September 30
Revival: No Limit to What God Could Do
But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." --Acts 17:6
There is no limit to what God could do in our world if we would dare to surrender before Him with a commitment like this:
"Oh God, I hereby give myself to You. I give my family. I give my business. I give all I possess. Take all of it, Lord-and take me! I give myself in such measure that if it is necessary that I lose everything for your sake, let me lose it. I will not ask what the price is. I will ask only that I may be all that I ought to be as a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen."
If even 300 of God's people became that serious, our world would never hear the last of it! They would influence the news. Their message would go everywhere like birds on the wing. They would set off a great revival of New Testament faith and witness.
God wants to deliver us from the easygoing, smooth and silky, fat and comfortable Christianity so fashionable today. I hope we are willing to let the truth get hold of us, even at the cost of rejection or embarrassment.
The faith of the heavenly overcomers cost them everything and gained them everything. What of our faith? Jesus Is Victor!, 116-117."
Oh God, I hereby give myself to You. I give my family. I give my business. I give all I possess. Take all of it, Lord-and take me! I give myself in such measure that if it is necessary that I lose everything for your sake, let me lose it. I will not ask what the price is. I will ask only that I may be all that I ought to be as a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen."
Today's "Insight for Leaders" is taken by permission from the book, Tozer on Christian Leadership, published by WingSpread Publishers.
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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Revival: We Need a Revival!
September 10
Revival: We Need a Revival!
And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." But God said to him, "Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?" So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. -Luke 12:19-21
We need a revival! We need a revival of consecration to death, a revival of happy abandonment to the will of God that will laugh at sacrifice and count it a privilege to bear the cross through the heat and burden of the day. We are too much influenced by the world and too little controlled by the Spirit. We of the deeper life persuasion are not immune to the temptations of ease and we are in grave danger of becoming a generation of pleasure lovers.
Any who disagree with these conclusions are within their rights, and I would be the last to deny them the privilege. But in the name of a thousand struggling churches and disheartended pastors, may I not plead for a little more loyalty to the local church during this season of difficulty?
May God raise up a people who will consult their pleasures less and the great need more. God Tells the Man Who Cares, 159-160.
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This Insight for Leaders devotional is also available in a print-friendly format here on the LMI web site.
Today's "Insight for Leaders" is taken by permission from the book, Tozer on Christian Leadership, published by WingSpread Publishers
Revival: We Need a Revival!
And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." But God said to him, "Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?" So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. -Luke 12:19-21
We need a revival! We need a revival of consecration to death, a revival of happy abandonment to the will of God that will laugh at sacrifice and count it a privilege to bear the cross through the heat and burden of the day. We are too much influenced by the world and too little controlled by the Spirit. We of the deeper life persuasion are not immune to the temptations of ease and we are in grave danger of becoming a generation of pleasure lovers.
Any who disagree with these conclusions are within their rights, and I would be the last to deny them the privilege. But in the name of a thousand struggling churches and disheartended pastors, may I not plead for a little more loyalty to the local church during this season of difficulty?
May God raise up a people who will consult their pleasures less and the great need more. God Tells the Man Who Cares, 159-160.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Insight for Leaders devotional is also available in a print-friendly format here on the LMI web site.
Today's "Insight for Leaders" is taken by permission from the book, Tozer on Christian Leadership, published by WingSpread Publishers
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Our Great Hope!
With so many people talking bad about this great city which Jesus loves, its easy to lose hope and start to doubt the promises we know God has made about this city and the people in it! However, I have just experienced something that has stirred me to new levels of faith and excitement concerning God's purposes for Reading!
Several months ago, God gave us (the Reading House Of Prayer) a heart to set aside a week for nonstop, night and day prayer. The scripture that accompanied this was the famous 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land."
I love this scripture, because God sounds so sure of Himself...If my people do this...then I will do this!
Sunday August 17th, 7PM we launched a prayer meeting that did not end until Sunday, August 24th at 9PM. This was an incredible time in our prayer room! Every hour someone new would knock on the door and take the "torch" of prayer!
There was such a sense of community and common purpose among the people of the 12 churches who sowed into these prayer times!
This is amazing, that people from many denominations and groups would come together without recognition from humans, and stand in the night for our city!
I have new faith that the saints in Reading are answering the conditions of 2 Chronicles 7:14! I have a deep conviction from scripture, and church history that if we as a city become a people of corporate worship and prayer, then God will "show up" and bring transformation!
If you were a part of this week of prayer, please post a testimony of what God did or said while you were in the prayer room, or of answered prayer!
If you would like more information on the ministry of the Reading House Of Prayer, visit us at www.rhop.net
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
Several months ago, God gave us (the Reading House Of Prayer) a heart to set aside a week for nonstop, night and day prayer. The scripture that accompanied this was the famous 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land."
I love this scripture, because God sounds so sure of Himself...If my people do this...then I will do this!
Sunday August 17th, 7PM we launched a prayer meeting that did not end until Sunday, August 24th at 9PM. This was an incredible time in our prayer room! Every hour someone new would knock on the door and take the "torch" of prayer!
There was such a sense of community and common purpose among the people of the 12 churches who sowed into these prayer times!
This is amazing, that people from many denominations and groups would come together without recognition from humans, and stand in the night for our city!
I have new faith that the saints in Reading are answering the conditions of 2 Chronicles 7:14! I have a deep conviction from scripture, and church history that if we as a city become a people of corporate worship and prayer, then God will "show up" and bring transformation!
If you were a part of this week of prayer, please post a testimony of what God did or said while you were in the prayer room, or of answered prayer!
If you would like more information on the ministry of the Reading House Of Prayer, visit us at www.rhop.net
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Removing the Pressure
Read Ezekiel 36:1 through 39:29
Devotional brought to you by God's Word For Today.
God's Word For Today is available from Gospel Publishing House.
How does spiritual transformation take place? The prophecy in Ezekiel 36 delivers good news: It does not come from you. God makes those changes. Relax—the pressure is off of you.
God does not call us to come to Him changed. Instead, He calls us to come to Him as we are and allow Him to make the necessary changes in our lives.
Note how often “I”—meaning God—begins sentences in Ezekiel 36. God puts the action on Himself.
God does the purifying. God provides the new heart. God places the Spirit within us. God does not expect us to do those things, but often we place those expectations on ourselves.
After God tells Israel what He will do, He then tells them what they will do—return to live in the land He had already blessed them with and be His people (Ezekiel 36:28).
Our responsibility is to simply decide to return to the relationship with Him that He designed for us to enjoy. Within that relationship, changes occur. And within that relationship, the presence of the Holy Spirit motivates us to obey God’s commands.
It’s that simple. So relax!
Thought for Today: Make your relationship with God your top priority and allow Him to direct your life.
Devotional brought to you by God's Word For Today.
God's Word For Today is available from Gospel Publishing House.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Have we arrived?
So, we have one Revival service under our belts. What an amazing time it was!
Does that mean that we have arrived? I say NOT!
Then we can't walk around with the attitude of "it's just another day". Where is our passion? Where is our fever? Where are our requests in diligently seeking God's face to CONTINUE to bring His revival here to Reading?
We're launching our 2nd REVIVAL service in less then 3 weeks...are we seeking His face? Are we petitioning Him to bring His promises for this appointed day?
Remember, it starts with us. We've been digging into that aspect of who we are in Christ to know that if we're not moving, how can we ask Him to do the great and mighty? (He's is God and will do what He will, but I want to make an impact. USE ME LORD!!) We have to be seeking REVIVAL in ourselves...and then ask Him to drop it down from heaven on all the rest.
Are we doing that....or have we arrived? Are we settling for "yesterdays blessings" and satisfied with those results?
I say we press in....Harder, Deeper, Consistently, Continually....with PASSION! Get raedy for REVIVAL!
Does that mean that we have arrived? I say NOT!
Then we can't walk around with the attitude of "it's just another day". Where is our passion? Where is our fever? Where are our requests in diligently seeking God's face to CONTINUE to bring His revival here to Reading?
We're launching our 2nd REVIVAL service in less then 3 weeks...are we seeking His face? Are we petitioning Him to bring His promises for this appointed day?
Remember, it starts with us. We've been digging into that aspect of who we are in Christ to know that if we're not moving, how can we ask Him to do the great and mighty? (He's is God and will do what He will, but I want to make an impact. USE ME LORD!!) We have to be seeking REVIVAL in ourselves...and then ask Him to drop it down from heaven on all the rest.
Are we doing that....or have we arrived? Are we settling for "yesterdays blessings" and satisfied with those results?
I say we press in....Harder, Deeper, Consistently, Continually....with PASSION! Get raedy for REVIVAL!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Prayer Alert for Reading
Grace and Peace All Watchmen,
I just noticed, in the Reading Area Merchandiser a “Schedule of Events for the Pagoda Centennial Celebration” this weekend. It includes a “Japanese Zen Buddhist Blessing/dedication with Japanese chanting and a pilgrimage to the bell” AND “A Lenape Indian Blessing for the Mountain” this Friday, 8-8-08!
All of this is under the heading, “Celebrating the History – Imagining the Future”. This is IDOLATRY being welcomed by our officials! Please pray:
1. That Jesus would be acknowledged as Lord in Reading – The honor of the saints is to “execute on them the written judgment” (Psa 149:9) – Jesus paid for Reading with His own blood! Our prayer is for the gospel of the Kingdom to increase and prevail over all that is false and counterfeit – “So the Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” (against witchcraft, occult activity and false religion – Act 19:20).
2. That “the Word of the Lord may have free course (‘run swiftly’) and be glorified” (2 Thess 3:1) in our day and our city
3. For our city and county officials according to 1 Tim 2:1-6. Pray that God would turn their hearts to do right, because “GOD DESIRES ALL MEN TO BE SAVED AND COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH” (V.4-6).
4. For the regional church – are we to mobilize any last minute prayer initiative? We need to hear the LORD for His invitation and Divine wisdom.
5. That we learn to have a ‘radical’ and authentic love (agape) for ALL PEOPLE while we contend, IN MEEKNESS, for righteousness and truth (Psa 45:4-7) in our city and region. We love people while we hate the false systems that hold them in bondage and darkness. God is not willing that any perish!
FOR HIS GLORY,
Ken Eberly
Reading House of Prayer
Executive Advisor
http://www.rhop.net
.
I just noticed, in the Reading Area Merchandiser a “Schedule of Events for the Pagoda Centennial Celebration” this weekend. It includes a “Japanese Zen Buddhist Blessing/dedication with Japanese chanting and a pilgrimage to the bell” AND “A Lenape Indian Blessing for the Mountain” this Friday, 8-8-08!
All of this is under the heading, “Celebrating the History – Imagining the Future”. This is IDOLATRY being welcomed by our officials! Please pray:
1. That Jesus would be acknowledged as Lord in Reading – The honor of the saints is to “execute on them the written judgment” (Psa 149:9) – Jesus paid for Reading with His own blood! Our prayer is for the gospel of the Kingdom to increase and prevail over all that is false and counterfeit – “So the Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” (against witchcraft, occult activity and false religion – Act 19:20).
2. That “the Word of the Lord may have free course (‘run swiftly’) and be glorified” (2 Thess 3:1) in our day and our city
3. For our city and county officials according to 1 Tim 2:1-6. Pray that God would turn their hearts to do right, because “GOD DESIRES ALL MEN TO BE SAVED AND COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH” (V.4-6).
4. For the regional church – are we to mobilize any last minute prayer initiative? We need to hear the LORD for His invitation and Divine wisdom.
5. That we learn to have a ‘radical’ and authentic love (agape) for ALL PEOPLE while we contend, IN MEEKNESS, for righteousness and truth (Psa 45:4-7) in our city and region. We love people while we hate the false systems that hold them in bondage and darkness. God is not willing that any perish!
FOR HIS GLORY,
Ken Eberly
Reading House of Prayer
Executive Advisor
http://www.rhop.net
.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Forgotten Cross
Is it possible to walk in Revival without the Cross?
Sounds like an oxymoron. "A Christian without his Cross"
They synoptic gospels are very clear about taking up our Cross in order to be a fully devoted followers of Jesus the Messiah.
Have you picked up your Cross today?
Maybe it's difficult to answer that question when we have forgotten the Cross.
Here's a reminder from A.W. Tozer
"The cross is the symbol of Christianity, and the cross speaks of death and separation, never of compromise. No one ever compromised with a cross. The cross separated between the dead and the living. The timid and the fearful will cry "Extreme!" and they will be right. The cross is the essence of all that is extreme and final. The message of Christ is a call across a gulf from death to life, from sin to righteousness and from Satan to God." (The Set of the Sail, 35,36.)
Is it possible that if I pickup my Cross daily you will stop seeing me and start seeing the Jesus in me?
To walk in spiritual renewal with my Cross, my goal for today!!
Pastor CJ
Living Word Fellowship Reading, PA
Sounds like an oxymoron. "A Christian without his Cross"
They synoptic gospels are very clear about taking up our Cross in order to be a fully devoted followers of Jesus the Messiah.
Have you picked up your Cross today?
Maybe it's difficult to answer that question when we have forgotten the Cross.
Here's a reminder from A.W. Tozer
"The cross is the symbol of Christianity, and the cross speaks of death and separation, never of compromise. No one ever compromised with a cross. The cross separated between the dead and the living. The timid and the fearful will cry "Extreme!" and they will be right. The cross is the essence of all that is extreme and final. The message of Christ is a call across a gulf from death to life, from sin to righteousness and from Satan to God." (The Set of the Sail, 35,36.)
Is it possible that if I pickup my Cross daily you will stop seeing me and start seeing the Jesus in me?
To walk in spiritual renewal with my Cross, my goal for today!!
Pastor CJ
Living Word Fellowship Reading, PA
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Day After
Well, what a day!! Our God is always faithful. His move at Baer Park today was a fresh wind...moving as He saw fit. Oh yes, He was inhabiting our praises, praises that began in unity over a year ago when Living Word was birthed.
And watching newly-saved kids worshipping, when minutes ago they didn't even know God. What a front row seat to witness His love & power.
My prayer this morning was, "Lord, I don't want to be robotic and do things for the sake of doing a good work. I want YOU to guide me because this is YOUR plan." He answered my prayer, and I cannot tell you the freedom I experienced because of it. Hey, but I'm sure you DO know. Knowing the hearts of many of you, you probably prayed a similar prayer. (I love you all, brothers and sister in Christ.)
His agape love was there. His saving grace was there. He was drawing many. Seeds were planted. Thy will be done! Jesus. JESUS. JESUS!!!!!!!!! The Name above all Names. Hallelujah!!!
In His Name,
Weezy
. ______________
. /__/ _/\_ ____/\±±±±
.¸,.-*°´ ¸,.-*~*~*-.,¸ `°*-. :ยบ° *~*~*-..,
¸.As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
And watching newly-saved kids worshipping, when minutes ago they didn't even know God. What a front row seat to witness His love & power.
My prayer this morning was, "Lord, I don't want to be robotic and do things for the sake of doing a good work. I want YOU to guide me because this is YOUR plan." He answered my prayer, and I cannot tell you the freedom I experienced because of it. Hey, but I'm sure you DO know. Knowing the hearts of many of you, you probably prayed a similar prayer. (I love you all, brothers and sister in Christ.)
His agape love was there. His saving grace was there. He was drawing many. Seeds were planted. Thy will be done! Jesus. JESUS. JESUS!!!!!!!!! The Name above all Names. Hallelujah!!!
In His Name,
Weezy
. ______________
. /__/ _/\_ ____/\±±±±
.¸,.-*°´ ¸,.-*~*~*-.,¸ `°*-. :ยบ° *~*~*-..,
¸.As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Last Days?
The bible says: " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17
Either we are or we are not in the "last days".
IF anyone believes the negative position then it would be right for them to sit around and do nothing and wait for the "last days".
However I have chosen to stand on the affirmative. I have become thoroughly convinced by content and context of scripture that these are the "last days".
If these are the Last Days and God is Faithful then I have an expectancy to see a manifestation of the outpouring of His Spirit on all people.
God! I need to see an outpouring of Your Spirit! A breakthrough like never before were Your presence transforms people from the inside out. Where only Jesus gets all the Glory.
Start with Us, Right Here, Right Now!!
Pastor CJ
Living Word Fellowship Reading, PA
Either we are or we are not in the "last days".
IF anyone believes the negative position then it would be right for them to sit around and do nothing and wait for the "last days".
However I have chosen to stand on the affirmative. I have become thoroughly convinced by content and context of scripture that these are the "last days".
If these are the Last Days and God is Faithful then I have an expectancy to see a manifestation of the outpouring of His Spirit on all people.
God! I need to see an outpouring of Your Spirit! A breakthrough like never before were Your presence transforms people from the inside out. Where only Jesus gets all the Glory.
Start with Us, Right Here, Right Now!!
Pastor CJ
Living Word Fellowship Reading, PA
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Passion and Belief the perfect combination
For me belief is trusting and having full confidence in something or someone.
It is hard to believe in someone you don't know!
Or how about this...someone you don't know well!!
When I was in the prayer room on Sunday I heard the Lord say Do you believe?
WOW!
I responded by proclaiming the things I believe...
I believe Jesus always was!
I believe He came to earth, born to a virgin, Mary!
I believe He grew in wisdom and favor!
I believe He taught!
I believe He performed miracles!
I believe He healed!
The lepers, the blind, the deaf, the mute, the lame, the issue of blood, the withered hand
I believe He raised the dead!
I believe He cast out demons!
I believe He brought correction!
I believe He was denied, accused, arrested, beat, spit on, scourged, mocked!
I believe He was crucified and died!
I believe he died for US!
I believe He was buried and on the third day arose!
I believe He is seated in the heavenlies!
I believe He is coming back soon!
I believe in his Word...not some, not most BUT ALL!
I believe in the promised Holy Spirit!
I believe in the GREATER THINGS!
I believe that the same Spirit which raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives within US!
DO YOU BELIEVE? DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE?
I challenge you today to check yourself, do you mean what you proclaim?
What does your heart say?
We are counting down...4 days left til we kick off our first revival service.
TODAY is the day to shake off fear, doubt and unbelief. SHAKE IT OFF!
Take that belief and couple it with PASSION! WOW! What can't we do for Christ!
Lord !!
As we prepare for revival, we come before you, a Holy God. We praise your mighty mighty name and give thanks to you. It is our desire to come before you as a true worshiper...one who worships in Spirit and Truth. Lord, change the things that need changing, clean us out, mold us, SHAKE US...use us! We want to be people who mean what we proclaim! Thank You for your revelation, because we understand that it is through your revelation that we come to know and understand you more intimately. We love you and praise you. Amen
Denise Eckert
Living Word Fellowship
Reading,PA
It is hard to believe in someone you don't know!
Or how about this...someone you don't know well!!
When I was in the prayer room on Sunday I heard the Lord say Do you believe?
WOW!
I responded by proclaiming the things I believe...
I believe Jesus always was!
I believe He came to earth, born to a virgin, Mary!
I believe He grew in wisdom and favor!
I believe He taught!
I believe He performed miracles!
I believe He healed!
The lepers, the blind, the deaf, the mute, the lame, the issue of blood, the withered hand
I believe He raised the dead!
I believe He cast out demons!
I believe He brought correction!
I believe He was denied, accused, arrested, beat, spit on, scourged, mocked!
I believe He was crucified and died!
I believe he died for US!
I believe He was buried and on the third day arose!
I believe He is seated in the heavenlies!
I believe He is coming back soon!
I believe in his Word...not some, not most BUT ALL!
I believe in the promised Holy Spirit!
I believe in the GREATER THINGS!
I believe that the same Spirit which raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives within US!
DO YOU BELIEVE? DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE?
I challenge you today to check yourself, do you mean what you proclaim?
What does your heart say?
We are counting down...4 days left til we kick off our first revival service.
TODAY is the day to shake off fear, doubt and unbelief. SHAKE IT OFF!
Take that belief and couple it with PASSION! WOW! What can't we do for Christ!
Lord !!
As we prepare for revival, we come before you, a Holy God. We praise your mighty mighty name and give thanks to you. It is our desire to come before you as a true worshiper...one who worships in Spirit and Truth. Lord, change the things that need changing, clean us out, mold us, SHAKE US...use us! We want to be people who mean what we proclaim! Thank You for your revelation, because we understand that it is through your revelation that we come to know and understand you more intimately. We love you and praise you. Amen
Denise Eckert
Living Word Fellowship
Reading,PA
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Jesus...everything needed to get the job done!
I spoke a bit on Sunday about how amazing it is that every time we go out to Baer Park to pray in preparation for the Reading Revival in the Park services, God shows each one of us something to contemplate and take home as a reminder of what He's getting ready to do. This past Saturday for me, it was a truck. The truck had a picture of a guy using tools, but in its vibrant display, all that I saw was the words "EVERYTHING NEEDED TO GET THE JOB DONE!" Do I have to say that it was JESUS that came to mind.
In my own self, I must admit I can be a little intimidated by what God is about to do with us. Not feeling ready, knowing my mind can only grasp a tiny glimpse of what God is actually going to do, in the business of getting all the plans in order, a slight hint of worry and what if's creep in. And then I'm brought to the place of remembering "Jesus....everything needed to get the job done."
This Revival is just so beyond anything we can do or imagine. In Ephesians 3:20, speaking of the God we serve, it says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power, that is at work within us..." This is the God we serve! This is the power that works within us....why do we need to spend time in worry and what if's when this is all up to Him? From beginning to the very end, He has called us to this and He has opened the doors for the things that needed to happen to fall into place. He has moved the obstacles and provided a way for us to do EXACTLY what He has called us to do...worship Him and lift up His name. He's in control of doing the very thing He is setting up for...REVIVAL! Not us! We just have to be willing and obedient in doing our part. It's all up to Him!
What am I saying? Just be open and ready. It's getting ready for lift off. Engines are revving, gas tank is full, just waiting on the final green light. Get buckled in and hold on for the ride. Keep your eye on the focal point...JESUS. Everything needed to get the job done!
Pastor Joy
Living Word Fellowship Reading,PA
In my own self, I must admit I can be a little intimidated by what God is about to do with us. Not feeling ready, knowing my mind can only grasp a tiny glimpse of what God is actually going to do, in the business of getting all the plans in order, a slight hint of worry and what if's creep in. And then I'm brought to the place of remembering "Jesus....everything needed to get the job done."
This Revival is just so beyond anything we can do or imagine. In Ephesians 3:20, speaking of the God we serve, it says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power, that is at work within us..." This is the God we serve! This is the power that works within us....why do we need to spend time in worry and what if's when this is all up to Him? From beginning to the very end, He has called us to this and He has opened the doors for the things that needed to happen to fall into place. He has moved the obstacles and provided a way for us to do EXACTLY what He has called us to do...worship Him and lift up His name. He's in control of doing the very thing He is setting up for...REVIVAL! Not us! We just have to be willing and obedient in doing our part. It's all up to Him!
What am I saying? Just be open and ready. It's getting ready for lift off. Engines are revving, gas tank is full, just waiting on the final green light. Get buckled in and hold on for the ride. Keep your eye on the focal point...JESUS. Everything needed to get the job done!
Pastor Joy
Living Word Fellowship Reading,PA
Friday, June 27, 2008
Revival Starts with You & Me!!
If we make Christ the supreme and constant object of our devotion we will be walking in Revival.
Is this true? Does it start with you & me?
Are you experiencing Revival in your life?
Tell me what it looks like.
Click the link that says comments below.
Agree/Disagree -- Let's talk about it
Pastor CJ
Living Word Fellowship Reading,PA
Is this true? Does it start with you & me?
Are you experiencing Revival in your life?
Tell me what it looks like.
Click the link that says comments below.
Agree/Disagree -- Let's talk about it
Pastor CJ
Living Word Fellowship Reading,PA
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
TRUE Worshiper?
I did a study once on Worship. It changed my life forever! It really showed me what it was to be a TRUE worshiper.
Beyond the five songs we sing on a Sunday morning, it taught me that worship is more then a song, it is a lifestyle. But it had to start somewhere. And how the Word of God tells us exactly where our starting point is, I also have found a song that I have made my life's banner, my mission, my cause! In the lyrics of one of my most favorite songs, "Clear the Stage" by Ross King go, he proclaims:
Beyond the five songs we sing on a Sunday morning, it taught me that worship is more then a song, it is a lifestyle. But it had to start somewhere. And how the Word of God tells us exactly where our starting point is, I also have found a song that I have made my life's banner, my mission, my cause! In the lyrics of one of my most favorite songs, "Clear the Stage" by Ross King go, he proclaims:
Chuck the pews and all the decorations too
Until the congregations few then have revival.
Tell your friends that this is where the party ends
until you're broken for your sins you can't be social.
Then seek the Lord and wait for what he has in store
and know that great is your reward and just be hopeful
Cause you can sing all you want to.
Yes you can sing all you want to
you can sing all you want to
And don't get me wrong, worship is more than a song.
And don't get me wrong, worship is more than a song.
And you think
"Wow, this is great. Like what I needed was another song!"
But keep reading!
"Wow, this is great. Like what I needed was another song!"
But keep reading!
Take a break from all the plans that you made
And sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper.
Beg Him please to open up his mouth and speak
And pray for real upon your knees until they blister.
Shine the light on every corner of your life
Until the pride and lust and lies are in the open.
Then read the word and put to test the things you've heard
Until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken.
The song continues with its beautiful chorus to clear the stage and further defines other areas to look at, but my challenge to me today and to you, my fellow brothers and sister in Christ is.....
"Are you being a TRUE worshiper?"
Harsh? Maybe.
How could I? I have to.
Will you practice the art of TRUE worship? Start today!
Revival does start with us. It starts with just one, just me.
I want to be broken for my sins...daily!
I want to seek the Lord and what He has in store for me and be hopeful for my reward.
Take a break from all my plans and sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper my name...
REVIVAL in me. Blister my knees as I beg for Him to speak to me. Let Him shine His light in my life and reveal all the junk and then go test it against His word and DO something about it.
Break me Lord, heart and soul.
And now I say to you...."Be stirred! Be rocked! Be broken!" It starts with just one.
How could I? I have to.
Will you practice the art of TRUE worship? Start today!
Revival does start with us. It starts with just one, just me.
I want to be broken for my sins...daily!
I want to seek the Lord and what He has in store for me and be hopeful for my reward.
Take a break from all my plans and sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper my name...
REVIVAL in me. Blister my knees as I beg for Him to speak to me. Let Him shine His light in my life and reveal all the junk and then go test it against His word and DO something about it.
Break me Lord, heart and soul.
And now I say to you...."Be stirred! Be rocked! Be broken!" It starts with just one.
YOU!
Pastor Joy
Living Word Fellowship Reading,
Pastor Joy
Living Word Fellowship Reading,
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Starting Revival
Last night my wife and I were praying about Revival. In the midst of it the resounding thought of "start with me". That thought quickly became a cry out. "Start with ME! Start with US!"
WoW!!
Revive us from the inside out LORD!!!!
This morning I began to think of what does that look like? {{Worship!!}} That's the answer.
The type of Worship that allows us to be lost in His presence. Completely engulfed and consumed with His Love and Grace. The kind that leaves us in AWE of Him and if words could be expressed it would sound like "Ohhh!" Like our Sunday mornings in the prayer room or when we don't want the worship set to end. OHHH!!!
When we allow that type of Worship to be part of our everyday DNA, in everything that we say and do... To Glorify Christ Jesus... Then we no longer need to pray to be revived -- We are Revived!!
Pray with me --
Jesus, I pray that today You might give me a sense of Your presence wherever I am, in whatever I'm doing.
Direct my heart to worship You throughout the day.
Be pleased and accept that worship as a genuine expression of my heartfelt gratitude and awe. Amen."
Pastor CJ
Living Word Fellowship Reading,
WoW!!
Revive us from the inside out LORD!!!!
This morning I began to think of what does that look like? {{Worship!!}} That's the answer.
The type of Worship that allows us to be lost in His presence. Completely engulfed and consumed with His Love and Grace. The kind that leaves us in AWE of Him and if words could be expressed it would sound like "Ohhh!" Like our Sunday mornings in the prayer room or when we don't want the worship set to end. OHHH!!!
When we allow that type of Worship to be part of our everyday DNA, in everything that we say and do... To Glorify Christ Jesus... Then we no longer need to pray to be revived -- We are Revived!!
Pray with me --
Jesus, I pray that today You might give me a sense of Your presence wherever I am, in whatever I'm doing.
Direct my heart to worship You throughout the day.
Be pleased and accept that worship as a genuine expression of my heartfelt gratitude and awe. Amen."
Pastor CJ
Living Word Fellowship Reading,
Monday, June 16, 2008
AG Statement on Revival
My last entry discussed "What does this all mean?" but I was not expecting the General Superintendent and The General Council of The Assemblies of God to comment (jk). (Click Here for message).
What I found amazing about all of this is that we are currently believing God for genuine long lasting Revival in Reading. So much that we have stepped out in faith and we will be having Up-Reach Services at Baer Park.
In the midst of all this we have agreed that this needs to be all about Jesus and Him Glorified. We have been seeking God and asking for His Wisdom in all of this. Then BAM!! A simple to the point message to ensure that we don't get carried away with ourselves but get carried away with Jesus.
This is how we will examine ourselves:
1. Is Jesus Christ exalted?
2. Is the Word of God proclaimed?
3. Are persons repenting of sin, and being baptized in water and the Holy Spirit?
Pray with me Habakkuk (3:2)
LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
I would love to hear your comments about this post or the AG Statement on Revival.
.
What I found amazing about all of this is that we are currently believing God for genuine long lasting Revival in Reading. So much that we have stepped out in faith and we will be having Up-Reach Services at Baer Park.
In the midst of all this we have agreed that this needs to be all about Jesus and Him Glorified. We have been seeking God and asking for His Wisdom in all of this. Then BAM!! A simple to the point message to ensure that we don't get carried away with ourselves but get carried away with Jesus.
This is how we will examine ourselves:
1. Is Jesus Christ exalted?
2. Is the Word of God proclaimed?
3. Are persons repenting of sin, and being baptized in water and the Holy Spirit?
Pray with me Habakkuk (3:2)
LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
I would love to hear your comments about this post or the AG Statement on Revival.
.
Friday, June 13, 2008
What does all this Mean?
So what does all this really mean?
I woke up this morning, reluctantly I confess, half praying or grumbling "Revive me Lord".
I needed all the help I could get this morning at 5am (snoozed until 5:30).
For me this morning it was very real and personal. I NEEDED REVIVAL!
I began to contemplate what am I really saying? The dictionary has convinced me that 'Revival' is something that needs to be brought back to life.
I didn't really need to be brought back to life, I wasn't really dead, just felt like it. What I needed was a good old fashion Marine Drill Instructor -- in my ear, Screaming and Kicking over trash cans. Making me feel like my world was going to end IF I didn't get up! ~The Good Old Days~
Sorry I regress -- Or do I?
I believe that is what I'm praying for.
For Holy Spirit to come with the reminder that ~Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us ~
This should empower us to tell others that they do not need to Stay dead in their sins but can be forgiven and REVIVED!!
These are the "last days" and IF we don't do something people are going to Die without Christ.
Revive is to bring something that is dead back to life.
I'm Seeing a Reading Revival!
What do you feel when you think of REVIVAL?
.
I woke up this morning, reluctantly I confess, half praying or grumbling "Revive me Lord".
I needed all the help I could get this morning at 5am (snoozed until 5:30).
For me this morning it was very real and personal. I NEEDED REVIVAL!
I began to contemplate what am I really saying? The dictionary has convinced me that 'Revival' is something that needs to be brought back to life.
I didn't really need to be brought back to life, I wasn't really dead, just felt like it. What I needed was a good old fashion Marine Drill Instructor -- in my ear, Screaming and Kicking over trash cans. Making me feel like my world was going to end IF I didn't get up! ~The Good Old Days~
Sorry I regress -- Or do I?
I believe that is what I'm praying for.
For Holy Spirit to come with the reminder that ~Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us ~
This should empower us to tell others that they do not need to Stay dead in their sins but can be forgiven and REVIVED!!
These are the "last days" and IF we don't do something people are going to Die without Christ.
Revive is to bring something that is dead back to life.
I'm Seeing a Reading Revival!
What do you feel when you think of REVIVAL?
.
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