a clue how much I would miss her and how many changes I would face. I miss her to this day.

But for me, and for our four kids, and I am sure her three brothers as well as many friends and ministry partners, heaven became fuller and the earth became a lot emptier. Annie was the only woman I have ever loved. She made my heart sing. She poured oil onto my sometimes troubled soul as she often rolled her brown eyes in the top of her head and would just sigh and say, “Jim!”

She laughed. She smiled! She loved the birds and her horses. She loved her family and the body of Christ. She served the Lord and the poor. She travailed for our children. She fought the fight of faith dauntlessly. Michal Ann never, never, never gave up! She was fierce in her faith and gave the enemy a many bad day! She praised her maker with her every breath.

On this day, I pause to thank the Lord for the life of this focused woman – a true friend of God and a true friend of the secret place. Today she is healed. Today she is whole. Today she celebrates three years of dancing with the lover of her soul – Jesus!

Today we miss her terribly and yet we continue on – continue on with Compassion Acts…. Continue on with life as our four great children have grown up finding joy, purpose and destiny in God. Today I walk with a limp, but continue on I do. Today, I stop, to thank the Lord for giving me 32 years with a great lady named Annie. Thank you Father for your plan of salvation. We are only parted for a short while!

Grateful for Eternity!

James W. Goll

QUESTION FOR JAMES W. GOLL

2011-08-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone through a time of isolation?

If yes, how did you stay focused?

I have found this to be an intriguing question and one that I would not normally think would be a prominent one asked. It actually requires some pondering to properly respond to this question. But let me give it an attempt.

“Being isolated” and “feeling isolated” are two different and yet over lapping issues. Then you have another question within this question to consider – isolated from whom? From God or the body of Christ, family, friends etc. So this is a huge question with many tiers and lots of tears that comes with it.

I would definitely say I have “felt isolated” and in my reality did experience “being isolated.” Let me briefly share three examples with you. One deals with isolation with people, the second with the sense of being alone or isolated from God Himself and the third a combination of both.

ISOLATION WITH THE BODY OF CHRIST

Years ago, in 1989, I was a part of a team of leaders in Kansas City that became known as the Kansas City Prophets. My identification with this group of leaders made some glad, some sad and some mad. For me, it is still one of the highest honors I have even experienced in my lifetime to help pioneer what is common in many circles today – the prophetic movement. But it did come with a high cost.

When I associated with this emerging group of leaders, I was instantly put on a backlist by a prominent leader in the Midwest and was forbidden to minister at several area churches or even maintain by previous strong friendships within that circle of churches. It was tough. Actually, it felt brutal to Michal Ann and I at the time. Over night we lost years of credibility, ministerial influence and close friendships. People were told not to associate with us – as the thought was – I was now associated with a cult. A lot of confusion, hurt and isolation ruled for several years.

Yes, we felt isolated and at times very forgotten. But the only way to win is to forgive unconditionally, wage a love war, and be open to correcting any possible errors on your end. You never win by attempting to correct others or by being defensive – though that is the natural reaction. Patience will have its work in you and character to carry the gift will be formed – if you cooperate!

THE DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL

A second time Michal Ann and I felt isolated or forgotten was by God Himself. This was when we endured the “Dark Night of the Soul” when we desperately desired to have children and eventually found out it was medically and physically impossible for us to conceive. That was a hard blow. This story is written up in some detail in my book The Prophetic Intercessor.

Michal Ann did not hear the Lord speak to her for a solid year. I felt like I had the “bad touch” and not the “Midas touch”. As a young pastor and budding prophet, I could pray for others and things happened, but when we prayed into our own situation – nothing happened – except delay and disappointment.

It just did not seem fair. Then we had to make a basic decision that the fault did not reside on God’s end but on the Devil’s and we had to put the blame where it belonged – not in God’s court but in the camp of darkness. As most of your know, eventually we had numerous supernatural encounters, and miracle touches of the Holy Spirit and ended up with four miracle biological children.

But yes, we felt so isolated, cut off, and alienated from God for a long period of time. But a life message of Prophetic Intercession was built within us and waves of that still ripple across the globe to this day. Praise the Lord. By the way, I have four wonderful grown young adult kids today who all love and serve Jesus!

THE GREATEST TIME OF PERPLEXITY

Now this next one, I honestly am still walking out. It deals with the loss of my dear amazing wife, Michal Ann Goll, the only woman I have ever loved. Michal Ann graduated to be with Jesus and be a part of the great cloud of witnesses in heaven, almost three years ago, after a very hard fought battle with colon cancer that spread to other organ systems. She was one of the most Christ like people I ever have known.

During this ordeal, I have felt cut off from God and from people both. Though I know that I know that I know, that God is good all the time and His mercies endure forever, the pain and anguish my four kids and I and others have endured has at times been almost unbearable. One of my kids remarked the other day, that something died within me when mom passed away.

Job’s friends surrounded me who had all the supposed simple reasons why we succumbed to such an ordeal. These remarks did not help me garner trust at the time. Not in the least bit. Some days I just wanted to stay in bed, pull the covers over my eyes and pretend is was all just a bad dream.

I sobbed for days on end. I wept over the loss of Michal Ann for weeks and months. I am still hit to this day with the sense of loss and pain. The “why question” has been the enemy creeping at my door – but I honestly – just do not go there.

I have learned to praise the Lord in all circumstances. I have pushed the trust button all over again. I declare daily that God is good all the time and all things work together for good for those who love God and have been called to His purpose.

I still do not like what has happened to our lives and ministry. But I will always love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my strength! He is worth it all! I love Him and that settles it! Case closed!

Well, that was a lot – right? Want to ask another question? Ha!

Honestly, Jesus is my best friend. He sticks closer to you than any human being. So have I ever felt isolated? Yep! But I choose to run to the lover of my soul and bless the body of Christ no matter what. Is Jesus worth anything less?

Sincerely,

James W. Goll

MOST COMMON OBSTACLES TO INDIVIDUALS

2011-07-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have been asked by some readers to make some comments of most “common obstacles to people and cities”. I think those are two separate questions actually that require two different responses, though over lapping, of course. Therefore, I am going to give a stab at the first part of the question as it pertains to Most Common Obstacles to Individuals.

Wow – where do I begin with this! Yikes, I could write a book on this subject! But I am going to keep this brief and only hit a few of the major issues that confront us in our growth and maturation process in God.

NOT LIVING FROM THE HEART

Honestly speaking, most people do not really live from the heart. They tend of live from the soulish arena of life – knowledge, stored emotions and memories, projecting their future from their past, facts and information etc. They have half-baked hearts and over active souls. This is why every year I take a time to ask the Holy Spirit to soften my heart…

Perhaps this is why the writer of Proverbs says, “Lean not on your own understanding (soulish interpretation), but in ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (steps, direction etc.)”. This is also why Jesus answered His disciples that the greatest commandment dealt with the HEART first: LOVE the Lord You God with ALL your HEART (then comes the soul and strength) and loving others from the HEART.

So, in all reality – it is a LOVE WAR of the HEART. Winners with God are HEART people FIRST – successful people in the world might be strong in the soul and mind but really miss out of what really matters.

So, live each day from the HEART – Learn to Love!

NEXT, FORGIVE AS A LIFESTYLE!

More heart stuff. Yep! The disciples came to Jesus and asked Him for many times do they have to forgive their brother. Note: they did not pose the question about their enemies; it was their brother (those closest to you). Jesus said something like – until it is done and over with (7 times 70).

The lack of forgiveness keeps us in bondage. We are the ones who are kept in jail. We are the ones that end up with locked up emotions. Where unforgiveness is present, it breeds an offspring of many other alien forces – judgments, strong opinions, criticism, negativity, even certain illnesses.

But forgiveness does not start when you feel like it. In fact, if you wait till they deserve it or you feel like it – it will never happen. It begins with an act of the will, surrendering the people and circumstances to the Lord and asking Him to cleanse you and heal your own broken heart, mind and emotions. I also recommend pronouncing a blessing for others as well. Greater is the power of the blessing than the power of the curse. (See my book Deliverance from Darkness for a whole chapter on that subject.)

So the opposite of this is be Blessed to Be a BLESSING instead!

DON’T LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER!

Many years ago, when I was more of a singer than a preacher, I used to sing John Denver’s song; Sunshine on My Shoulders Makes Me Happy! I really did – that a few other good ones like Bridge Over Troubled Waters and many others. I loved it. But there is a principle here.

Jesus said that if you looked over your shoulder, you were not fit for the Kingdom. I think we all need to take our rear view mirrors off our lives for a while. Regret has historically been one of my worst enemies. Living with the “if only’s” hanging around my head. If only I had done this. If only I had done this better. If I could only relive my yesterday. No – stop it! (Wow! I got a little intense on that point.)

Stop living life from the rear view mirror! Jesus said to look straight ahead!

The best has not passed you by! I make myself say out loud, “THE BEST IS YET TO COME!” So I am working on this one a lot myself these days. Sonshine on my shoulders really does make me happy.

Remember, yesterday’s dream about your tomorrow is your today’s opportunity. Live today as it counts. Be present tense. Find God in the little things. Don’t look over your shoulder. SMILE at the future.

Okay – there are a lot more keys like worship, community, giving and others. But these three for now – rose to the surface as I sat down to write and muse about what really matters. Live from the Heart; Forgive as a Lifestyle and Do Not Look Over Your Shoulder! Hope this helped some!

Speaking Words of Wisdom!

James W. Goll

MY FAVORITE CITY ON EARTH

2011-07-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Greetings to You Far and Wide!

I am composing this from favorite city on the earth: Prague, Czech Republic. Why do I say this? Because of it's amazing beauty, it's amazing history, and my personal history. Let me give you a look into the personal history.

In 1990, right after communism had lifted, I came here on my first momentous trip with Mahesh Chavda. The favor of the Lord rested on those amazing gatherings. Mahesh did evening healing meetings and I would share in the day time on intercession. The leaders did not know I was coming. They told Mahesh that they want to meet one of the "Kansas City Prophets". Mahesh told them - "He is one!" They took three steps back and thought I could tell them everything they had ever done! It is quietly hilarious and a divine set up. Favor and Fear were instantly granted!

This in turn led to a very significant and consistent time of ministry in the 90’s where I came here often working with a network of churches called Christian Fellowship, the Moravians, Christian Missions Society and others. I brought various teams with me over the years; introduced the prophetic to them; taught a lot on prayer, learned to use the metro and ended up coming here something like a dozen times! One time, around 14 years ago, our entire family spent a whole month in Germany with Michal Ann and I ministering at a Training Center in Hannover. I then brought Justin to Prague on a train trip from Germany to Prague when he was like 13 years old. We attended an opera in some language we could not understand - but hey, we were in Mozart's favorite city! Good memories…. to say the least.

I was blessed to revisit this country, after an absence of several years, and visited with some of the new leadership of the church in Prague a year ago on way to the Global Day of Prayer in Herrnhutt, Germany with my daughter GraceAnn. As a result of that visit, I was invited back to minister at their yearly annual conference. Thus I am here right now. Just had lunch with one of the leaders of their version of the Czech House of Prayer.

I will minister at a church this Sunday AM and will be the main speaker at the Christian Mission Conference Sunday night on Prayer and Revival. It is actually my birthday - July 3rd - my first time in my lifetime not to be with any family for my birthday. But hey, I am in my favorite city on the earth. I will be rejoined with my friend of years, Joel Staab of Wing and a Prayer Ministry, who has recently relocated to this land after years of work in Africa. Czech Republic was where I first met Joel many years ago and as a result of that ministry time I ended up inviting him to come and live with our family in Franklin, TN. He stayed for several years before returning to his calling in the mission’s field. Michal Ann always said our home was the Good Samaritan's Inn because someone in our family was constantly inviting someone to come and live with us. Ha!

So this trip is a type of “full circle” for me and a nice 59th Birthday present to be here in Prague. I will miss July 4^th of course which is Independence Day in the U. S. But July 5th and 6th it also a holiday here in Czech Republic – they celebrate the lives of the founding Christian apostles of their nation - one being Jan Hus. Interesting! I never knew that connection till this trip! Awesome!

So Cheers to You from my Favorite City on the Earth!

Blessings to You!

James W. Goll

TRIBUTE TO WAYNE GOLL ON FATHER’S DAY 2011

2011-06-17T03:16:00.000-07:00

Though I spoke at my dad’s funeral at the Cowgill United Methodist Church in Cowgill, MO around 14 years ago, I have never talked a great deal about my dad publically or given tribute to him like I have my mom. My mom was my intercessor and merciful protector. But as I said with a packed church at my Dad’s graduation ceremony from this life to the next one – “My Dad was not given the best hand of cards to deal with in his life time. But thank God for GRACE! Because to the great grace of God my dad made into Heaven’s Gates as he had given his life to Jesus.” So on this Father’s Day – let me introduce to you my Father – Wayne Goll.

Kenneth Wayne Goll – or just Wayne as most people knew him, was the first born to Vernon and Rachel Goll on February 2, 1924. Dad grew up the oldest of 7 kids and in the time of the Great Depression in rural Missouri. He only received a 6^th grade education and by the age of 12 had gone out on his own – unfortunately – forcefully. Thank God for Dad’s Aunt Effie, as she took him in and helped him find a place of nurture. Life was tough – and my Daddy and his Dad just did not see eye to eye. (Later in life they reconciled and all I knew growing up was enjoying spending time at Granddad and Gramma Goll’s farm, eating home made ice cream, riding on the tractor wagon and Christmas Gatherings where Uncle Gerald played his guitar and all of us first cousins playing upstairs. I was the oldest grandson. Everything seems fine to me – from the lens I looked through at that age. But apparently it took some years for things to get that way. Back to my Dad or I will end up marveling in fond memories of years gone by.

My mom and dad married on April 24^th, 1944 in the midst of WWII. My dad served in the Army in TN, NC and WY and possibly other locations that I do not recall. I have a great picture of Wayne and Amanda, as good looking newly weds in front of their military housing in Tulahoma, TN, hanging in my hallway in my home in Franklin, TN. Three children came forth from their union – Sandra, Barbara and me the youngest and only son – Jimmy Wayne. We were raised in rural MO and most of our lives our father ran a Lumber Yard in Braymer, MO. All three of us graduated from Braymer High School after attended grade school in Cowgill where we lived. I spent scores of hours in my dad’s lumberyard just walking around and watching everyone work so hard!

The things I recall and love the most in my memories with my dad were getting ice cream cones at Merle’s Restaurant, 4^th of July Celebration with Fireworks, the annual Fish Fry and Lord’s Acre Sale at the Methodist Church, and riding in his big truck to bring back lumber in what seemed like far away Kansas City. Our annual big vacation was to get to go attend the MO State Fair in Sedalia, MO. It was a trill. We were poor but we had each other. One of my favorite days was when my dad brought home for me a surprise birthday package in a little box. It was my baby pup Skipper that ended sleeping with me every night at the foot of my bed under my covers. He was my constant companion.

Dad retired after owning and running his own Lumber Yard in nearby Polo, MO around the age of 67. He only lived till be was 72 and went home to be with the Lord and join his mother Rachel around the throne after an intense battle with diabetes. My dad was and is missed by many to this day.

Today – this Father’s Day – in 2011. I want to thank the Lord for my rough, tough and strong dad. He was not dealt that greatest deck in like – but he went out loving Gospel Music and I sure he sings in some quartet in heaven’s choir to this day.

“Love you Dad! Miss You! Tell mom and Annie Hi! Thanks for working hard and believing in me when I was cut from what seemed to be such a different cloth than you.”

Thank the Lord for Father’s Day! I thank the Lord for the life of Kenneth Wayne Goll!

With Gratitude!

Your Son,

Jimmy – Jim – James W. Goll

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOM ON MOTHER"S DAY

2011-05-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

A Tribute to My Mother – on Mother’s Day 2011

Amanda Elizabeth Burns Goll

Amanda Elizabeth Burns was born on April 17, 1924 in rural Missouri to William and Hattie E. Burns. She was the youngest of four children – preceded in birth by her brother Arnold, and sisters Grace Mae and Maude. She loved Jesus from an early age and was a dedicated church member and community worker all her life. She primarily was a praying mom!

She was a WWII war bride marrying Kenneth Wayne Goll of Braymer, MO on April 24, 1944. Together they had three children and resided in Cowgill, MO most of their years together. PaPa – or Wayne – worked hard and faithfully ran a Lumber Yard for years in both Braymer and Polo, MO. Dad went to be with the Lord in 1997. It seems like yesterday that we made gallons of home made ice cream and shot fire works on the 4^th of July! Miss ya Dad!

Sandra Sue Goll (Brown) was the first born in 1946. She later married Curt Brown and together they had two wonderful children. They reside in Sanford, NC, and are proud grandparents of 3 grandchildren.

Barbara Ann Goll, the middle child, was born in 1949, became a RN and was formerly a missionary in Mexico. She continues to live in Cowgill, MO in the family homestead.

Jimmy (James) Wayne Goll was born in 1952 and married the endearing Michal Ann Willard in 1976. We were married for 32 years before she passed into eternity in September 2008. Together Jim and Ann had four miracle children. I, James, continue to live in Franklin, TN in our family home of eleven years. Our four adult children all love the Lord and live in various parts of the U. S. My youngest and my oldest have both married great spouses in the past 8 months and all the kids are pursuing their dreams in God.

But this Tribute is to my Mom.

My big hearted mother greatly shaped my life. Mom or MeMe, as the grandkids so fondly called her, suddenly graduated into her heavenly abode on Sunday, August 3, 2003 at her home in Cowgill, Missouri.

She was far from perfect, but she knew where to run to for help – for her help was in the Lord. For me she was living, walking model of forgiveness. I saw her live it every day. She imprinted my life with the spirit of prayer and dedicated my life to Jesus before I was ever conceived – let lone born. Her prayers guide me to this day to be all that I can be in Christ Jesus. I thank the Lord for the life of “Mandi” as so many friends warmly called her. She was known county wide for her many quilts and hundreds of quarts of corn, green beans, and every other fruit and vegetable. I think her full time job was being a prayer gardener.

I composed a list in the last year of the top ten people who have impacted my life the most. Two women are in the top 5 of that list – my mom and my dear late wife. Yes, they are both enormously missed.

I want to take a moment and also honor Michal Ann’s mother – Dorris Grace McCoy Willard. She was an amazing wife, school teacher, mother of four and lived a life for God and her family. When she first saw my blue eyes she knew I was going to marry her and Davis’ only daughter. Though I might have been somewhat different, she accepted me. For this and so much more, I am grateful today!

Mother’s – what an amazing creation! What amazing plan! I miss them all today – on Mother’s Day 2011…. And my grandmother’s as well!

So I blow some kisses heavenward today. I thank the Lord for my dear mom. She sacrificed often, prayed often and honored the Lord with her last breath. She graduated putting on her red shoes to go to church, simply fell back into her bed and she departed. Amanda Elizabeth Burns Goll was one of my heroes.

I am so grateful for eternity – for heaven – and God’s great plan of salvation through work of the cross of Christ Jesus.

We are only separated for a short while! But till then, Jesus, if it is okay – tell Amanda Elizabeth, Dorris Grace and my darling Michal Ann – thank you. You all did well!

With Tears and Great Thankfulness!

Jimmy – Jim – James Wayne Goll

Franklin, TN

LIGHT BELONGS IN THE DARKNESS

2011-04-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hey There!

Come and Get Some Light!

This is a special invite to come to a gathering in San Antonio, TX May 19 -

21 that is more than a conference. It is a time to getting prepared for the

days that lay ahead and a time putting feet to our faith. Yes, there will be

great speakers and worship leaders - but it is more than that. It is a call

in this hour to learn to become a champion of compassion. That does not even

take a special gift - that costs you everything! Your time, your money,

your heart, your energy, our love.... It is a heart deal.

On Thursday afternoon one of the leading spokesmen of Compassion in this

nation - Doug Stringer of Somebody Cares International - with his team will

lead a special session from 1 - 4 PM on Disaster Preparedness. He is a

seasoned voice having headed up emergency relief work in many nations - and

in our own. There is NO charge for this but a manual costing $30 is

recommended!

The official conference begins at 7 PM at Tri Point Center at 3233 N. St

Mary's in San Antonio, TX. Patricia King is our first night speaker, the

leader of Extreme Prophetic and a great champion of justice in this

generation. Mark Roye of Blood N Fire San Antonio and James W. Goll of

Prayer Storm in Franklin, TN will acts as hosts and share along the way.

Doug Stringer will join us in other sessions as well as the prayer leading of

Beth Alves of Increase International, prophetic ministry with Ryan Pena of Spirit of Life and other ministries to the poor and oppressed being represented.

Passionate evening worship will be led by Mckendree and Rachel Tucker from

PA and devotional worship lead by Tina Bolinger of TN. We close out Saturday

night - not with a meeting - but by going out and doing a block party to

feed the poor etc. It will be exciting!

Visit www.encountersnetwork.com for more details to register or simply call

1-877-200-1604. Evening meetings are Open to the Public with offerings being

received. Day time registered guests get a FREE copy of Michal Ann and James

W. Goll's book Compassion - A Call to Take Action - a $15 value!

Tell Others! Let our Light Shine in Darkness and let's prepared to make

impact for Jesus Christ Sake!

Expecting Great Things!

James W. Goll and Mark Roye

FAITH FOR THE CHANGING ROOM!

2011-04-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

WHAT TIME IS IT?

Faith for the Changing Room

Background: I had been ministering in November 2010 in Melbourne, Australia at a wonderful church and conference. There was a lot of swirl in the Holy Spirit and a lot of movement concerning transition. The conference called Deeper was now over and I was to do a closing session with the host church on Sunday evening. I went to the hotel suite to lay down for a while that afternoon and was praying in the Spirit to charge my battery for the evening. I was pondering what the Lord had for these precious people down under for my closing session with them.

I actually did not even know I was asleep – let lone that I was dreaming. It was all so real to me…. So even in conveying this – it is hard to relate this as just a dream – it was more like an encounter.

In the dream the phone in the LIVING ROOM rang. I rose up out of the bedroom where I was lying down resting. I walked into the room and I picked up the phone. In a rather hoarse voice I said, “What time is it?” All of a sudden the plasma Television screen – which I had not turned on up to that point and time – pops on. It is vivid color and it was a SONY instrument.

I turned my head towards the television as bright color was emanating all around out of the screen into the room. It was more like a full 3D event in the room was now taking place – wild technology. I was now in the set itself as it was projected out into the room.

Again, I turn towards the phone – like in a matrix dream – I said, “What time is it?” A voice on the other end of the phone stated clearly and rather forcefully, “It is time for Jeremiah 33:3” (write out the scripture)

While I heard this voice on the other end of the phone, I realized the TV Show that I was now enveloped in was called “Extreme Make Over.”

I was caught in the visual images projecting out of the screen – I seemed to even be helping write the script…. In the Television show – we went into a “Room for Supernatural Change” to take place. It was a changing room. It was rather vulnerable in the changing room. People were disrobing in front of others and yet it was a requirement and all pure, clean and nothing sensual about it at all. Yet I was uncomfortable at first. Naked. Vulnerable. In the changing room with others!

Then I got use to the idea. I thought to myself, “Oh, this is what is required to go through change. You have to shed one garment in order to put on another one.” The atmosphere was permeated with a fresh culture – one of TRUST and RISK.

I realized it was another parable. The place of rest is the precondition that must be met to prepare you for the supernatural change. If you want to go into the changing room without fear – you must learn to rest. Then you can arise – hear a fresh call – enter into a renewed culture of TRUST and RISK and be have faith to be vulnerable.

You will have to take off the garment you presently know – (sorry, no layers are allowed!) and go into supernatural change. You have to answer the call. But yet there is a call within the call. The call says to “Call upon Him. He will then show you (television) great and mighty things that you have not previously known.

Then a doorbell rings. I wake up. I did not know I was asleep let lone that I was dreaming. I look at my watch to see “what time it is.” It is now 5:40 PM. Time to leave for the 6 PM meeting. I then hear a knock on my door – I say, “I will be right there.” I rush around to get ready in the natural – but inside I knew I was prepared as I fresh down load had just been given on “what time it is.”

It is time to go into the Changing Room! Want to go with me?

James W. Goll

EN•PS•CA

DREAM OF THE TWO STORY HOUSE

2011-03-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Two-Story House

Amazing Dream Encounter of the Joining of the Generations

I was ministering at my third city in two weeks in Australia and was ministering in Sydney at Jubilee International Church at their conference. We had already had a great conference and now I was pondering what the Lord had for these precious people down under for my closing session with them. That Sunday morning the Holy Spirit gave me another stunning vivid dream of a Two-Story House. The senior leader of the church’s name was Finni. It’s plays out as significant in the dream.

In the bottom or first floor of the house, I was standing in a room filled with “fathers of the faith”. Standing next to me was the senior leader, Finni, of Jubilee Church, a father in his own right. Instruction and apostolic exhortation was being released and a realm of the purposes of God was being released into the atmosphere. On the second floor, right above our heads, was the next generation of leaders emerging. They were wildly hungry and in passionate worship. Interesting, the young adult pastor of this church was standing right above Apostle Finni’s head. Right above my head was a next generation leader named Steven.

A song erupted on the second floor of the house and everyone joined in singing, “Father Finni, has many sons; many sons has Father Finni. I am one of them and so are you. So let’s just praise the Lord!” This song, of course, was a take off of a children’s church song from years ago called “Father Abraham” but the words were changed to “Father Finni”.

I knew that this was literally about Senior Pastor Finni as one of his sons of the faith – Darrel - was leading the singing. I also knew it was a play on words concerning Charles Finney, fabled American revivalist. The Holy Spirit was saying that as true fathers of the faith arise, there would be an entire generation of “revivalist” arise. The dream was electric and charged with high energy.

Next thing I know – I realize that Finni’s ceiling was the floor Darrel was standing on right above his head. My ceiling was Steven’s (evangelist listed in the Book of Acts) floor. Then the song changed and both generations – though on different levels – began singing the same new song. It was very techno and everyone in unison was chanting, “Everybody Dance Now!” We danced in glee to the sound of the new song. Then the words shifted to, “Everybody Jump Now!” It was time for everyone to go higher than they had ever been and JUMP to new heights.

The whole house turned into holy chaos and then the voice of the Holy Spirit came to me and stated, “The ceiling of the fathers will be the floor of their sons.” (This was not about chronological age in reference to being a “son” as there were grown adult men in the “upper room” who were actually even older in age than Finni or I. It was not just about men either as when I woke up, I knew this was about the joining of the generations – gender inclusive.) I woke up very energized filled with supernatural strength and knew I had the word to close out my last session with the assembly in Sydney, Australia.

I have heard a few men of God in the generation previously state, “Our ceiling will be the next generation’s floor.” That statement always sounds good and right to me, but now I knew it by revelation. Yes, we have come to a point and time of the synergy of the generations. We will passionately worship the Lord together and jump to new heights. A sound will explode from the upper room once again as an entire generation arises to be the Finney’s and the Stephen’s of this gc new apostolic church age. “Everybody Dance Now!”

With Anticipation!

James W. Goll

EN•PS•CA

WE ALL BEGIN SOMEWHERE!

2011-03-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

Hey There!

Did you know that I grew up the youngest of three kids - two older sisters - in a little town called Cowgill, MO? Yep! My dad, Wayne Goll, ran a Lumber Yard in close by Braymer and later my mom worked with him in their own Lumber Yard in Polo, MO.

Our house was just about the length on a football field from the railroad tracks and boy the train would shake the house when it came lumbering through the little town of 259 people! I use to love walking those railroad tracks talking to God and thinking He was even talking back. I learned to love church. Our family went to the local Methodist Church and my mom was the head of the Women's Society of Christian Service - part of the time and my dad - well he was the Treasurer of the church for years and we were the janitors!

I mowed the church yard summer after summer. Now that I think about it - I don't think I ever got paid! Ha! I even helped my dad count the Sunday offering at home every Sunday afternoon right after mom had fixed lunch. My dad collected coins - so I think that was his real reason for being Treasurer. He would make sure that I knew to hold out every wheat penny and buffalo head nickel! (He replaced them of course!) I still have some of those coins to this day and will pass them on to my kids as my dad to me and my two sisters.

We had a neat big church bell in the front yard of the church too. Different ones of us in growing up had the honor of ringing the church bell telling everyone in town it was time to start the services. I loved it all. I was a fixture in the church house - kind of a church mouse you could say.

So - why am I telling you this? We all begin somewhere. Never look down on the place of your beginnings - it just might be the soil that you got your root system from. So thanks Lord for watching over me in growing up those many years ago. We all start somewhere!

James (Jim) (Jimmy) W. Goll

Reflections on Women on the Frontlines Conference

2011-03-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

Blog with James W. Goll on Tuesday, March 8^th 2011

Just returned from the Women on the Frontlines Conference in Phoenix, AZ. It was a great blessing! Ponder with me for a moment. 14 years ago, my late wife Michal Ann and I started a conference in Nashville, TN that just kept on going year after year. It turned into her life message showing her and our pilgrimage of understanding and revelation. We hosted 11 of these together. I hosted one after she graduated to be with the Lord. And now I have partnered with Patricia King for the last two years and the mantle for this and its message seems to be taking off with a new projectile!

This transformation of her life shaped her three books – Women on the Frontlines – A Call to Courage, A Call to the Secret Place and Compassion – A Call to Take Action. Just marvelous. We took those three books and made a 40 Devotional Journal called Empowered Women at the on year of her graduation to be with Jesus.

In Michal Ann’s last will and testament that she hand wrote in much weakness, that she charged her family, friends and partners to carry on the ministry of Compassion Acts world wide. CA is an out growth of the Women on the Frontlines Conferences and her life before the Lord. So it is an honor that her legacy and lineage continues. A group of us is now considering hosting these conferences emphasizing social justice – around the world. This is amazing indeed. Unless a seed falls into the earth …

This years WOFL Extreme was fabulous. It represented a true joining of the generations. Gwen Shaw, Iverna Thompkins and Beth Alves were ambassadors of the older generation along with myself, Patricia King, Heidi Baker, Linda Valen and Stacey Campbell the middle generation. Danielle Strickland, Jennifer Toledo, Faytene and others were examples of the next rising generation. The worship was amazing as it always is.

I gave a message on “Let the Women Speak”. While sitting in worship in preparations for my session, the Holy Spirit said to me, “I have a word for this conference on your shirt.” I thought that was unusual. Then I looked and at the bottom hem on my shirt in stitching it stated, “Enough Excuses! Just Do Something!” I turned to my friend Mark Roye sitting behind me and I asked him to look at the label on the inside collar of my shirt to see what it stated. It’s brand was “Refined Strength”. Wow! It was a new shirt I had just bought and I felt I was to wear it that day. That just added fuel to my word and was a great way to start the conference off.

So thank you Lord for the hundreds of lives that were touched. Thank you for the honor that Michal Ann’s legacy in Christ lives on and is now going global. The send is sprouting. Watch for details for the WOFL Canada in September 2011.

With Gratitude and Reflection!

James W. Goll

James Goll Comments on the 2010 - 11 Oscars

2011-03-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hey There!

Welcome to my new blog! Most of you know I love movies and this year was no exception. In fact, unlike some years, this was a good year for film. If I qualified to vote - this year - my choices would have lined up well with the winners. Two of the major movies I have not seen - but I knew were going to win acting awards - was Black Swan and The Fighter.

I was thrilled that The King's Speech won Best Picture, Directing, Best Actor etc. Colin Firth did the job of a lifetime! His depiction of King George VI was marvelous - in fact beyond marvelous. The cameo of actors was superb and the casting was brilliant. I think this film has the possibility of aging well - getting better as the years go by. Some movies are for the moment and others are forever! This one is a classic in that sense. Watch Into the Storm about Churchill and put this one with it - and wow - you just got a short course in history!

I thought Inception should win - as it did - on more of the technical side of things - sound, creativity type concepts. I thought it had a good chance in screen play - I think it is so profound that you have to see it about 3 times to get the movie. I love deep intrigue and stuff like that. Having written the books The Seer and Dream Language - I was captivated by Inception.

Many, of course, were cheering for Social Network. It was an enormous relevant movie for the time and very well done! I don't feel it is a movie that will have a long shelf life though. It is a very time dated movie. Maybe not. But it sure captured the message and power of social networking. We sure do live in a new world and it did a great job of capturing this transition in communications.

I was shocked that True Grit was nominated for 10 awards. That was weird. The music was amazing. But just think about this - it is a drunken cowboy movie not a Billy Graham Crusade - so while I love gospel music - Leaning on the Everlasting Arms - was one weird fit! Not! Jeff Bridges is getting better with age and that 14 year old gal was amazing for sure! She sure deserved being nominated. But I was relieved that it did not really win a thing.

Part of me was cheering that Toy Story 3 would shock everyone and win! Ha! That would have been a sweet upset! Some consider it the Best Animated Film of all times. It might be only the second animated film to be nominated for Best Picture - Beauty and the Beast I think made it - might be wrong on that. (By the way - can we go back to the top 5 for Best Picture! Oscars - be secure - you are not the Golden Globes! Yikes - water it down a bit, huh!)

I was so glad that Robin Hood - or whatever it was called - was not nominated. I love Russell Crowe and company as actors. But I have a pet peeve - when something is billed up to be AMAZING and it is just GOOD - then I am disappointed. But if it is under billed - like The King's Speech - and is better than it's press - then I love it! Just the way I am wired. So I was glad it did not make it. Nice flying arrows, nice costumes, but really, Russell Crowe was a bit old for that role. Really now! It was the beginning phase of the dude's life - not the end of his life! Weird if you really think about it.

One of my favorite movies of the year was Secretariat. It was not nominated for anything. But as a feel good movie - it is just tremendous. It is an great true to life story told in a wonderful setting. A little slow in places - but it honestly was one of my over looked favorites of the year.

I loved How to Train Your Dragon and in any other year, it would have won Best Animated Feature Film. It is endearing to say the least.

Now - what I would do if I was a part of the Academy of whatever it is - I would add a new category - like the Grammies and Doves and some like that. I would add Best New Actor/Actress. I would make it one award - not two. I think that would add a lot of suspense, honor the next generation, and create some really good competition. That is the one area I would add. Come on now - you know that is a good idea!

The musical scores are always amazing in films - but it is so odd how the Best Song is often something so weak. Wow! I think we can do better than this! Come on song writers - step to the plate - I am waiting on a block buster song to go with a block buster movie! Oh well, that is me. I always got to Sing in the Rain! Hello Dolly, Titanic or something! So that is an area that really needs a shot in the arm.

Okay - odd thing for me to blog on you think for my first time? Not if you really know me. I am strongly committed to impacting the 7 Cultural Mountains. I want to see true believers be "in" the world but "not of" the world. We should be producing the best stuff! What do you think?

James W. Goll
President of Creative Consultants
www.encountersnetwork.com