Tag Archives: word of God

Is this the Time for Another Revival of the Holy Spirit?

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Let’s Pray for Revival

revival

job-rascon-271117-unsplash

Sometimes writing is hard. Sometimes it’s easy.

I am in a hard spell. There has been a lot going on in my life and I can’t seem to concentrate on sitting still and writing.

But here I am.

This Sunday and last Sunday we had marvellous sermons about Pentecost. Yes, the coming to earth of the Holy Spirit. The fire — the life — the revelation.

We need that again.

In 1734 Jonathan Edwards wrote:

“”It pleased God…to display his free and sovereign mercy in the conversion of a great multitude of souls in a short space of time, turning them from a formal, cold, and careless profession of Christianity, to the lively exercise of every Christian grace, and the powerful practice of our holy religion.”

Free and sovereign mercy — God did this.

We have to remember that God brings revival. So what do we do?

We pray for revival.

Here are the first great revivals.

The Great Awakening, 1734–43 in America

Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield are names from that awakening.

The Second Great Awakening, 1800–1840

James McGready and Charles Finney are names from that awakening.

Is it time for another awakening of hearts and spirits?

Let’s look:

  1. Revivals happen in a period of moral decline. Look at our world: sexual abuse, disgust with those running governments, corruption, killings, and fear. We have screen abuse so we are no longer talking face to face with others. Our reading skills are declining.
  2. Prayer stimulates our hearts and souls and sends a signal to God that we are ready to see Him in action.
  3. Those who teach from God’s Word are speaking into the hearts of the people.

Are you ready for revival?
Do you want to see God’s spirit move in hearts?
Are you ready to be convicted and see yourself as God sees you? (That’s scary.)

I always love this song by Robin Mark. Revive Us.

God has put it on my heart to gather believers together, to grow through God’s Word and prayer.

Scriptures to read:

Titus 3:5-6

“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,”

Isaiah 40:31

“Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”

1 Corinthians 2:4-5

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”

revival

Bible journaling – Janis Cox

I would like to start a collection of revival, restore scriptures that we can pray. Please add your scriptures in the comments. Thanks.

Posts on the Power of the Holy Spirit

Unleashing the Holy Spirit

Humidity, Hearts and The Holy Spirit – My thoughts from Poland Trip 2010

How To Regenerate God’s Power in Your Life

We need to be connected. To pray together. Join us at Artists and Writers Grow Through God’s Word.

revival

 

Scripture and a Picture – How we learn that the Word of God Stands forever

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Scripture and a Picture – How we learn that the Word of God Stands forever

Continuing on from my study of Isaiah 40:8 on Word of God Speak, today I would like to encourage you to continue to memorize this Scripture.

The grass withers and the flowers fall (fade), but the Word of God stands forever.

I have been encouraging you to learn Scripture through repetition and through art. This week I have tried to paint in two different Bibles. Here are the results.

Isaiah-40-8-1web Isaiah-40-8web

Please join us at our Facebook Group called Word of God Speak Community where we continue to share our successes, ideas and thoughts about the Scripture for the week.

As I studied this verse I thought about the weaknesses of man – how sin has made the world not the way God intended it. Our flesh is weak. We cannot save ourselves. And our friends can’t save us. Beauty fades, We die.

So we look to the Light – a portal to the unseen. A Hope beyond this life. This is God’s promise to us.

That’s what the Word of God can do for us, that flesh cannot. The Word of God leads us to Jesus who has bridged the gap to allow us to live with God forever.  Eternal.

The words from the song I linked on Sunday from I will Not be Shaken by Vineyard:

When the nations crumble
The word of the Lord will stay
Kings may rise and fall
His love will endure
Though the strong may stumble
The joy of the Lord is strength

To my soul
I will not be shaken
I will not be moved
I will not be shaken

Then I read chapter 19 of AW Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy, entitled The Grace of God. Here is part of his opening prayer:

We are astonished and marvel one so holy and dread should invite us into Thy banqueting house and cause love to be the banner over us.

Here is His Banner over me is Love by Hillsong.

Here is a picture to colour. You can download it colouring page Isaiah 40-8

or Isaiah 40-8 colouring page

raw-colouring-page-Isaiah-40-8web

Tweetable:

We cannot save ourselves. We die. So we look to the Light – a portal to the unseen. A Hope beyond this life. (click to tweet)

 

 

 

Word of God Speak – Why I Can say “I will not be shaken”

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Word of God Speak – Why I Can say “I will not be shaken”

I am so excited about learning Scripture. I hope you are too. This is week three of our new Word of God Speak.

Week One – Luke 11:28 – Hear the Word and Obey it

Week Two – Hebrews 4:12 – The Word of God – and 16 Scriptures for Reference

Can you fill in the blanks from last week? The answer is at the end of the post.

Hebrews ?:??

For the —- of —- is —— and —–. Sharper than any ————- it penetrates even to dividing —- and —–, —— and ——. It —— the thoughts and ——— of the heart.

Today using the SIMPLE Method of Bible Study we will study Isaiah 40:8

Isaiah-40-8

S – Say the passage out loud. This is very very important.

The grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God stands for ever (Isaiah 40:8, ESV).

I – Interpret the passage. What else can you find out?

 I wrote before on Isaiah 40:8. I knew it sounded familiar.

And again in Bouquet from Creative Tuesdays. 

And another one!! Flowers may Fade.

As I said this passage out loud, I remembered the praise song, I will not be Shaken by Vineyard.

The words from the song came to me – “The Word of the Lord will stand – I will not be shaken.” I  love that.

I will NOT be shaken.

Other references for you to look up:

Isaiah 5:24 – depicts dry grass, decayed roots – symbolizing those who reject God’s Word

James 1:10 says he will pass away like a wild flower

Psalm 119:89 – Your Word stands firm in the heavens

1 Peter 1:24-25 We are born again, imperishable – by God’s Word – This is the Word preached to us.

M – Make a list of thoughts, questions, ideas.

God has everything planned and timed. Things will pass away and change but He – The Lord – is imperishable, unending, all knowing, all powerful.

Yes “life goes on” – with God standing with us – with the living. Forever our Rock. I will not be shaken.

P- Prayer time. Take time to talk to God but also to LISTEN to Him

L – Life Application – What did I hear?

Grass withers but can come back after a rain storm. The living water of Christ revives us and gives us new life. It makes us part of the imperishable – the eternal. This takes the weight off my shoulders as I know He is in charge. We only need to listen to His voice and obey.

I will NOT be shaken. NO NO. I will not be moved. I will NOT be shaken.

E – Exit with a prayer of acknowledgement, acceptance, thankfulness, or conviction

Oh Heavenly Father, just the fact that You never leave me, never change and are always faithful, that Your Word stands forever – and ever, that makes me strong, sure and at peace. As I stand with You I am linked to the imperishable – the eternal. Thank you for giving me the living water of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Something to click to Twitter. Just click on the link.

What can be learned from Isaiah 40:8 using the SIMPLE Method of Bible Study? (click to tweet)

I will NOT be shaken. NO NO. I will not be moved. I will NOT be shaken. (click to tweet)

Here is the answer to the puzzle:

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Today I invite all who write about God to link to Word of God Speak. Follow the prompts at the bottom of this post.

And we have an extension to learning these passages at Word of God Speak Group. Click here to join.

We will use various methods to learn the Scripture of the week.

Linking this week to:

Tai East

Now join in with your posts:


Podcast for Hope Stream Radio – How To Make God’s Word Living and Active

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Podcast for Hope Stream Radio – How To Make God’s Word Living and Active

Hebrews-4-12

As you can see from my posts this week, my mind has been focused on learning about making God’s Word become more living and active in my life. The verse of the week is Hebrews 4:12.

For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

I wrote that by memory so if you see any error please tell me. Tonight I noticed something else – what is the importance of the little words, “for”, “any” and “even”?

My Thoughts:

“For” I think means “because”. The whole conversation before this verse is about hearing God’s word, and entering into a rest with God.

Today if you hear His voice – be ready to listen, because God’s Word is living and active.

“Any” seems to mean “every” or “all”.

“even” seems to mean “as far as”

So we have:

When we hear His voice we need to listen Because God’s Word is living and active. Sharper than every double-edged sword, it penetrates as far as dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.

To me it sounds very deep and as I said on Sunday “to the quick”.

Listen to my Podcast about how important it is that we let God speak and hear His Word. How to Make God’s Word living and active.

How can we make God’s Word more living and active in our lives? (click to tweet)

16 Scriptures for Word of God – Word of God Speak – A Link Party –

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16 Scriptures for Word of God

Word of God Speak – A Link Party

16-Scriptures-about-The-Word-of-God

This week I thought we should continue to look more closely at the word of God, which we studied for the past week. How did you do with your memory work?

B——, r—– are those who —- the —- of — and —- it. Luke ??:??

Check the bottom of the post to see if you got it right. I have started a Facebook Group called Word of God Speak Community. I would love you to join me there. We will find different ways to study the Scripture for the week. If you have any other ideas please share them. Here is our Word of God Speak Community Facebook Group. You may add other people you think may be interested.

Today I would like to continue on with another passage about The Word of God using the SIMPLE Method of Bible Study.

S – Say the passage out loud:

The Word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates to even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).

This is a little more of a challenge for memorizing but I know you can do it. Stick with me at our Word of God Speak Community Facebook Page.

I –  Interpret

What did I find out through looking up cross-references; googling; and from the words themselves?

There seems to be some argument over who is the author of Hebrews. Because it doesn’t start with a salutation the claim of Paul being the author is suspect.

Whoever wrote Hebrews very strongly told the story of the resurrection and our gift from God to live eternally with Him.

I looked up so many “word” passages. I thought I would share them in a drawing. I found 16 that I made into a Wheel. You can download this picture as a PDF.

16-Scriptures-about-The-Word-of-God.PDF

M – Make a list of thoughts and questions.

I do know how important the Word of God is.

When I grew up we didn’t read the Bible as a family except for a few tries over the years. But my grandfather always read from a devotional and the Bible after supper. When we visited them – not very often – I would hear the Word and sometimes be asked to read it out loud. As I think back it might have been The Upper Room that he used. I don’t recall any discussion after reading the passage and devotional (which I think is essential).

When I made my decision that Christ would be my Lord and Saviour, I was hungry to learn more. I wanted to read the Bible but found it very difficult. We had a family Bible in the King James Version. I couldn’t understand it. I became frustrated. A friend suggested I buy a New International Version. But still nothing. The same friend suggested I ask Jesus to help me understand what I read. I gave that a try and hurrah – I understood better. I still ask God to open my understanding as I read His Word.

I’m excited now, not only to read but to hear what God wants me to know TODAY. Since his Word is LIVING and ACTIVE it can change as I change and as my circumstances change.

P – Pray – Remember not to talk too much to God but instead listen to His Words.

L – Life Application: What did God tell me?

The very first words I heard from Him were:

Cut to the quick.

Now that was entirely weird. I didn’t know what it meant. I checked various biblical references for quick and quicken and quickening.

  1. I read that “cut to the quick” could mean hurt, or emotionally hurt.

But when they heard this, they were cut [a]to the quick and intended to kill them  (Acts 5:33, NASB).

2. It also meant to get to the core of the message and stay focused.

3. “Quickening” meant to give life to dead flesh. God speaks through quickening.

It is the Spirit which quickens, the flesh profits nothing: the words which I have spoken unto you are spirit and are life (John 6:63, Darby Translation).

4. The literal Greek meaning of “quicken” means “to make alive, give life or vitality” (Strongs #2227).

So what do I do with these words, “cut to the quick” that God has given me? I remember hearing sermons that I thought, “How does the pastor know that those words are exactly what has been happening in my life? that is the answer I seek?”

I think what I am learning is that the Holy Spirit makes God’s Word come alive. Any passage will help me with instruction or correction. And God will ensure that he leads me to the passage I need to study for that day. And as for myself – I am to stay focused on what He wants me to do. I also want to remember NOT to grieve the Holy Spirit. If God tells me to do something I had better do it – and do it immediately!

E – Exit with a prayer.

Lord, You can cut me to the quick – either focus me or cut off something that is not of You. I know I am to be set apart for You – to be Holy at all times. Thank You for being such a loving, caring, gracious God who knows me. You have revealed so much to me today. You talked more than I have heard in a while. As I delve deeper into Your Word help me to change and refine and become closer to whom You want me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The song Refiner’s Fire also came to me during prayer time. This reminded me of the podcast I did for this past week – To live in the Holy.

Here is Refiner’s Fire for you to enjoy sung by Brian Doerksen.

Please join the Word of God Speak Community. Follow the prompts if you wish to link.

 The answer is to the puzzle:

Blessed, rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it. Luke 11:28.

 

Hebrews 4-12 Colouring Sheet for you to enjoy in PDF. Or here is the .jpg

Please excuse the “C” for “G” for God – you can change it by colouring it.

Hebrews-4-12



LIFT HIGH THE NAME OF JESUS

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Lift High the Name of Jesus

by Janis Cox

Stained glass at St John the Baptist's Anglica...

Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus’ description of himself “I am the Good Shepherd” (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

LIFT HIGH THE NAME OF JESUS

Lift high the name of Jesus
Glory be to God
In the name of the Father
Be true, virtuous, full of life
Sing a new song
High and lifted up
Soaring among the eagles.

Lest you forget:

“I am here,” says the Lord.
“There is no fear
I am in control,” says the Lord.

He is above all things,
over things, in all things,
controls all things.

Wherefore art thou, my God?

“Speaking to you.
Are you listening to me?” says the Lord.
“Go forth in peace,
in triumph, in justice.”

Don’t fall aside.

“Remember and remember.
Listen when I call.
For I am God. I made you,” says the Lord.