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“When God Comesâ€Â
By Jeremy | September 23, 2007
Dr. Henry Blackaby
How we receive the one He sent is how we receive Him. Husbands, how have your received the spouses he sent us? If you make a vow to God and break it, it’s better to have never made those vows at all. What vows has your spouse made? Help her/him fulfill those vows. Four sons have all pastored.
What could God do with us if we responded? With 120 in the Upper Room, he transformed the entire Roman Empire.
“When God Comes†is an incorrect statement. God’s been here all along. The problem isn’t with Him; it’s with us. He’s waited so long. His invitation: “Return to me.â€Â
Jeremiah 29:11 – “’I know the thoughts I have towards you,’ says the Lord.†What God thinks, He does. He also anticipates a response: “Then you will call upon me and go and pray to me and I will listen to you, and you will seek and find me when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you.â€Â
Malachi 3:1-5 – “The Day of the Lord IS coming.†He’s a refiner, a purifier, who will purge the church – beginning with the spiritual leaders – in his presence. Revival is like judgment day on the people of God. Not a celebration. We cannot tell God what to do when he comes. God is more than just jumping around and celebrating. The one we seek will suddenly come like a refiner’s fire. Who will be able to stand when he comes? He begins with the spiritual leaders. When they are refined like silver and gold, then the worship will be acceptable again. We must once again become absolute, immediate servants. “I am the Lord, I do not change. Therefore you are not consumed. … Return to me and I will return to you.â€Â
Isaiah 57:15 – When God comes, he’s given us an indicator of what’s on his heart. “I dwell with him who has a humble and contrite heart.†He comes for those who understand their spiritual condition.
When Jesus came, he said: “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is here.†Repent is the most positive word. It means: Turn around, and when you do, you’ll be squarely in the middle of my plan and presence. Revival in America waits for our repentance. We haven’t gotten the message. We would rather praise than repent. We would rather praise than weep for our city. Praise in unacceptable when weeping ought to be the order of the day. When the Savior weeps over NY, we need to weep with him. When was the last time you wept with deep repentance?
Don’t be characterized by not recognizing the time of God’s coming. Stop asking him to come. He’s been here all along, and he can’t get our attention. Stop being disoriented. Return to the word and get centered again. Return to the Word, let it speak, and obey immediately. Revival is only one act of prayer-obedience away.
Luke 13:3-5 – Context is that Jesus laments our inability to discern the times like we can discern the weather. Then he says: “Unless you repent, you likewise will perish.†Your sin withholds what God wants to do. Let our cry be, cleanse me, O God.
With all the prayers and fasting for revival, why does it tarry? Ask Him, and then stay in his presence until he tells you. Then allow his refining process to work in you.
Ask: “Lord, if you made me aware of your presence, would I be able to stand, or would I be swept away?†If you’re a leader, are you willing to be refined first? Stay in the fire until all the dross is purged away. Are you willing to yield every ounce of your being to the Lordship of Christ?
Topics: faith, fulton street revival, henry blackaby, repentance, revival | No Comments »
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