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Revival Characteristics (Part Two)
Every spiritual awakening, revival, or whatever you’d like to call it, has certain visible characteristics. This is the second message of a three part series.
Wells are reclaimed
Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”
Then Isaac departed from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham. He called them by the names which his father had called them. Genesis 26:15-18 NKJV
The wells represent the source of life, refreshment, and power our forefathers had with God. Wells were dug out of need and, like the altars which were built, as a memorial of what God had done or said. They would symbolize the promises of God and make reference to one of the covenant names of God.
Then he went up from there to Beersheba. And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” So he built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26:23-25 NKJV
The Hebrew definition for the word translated “well” is to dig, and also, to declare or explain. Reclaiming the wells, digging through the years of traditions and doctrines of man until the water of life is found, is each generation’s responsibility. In doing so, we declare plainly and openly that the gospel preached by our forefathers is the same gospel we preach today.
The God who was more than enough for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is more than enough for us. The Lord who was the healer, sanctifier, provider, shepherd, and the ever-present God then is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
So, by faith, we dig past the dirt the devil and his crowd have used to keep mankind from the life-giving water in the well, until it begins to bubble up within us and flow out of us. As Isaac called the wells by the same name his father had given them, so do we. Our fathers knew the power of God, called the baptism in the Holy Spirit. They knew God as a deliverer and miracle worker. We say the same thing, declaring it plainly and openly.
And the same God who delivered the demoniacs, healed the blind men, and raised Lazarus from the dead, is at work today. Confirming his word with accompanying signs and wonders.
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Revival Characteristics (Part One)
Every spiritual awakening, revival, or whatever you’d like to call it, has certain visible characteristics. These are the results of people coming face to face with their idol, and their God. I’ll mention three distinguishing characteristics that will be demonstrated before and during a spiritual awakening.
Altars are rebuilt
Places sanctified for prayer and worship – OPEN PORTALS FOR GOD’S POWER
Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord… Genesis 12:7-9 NKJV
Abram (Abraham) built altars to the Lord. They were used in worship, and in memorializing, or helping them and their offspring, remember what God had done and what he had promised to do.
Jacob, Abram’s grandson, built an altar at the same place his grandfather had many years prior.
Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.” (see Genesis 28)
…And they journeyed, and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan… And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother. Genesis 35:1-7 NKJV
God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is God to each generation, not just God to the past. He is wanting to do great things in and through each generation, whether it’s the Boomers or the Millennials. But each generation must build upon the altars of their godly forefathers. Or, and probably more accurately, rebuild the altars that have fallen into disrepair due primarily to neglect.
The “old-time prayer meetings” are such altars. Every move of God begins with God and man, Heaven and Earth, meeting together in fervent prayer. Today’s no different.
The prayers of the upright are God’s delight (Proverbs 15).
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Generosity 2 (excerpts from eBook)
No strings attached…The Lord inspired the psalmist to write: “They share freely and give generously to those in need.” Psalm 112:9 NLT
Freely and generously. The blessings of God are upon the doers of the word, not those who only dream about obeying him. And freely means no strings attached.
Gifts aren’t gifts if strings are attached.
What do I mean by “strings”? There are people who love to “give” to others, and along with the “gift”, are instructions on how to use the gift. “I’m giving you this money so you’ll take a vacation.” The phrase seems innocent enough, doesn’t it? But there’s something attached; “take a vacation.”
But what if the person has another, more pressing need at the time? Like, maybe their oven just gave up the ghost, their car needs new tires, or the baby needs new shoes. Vacation?
But they can’t use their “gift” because it is earmarked for something else.
And what about giving to the poor, or better yet, the homeless person who stands on the corner of a busy intersection with his sign, “Out of work veteran. Please help”, and his three-legged dog? Would it be giving if I gave him twenty dollars and told him to buy food for himself and his three-legged companion? No, it would be something different.
How about the vagrant who walks into the church office, asking for a hand-out? Their story is they haven’t eaten in four days. Would it be giving to take the person to the grocery store and buy him several bags of groceries? Yes.
If you don’t feel right about giving per the person’s request, don’t give. But if you’re going to give, remove your demands and trust God.
Generosity gives up its right to control…
Are you a control freak? Do you have a hard time with generosity?
Thanks for reading and commenting. To order the complete eBook “Generosity – the Life Giving Power of Doing Good to Others”, please click on link:
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Musician Warriors
A Psalm of David
“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” (Psalm 144:1-2 ESV)
King David, God’s psalmist and warrior. Is it hard to reconcile those two titles?
I once heard someone say that the Old Testament represents God working on the outside of man, and in the New Testament, God moved inside.
For instance:
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)
And…
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” (Colossians 3:16 ESV)
The Spirit of God, who lives on the inside of each believer, empowers each of us to make a difference in our world; the spiritual world first, then the natural world.
I believe there’s a New Testament application of Psalm 144:1,2. As David was a musician and a warrior, there is a NT counterpart. Musician warriors. Psalmists. Worship leaders.
David was a man after God’s heart. Shouldn’t that apply to us, as well?
I am a musician. I play keyboard and guitar. But I see myself as more than a musician. I see something God is doing these days, from the inside out. Musicians who will allow God to have their heart, their life, he is calling, equipping, and anointing to be musician warriors.
Recently the Spirit’s call has been significantly stronger than I’ve ever experienced. Playing music as others worship and pray, the Spirit gives me a warrior’s heart; warring for the Kingdom of God. As I play, my heart passionately declares with heaven’s authority, “God reigns over all”. I may not speak anything audible, but my hands are anointed to carry God’s divine power.
Musicians, let your God-given gift be used to set people, cities and nations, free! Let God train your hands for war, and your fingers to fight
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Musician Warriors.
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A Married Apostle’s Advice
Not only was Peter an apostle, he was also MARRIED. Here’s a little bit of marriage advice from Peter, the married apostle.
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.” (1 Peter 3:8-9 NLT)
“All of you” refers to those whom Peter had just addressed: husbands and wives. Here are his instructions to “all of you.”
—Be of one mind – make sure you walk in agreement. In order for that to happen someone has to yield to the other.
—Sympathize with each other – feel what the other feels. Never exploit or trample on your mate’s feelings.
—Love as brothers and sisters – just because your spouse loves you unconditionally does not give you the right to treat them like dirt. Remember, your mate is God’s son or daughter.
—Be tenderhearted – let yourself cry. Weeping is a good thing, at times. Don’t let the evil in the world make you hard hearted.
—Keep a humble attitude – be honest with and about yourself. Always remember: you are nothing without the Lord.
—Drop any “get even” kind of thinking. It takes too much effort in keeping an accurate score.
—Bless. Whether it’s your turn or your mate’s turn; bless, and bless some more. If you’ll make blessing others a habit, you’ll find God’s favor surrounding you like a shield.
Remember: it is always wise to listen to the wisdom of godly men and women. Peter, God’s man of faith and power, is also a man who knew how to have a marriage blessed by God.
Do you have any good tips for husbands and wives? Please share them…
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Churches Only Want Your Money?
There’s a saying that’s almost as old as the planet we live on; well, that depends on whether it’s a young planet or an old one.
Anyway, the saying goes like so: “churches only want your money.”
Ever heard it? Better yet, ever said it?
Do you believe it? A lot of folks do.
But think about this.
Why is it that only the churches get tagged with such a stupid statement?
What about these?
WHO WANTS YOUR MONEY?
-a poem by Jan Grace“Walmart, Kmart, and little Shop’n Go’s,
Restaurants, bait shops, and tickets for the show.
Book stores, junk stores, the pet store down the street,
All demand the same thing, before your needs they meet.“Time after time, you’ll hear each business say,
“We’re here for you; just don’t leave before you pay.”
Taxi drivers, your request is their demand,
But don’t depart, without your money in their hand.“Lawyers, bankers, the grocer and the florist
Tea rooms, bar rooms, the tax man and your dentist.
Airlines, bus lines, their hands stretched out to you
Your money’s all they ask for, nothing else will do.”Don’t get mad when the offering plate gets passed at church. You don’t have to give. You can keep every penny to yourself. No one’s going to steal it from you.
I will say though, it’s not much of a life.
“Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT)
Here’s a link to a couple of books that just may help you change your mind about God and money; about living a life of generosity instead of stinginess.
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PPE for Marriages
Personal Protective Equipment for Marriages
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”” (1 Peter 5:5 ESV)“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony…Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.” (Colossians 3:12-19 ESV)
Many times, too many times, it’s the little offenses that cause a marriage, or any relationship for that matter, to grow sour.
Have you ever been offended? What was it that got under your skin? An unkind word? A forgotten anniversary? A lack of attention?
Within every marriage there’s an opportunity for misunderstandings and offenses.
But God has a solution. He has a way for us to get past such things. And it’s as simple as dressing for the day.
Tomorrow morning, as you walk to your closet to choose your day’s attire, try this:
Tell yourself, “Today, before I put on anything else, I’m going to put on humility. Humility before God, my spouse, and my world. God is my protection, my promotion, and my purpose for living. I will also put on compassion, kindness, meekness; and with the Lord’s help I can bear anyone and anything I will face today. I do not walk alone, for God is with me.”
You see, humility and compassion are like undergarments; they are worn under the Armor of God to ensure a perfect fit.
Sometimes offenses occur which require extra grace, along with intervention and counsel. But many times we become wounded because we’ve failed to dress properly.
God’s answer for “thin skin” is proper clothing. It’s know as our “Personal Protective Equipment”.
Don’t leave home, or attempt to sustain a relationship, without it.
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Longtime Friends
Have you ever considered the value of friendship? I’m not referring to Facebook friends, or people who are merely an acquaintance.
No, I’m talking about people who will walk with you through thick and thin, good times and bad times, whether you have a lot or little.
Friends.
My wife and I are so blessed. We have friends we’ve known for a long time; some for thirty and forty years. They’re scattered all over the country, with some even living on a different continent.
Florida, California, Washington, New York, just to name a few of the places our friends call home.
And, of course, we have great friends right here in central Iowa.
We were visiting some friends in the hospital the other day, and as we were walking back to our car I began to realize how special long time friends really are.
Why are they so special?
Because of all you’ve invested into each other’s lives.
Time, tears, and treasure. Maybe even a few trinkets along the way.
Laughter, love, and lessons learned. Last minute lunches just to catch up.
Phone calls, emails, post cards that say, “Wish you were here” (and you really mean it).
Prayers, problems, and even the deep pain of losing a loved one.
Friends grieve with you, rejoice with you, because friends love you.
Don’t ever take for granted, abuse or misuse, someone you know. Long time friends begin as casual acquaintances. Some never make it past being just someone you’ve met, but some do. Those who do may become someone whom God uses to invest much into your life, and you into theirs. And that’s beautiful.
One more thought while I’m at it. My wife and I have known each other for over forty two years. And besides being married, we’re also lovers, partners, and friends. Yes, friends. Longtime friends.
“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”
(Proverbs 18:24 NLT)
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Everyone Believes Something
Faith is an interesting thing.
Everyone has it, though not everyone realizes it. But everyone lives by that which they believe.
It’s easier to see it in others than in one’s own life.
A person’s faith will grow or shrink; but they’ll always have faith. It may become “NO FAITH”, but it will never be “GONE FAITH”. What do I mean? “NO FAITH” is still something that influences the way we think, speak, and act.
God has given each person a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Faith, the ability to believe, is an element of the human experience. It’s part of our life. We can’t help but believe something about anything.
Faith in God, or faith in God’s power and ability, grows just like faith in people, faith in airplanes, chairs, or garbage cans. If you’ve ever sat on a chair and it broke under your weight, you’ll think twice about putting faith in a chair. Faith grows through either positive experiences and/or from hearing the word of someone who’s never lied to you or stolen from you. Someone who has always treated you right is someone you’ll learn to trust; someone you’ll believe.
That’s how faith in God grows. By hearing his word and responding obediently to what he says.
There’s one other way faith grows, and that’s by hearing, or reading, what God has done for someone else. It works the same way in the negative sense. “Testimonies” of people treating others terribly will tend to affect the way you interact with the “terrible” ones.
We’re simply wired to believe. It’s part of who we are, which greatly determines what kind of life we’ll live. Do YOU want your faith in God to grow? Do YOU want to live the kind of life God has designed for you? With God all things are possible.
Are you interested in reading testimonies and teachings that will help your “believer” grow in faith in God? If so, please check out these three eBooks available through Amazon Kindle.com.
“Breaking the Spirit of Poverty”, “Generosity”, and “How to get the most out of your Pastor”. http://tinyurl.com/nhhzozt
God has given faith to each one of us. What we do with it is our choice.
Let’s choose wisely.
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A Word for the Body
Here’s a little story that caught my eye this evening. The story of Jesus healing a man’s withered, dried up, unusable hand.
“He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” – so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.” (Matthew 12:9-14 ESV)
There’s a word in this story for the Body of Christ:
We, the Church, have bought the evil one’s lie. A lie that accepts minimal effort, half-hearted faith, and small-minded Christianity as the norm. And, for the most part (in experience, not in doctrine), we’re content to believe in a God who really isn’t as powerful as he claims.
We have decided it’s much easier to leave part of the Body dried up and impotent, than to push past church traditions of doubt and unbelief, and press into God’s presence to get what we really need to reach a world for Jesus.
We’ve become satisfied in our present condition. As long as there’s a “good hand” we need not be concerned about opportunities that “slip through” our mangled fingers. Since someone else is able and willing to work; well, isn’t that what really matters?
Jesus wants to make us whole. Complete. He wants each part of his Body functioning in love and mercy, grace and power. He yearns for his life-giving power to flow through each and every one of us.
Church, it’s time for us to “stretch out our hand” at the command of the Lord. Tear up our list of excuses for failure. Lay our withered passion and faith before the Lord and hear him say, “Be whole!”
And then ignore the one’s who still say, “It won’t work.”
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
