A Call to Spiritual Awakening
In a world often clouded by darkness, there's a beacon of hope shining brightly for those willing to see it. This light isn't just a distant star, but a present reality that's transforming lives and nations. We're entering a season of divine grace, where God is pouring out His Spirit in unprecedented ways. But are we ready to fully embrace the gifts He's offering?
The journey of faith isn't always smooth sailing. As James reminds us, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life" (James 1:12). This spiritual principle echoes through time – there's a reward laid up for those who don't quit on the Lord, who walk in obedience on the narrow path of life. It's in these seasons of testing that our character is refined and our faith is strengthened.
But here's a crucial truth we must grasp: God is not the author of evil. In times of testing, it's vital to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and the goodness of God. Our own desires, when left unchecked, can lead us astray. That's why it's imperative to be full of the Word and the Spirit. When life squeezes us, what comes out should be Jesus.
We're witnessing a remarkable move of God in our generation. It's as if He's playing a divine chess game, sovereignly moving pieces into place. This isn't just about individual salvation; it's about the redemption of entire nations. America, in particular, is entering a season of grace and mercy. But this reprieve isn't a green light for complacency. Instead, it's a call to action, to press in deeper and to fully embrace the gifts God has given us.
The gifts of God come from the grace of God. Whether it's the gift of salvation, healing, prophecy, or any other spiritual gift, they all flow from His unmerited favor. But here's the key: we can receive God's gift and not fully embrace it. It's like someone handing you a precious jewel, and you simply set it aside, failing to recognize its true value.
Paul reminds us in Romans 12 that we all have different gifts according to the grace given to us. Whether it's prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, or showing mercy – each gift is an expression of God's grace. And in this coming revival and awakening, it's going to take more than just preachers behind pulpits. It's going to require the entire body of Christ, each member functioning in their unique gifting, to bring about the transformation God desires.
We're entering a time where the manifestations of the Holy Spirit – tongues, prophecy, healing, miracles – will become increasingly normal in the church. But with this increase comes a responsibility. We must honor the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to move freely among us. As we do, we'll see an outpouring that will rock not just our nation, but the entire world.
The message of reconciliation is at the heart of this move of God. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5, "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." This is the church's mandate for the coming days – to proclaim that God has spared us, and now is the time to be reconciled to Him.
But here's a sobering thought: the great gulf that separates a person from eternal life is often just 12 to 18 inches – the distance from their head to their heart. Many have an intellectual understanding of the gospel but fail to let it penetrate their hearts. The challenge for each of us is to allow the Holy Spirit to breathe on us, etching God's Word upon our hearts, transforming us from the inside out.
As we step into this new season, we must remember that we're no longer our own. We've been bought at a price, redeemed from the pit, and made new creations in Christ. Our old lives are dead; we're called to walk in newness of life. This means fully embracing our new identity and the gifts God has given us.
The time for playing "Tickle Me Elmo Christianity" is over. There's too much at stake. An entire generation is waiting for the church to rise up and demonstrate the power of God as described in His Word. We're called to be ambassadors for Christ, walking in the authority of His kingdom.
So, what's holding you back? What gifts has God given you that you've yet to fully embrace? Perhaps it's time to step out in faith, to allow God to activate those dormant gifts within you. Maybe you need healing in your body or deliverance from strongholds in your mind. The good news is that God's grace is available, and His power is present to meet you at your point of need.
As we close, let's remember the words of Ephesians 5:14-16: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
The call is clear: it's time to wake up, to rise up, and to shine. God is pouring out His Spirit, offering fresh grace and activating gifts. Will you fully embrace what He's offering? The choice is yours, but remember – the world is waiting for the sons and daughters of God to be revealed. Let's not disappoint them. Let's rise to the occasion and be the church God has called us to be in these exciting, pivotal times.
The journey of faith isn't always smooth sailing. As James reminds us, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life" (James 1:12). This spiritual principle echoes through time – there's a reward laid up for those who don't quit on the Lord, who walk in obedience on the narrow path of life. It's in these seasons of testing that our character is refined and our faith is strengthened.
But here's a crucial truth we must grasp: God is not the author of evil. In times of testing, it's vital to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and the goodness of God. Our own desires, when left unchecked, can lead us astray. That's why it's imperative to be full of the Word and the Spirit. When life squeezes us, what comes out should be Jesus.
We're witnessing a remarkable move of God in our generation. It's as if He's playing a divine chess game, sovereignly moving pieces into place. This isn't just about individual salvation; it's about the redemption of entire nations. America, in particular, is entering a season of grace and mercy. But this reprieve isn't a green light for complacency. Instead, it's a call to action, to press in deeper and to fully embrace the gifts God has given us.
The gifts of God come from the grace of God. Whether it's the gift of salvation, healing, prophecy, or any other spiritual gift, they all flow from His unmerited favor. But here's the key: we can receive God's gift and not fully embrace it. It's like someone handing you a precious jewel, and you simply set it aside, failing to recognize its true value.
Paul reminds us in Romans 12 that we all have different gifts according to the grace given to us. Whether it's prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, or showing mercy – each gift is an expression of God's grace. And in this coming revival and awakening, it's going to take more than just preachers behind pulpits. It's going to require the entire body of Christ, each member functioning in their unique gifting, to bring about the transformation God desires.
We're entering a time where the manifestations of the Holy Spirit – tongues, prophecy, healing, miracles – will become increasingly normal in the church. But with this increase comes a responsibility. We must honor the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to move freely among us. As we do, we'll see an outpouring that will rock not just our nation, but the entire world.
The message of reconciliation is at the heart of this move of God. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5, "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." This is the church's mandate for the coming days – to proclaim that God has spared us, and now is the time to be reconciled to Him.
But here's a sobering thought: the great gulf that separates a person from eternal life is often just 12 to 18 inches – the distance from their head to their heart. Many have an intellectual understanding of the gospel but fail to let it penetrate their hearts. The challenge for each of us is to allow the Holy Spirit to breathe on us, etching God's Word upon our hearts, transforming us from the inside out.
As we step into this new season, we must remember that we're no longer our own. We've been bought at a price, redeemed from the pit, and made new creations in Christ. Our old lives are dead; we're called to walk in newness of life. This means fully embracing our new identity and the gifts God has given us.
The time for playing "Tickle Me Elmo Christianity" is over. There's too much at stake. An entire generation is waiting for the church to rise up and demonstrate the power of God as described in His Word. We're called to be ambassadors for Christ, walking in the authority of His kingdom.
So, what's holding you back? What gifts has God given you that you've yet to fully embrace? Perhaps it's time to step out in faith, to allow God to activate those dormant gifts within you. Maybe you need healing in your body or deliverance from strongholds in your mind. The good news is that God's grace is available, and His power is present to meet you at your point of need.
As we close, let's remember the words of Ephesians 5:14-16: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
The call is clear: it's time to wake up, to rise up, and to shine. God is pouring out His Spirit, offering fresh grace and activating gifts. Will you fully embrace what He's offering? The choice is yours, but remember – the world is waiting for the sons and daughters of God to be revealed. Let's not disappoint them. Let's rise to the occasion and be the church God has called us to be in these exciting, pivotal times.
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