Dying for Revival

The 2012 U.S. Presidential Election is quickly approaching. This is NOT a political message. It is a call for Christians to define and live their faith. Most of the churches I’ve attended in the U.S. display two flags on the platform behind the pulpit. There is the American flag and the Christian flag. I have no doubt that everyone listening to this message knows the pledge of allegiance to the American flag, but I’m not as convinced we all know or agree on the pledge to the Christian flag.

According to what I found on the internet when I Googled “pledge to the Christian flag” there are three versions of the Christian pledge of allegiance. The pledge I learned as a child:

"I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands. One brotherhood, uniting all true Christians, in service and love."

The new more all inclusive version:

"I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands. One brotherhood, uniting all mankind, in service and love."

The version apparently for Home Schools:

"I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe."

If Christians cannot agree as to what and whom we are pledging our allegiance, how can we ever be an effective witness to the world? God has called True Christians to be living sacrifices, examples of His Love, His Grace, and His Compassion. Christ came to redeem All Mankind, but the brotherhood of believers is reserved for those who have accepted the gift of salvation and allowed the Holy Spirit to transform their lives. It is a choice we make in response to His sacrifice.

John 12:24 “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels — a plentiful harvest of new lives.” (NLT)

In this verse form the book of John, Jesus was speaking to His disciples about Himself, and yet it holds a truth for us today. Christians in Scripture have been described as wheat. Christian pretenders have been described as tares or weeds resembling wheat. Our effectiveness within “the Body of Christ” is dependent upon our willingness to die. Just as Christ’s death brought LIFE to all who believe our death reproduces His LIFE and increases our effectiveness in a plentiful harvest of new lives.

The title of this message is “Dying for Revival”. Let me assure you, we will not be serving any “Red Kool-aid” following the service. Anyone sitting close enough to my wife please lean over and tell her what that is referring to. If you are sitting by anyone too young to remember the event, please explain it to them.

The church needs a revival, and I for one am dying to experience a fresh move of God’s Spirit among us. Revival comes at a cost. In order for something to be revived it first has to die. I ask you tonight, “Where is your life?” Are you as I am “Dying for Revival”? According to Scripture, the wrath of God is coming as the result of sinful nature. The only way of escape is putting to death those desires in us. Each of us has been affected by sin. I cannot judge your sin and you cannot judge mine, neither can we kill those desires in each other. The hunger for revival and the actions required to put to death our sinful nature are exclusively individual. If we make the right choice we will experience the glory of God in our lives. If we make the wrong choice we will experience His wrath.

Colossians 3:4-6 “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” (NIV)

America needs a Christian Awakening. The church needs a revival and the world needs to hear the message of salvation. The answer to ALL of those desperate needs begin with our individual willingness to “Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature.”

                                                                                   

Romans 8:12-14 “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (KJV)

Too often we are holding on to a lifestyle, keeping pace with a society that we owe no allegiance. The Bible clearly states: Following that path leads to destruction.  Being led by the Spirit of God brings us into relationship with Him as His children.

Wisdom, knowledge and understanding are gifts from God. They are granted to those willing to search for them. Lifting our voices to God, crying out for His plan and purposes, sitting aside our goals and ambitions, these are the steps that lead us down the road to revival. God’s wisdom is reserved for the upright – Not for those living by their own standard. God’s protection is reserved for those walking in integrity – Not for those twisting every situation to their advantage. God is guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones.

Proverbs 2:1-8 “My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the Lord And discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones.” (NASB)

Do we qualify by His standard? Are we dying for revival?

Matthew 16:24-26 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]. For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting]. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life [his blessed life in the kingdom of God]? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his [blessed] life [in the kingdom of God]?” (AMP)

Just the other day, Michele and I were talking about how comfortable our life was when we were both working full time. She was teaching at a local High School and I was teaching at a Middle School. We did not have to worry about finances. We knew what was coming in and the only rule was: Don’t spend it all!

Since I left my job in search of ministry opportunities money has been tighter, but the blessings God provides far outweigh the sacrifice. I’ll admit at times I am tempted to think I’ve given up more than I’ve gained, but these words draw me back. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life [his blessed life in the kingdom of God]?”

Are we dying for revival or are we laboring in vain? I’m closing with this passage from Psalm 127. You see, when I was in college I literally applied these verses to my life. I was not a very good student. I hated to read. When I told this to Michele she could not believe I actually did this but every word is true.

I would read my text books until I could not stand it any longer. I’d lay them on my chest and ask God to give me what I didn’t have. “For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.”  Then I would get up in the morning go to class and never get below a B+ on an exam.

Psalm 127:1-2 “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” (NASB)

What I am saying is this, the more literally you take the promises in God’s Word, the more powerfully He will respond to your need. I cannot tell you how many of my best sermons have been the result of sleep and I’ll leave it to you to decide if this is one of them.

Are you dying for revival?

Do you believe God’s promises?

Blessing Others…Looking Out For Myself…Where Is The Line

How many of us have ever been given advice that was some version of, “You’ve got to look out for number one”? Recently Michele and I were involved in a minor car accident. We were not at fault, and the other person was very apologetic. No one was injured and on the surface the damage to the vehicle was barely noticeable.  

Almost immediately, okay, after the 45 minute Police report, Michele and I started discussing the idea of not filing the claim. We talked about the hassle of fighting it out with the insurance companies, the need for people to take responsibility for their actions, our right to have and maintain the “nice things” we’ve earned, as well as the reasons we see so many people driving around in beat up old Junkers.

That conversation about a very common human experience got me thinking about a very real spiritual truth. Christians are wired differently than Non-Christians. On the Christian side of the scale we operate from the prospective of “Blessing Others”, while Non-Christians operate from the prospective of “Looking Out for Myself”. I have to admit that on more than one occasion I’ve attempted to find a balance between these two mutually exclusive prospective. Have you ever looked for the dividing line between your best interest and the potential to bless someone else?

Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” (NLT)

As Children of God, no problem should shake us. At all times our trust should be in Him as our help and strength. That sounds good and we quote it back to ourselves when we are faced with extreme difficulty or overwhelming stress, but it only works if we commit to living by faith 100% of the time.

Living by faith is not throwing up our hands and accepting circumstances as inevitable events fate has laid out for us. It is living everyday in the assurance that no matter what happens God will sustain us. It is God’s pleasure to bless His children. Children copy the actions of their parents. It should be our pleasure to bless others. It is our responsibility!

Proverbs 3:27-35 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’—when you already have it with you. Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse anyone for no reason—when they have done you no harm. Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence. The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.” (NIV)

Christians have a higher code of conduct than Non-Christians. Don’t withhold good. Don’t plot harm. Don’t accuse without cause. Don’t envy or copy violent people. We have a responsibility to live as God’s representatives to the world. We must bless and not curse. God will take us into His confidence and bless our homes. We will be honored for our service to Him. No, it may not be recognized in this world, but it will be remembered. This world is not our home and I’m thankful we will not be here forever, but God takes care of His children both in the present and in our ultimate future.

Isaiah 26:7-10 “The way of the righteous is smooth; O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level. Indeed, while following the way of Your judgments, O Lord, We have waited for You eagerly; Your name, even Your memory, is the desire of our souls. At night my soul longs for You, Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; For when the earth experiences Your judgments The inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. Though the wicked is shown favor, He does not learn righteousness; He deals unjustly in the land of uprightness, And does not perceive the majesty of the Lord.” (NASB)

Each of us is on one of two paths. We are either on the path toward righteousness, or we are on the path toward wickedness. The path of righteousness has rewards along the way, but the path of wickedness has judgments. Yes, from time to time even on the path of wickedness we may experience grace; that grace does not teach us righteousness. Fortunately for us the highway to Hell does not have NO U-TURN signs posted. Actually we all started our journey on that path. Grace cannot teach us righteousness but it can open our eyes to the majesty of the Lord. Once our eyes are opened we have the opportunity to change paths. Being in the presence of God becomes the desire of our soul. Have your eyes been opened to the majesty of the Lord?

If God’s grace has opened our eyes, and we have responded in faith, we have already crossed the line from “Looking Out for Myself” to “Blessing Others”. When we make the selfless actions necessary to meet the needs of others, God impacts our lives in miraculous ways meeting our needs. We do not have to worry about what is in our best interest. God has promised to take care of that for us.

Romans 12:9-18 “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

These verses instruct us to share our lives and our blessing with others. My biggest problem in this area is stepping back over the line and attempting to decide who is worthy of a blessing and who is just getting what they deserve. I must be the only one that struggles with this because it’s a daily fight. Especially when I am dealing with insurance companies, the urge to cross the line and be completely Non-Christian comes out in force. In those times the voice of the Lord whispers, “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Granted most of the time He has to whisper it with a two by four because the Garlit’s are so known for their quiet compliant nature.  

As we each look out for the interests of others God is glorified and we learn to operate from the flood of compassion He has shown us. In effect, “Blessing Others” is “Looking Out for Myself”. When I see to it that you have what you need and you see to it that I have what I need we are truly the Family of God.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 “All things are legitimate [permissible—and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor].” (AMP)

Christians have liberty that goes beyond constitutional and legal rights. We, according to Scripture, have been “set free from the law of sin and death”. As a result of our liberty we should be helpful, expedient, profitable, and wholesome. That means that even though we have the ability to do anything we choose, our choices should reflect the character and love of God. Our actions are a window into our spiritual life.

Philippians 2:1-4 “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (NASB)

So, go out into the world as ambassadors of God’s good will toward mankind. Share your blessings and allow God to meet your needs. Remember “Blessing Others” is “Looking Out for Myself”.

Oh, about the car accident, once I stepped out of the frustration of the situation and back onto the path of righteousness. God was free to work everything out in the best way for both parties. The car gets its two day make over. Michele and I enjoy, once again, peace and harmony within our home and we are back on the road to blessing others. Being a Christian is a wonderful experience, if I can just remember to stay in the RIGHT lane.

Seekers

The list of things we are looking for can be endless. We seek riches, purpose, long-life, hope, respect, love, family, strength, healing, wisdom, authority, happiness, deliverance, fulfillment, and a million other things. Are any of us truly seeking the Messiah?

^“Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.” John 1:35-39 (KJV)

These disciples knew who they seeking. They took an action that changed their lives. Once they found “The Lamb of God”, they allowed Him to direct their path. Do we have the assurance of faith as we spend our lives searching and seeking? Abraham was a man determined to find the city whose builder and maker was God. Are we following his example?

^“[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.”  Hebrews 11:8-10 (AMP)

We often discount or ignore the concept destiny; yet, readily proclaim, “God has a plan for my life.” Our time is consumed in the pursuit of comfort, material possessions, recapturing youth, and getting “ahead” in this life. We rarely give any thought to the ultimate destination our choices are taking us.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)

Instead of chasing the next “Best thing since sliced bread” or jumping on the “New and improved” band wagon, we can invest our lives in the “Kingdom of Light”. The message we have to share opens hearts and minds to God’s plan. Walking in the steps laid out for us insures the success and fulfillment we seek. In the scope of eternity, that list things we are looking for in life often doesn’t hold its value.

 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB)

Do we approach serving the Lord the way my little sister attacked shopping for a new outfit? She would enter the first store on her list, go to the racks of clothing in her size examine every possible option, and put everything back on the rack without purchasing a single item. Then she would repeat that process at every clothing store in town, go back to the first store, pick up the first outfit, buy it and head home. When I asked about the process she said, “I just needed to see all the options before making my choice.”

For all the shopping seekers out there, my advice is: Time is running out. Make a choice. God offers the greatest reward in this life and the only positive eternal experience. He even invites us to taste His goodness before we put our trust in Him. Activate your faith today! The shoppers in my family don’t always know what they are looking for but they are sure of one fact: They know a good deal when they see it.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:8-14 (KJV)

What are you looking for? Riches, purpose, long-life, hope, respect, love, family, strength, healing, wisdom, authority, happiness, deliverance, fulfillment, and a million other things, God delivers on all His promises and will meet your needs.

 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power. By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.  I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.  I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.” Proverbs 8:12-21 (NIV)

Follow the examples of scripture. Be a seeker, but know the object of your quest travels the path of righteousness. He rewards all who diligently seek Him. It’s all in the power of the resurrection.