Father for revival fires we pray,
come touch your church in a new way
so that many will see the glory of your name.
Jesus for revival fires we pray,
you died upon the cross to set us free,
you rose again and triumphed over Satan's power,
reveal again your triumph in this day.
Jesus we acknowledge that you are Lord,
come reign in your church, break the bonds of tradition,
Lord Jesus, take the place of supremacy in your church
and we will worship you.
Holy Spirit, come fill us,empower us,
show us the Father's love,Abba Father we will cry,
show us more of Jesus and his grace,
and enable us to witness to a broken world.
Lord we see so much that testifies to the power of sin,
but our confidence is in you to overcome,
for you have triumphed over all that is evil,
we want to see the triumph of the cross today.
Lord make us pliable in your hands,
so that you can remake us in your image.
Lord the world needs to see Jesus,
may they see Jesus in me.
Father for revival fires we pray,
come melt our hearts today,
Let Jesus be glorified,
Come Holy Spirit do your work today.
Amen
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
I have a Glory in the Heavens: a song, a meditation and a prayer
Song:
There is a glory in the heavens
I have a mighty, mighty Lord
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Meditation:
When I look to the heavens I see the Lamb upon the throne, he reigns in Majesty,
Yet this majesty is different than the earthly type, he reigns in majestic love.
the Lamb excercises his power to protect his beloved bride for whom he died.
Although he is almighty God, he reigns in an intimate way in the hearts of his people.
Seated at his Fathers right hand he intercedes for his people.
This mighty one who loves his people,is my creator , the one who hold the universe together shows his love to me by going to the cross of Calvary, I can not describe his greatness because he is of matchless worth. My saviour, My God,My Lord and yet my Friend. When I look at the cross I feel shame for my sin, but he forgives me, how can this be!!
My confidence is this that I am saved by his amazing grace, I know I do not deserve to be loved, I deserve condemnation but I am united to Christ and therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
He calls me to love and serve him and even then gives me all the gifts I need through the power of the Holy Spirit. I long to discern his will so that I can reflect his love and glory. I know his call is on me life and he has blessed me in many ways.
Prayer:
Lord I see the glory of your power and might,
I see your love and it beckons me to come closer to you.
Lord in my fear, I tend to back off from you, Lord you are perfect love so cast out my fear.
Lord your word tells me that you want me to be like you and Lord that's what I want too.
Lord come close to me,reveal yourself afresh to me so that I might share your love and grace with others. Lord fill afresh with your Holy Spirit, Lord I want toswim in the river of your love and grace.
O Lord reveal your love and grace to me so that I might know your glory.
Lord revive your Church,Lord awaken her to your love and grace.
Lord enable your Church to fulfill your great commission ,so that it can reach the nations in Jesus name. Lord make your bride ready for the coming of her lover king.
Lord glorify your name in all the earth.
Amen
There is a glory in the heavens
I have a mighty, mighty Lord
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Meditation:
When I look to the heavens I see the Lamb upon the throne, he reigns in Majesty,
Yet this majesty is different than the earthly type, he reigns in majestic love.
the Lamb excercises his power to protect his beloved bride for whom he died.
Although he is almighty God, he reigns in an intimate way in the hearts of his people.
Seated at his Fathers right hand he intercedes for his people.
This mighty one who loves his people,is my creator , the one who hold the universe together shows his love to me by going to the cross of Calvary, I can not describe his greatness because he is of matchless worth. My saviour, My God,My Lord and yet my Friend. When I look at the cross I feel shame for my sin, but he forgives me, how can this be!!
My confidence is this that I am saved by his amazing grace, I know I do not deserve to be loved, I deserve condemnation but I am united to Christ and therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
He calls me to love and serve him and even then gives me all the gifts I need through the power of the Holy Spirit. I long to discern his will so that I can reflect his love and glory. I know his call is on me life and he has blessed me in many ways.
Prayer:
Lord I see the glory of your power and might,
I see your love and it beckons me to come closer to you.
Lord in my fear, I tend to back off from you, Lord you are perfect love so cast out my fear.
Lord your word tells me that you want me to be like you and Lord that's what I want too.
Lord come close to me,reveal yourself afresh to me so that I might share your love and grace with others. Lord fill afresh with your Holy Spirit, Lord I want toswim in the river of your love and grace.
O Lord reveal your love and grace to me so that I might know your glory.
Lord revive your Church,Lord awaken her to your love and grace.
Lord enable your Church to fulfill your great commission ,so that it can reach the nations in Jesus name. Lord make your bride ready for the coming of her lover king.
Lord glorify your name in all the earth.
Amen
Monday, 25 June 2012
Godly Success By Mornay Johnson: A Book Review
When I first looked at this book I thought that it was another get rich quick guide but nothing could be further from the truth. Since I started reviewing books for Destiny Image I have realized more and more the importance of giving a book a fair reading. so often we jump to conclusions without judging the contents by the word of God. There is much good teaching in this book that we will loose if we don't read this book with open minds.
The first chapter deals with issues of the heart and our right relationship with the Lord, one soon realizes that the issues of the heart are more important than anything else, this is the key to understanding the book. This is not a book of formulas but rather a book that talks seriously about our relationship with the Lord.
Chapter 2, in this chapter the author shows that the minority of us are called to priestly callings (the fivefold ministries) whereas most of us are called to live out our Christian calling as Kings, in the marketplace.
Chapters 3,4 and 5 begin to show us the way to walk with the Lord in faith for our future, again it is the relationship with Lord that is central and how we grow in that relationship. We are given pointers in a practical way as to how to develop our vision one step at a time. It is as you read these chapters that you begin to realize that this all does not happen overnight. In fact some of the illustration given from scripture and history show how God used a lot of people when they were over sixty( if like the reviewer you are in this category, don't give up hope). We are shown constantly that it is not an easy ride.
Chapter 6, is to me the central point of the book, here we find sound teaching about the development of character. the teaching of this section is vital to the health of the body of Christ. The issue of how character is developed is not a popular one today, the author here shows how god uses even the difficult times in life to develop our characters.
Chapter 7 gives us the authors insight into the biblical teaching about money, the love of money and greed are the problem not money itself, money used rightly can be used to build the kingdom of God. The issues that the author raises here are ones that there is a lot of misunderstanding about in the body of Christ and he helps us to understand what God requires of us.
Chapter 8 brings the whole book to a conclusion summarizing the teaching and showing a way forward . He uses the acrostic GOFIE to help us grasp the teaching here, G is for guidance, O is for opportunity, F is for Favor, I is for ideas and E is for enablement. there is much of helpful insight in this chapter.
As you read this book you may like me have questions about some of the teaching regarding prosperity, my plea is don't throw the baby out with the bath water. This book contains much practical biblical teaching. This book will enable you to see that God can use your life, whoever you are, wherever you are.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this E-Book free from the publisher through Destiny Image Book Review Program. <http://www.destinyimage.com> Book Review Program. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
The first chapter deals with issues of the heart and our right relationship with the Lord, one soon realizes that the issues of the heart are more important than anything else, this is the key to understanding the book. This is not a book of formulas but rather a book that talks seriously about our relationship with the Lord.
Chapter 2, in this chapter the author shows that the minority of us are called to priestly callings (the fivefold ministries) whereas most of us are called to live out our Christian calling as Kings, in the marketplace.
Chapters 3,4 and 5 begin to show us the way to walk with the Lord in faith for our future, again it is the relationship with Lord that is central and how we grow in that relationship. We are given pointers in a practical way as to how to develop our vision one step at a time. It is as you read these chapters that you begin to realize that this all does not happen overnight. In fact some of the illustration given from scripture and history show how God used a lot of people when they were over sixty( if like the reviewer you are in this category, don't give up hope). We are shown constantly that it is not an easy ride.
Chapter 6, is to me the central point of the book, here we find sound teaching about the development of character. the teaching of this section is vital to the health of the body of Christ. The issue of how character is developed is not a popular one today, the author here shows how god uses even the difficult times in life to develop our characters.
Chapter 7 gives us the authors insight into the biblical teaching about money, the love of money and greed are the problem not money itself, money used rightly can be used to build the kingdom of God. The issues that the author raises here are ones that there is a lot of misunderstanding about in the body of Christ and he helps us to understand what God requires of us.
Chapter 8 brings the whole book to a conclusion summarizing the teaching and showing a way forward . He uses the acrostic GOFIE to help us grasp the teaching here, G is for guidance, O is for opportunity, F is for Favor, I is for ideas and E is for enablement. there is much of helpful insight in this chapter.
As you read this book you may like me have questions about some of the teaching regarding prosperity, my plea is don't throw the baby out with the bath water. This book contains much practical biblical teaching. This book will enable you to see that God can use your life, whoever you are, wherever you are.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this E-Book free from the publisher through Destiny Image Book Review Program. <http://www.destinyimage.com> Book Review Program. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Saturday, 16 June 2012
One Name,One Number by Richard Brunton: A book review
This is not an unbiased review as I have known the author since the beginning of Living Hope Ministries. Also, as mentioned in the book, the church I serve as an elder is twinned with a church in Bosnia.
This book is an account of Richards life leading up to the founding of Living Hope Ministries and, in more detail, the story of Living Hope Ministries.
The account shows that obedience to God when he calls to a new task is vital. When Richard went to Kenya on his first visit he could not anticipate how the Lord would develop this ministry. At first it looked as if Richard was to serve just a few African countries but now he ministers in the Balkans, Pakistan and India to name a few countries.
Richard's main emphasis has been to equip the church and especially pastors in the very poor areas. He has brought sound teaching and guidance to so many in this way. He also leads evangelistic meetings and has seen many people saved, healed and touched in powerful ways by the Holy Spirit.
This book is easy to read and full of testimonies to the power of a living God; Jesus Christ is glorified in its pages. Get hold of a copy of this book and you will be encouraged to see what God is doing through ordinary people in many parts of the World.
The ISBN Number is 978-1907636-39-4 The publisher is Verite.
This book is an account of Richards life leading up to the founding of Living Hope Ministries and, in more detail, the story of Living Hope Ministries.
The account shows that obedience to God when he calls to a new task is vital. When Richard went to Kenya on his first visit he could not anticipate how the Lord would develop this ministry. At first it looked as if Richard was to serve just a few African countries but now he ministers in the Balkans, Pakistan and India to name a few countries.
Richard's main emphasis has been to equip the church and especially pastors in the very poor areas. He has brought sound teaching and guidance to so many in this way. He also leads evangelistic meetings and has seen many people saved, healed and touched in powerful ways by the Holy Spirit.
This book is easy to read and full of testimonies to the power of a living God; Jesus Christ is glorified in its pages. Get hold of a copy of this book and you will be encouraged to see what God is doing through ordinary people in many parts of the World.
The ISBN Number is 978-1907636-39-4 The publisher is Verite.
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
You Are Awesome: A Prayer of Praise
Lord when I stand on the beach and see the waves come crashing in, my heart cries out you are awesome.
When I stand by the river and see the swans come swimming by, my heart cries out you are awesome.
When I look at the flowers,the fields the animals and the beauty of your creation, my heart cries out you are awesome.
When I look at humankind,young and old,big and tall , black and white and every race in all its rich diversity, my heart cries out you are awesome.
When I look in the Bible and see what you have to say,my heart cries out you are awesome
I see that you created the world by speaking.it into being, my heart cries out you are an awesome God.
When I see Adam and Eve messing things up, you promised salvation, I am amazed and I say you are awesome.
I look at the stories of Abraham,Joseph and the Exodus and I worship you because you are an awesome God.
Lord I look at your word and I see how you cared for your people down the ages, I realise that you are an awesome God.
I see Mary with a young child in her womb, it is the King of Glory who has come to save sinners such as me, You are awesome .
I see Jesus teaching and performing miracles, training his disciples for mission, how awesome you are Lord Jesus.
Then I see Jesus hanging on a cross for me, suffering separation from his Father, bearin the sins of the world. Yet he cries out in victory "it is finished" I stand amazed at such great love and my heart cries out, Jesus is awesome.
On the third day he triumphed over all the forces of evil as he was raised from the dead, Jesus you are awesome.
Now he sits at the Fathers right hand interceding for his people, Lord Jesus you are awesome.
The Holy Spirit comes to give new birth, my eyes are opened and I am set free to see how awesome you are.
The Holy Spirit comes with power to equip the church, I see him heal, I know his touch, Holy Spirit you are awesome.
Father God, I thank you for adopting me into your family, setting me free to be the man you want me to be, Father, you are awesome.
God of eternity you have all things in your hands, you are an awesome God.
My future is certain because of your plan and the wonders of your grace, you are an awesome God.
Lord I look at what you have done in history,how you have revived you church, Awesome God renew your works in this hour I pray.
One day I will see you face to face and then I will cry out, YOU ARE AN AWESOME GOD!!
When I stand by the river and see the swans come swimming by, my heart cries out you are awesome.
When I look at the flowers,the fields the animals and the beauty of your creation, my heart cries out you are awesome.
When I look at humankind,young and old,big and tall , black and white and every race in all its rich diversity, my heart cries out you are awesome.
When I look in the Bible and see what you have to say,my heart cries out you are awesome
I see that you created the world by speaking.it into being, my heart cries out you are an awesome God.
When I see Adam and Eve messing things up, you promised salvation, I am amazed and I say you are awesome.
I look at the stories of Abraham,Joseph and the Exodus and I worship you because you are an awesome God.
Lord I look at your word and I see how you cared for your people down the ages, I realise that you are an awesome God.
I see Mary with a young child in her womb, it is the King of Glory who has come to save sinners such as me, You are awesome .
I see Jesus teaching and performing miracles, training his disciples for mission, how awesome you are Lord Jesus.
Then I see Jesus hanging on a cross for me, suffering separation from his Father, bearin the sins of the world. Yet he cries out in victory "it is finished" I stand amazed at such great love and my heart cries out, Jesus is awesome.
On the third day he triumphed over all the forces of evil as he was raised from the dead, Jesus you are awesome.
Now he sits at the Fathers right hand interceding for his people, Lord Jesus you are awesome.
The Holy Spirit comes to give new birth, my eyes are opened and I am set free to see how awesome you are.
The Holy Spirit comes with power to equip the church, I see him heal, I know his touch, Holy Spirit you are awesome.
Father God, I thank you for adopting me into your family, setting me free to be the man you want me to be, Father, you are awesome.
God of eternity you have all things in your hands, you are an awesome God.
My future is certain because of your plan and the wonders of your grace, you are an awesome God.
Lord I look at what you have done in history,how you have revived you church, Awesome God renew your works in this hour I pray.
One day I will see you face to face and then I will cry out, YOU ARE AN AWESOME GOD!!
Monday, 11 June 2012
Charismatics,Prosperity and the Book of Job
The book of Job is full of challenges to every Christian but I believe it poses particular challenges to those of us who call ourselves Charismatic Christians.
Spiritual Warfare: Chapters 1 and 2 of Job give us an insight into the nature of spiritual warfare and the way God protects his children. Satan can't just do what he wants to Job because God is protecting him. Job is someone whose heart is right with God and God likes what he sees in Job but when he mentions Job to Satan, Satan says if you didn't protect him, he would not be faithful. god allows Satan to attack Job in a variety of soul destroying ways but he remains faithful. Here comes the first challenge to our charismatic outlook, we expect if a person is faithful that God will bless them with health and prosperity but that does not happen, in fact thing go from bad to worse,Satan is now allowed to inflict all sorts of pain on Job. Job's wife is so upset that she wants him to curse god and die but Job steadfastly puts his trust in God. Then Job has to endure the advice of his so called friends. Just read their speeches and put yourself in Jobs shoes and you will see how unhelpful this all was. We have to wait to the end of the book to see Job restored and blessed.
Job's speeches and the absence of positive confession. So often today we are told that if we confess rightly, things will go well with us. We are told we need not be ill and we have a right to prosperity. The book of Job radically challenges all of that, Job is not condemned by God for the complaints that he has made. In fact the book of Job along with the Psalms shows us that we can be honest with God without provoking his displeasure. In fact in chapter 42 the Lord says that Job has spoken rightly about him.
What is interesting is that the turning point for Job is not positive confession but prayers of forgiveness for his friends. Job does repent after the Lord has appeared to him but his prosperity is not restored until he has prayed for his friends.
Job's Questions are not Answered: What is interesting about the appearance of God on the scene is the fact that none of Job's questions and complaints are replied to. Job receives something far better than answers he receives a revelation of God himself in all his power and glory, this more than satisfies Job. He sees the greatness of Hod and although life has been perplexing he is just glad and can rejoice in the greatness of God. We too like Job need a fresh revelation of the greatness of God and we like Job will realize our own smallness and brokenness and will worship our God in a spirit of repentance.
Spiritual Warfare: Chapters 1 and 2 of Job give us an insight into the nature of spiritual warfare and the way God protects his children. Satan can't just do what he wants to Job because God is protecting him. Job is someone whose heart is right with God and God likes what he sees in Job but when he mentions Job to Satan, Satan says if you didn't protect him, he would not be faithful. god allows Satan to attack Job in a variety of soul destroying ways but he remains faithful. Here comes the first challenge to our charismatic outlook, we expect if a person is faithful that God will bless them with health and prosperity but that does not happen, in fact thing go from bad to worse,Satan is now allowed to inflict all sorts of pain on Job. Job's wife is so upset that she wants him to curse god and die but Job steadfastly puts his trust in God. Then Job has to endure the advice of his so called friends. Just read their speeches and put yourself in Jobs shoes and you will see how unhelpful this all was. We have to wait to the end of the book to see Job restored and blessed.
Job's speeches and the absence of positive confession. So often today we are told that if we confess rightly, things will go well with us. We are told we need not be ill and we have a right to prosperity. The book of Job radically challenges all of that, Job is not condemned by God for the complaints that he has made. In fact the book of Job along with the Psalms shows us that we can be honest with God without provoking his displeasure. In fact in chapter 42 the Lord says that Job has spoken rightly about him.
What is interesting is that the turning point for Job is not positive confession but prayers of forgiveness for his friends. Job does repent after the Lord has appeared to him but his prosperity is not restored until he has prayed for his friends.
Job's Questions are not Answered: What is interesting about the appearance of God on the scene is the fact that none of Job's questions and complaints are replied to. Job receives something far better than answers he receives a revelation of God himself in all his power and glory, this more than satisfies Job. He sees the greatness of Hod and although life has been perplexing he is just glad and can rejoice in the greatness of God. We too like Job need a fresh revelation of the greatness of God and we like Job will realize our own smallness and brokenness and will worship our God in a spirit of repentance.
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Faithfulness,Love and Anointing: some reflections from the Diamond Jubillee
Listening to the BBC introduce the National Service of Thanksgiving for the 60 year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, caused me to reflect on some aspect of our Christian life. As the reporters spoke they mentioned the Queens faithfulness to her early promises,her love of the people and the significance of the anointing at her coronation. Apparently at the time of her anointing she felt commissioned God to serve the British people.
The Queen made her initial promise to serve the British people when she was a princess, she was aware that she was the child of a king and heir to the throne this shaped her thinking. We are co-heirs with Christ, the King of Kings, and children of God the Father, this bestows upon us a dignity greater than any earthly monarch can bestow. We need to let this sense of being Children of God and co-heirs with Christ permeate our whole being.
Faithfulness: Our faithfulness just like the Queen's springs from our sense of calling,knowing that we have a destiny to fulfill. The knowledge that our Heavenly Father has called us to be his children emphasizes the relationship we have the Lord, it also shows us that our Father wants us to be Christlike and bear his image. We are saved and given gifts to use for a purpose, that of glorifying God. when we serve God in the power of the Holy Spirit we will find we are living a fulfilled life. a life which is significant and wil count in God's eternal plan. It is therefore good to be in a faithful committed relationship with our God. We are called to live Holy lives, serving the purpose of the King of Kings all of our days.
Love: The Queen has shown a love to her subjects but we have been shown a greater love by the eternal God. God has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light, he has chosen us before the foundation of the world. We love him because he first loved us. His love is shown to us most clearly by the amazing life and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. His intention is that as we receive his love, we too will show love to others. We are to look at the example of Jesus and of the early Church and we will soon see that love is the mark of the Christian.
Love for the Lord and others is shown clearly in British history by the examples of William Wilberforce and Lord Shaftesbury, they lead two important movements of social reform that changed Britain forever. It is not however just the famous that demonstrate this but rather as we look at the church we can see countless individuals who display the love of Christ.
The Anointing: When the Queen was anointed at her coronation, it is said that she felt commissioned by God to serve her people. When we became Christians we received the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who anoints us for service. We have the resources of heaven granted to us as we follow the Lord's calling upon our lives. To enable us to serve him the Lord grants to us the spiritual gifts that we need for the life he wants us to lead. The Apostle Peter tells us,
Conclusion: As children of the heavenly King we are called to live lives that are faithful to God and his calling upon our lives. We are called to live lives of love towards our fellow human beings, but we are also called to love our Great and Gracious God. Our heavenly Father has anointed us with the Holy Spirit so that we might be equipped to live for his glory..
The Queen made her initial promise to serve the British people when she was a princess, she was aware that she was the child of a king and heir to the throne this shaped her thinking. We are co-heirs with Christ, the King of Kings, and children of God the Father, this bestows upon us a dignity greater than any earthly monarch can bestow. We need to let this sense of being Children of God and co-heirs with Christ permeate our whole being.
Faithfulness: Our faithfulness just like the Queen's springs from our sense of calling,knowing that we have a destiny to fulfill. The knowledge that our Heavenly Father has called us to be his children emphasizes the relationship we have the Lord, it also shows us that our Father wants us to be Christlike and bear his image. We are saved and given gifts to use for a purpose, that of glorifying God. when we serve God in the power of the Holy Spirit we will find we are living a fulfilled life. a life which is significant and wil count in God's eternal plan. It is therefore good to be in a faithful committed relationship with our God. We are called to live Holy lives, serving the purpose of the King of Kings all of our days.
Love: The Queen has shown a love to her subjects but we have been shown a greater love by the eternal God. God has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light, he has chosen us before the foundation of the world. We love him because he first loved us. His love is shown to us most clearly by the amazing life and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. His intention is that as we receive his love, we too will show love to others. We are to look at the example of Jesus and of the early Church and we will soon see that love is the mark of the Christian.
Love for the Lord and others is shown clearly in British history by the examples of William Wilberforce and Lord Shaftesbury, they lead two important movements of social reform that changed Britain forever. It is not however just the famous that demonstrate this but rather as we look at the church we can see countless individuals who display the love of Christ.
The Anointing: When the Queen was anointed at her coronation, it is said that she felt commissioned by God to serve her people. When we became Christians we received the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who anoints us for service. We have the resources of heaven granted to us as we follow the Lord's calling upon our lives. To enable us to serve him the Lord grants to us the spiritual gifts that we need for the life he wants us to lead. The Apostle Peter tells us,
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 because his divine power has bestowed on us all things that are necessary for life and godliness, through the knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence of character, ( 2 Peter 1:2-3 italic added.)We cannot want more than this, everything needful is given to us, this is an amazing statement but it is true.
Conclusion: As children of the heavenly King we are called to live lives that are faithful to God and his calling upon our lives. We are called to live lives of love towards our fellow human beings, but we are also called to love our Great and Gracious God. Our heavenly Father has anointed us with the Holy Spirit so that we might be equipped to live for his glory..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)