Saturday, January 31, 2009

Revival

Years ago a young minister visited Dundee, Scotland, deeply concerned that his ministry was producing such meager results. He decided to visit the scene where years before Robert Murray McCheyne had ministered in such evident power of the Spirit of God. McCheyne died at the age of 30, but not before God used him to turn Scotland upside down. The visitor asked the old sexton (church property caretaker) at St. Peter’s if he could tell him the secret of the amazing influence of Robert McCheyne. The old man led the young minister into the vestry. “Sit down there,” he said. “Now put your elbows on the table.” He did so. “Yes, that was the way McCheyne used to do it,” said the old man. “Now put your face in your hand.” The visitor obeyed. “Now let the tears flow! That was the way McCheyne used to do!” said the sexton. (Explore the Psalms Vol. 2, John Phillips, 1988. 478-9)

Quote

"Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm." Abraham Lincoln

Friday, January 30, 2009

Six Habits of Highly Defective People

They have a losing attitude: People generally get whatever they expect out of life. Expect the worst, and that’s what you’ll get.

They quit growing. People are what they are, and they are where they are because of what has gone into their minds.

•They have no game plan for life. As William Feather, author of The Business of Life says, “There are two kinds of failures: Those who thought and never did, and those who did and never thought.”

They are unwilling to change. Some people would rather cling to what they have rather than embrace what might be better because they are afraid of getting something worse.

They fail in relationships with others. People who cannot get along with others will never get ahead in life.

•They are not willing to pay the price for success. The road to success is uphill all the way. Anyone who wants to accomplish much must sacrifice much.

From Success One Day At a Time, by John Maxwell

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Ouotes of the Day

"Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he has encountered, and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds." Charles Lindbergh

"Beware of the barrenness of an overcrowded life." Anonymous

"You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity." O. A. Battista

Revival

First God comes. On New Year's Eve 1739, John Wesley, George Whitefield, and some of their friends held a "love feast" which became a watch night of prayer to see the New Year in. At about 3 a.m., Wesley wrote, "the power of God came mightily upon us, insomuch that many cried for exceeding joy, and many fell to the ground." Revival always begins with a restoration of the sense of the closeness of the Holy One.

•Second, the gospel is loved as never before. The sense of God's nearness creates an overwhelming awareness of one's own sins and sinfulness, and so the power of the cleansing blood of Christ is greatly appreciated.

•Then repentance deepens. In the Ulster revival in the 1920s shipyard workers brought back so many stolen tools that new sheds had to be built to house the recovered property! Repentance results in restitution.

•Finally, the Spirit works fast: godliness multiplies, Christians mature, converts appear. Paul was at Thessalonica for less than three weeks, but God worked quickly and Paul left a virile church behind him.
James Packer, Your Father Loves You, Harold Shaw Publishers, 1986.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Revival Quotes

Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again. Vance Havner.

A true revival means nothing less than a revolution, casting out the spirit of worldliness, making God's love triumph in the heart. Andrew Murray.

The pathway to revival is paved with true repentance. Revival that ignores the issues of sin will only stir the emotions for a short time, but one that deals with sin can change the course of life for sometime to come! Revival must be both celebrational and confessional! Dennis Marquette

Friday, January 23, 2009

Five Weeks Until Revival

It is just five weeks until revival with Tennessee State Evangelist, Tim Farmer. I spoke with him briefly at the Distric Meeting in Jackson and he is ready to be with us.

Prayer and fasting needs to continue - especially intensive prayer. Pray for revival for the local church and revival for each person. It has been said that revIval has an I in the middle and that is what revIval is all about. Draw a circle around yourself and seek God to revive you. There is another word with an I in the middle - prIde. Pride is the opposite of repentance and humility. We will not, repeat, we will not have revival without the presence of the Holy Spirit. WE MUST PRAY, PRAY, PRAY AND PRAY MORE.

A powerful presence of adoration and worship to the Lord will also be much needed. We will come together to worship but we should also worship in our private times - washing dishes, cleaning house, driving the car and truck and on the job we can also worship in our hearts. May God help us to seek YOU for this time of revival.

We need YOU O MIGHTY GOD!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Nashville Voting on English as Official Language

Today thousands of Nashvillians will go to the polls and vote for or against the English language referendum. Both sides have stated that taxpayers will loose if either vote wins. Makes me wonder which is correct. If Nashville chooses to make English the official language, how will that affect those who cannot speak English? If Nashville votes down the referendum, what difference will it make? Our country still provides for equal rights to all people regardless of race, creed or religion. So, it seems that this election is going to cost taxpayers a lot even if the vote is finally for or against.

Some say, they are for all people as long as it does not infringe on their freedom to be financially independent. These people want those who immigrate here to work for their needs and not become dependent on those who have already worked to make their way. They point to the way immigration was decades ago and believe governmental programs have become too generous and regulations have become lax.

Others feel that all who are in need of services and help should be able to access it through the government - local, state and federal (taxes). I understand the federal government allows legal immigrants to live here and work here for a period of time without paying taxes in order to get their "feet on the ground." We understand there are hundreds of dialects in our nation at this time and more coming. The government also provides translators for those who need services.

We have come through the "salad bowl" era and the "melting pot" era. What is next? Some may be wanting the full course meal with all the trimmings without any work ethic. Some may want to be selfish and hold on to their full course meal and not share with those in need. Perhaps it would do us some good in this nation to all eat "soup" for a while. I'm sure those who were around in the Great Depression of the late 1920's and 1930's could share some good pointers on how to be thankful for what we have and to share with those who are in need. Maybe we need to be involved in more pressing matters than what language people speak.

Here are some headlines from the Great Depression.

Headlines of 1932

U.S STEEL LAYS OFF ANOTHER 10,000
GENERAL MOTORS STOCK DOWN FROM $500 A SHARE TO $10 A SHARE
CHICAGO TEACHERS FEED 11,000 HUNGRY CHILDREN
IOWA CORN WAY DOWN IN PRICE
SALE-SALE-SALE SUITS AND COATS FOR $15
KENTUCKY COAL MINERS FOUND LIVING ON DANDELIONS
N.Y.C. COPS TO CARRY LIST OF CHARITIES TO DIRECT THE HELPLESS
110 CHILDREN IN N.Y.C. DIE FROM MALNUTRITION


WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE?

Prayer and Fasting

Today is the end of the 21 day scheduled public fast. Some will stop their fast. Others may continue. Prayer must continue. We believe that this time of intensive prayer and fasting will be an impetus for the work ahead as we move forward.

Revival is scheduled for February 27, 28 and March 1, with State Evangelist, Tim Farmer. There is no secret formula for revival. Prayer, fasting, pure worship, visiting, and witnessing are all needed. As the local church here involves themselves in the work of the Lord, giving themsleves to Him wholeheartedly, growth will be the result.

There are a couple examples in the scripture that speak of move 'n on. 2Kings 7:3 tells us, ". . .there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?" These four lepers were in a time of famine and starving to death. They could not get food in the city and were not supposed to get near anyone. There was the enemy army outside the city and surely they could not go in there. They declared, "why sit we here until we die?" They went to the enemy army camp and found the camp empty of soldiers because God had already created a sound like a vast army to come upon them. The lepers ate enemy food, took what they wanted (clothes, silver, and gold) in two different trips to the camp. Then they felt guilty about getting the spoils alone so they told the Captain of the Guard who told the King. The whole city spoiled the goods of the enemy soldiers. As Elisha had prophesied, there would be plenty of grain to sell.

The other example is the two sons that Jesus gave us. He tells us in Matthew 21:28 "But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard." One son quickly resonded that he would go to work in his vineyard. The other son was very hesitant and would not go. During the course of time, the one who said he would go did not go. The other son who was hesitant went. Its time to GO! Why sit around and die? Let hesitation be turned into moving on.

Lets GO!

Move 'n On

There are times in our lives when it seems we get stuck. Ever feel like you are stuck - just spinning your wheels. That's what happens when a car gets on soft, muddy ground. No matter how much you give it the gas, it just sits and spins. There must be some type of solid ground to get it unstuck or you need another vehicle to pull it out.

Perhaps you are "stuck in the mud." The mud of undue criticism. I heard about a junior in high school who had a particularly hard teacher. She got a C on her first test. When she went to ask the teacher how she could study better to make better grades the teacher responded, "You are just not an A student are you." Now, I don't know about you but that would have sent me spinning in the mud. This remark from the teacher could have discouraged this student and left her "stuck in the mud." With some help from the parents and others she took in stride and moved on.

By the way, I graduated with a C+ average in high school, not because I could not do better but because I didn't want to study and work harder - had other interests on my mind (sports, hunting, fishing, skipping school). That was a unique type of "mud" in another time of my life.

Anyone who gets "stuck" in some type of "mud" (there are different kinds) needs to seek to move on. There is the mud of gossip, unforgiveness, division, backbiting, strife, etc. etc. Then there are the crystal clear waters of "move 'n on." Move on with grace, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-contol. The only way to get out of the mud is the solid ground of God's grace. Then, move on in the Holy Spirit.

What 'd ya say? Lets move on. . .

By God's grace, I'm move 'n on. . . .

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Peaceful Transition of Presidents

Former President George W. Bush, right, hugs President Barack Obama after Obama was sworn in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

From Comcast

Prayer and Fasting

This is day 21 of the prayer and fasting intensive. I admit, it has been a challenge but great blessings and benefits have come and will continue to come from this time. The most valuable is the relational closeness that has been more intense with our Father in Heaven. Thank God for the challenge that Jesus left us, "then shall they fast." Some may phase out of the fast today. If you have been on a total fast. . .drink juice and water mixed first. . .then eat light for a few days to get your body to accept bread, meat and sweets a little at a time.

Some may be continuing the fast. . .let your health be strongly considered. Talk to your medical doctor if necessary. Prayer will continue on. We know the Bible records, "pray without ceasing." We thank God for this intensive time.

Five Truths About Problems

1. They’re unavoidable.

2. Perspective on the problem, rather than the problem itself, determines success or failure.

3. There’s a big difference between problem spotting and problem solving.

4. The size of the person is more important than the size of the problem.

5. Problems, responded to correctly, can propel us forward.


Click here to read the rest, From Leadership Wired, John Maxwell

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Forty Fourth President

The Scripture admonished Christians to pray for leaders - "for all in authority." President Barak Obama needs the prayers of Christians. He will lead effectively only as he leans on God and trusts God. No leader can be effective without the overarching influence of God in their lives and the wisdom that only God can give.

Let us pray for our new President.

Prayer and Fasting

Day 20 of prayer and fasting continues. Thank God for His greatness and goodness! It is beyond any human words to express the awesomeness of our Great God. "Joy unspeakable and full of glory," said the Apostle Peter.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Corporate Prayer and Fasting Continues

Today is day 19 of the corporate prayer and fasting time. Of course, we need the Lord more than just 21 days but we are starting the year with emphasis on seeking the Lord through intensive prayer and fasting. It has been said, "fasting intensifies our focus and affections upon the Lord." Surely we do not want this to be a "humanistic" and much less "carnalistic" endeavour.

We desire to see God's good pleasure in our lives and His perfect will accomplished among us both individually and corporately. When we are realizing His good pleasure we will, without doubt, be blessed beyond measure and fulfilled completely - no matter the temporal conditions or extenuating circumstances.

Prayer:
"Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name." "This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." Thank you Heavenly Father for being my Father and letting me be your child. Help me to let your light shine out more to others today and encourage someone who is in need of your touch. Forgive me when I am less compassionate than you desire. Bless my family and protect them today - my children, grandchildren, mother, brother and family, sister and family and my precious wife and her family. Please bring the ones who don't know you to repentance and salvation. Bless the church here where I pastor. Help me to be the Pastor you desire. Forgive me when I fail to care for the members and friends of the church as you would have me to. Help me to serve better and give me a greater passion for the ministry you have called me to. Bless the leaders of our church, nation and the world. Be with the President and President-Elect during this time. Protect them. Help them make wise, godly decisions. I ask these blessings in Christ's holy and precious name. AMEN!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Prayer and Fasting Continues

This is day 18 of the 21 day prayer and fasting time throughout the churches of the nation and possibly over the world. We continue to seek the Lord's face. Remember the Scripture says in Hebrews 11:6 ". . .he that cometh to God mut believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Eleazar prayed and fasted a day to seek God for Isaac's wife.

Moses went into the mount to pray and fast to seek God.

Elijah went into the mount and prayed and fasted to seek God.

Jesus went into the wilderness to pray and fast and seek His Father.

Daniel mourned and prayed and fasted for three weeks to seek God for return to Jerusalem.

Esther and the jewish people prayed and fasted three days to seek God for protection and deliverance.

Samuel and Israel joined together to pray and fast for revival.

Nehemiah mourned, fasted and prayed to seek God for restoring the walls.

All the people of Nineveh (and even their livestock weren't given food) fasted and prayed to God to seek repentance and forgiveness.

Saul prayed and fasted three days after being encountered by the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He was transformed into the Apostle Paul.

Peter was on the housetop praying and fasting when he received the vision to go minister to the Gentiles.

The early Christian church prayed and fasted to the Lord before sending ministers out to do mission work.

Do you know of others you would include here? Let us continue to pray and fast unto the Lord.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS from Crosswalk.Com

Psalm 8:5Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast cr owned him with glory and honour.

There are not many days that go by where I feel very holy. As much as I might like to be a reflection of Jesus Christ, I am afraid that my image is a very dim one at best. For each success I have at walking in the footsteps of Christ, I have a dozen failures where I have strayed from the path. And through it all, God still loves me totally. In my imperfection, God still reveres me and thinks I am good. It boggles the mind to realize that human beings are God's pride and joy. Despite the grief and frustration we must be, God believes in us and helps us to be the best people that we can be. He loves His children and rejoices in their victories. Our Lord created us just lower than the angels; the most perfect of His creations.

Despair not. No matter how inadequate we might feel, we are considered beautiful by our Creator, and in the end it is His opinion, not ours, that makes all the difference in the world.

Prayer:
Grant me spiritual wings that I might soar as an angel on this earth, O Lord. Help me to live up to the intention You had at my creation. Let me wear my crown wisely and proudly, to Your glory. Amen.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Prayer and Fasting Continues

Today is day 17 of the 21 day of corporate fasting. We are believing the Lord for His direction, power and blessings. To seek Him as our reward is far above anything that could be given. He wants to bless us. He wants to provide all that is resident in His Son, Jesus Christ. Keep looking to Him who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Go here for instruction, encouragement, and admonition in fasting.