The Example of Sodom.

      Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire (Jude 1:7 KJV).

     We read in the Bible that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their extreme wickedness. This is God's view of the inhabitants of these wicked cities.

     But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly (Genesis 13:13 KJV).

     As the above text states, these cities are set forth as an example to us, a warning, lest we too fall into the gross, sinful lifestyle, that marked the inhabitants of these cities. Their destruction is a warning to future generations, that God detests sin, and will bring judgment upon those who persist in sinning. This is something that we do not like to mention now days, but it would serve us well to realize that Jude's warning comes to us in this age of grace that we now live in. The Apostle Paul is in agreement with this as well. The Old Testament failings of Israel, and the ensuing judgment that overtook them, were written down as examples to us, New Testament believers, so that we would not fall into the same lustful actions, idolatrous worship, and immorality, as they did (1 Corinthians 10:1-11).
     It is important that we take a look at Sodom and Gomorrah, so that we may see what sin they were guilty of. There are several passages of scripture that shed light on this important subject.

     Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
     And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good (Ezekiel 16:49-50 KJV).

     Here we have a list of sins that are very grievous to God (Genesis 17:20).
     1. Pride
     2. Over Abundance (luxury)
     3. Idleness
     4. Selfishness

     This could just as easily describe the conditions in America today, both inside the "professing" Church, and outside of it.
     Anyone who takes an honest look at the moral conditions that run rampant today, must agree that in our foolish pride, we have cast off all moral restraint. The authority of God has been rejected. Man has explained away the scriptures, and has determined that he, himself, will define morality. Cultural relevance is now the new standard, as the word of God has been determined to be outdated, and irrelevant. Man in his pride has taken the throne that rightfully belongs to God. We live in a society, where it is all about me, and everyone is doing that which seems right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; Proverbs 12:15).
     Look at the vast abundance of food available in this land. Having an abundant supply of food in and of itself is not sin. But once again, take an honest look around you. Look at the huge amount of "fast food," "junk food," soft drinks, and so forth, that are consumed in this country. It is no wonder that we see so many people suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. All you can eat buffets are very popular, even with the "after church crowd", but when is the last time you have heard a really great sermon on gluttony?
     Paul taught "moderation". He would not be held in bondage to food or any other thing (1 Corinthians 6:12). We are to do all for the glory of God, even our eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31), but are we really doing this? I fear that there are many who are enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19 KJV).
     Pride and over abundance go hand in hand. Just like the Laodiceans, we believe that we are rich, and have increased in goods, and have need of nothing. Yet we are poor, wretched, miserable, and blind (Revelation 3:17). We might have an abundance of material things, but sadly, many in this nation are spiritually emaciated.
     We have an unprecedented abundance of idle time as well. Gone are the days when our children grew up with "chores", when they did small tasks at home for an allowance. These things were intended to teach responsibility, and to instill a good work ethic in our children. We have now seen several generations of young people grow up with video games, movies, social media, and a host of other technologies that have fostered laziness, and a craving to be "entertained".  I imagine that countless hours have been spent by millions of people in front of television sets. I can remember when you used to have to get up to change the channel. Now one can mindlessly click through a hundred channels, with a remote, and are still bored with the selection that is out there. We are living in a culture that has to be entertained to be happy. What entertained a previous generation is no longer good enough, so we seek something that is more extreme, something a bit more exciting. That is the problem with idleness. Nothing satisfies us in our pursuit of fun and pleasure.
     Sadly, the professing Church is filled with individuals with too much time on their hands as well. I recently listened to a "Christian" radio program that attempted to encourage parents who were seeking "godly" alternatives to the violent video games that their youth were playing. They interviewed a youth pastor who loved playing games, and who suggested several games that were not so violent, or worldly. What if youth pastors got rid of the X Box, and got on their knees instead? Not only are people growing up pampered with no work ethic, but they are also growing up with no knowledge of the word of God, and with no real prayer life. In all of our idleness, will no one take the time to seek God? Our abundance, and our idleness speak volumes about what we are truly living for.

     And I will say to my soul, "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat drink, and be merry."
                                           Luke 12:19 KJV

     In their selfishness, the inhabitants of Sodom had no regard for the needy among them. We have many programs aimed at meeting the needs of the needy, and no doubt there are many who have been helped in times of need. There are also many generous people who have done much to alleviate the sufferings of the less fortunate. However, for every "Good Samaritan" out there, there are many more individuals who just don't care. They live to themselves, content to meet their own needs, and should they see someone in need, they, like the priest and Levite, pass on by (Luke 10:31-32). How many professing believers pass by the "cripple at the gate beautiful"  (Acts 3:2), on their way to the temple (Church), but never stop to give aid?
     One vital proof of our Love for God, is our love for the brethren. If we see a need that we have the means to meet, but close our heart to our brother, how can we say that we love God (1 John 3:16-18). Look at the standard of judgment according to the words of Jesus. It is based upon feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned.  (Matthew 25:31-46). We may find it easy to love some people in this way, but we do not have the option to pick and choose, as Christ calls us to love even those we may see as insignificant. Some may reject this as "works," but since these are the words of Christ, we do well to take them seriously. The fact is, our actions are the proof of who we really are. If we are following Jesus, we will love others.
     We have discussed the pride and selfish lifestyles that the people of Sodom indulged in, but they are even better known for their sexual perversion. This is what Adam Clarke has to say about Ezekiel 16:49, in his commentary.

     If we are to take this place literally, Sodom was guilty of other crimes beside that for which she appears to have been especially punished; in addition to her unnatural crime, she is charged with pride, luxury, idleness, and uncharitableness; and these were sufficient to sink any city to the bottomless pit.
     (Clarke's Commentary vol 4 pp 464, 465 Abingdon press)

     Let's take a look now at some other passages of scripture that deal with Sodom's sexual sin. In Genesis we read that two angels came to the city, and Lot received them into his home, where he offered them a meal, and a place to stay for the night (Genesis 19:1-3). Read what happened next.

     But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:
     And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came into thee this night? bring them out unto us that we may know them.
     And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,
     And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
     Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them what is good in your eyes: only to these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
                                    Genesis 19:4-8 KJV

     The men of this city were homosexuals. They came to Lot seeking to have relations with his visitors. It does not speak very well of Lot either, that he offers them his daughters instead. You see, this city was given over to sexual perversion. We are told that the righteous soul of Lot was extremely vexed at all of their unlawful deeds (2 Peter 2:2-7-8). Yet we see by his offer of his daughters to these men, that some of it appears to have rubbed off on him as well.
     Jude tells us that these cities had given themselves over to sexual immorality, and homosexuality (Jude 1:7). This was the low that they in their pride and selfish ambition, had sunk to. They now pursued perverted gratification, among all of their other sins.
     Sexual preference is not something that can be explained by the psychologists. It is not the way we were born. God did not create us that way. There is no "gay gene". It flows from the very depths of depravity. It is the result of being given over to our own lusts, sinking deeper and deeper into sin; doing wicked things that at one time we would have cringed at the very thought of.
     Read Romans 1:18-32. This is the process of man rejecting God, and as a consequence, God gives them up to their own passions.  We are told that men change the glory of God into an image, an idol. They change the truth of God into a lie, and worship the creature more than the creator (Romans 1:23, 25). Here is the sad result.

     Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.
                                  Romans 1:24 KJV

     For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
     And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one for another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
     And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.
                                    Romans 1:26-28 KJV

     This is the result of idolatry. When we reject the revelation of God, which each one of us has received (Romans 1:19-20), we are left to ourselves. As the above verses explained, we are given up, by God, to our vile affections and lusts. A careful study of the bible will show you that wherever idolatry existed, sexual immorality was also present.
     Read the rest of the chapter. Sexual sin is not the only sin listed. Wicked behavior of every kind is listed here, all the result of man's attempt to live apart from the rule of God in his life.
     I do not write this with a judgmental attitude. I can see the direction we are heading as a nation, and I fear we are swiftly filling up the measure of our sin. King Josiah, upon reading the book of the law, recognized the danger that his nation was in, as a result of years of gross sin, and greatly feared the wrath of God (2 Chronicles 34:21). We need revival in this land. We are promised that if we as the Church (My people), would humble ourselves and pray, seek the face of God, and turn from our wicked ways, God would hear us from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). We should be grieved in our hearts, as we see much of the professing Church fall away from biblical faith and standards. It is time to consecrate a fast, to call for a solemn assembly, and to seek God (Joel 1:14, 2:12-17).
     When we read of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, we also see that God is able to deliver the godly out of temptations (2 Peter 2:6-9). It seemed that Lot stubbornly "dug in his heels" as the angels urged him to flee, but he was delivered none the less. My desire is to see godly men and women gathering together in prayer to God, on behalf of a lukewarm Church, and a sinful nation. In the days of Josiah, God sent revival into the midst of a nation steeped in idolatry. Their sin included the sacrificing of their children, not unlike the sin of abortion that defiles our nation today. We need that same revival today, where God comes in power, and sets this nation free from the grip of sin that binds it. We need to see individuals crying out in repentance, putting away their idols, forsaking their sin, and embracing Christ. It begins with us. If we do nothing, what will become of us? 
     We need our hearts broken. When Ezra heard the report that the returned exiles from the Babylonian captivity were once again intermingling with the nations around them, he was gripped with fear, and great grief. He feared that they would once again face God's righteous judgment, and his heart broke over the nation's sin. He tore his clothing, and ripped out his hair and beard; not as an external act, but as a result of his deep anguish (Ezra 9:1-15). He stood in the gap for his people, and God sent revival. As he prayed, the people came weeping over their sin, with deep repentance (Ezra 10:1-4).
      It grieves my heart deeply, to see the capitulation of multitudes of so called "Christians" to the immoral onslaught that we are facing as a Church, and nation in these days. Thousands of professed believers, in the name of "love" are accepting, tolerating, and promoting that which is wicked in God's eyes. They have no tolerance however, for an individual who stands for righteousness; who refuses to conform to this world; who instead exposes sin, in love, to the end that people might repent and be saved. But this is what is needed in this hour; Spirit empowered individuals who will stand up with a holy fear, and proclaim the truth, to a lost and dying world.
     The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who were brokenhearted over their nation's sin. We read their humble, earnest, and tearful prayers of confession and repentance. We see the results as God brings about revival, and healing to the land. All of this is good, but profits us nothing if we will not avail ourselves of His great mercy. God is looking for those who will stand in the gap for a backslidden church. He is looking for an individual who trembles at His word, and mourns over the sin that is destroying our nation today. 
     We have the example of Sodom as a warning that God hates sin, and will judge it. We also have the examples of godly men who wept and sought the Lord. What will it take to break our hearts? What will bring us to the point of weeping? What will bring us to our knees, pleading with God, confessing our sin, and the sin of this nation? 
     Only in repentance, and turning back to God, can we be saved.
     
     
     
     
  

    
    

    

    

    
    
    

The Nations in an Uproar.

     Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing?
     The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
     "Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!"
     He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying,
      "But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain."
      "I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me and I will surely give the nations as your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
      'You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.' "
     Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!
                                Psalm 2:1-12 NASB

     Nations and rulers have indeed cast off godly restraint in these turbulent times. We see the literal fulfillment of these verses unfolding before our eyes. Unregenerate man is indeed raging against God, and imagining a vain thing in that they set themselves up as their own god.
     It will not always be this way however. The day is soon coming when Jesus Christ will reign over this earth with an iron rod. The nations and rulers who once raged will not rage again. Those who cast off restraint now, will face the wrath of almighty God. When He comes to rule, He will rule in righteousness and justice. He will not tolerate the rebellion we now see running rampant throughout this world.
     We are given a sobering bit of wisdom in the close of this Psalm. In light of the coming kingdom of Christ, we are to use discernment. Now is the time to reverence God, to submit to Him and His rule in our lives. We are promised a blessing for those who take refuge in Christ.
     One day every knee will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ, and confess that He is indeed Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). Sadly, there will be many who will bow too late. They will regrettably confess that Jesus is Lord too late. Instead of confessing Him now in submission to Him and His ways, they will have to admit that they were wrong in this life, they were wrong in their rejection of His Lordship over their lives.
      We need to wake up and seek God for a mighty outpouring of His spirit in this day we live in. As we see wickedness waxing more and more, we need to cry out to Him for revival to shake our land once again. Our cities and countries need a Spirit of grace and supplication poured out upon them (Zech 12:10). We need Holy Ghost inspired repentance to bring us back to our place in Christ. We need revival, before it is too late.
    

    
  

Desperation.

     We are at a time in history when we need a mighty move of God like never before. Look around at the scandal, and gross immorality that pervades every aspect of our society.
     The Church is not immune either, as we see much of the world's ways rushing in like destructive flood waters. It makes me think of Jesus' parable of the builders (Matt 7:24-27).        The Church that is built upon the sand, one that compromises the word of God, one that hears the word, but does not put it into practice, will fall as the flood of sin rushes in.
     The Church built upon the rock, will prevail. We cannot afford to compromise solid Biblical principles so that we are not viewed as offensive, or so that we will seem more seeker friendly. A Church built upon the rock is a Church that stands for the truth, teaches the truth, and lives out the truth. Though the world will rage against it, we have the promise of Christ that it will stand, and the gates of hell itself will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).
     These are desperate times, and we need to bombard heaven with a holy desperation that will not be denied. We must seek with all earnestness the Holy Spirit, to come and strengthen us, to give us resolve, to give us boldness to stand up for truth in an evil world. Our light must be shining brightly in this darkness that seeks to envelope us. We need fresh oil (Matt 25:1-13).
     Like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment (Mark 5:25-34), we too must reach out in a desperate, but faith filled effort, through the thronging crowd, and grab hold of the one who can make all things new. 
     We need revival! We need the manifest presence of the living God to come down in our midst. We need the convicting power of the Holy spirit, the encouragement, and wisdom that He brings. We need power in our lives, and boldness in our witness.
     It is time to fall on our knees and seek Him in desperation, and not give up until He comes and brings refreshing to us once again.
    

The Importance of Prayer.

     The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
                                1 Peter 4:7 NASB

     Prayer is one of those things that seem so easy, yet are so hard to actually put into practice. We tend to get so busy with our lives and the things around us, and neglect prayer.
     To be sure, we offer up quick little prayers when faced with troubles, we may even allow time for "devotions" and prayer, but to really pray with earnestness, we know little of.
     The above text calls us to be of sound judgment and sober spirit. We may not realize it, but we are in a spiritual war, facing foes that are of a spiritual nature, that cannot be defeated by human wisdom or means (2 Cor 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:12). We must not underestimate them, but realize that only through Christ can we overcome them. It is fatal to our souls to be so filled with the things of this life, that we fail to pray with the earnestness that is required of us.
     Look at the example of Elijah. He was a man like us, but accomplished much through earnest prayer. We are encouraged by this, to pray earnestly and effectually as well (James 5:16-18).
     The King James text calls it fervent prayer. This is an intense white hot effort. It is not speaking of quick prayers, lacking faith, while our minds wander to other things. This is focused prayer inspired and breathed through us by the Holy Spirit.
     This is what is meant when we are called to pray in the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20). It takes work. We must be committed to the cause with all our being. We cannot be filled with the things of this life, or we will have no room for the things of the Spirit!
     Yield up your lives to the control of the Holy Spirit, and let Him empower you to pray with the earnestness that gets the answer! Be of sound judgment and sober minds, because the end is near, the days are evil, and only the presence and power of God in our lives can make the difference!
    
    

Those Who Trembled At God's Words.

     Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me. and I sat appalled until the evening offering.
                                             Ezra 9:4 NASB

     Oh that people would tremble at the word of the Lord today as we see the unfaithfulness of so many who profess His name. If only people would take God's warnings to those who turn from Him, seriously, if only they would weep and sigh over the evils being committed and tolerated by those who claim to be Christians (Ezekiel 9:4).
     If they would only weep and cry out to God like Ezra (Ezra 9:5-15), or like Daniel (Daniel 9:2-19), He would remember us, and heal our backslidings (Malachi 3:16; 4:2).
     If we would see revival, we must pour out our hearts to God. 

When Will We Pray?

     I read in the news today of a ten year old boy who beat a ninety year old woman to death in a fit of rage. This just happened in Pennsylvania.
     This is a shocking reflection of the moral decay that has permeated every area of this nation we live in. We have chaos everywhere we turn nowadays.
     Race riots, injustice, violence, drugs, theft, murder, lack of respect, abortion, pornography, broken marriages, no marriages, and gay marriages, to name a few.
     Tragically this nation is on a collision course with judgment unless someone gets down on their knees in brokenhearted sorrow and cries out to God on it's behalf.
     However, who will do this? Sadly much of the professing Christian church mirrors the world around it. We are accepting the same sinful lifestyles in the church that we see in the world. The church has become a place of blind tolerance, where people are made to feel safe and comfortable in their sins rather than a place where Holy Ghost conviction changes lives. Holiness has been abandoned for happiness. Like the church in Corinth, we too have become arrogant in our refusal to deal with the sin in our midst (1 Cor 5:1-2).
     If we would desire to see this nation brought back from the brink of ruin, if we would desire to see real biblical Christianity lived out in the lives of those who claim to follow Jesus, we must get on our knees in godly sorrow. Judgment begins with us who call ourselves Christians (1 Peter 4:17). The Lord God calls out to His people to humble themselves and pray, to seek His face and repent from their evil ways (2 Chronicles 7:14).
     Church, it is time that we hear the cry of Joel to consecrate a solemn assembly, to call for fasting and weeping as we humbly seek the face of God on behalf of His backslidden people (Joel 1:14-15, 2:1, 12-13, 15-17).
     We must cry out to God like Daniel as He confessed the sins of his people before the God that they had spurned (Daniel 9:2-19).
     God is a merciful God who hears the prayers of His people as they humble themselves before Him. He forgives and heals those who turn from the sins in their own lives. He will hear their cries for their loved ones, their communities, and their nation, but let them deal with their own sins first.
     Church, we must wake up and heed the warnings we see around us before it is too late! When will we humble ourselves and seek the face of God in desperation? What will it take to get us off of our recliners and on our knees on our behalf, and on the behalf of a lost nation?
     It is time to seek the Lord while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6-7), and to call upon Him while He is near.
    

When Zion Travailed.

     History shows us that every past move of God has been birthed in prayer. Past revivals, and times when God's Spirit has come upon individuals and communities with powerful conviction leading them to repentance and faith, have been preceded by deep earnest prayer. Someone somewhere spent earnest time wrestling with God for the souls of men.
     It is much like giving birth. It requires effort, in fact hard painful effort. Just as labor pains become excruciating, and the process of labor becomes more and more intense in the effort required to give birth, so it is with bringing sons into the kingdom of God (Isaiah 66:8). 
     It is no wonder that few individuals can ever be found to truly pray for souls, for revival, for the Spirit of God to be poured out in abundance. It takes too much effort, and most are too busy with other things.
     To prevail, one must be empowered and led in prayer by the Holy Spirit of God. This is what Paul means in Romans 8:26-27. This is what is meant in Jude 1: 20. Praying in the Holy Spirit. 
     This is a work that is not for the weak, faint or timid. It requires focus, a sober spirit. Those who would prevail in prayer must have no "fleshly" desire, but be moved by the very heart and compassion of God.
     Like labor, it is a long drawn out process. We are too used to doing everything quick and easy. We want it now with little effort on our part. This is not how it works with God. Unless we seek Him with the whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13), unless we pursue Him, and His will with a whole hearted, relentless pursuit, we will see no answer. God means business with those who mean business with Him. You are either serious about Him and His kingdom, or you are not, and our earnestness, or lack thereof is a good indicator of how much we truly desire to see Zion bringing forth sons into the kingdom of God. 
     This is why we see so little of the power of God in our world today. The people of God do not have the passion and fire that it takes to grab hold of the horns of the altar and prevail with God.
     God help us to come to grips with our lack of power, our lack of desire, and our feeble praying. God give us repentant hearts, and fill us with His Spirit, so that we would rise up to the occasion, and see revival sweep our land.
     God does not bring to the point of birth, and then close up the womb (Isaiah 66:9). He is looking for someone who will lay down their life and seek Him in earnestness. Will that be you? He will give you the passion and power by His Spirit. Just let Him fill and use you!

Determination.

     The account of Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:1-14 contains a great lesson for us. Look at the determination of Elisha as he follows Elijah from place to place. At each stop Elijah asks him to stay, but Elisha is determined to go on with him.
     We see why when Elijah asks what he could do for him before God took him. Elisha wanted a double portion of the anointing of God that rested upon Elijah. If he was not persistent in his pursuit of God's anointing, he would have never received it!
     This is the same principle that Jesus taught us through the example of the Syrophoenician woman's persistent faith (Matthew 15:21-28).
     If we would prevail with God, if we would receive the blessing, if we would see God pour out His Spirit upon us, upon our churches and communities, we must come with a bold determination that will not let go until the blessing comes (Genesis 32:26).

Active Prayer.

     There are those who spend their lives praying for lost loved ones, revival, their neighbors, etc. but never do anything about it. They don't witness, they won't give a testimony of God's grace in a church service, they never think to confront a sinning brother in a spirit of love. They believe all that they need to do is to pray, and God will take care of it.
     There are also those who plunge into these things, but never pray. They are always busy doing good things, but have no anointing of God on their efforts. They also see little if any results.
    Jesus told the seventy to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send workers. He then sends them! (Luke 10:2-3). James tells us that true faith will produce works. What good is it to bless a needy person with good intentions when we have the ability to help them? (James 2:15-17). Likewise, how can we expect God to answer our prayers for loved ones when we have no intention to go to them ourselves?
     The truth is we must pray and seek God for His presence and power in our lives. We must be willing to go where He sends us, and to do what He calls us to do, bathing it all in prayer. We go in the strength that He provides.
     Who knows, Maybe you are the answer to your prayers for the lost, for the needy, for revival in your church or community?

Return to Me.

     "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping, and mourning; And rend your heart and not your garments." Now return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness  and relenting of evil.
                       Joel 2:12-13 NASB

     We are living in a day when the heavens are shut up and we lack rain (2 Chronicles 1:13). The presence of God is largely absent from our assemblies. So much of our worship is lip service, our hearts are far away from God (Mark 7:6-8). We see our young people growing up and leaving the things of God. We have no power in our witness. We have no victory in our lives over sin. The church looks more and more like the world as time marches on.
     I do not mean to seem harsh or judgmental. Just look around! It's true! We see a powerless, self centered, worldly form of Christianity being proclaimed that cannot deliver a soul from sin (2Timothy 3:5). It is a Christianity that caters to the fleshly desires of men. Prosperity and happiness are proclaimed from pulpits instead of holiness and self denial for the sake of Christ.
     We teach others to come as they are, add Jesus to their lives, and He will someday take them to heaven. We fail to tell them that He demands all of us! He wants absolute control of our lives. It is all or nothing in God's economy (Mark 8:34-35, Luke 14:33, John 12:24-26).
     Repentance is something that is no longer taught. Some change what it means to repent, others teach that it has no bearing upon salvation. Yet the scriptures consistently show that repentance is a turning from sin to God. It means we change our course! We turn from rebellion to submission. There can be no salvation without it. The New Testament consistently shows this to be true. John the Baptist proclaimed a baptism of repentance to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus (Matt 3:1-2, Mark 1:4-5, Luke 3:3-14, John 1:23). Jesus preached it (Matt 4:17). Peter preached a message of repentance from sin (Acts 2:38, 3:19-20, 5:29-32, 8:22).  Paul's theme in Romans 6 is that of dying to sin. It is a change of course. We are to stop presenting ourselves to sin, and instead present ourselves to God as slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:11-14). Paul states in Titus 2:11-12 that God's grace instructs us to deny ungodliness, and instead live upright, godly lives.  It is repentance that leads one to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
     In Revelation, Jesus stressed the need for five of the seven churches addressed, to repent. That is what we need today! We need to turn from our selfish wayward ways. We need to turn from our compromise of the truth. We need to repent of lukewarmness, dead orthodoxy, lack of passion, our unconcern for the lost, our loss of zeal for the glory of God!
     If we humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways, God will hear us, and forgive us and bring healing to our land once again (2Chron 7:14). We must be sincere. We must be contrite, broken. When we are serious about God. when we mean business with Him, He will mean business with us. That is what it means to seek Him with the whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13). We seek Him, we desire Him. We understand our sin has grieved Him and separated us from His presence. We are broken over this, we confess, we repent, we seek Him, His presence once again.
     It is time to return to the Lord! We cannot go on without Him. We live in a dry weary land, we need Him to rain down righteousness upon us once again (Hosea 10:12).  We need the times of refreshing once again (Acts 3:19-20).

Laodicean Church by Leonard Ravenhill

The Revival On The Isle Of Lewis - Awesome account of what happens in a ...

David Wilkerson - Seeking Gods Face

A Call to Anguish - David Wilkerson (Full Sermon)

Elijah, a man just like us.

     Elijah stood against the idolatry of Israel in the days of Ahab and Jezebel. At his word it did not rain for three and a half years (1Kings 17:1). This was God's judgment against His backslidden people.
     After three and a half years of drought and famine, the word of the Lord came to Elijah once again. He was to show himself to king Ahab, because God was about to send rain (1Kings 18:1).
     Before God could send rain, the people had to repent of the sin that had placed them under the judgment of God. They had to put away their idols, they had to chose whom they would serve (1Kings 18:21). In a remarkable trial by fire, baal was proven to be no god at all, and The Lord God was shown to be the one and only God (1Kings 18:20-40).
    With the sin dealt with, Elijah prays for rain. Seven times he sends his servant to look before he sees a cloud the size of a man's hand (1Kings 18:42-44). This cloud grew until the sky was black resulting in a heavy shower.
     You may look at this biblical event, as well as other miraculous accounts, and feel that God only used special people to do extraordinary things. He used "super apostles" like Paul, and the disciples to do amazing things.
     The bible tells us that Elijah was a man with a nature like ours (James 5:16-18). He was no different than you or I. God has chosen each one of us to do things for Him in advancing His kingdom. Some are pastors, teachers, evangelists. Others are witnesses in the home and in the workplace. The passage in James 5 is talking about prayer. We need men and women with the kind of faith that Elijah had when he prayed down fire, and then prayed down rain.
     God desires to send the fire of His Spirit to cleanse and purify His people. He desires to send the refreshing rain of His presence to a dry and weary land. He is not looking for a great individual to use. He is looking for an individual full of faith, and willing to be used in any way.
     God will send revival. Will it come through you?
    

A Time For Repentance.

     Why Should any living mortal, or any man,
      offer Complaint in view of his sins?
     Let us examine and probe our ways,
       and let us return to the Lord.
     We lift up our heart and hands toward
       God in heaven;
     We have transgressed and rebelled,
       You have not pardoned.
     You have covered Yourself with anger
       and pursued us;
     You have slain and not spared.
     You have covered yourself with a cloud
       so that no prayer can pass through.
     You have made us mere off-scouring,
       and refuse in the midst of the peoples.
     All of our enemies have opened their
       mouths against us.
     Panic and pitfall have befallen us,
       devastation and destruction;
     My eyes run down with streams of water
       because of the destruction of the daughter
       of my people.
     My eyes pour down unceasingly,
       without stopping,
     Until the Lord looks down and
       sees from heaven,
     My eyes bring pain to my soul
       because of the daughters of my city.
                             Lamentations 3:39-51 NASB



     These are the words of Jeremiah the weeping prophet as he weeps over the destruction and captivity of Jerusalem.
     Just as the Israelites of old abandoned the true worship of Jehovah God, so also has a large portion of the modern church.
     Where are the men and women who weep over the desolation of the house of God today? Where are those who mourn over the lack of God's presence in our midst as we come to worship with our lips but not our hearts? Where are those who will give God no rest night and day until He pours out His Spirit upon us once again?
     Rise up and seek the Lord that He may raise up His Church in holiness and power once again, that the nations would look and see that The only God is indeed on the throne today. Cry out that God would restore His people for the glory of His name. Seek Him to remove the reproach from His wayward children, so that it would not hinder others from entering into His kingdom.
     Cry out! Cry out! Stand in the gap until His righteousness falls like rain once again. Oh God revive us again for the sake of your name!
    

Pray for Northeast South Dakota.

     I believe that God has great things in store for Northeast South Dakota. We desperately need revival. This is a hard place spiritually, as is the case in many other communities. Many have cried out to God for years for a move of His Holy Spirit, holding on to Him by faith to do it. I believe that the time is about to come. I believe a mighty revival is about to sweep across this State. Not a fluffy revival of fleshly nature, but one born through the Spirit's mighty convicting power, as evidenced by deep personal repentance and transformed lives.
     Join me in prayer, that God would do this for His glory, that He would have a spotless bride in South Dakota. We desire to see changed lives here, we want things to be as God intends them to be!
     Please pray!

An Interview With Leonard Ravenhill.

     Here is a link to an interview with Leonard Ravenhill. It is convicting, as well as inspiring. We need to see revival as he describes it, once again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwtiw7UTj4o
    

Seek My face.

     2 Chronicles 7:14 is a verse that we are familiar with. It speaks of prayer, and repentance, and promised restoration. When we think of revival, this verse often comes to mind.
     One thing I see in this verse, is the need to seek the face of God. When an individual, a church, or nation, drifts away from God, His presence departs. Along with a humble repentant heart, God is looking for those who desire Him. He is looking for those who desire His presence, who desire to fellowship with Him. He calls out "Seek my face.".
     Our greatest need is the person of Christ Himself!

The stone is rolled away.

     7And he said, “Behold, it is still high day; it is not time for the livestock to be gathered. Water the sheep, and go, pasture them.” 8But they said, “We cannot, until all the flocks are gathered, and they roll the stone from the mouth of the well; then we water the sheep.” 9While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. 10And it came about, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went up, and rolled the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.
The Lockman Foundation (2009-03-19). Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition) (Kindle Locations 1048-1053). The Lockman Foundation. Kindle Edition.

     These verses remind me of pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus lives! The stone is rolled away. He is waiting to fill us with living water! Like the 120 in the upper room waiting for the coming of the Spirit, we too need to gather in unity of purpose, desiring nothing but more of Him. Where two or three gather in His name, He promises to be there with them in their midst. Cling to this promise and seek God to pour out His Spirit upon you and your Church, your community, and your nation!