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Recently I have preached two messages at our Church. One was entitled "Times of Refreshing" and the other, was entitled, "Another Wave". Acts 3:19 says... Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Let’s define two words, Time and Refreshing: Time: signified "a fixed or definite period, a season," sometimes an opportune or seasonable "time“ Refreshing: a recovery of breath, revival We need times of refreshing We need times of His presence We have to be ready for these times by staying pure before Him How often are these “times”? How often is there “revival”? Is it a random act of God? Do we have anything to do with these times of refreshing? Do we have a part to play in revival? Our part is to be hungry and thirsty for His presence Our part is to seek Him with our whole heart Jeremiah 29: 11-14 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Acts 2:15-18 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: "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. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." The Outpouring Of The Holy Spirit Upon Man Is Scriptural. It has been prophesied from the Old Testament into the New Testament. This outpouring has been prophesied by men and women of God through the centuries. He will not promise an outpouring of the Holy Spirit with signs and wonders and settle for a watered down, half-hearted substitute for His plan. However, I must make a statement at this point about “Times of Refreshing” that concerns you, the individual believer. I am an advocate of Revival. I know that there is Another Wave of the power of God like we have never known coming to this planet. Joel chapter 2 is very clear that the first wave was a moderate outpouring. (Pentecost Acts 2). But there is coming an outpouring that combines the “former and latter rain in the same month”. Oh, how we pray for this wave of the spirit.
In the meantime, as we live each day, this “Times of Refreshing” from the presence of the Lord is how we live. Are we experiencing a refreshing in our daily prayer life, Bible study and worship? We should be. If these things are done out of duty rather than love to the Lord we are missing it. The Church has been led to believe that even the “Times of Refreshing” are only meant for a special event once or twice a year at church with a special speaker. No, we are to LIVE REFRESHED because that comes from the presence of the Lord of whom we are filled. Are you hungry? Are you Thirsty for God? Do you need HIM? Then call on Him and develop a relationship with Him and every day enjoy a Time of Refreshing. From My Heart, Pastor Dave Courage or Discouraged? Dis – To separate from. To be discouraged is to be separated from courage. What is Courage? The strength of purpose that enables one to withstand fear or difficulty. Physical courage is based on moral courage-a reliance on the presence and power of God and a commitment to His commandments If we become discouraged we become separated from the strength of purpose that enables us to withstand fear or difficulty. This happens when we disconnect from the presence of God. Discourage: To prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear. We lay down and give up! Three things that cause discouragement: Violence Confusion Fear What Is Our Assignment? Our assignment is to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this city and to the world. Violence, confusion and fear are all from Satan. We can not let one of his devices stop us! Here’s what the Lord says… Deut 2:36b What did God say to Joshua? No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Psalm 44:1-8 What Is God Saying To Us? He is saying He has assigned us to this city. Our assignment is to win this city for Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 Our Declaration… We declare that we see the Glory of God resting upon our city. We declare that we see the salvation of God setting the sinner free. We declare that we see sickness, poverty and all the works of the enemy driven away. We Declare We See… Addictions broken Demons driven out The Gospel Of Jesus Christ Sets The Captive Free! Do Not Become Discouraged…Be Encouraged! Where there has been barrenness there will be births… Where we have plowed, watered and sown there will be harvest. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 Don’t let go of your courage. Stir up the gift of God in you.
Courage is the strength of purpose that enables one to withstand fear or difficulty. Physical courage is based on moral courage which is a reliance on the presence and power of God and a commitment to His commandments. It is the moral convictions we hold in our hearts that causes us to stand boldly and courageously in the face of danger, spiritual as well as natural. Philippians 4:13 Joshua 1:1-5 Jesus said the same thing to the disciples: Matthew 28:19-20 Joshua 1:8-9 Because God is with us we can do whatever is put before us. Our success is based on the presence of God in our lives. Our courage is not natural, but supernatural. God told Joshua to not let the word depart from his mouth. He also told him to meditate on the word. What you meditate on is what you will speak. Speaking the word will build your faith. Faith will cause you to stand with courage Our courage, our boldness is based upon the Word of God. If the Word says we can, then we can! Confession of faith… I am what the word says I am. I can do what the word says I can do. I have what the word says I have. More on this topic coming soon. Be Blessed!
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AuthorPastor Dave White is Senior Pastor of WOLCC, founded in April of 1995. Archives
November 2015
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