|
|
|
|
Presents or Presence Hosea 6:1-2 (KJV) “Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.” We are now in the most glorious days of the coming Kingdom of God to the earth for Jesus to set up His throne. It is also disastrous with spectacular events that are left up to the Creator of our soul. At this time of year most people are thinking about presents for Christmas. But what must supercede the presents is His Presence. It should become the most important aspect of your daily life because as the day fast approaches for the coming of Christ, His presence becomes stronger and stronger in the believer’s life. In Hosea the Lord has been pruning His people, not because they have been fruitful, but because they have been backslidden and unfaithful. In verse one we find we will never know the fullness of revival and harvest without repentance. Too many Christians have an attitude “I’m not as bad as others.” But until you return to the Lord with a whole heart, you’re backslidden! It isn’t popular to be a Christian today. There is a rage against anyone who takes a Godly stand. We have been torn. Someone several years ago who saw things were pretty bad went forth and cried, “Come, let us return to the Lord for He has torn and wants to heal, He has smitten, and He wants to bind up. And those who took the Word seriously began to cry out to God for repentance for their own lives, for the lives of others and for this nation. And God sent a breath of His Presence and touched the U.S.. As God began to heal groups of people from coast to coast, it wasn’t by impartation – it was a sovereign move of God to respond to repentance from people who were sincere. But people don’t like to repent – it makes them feel bad! Pseudo Christianity has psycho-analyzed us into not wanting to feel bad for our sins. But for those who did repent, God started some fires. People started adding their own logs to the fire and before long people were taking responsibility for the fire and their efforts wore them out. There is only one key to revival, “Come, let us return to the Lord.” You can dance and shout and get all excited, but it isn’t revival until you return to the PRESENCE OF THE LORD. There is no doubt that giftings in the church make people take notice. But they can also stop what God is doing if they are demonstrated for the sake of getting people excited. “Come, let us return to the Lord.” That means He is in charge, not you. Humanism has taught us to put ourselves first and that includes the church. “Lord, tell me your will so I can decide whether I want to comply.” Whatever happened to “Not my will, but thine be done.” Abba Father! This is respect to the Father of creation. He wants to heal, He wants to bind up, but we don’t want to allow the process (HIS WILL) to happen (HIS WAY)! Have you had a personal revival this past year? Are you being revived? The Presence of the Lord is becoming a reality. The Lord is healing and binding up wounds, but it takes His presence. Some hold back because they don’t understand the flesh vs. the Spirit. You don’t cast out flesh, you must let it die. Flesh will continue to manifest until we are changed into Christ’s likeness. Until then, the flesh lives. “After two days, He will revive us.” Well, this is the third day. We are finding the Presence of the Lord. It is permeating the homes of God’s people. It is permeating the jobs where people work. It is permeating the streets where people walk. The unction of the power of the Holy Spirit is being poured out and perfecting the Bride of Christ. Victory is in the air. Darkness is all around, but the atmosphere is being permeated by the Presence of the Lord – wherever the Spirit of Conviction is allowed to flow, God’s mercy is extended. We will be all He wants us to be, that pure spotless bride. We won’t speak or go or do anything on our own merits. We will be confident in Him, instead of being ashamed or timid or insecure. The Lord has torn (plucked off) and smitten (killed us – death to self), but He will also heal (rapha – thoroughly heal), and bind (to stop the bleeding). You have had an issue for years, but His Presence is going to cleanse you just in time. It is a rough walk, but we are at the third day. However long it takes, we will be made ready. God has invested His very Son’s life for this time. Jesus is smiling on His church. There is nothing you have done that He won’t forgive if you simply confess it to Him – renounce and denounce the evil of sin, and come into His Presents. Then you will realize all the presents in the world do not compare to what He has given you. Thank you Jesus for the Christmas season where the Gift of Your Presences abides all year long!” -Pr. Steve December Newsletter 2002 | Presents or Presence | Spiritual Intimacy Pastor's Journal December 2001 | Christmas Lights | Destined to Become part 3 of 3
|
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
|
|
Copyright © 1995-2007 Living Word Christian
Fellowship, Inc.
|
