© Moriah Ranch 2010
Posted on 10/31/2011 by Jerry Murphy
“Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.” (Lev 23:2 NKJV)
Before, during and now just a few days after the completion of our celebration of “Feast of Tabernacles” right here in Poplar Bluff, the question still comes up…What is Feast of Tabernacles? The answer is simple but somewhat seems to puzzle a lot of Christians today.
Chronicling the activities of Jesus Christ’s earthy ministry, the book of John points out that when the “Feast of Tabernacles was at hand, “Jesus Himself” went up to the feast” and taught at the Temple in Jerusalem.
As a part of my commitment to follow the example of the first-century Church, I have decided to keep these days, not as an obligation but as a celebration. The same commitment leads me to observe a seventh-day Sabbath just as Christ did.
From a biblical perspective, the Festival of Tabernacles pictures the coming time when Jesus will return to earth and directly rule the world for 1000 years.
“As the Feast of Tabernacles represents a coming time of unprecedented harmony and peace, we conduct this annual eight-day event with a strong family focus, accordingly, members of our group and families take part in daily church services and a whole range of positive family-based activities throughout the Festival.
This eight-day Festival represents the prophesied fulfillment of the coming Kingdom of God, which Jesus taught about extensively during His earthly ministry.
This year our local Festival was observed beginning sundown October 12th and ended on the evening of October 19th. We were pleased to have Dick Reuben teach on the tabernacle furniture and also were delighted to have on site a very beautiful replica of several pieces of the tabernacle furniture provided by Dewey and Mary Miller from Mobile Alabama.
During the celebration this year we used our conference center located at 727 Ridge Avenue to accommodate the tabernacle furniture teaching and daily worship each evening during the Festival, and those attending that were not local, stayed in nearby hotels and in tents located at Moriah Ranch. Also at the Ranch we had a large tent set up for daily and after worship service fellowship and gathering outdoors to follow through on the biblical command of staying in a temporary dwelling or “Sukkot.”
The emphasis placed by Christ on the coming Kingdom of God is intense, and therefore I take the opportunity to observe this Festival very seriously.
Because the Festival of Tabernacles occurs during a nontraditional time when vacations and school absences are not common, next year I would encourage families to notify employers and schools well in advance of your plans to attend next year “the first week of October.”
Some research has convinced me that the vast majority of teachers and administrators are very cooperative across the United States in helping students prepare for their brief absences to observe the biblical festivals.
We’re already looking forward to the celebration next year and we will be posting the information soon after the first of the year on the www.moriahranchpb.com website. I believe the LORD is pleased with our participation in His celebrations.
You shall hold a festival for the LORD your God seven days, in the place that the LORD will choose; for the LORD your God will bless all your crops and all your undertakings, and you shall have nothing but joy (Deuteronomy 16:15)
It is truly our desire that all of you will plan to join us next year as we celebrate the “Feast of Tabernacles” right here in Poplar Bluff, MO. Remember as Dick Reuben says “this is not an obligation but a celebration”
Shalom
Jerry Murphy
Posted on 10/13/2011 by Jerry Murphy
As sundown draws near we are still in full pursuit of getting things ready at both the Conference Center and at Moriah Ranch as we begin our inaugural “Feast of Tabernacles” celebration. Although the main event well take place at our Conference Center located at 727 Ridge Ave in Poplar Bluff, we do have a large tent set up at Moriah for outdoor gatherings, fellowship and prayer times.
At the Conference Center each evening we begin with Praise & Worship led by Steve Murphy then followed by tabernacle teaching by Dr. Dick Reuben. As a special bonus we were able to obtain the use of very impressive replica of the tabernacle furniture in which Dr. Reuben is able to teach using the furniture to illustrate the importance of learning the purpose and importance of each piece as it points out the relationship to Jesus and how the local church should be patterned after.
Also at Moriah Ranch we have the sent set up in order that those interested could experience the wilderness effect of being outdoors during this important feast celebration. I love the idea of being outdoors this time of year where the fall colors, the full moon and millions of stars remind how awesome God is and also it reminds me that it is harvest time.
In addition to the large tent, we are also allowing camping at the Ranch during the feast days. You are invited to come out with your camper, motor home or tent and share some wilderness time with us
Join each morning for prayer in the big tent, or join in on a prayer tour hayride and fellowship both during the day and in the evenings following the tabernacles teaching.
Jerry Murphy
Moriah Ranch
Posted on 9/28/2011 by Jerry Murphy
Rosh Hashanah literally means “head of the year,” and it is commonly referred to as the “Jewish New Year.” It is celebrated in the fall, usually near the end of September, and it begins a ten day period of repentance that concludes with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah also means “the opening of the gate.”
The central feature of Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the shofar, the ram’s horn. We are told in Jewish writings that this tradition serves as a reminder of the near sacrifice of Isaac. In order to test Abraham’s allegiance to God, God commanded him to take his son Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice upon the altar. Of course, Abraham, did as he was told, but seconds before the knife was to touch Isaac, an angel called out to Abraham commanding him not to do it. It was only a test and God provided a ram for Abraham to offer as a sacrifice to God instead. We are told that this all happened on Mt. Moriah.
Just as we often reflect and self evaluate on New Year’s Day, January 1, we also judge ourselves on Rosh Hashanah. Am I paying my tithe? Am I sacrificing? Am I being kind? Am I forgiving? Am I gracious? Am I loving? These are not requirements for salvation, but they are ways of fulfilling the two commandments that Jesus said fulfilled all the law and the prophets: love God and love others. If we are walking with Christ in this, the gates of the kingdom are opened for us with all the blessings of heaven. Then, the glorious church of Jesus Christ will be without spot or wrinkle.
The fight hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD has chastened me severely, but has not given me over to death
(Psalm 118:16-18)According to Jewish tradition God completed the creation of the world on Rosh Hashanah and every year on this day God takes inventory, an annual accounting, reviewing the ‘file’ of every human being. He examines our past, our present, and our future. He weighs our actions, our behavior, and our relationships. He looks to se what direction we are going in. All this put together will determine what kind of year we are going to have. Our lives are in the scales. I want to remind all of us that this examination of our heart and motives of our hearts should take place continually, and these feast days are reminders to do just that. So “lets hit the reset button” repent, recalculate our lives and go forward into next year with Joy Full of HIS Glory!
Wednesday September 28th at sundown I will officially open the gates at Moriah Ranch to begin the fall feast days. I will blow my shofar and declare that in the next year, I will live and not die. I won’t go broke. I won’t get sick. My marriage won’t die, and I am going to live and declare the works of the LORD!
Jerry Murphy
Moriah Ranch
Posted on 9/11/2011 by Jerry Murphy
This morning as I put out the American Flags in the valley on Moriah Ranch, I couldn’t help but to think that I’m living in the greatest nation on earth. As I take in a deep breath of early morning Ozark foothills September fresh air my chest swells with gratitude because I was born “American” and am “born-again Christian”. I would say patriotism is a good thing as we all come to realize that God has a plan for the “United States of America” and since we as Christians are His people it is our responsibility to see that HIS plan for this great nation is accomplished.
Much has been declared about the destiny of nations and their purpose in the overall plan of God. One thing is clear from Paul’s message to the philosophers in Athens: The boundaries of countries and their life spans are for the purpose of seeking God and even more important “finding Him”.
(Acts 17:22-27) So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,
God has always been in the nation-building business. He created mankind and commissioned them to produce a nation of image-bearers on the earth working with Him to subdue creation into His design. Unfortunately what God dreamed for America; by our own design has slowly evolved into the “American Dream”. No matter what group of people or nation, it’s the sinfulness of man which has created the problem. By leaving out the “Fathers Design” we have become a fatherless nation operating as orphans seeking a way back to the Garden of Eden and without recognizing the Father and His design. Some studies have indicated that Fatherless people are susceptible to jealousy and envy. They need identity, and they are alienated from their true identity, they seek it in their relationship to heir nation or ethnicity. It is amazing what alienated people will do trying to find significance apart from being sons of God.
With the coming of Jesus—his life, death, resurrection, ascension, and sending the Holy Spirit—a new neighborhood was birthed, in some ways, it is a continuation of the former nation, but yet it is different. It does not have geographical boundaries nor is it governed from an earthy throne; however, it does have a similar purpose: it is to bless the other nations. It is not a shadow pointing toward a coming priest, but the substantial nation of faith proclaiming an already accomplished redemption with the offer that anyone regardless of ethnicity can be a citizen. The only requirement is faith in Jesus alone as Savior and King. This nation lives under the kingdom of God. Jesus is the ascended Lord and rules his people in love, which is spread abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. This government is beneficial to all nations in that it frees them from the slavery of orphan dictators and self-obsessed rules bent and determined to eliminate any and all possible hindrances to their wicked ideals. Any time a people will follow King Jesus, their live will be elevated. He is full of resources available to all his sons who are doing his will. In doing the will of God, we soon learn to live with respect and honor to Him, and immediately begin to look for ways to discover more of his desire and design.
Yes today as we remember and reflect on the tragedy that unfolded ten years ago today and honor and give tribute to all those who lost their lives that day and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to fight terrorism since, we must also remember our one true reason for being a part of this Great Nation. We were assigned a destiny by God Himself and it is our duty and privilege to carry it out to the best of our ability for His Glory and His Honor.
Being in this Jesus-inaugurated nation is so great that all other associations become less and less important and are pale in comparison. Becoming a believer and follower of Jesus makes it possible to have true family ties with individuals from every tribe and clan. People who belong to this nation have more in common with people of other political and ethnic distinctions that with people in their own countries who are not a part of the kingdom of God. In it there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, powerful and weak. This commonality is the only real hope for political nations to co-exist in peace. The only real peace is the “Peace of Jerusalem” or the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is our duty and must become our resolve to fulfill our God-Given Destiny for us personally and as a nation. Any time a people will follow King Jesus; their lives will be filled with resources made available from Him. In doing the will of God , we soon learn to live with respect and honor to Him and immediately begin to look for ways to discover more of His desire and design.
We must realize that from this day forward, it is my most sincere desire that we as Christians recognize the full impact we would have on unbelievers by just being faithful, obedient citizens of the Kingdom of God.
For “Reset”
Jerry Murphy
Moriah Ranch
Posted on 9/8/2011 by Jerry Murphy
Yes, I believe its come that time when altering the course is not sufficient any longer. While our country is in a heated debate about the current financial crisis, it is certain to me that the only solution will come at the expense of us who pay the bill. It’s time we as Christians in this great country step up, admit to ourselves and others that we will have to be a significant factor in the situation we are in and playing the blame game is not a solution. The only true course is a complete “reset” and set our hearts toward the only true source to a turn-a-around and that is “turn to God”. I don’t intend to belabor the point of how we have strayed away from God; each of us can deal with that on our own personal basis; however I want to focus on what we can do now that would cause God to turn it around. It is time for us to recognize that the Federal government should not be our source, God should be our source because He is the only “One” who can be our ever present help in time of trouble, and it doesn’t require rocket science to realize we are in time of trouble. We can’t fix everything overnight but God can. A truth we must learn in order to believe that God will get us out of this mess is found in the Bible.
I Chronicles 29:11-12: Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
What we really have is a “Heart Problem” which can only be changed through repentance and turning from our wicked ways “Reset”. It is time for Christians in America to make sure they have pushed the reset button and returned themselves to the original maker’s code by acting on the following scriptures.
2 Chronicles verse 13 and 14 “If I shut up heaven so no rain falls, or if I command locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, If My people, who are called by My name shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.(AMP)
We must seek God earnestly and ask for his help! He is not trying to avoid us. He promises to be easily found by those who are serious about seeking Him and His ways.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart I will be found by you.” Isaiah 46:4 says I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Jerry Murphy
Moriah Ranch
Posted on 7/8/2010 by Jerry Murphy
It has almost been a year from the conception of the Prayer Gathering at Moriah Ranch. It’s still hard for me to get my mind around all that has transpired since then. Meeting Dutch Sheets in Colorado Springs August 17th 2009 and hearing his passion for America, then learning from his conversation that Moriah Ranch might possibly be the site chosen by God for a prayer gathering where people would come from all over the USA and put aside most modern conveniences for a week of prayer. Then on the last weekend of August 09 attending the Ramp in Hamilton Alabama meeting Damon Thompson and having Karen Wheaton invite Sandra and I on stage to look into the faces of the future generation of this great country and quickly understanding her passion for the youth of America. On August 25th 09 Dutch & Ceci Sheets, Lou & Trerese Engle, Thomas Hall and others joined us at Moriah Ranch for a tour of the ranch and prayer. It truly was an awesome day with the Holy Spirit revealing so many conformations about the upcoming gathering.
As we moved into September 09 we were already having people come to Moriah Ranch to help prepare the property for a gathering certainly ordained by the Holy Spirit. Then on September 13th 09, Dutch & Ceci Sheets, Lou & Trerese Engle, Karen Wheaton, Damon Thompson, Thomas Hall and others came to Moriah Ranch and again through numerous conformations it was decided and agreed that a prayer gathering should take place there in June 2010. Plans then were to contact several leaders from across the country to connect in a hotel meeting room at the DFW airport on October 6th, 09. It was at that meeting that excitement and anticipation began to rise in all of our hearts and the “Wilderness Outcry” began to take shape in the form of planning and preparation.
For me personally it was a time of tremendous excitement and anticipation; however at the same time there were some things taking place in my own life that would have to be dealt with in order for me to continue. You will have to wait on the book to get the whole story, but we dealt with the issues and won victory then continued with the prayer gathering preparation. As to why the national leaders I was working with canceled Wilderness Outcry is a question that you will have to ask them, but I suppose that the issues I was dealing with could have had an influence on that decision. Whether it did or not will never change my mind that whatever part they participated in the process was necessary to obtain the success we encountered at the “Prayer Gathering at Moriah” and I will always be grateful to them for that.
Today as I drive upon the green meadows and shaded trails of Moriah Ranch, my heart is full of joy to know that we pressed on through the challenges and shared victory in the fact that people came to pray & praise in extreme heat, no showers, very limited cell phone coverage and insects. They came from 38 states and 6 different countries. They stayed in campers, tents, motor homes, our ranch bunk houses and surrounding hotels. They prayed on the hills, in the meadows, under the big-top tent, in the creek and on the prayer trails. We prayed for our nation, our national and spiritual leaders, and for one another. It was awesome! It was truly a blessing to have that many intercessors at Moriah Ranch praying together. Some came early and some stayed an additional week. Those who came, prayed with an intense desire to see God move in a mighty way throughout this land and I believe He is and will continue to so as long as we seek Him and His ways.
I believe there was good reason that we began the official gathering on Flag Day and ended on Fathers Day. Just as the American flag was displayed everyday in the big-top tent, at campsites, and on the bridge so was the Fathers Heart in prayers and praise of His people. I believe we were able to accomplish the Fathers Will for Moriah Ranch, those who choose to participate and the United States of America during our prayer time June 14th-18th and I’m certain God’s people will return again and again in the future as the Holy Spirit directs.
Thanks again for everyone who participated in this truly awesome and significant move of God!
God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America
Jerry Murphy
Moriah Ranch
Posted on 9/8/2011 by Jerry Murphy
Yes, I believe its come that time when altering the course is not sufficient any longer. While our country is in a heated debate about the current financial crisis, it is certain to me that the only solution will come at the expense of us who pay the bill. It’s time we as Christians in this great country step up, admit to ourselves and others that we will have to be a significant factor in the situation we are in and playing the blame game is not a solution. The only true course is a complete “reset” and set our hearts toward the only true source to a turn-a-around and that is “turn to God”. I don’t intend to belabor the point of how we have strayed away from God; each of us can deal with that on our own personal basis; however I want to focus on what we can do now that would cause God to turn it around. It is time for us to recognize that the Federal government should not be our source, God should be our source because He is the only “One” who can be our ever present help in time of trouble, and it doesn’t require rocket science to realize we are in time of trouble. We can’t fix everything overnight but God can. A truth we must learn in order to believe that God will get us out of this mess is found in the Bible.
I Chronicles 29:11-12: Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
What we really have is a “Heart Problem” which can only be changed through repentance and turning from our wicked ways “Reset”. It is time for Christians in America to make sure they have pushed the reset button and returned themselves to the original maker’s code by acting on the following scriptures.
2 Chronicles verse 13 and 14 “If I shut up heaven so no rain falls, or if I command locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, If My people, who are called by My name shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.(AMP)
We must seek God earnestly and ask for his help! He is not trying to avoid us. He promises to be easily found by those who are serious about seeking Him and His ways.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart I will be found by you.” Isaiah 46:4 says I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Posted on 7/8/2010 by Jerry Murphy
It has almost been a year from the conception of the Prayer Gathering at Moriah Ranch. It’s still hard for me to get my mind around all that has transpired since then. Meeting Dutch Sheets in Colorado Springs August 17th 2009 and hearing his passion for America, then learning from his conversation that Moriah Ranch might possibly be the site chosen by God for a prayer gathering where people would come from all over the USA and put aside most modern conveniences for a week of prayer. Then on the last weekend of August 09 attending the Ramp in Hamilton Alabama meeting Damon Thompson and having Karen Wheaton invite Sandra and I on stage to look into the faces of the future generation of this great country and quickly understanding her passion for the youth of America. On August 25th 09 Dutch & Ceci Sheets, Lou & Trerese Engle, Thomas Hall and others joined us at Moriah Ranch for a tour of the ranch and prayer. It truly was an awesome day with the Holy Spirit revealing so many conformations about the upcoming gathering.
As we moved into September 09 we were already having people come to Moriah Ranch to help prepare the property for a gathering certainly ordained by the Holy Spirit. Then on September 13th 09, Dutch & Ceci Sheets, Lou & Trerese Engle, Karen Wheaton, Damon Thompson, Thomas Hall and others came to Moriah Ranch and again through numerous conformations it was decided and agreed that a prayer gathering should take place there in June 2010. Plans then were to contact several leaders from across the country to connect in a hotel meeting room at the DFW airport on October 6th, 09. It was at that meeting that excitement and anticipation began to rise in all of our hearts and the “Wilderness Outcry” began to take shape in the form of planning and preparation.
For me personally it was a time of tremendous excitement and anticipation; however at the same time there were some things taking place in my own life that would have to be dealt with in order for me to continue. You will have to wait on the book to get the whole story, but we dealt with the issues and won victory then continued with the prayer gathering preparation. As to why the national leaders I was working with canceled Wilderness Outcry is a question that you will have to ask them, but I suppose that the issues I was dealing with could have had an influence on that decision. Whether it did or not will never change my mind that whatever part they participated in the process was necessary to obtain the success we encountered at the “Prayer Gathering at Moriah” and I will always be grateful to them for that.
Today as I drive upon the green meadows and shaded trails of Moriah Ranch, my heart is full of joy to know that we pressed on through the challenges and shared victory in the fact that people came to pray & praise in extreme heat, no showers, very limited cell phone coverage and insects. They came from 38 states and 6 different countries. They stayed in campers, tents, motor homes, our ranch bunk houses and surrounding hotels. They prayed on the hills, in the meadows, under the big-top tent, in the creek and on the prayer trails. We prayed for our nation, our national and spiritual leaders, and for one another. It was awesome! It was truly a blessing to have that many intercessors at Moriah Ranch praying together. Some came early and some stayed an additional week. Those who came, prayed with an intense desire to see God move in a mighty way throughout this land and I believe He is and will continue to so as long as we seek Him and His ways.
I believe there was good reason that we began the official gathering on Flag Day and ended on Fathers Day. Just as the American flag was displayed everyday in the big-top tent, at campsites, and on the bridge so was the Fathers Heart in prayers and praise of His people. I believe we were able to accomplish the Fathers Will for Moriah Ranch, those who choose to participate and the United States of America during our prayer time June 14th-18th and I’m certain God’s people will return again and again in the future as the Holy Spirit directs.
Thanks again for everyone who participated in this truly awesome and significant move of God!
God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America
Jerry Murphy
Moriah Ranch
Posted on 7/8/2010 by Jerry Murphy
It has almost been a year from the conception of the Prayer Gathering at Moriah Ranch. It’s still hard for me to get my mind around all that has transpired since then. Meeting Dutch Sheets in Colorado Springs August 17th 2009 and hearing his passion for America, then learning from his conversation that Moriah Ranch might possibly be the site chosen by God for a prayer gathering where people would come from all over the USA and put aside most modern conveniences for a week of prayer. Then on the last weekend of August 09 attending the Ramp in Hamilton Alabama meeting Damon Thompson and having Karen Wheaton invite Sandra and I on stage to look into the faces of the future generation of this great country and quickly understanding her passion for the youth of America. On August 25th 09 Dutch & Ceci Sheets, Lou & Trerese Engle, Thomas Hall and others joined us at Moriah Ranch for a tour of the ranch and prayer. It truly was an awesome day with the Holy Spirit revealing so many conformations about the upcoming gathering.
As we moved into September 09 we were already having people come to Moriah Ranch to help prepare the property for a gathering certainly ordained by the Holy Spirit. Then on September 13th 09, Dutch & Ceci Sheets, Lou & Trerese Engle, Karen Wheaton, Damon Thompson, Thomas Hall and others came to Moriah Ranch and again through numerous conformations it was decided and agreed that a prayer gathering should take place there in June 2010. Plans then were to contact several leaders from across the country to connect in a hotel meeting room at the DFW airport on October 6th, 09. It was at that meeting that excitement and anticipation began to rise in all of our hearts and the “Wilderness Outcry” began to take shape in the form of planning and preparation.
For me personally it was a time of tremendous excitement and anticipation; however at the same time there were some things taking place in my own life that would have to be dealt with in order for me to continue. You will have to wait on the book to get the whole story, but we dealt with the issues and won victory then continued with the prayer gathering preparation. As to why the national leaders I was working with canceled Wilderness Outcry is a question that you will have to ask them, but I suppose that the issues I was dealing with could have had an influence on that decision. Whether it did or not will never change my mind that whatever part they participated in the process was necessary to obtain the success we encountered at the “Prayer Gathering at Moriah” and I will always be grateful to them for that.
Today as I drive upon the green meadows and shaded trails of Moriah Ranch, my heart is full of joy to know that we pressed on through the challenges and shared victory in the fact that people came to pray & praise in extreme heat, no showers, very limited cell phone coverage and insects. They came from 38 states and 6 different countries. They stayed in campers, tents, motor homes, our ranch bunk houses and surrounding hotels. They prayed on the hills, in the meadows, under the big-top tent, in the creek and on the prayer trails. We prayed for our nation, our national and spiritual leaders, and for one another. It was awesome! It was truly a blessing to have that many intercessors at Moriah Ranch praying together. Some came early and some stayed an additional week. Those who came, prayed with an intense desire to see God move in a mighty way throughout this land and I believe He is and will continue to so as long as we seek Him and His ways.
I believe there was good reason that we began the official gathering on Flag Day and ended on Fathers Day. Just as the American flag was displayed everyday in the big-top tent, at campsites, and on the bridge so was the Fathers Heart in prayers and praise of His people. I believe we were able to accomplish the Fathers Will for Moriah Ranch, those who choose to participate and the United States of America during our prayer time June 14th-18th and I’m certain God’s people will return again and again in the future as the Holy Spirit directs.
Thanks again for everyone who participated in this truly awesome and significant move of God!
God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America
Jerry Murphy
Moriah Ranch
Posted on 6/20/2010 by Jerry Murphy
Saturday, June 20th 2010
Jerry Murphy
I can’t help but feel that our Heavenly Father is very pleased with the gathering we have had this past week at Moriah Ranch. Many sons and daughters from across our nation have come together truly in one accord, suffered heat, inconvenience, insects, and no showers but have entered thru the gate at Moriah with praise, worship, thanksgiving and a joy that is unexplainable. Sandra and I are truly the blessed ones in the whole process of this gathering. In our minds and hearts we were blessed with all that we expected and more. Sandra is certainly a wonderful hostess and truly the first lady of Moriah Ranch! I could not have done this without her love, support and encouragement and for that I will always be grateful. I want to briefly thank all of those who put in time, effort, money and had the patience and perseverance to put up with my often persistent way of doing things. I have too long of a list to mention today, but in time I will try to put one together. I will mention one other person who came to Moriah as soon as he could get here. Those of you who attended any event, work project, meeting or prayer praise gathering will understand when I say “the most valuable, faithful and committed volunteer to ever set their foot on Moriah Ranch is Doug Evans”. Doug gave up his job, moved on the ranch and has tirelessly been a true partner in this endeavor. Doug’s commitment, attitude, servant heart and love of our Heavenly Father are just a few attributes that have had a significant influence on me. To Doug’s parents, pastors, and mentors; I say to you “well done on the development of a fine young man; I have truly have reaped what you have sown!” Doug I love you and will never forget what you have done for Sandra and I; but more important for the Kingdom of God, may the Lord richly bless and keep you all the days of your life and give you the desires of your heart.
In the weeks to come I will be able to write more about what I feel the significant outcome of this past weeks gathering means to the Body of Christ. Today I’m still overwhelmed with an attitude of gratefulness to the Father for what has transpired in my own personal life throughout the whole process of this gathering, all the way from its dream, conception and delivery. I can’t find the words that describe the beauty of what God has done in my life and in the lives of those who participated.
Belonging to the Lord!
Jerry Murphy
Posted on 6/19/2010 by Jerry Murphy
Saturday, June 19th 2010
Jerry Murphy
Thursday morning we witnessed a powerful time of preaching and prayer in the 7am tent meeting and at the 2pm session after communion the Moriah Ranch Prayer camp turned a corner and switched into pure celebration mode for the evening service with large turnout from local and regional townspeople. It was such a joy to see the excitement in the faces of our friends and neighbors as they heard the testimonies of those who came from 32 states and 6 countries.
Friday morning we gathered in the tent at 5:30am for a 50 state prayer walk. Let me explain; we had a trail at Moriah where we nailed a picture of each state and one of Israel through the woods and as we walked on that trail we would stop at each tree and pray for the government, people, economy, natural resources and ministries of that state. The most powerful part of that was in the beginning the prayer walk team chose someone from the four corners states, Washington, California, Maine and Florida along with Alaska and Hawaii to wash my feet and then I called up Michael Bone a Native American from Fort Apache and I was privileged to wash his feet.
Friday night ended the official meeting with a celebration of all celebrations! The praise and worship was the most intense we have seen all week. Everyone entered in the high praise and there was much dancing along with a very long prayer tunnel which I along with my dog kelsie participated in joyfully. I will never be able go onto Moriah Ranch without seeing the celebration joy on all those faces from so many places. I’m so Blessed to have been a part of such an outpouring. Praise the LORD!
Posted on 6/17/2010 by Jerry Murphy
Wednesday, June 16th 2010
Jerry Murphy
People are all over Moriah Ranch finding a place to pray, I see them in the woods, off the trails, on the trails, by a big rock, up and along Indian Creek and prayer has been going on around the clock. The Lord has sent an army of prayer warriors to intercede for this United States of America. It is amazing to witness!
Today we prayed with Michael Bone Sr. and his family on the highest point on the ranch and at the Indian Creek where we made a salt offering to purify the waters. The Bone family are Native American Apache and it was truly and awesome experience.
Praise and worship tonight was right on, the Holy Spirit directed and everyone followed the way God intended. More of the local people turned out tonight and again it was an awesome service with Praise, Prayer and Worship. Again we prayed for someone that was sick and they were immediately healed…what an awesome God we serve!
The 7:00am meetings continue to be packed with rapid fire exhortation, testimony and prayer. Just when you think the teaching can’t get any better at the 2:00pm meeting, Bro. Reuben comes thru again with a powerful message.
Thursday we will have communion in the 2pm session and I expect something even greater will begin to happen. I will be calling for a daybreak prayer walk for Friday morning and expect it to awesome also. Every day has been jam-packed with many new introductions to believers from all over and I love every bit of it.
Posted on 6/17/2010 by Jerry Murphy
Tuesday, June 15th 2010
Jerry Murphy
The tent began filling with believers at 7:00am in the morning for a time of worship, rapid fire prayer, praise and preaching, it is truly amazing to see God granting unity in the Body of Christ.
We were joined in our 2:00pm service by an unexpected rush of mighty wind and rain which only lasted a few minutes but took its toll on some of the small tents, all the while the praise team was leading everyone in “Lord send your rain”. I must say it did cool things down considerably but the tent was filled with believers that continued to worship without any signs of fear or uncertainty about the weather outside the big tent.
The evening service began with baptizing 70 plus and was again an awesome time of prayer, praise and fellowship among the believers. The crowd has steadily been growing and I met people from five more states today. There were more people tonight from the local area. Please pray that we can continue to keep our prayer focus on track and not be distracted by large groups and the excitement that they can bring to any kind of meeting. Our nation is in tremendous need of a healing and the church is in tremendous need of unity in the body and that is our two main prayer focus.
Posted on 6/15/2010 by Jerry Murphy
Prayer Warriors from all over the country have been arriving at a steady pace throughout the weekend and today. I have personally spoken with attendee’s from 26 states and 3 countries. Alaska, Florida, California, Oregon, Washington State, New York, New Mexico, and Colorado just to name a few of the states represented. The other countries include Israel, Mexico and the Ukraine. This has been an amazing day to listen to the stories of how God has called this remnant together at Moriah Ranch to Pray for the Nation.
We have had a day full of teaching, sharing testimonies, and anointed praise and worship. The peace felt today in the Moriah Ranch valley was awesome! The rapid fire prayer was tremendous and touched the hearts of all who were there. I know that God has heard our prayers and I believe will answer in a mighty way.
Dick Reuben brought a timely message today at 2:00 this afternoon and will continue to teach each day under the big tent. I must mention that two people experienced healing in there eye’s at this service while Bro. Reuben was speaking. Praise and worship started outside the tent at 6:30pm and valley was filled with praise and worship.
Beginning Tuesday at 7:00am we will have spontaneous praise, prayer and preaching under the big tent followed at 10:00am with children’s ministry led by a children’s street ministry from California. God is so good! Again Praise and Worship will begin in the afternoon at 6:30pm, come expecting
What can I say; other than it has been an AWESOME DAY!!!
Posted on 6/10/2010 by Jerry Murphy
The Gate is Open, Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up the highway! Take out the stones; lift up a banner for the peoples! Isaiah 62:10
The preparation at Moriah Ranch for a prayer gathering is almost complete. Folks are already coming in and setting up tents and praying on the land. We are still putting on the final touches on some of the roads and one more grass cutting. The bridge should be finished by Friday and the big tent is already up.
Christians from all over have been seeking the Lord over the last several years asking Him for a plan or strategy of how they could be a part of lighting the fires of revival and awaking in this nation. It is evident to me that we should no longer be waiting on God for I believe He is waiting on us!
It is time to lay down our own agendas and work toward a convergence of prayer warriors young and old from across this nation to gather and pray, give praise and seek God to reveal His Glory that would bring about revival and awakening to this nation.
It has been a long and often troublesome road to bring this gathering together, but I must tell you, whatever cost or affliction that has been suffered throughout this whole ordeal I must confess that I now can see it as future compensation on a very good investment. Just in this final week prior to the main week of prayer; the testimonies of the lives of people who have already arrived, set up camp and expressed to me the reason of why the Lord sent them here has truly been worth it all.
I believe God still has a dream for this nation to be one that honors and recognizes Jesus Christ as the Lord over this nation. I believe that Satan tried to steal that dream from my generation at a gathering of thousands held in Bethel, New York called Woodstock. But I believe if just a remnant of God’s people that are truly sold out on Jesus will come together in unity praying for this nation just for a few days; God will hear our prayer and heal our land.
I believe this gathering at Moriah Ranch June 14th thru the 18th has the potential to bring about a synergistic agreement in this nation that will send revival fires around the world. I believe God is saying to America “Now is the time to come together, fast, pray, praise, worship and Give Honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ above anything else” When this is done I know we will see God send His Glory!
Come on out and join us at Moriah Ranch 444 County Road 543 Poplar Bluff, Missouri where we will have Dick Reuben speaking each afternoon June 14th-18th along with praise and worship teams that God has sent for this event.
The gate is open; come on out and please remember to register so that we can keep you informed on progress and outcomes of this prayer gathering.
Belonging to the Lord
Posted on 5/21/2010 by Jerry Murphy
Over the last couple of days as I walked the property at Moriah Ranch in prayer I have become more aware of Gods heart for America. As a nation, we have some problems and we know that without a spiritual awakening America is headed for more troublesome times. The powers trying to remove God from our county have put on an all-out effort to change American into something other than a Christian nation. Those powers of evil want to reshape our nation, rewrite our history and redefine our destiny. Over the last several years we as the Body of Christ have almost remained totally neutral in responding to these attacks. It is time that we as the Church stand firm and fight back. We must call out to God in way that we have never done before and ask Him to forgive our sins of apathy and compliancy and to heal our land. In doing this we must put on the whole armor of God we find in Ephesians 6:10-20.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20 (NKJV)
We must pray and ask God for strategies to overtake the evil forces and take back what the enemy has stolen. I believe one of those strategies is to seek God and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you to come to Moriah Ranch and several hundred others who have already registered for a focused time of prayer for this nation.
Through scriptures, events, divine connections and other numerous confirmations, God has made it clear to me to open the gates at Moriah Ranch for those who have received the call to gather for the purpose of consecrating ourselves to Him with worship, prayer and a corporate determination of believers to take this nation back to what God intended.
Pray Always, Put on the Full Armor and ask God if he want you to join us at Moriah Ranch June 14th thru 18th to pray for our nation.
Belonging to the Lord!
Jerry Murphy, Moriah Ranch
Posted on 5/17/2010 by Jerry Murphy
Regardless of where you are in your life and your ministry, I can promise you one thing; you will consistently be faced with challenges and obstacles along the way. You will face physical, mental, financial, relational, and resource challenges among others. Instead of beating yourself up or giving in, it is critical that you develop the ability to learn from setbacks. In today’s post I will take a brief look at the beliefs that cause some to succeed where others fail. In a nutshell, dealing with barriers, obstacles, and setbacks requires both attitude and aptitude. So my question is this; Do you have the skills and perspective to thrive under pressure and to succeed, or will you implode when faced with a challenge?
Sir Edmund Hillary was unsuccessful on three different occasions in his attempt to climb Mt. Everest before his successful summit in 1953. People who praised his successful ascent said, “You’ve conquered the mountain,” and Sir Hillary said, “No, I’ve conquered myself.” The bitter experiences of the three failed attempts did not hold back Hillary from a fourth one. With strong will, and relentless enthusiasm, he pursued his goal and achieved it.
As we launched the “prayer gathering in the wilderness” initiative, it wasn’t very long before we had a clear understanding that running into numerous barriers was to be the norm and not the exception. The difference between success and failure will now have to be our perspective on how to deal with the barriers we encounter along the way. I find it amazing that people often stumble over even the smallest of obstacles, while all too easily considering these routine speed-bumps as rational excuses for their failures. While setbacks and difficulties are an inevitable part of life, they will often challenge your skills and temperament, it is those who are willing to spend the time assessing the obstacles as they arise, and who refuse to submit to their various trials that will succeed. The ability get through barriers must become a passion if you want to achieve sustainable success in any project done for the Lord or anything for that matter.
I would like to spend this time whining and trying to get some sympathy from you, but the truth of the matter is that the only thing that gets us beyond barriers is to stop complaining about the challenges and obstacles, and spending time praying and asking God for strategies in solving the problems & creating solutions. If my objective is to get to the other side of the creek, I don’t really care if jump over the creek, swim the creek, build a bridge over the creek or go around the creek…I just care that I get to the other side. While I might spend a bit of time evaluating the most efficient strategy for getting to the other side of the creek, it will ultimately be my focus on the tactical execution of conquering the challenge that will determine my success.
When I compare the obstacles of organizing a prayer event at Moriah Ranch to that of the condition this nation is in, it seems a small price to pay for God to heal our land. If you are running into difficulties in coming to Moriah in June to pray for our nation, then you might want to consider your present persecution as an investment on future compensation.
Just as a diamond cannot be polished without friction, neither can you fully develop your skills without them being tested by adversity. I’m beginning to use these obstacles that have been coming against this prayer gathering as an opportunity to polish my skills. I think Winston Churchill said it best when he noted, “The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; the optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
Posted on 4/28/2010 by Brian Sharp
Last fall the nation began to hear about a large event to be held outside of Poplar Bluff called Wilderness Outcry. In recent days the announcement was made the event had been cancelled due to the lack of funding needed for an event of that size. It was a practical business decision due to vendors requiring significant payments in advance, but the needed money was simply not there.
This said, it needs to be clearly known that people are still going to be gathering in order to “cry out” to God for our nation, which is the original vision and purpose for the event. In a recent meeting with about fifteen regional leaders who have been helping with Wilderness Outcry, we decided that since the need for and purpose of the event hasn’t changed, we should move forward in gathering and praying for our country on a more simple level. There will be no stages, sound systems, speakers, music groups, jumbotrons or other elements usually included in a structured program event.
Jerry Murphy has welcomed, and continues to offer, the use of his farm for the purpose of crying out to God before, during and after the scheduled time in June. Many we’re talking to concerning this effort at reorganizing are responding very positively. In fact, most we’ve heard about who were planning on coming have not changed their plans and are more determined than ever to come pray in unity. Nothing, it seems, is going to stop them!
For whatever reasons some were against the original event, I hope and pray they will re-evaluate their thinking. It was never intended to be focused on any specific personality, group or theology, yet some people became distracted by those things, real or imagined, rather than keeping centered on the pure motive of worshipping God and praying for our nation, which most of us agree on.
Obviously, structured program events have their place. However, in our meeting the term “non-event” began to be used in reference to the dates of June 14-18 because it appears to be developing into more of an intense yearning for God rather than a passing event. In other words, people are going to gather, pray, repent, worship and cry out to God from the wilderness without the aid of modern technology or specific structure. People are still encouraged to camp out at Moriah Ranch in tents or self-contained RV’s, or use local hotel rooms, churches, etc. Arrangements are being made to meet practical needs, such as restrooms, that must be provided for any kind of large group gathering. This time of prayer and consecration will be more “raw” in many respects than originally planned but no less effective, maybe even more so. We’re discovering this reality seems to be raising the level of appeal in many people.
We are, indeed, thankful for those of the original group on the national level who not only saw the need for a gathering like this, but took the risk to actually begin doing something about it. We appreciate their decision to get thousands of Christian patriots across our land motivated to get serious about praying for our beloved nation. I wouldn’t be writing this letter if they hadn’t first run their lap.
However, the baton has been passed. Now that this national/international gathering is being coordinated on a regional level it is more important than ever to pray for God’s guidance, wisdom and blessing on the efforts being made. Make no mistake; anything of significance done to advance God’s kingdom typically involves, among other things, a certain amount of risk and a lot of diligence—just ask Moses or Abraham or David or the Apostle Paul or Jesus. We hear them shouting to us through the pages of Scripture, “The cost is well worth it!”
Prayer at Moriah Ranch before, during and after June 14-18 is not about any personality, specific church or ministry, or even a particular theological or political stance. It is all about no-frills, desperate prayer focusing on our loving, mighty God realizing that without His help and favor we’re all sunk.
Could it be this is what God had in mind all along?