Baby Steps to Revival

I'm one of those people in the world that has a driving need to get everything done "now".

Whatever I'm working on, I'm trying to think of a better, faster way to finish it. But, at some point, you realize your future progress depends on how well you're applying the basics. When we want more of God in our lives and in our hearts, we can put our emphasis on any number of things, but the Lord said we'd be marked by only one thing: our love (John 13:35)

There are many things that can hinder revival, the Lord's renewal in our lives and in the lives of others, but this week we're only focusing on this one aspect. While very basic, love is supreme. To that end, author Frank Viola writes on the subject of "The Forgotten Words of Jesus", helping us to see the connection between how we treat others and ultimately, how we treat ourselves.

Doug Stringer contributes on the subject of "Revival Preparation" and how our lives must become the life of Christ to bring life and renewal to others. The first chapter of their newest books are available for free download here:

The Untold Story of the New Testament Church by Frank Viola.
Hope for a Fatherless Generation by Doug Stringer.

Also, a reminder that we are reorganizing our communique, and moving our list to a new service. Many of you have already received e-mails asking to re-confirm your subscription; for others, this will happen very soon. If you want to be sure to continue this service, just make sure you are watchful for this notification. If you're unsure and would like to be certain of your status, go to www.destinyimage.com to sign-up via the form on the bottom of our website.

Sincerely in Christ,

Sarah Baker

The Forgotten Words of Jesus

by Frank Viola

As long as I've been a Christian, I've noted two spiritual pillars that are incredibly difficult to keep in mind. They are all-too easy to forget. One is to rejoice in our suffering. The other is to put ourselves in the shoes of another person whenever we're dealing on the level of human relationships. I will confess that I've had a hard time remembering these two things. I'm in need of constant reminding of them.

And so is every other Christian.

So often, you and I are put in situations that involve other people, whether they be Christians or non-Christians. Our spiritual instincts always urge and prompt us to love . . . for God is love. But what does love look like on the ground? And how do we know if we're really loving others? I believe it will always look like this . . . "Treat others the way you would want to be treated if you were in their situation." In the words of our Lord: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Consequently, if you don't wish for your motives to be imputed with evil, then don't impute others with evil motives. If you don't wish to be judged, then don't judge others. If you don't wish to be gossiped about, then don' t gossip about others. If you don't wish to be personally attacked, then don't attack others personally. If you wish for others to give you the benefit of the doubt and think the best of you, then give others the benefit of the doubt and think the best of them. If you wish to be treated with kindness and understanding, then treat others with kindness and understanding. If you wish to be forgiven, then forgive others, etc. I believe that in whatever situation we find ourselves in, if we would simply ask ourselves this question before God . . . "How would I wish to be treated if  I were in this situation?" . . . His mind would become quite clear to us.

That simple question would cut down so much of our prayers where we "seek God," asking, "Lord, how do I deal with such-and-such ... what's your mind on this situation which involves so-and-so?"

Now here's a wild thought. What would happen if beginning today, every Christian on the planet would treat everyone else the way they would want to be treated? What would it do for the church, for the Kingdom of God, for the world, and for those non-Christians who are turned off by Christianity because of how Christians treat one another? (You know, like Gandhi who said: "I would become a Christian if it weren't for the Christians"). Consider that for a moment.

Undoubtedly, this won't happen until Christ sets the world right. But each of us can begin to ask the Lord to make this real in our own lives now . . . today.

Living by Christ . . . living by Divine life . . .  manifests itself in this way: Treating others the way we would want to be treated in every situation. For that is the conduct of Divine life. And the nature of Divine life is love.

Revival Preparation pt. 1

by Doug Stringer

What will it take to obtain both personal victories and breakthroughs for our city and nation?  God so desires to satisfy the longing of our souls and the cry of our hearts. He has a destiny He intends us to fulfill individually and corporately. Discouragements, disappointments and distractions have caused some of us to forget the Lord's promises, dreams and visions for us.  Though at times we may feel spiritually and physically barren, with great odds stacked up against us, the Lord wants to fulfill His purposes through us.

God wants to turn our difficulties into victories, and our barrenness into the birthing of revival.... As the late revivalist Leonard Ravenhill said, "God doesn't just answer prayer; He answers desperate prayer." God sees our need but wants us to come honestly and openly before Him with all of our fears, insecurities, disappointments and sins. When we do, He will replace our facades with His healing virtue and power.  That's the beginning of personal breakthrough.

Webster's dictionary just touches the surface of defining what revival really is. "A period of renewed religious interest." I believe it is so much more than that.  It's a renewed relationship with the Lord and realization that only He can satisfy. From that posture, we will accomplish His purposes in and through us. It's an awakening to the reality that many people still need to know the love of the Father.  You and I are the conduits to demonstrate that love.

We are living in some intense, yet exciting times.  As we follow the unfolding of daily news and events, we are faced with world challenges and global uncertainties -causing some to despair and fear. The current economic crisis is allowing us to grasp how connected our world really is.  It is as if Luke 21 is happening before our very eyes through the shakings of famines, earthquakes, pestilence, uprisings and rumors of wars.
As we read on in Luke 21 verse 13 the words leap off the page as an encouragement and prophetic promise to us: "But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony."  The inference is that the challenges and shakings we experience can become an opportunity for us to testify of His faithfulness and greatness.  In fact, Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (NKJ)  We who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (see Rev 12:11) can be a reflection of the Lord to a world in need. God's intended purpose is that even through our trials, multitudes will be pointed to Jesus. 

© 2009 Destiny Image, Inc.
Destiny Image and the Destiny Image Logo are registered trademarks of Destiny Image Publishers, Inc..
View this e-mail in your browser. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe Instantly.