New Year, New Challenge: Want Revival? Go deeper!

 Ezekiel 47

King James Version

47 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.

2 Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.

3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles.

4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.

5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.

Luke 5

King James Version

5 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

Psalm 42:7

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

For most of us in America, we think of revival as a series of meetings where we feel better, get a little closer to God, and go on about our lives. 

But, revival in scripture was an all encompassing and life changing event! 

Whole swathes of society were changed on a personal level in a very short period of time. Sinners became saints. Thieves became honest men. Idolators and adulterers became God fearing family loving people. In seconds, they were all born again and changed.

 Then, he did it again in Kansas and LA in the early 1900's. Again, it effected huge numbers of people and changed their whole world- literally.

But, over time, embers fade and revival was reduced to what we see today. 

My wife and I have been praying for revival. Real, book of Acts and Asuza street revival. For months now, we've asked, we've sought, and we've knocked. We've begged and we've pleaded. 

Last night, as I was praying and listening to scripture, Luke 5 jumped out at me. I could see Jesus on that boat. He looked the big, burly, and experienced fisherman in the eye, and basically said, "If you'll launch out into deep water, I'll give you such a huge catch that it'll nearly sink both your vessels."

From any other man, Simon would've scoffed and said he didn't know what he was talking about. 

But, from this man, Simon felt something different. Though he argued a bit, something in Simon said, "Ok. Why not? We'll give it a shot."

When they reached the deep waters, they dropped their nets and nearly lost their boat! and even though their own net broke, the fish, miraculously didn't leave the area! Their second boat arrived and they had better nets. They caught so many fish that their boats were barely floating under the weight! 

Simon threw himself at the feet Of Jesus and recognized how unworthy he himself was to even be in the presence of God almighty! 

When the vision in my minds eye cleared, I could almost hear the Lord whispering to me:

"If you really want real revival to take hold in your home, street, city, county, state, nation, world, then go deeper in me."

For further explanation (and I don't know all what he said to me entails, just a small portion), he took me to 2 more passages. Ezekiel 47 and Psalms 42.

 "3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles."

Remember "he that believeth on me as the scriptures hath said, out of their belly shall flow RIVERS OF LIVING WATER (but this spake he of the Holy Ghost...}" (John 7:38)

As these waters begin to flow in our lives, they rise up to our ankles. We enjoy the feeling of the cool waters washing over our dry and parched feet. It cools our aching feet, soothes the sore bones, washes away the muck and the mire we've been standing or walking in.

But it's only ankle deep. It truly doesn't affect the way we walk. The shallow waters lack the power to counteract the muscles in our body that still respond to the commands our brains give about where to go. We still have control- though we feel somewhat better.

 "4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees."

Now, the waters are a bit deeper. It has the power to somewhat touch our prayers. Some intercession can begin. There's a little more force to the flow, but we are still pretty much in control of ourselves. We still choose what we do and where we go.

"Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins."

At this point, the force of the waters has the power to affect how we walk. It's power reaches our baser instincts. It begins to effect our fleshly appetites. It brings some repentance and self control into our lives. We still have control, but we're much more willing to give some of that control over to our master.

5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.

It's at this point that we have a choice.

Do we stay where we are and enjoy the change and living in the cool waters more powerful than we've know current, but still retain some control of our lives?

Or, do we "launch out into the deep?" Do we dive into the river of the Holy Ghost in total abandon? Do we give ourselves over completely to the control of the river? It's here that we experience there true power of the river. It's here that lives are changed. It's here that miracles, signs, and wonders occur. It's here that massive revival breaks out! 

Why? Because we gave God all the control. We let go of our agenda's and pet peeves. We hand every part of our lives over the the master and HE guides our steps. HE guides us to the destination that HE wants us to find. HE works through us and draws them to HIMSELF and the new birth! 

If we will do that, then HE will bring back book of Acts and Asuza street level revivals! 

But, we must give up control. We must give up our own status/reputations. We must give over our rights and die to ourselves- every day. 

If we will do that, then the harvest of souls that he brings in will not be able to be contained! We'll have to search for others to help us to contain and work with the massive harvest he wants to bring in! 

Cause it's not about us, it's about him! It's not about an organization, it's about him. 

It's not about us, it's about the souls he wants to bring into his kingdom!

It's not about who we are, but its's about who he is! 

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. (Psalms 42:7)

The word for deep here means "an Abyss (as a surging mass of water)..." and comes from  a root word that means "...to make an uproar or agitrate greatly."

Remember the flood?

The land was all in one piece. The waters had been separated from the land and there was one massive continent. When the waters from above combined with the waters down below it was a catastrophic and world changing event! 

Land masses were reshaped and beaten into place. New mountain chains and valleys were formed. The climate was dramatically changed! Nothing was as it was before. Everything was brand new.

The waters of God want to make an uproar and greatly agitate our lives. He wants to flow over, in, and around us and totally change our whole world! He wants to change how we think, act, dress, speak, what we do, where we go.....

But, for that kind of shaking to happen, we have to relinquish all control and allow him to have all control. 

So, WE have to go deep so that HIS deep can call to us. If we stay shallow, we can't hear his call.

Just as whales can communicate with whale song ONLY UNDER WATER, we can only truly hear God's call if we dive into his waters in total and complete surrender. Let him reshape us. Let him remold us. And let his water flow take us wherever HE wants to take us. 

Incidentally, the word for "calleth" here means "to call by name." 

He has a specific job for each and every one of us to do. I can't do your job. You can't do mine. But if we will all surrender to his life giving flow, HE will remake and remold on a massive, earth shaping scale! 

Souls will be saved on a massive scale. Diseases will be healed on a massive scale. People will be delivered from drugs, alcohol, porn, false religions, etc on a massive scale! 

Watch his pattern though. 

Abraham wasn't a great young man ready to rock his world. He was a nearly retired old man who'd never fathered a child. But God started a bloodline through him that led to Calvary and freed the world! 

He chose Israel, not because of how great and mighty they were, but because of how weak, small, and powerless they were.

He didn't go through the religious somebodies of the world to bring in his church. He chose a bunch of poor folk that the elites looked down upon to rock the church age! 

He didn't go through the religious somebodies to begin the Asuza outpourings a hundred years ago. He chose a bunch of nobodies that the somebodies wouldn't give the time of day to. 

His pattern hasn't changed! 

If we will really dive deep into his word and give ourselves wholly and completely to prayer and repentence, he will give yet another amazing and earth shattering revival! We're not somebody. But that means we're qualified in his eyes! 

Won't you join him? Won't you join us?

Wherever you are. Commit to study, prayer, and fasting. 

Dive deep. 

And watch him change the world!

...the Word of their testimony!

 Revelation 12:10-11

King James Version

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Read these verses carefully. Opinions vary as to when this event will take place, or has taken place. But, did you catch the significant phrase in verse 11?

Satan is cast down to earth finally and totally. It says that we (the brethren) overcame him by a) the blood of the lamb, b) the word of our testimony, and c) we loved not our lives unto death.

I've been born again since 1990. 

One of the major parts of our services that used to happen was euphemistically called, "testimony service." 

People would stand and give testimony to what God was doing, and had done in their lives. Excitement would grow in the service as people would praise God for all he was doing in their midst. People's faith would grow! 

As a result, some folks would receive more miracles. Others would receive strength to push on through just a little longer, knowing that somehow, God would make a way for them, too- or at least give them the strength to carry the load. 

This used to be a big part of an Apostolic church service. 

While no one would've looked down on anyone who went to a doctor, it was understood that all healing comes from God, regardless of how he chose to bring it about. Thus, there were many more healings and many more personal miracles than we see now in our midst.

What happened? 

Somewhere along the way, leadership decided that:

a) services were too long and therefore some things needed to be cut out. So, at first, rather than letting people stand and testify as they felt led by God, the preacher would pick out a few that he would ask to testify. The message was clear, if I don't ask you, don't stand up and speak. Then, they stopped asking a few and brought it down to one. Finally, the testimony service, in most places, simply went away. After all, we got to keep the service short! 

Incidentally, the most powerful service I was ever in lasted six hours! And so much was going on that it felt like 30 minutes! Not one person complained about the length of the service. Everyone left excited about God and where he was taking us. There were songs, many testimonies, and many healings. Several received the Holy Ghost and all repented of our sins. 

b) Another reason testimony service was stopped was that the leadership had more control of the service and kept long-winded sister so and so from droning on about the same thing she talked about several times before. Sometimes, well-meaning saints would speak of things that could have been worded better or had been said many times before. This was embarrassing to the leadership, so they began to cut the whole service out. 

Now, most of our services are streamlined and very professional. But, the personal impact of what God is doing in brother or sister so and so's life- the person that we know- is lost. Yes, the music and the singing may sound better. Yes, the teaching is more professional sounding (especially since most places use Sunday School books printed by the organization) and is being taught by someone trained in how to do so. 

But, we're losing something in all this sleek professionalism. 

God's word says we overcome the attack of Satan in our lives, in part, by the word of our testimony. 

These testimonies lift the faith of us all-including the new person who knows nothing about what God can do! As faith rises, God responds and does even more in our midst. 

Church, stop worrying about the time. Let God decide how long the service will be.

Stop worrying about how sleek and professional we look and sound. Some of the greatest moves of God have started with a stuttering saint who can't carry a note, but God shone through and a move of God was born! 

The early church was filled with the power and glory of God. And most were uneducated and decidedly non-professional. Yet, they turned their world upside down because they stepped back and allowed God to move.

Now, we have very little of the power of God but we're all educated and professional. 

The secret to Biblical revival is prayer, prayer, prayer, and more prayer! They prayed until God moved. Then, they told people how God had just moved. Then, they prayed some more! 

Let's follow the same formula and watch God turn our world upside down! 

In other words, as the old saying was, it's time to "let go and let God!"

A little salt for our nations wounds: our pain will bring revival.

Colossians 4:5-6King James Version (KJV)

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

I try, sometimes successfully, to live my life in obedience to this passage of scripture. It is never my intention to hurt anyone on purpose. But, sometimes, you just have to say what needs to be said and hope it will help others- at worst, maybe they will be "pricked in their hearts." (Acts 2:36-37)

So, here goes:

We live in a troubled time. The economy is floundering. Our national leaders seem clueless. Gangs and violence are on the upswing. Our schools no longer teach true science, history, and math. Entertainment is all about sex, parties, and violence. Our churches seem to be more concerned with preaching prosperity and collecting funds to fix up the bathrooms than they are with reaching and teaching the lost. On the whole, there appears to be no hope on the horizon. 

But, behind the scenes there's a fervent prayer going up from God's remnant. The ones who want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And my friends, God is listening. And according to scripture, there will be a revival. 

But, as good as that sounds, lets look and see the events that lead up to revival in scripture. 

Acts 2:36-37King James Version (KJV)

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Notice here, it says the hearers were "pricked in their hearts."

The term pricked here means: "to pain the mind sharply, agitate it vehemently, especially of the emotion of sorrow." The word "heart" here means, in part, "the center of all physical and spiritual life."

My friends this is not a fun feeling. This is not a warm, fuzzy feeling. As the world's fitness freaks like to say, "No pain. No gain." 

Revival always starts with pain- a pain that gets into the deepest parts of your heart. It changes you from the inside out because it causes a total reevaluation and revamping of everything you are and believe. People never change as long as we're comfortable. Change never happens to the coddled. Today's "pat you on the back" sermons are just a modern version of what Paul says of the people "having itching ears." (2 Timothy 4:3)

Modern congregations, too many times, have no interest in truth. All they want is someone to tell them what they want to hear. And many preachers know that if they don't play the game, they will be out on their ears with no income. Yes, truly, "the love of money is the root of all evil." (1 Timothy 6:10)

Acts 5 tells the story of a couple who lied about how much money they made from the sail of a possession. They then gave part of the price to the church- claiming that they gave it all to make themselves look better in the eyes of the people. They were struck dead- BY GOD- for lying to God about what they had done. The result: revival broke out because people realized that God meant business. 

Are we ready for this type of a move of God? 

In Acts 6, revival broke out because the church was organized in a godly manner to reach out to the needs of the people and (at the same time) keep on preaching the truth. 

This is what the modern church needs to do. Reorganize in a way that fits the scriptures. This is one of the few times in scripture that revival came without the judgement of God. Why? Because the church changed! Oh, Lord Jesus, let us do the same in this day and hour! 

In Acts 8, church persecution began. This was a dark time for the early church. However, when the church was scattered into the countryside, revival broke out everywhere they landed. When God moved his mighty hand and converted Saul (later to be known as Paul), the persecution lessened. By then, many had become children of God, as a result of the great persecution and loss of life of God's people. 

In Acts 12, great persecution again began, this time at the hand of the king. Again, great revival broke out everywhere the people of God fled. This continued until God struck down the king. 

Do we see the trend? In the early church, it was pain that caused repentance, and repentance brought revival. 

We live in dark times. We are praying for revival. God wants revival. So, why should we be surprised that times are dark? Persecution of God's people is beginning anew. Followers of Jesus are being beheaded in foreign lands. Followers of Jesus are being ran out of business here in America for standing for their faith. Prayers are beginning to rise to the heavens for revival.

How bad will the times get in order to bring this revival? I don't know. How many will have to die before revival begins? I don't know. But, God allows his children to go through pain so that we remember that it is in HIM that we move and breath and have our being. And when we repent, it will effect the whole country and bring revival. 

So, as bad as things seem to be- as bad as things will get- let's keep praying and keep our eyes on Jesus. If we do, he will change us and bring the revival that he wants to bring to our currently very ungodly country and world. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

What do you see in the midst of your troubles?

Isaiah 6

King James Version (KJV)

6 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah was a very important man. He was a prophet. He was also near kin to the king. As such, he had the honor of being in the kings court as an adviser. 

When King Uzziah died, the land was turned over to his son, Jotham. Uzziah was a righteous king. Albeit, he made one severe mistake and the Lord placed leprosy on him because of it. According to 2 Chronicles 27, Jotham was an even better king that Uzziah had been. 

But, in Isaiah 6, Isaiah (nor anyone else) had no idea what kind of king Jotham would be. Would he follow the Lord, as his father had? Or, would he, like Solomon's son, turn his back on God and the people. It certainly was a possibility. How many children of wealth and power turn bad? Many.

But, here, in Isaiah 6, you can imagine Isaiah's troubled thoughts. As a king's prophet, he was accustomed to living well and having the best of everything. He was also accustomed to having the king's ear. 

In many cases, in the ancient world, whenever there was a change of kings, those that were in leadership positions for the old king, were put out of their positions and left to fend for themselves. They also were, sometimes- killed. 

So, Isaiah had a lot on his mind. Would he lose his job? His life? He didn't know what would happen. 

So, he did what we should do. He went to the house of God and sought the Lord. I'm sure Isaiah wasn't expecting what happened. Sure, he expected guidance. He expected to hear from the Lord for a word to help him in his troubles. He didn't expect to be ushered into the very throne room of heaven and see God almighty in all his glory.

When he saw the glory of God, and the majesty of heaven, Isaiah just knew he was done for. You can hear it in his response: "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."

"This is it for me," he seems to have thought.

Yet, unexpectedly, God didn't kill him- as he deserved. On the contrary, the Lord cleansed him. May we all learn from this.

Yes, God is holy. Yes, God expects us to be holy. Yes, God is judgement. But, as it was so eloquently worded in the book, The Harbinger (by Jonathan Cahn), "judgement is God's necessity. But his nature is mercy."

God cleansed Isaiah of his sins. Then, he acted as if they had never existed. And, as if Isaiah's problems really amounted to nothing at all, he ignored them. Rather, he offers Isaiah a promotion. He basically said, "Will you go and speak for me? Let me be your king? Let me worry about the future?"

In the midst of all of Isaiah's problems, the scripture declares he "saw ALSO the Lord." Herein lies the answer to our dilemma's. It doesn't say that he ignored his problems. It says that, though he did see his problems, he ALSO so the Lord.

He didn't just see him, however. He saw him "high and lifted up." He saw him as the ultimate being, on the throne and in control. He saw "the mighty God, the everlasting father." (Isaiah 9:6)

He also saw that "his train filled the temple." First of all, the temple was a huge place. This was not someone's living room, or a store front church. This place was so big that angels had room to fly (verse 6)!

In those days, royalty wore a train. But, it usually only hung down to somewhere just above the ankles. When a prince became a king, this was about how long his train was. But, every time he won a battle, the train was made longer.

Here, Isaiah saw the Lord in a huge temple. Yet, the Lord's train filled that temple! In other words, God had won battle after battle. And guess what? He's never lost a battle! So, when the Lord gave Isaiah a mission, he knew he could safely answer, "Here am I. Send me." Why?

Because he knew that by joining the Lord's mission, he was on the winning side.

So, in the midst of life's chaos and calamity, we can know we are right. In the middle of this worlds confusion and our troubles and problems, we can know that we are on the winning side. That, no matter what, if we stay with the Lord's will for our lives, we will be victorious.

So, rather than focus on our problems and worries, struggles and trials, lets see ALSO the Lord. If we can somehow pray our way into his presence and see that he is in control, then we can have hope that our trials won't last forever. And,we can know that we are on the winning side.

Who knows, maybe God will give us a mission, as well.     

A true memorial

Philippians 3

King James Version (KJV)

3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

I realize that this is a strange scripture to use for a memorial day post, but there's a reason for that. 

I see many posts on Facebook that say, "if you enjoy your freedom, thank a veteran." In principle, I find myself somewhat in agreement with these postings. It is true that we enjoy our freedoms in this country due to the sacrifices of those who were willing to fight and die to gain and keep our God-given rights.

However, freedom won does not equate to freedom lived well. Do we use our freedoms wisely? Do we make godly choices that glorify God, aid our families, and help our fellow man? Or, do we use our freedoms to sew to the flesh and it's every ungodly desire?

Has our national freedom been used to make us better? or worse?

Many veterans shake their heads when they see the way our freedoms have been abused and misused to make society worse, not better. Many will tell you that what our nation has become is NOT what they fought to preserve, but rather it has become something they no longer recognize. Something far less than our founding fathers aspired to.

The best way to honor our veterans (living and dead) is to return to and lift up the ideals of our founders. We should stand firmly on the Constitution and stand against those that would destroy and change it.

Some 2000 years ago, Paul reminds us in the above passage that- due to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ- we have a high calling to attain to. We are not to allow God's grace to become a do as you want, it's covered thing. We are, in light of the battle fought and won on Calvary, to live our lives in such a way as to glorify and honor the one who died to give us the chance for salvation.

Pithy, religious sounding slogans, don't cut it. Going through the motions of religion doesn't cut it. We are to live our lives in the light of the one who called us into his marvelous light. We should honor him daily in everything we do and say. We should strive to let him live through us to touch a lost and dying world- who have no hope except through him.

He didn't call us to build grand cathedrals. He called us to be his hands and feet. He called us to build into the lives of the hurting, the broken, the poor, the widow, the orphan, the unwanted of society. He called us to shine his light of truth into the dark places of humanity- even when those places are occupied by the rich and powerful- in order that they might see themselves as HE sees them and repent before it is too late.

Yes, we must be biblically born again (Acts 2:38), but real Christianity is so much more than that. Paul said that in spite of his well educated and high standing social status of his past, he counted it all as DUNG that he might attain Christ!

We need to stop holding onto yesterdays anointing, yesterdays blessings, and yesterdays revivals. God has promised us revival in these last days, but we won't be a part of it unless we live our lives immersed in him. We must immerse ourselves in his word and spirit and allow him to change us. We must let his holy fire burn away the chaff that we've allowed into our souls so that the world can see him in all we do.

So, on this memorial day, lets rededicate our lives to the cause of the one who truly should be lifted up- Jesus Christ. Let us seek first his righteousness and watch him work. He's not interested in our abilities and education. He's interested in our availability and submission to him as Lord (supreme controller). This truly is the best memorial we can give him.

In closing, let's pray:

Lord Jesus, we repent of our shortsightedness. We repent of being caught up in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. We repent of getting caught up in the "me generation." We ask that you move deep inside us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. We ask that you strengthen us to walk in your word and ways- whatever the cost. We ask that you help us to be your hands, feet, heart, and mouths in this backward and broken generation. Lead us to such as would be saved, and save them. Let us look past the pride and see the pain. Give us the wisdom to know when to speak and what to do. Use us to spread you word and your love to this lost and dying world. In Jesus name! 

The worlds junk, is God's treasure!

1 Corinthians 1:⁹Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

 ¹⁰Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

 ¹¹And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

King James Version (KJV)

 ⁵For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

 ⁶Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

The world likes NEW things. Their way of doing things is "Out with the old and in with the new." Old things are looked on with disdain. Everything's got to be new. We've got to have the newest fashions, newest cars, and new homes. People get bored with the old TV shows and press for new shows. News shows focus on the latest and most current events. Magazines and newspapers focus on the newest happenings with the hottest music and film stars. And the mantra goes on: New, new, new, new, new...!

Yet, some folks in this world can see the hidden treasures in the old things. Old people, rather than being a burden to them, are a treasure trove of wisdom, love, and understanding. Old homes are things that can be fixed up to make them look better than the new stuff. After all, they were built better than the new stuff! 

New houses use inferior material when compared to the old. New cars wear out quicker and are less able to handle a crash or two than their older counterparts. 

These folks can go to a garage sale and find and fix up things that would amaze the average person. Old instruments can be repaired. Old cars and motorcycles can be renewed and last longer than the new ones- if a person knows what they're doing. 

God looked down on a desperately evil and corrupt world. He could've decided to destroy it all and start over with a new creation. Out with the old and in with the new, right? Not so, with God!

God looked down and said, "I love them! They are idolaters, adulterers, murderers, proud, deceitful, they love themselves and pleasure more than they love me and others. I could start over, BUT.... I'm gonna make a way to make them new!"

So the murderer Paul becomes a great Apostle! The proud and boastful Peter becomes a humble and mighty evangelist. Millions of peoples lives have been transformed from the trash heap to become a shining example of the love, mercy, and Grace of God! 

So who'll be next? You? Will you head the master's call and respond? Will you follow his death, burial, and resurrection by Repentance, Baptism in Jesus name, and allowing him to fill you with the Holy Ghost? Will you let him pull you from worlds trash piles?

The world has told you that you're garbage! God says you're invaluable! The world says you're worthless. God says you're worth Calvary! Every stripe, every nail, every strip of flesh that hung off his body, every thorn in his brow- he says was meant to buy you back! 

It doesn't matter where you've been or what you've done, the invitation is open for whosoever will. The world will us you up and leave you to die. God will pick you up and set your feet on high. 

Come on! What are you waiting for? Today is the day of salvation! Won't you answer his call?