3/29/2025
Many years ago when the Covid plague hit the country, followed by mandates, fear, and ultimate chaos, my thought was "as in the days of Noah." Each time something new happened, and I saw very little response from the church, my thoughts were the same. Each time something else happened, like clockwork I might add, my response, now a lament would be the same. Over the last year and a half, since Israel was so maliciously attacked, and the church seemingly unconcerned, I have sought the Lord on behalf of the church even more. Everyone is so quick to quote 2 Chronicles 7:14, but they do not read with understanding that this means the church, beginning with the individual, intercessor standing in the gap, repenting first for one's own sins, then the sins of the others for whom they stand in identification with the sins, as did Daniel. Moses was an example of a mediator and an intercessor, as was Abraham when he tried to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if ten righteous men were found. Sadly, there were only three, as Lot's wife, turned around and looked back at the city, against the warning of the Angel of the Lord. How many times do we look back?!
The signs of the time are all around us, yet many still do not see. Many times in scripture, God blinded the eyes of the people and stopped their ears from hearing, because He knew the hardness of their hearts. Jesus even told His disciples that the parables would be explained to them, but others would not understand. God's ways are higher, and we do not always understand. Actually, I am beginning to wonder how many who say they know a thing or two truly understand. Paul said we see in part and understand in part, but when we are face to face with our Savior, then we will understand. Even His disciples did not understand until after His resurrection when He met them in Galilee. But this I know. The word of the Lord is very clear about repentance and forgiveness.
Today, following our worship at Jacob's Tent, the Lord spoke a prophetic word through one of the lady's present in the service. In brief, God was saying to them what I have also prayed about in every church I have attended except one online church. The warning spoken was first to humble themselves and not put God in a box according to their order of service, and not to put a hold on the work of Holy Spirit. I have written about this before. We have our agendas - worship, singing a few songs, then on to the next thing on the bulletin. While that is not the way it is at Jacob's Tent, as they always try to be sensitive to the move of Holy Spirit, this message was for another purpose. Tears flowed from the eyes of the one speaking this message in obedience to the word of the Lord, her heart yielded. Our shepherd confirmed the word and worship continued, with many on their knees before the Lord, singing and praising. Then they were led into a time of repentance, seeking the Lord for any offenses against the Lord or another that needed to be forgiven before the gifts could be brought to the altar, which is scriptural. It was a beautiful time, and I searched my heart, as I do numerous times daily, because we do not want anything standing between us and the Lord. A sermon was not given, as this time of repentance and asking forgiveness continued. Then our shepherd began to ask forgiveness from others, beginning with someone in the family, who was not present, but who may have been listening online. My heart overflowed with joy. This has been a prayer of mine for a long, long time, and I pray that forgiveness is received and fellowship restored. What a beautiful worship service. This is so needed in the church at large, but I believe that God is moving on hearts. I have a close friend who attends church in North Carolina, whose pastor is sensitive to the move of Holy Spirit, and he says many times the service is spent at the altar, seeking God for answers to prayer and healing. I look forward to visiting this church in the near future.
Revival is happening in certain churches, especially in California, and young people are running to the special events being held, and God is saving young people, delivering older people, healing, restoring, and I believe there is going to be an explosion of love and power spreading across America and the world in greater numbers than the Jesus Revolution in the 70's, as many young people respond to the call of God to evangelize. I am so blessed to be part of evangelism in America and across the globe. If God can use an older donkey like me, He can use anybody. Now is the time to answer the call of God in fulfilling the great commission, the mandate Jesus gave His disciples in Matthew 28:
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the
mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him,
they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke
to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age.' Amen."
Matthew 28:16-20
Today I read this in my 60 Days of Prayer:
Surrender to Divine Timing
"When faced with delays or challenges, have faith that waiting with patience and humility will lead to renewed strength and growth. Embrace this moment of pause as an opportunity to align your will with His, knowing His timing is perfect and His ways are higher than yours."
And the prayer:
"Heavenly Father, grant those feeling suspended in uncertainty the strength to trust in Your timing and wisdom."
God has given each of us gifts and callings. We each were born for a purpose, the greatest purpose is fulfilling His will which is to love Him with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. God longs for relationship with us. The Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, the church has many members, as an individual has many parts, each one dependent on the others, functioning perfectly as God created us to do. This is how the gifts of the Spirit work together, each member working together. Now is the time to walk in the work He has called and equipped you to do. His hand is extending, and He's waiting for you.
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