Downpour

I recently picked up a book titled, "Downpour" by James Macdonald. This book was no mere accident or coincidence. Around a year ago, one of my fellow staff members at my church went through this study. During that time, he experienced a time of refreshment and joy. Where did that joy come from? How was he refreshed? Those questions led my curiosity to pick up the book and read it. Friend, this is a must read for anyone that wants help in obeying and living out the Scriptures.

The book led me on a journey last week that brought such everlasting joy that my soul could not even imagine. For many months and even years, I neglected the direction of the Spirit to obey certain passages. Matthew 18:15-18 was the major passage that dealt directly with my sin...unresolved tension and hurt toward another. Last week, by God's irresistible grace, I was rewarded the gift of His reconciliation as I practiced what Matthew 18 commands. After 3 separate talks/meetings, the 3 individuals that were once separated from me by a prideful wall were drawn closer to me with sweet humble forgiveness. It's hard to go to someone for the purpose of reconciliation. In fact, I would dare to say...nobody wants to do it. I'm ashamed that there are many...perhaps some in leadership, that are ignoring this command. Friend, stop right now and read Matthew 18. Pray for a downpour of the Spirit to lead you to peace and restoration with anyone that you have wronged, or for anyone that has wronged you.

Another downpour in my life came from reading 1 John 1. We are commanded to live our lives in daily confession/repentance. Are you doing this? It's not easy either! A sweet time of worship for me is to seek the Spirit's Crucifixion over my sin and to allow the death I have experienced in Christ to ignite my life in Him to radiate His glory. It's very hard to lead, preach, and teach, without practicing the joy of daily confession/repentance. It's needed. It's commissioned. Don't be satisfied with a prayer in your lifetime to cover all...that will reveal to you the true condition of your heart! (Matthew 6:21).

Jesus came 2,000 years ago, to die an embarrassing and humbling 6 hour death...for the daily sins I seek forgiveness for daily. He died not for my happiness, pleasure, or dominion. He died, out of obedience to His Father, for the ushering of our perfect righteousness, so one day; our tired bodies will experience the everlasting pouring of God's glory. Friend, have you repented (to turn away from breaking God's law, and turning to Jesus who bled for your sins), and confessed Jesus as Lord? Experience a downpour today. Enjoy the gift of His eternal presence in life. Seek Him daily as the deer sought for some water (Psalm 42), or the Psalmist sought for his hunger to be satisfied (Psalm 34).

Churches need a downpour of revival. It will come when pride is eliminated, Scripture is obeyed, and love toward God first, and man second, is truly applied. May God grant us grace today to do what He has called us to do.

Soli Deo Gloria!