Two Thousand Miles of Prayer

WHY DID the FIRE FALL IN 1857?
-compiled by David Smithers

Two Thousand Miles of Prayer

The climax of the awakening came in 1857. Noonday prayer meetings
were started in New York, Philadelphia and other cities. Then the
movement spread with lightning-like speed throughout the land. In
Philadelphia it is said that three thousand people attended the
noonday prayer meetings, and in Chicago some two thousand
were in attendance day by day. In one of Mr. Finney's meetings in
Boston a man arose and said: I am from Omaha, in Nebraska. On
my journey East I have found a continuous prayer meeting all the
way. We call it two thousand miles from Omaha to Boston; and
here was a prayer meeting about two thousand miles in extent."
The entire country was stirred by these noonday prayer meetings.

Rev. John Shearer in his book on "Old Time Revivals" said: "In
answer to the Church's united cry, ascending from all parts of the
land, the Spirit of God in a very quiet way, and suddenly, through-
out the whole extent of the United States, renewed the Church's
life, and awakened in the community around it a great thirst for
God. When the Church awoke to the full consciousness of the
miracle, it found that from east and west, and from north and south,
the whole land was alive with daily prayer meetings. And it was in
these daily united prayer meetings that the great majority of these
conversions, of all ages and classes, took place. The divine fire
appeared in the most unlikely quarters. A large number of the
elderly were converted and gathered in. White-haired penitents
knelt with little children at the Throne of Grace. Whole families of
Jews were brought to their Messiah. Deaf mutes were reached by
the glad tidings, and though their tongues were still, their faces
so shone that they became effective messengers of the gospel.
The most hardened infidels were melted, some being led to Christ
by the hand of a little child."

Continuous Prayer 

C. H. Spurgeon commenting on this great move of the Spirit said:
"In the City of New York at this present moment, there is not, I
believe one single hour of the day where Christians are not gathered
together for prayer. One church opens its doors from 5 o'clock till
six for prayer; another church opens from six to seven and summons
its praying men to offer the sacrifice of supplication. Six o'clock is
past, and men are gone to their labor . Another class find it then
convenient - such as those, perhaps, who go to business at eight
or nine - and from seven to eight there is another prayer meeting.
From eight to nine there is another, in another part of the city, and
what is most marvelous, at high noon, from twelve to one, in the
midst of the city of New York, there is held a prayer meeting in a
large room, which is crammed to the doors every day, with
hundreds standing outside. This prayer meeting is made up of
merchants of the city, who can spare a quarter of an hour to go in
and say word of prayer and then leave again; and then a fresh
company come in to fill up the ranks, so that it is supposed that
many hundreds assemble in that one place for prayer during the
appointed hour. This is the explanation of the revival!"

Prayer: A Divine Attraction 

Samuel Prime in his book "The Power of Prayer" described the
effects the revival had upon New York City, "The prayer-meeting
became one of the institutions of the city. Christians in distant
parts of the country heard of them. They prayed for the prayer-
meetings. When they visited the city, the prayer-meeting was the
place to which they resorted. The museum or theatre had no such
attractions. Returning, they set up similar meetings at home. The
Spirit followed, and the same displays of grace were seen in other
cities, and in the country, that were so marvelous in New York.
So the work spread, until the year has become remarkable in the
history of the Church. This revival is to be remembered through all
coming ages as simply an answer to prayer."

-Source-

awakeandgo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=6

FLOODED by THE LOVE OF GOD

 
The MOST DIFFICULT MESSAGE:


FLOODED by THE LOVE OF GOD
by David Wilkerson

The Father loves you! It is at this point of understanding that
multitudes of believers fail God. They are willing to be convicted
of sin and failure, over and over again, but they will not allow the
Holy Spirit to flood them with the love of the Father.

The legalist loves to live under conviction. He has never understood
the love of God or allowed the Holy Spirit to minister that love to
his soul.

We at Times Square Church have taught that the righteous person,
the true lover of Jesus, loves reproof. He learns to welcome having
the Holy Spirit expose all the hidden areas of sin and unbelief-
because the more he deals with sin, the happier and freer he becomes.

The attitudes I see in response to my ministry newsletter messages
vary. When I write a message that thunders with judgment, I get
overwhelmingly approving responses. When I share about the
sweetness and love of Jesus, I receive letters saying, "You are
not preaching the truth anymore!" It is as though these people are
saying, "If you are not reproving, then what you are saying cannot
be the gospel."

Such believers have never entered into the great love-mission of
the Holy Spirit. This is an area where you must learn to walk in
the Spirit and not by feelings! Walking in the Spirit means allowing
the Holy Spirit to do in you what He was sent to do. And that
means allowing Him to flood your heart right now with the love of
God! "Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the
Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5).

Isaiah said, "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort
you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem" (Isaiah 66:13). Isaiah
was writing to a stubborn people of God who "went on frowardly
[rebelliously] in the way of [their] heart" (Isaiah 57:17).

-Source-

http://sermons.worldchallenge.org/en/node/28149

© 2012 World Challenge. All rights reserved. PO Box 260, Lindale,
TX 75771-0260, (903) 963-8626

7 Characteristics Pastors Can Learn from Peyton Manning

By Greg Atkinson

Sunday night I, like many of you, watched Peyton Manning (Quarterback of the Denver Broncos) set an all-time record for most touchdowns in NFL history. As I celebrated his achievement and performance, I reflected on what makes Peyton so special and what we, as pastors, can learn from him.

1. Passion: Peyton Manning’s passion for the game of football is evident. He loves to play and though he may look serious (with his game face on), he’s having a blast on the field. We, as leaders in the Church, should have passion as well.
   Danger: When being a pastor becomes your identity and you are, as Craig Groeschel once said, “A full-time pastor and a part-time disciple.”
2. Commitment: Who knows the countless hours Peyton Manning has spent studying film, practicing with his offensive line and receivers, working out and strengthening his arm and body? Peyton is committed to the game of football. He doesn’t do anything halfway. He’s all-in. If you pastor a congregation, you should be committed to that church and to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
   Danger: When you don’t have a life outside the church. You need to be an engaged and committed husband and father. You need to have hobbies. You need to learn to laugh. Don’t take yourself too seriously (read this).
3. Driven: Any fan of the game can see that Peyton is a driven athlete. He’s extremely competitive and can’t stand to lose. For Peyton, his goal every year is a Super Bowl championship. It’s Super Bowl champs or bust. We, as pastors, need to be driven by the mission of the Church, specifically the Great Commission. We should always be looking to reach more people with the gospel.
   Danger: When we make attendance, budgets and baptism numbers the end all, be all. We have to see people as precious in God’s sight and not targets. Build relationships with people. Don’t use them to increase your metrics. Also be on the alert of becoming or enabling a work-a-holic atmosphere. Keep manageable office hours and don’t neglect your family.
4. Excellence: Peyton Manning is the poster-child for excellence in the NFL. He holds too many records to list. He excels at everything he does. As leaders, we need to lead with excellence (that’s what my next book is about). We need to show we care about our calling, our career and our churches. Lead courageously. Lead well.
   Danger: When we confuse excellence with perfection. There is no such thing as a perfect church.
5. Didn’t quit: Peyton injured his neck and could have retired from the game and would have been a first ballot Hall of Famer. He didn’t need to ever play again and he could have gone on to other things, but instead he had multiple neck surgeries, went through extensive physical therapy and rehab and worked hard to get back to the game he so desperately loves. He didn’t give up when most would have, like when his team, the Indianapolis Colts, released him and doubted his ability to play at an elite level post-surgery. Too many pastors quit right before a major breakthrough in their ministry. As I have stated in both of my books, I’m a big believer in longterm ministry. I think you need to plant roots in a community and give your life to something significant.
   Danger: When you don’t know when to step down. Too many pastors don’t have a plan for a successful succession. Dr. Gene Getz modeled this for me years ago and has been a hero of mine for a long time. I also encourage you to check out my friend William Vanderbloemen’s new book Next: Pastoral Succession That Works.
6. High Standards: Peyton expects greatness from himself and his team. For two decades of ministry leadership, I have expected a lot from myself and from others (my staff and volunteers). I don’t think it’s wrong to ask for commitment and excellence from your team.
   Danger: We must be people of grace. We must have grace for ourselves when we fail. We must have grace for others when they let us down.
7. Character: Peyton Manning is known for being a class-act. He’s a good person on the field and off. He’s not involved in scandals, suspensions or problems with the law (like many other athletes.) As leaders, we need to be men and women of character.
   Danger: When the public self and the private self don’t line up. If you’re an amazing preacher at church, but a horrible husband and father and/or addict at home – you need to repent and seek help. Go to counseling and confide in another pastor that you trust. Pastors need friends they can be real with.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

By Jeffrey Beall (Cropped from File:Peyton Manning – Broncos.jpg) CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pastors, Deepen Your Walk and God Will Broaden Your Influence

By Ronnie Floyd

Every pastor wants to make a significant impact with his life and through his ministry. This passion and vision is true regardless of the size of the ministry you lead today.
When I was younger, I wanted to make a difference in a major way. I still do today. When I was in a smaller church, I wanted to have an impactful ministry. I still do today.
What is the secret?
Deepen Your Walk
Pastor, if you want to have a broad influence in your life and ministry, it all begins by deepening your walk with God daily. I am firmly convinced that God’s pathway to impact begins with a growing depth in your personal walk with God. There are no shortcuts!
The Bible reminds us in James 4:10,

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Additionally, we read in Psalm 75:6-7,

For promotion does not come from the east, west, nor south; God is the judge. He puts down one and sets up another.

While there is a factor that God alone determines, the value of our unqualified pursuit of the Lord Himself is undeniable. And while we cannot control what God may choose to do with us sovereignly, we can pursue our relationship and fellowship with Him personally.
Therefore, how can a pastor deepen his walk with God?

1. Be consistent in a daily time with God, filling your mind with God’s Word, growing in your personal prayer life, and pursuing His face relentlessly.
2. Pursue holiness, putting aside thoughts, choices, and habits that distract you from Christ rather than lead you to Him. Again, pursue His face relentlessly.
3. Trust the Lord alone for your future. He knows what is best for you, even when you do not. Refuse any human manipulation or politics to gain a position or increase your influence.

Therefore, as you prioritize deepening your walk with God, trust the Lord with everything else.
Broadening Your Influence
Broadening your influence is not up to you, your friends, or even your denomination. It is in the hands of God. Why?
For years, I have observed men attempt to manipulate their future in all kinds of ways. There was a day I tried to do the same. But as God has constantly moved upon me, leading me into moments of brokenness, I have learned that God alone is the one who broadens our influence.
I often tell pastors these words: If you want a broader influence in ministry, it all begins with deepening your walk with God daily.
Your motives determine your future, not just your vision. Your prayer life determines your future even more than your vision. Your prayer life will never surpass your commitment to daily deposit the Word of God into your life.
Pastor, when your daily walk with God results in a hot heart for God, then your ego is under the Lordship of Christ. When the Holy Spirit is developing your giftedness through quality ministry experience, then God may be preparing you for more in your future. All of these things together will result in God broadening your influence.
In His way and in His time, He may choose to do it for His glory.
A Final Reminder
God determines your geography, not you. Release your future to God by dying to your desires geographically.
God determines your influence, not you. Surrender your life daily to His Lordship, being content wherever you are and with whatever God has you doing in your life right now.
God determines your future, not you. When you committed your life to Jesus Christ, you died to your own desires. When you surrendered your life to God’s calling in ministry, you declared your future was completely the Lord’s, not yours.
He alone determines whether you are in Abilene or Africa, North America or South America, or ministering nationally or internationally.
Let it go. He has you in the palm of His hand. There is no safer place to be.

THE CURSE of MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING

THE CURSE of MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING
by Conrad Mbewe

Last Sunday, a young man came to see me after our church service.
He is the kind of guy who shows up at church once in a while and
then disappears for a season. My guess is that he goes around
churches sampling sermons and looking for answers. On this visit,
he asked that I help him to overcome a failure in his life, and it was
a failure to progress. He said that his greatest problem is that he
does not believe in himself. Could I help him believe in himself so
that he could become successful?

I asked him whether he was a Christian. His answer was, "Do I
really need to be a Christian in order to be successful? Are you
telling me that all those successful people out there are Christians?
Aren´t there general principles that I can apply to my life-whether
I am a Christian or not-that can catapult me to success?" I
challenged him to answer that question himself. After all, I was
sure he had done enough rounds among motivational speakers to
have the answer.

"That is the problem," he said, "I have been told that such principles
exist and I have tried them. They seem to work for a while and then
I am back to my old self again. I want you to help me find that
formula that will help me go forward and never slide back to the
place where I do not believe in myself." To cut the long story short,
I finally persuaded him of the need for reconciliation with God
before anyone can break free from the frustrating rut that God
locks unreconciled sinners in.

I gave him a booklet to read, entitled, What is a Biblical Christian?
When we met the following day, he was honest enough to tell me
that he was disappointed with what he read because it was not
telling him what he wanted to hear. "What I want to know is how
I can be successful. This booklet did not say anything about that."
I repeated what I told him earlier. What he needed was not belief
in himself but belief in a Saviour sent from heaven. He needed
forgiveness as a foundation for his life.

Yesterday, a church member told me that he met the young man
in the local market. He had two booklets in his hands. The first
was the one I had given him and the second one was by Joel
Osteen. He told our member, "Pastor Mbewe gave me this book
but I don´t like it because it makes me feel guilty. I prefer this one
by Joel Osteen because it lifts me up. It motivates me." I am very
concerned about this and so I decided to put some thoughts
together about the curse of motivational speaking.

Sadly, motivational speaking has become the staple diet of many
evangelical pulpits. The message being heard is, "God has put the
potential in you and all you need to do is believe in yourself to
unlock that potential. Have a grand vision and live out that vision.
You must be a man or woman of destiny and the sky will be the
limit for you. Don´t let your past failures get in your way of success.
Look beyond them, as Jesus looked beyond the cross and thus
overcame it. You are the head and not the tail. "

In the light of the plethora of motivational speaking, it begs the
question, "Is this how Old Testament and New Testament preachers
preached?" If I summarise the preaching of Noah, Moses, Elijah,
Isaiah, Jonah, Paul, Peter, etc., in the Bible, is this the kind of
message that I will find there? I do not think so. Granted, motivational
speakers borrow words from these men, but borrowing someone´s
words is not the same thing as saying what he is saying. "A text
without a context is a pretext."

My chief quarrel with motivational speaking is that it reduces God
to a means rather than an end. Men and women are not made to
see that the nature of SIN lies in the letter "I" in the middle of the
word. Instead, motivational speaking feeds that same ego and
points to God as the one who can spoil it to the point of intoxication.
That is a lie! It is God alone who must be at the centre of our lives.
Christianity demands a dying to self, a taking up of one´s cross,
and a following after a suffering Saviour.

Whenever I listen to motivational speaking, I seem to hear the
message, "Peace, peace," where there is no peace. It sounds to
me like a doctor assuring a patient who has terminal cancer in its
final stages that he should not worry because all will be okay if he
only believes in himself. The guy is dying, man, for crying out loud!
It is the height of insincerity if a preacher knows that the wages
of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and instead makes those heading
for the slaughterhouse feel nice.

Motivational speaking makes people feel good, whereas the gospel
first makes people feel bad-until they find their all in Christ. True
preaching must make people face the fact that they are living in
rebellion against God and that they need to repent or they will
perish. It is only as people recognise this and cry out, "What shall
we do to be saved?" (Acts 2:37, 16:30) that true preaching gives
them the good news, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved" (Romans 10:13).

Motivational speaking is an attempt at trying to kill a charging lion
with a pea-gun, using freshly cooked peas, spiced with the most
aromatic seasonings. The aroma may be tantalizing to the taste
buds, but it is totally useless in bringing down that ferocious beast.
Men and women outside Christ are DEAD in trespasses and sins.
Exciting their senses with nice-sounding platitudes will not give
them life. They need the law to kill their fallen egos and the gospel
of Jesus Christ to give them life.

I know that motivational speaking is filling up our church buildings
until they look like football stadiums. In this world of misery and
gloom, we can all do with some encouragement. But is that all
that we were called to do as preachers? What good is it if men feel
inspired and motivated, and then go back home to live a life of sin
and selfishness? Sadly this is the norm in so many evangelical
churches. The churches are filled to capacity with people
determined to drink sin like water the whole week.

Motivational speaking is not biblical preaching. It is a blight on the
landscape of true evangelicalism. It is filling the churches with
dead people who are being told to live as if they are alive. We
need to return to the good old gospel that truly gives life to the
dead and sets men and women free. Like Paul of old, every truly
evangelical pulpit must sound out the clear message of
"repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ"
(Acts 20:21). Let us get rid of this curse of motivational speaking!

-Source-

www.conradmbewe.com/2012/06/curse-of-motivational-speaking.html

GREAT QUOTES from RAVENHILL

GREAT QUOTES from RAVENHILL


"When there´s something in the Bible that churches don´t like,
they call it legalism."
- Leonard Ravenhill

"No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not
praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying.
We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and
payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors,
few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion;
many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters.
Failing here, we fail everywhere."
- Leonard Ravenhill

"Preacher, keep your knees on the ground & your eyes on the throne."
- Leonard Ravenhill

"You can't live wrong and pray right."
- Leonard Ravenhill

"There are two kinds of people in the world-only two kinds. Not
black or white, rich or poor, but those either dead in sin or dead to sin."
- Leonard Ravenhill