“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. If you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard.” I Peter 3:7 (New Living Translation).

It seems to become more and rarer that one has a happy marriage with longevity in that relationship. I have both. Having been married for forty-five years, I feel that I can speak with some authority as to how to keep the “love light” glowing. My marriage has not been a perfect one but it remains vibrant and Anne and I are more in love than we have ever been. This has not happened accidentally. Here are a few pointers I have learned along the journey of marriage. Maybe you can benefit from some of my successes and mistakes.

1. Commit yourself to making it work! Covenant with your partner that “divorce” will be stricken from your vocabulary.

2. Realize that you must work at maintaining your marriage every day of your life. Letting the relationship slip can be fatal.

3. If possible, Center on Jesus Christ and His will and way. It’s not so much a matter of you having your way or your spouse having his or her way. It’s Christ’s way that is essential to maintain the relationship.

4. Listen to your spouse. Really listen! So many of us hear so little of what our spouses are really saying.

5. Communicate! Communicate! Communicate! Our spouses often want the details
of our day and we only give the “headlines.” Take time to converse.

6. Recognize the Importance of Timing! Some much of what we say or even do is a
matter of choosing the proper time.

7. Show more attention and affection to your spouse than you do to others.

8. Be sure there is no doubt in your children’s minds, that you love their mom or dad.

9. Never criticize your spouse to your friends and especially to your parents (or hers).

10. Keep the romance in your relationship. Go on dates together. Enjoy one another’s
company. Don’t always be so practical and frugal. Occasionally splurge on your spouse.

11. Commit yourselves to grow together, spiritually and intellectually. Read books to
Each other. Listen to tapes and CD’s. Attend lectures, concerts and conferences together.

12. Find as many ways as you can to say “I love you.” (In word and in deed).

13. Don’t let your spouse find out from others what he or she should have heard from you.

14. Laugh together! Find things that make you laugh. It’s great medicine for the marriage.

Since we have just observed Valentine less than a month ago (February 14) I will limit my “Check List” to fourteen points. They have worked for me and they will work for you. Marriage is a great adventure! A great laboratory for living! A great way to spend the rest of your life IF you work at it!

Jim Bevis, President, CSR Ministries

My parents taught me to be respectful of all people regardless of race or color.

On occasion, however, I saw, in their lives and mine, the "ugly head of racism."

More than once have I confessed to my friends the racism of my past. They have graciously forgiven me.

I would like to believe it has all been rooted out, but on occasion, I see glimpses of a residue of prejudice and racism that must be dealt with.

These are some of the questions that have helped me examine myself.

I must admit that I have at one time or the other been guilty of all of these.

* How do I respond to humor involving people of color?

* Why do I have such a difficult time remembering names of people of color?

Are there names not as important as mine?

* How do I react to the increased presence and participation of people of color on television or in other avenues of media?

* Do I ever speak to a person of another race in a condescending way?

* Do I set a higher standard of morality, integrity and conduct for people of color than I do for myself or my own race?

* Do I ever characterize an entire race as being lazy, shiftless, dumb or distrustful?

* Am I surprised when a person of color makes an important contribution in a conversation or meeting?

* Can I accept black people not only in the pew with me but in the pulpit or on the leadership team of the church I attend?

* Do I limit my contacts with people of color to casual contacts and surface conversation?

* Have I ever had people of color in my home on a social occasion?

* Do I, in any way, look down upon a person who has married one of another race?

* Do I consider my race to be more intellectual or have higher character qualities than those of another race?

* What does it stir within me to think that a family of color might move next door to me?

* Do I recognize and receive the deposits of race and gifts that God has placed in another race?

I do not consider myself an expert on race relations or on the bringing together of the church across racial lines, but I believe that I see things that we can do that might result in progress.

* We must embrace the good done by the civil rights movement and more specifically King.

The "white church" has been slow in doing this.

* We must begin to support by our attendance and participation at events that are held in the African-American churches.

* We must partner with African-American churches and other churches of color in reaching the whole community. I believe this includes both our participation as well as the sharing of resources.

May God give us the desire and power to deal with these issues as well as others that do not reflect our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jim Bevis is president of CSR Ministries.

"Seek the peace of the city .. and pray to the Lord for it, for in its peace you will have peace."
-- Jeremiah 29:7-New King James Version

Times Daily (Dec 4, 2004)
Jim Bevis

As a part of the Ministry of Encouragement we launched in mid-January, I have visited with 69 pastors and ministers in the Shoals. In addition, my wife and I have visited the Sunday services of some 40 Shoals churches.

From this exposure I have to ministers and churches across the Shoals, I have done an informal assessment of the state of health of Shoals churches. I am aware that there are exceptions in both the "strengths" and "area of needed improvement" sections. These are my views and they do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else.

Currents strengths of the church in the Shoals:

Overall, I believe the church of the Shoals is in a better state of health than it has been in at least 20 years. The "coming together" of the Quad-Cities on the RSA project and new leadership in our governments is positioning our area, including the churches, for greater growth. Now to some of the specifics I have observed regarding the churches that are encouraging.

* The church in the Shoals is more united than it's been in 100 years. Many are praying, meeting and working together.

* A kingdom agenda is emerging among the churches. There is more emphasis on the advancement of the Kingdom of God and less on individual churches.

* The Shoals "pulpit" is now healthier. The word is going forth in power and conviction.

* Renewal is moving into the mainstream of Shoals churches and denominations. No longer is contemporary worship, "power encounters" and the ministry of the Holy Spirit seen only in the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches.

* Marketplace ministry is emerging as people of God in business and commerce are seeing themselves as ministers and their work as ministry.

* Christ's church is becoming more and more a "house of prayer." All-night prayer meetings, concerts of prayer, prayer conferences and 24/7 prayer gatherings are taking place.

* We are beginning to get a "handle on the land." The Tennessee River Prayer Initiative and other "spiritual mapping" projects have increased our awareness of land issues and the consequences of what happened on the land in the past.

Areas where the church of the Shoals need to improve -- again from my perspective:

* We are not making any significant progress in the church coming together across racial and ethnic lines. There is still much suspicion, hurt and distrust.

* Sectarianism and denominationalism is still alive in pockets. Some groups are still "doing their own thing" with little regard for others.

* In some circles, there is still too much attention given to buildings, institutions, traditions and "wineskins" and not enough to relationships and the reality of Jesus Christ. I believe there is too much emphasis on "the gathered church" and not enough emphasis on "the extended church."

* There seems to be little interest and activity in the fields of outreach and personal evangelism. Across the board, we are ineffective in reaching the unreached and the unchurched and there are many of both.

* Kingdom resources or, if you prefer, God's money is still tied up in the Shoals.

Many of us believe that God is "positioning" things in the Shoals for a major breakthrough and a season of city and area transformation.

We must cooperate.

Jim Bevis, of Florence, is president of CRS Ministries.

THE CHURCH OF MY HEART’S DESIRE

“to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:21

As I am quickly approaching the sunset of my life an ministry I find myself more easily discouraged with the state of affairs in the organized church and I find it even more difficult to find the “remnant church” where Christi is truly glorified as King, Lord and Head of His body. For years I have dreamed of a church that would experience and share the fullness of the Living Lord Jesus Christ. I have yet to find it in its entirety although I have had glimpses from time to time.

Let me be quick to say that:

I believe the church, as Christ envisioned it, is truly a part of God’s plan and holds a place of great importance to Him. For this reason, I cannot abandon my pursuit. It is near to the heart of God.

I believe the church, as Christ envisioned it, can be a powerful force in spreading the kingdom of His dear Son. I see His church as being a kingdom outpost to His glory wherever it is faithfully operative.

I believe the institutional church, as it exists today, in most part, is a far cry from that which He purchased with His blood. (Acts. 20: 28) I’m not sure He would recognize His fingerprints on what we call the organized Christian church. Neither am I sure that we would recognize Him if He physically manifested Himself in our midst.

I believe Christ has one church on earth and everyone who has bowed his heart to Christ, by faith, is a member of that body. His people can be found in many denominations and “non-denominations.” I believe the Bible teaches that Christ saves individuals not church bodies although the church constitutes the saved from every tribe and kindred. I believe that no one church or denomination has all of the truth nor does it have a monopoly on the one true church. I’m confident that there is not any one group to whom the Lord can entrust the whole truth. I believe that is why we need each other.

Personally, I can worship and benefit from almost any church gathering where Christ is revered as Savior and Lord and where the Word of God is the sole authority. Anne and I frequently worship with “high” and “low” churches, charismatic and non-charismatic, denominational and non-denominational. We find His presence and His people in many diverse places.

THE CHURCH THAT I LONG FOR

Over the years I have developed my own mental checklist of what I am looking for and what I most desire to be present in His people. Of course I realize that the call is not mine to make and it’s not my preferences that really matter. These are the things that matter to me and I believe them to coincide with His plan, purpose and destiny for His church.

1. I am looking for a church where the Lordship of Jesus is a living reality. Oh I know that we confess Him s Lord in our creeds and congregations. We sing “Jesus is Lord” and “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” but isn’t there more to it than that? Does He not want to be Lord of every aspect of church life? Is He really consulted as the living Lord on every decision? Should we not wait on Him and His word before taking any step? (2 Corinthians 4:5, Philippians 2:11)
   
2. I am looking for a church where the government of God is fully embraced. Many of us have been guilty of choosing the parts we like and disregarding the parts that make us uncomfortable. I am convinced that the church will not experience the fullness of Christ until she embraces the five “offices” Christ set in the church. (Ephesians 4:11,12). I want to be a part of a body where I am exposed to the apostolic and the prophetic as well as the pastors, teachers and evangelists. The input of all of these greatly contribute toward the building of a healthy body.
   
3. I am looking for a church where the focus is on relationships rather than rituals, programs and buildings. We are created for relationships. He has said that this is number one priority with Him. (Matthew 22:37,38) Next in His order is our relationships, one with another. Walking out these truths, especially the “one anothering” is all but impossible in large churches that do not incorporate small groups into their church life. We always seem to wind up “majoring in the minors” and “minoring in the majors.” We’re looking for a church that focuses on building people rather than the oft obsession with building bigger and better buildings.
   
4. I am looking for a church with a harvest focus. (Matthew 9: 37, John 4:35) The Lord said to one set of leaders I worked with, “Do all you do in the light of the harvest.” Can you imagine how much could be eliminated and how many resources could be reinvested in “the kingdom’s spread” if we measured everything we do by the harvest standard?
   
5. I am looking for a church where body life is fully embraced and practiced. I am aware that most of us subscribe to the teaching of body life, but there is much more “talk than walk” in this regard. I’ve been a part of more than one congregation where a single pastor preaches four or five times in the same place in any given week. The rest of the congregation, full of gifted people, is relegated to the pew. The Scripture is clear that the saints are equipped for the work of the ministry. (Ephesians 4:12) Why is the average pastor so reluctant in releasing the ministry to the people? I think I know.
   
6. I want to be a member of a church that has a kingdom focus and a kingdom agenda. A church that seems itself as a part of the city church and is committed to become, along with other kingdom churches, a transforming force in their city. I know that this will stir things with some, but I believe there is entirely too much emphasis placed on the local congregation in Christianity today. The New Testament’s emphasis is on the whole church in a city. Check me out. (I Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:2, Ephesians 1:1, etc. etc.)
   
7. I want to be a member of a church that operates in the power of God in touching broken, hurting and lost people. Power evangelism and power ministry should be the “order of the day” and seen as normal church life, unfortunately it is the abnormal. Someone has accused the contemporary church as being a “talking cult.” There may be some truth to this. We are certainly more talk than demonstration of power although the emphasis of New Testament ministry is on both proclamation and demonstration. ( I Corinthians 2:4, I Thessalonians 1:5)
   
8. I want to be a member of a church that embraces all of the streams of the river of God. Psalm 46:4 says “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God.” Anne and I have been made glad by what we have experience in the Contemplative stream, the Evangelical stream, the Holiness stream, the Social Justice stream and the Charismatic stream. We find in each of them a “deposit” that we need, and the whole body needs, to fully mature in Him. What a tragedy to close the door to what God is doing in other streams? What an even greater tragedy to believe that “our stream” is the river rather than a stream in the river.
   
9. I want to be part of a church that is multi-racial and receives ALL of the people of God regardless of color, class, nationality or gender. We believe the Bible teaches that He has placed a unique deposit in each of the people groups. We want to grow from being a part of God’s “blended” people. The saints of God are described as having come from “every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9) Why not enjoy and benefit from “a little bit of heaven on earth” since that is what the Lord prayed (Matthew 6:10) and what it will be like in heaven.
   
10. I want to be a part of a church where one’s spirituality is measured by what he or she is, measured by the stature of Christ, rather than how many times he or she has attended church in a given week. I am aware of Hebrews 10:25, and I am in church weekly, but God did not intend that the focus of one’s Christian life should be on the weekly gathering of the saved. It seems to me that the focus should be on the extended church rather than the nuclear church. It seems that the real walk and work is to be in the world and not in the church building. Is it possible that we have gotten things “out of order?” Is there really any biblical evidence that says one’s usefulness in the kingdom work should be measured by how many times he has shown up and gotten his attendance checked?
    
11. Last, but really first, I long for a church where there is Life. Before I pass on I want to be a part of a life-giving church. There is so much death in religion. We have done to Christianity what even His enemies could not do. We have made it, in many places, the most boring hour of the week. The life I’m looking for is not produced by hype, noise or solemnity. It is the life of the living Lord Jesus Christ. He came to bring life. His church is characterized by life, His life and I believe that people will come for miles around to experience that life.
    I could go on and on describing the church I desire, but hopefully this is enough to get us to think.

If not, how about:

A church where there is great grace shown toward all

A church where worshipping God is central

A church where the gospel of the kingdom is reached

A church that is inclusive rather than exclusive

A church that is an organism rather than an organization

A church where all of the fullness of Christ is embraced

A church where there is loving authority and accountability

RESOLVING THE DILEMMA

I have pretty much concluded that I will not find a single congregation or denomination that has all of these components to the degree that I feel they should be present. Ideally, I would like to be part of a “Fullness Church” that embraces all of the fullness of Christ, but I can’t find it. At least I haven’t as yet. (If you know where it is, let me know.)

I believe that one of the primary responsibilities of the pastor/shepherd is to see that the flock is fed a balanced meal. If some of the “offices” of Ephesians four are not resident in the church then the pastor should make provisions for his flock to feed from the various offices, streams and components comprising the fullness of the church of Jesus Christ, as He envisioned it.

In the meantime, Anne and I will continue to “cross pollinate” across the width and breadth of the Body of Christ in an attempt to bless and encourage as well as to benefit from the multi-faceted nature of His Body.

Surely we recognize that if we found the perfect church on earth our presence would probably mess it up. So we will keep searching. Keep hoping. Keep praying that His kingdom will come and His will be done on earth as in heaven.

Jim Bevis

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ

"Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not case pain!" So God granted him what he requested." I Chronicles 4:9,10

Through a little book passed along to me and an encouraging word from my wife, I have "discovered" a little prayer in Scripture that I believe, if prayed with the right motive, will change your prayer life and mine, and possibly the prayer life of your church. It is the one verse, four point prayer of an obscure "nobody" named Jabez, mentioned only once in all of Scripture.

We know almost nothing about this "little, big man" who is found in what appears to be an endless sea of names and genealogies. (The verses we always skip over.) Whoever he was, he rose above the difficulties of his life and was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez meaning "pain" or more literally, " he causes (or will case) pain." Can you imagine being pinned with this label of shame for your life? Think of the teasing and taunts Jabez must have received on every side. Apparently his birth was traumatic and his mom marked that by his name for the rest of his life. However, Jabez didn’t let it ruin his life. He, ultimately, appealed to the God of Israel who could not only change his name but change his life and circumstances.

Notice the four point prayer of Jabez and begin to pray it today.

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed." - Whoever said you can’t ask God for blessings for yourself forgot to tell Jabez. This guy was desperate for supernatural favor in his life, and he asked God for it. He not only asked for blessings but he asked for blessings INDEED. In other words, "bless me real good." Jabez was earnestly seeking God for God’s best for himself. He was asking God to extend His supernatural favor toward his life and do something extraordinary. How many of us need extraordinary miracles in our lives and churches? Then why not begin to boldly ask God for them?

" And enlarge my territory." - Jabez’s second request was for enlargement. Literally the phrase means to "enlarge my coasts and expand my borders." Jabez is asking for God to stretch him, to expand his capacity and to broaden his horizons. Are you willing to pray this "dangerous but desperately needed" prayer for yourself and your church. Does God need to enlarge your heart? Or, enlarge your capacity to love and trust? Do you need to have your vision stretched? How about your comfort zones? Begin today asking God to "enlarge your territory." Be sure to fasten your seatbelt.

"That Your hand would be with me." - When God has blessed you real good and stretched your borders then the next logical request of the Father is for His protection, provision, power and to point you in the right direction. When I think of His hand I immediately think of divine guidance and His anointed presence. Both of which make the difference in our lives, family and ministry. Jabez is asking the Lord for the enabling presence, the anointing that breaks the yoke. He is asking for God’s ability, God’s capacity, God’s fulness and God’s unction.

" That You would keep me from evil." - Again, note the divine progression of this little prayer. First, Jabez asked for supernatural favor. Then he asks for enlarged capacity for enlarged capacity followed by a humble request for God’s leading and power. Now he knows, with all of this, he will be a major threat to the enemy and rise to the top of the devil’s hit list. For this reason, Jabez pleads for the Lord’s prtection from evil and the evil one. He knows he will become and increased target. We all know that with increased blessings comes intensified warfare. He is not only praying for victory over temptation and the attacks of the adversary, he is praying that God will keep him away from the temptation and keep the devil at abay in his life. Bruce Wilkinson in his little book on the Prayer of Jabez says, "We make a huge spiritual leap forward, therefore when we begin to focus less on temptation and more on avoiding it." Bruce says it is O.K. to pray that we will not have to fight unnecessary temptation. I agree!

DOING IT ALL OVER AGAIN

Recently, I had the opportunity to share with the Ohio CCF pastors, reflecting on my past forty years of ministry. Regarding my life and ministry, I focused on what I would do differently if I could do it ver again. Well, it is as if God is giving me that opportunity in my golden years. Craig Baird, another CCF pastor, and I have planted a new life-giving, Spirit-empowered church in the Muscle Shoals area of Alabama. Most of you are aware that CSR was given a church plant in January of this year. Christ Church of the Shoals meets in this facility known as the Shoals Renewal and Resource Center.

Not that I didn’t try in previous churches, but we are sincerely trying to " do this one right." We are earnestly seeking to be a part of planting a church, after Christ’s own heart, according to His plan and as He intended His church to be. With God’s orchestration, Christ Church of the Shoals will be a new wineskin church and a part of the new thing God is doing across the land.

What I Am Trying to Do Differently

As we set vision, values and ministry philosophy and lifestyle, these are some of the things I will do differently.

1. Wait on God. In this work, we are trying to avoid presumptuous sin. We are aware of the need to "inquire of the Lord" in everything we say or do. We are committed to finding out where God is already at work and joining Him.
   
2. Begin my day with God. For years this has been a part of my daily walk, but it is not always easy to walk out with consistency, especially when you are overwhelmed with Christian ministry and activity. I am committed to preserving this time with the Master….regardless of what comes and what the demands are.
   
3. Be a man of prayer and made the church I serve a House of Prayer. For many years I was in effect a prayerless pastor and the churches I served were not Houses of Prayer. I am more committed than ever before that prayer must be the bedrock and seedbed of all that we do . If I get too busy to pray, I have become too busy.
   
4. Walk more closely with my wife in life and in ministry. Those of you who know Anne know that I have a precious and exceptional wife. I am committed to drawing Anne more closely into all aspects of "our" ministry. I will listen more closely to what she says. I will trust her discernment and weigh it carefully. I will gladly receive from the Lord through Anne. She’s more than a helpmeet;she’s a co-laborer in the ministry.
   
5. Focus more on people and relationships. In the past, I have been more into projects than into people and relationships. I am an activist, a get things done person. It’s easy for me to get so absorbed in a project that I become somewhat oblivious to people. This is over. My focus is going to be on seeing the Great Commandment and the Great Commission priority in this new ministry.
   
6. Make worshipers out of my people. For too long, we have made workers without helping our people to become lovers and worshipers. I believe this is why so many have burned out and why so many are finding their significance in the function and performance rather than in their purpose and who God says they are.
   
7. Invest my life in building men. Certainly women are just as important and they shall be nurtured and cared for, being a man, I must focus on men. My mentors in this respect, are Bob Yawberg and Jack Hayford. Both of them have "majored in men" in their long and successful ministries. I will spend significant time ministering to and discipling men. I will make a great investment in the development and maintenance of leaders. It will pay off!
   
8. We will receive the Holy Spirit and all He has to give! While believing in the reality of the Spirit, I have often held the Spirit at arm’s length. No more! I will commit myself to creating an atmosphere conducive to the full operation of the Spirit, and I will never apologize for this.
   
9. Equip the saints for the work of ministry. In previous ministries, I spent far more time doing than I did equipping. At this point, I am placing a high value on teaching and the training of our people for the work.
   
10. Set God’s government in order and firmly in place. Most of the problems I have encountered in previous churches and ministries have centered around poor and in effective leadership or the lack of it. At Christ Church, we are committed to walking in the reality of the Ephesians 4:11 five-fold ministry. It is not easy, but I am convinced it is essential if we, as a body, are going to experience the fullness of Christ.
    
11. Stay in a place of rest. Busyness and activity have been the primary characteristics of my ministry in the past. No more! I am resting more. I am committed to come from a place of rest in all that I do.
    
12. Have a harvest focus in all that I do. Evangelism and the winning of souls have not had the high place in the churches I have served in the past. Much of this had to do with me. Craig and I are committed to building a Great Commission church whose focus is on the harvest. Without souls coming to Christ, our church will die and probably deserves to die.
    

Conclusion

You are encouraged to do a periodic assessment of your life and ministry. Face up to your mistakes and failures. Learn from them. I have found that if you don’t learn what God is trying to teach you, you will get to "go around the mountain" again! Be encouraged. God is able. Change is possible and the Holy Spirit is in charge of the "helps" department.

As we enter the new millennium, we might ask ourselves what adjustments God would have us make personally and corporately to grow in intimacy with Him and be more effective as His ministering servants.

I believe the beginning place for most if not all of us is to get more serious about prayer, on every level, and prayer addresses the "intimacy" issue in a most significant way. I continue to be amazed at how few of God’s leaders and followers have a consistent and rewarding prayer life. God is interested in more than getting us to be daily pray-ers. He wants our prayers to be powerful and effective( James 5:16). Prior to 1984, I believed in prayer, had a few good sermons on prayer, encouraged others to pray and opened and closed our services with prayer. Only problem, I had not established the discipline of prayer in my life. In no way could I be called a man of prayer. The prayer I prayed most often was," Lord, you know that I’m too busy to pray today." What about you? Are you too busy to establish prayer in your life? If so, is it possible that you are too busy, as I was?

Consider these two questions:
1. If a pagan followed you around all week, analyzing how you used your time, would he conclude that you were a man or woman of prayer?
2. If your life partner or best friend gave you no more time than you are presently giving God, would you be satisfied?

In 1984, I made a decision to become a man of prayer, and I asked God to do whatever it took to make me a man of prayer. A dangerous prayer. I am far from being where I would like to be, but I am on my journey toward becoming a man of prayer, and I have never turned back from that day.
Personally, I know of no one nor have I ever read of anyone whose life has really counted for Christ who has not been a serious man or woman of prayer. What makes you think you might be the first one? Better folks than us have tried to circumvent prayer, and it has never worked. I don’t know where you are in prayer, but all of us need to commit ourselves to grow in prayer in A.D. 2000 and beyond. It will not happen accidentally. You won’t just "find" the time. You must choose to become a person of prayer and diligently proceed toward that goal.

Here are some things I have learned on my prayer journey that might help.
1. First of all, make a commitment tobecome a man or woman of prayer. Count the cost and pay the price. There is a price. There will be things you will have to give up. Priorities will have to be re-arranged. At times, folks won’t be able to reach you, but it will be worth it all.

2. Set a specific time for your own personal prayer time and, if necessary, put it on your calendar or list of things to do. On my daily "Things To Do" list, the first item is always "Bethel." That’s the place where I meet God daily.

3. If at all possible, pray and have your time with the Lord, early in the morning. If I haven’t had my time with Lord by 8:00 a.m. it’s probably over for that day. Morning is my best time, and I want to give the best to Him. It’s amazing how quiet it is between 4:30-5:30 in the morning.

4. Set aside a place for prayer. For me it’s a favorite chair in my office. For others, it’s a closet or a corner, but find a place. You will find that little spot will become "holy ground" as you meet your Master from time to time.

5. Listen as well as talk. Many still see prayer only as "asking for something", and that is part of it. However, prayer is two-way communication between God and His children. If God had something He wanted to say to you, when would He have had an opportunity. Spend at least one-third to one-half of your quiet time "listening." We must learn to listen. We must learn to hear and recognize the voice of the Lord. In order to do that we have to learn to be still before Him.

6. Practice Contemplative and Meditative prayer. Don’t be in such a hurry. Reflect on your yesterday and today in prayer. Meditate on Scripture, and pray it into your life and the lives of others. Pause and ponder what the Lord is saying to you. Like everything else in our society, we want microwave prayers while God wants marinating, soaking prayers.

7. Use variety in your prayer and quiet time. For years I have used "My Utmost For His Highest" as my chief devotional book. Presently, I’m using Henry Blackaby’s new devotional book, "Experiencing God Day-By-Day, The Devotional and Journal." I am blessed by it. God speaks to me daily through this book. In addition, I read daily from Scripture using the Gideon Bible Reading Guide. Perhaps, next year I will change again. Any plan can get old and stale. Be ready to change.

8. By all means, journal. To me journaling is no more that writing out my conversations with God. Someone has said, "the faintest ink is stronger than the best memory." We forget so much of what the Lord has said and done in our lives. It is essential that we write it down. Often, I record dreams, visions, prophetic words and impressions that I believe are from the Father. I even write down my mistakes and failures and even the bad days I have. I also write down what I’m going to do to get back in fellowship. Keep a journal. It’s invaluable.

9. Don’t let a day missed derail you. It used to be that when I missed a day or two, I let the devil put guilt on me. I sank into despair and quit. Eventually, I had to start all over again. Now, when I miss, and I do, I just pick up the next time and go on. I never quit or start over. I just pick back up, and that has made a major difference in my devotional life.

10. It is so essential that in addition to your personal time with the Lord you pray with your spouse and also with your children. Neither takes the place of the others. I have found that praying daily with my wife has greatly aided in keeping the relationship fresh and free from resentment, grumbling and unforgiveness. I so regret that I did not pray daily over my children when they were growing up. If I had it to do over again, I would make this a high priority. It also helps to be in a prayer/accountability with another one or two persons of the same sex. I meet and pray regularly with two pastors in my area. These men not only have permission to speak into my life, they have been "charged" to do so, about anything. An accountability relationship may save your life. Pursue these in 2000.

In closing, there are two prerequisites that I feel are important in becoming a serious person of prayer. I have had to deal with both of them. First, embrace the Sovereignty and Almighty power of God. To me, sovereignty means He can do whatever He chooses, whenever He chooses and however He chooses. To me, His Almighty Power simply says, " My God can do anything...even the impossible." Secondly, I had to realize that first and foremost, prayer is the vital link necessary in developing a love relationship with God. I believe the number one item on God’s agenda in prayer is to love us, delight in us and have fellowship with us.

Isn’t incredible that the God of heaven and earth wants to talk daily with you and me?
How can we refuse Him and yet say we love Him and have committed our all to Him?
HAVE A BLESSED PRAYER LIFE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM!!!!

There is probably no level of spiritual life, individual or corportate, that does not need a God-sized breakthrough. Breakthrough is needed in the United States. Breakthrough is needed in the church of Jesus Christ. Breakthrough is needed in our in our churches, our families and our lives.

God, most definitely, is the GOD OF BREAKTHROUGH. The writer of Chronicles speaks of God as ‘THE GOD WHO HAS BROKEN THROUGH. (I Chronicles 14:11). This God of Breakthrough "does not change" and is the same "yesterday, today, and forever." I firmly believe that
Anything God has ever been, He is today!
Whatever God has ever done, He can do today!
Whomever God has ever done it for, He can do it for you and your church today!

I like the definition of breakthrough given recently by E.C. Okoye. "Breakthrough is having dominion over the obstacles that prevent us from doing the work God has called us to do." Amen! Breakthrough speaks of deliverance, releasing the bond and unwrapping the grave clothes. THE TIME HAS COME FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.
ACTION POINTS FOR BREAKTHROUGH

I feel toward Breakthrough much like I feel toward revival. I believe they both are the sovereign work of God. Neither supernatural breakthrough or genuine revival can be programmed or planned by us. However, I am convinced that we have a part in both breakthrough and revival. There is a conditioning of the soil, or if you prefer, the creating of an atmosphere conducive to the move of God. These action points, will not bring breakthrough but they may help in positioning us for the Breakthrough from on hight. I believe that these are things the Lord has shown me that must happen if we are to rise to the highest calling of God.

We must let go of the past. Whether perceived as good or bad, the events of the past can be a deterrent to what God wants to do in the future. We must learn from our past mistakes, but we must not come "past-centered" or problem-focused. Let’s move on! God is doing a new thing! (Isaiah 43: 18-19)

We must put our full weight down. Half-hearted, half-committed Christians will not be an integral part of the team that takes possession of the land.

Fully embrace our heritage in the Holy Spirit. We must never deny the movement of the Holy Spirit in our attempts to become "all things to all men." We must not distance ourselves from the movement of God’s Spirit across the world. We must seek to be "Life-Giving" and life is in the Spirit . (2 Corinthians 3:6)

Let us take up an offensive posture. I’m not talking about becoming obnoxious. I’m talking about getting on the offense and storming the "gates of Hell." (Matthew 16:18). Much of this has to do with attitude and mind set. We’ve crossed the fifty yard line, we’re headed for the "goal", let’s act like it and talk like it!

Receive God’s government for the church. God is restoring His government for His church in these last days, according to Ephesians 4:11-14. First and foremost, Jesus Christ is being restored as the living Lord, in a new and rresh way. The Fulness of Christ for His Church will be experienced only as we walk in the reality of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. If God designed us to function on "five cylinders" what makes usthink we can be all He wants us to be, functioning on "two"?

Maintain our inclusive posture, embracing the whole family of God. Many good churches and movements have been sidetracked because they have become sectarian, exhibiting, a "better than thou" attitude. No church or movement is the river. It is only a stream or a tributary. We must never, never confuse this reality. (Psalm 46:4)

Create and maintain a conducive climate for the full operation of the Holy Spirit. I’m amazed by the increasing number of "Spirit-empowered" churches, who leave no room for the Spirit’s operation or manifestation. To paraphrase our brother Paul, it’s not a matter of talk, it’s a matter of power. Would your church pass the power test? If the Spirit wanted to manifest Himself in your service this Sunday morning, would he be allowed the opportunity or maybe even encouraged to do so?

Increase our hunger for the supernatural. In a conversation I had with the Lord recently, I asked "Lord, why don’t I see more signs and wonders?" He responded, "You are not hungry enough for miracles." I believe that when we place ourselves on the "firing line" or if you prefer, the "faith line" we will begin to see God move. The purpose for miracles is still what it was in God’s Word. ( John 20:30,31) Are you anointing with oil and praying for the sick on a regular basis in your church? If not, I believe you should be. Let’s press in to the "extraordinary miracles".

We must move deeper into prayer and intercession. Much progress has been made in these circles but there is "much more". Pastors and intercessors must "come together". They need each other. Pastors need to listen to what the intercessors are "hearing" Leaders need to be more creative in making prayer an integral part of the public services. W must continue to restore Christ’s church as a "House of Prayer".

We must fully embrace the harvest. All that we do is to be done in the light of the harvest. I believe that is a rhema word for all of us. Every good cause or even every good need does not constitute a call on you or your church. Stay focused on the harvest.

Fully pursue a radical lifestyle of holiness. Someone has said that the Lord is raising the standard of holiness. Even though I understand this, I would prefer to say that Christ’s body is, hopefully, restoring God’s standard of holiness. It’s been there all along. We just haven’t given it much attention. In the midst of tremendous shaking, worldwide and church-wide, righteousness is being restored to Christ’s people.

Walk in the reality of "setting the captives free". Someone asked one of the pastors in the Argentina revival why their retention rate of converts into the church was so much higher than that of the United States. The Argentine brother responded, "You get them saved. We get them saved and delivered." Amen! Many churches across the U.S. are now making "deliverance" a part of their new convert/membership orientation. Much like healing, deliverance is moving into the mainstream of the church. What about your church? Jesus went about preaching the good news, healing the sick and setting the captives free. What about you?

Prepare our people for suffering and the hard times ahead. Surely there is no question that, according to the Word and the signs of the times, some hard times lie ahead for God’s people. (Matthew 24, II Timothy 3:1, I Timothy 4:1, I Peter 4:12-13, II Timothy 3:12) Generally speaking, our people are not prepared for suffering, persecution or hard times. When it comes, it will be too late. Begin now!

CONCLUSION

A question was asked of me by a pastor’s wife several months ago when I was ministering at the altar in the church she and her husband serve. The question was, "Why do we get so close and yet never seem to breakthrough?" I understand what she meant and I know many who fall into this category. Constantly approaching the stream, getting close to the water but breakthrough never comes.
I want to encourage you that Breakthrough lies just ahead. Some of you have been pressing in with consistency, and this has not gone unnoticed by the Father. I believe He would say, "Keep drilling, you are just a few feet from breaking through."

Breakthrough lies just ahead. Continue to press in. Remove the barriers to breakthrough. Use these action points to get yourselves into position.
THE ONE WHO BREAKS OPEN THE WAY IS COMING UP BEFORE US
WE WILL BREAK OUT
WE WILL PASS THROUGH THE GATES

Dr. C. Peter Wagner, a leading international authority on church growth says, " the new apostolic churches are the fastest growing group of churches on six continents." He also says in his new book, Churchquake , " the New Apostolic Reformation represents the greatest change in the way of doing church since the Protestant Reformation..."

A Definition of Terms

This is how I would describe this new and pioneering entry into the evangelical/charismatic stream. The new apostolic movement consists of those churches and individuals who are seeking to embrace, and walk in the reality of the five-fold leadership offices as revealed by the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 4:11. " It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers." Paul, by the Spirit's inspiration is very clear as to the purposes of these offices, " to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." According to my understanding of Scripture, THIS IS GOD'S INTENDED PLAN OF GOVERNMENT FOR HIS CHURCH. Furthermore, I find no Biblical evidence that God ever changed His mind or decided to go with only two-fifths of the pattern. He seems to say that His intent is that his government will be in place until we have been fully prepared for works of service reached unity in the faith become mature and attained to the measure of the fullness of Christ. Surely, it's clear to all that we have not as yet arrived at this level of spiritual maturity.

Why is the New Apostolic Reformation Needed?

First and foremost, there is always a need to become more Biblical in all that the church is and does and the way she does it. If Ephesians 4:11 is God's plan and if we have neglected these vital truths then they, along with many other truths, need to be restored to the life and practice of the Church of Jesus. This should not surprise us in light of Acts 3:19-21. THIS IS THE SEASON OF RESTORATION.

Another reason we need the "five-fold" is that the present system of government is not working in most cases. Most difficulties now being experienced by the church corporate are linked to ungodly government and the related issues of control and power. As my dearly departed friend LaVern Campbell used to say, "If 'the eldership' is the only way to go, then why is it not working in most places?" Enough said. Biblical Eldership IS a part of God's "package" for governing the church, but it's certainly not the WHOLE PACKAGE.

The third thing that can be said regarding need is this, and I believe this with my whole heart. Only when the five-fold offices are fully operational in the Church of Jesus Christ will she function as Christ intended for her to function and only then will she experience the FULLNESS OF CHRIST. Otherwise, we will limp along on our "two cylinders" when God intended that we function on at least five.

What it is Not

It should be said that when we speak of the "five-fold offices" and the "New Apostolic Reformation" we do not mean certain things that strike fear among God's people.

1. We do not mean apostolic succession. I am convinced that our Roman Catholic friends are wrong on this matter. We are not talking about direct, literal descendants of the Apostle Peter or any of the Twelve.

2. We do not mean that we would position any of us with apostolic callings in the same category or on the same level with the twelve "Apostles of the Lamb." (See Matthew 19:28 and Revelation 21:14) God Himself, confirmed by the Lord Jesus Christ, memorialized the Twelve with a unique place in the Eternal City. I believe in the apostolic calling, and I believe there are New Testament sanctioned apostles today. Although I believe these "apostles of the ascension" are different in some respects from the Twelve, they are every bit as Biblical and they derive their authority from the same source, Almighty God.

3. We do not mean heavy handed authority, ungodly control or lording over anyone. (2 Corinthians 1:21) Hopefully, those moving in the five-fold ministries will see themselves like Paul as "working with you for your joy." I believe in local church authority and autonomy as well as trans-local authority, beyond the local church. I do not believe that either should result in bondage, ungodly control or the suppression of our freedom in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The New Apostolic Reformation is not the only thing God is doing and maybe it's not even the most important thing, but it certainly is a place where God is moving. We would do well to earnestly hear Him on these matters, as well as all others.

This statement from a source I can't identify says it well, " It is no accident that in our day the fog of confusion has engulfed the Body of Christ in regard to apostles and the five-fold ministries...the enemy will use whatever means he can to prevent the Body of Christ from recognizing these offices...SATAN FEARS THE FULL RESTORATION OF THE FIVE - FOLD MINISTRIES. A New Testament Church, fully deployed in the five-fold ministries would significantly impact the dominion of darkness. All of hell shudders at the prospect of a restored church and a revitalization of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers."

Phillip Greenshade in his book, Leadership, Greatness and Servanthood, says, " Is the building finished? Is the Bride ready? Is the Body full-grown or the saints completely equipped? Has the church attained it ordained unity and maturity? Only if the answer to these questions is 'yes' can we dispense with the apostolic (and the five-fold ministries). But as long as the church is still growing up into Christ who is the head, the Ephesians 4 ministries are needed." AMEN AND AMEN

"... WHOM HEAVEN MUST RECEIVE UNTIL THE TIMES OF RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS ..." ACTS 3:21

One of the truly exciting things that God is doing in the Body of Christ today is the work of restoration. This "God Season" that we find ourselves in is surely a "Season of Restoration."

My heritage is the Campbell-Stone Restoration Movement (Churches of Christ, Christian Churches and Disciples of Christ). Although I believe that initially this movement was God-ordained, it quickly veered off the "ancient paths" and soon began a journey of "majoring in the minors." For a long time, I felt that we were the only true church and ours was the only real move of the restoration. I WAS MISTAKEN. God has His own restoration movement underway across the Body and across the world that makes everything else small in comparison. It even seems that GOD'S RESTORATION MOVEMENT HAS SHIFTED INTO HIGH GEAR IN THESE END TIMES. Note just a few of the areas where God is at work restoring His purpose and plan.

God's church is being restored as a House of Prayer. Although the Father's original intent was that His house be a house of prayer, somewhere that got lost. (Matthew 21:12) Since the mid 1970's there has been a mighty move of prayer stirring in Christ's church. Today, there are more national and local prayer initiatives than at anytime in the history of the church. Prayer has returned to the "front burner" of the church of Jesus Christ.

Healing, the gifts and the supernatural are being restored to the mainstream church. Although present in the early church these dynamics began to diminish drastically after a few hundred years of church history. Ultimately, they were all but lost to the church. First returning through the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, they now are making their way into the "normal church life" of many Christian denominations. Praise God that His church is now recognizing that Christ is a healing Christ, the Holy Spirit is alive and present and the church must move in the supernatural if it is to really be the divine force God intended.

Holiness is once again being embraced as God's standard of righteousness among His people. God has always called His people to a standard of holiness. However, this too got lost in the mix, and for years the marker has been lowered. Compromise and sin has so plagued the church that there is, practically speaking, very little difference between the world's standard of living and that of the church. God seems to be saying, "I've had enough. Raise the pole. Holiness will once again become the hallmark of God's family."

Christ's Church is being restored to it's rightful owner. God has said, "I want my church back. You've had it long enough." Over the years, Christ's Lordship has largely been relegated to a ceremonial position with little or no power or authority. This is changing. Once again Christ is being exalted as the Living Lord of His Church.

God's government is being restored to His family. In the past, Ephesians 4:11 and the fivefold offices have been all but neglected in the church. Since Pentecost, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers have been God's way of bringing order, equipping, and growth to His church. The New Apostolic Reformation is no more than an attempt by some godly men and churches to set His order back in place. Peter Wagner says it is "the most significant change in the way we do church since the Protestant Reformation of 1600." So be it!

It is a journey we must take in rising to God's highest calling. It is an exciting and adventurous journey with much to learn and course adjustments to be made along the way. Indeed, we are in the middle of God's stream of Restoration in all things.

Let's begin with this encouraging report from Russia. One million written responses and 190 new churches have been started following a special Christian TV series in Russia, according to a report from the Christian Broadcasting Network. The series entitled, "Superbook" produced by CBN and International Russian Radio and TV, received over 1 million written responses. The series started in 1991 and was broadcast by the Soviet Central. The special program "Superbook Party" in 1992 was viewed by some 200 million. Let us rejoice that even in continuing hard time for the former Soviet Union, the Gospel light is shining brightly.

This word from Israel. There have been several different unconfirmed reports from Israel that 40 Israeli Rabbis in a Jewish community have recognized Jesus Christ as the true Messiah while studying the Torah. The event is connected with a new half hour radio program called "Voice of Salvation" which is produced in Hebrew by Israeli Messianic Jews.

This word comes from Azerbaijan where many Azeri Turks have become followers of Christ. Estimates range from 2,000 to 6,000. Intercede for mature leadership and for the planting of indigenous churches among this move of God.

This word comes from Turkey in the same area of the world. At this year's Book Fair in Izmir, the Turkish Bible Society sold 591 Testaments and 916 Scripture portions.

This encouraging report comes from the United States. An estimated 600,000 women are packing Christian all female conferences across the United States this year. The mass gatherings are reminiscent of their male counterparts, Promise Keepers, but focus on different issues and have a different flavor. Like Promise Keepers, the Women's Conferences have tapped into a huge need. Drawing the largest crowds are the sold out "Bring Back the Joy" conferences. Praise God for what is happening among Christian women in this nation and beyond.

On a similar note, this word comes from Promise Keepers in the United States. Over 453,000 men attended one or more of 19 Promise Keepers' events across the United States in 1998 and over 17,000 men made first time commitments to Christ or dedicated their lives to following Him. As many as 51,000 men gathered in the Indianapolis RCA Dome while Philadelphia and Columbia, South Carolina followed closely behind with over 40,000 present. Even smaller cities like Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tucson, Arizona, and Colorado Springs had approximately 9,000 present. Word from Promise Keepers is that it is 'Full Steam Ahead' for 1999 and beyond. Plans are already under way for a massive January 1,2000 event to usher in the new millennium. Plans are for men, women and children to gather in their states on January 1, 2000 for an unprecedented 90 minute celebration of praise to Jesus with each assembly linked with others across the nation via satellite. Begin now to pray and make your plans to join other believers in your state capitol January 1, 2000.

This word comes from Bangladesh where an open doors supported church group was used by God to lead 279 people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord in a remote area of Bangladesh. Please pray for their genuine growth since almost half of them come from a Hindu background while the rest are of ethnic tribal origin.

Research by Terry Teykl, author of "Make Room to Pray" indicates that there are probably 1500 to 2000 local churches in America which have active, operating prayer rooms and or prayer ministries, and many of these are operating 24 hours a day. The first National Assembly of Prayer Room Leaders will be held at the World Prayer Center in Colorado Springs in May of 1999. Praise God that Christ's Church is truly being restored as a House of Prayer for all nations.

Luis Palau's March outreach in Cairo, Egypt met with an overwhelming response. The Luis Palau Evangelistic Association says that nearly 31,000 people responded to the Evangelist's invitation to give their lives to Christ. Videos of each night's message were shown in more than 500 churches in Egypt. Pray for Egypt and for the Christians in Egypt who, in many places, face persecution because of their Christian Faith.

This recent March for Jesus update. With 83 nations still not having reported their number for 1998, the 53 nations that did report added up to 4,668,225 person who marched for Jesus this year. It is believed that over 10 million Christians participated worldwide. Most marches concluded with prayer for the suffering believers around the world.

More than 1000 people have participated in this year's exciting reconciliation walk activities in Turkey. In sprite of Turkey's reputation for dangerous roads, reconciliation walkers crisscrossed the country without an accident. Neither was there any other serious incident or illness. God has been so good. For the remainder of this year and early next year, reconciliation walks will be taking place in Lebanon and Syria. Pray that these reconciliation walks will result in a dramatic breakthrough in the Islamic World.

And this final story comes from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Recognizing that Jesus Christ is the reason for the approaching Millennium, Mission America, headed by Dr. Paul Cedar has drawn together more than 150 denominations, 200 parachurch agencies and 40 ministry networks in a three state effort to reach every home and person in America for Christ. Pray America is mobilizing three million neighborhood prayer groups. The Second Phase, Love America, is dedicated to mass evangelism including systematic distribution of the Jesus film.

God is on the move throughout the world. Be in prayer for the works He has ordained that His name will be lifted up and that the glory and honor will be His.

I want to take a slightly different approach toward examining the activity of God and the fresh breeze of God's Spirit that is blowing across the world.

I am indebted to Jack Hayford for the foundational thoughts of this article taken from his excellent work in the December 1995 issue of Charisma entitled "Seven Signs of Imminent Grace".

Having been in full-time ministry for almost thirty six years, I have in the last five years discovered at least two spiritual operating principles that have changed my life and my approach to ministry. Coming out of ministry burn out in 1991, I was ready for a new approach to walking out the call God had placed on my life. He was faithful to show me a "new way" which literally saved my life.

OPERATING PRINCIPLE NUMBER ONE was the all important matter of hearing and recognizing the voice of God and then responding to His leading. Jesus modeled this ministry approach for us by saying often, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself. He can do only what He sees His Father doing because whatever the Father does the Son also does." John 5:19 After years of ministry according to my way, necessity was laid upon me to learn to hear the voice of God and then simply respond in obedience to His leading.

OPERATING PRINCIPLE NUMBER TWO: Closely akin to principle number one is the spiritual dynamic I learned from Henry Blackaby in his Experiencing God series. This principle, simply stated, is watch for where God is already at work and join Him. In John 5:17, Jesus says "my Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working." We all know from experience that unless the Father goes before us, our work produces no lasting fruit. God is already at work in our world and our responsibility is to recognize where He is at work and join Him.

With these two operating principles in mind, let's see where Hayford and others see God already at work in our world.

These seven signs are called Points of Grace because they are the result of God's undeserving grace and His sovereign initiative. They have virtually nothing to do with our ideas, our projects, our plans and our programs. We simply respond in the places he is already stirring.

1. The Point of Unity and Spiritual Oneness. Surely no one can question that the "coming together" of the Body of Christ is certainly on the "front burner" of what God is doing. It is happening across the world and throughout the nation. Jesus Christ, the only common ground of genuine Christian unity is coming to the forefront and the secondary differences that have divided us, although real and sometimes serious, are taking their proper place "in the wings." Charismatics and non-Charismatics, Church of Christ and Baptists, and so on are all discovering their commonality in Jesus Christ. WE MUST JOIN HIM IN THIS WORK.

2. The Men's Movement. Taking nothing from our dear women and what God is doing among them, God is most certainly issuing a wake up call to men across the world and in these United States. As men, we have "drug our feet" long enough but this season is now over. God's men are coming alive! Promise Keepers is probably the most visible manifestation of this holy movement of men, but it's not the only expression. One of the most exciting things is that this awakening is moving into the local church and restoring life to multitudes of men in every Christian denomination. WE MUST JOIN HIM IN THIS WORK.

3. The Renewal of Worship. Perhaps the most significant contribution the movement of the Spirit has made to the church at large has been the renewal of worship and praise. This worship renewal has transcended culture, worship style and tradition. Even those opposed the Spirit's movement have been touched by the refreshing of congregational worship. WE MUST JOIN GOD IN THIS WORK.

4. The Increase of Power and Miracles. There is a growing ground swell across the face of Christianity that affirms both the proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel of the Kingdom. Nothing could be more biblical and nothing is needed more. If religious talk would win our world, it would already have been won. People need to experience the power of the Gospel and they are. Yes, some few are still debating the Scriptures regarding this matter, but more and more are beginning to experience the release of God's power in their lives and churches. WE MUST JOIN GOD IN THIS.

5. The Restoration of Prayer. Once again, God's house is becoming a "House of Prayer." This is taking place across the land as thousands of prayer meetings and prayer partners are returning to the place of prayer. Many are discovering that prayer is the main business of the church. God is once again "overturning the tables", cleansing His house and restoring His house as a House of Prayer. Marvelous and supernatural answers are being seen in response to the earnest prayers of Christ's people across the land. Wednesday night is once again becoming "Prayer Meeting Night." Leaders are returning to the priorities of prayer and the ministry of the Word. Children, young people, women and men are being quickened to pray for revival. WE MUST JOIN GOD IN THIS.

6. Reconciliation and Healing. Praise God the walls are coming down across the church. Bold declarations have been issued repenting of the sin of racism in the church. Anglo and Afro Christians are joining hands and hearts. Native Americans and Anglos are laying down the years of hostility and coming together at the foot of the cross. Denominations divided by racism are denouncing those long standing divisions and are now merging into the one Body of Christ. WE MUST JOIN GOD IN THIS WORK.

7. The Increasing Harvest. More people are coming to Christ than ever before in the history of mankind. Doors once closed to the Gospel message are now open. Modern technology is being used for global evangelism and the gospel is being taken into hundreds of thousands of homes and communities previously untouched. Jesus Christ is supernaturally manifesting Himself in dreams and visions all across the Islamic world. God is definitely "stepping up the pace" and creating a conducive climate for the proclamation and demonstration of the Good News. Never before have the opportunities been so great. WE MUST JOIN GOD IN WHAT HE IS DOING!!!

Message delivered by Jim Bevis at a Promise Keepers Meeting in the Shoals.

There is a "new wind of reconciliation and spiritual oneness in the air", and I personally believe it is from God. It's happening on every front where we have been divided and alienated including churches and denominations, marriage and the family, and race and culture. Praise the Lord for the progress being made.

Promise Keepers is one of those "front-line" ministries that God continues to use in a powerful way to bring down the giants of racism and denominationalism.

In the sphere of reconciliation, God is the initiator and the starting place. Our reconciliation with the Father was His idea not ours. (Romans 5:8,10). In reconciling us with Himself through Christ, He has now commissioned us as His ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation.

My perception is that our greatest need in the realm of reconciliation with our brothers and our families, is not for new information or another sermon. Our need is to do what we already know. Someone has said, " I already know more than I am doing." How about you?

I would share with you a few of the exciting things that I know God is doing in the arena of reconciliation and unity.

1. Just recently, 35 Arab and Israeli pastors met together on Mt. Carmel for four days of repenting, healing and coming together.

2. At present, a Reconciliation Walk is underway from Cologne, Germany to Jerusalem, on the 900th Anniversary of the Crusades. The intercessors are repenting of the sins of our ancestors as they blazed a path of blood and destruction against Moslems and Jews in the name of Christ.

3. Did you know that 400 Japanese intercessors are going in teams to 23 specially chosen cities that Japan had invaded during World War II? They are going and asking for forgiveness. What a blessing it is for the cities and the Japanese.

4. Operation Reconciliation is a project taking a select band of intercessors to retrace the 800 mile march of General Sherman and his 60,000 Union troops as they ravaged a 60 mile path from Atlanta to Savannah to Raleigh. Those who have gone before say there still lingers strongholds of sickness, bitterness, racism and despair along this path. Pray for those who go in Christ's name to "set the captives free."

5. The International Reconciliation Coalition for Indigenous people is taking teams to Indian Massacre and battle sites throughout North America.

6. The Southern Baptists have issued a powerful proclamation repenting of the racism and division that existed among Southern Baptists.

7. The United Methodists have apologized to the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes for the 1864 massacre of 200 Indians led by a Methodist lay preacher.

8. Have you heard about the Miracle in Memphis where the racially- divided Pentecostal churches have now come together in a new, colorblind organization, The Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches if North America?

9. Many of us remember the mighty winds of reconciliation that blew across the Promise Keepers Clergy Conference in Atlanta, as men of all colors, repented to one another and embraced those of other denominations, races, and cultures.

10. Every Tuesday morning, a group of bi-racial pastors from many denominations meet together for fellowship and prayer. God is blessing this meeting and those who participate.

11.Did you know that a Charismatic pastor in the Shoals apologized in public to a Church of Christ minister for the unkind things spoken against Churches of Christ? A few weeks later, a group came from the Church of Christ and apologized for things spoken against Charismatics.

It is indeed a new day! Praise God!

Thank God for Promise Keepers, March for Jesus, the Common Ground combined worship services, exchanged pulpits and the many other things happening, but it is not over. Consider these Reconciliation Realities as we move on toward wholeness and fullness.

1. Jesus Christ must be kept at the center of all efforts toward reconciliation. He is the grounds of reconciliation. He is the reconciler, and He is the foundation on which we come together. And by the way, "you can be right about Jesus and be wrong about a lot of other things, and still be my brother."

2. The battle is not over. I believe that the burning of the black churches is a deliberate attempt of our enemy, Satan, to destroy what God is doing in bringing us together. Sure there is a conspiracy and the devil is the leader. Sure there are good people who stand in opposition to unity efforts, but Christ shall prevail, and His prayer in John 17 shall be fulfilled.

3. We must make certain that our priorities of reconciliation are in God's order. Reconciliation with God is first and foremost. Next, is reconciliation with our spouses and families. Many of our families, though still "together" lie in shambles. While "hugging" our new found brothers and sisters we mustn't forget a "double portion" for our spouse and children. Most divorces are a result of abuse and neglect.

4. Regardless of where we are, God wants us to go deeper. No one has arrived because it is a lifelong journey. Have we addressed the unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment in our own lives? Have we dealt with our own racism? Have we given anyone permission to hold us accountable in our life and in our relationships?

5. It's not the pronouncements, the documents, the declarations the marches and the conferences that will have the greatest impact. It's the one-on-one relationships and the things we do on a daily basis.

6. Remember that reconciliation is COSTLY. There's a price to be paid and risks to be taken, but who wants to spend the rest of their life in "Egypt" or the "wilderness" when they could be enjoying the Promised Land. It could cost you friends, relationships with family or even rejection from some of the brethren, but believe me, I know, it's worth the price.

7. Brokenness is the key that unlocks the pathway to reconciliation on any level. It is amazing what God can do when we go in brokenness. Yet, real brokenness is so rare in the Body of Christ. Oswald Chambers has defined brokenness as the " breaking and collapse of my independence and pride, brought about by my own hands and the surrender of my life to the supremacy of the Lord Jesus. It is deliberately signing away my own rights."

May God help us all as we "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Even though the dust has hardly had time to settle from the Cane Ridge Prayer Gathering, I think it is important that I begin to record my observations on the event and what happened there. Please know that this is incomplete and subject to revision. Here is what I am sensing in my spirit.

God began something anew at Cane Ridge: More than one had given us the Scripture reference, Isaiah 43:18-19. We saw this prophetic word unfolding during the gathering. Although we gathered to celebrate the bicentennial of the Cane Ridge Revival of 1801 that is not where we "camped." We remembered, with gratitude and thanksgiving, God’s outpouring in 1801, but our main focus was on the new thing that God is doing across the Body of Christ as well as among the churches of the Campbell-Stone Restoration Movement.

One of the new things God is doing is His answer to the high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17. We are seeing this prophetic prayer of Jesus fulfilled before our very eyes. There is a spirit of unity moving across the Body of Christ in every circle, including the Restoration Movement. It is not some ungodly ecumenical merger that is forming, but God’s people, across the body, are coming into a new awareness of the spiritual oneness that is theirs with every Christian, wherever he or she is found. The Cane Ridge Prayer Gathering tapped into this "healing river" that is bringing God’s people into relationship with one another.

All of us in the Cane Ridge Prayer Gathering saw that our Father and His Son place a high value on confession and repentance. Waves of confession and repentance moved through the gathering, over and over again. Many revivalists seem to want to bypass the stage of repentance and go directly to the celebration that true revival ultimately brings. God has shown us that He will have no short cuts. We cannot bypass true repentance and expect to experience genuine revival. Most of us at Cane Ridge would not have expected that at least one half of our total time together would be spent confession our sins to the Father and to one another. We truly experienced the fulfillment of the word the Lord had given us, "Prepare your hearts and leave the meeting to Me." Someone at Cane Ridge aptly said, "what we experience was genuine and true confession. Repentance will be worked out and walked out after we return home."

It was obvious to most of us that the Well of Revival at Cane Ridge had been filled up. (See Genesis 26:12-33) We recognized that with the "stopped-up" wells we had forsaken Him who is the spring of living waters and we had dug our own cisterns, broken cisterns that would not hold water. (Jeremiah2:13) Those in the Prayer Gathering set about "re-digging the wells of revival" that had once gushed over with the waters of His visitation and the Holy Spirit. We affirmed that the outpouring that had taken place in 1801 was a visitation of God. We confessed the excesses and flesh that had polluted the stream. We sought the Lord through earnest prayer to once again open the wells and let the water flow into the Campbell-Stone Movement and throughout the Body of Christ. Although it is difficult to explain, there is a point of connectedness that must be made at each of the ancient sites of genuine revival. We know that our divine mandate at Cane Ridge was to reopen the wells. Through the confessions of our own sins and those of the churches we represented, we believe we began to see the water flow again. I believe the life-giving river of God will continue to rise. (Ezekiel 47) As we make these "generational connections" and "generational transfers" in the Spirit, we will see a supernatural synergy emerge that will enable us to do ever greater things. (John 14:12)

There was a spiritual dimension that reemerged at Cane Ridge that caught many of us by surprise. It is the significance and even the centrality of "The Table of the Lord." Sure, we all believe in the Lord’s Supper and consider it to be an essential and necessary part of the gathered church. However, I question whether we have put the emphasis on the Table that the Lord intended. And the matter of preparing for communion is nonexistent in most of our churches. We are talking about "heart preparation." At Cane Ridge, God has us search our hearts and prepare for the better part of two days before we came to the Table. And did it make a difference! It was truly the Lord’s Table and the Lord was present. It is remarkable the similarity between what happened in the 1801 Revival and what happened in the Prayer Gathering of 2001. We did not plan it that way. Actually there were no plans at all other than to worship, pray, and seek the Lord for the next step. To put it simply, Jesus Christ decided to "visit" the Communion service in 1801 and He came again in 2001! We had an Anglican brother with us who had done his doctrinal dissertation on "the Importance of the Lord’s Supper in Revival." Did God set us up or what? What would happen in churches across the land if they had Communion services, preceded by a season of heart preparation?

For me, and others like me, God let me know in no uncertain terms, that He is not finished in the Church of Christ, Christian Churches and the Disciple of Christ. Some of us may have given up on them, but God said, "I Have Not!" It was obvious to many of us that, by in large, we "blew it" with the sacred deposit God had given our forefathers to be delivered to the rest of the Body of Christ and ultimately for the world. We see now, more than ever before, He is the God of the Second Chance, and the third, the fourth, etc. etc. I believe, with all of my heart, that God has forgiven me and our movement for quenching and grieving the Holy Spirit. He has received our confession and He has forgiven us our sins. (I John 1:9) Healing is on the way. (James 5:16).

Initially, I was disappointed with the lack of positive response from the Cane Ridge invitations that went out to several hundred national and international Christian leaders throughout the Campbell-Stone Movement and the body of Christ at large. I don’t want to be too hard on these brothers and sisters because I know the demands of ministry, even on a local and regional level. I also know that some of these did not know me. However, this event has shown me that God does some of His work best with "no-names" and "non-celebrities." I am convinced that those who came to Cane Ridge were "God’s chosen" for this special prayer gathering. And isn’t it true that very few intercessors, prayer warriors and "people of prayer" ever make the headlines. Most of them and most of those who came to Cane Ridge had no reputation. I praise God for all who came and participated. I give special thanks for Ray Bringham, the eighty-two-year-old "general of prayer" who came. Ray has been a prayer mentor of mine for twenty years. I thank God for Meagan Vineyard, whose mother was in the Welch Revival. I appreciated the fervency of her prayers. I thank God for a sweet sister who was present who is a direct descendant of Barton W. Stone. I thank God for each and everyone the Lord brought to Cane Ridge.

Another thing I saw from Cane Ridge was the devastation many of us had experienced by the isolationism and sectarianism we had experienced first hand. Many of us had either been a part of these twin evils or had at least experienced their fruit. Many of us who gathered at Cane Ridge did not know each other. This was to be expected as we came from different places across the country. But, for many of us this was a result of our history of isolation and containment. Few if any of us really knew anything of substance about the other two streams in the Campbell-Stone movement. All of us had been told certain things about the others, much of which was either not true or was no more than half-truths. What we discovered was that when we got together we liked and even loved one another. We sensed in the Spirit a special spiritual kinship with these brothers and sisters, our "closest kin." I believe that the doctrines of isolation and sectarianism are major tools in the devil’s arsenal. It was his intent to keep us apart, knowing what might happen if we got together. At Cane Ridge we never questioned whether we were brothers and sisters or not. It was obvious we were because of our common allegiance to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We ARE brothers and sisters in Christ. We just needed to start behaving accordingly. And we did. Another thing I noted in this arena was that most of the hurt inflicted on the people present at Cane Ridge did not come from one of the other streams. We basically have left each other along in recent years. Most of the hurt came from others within our own streams. In a sense, it was self-inflicted as far as the stream was concerned.

I also saw from the Cane Ridge Prayer Gathering that God can be trusted with the "program." We came to Cane Ridge without a schedule and really without a program. God had told us to prepare our hearts and He would be responsible for the meeting. And He was and He did good! I’m convinced God is trustworthy and would do well with "our" services. It was exciting sitting with a godly counsel of men and women who were waiting on God’s next step. The key is hearing and obeying His voice, plus at least giving Him an opportunity if He has anything to say. It makes you wonder how many times the Lord is really consulted and/or allowed to speak.

The final question for me is "What did the Cane Ridge experience say as far as future direction for Jim Bevis and CSR Ministries?". I would honestly have to say, as yet, that I don’t see a clear answer to this question. I know that CSR and I felt some renewed "stirrings" toward a return to a renewal ministry in the Campbell-Stone Movement. We are trying to stay in a posture of hearing from the Lord on any and all of these matters. Someone reminded me that CSR once stood for Conference on Spiritual Renewal, than it became Christians Seeking Renewal. This person asked if I knew that CSR also stood for "Campbell-Stone Renewal." Enough said. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for letting me share these observations and insights with you. I am open to your suggestions, additions and corrections. Write, call or e-mail me with your input. Office telephones: (256) 381-9034 or (256) 718-3775. Fax: (256) 381-9092 or (256) 718-3776. E-mail address is Web site is

One final word, don’t confuse the stream you are in with the River. They are not one and the same. The streams (plural) make up the river that makes glad the city of God. (Psalm 46:4)

Be watching for future installments as He makes the Vision plain. I am committed to walking in the reality of Habakkuk 2:1-3. Read it and join me on the journey.

A WORD OF EXPLANATION: Every preacher has those sermons that become a part of him. Those that he or she can preach on a moment’s notice, as the Lord leads. These are usually the sermon or sermons he will be remembered by long after he is gone. “The God Season” is one of those sermons for me. You are most welcome to use this message. I have intentionally left out illustrations and statistics because they are changing every day. Add your own. For convenience sake, I have written the sermon in outline form.

THE GOD SEASON

Luke 12:54-56

“You know how to tell a change in the weather, so don’t ell me you can’t tell a change in the season, the God-season we’re in right now.” Luke 12:56, The Message Bible

I. INTRODUCTION

A. According to Scripture, God works in different seasons, in different ways, to accomplish His purposes. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

B. We are living in a kairos, once-in-a-lifetime season which we must take full advantage of. Ephesians 5:14-16. We must make the most of every opportunity.

C. God is calling His people to be “sons of Issachar” who “understand the times and know what Israel ought to do.” I Chronicles 12:32.

D. Background of the text:

1. Jesus was speaking to fishermen and farmers who livelihood depended on their ability to understand the weather patterns and what they meant.

2. These were folks who were better at predicting the weather than at under- standing what God was doing and Who was standing in their midst - The King of Glory

E. God’s people often lack any real discernment in understanding what God is saying and doing and how they as the body of Christ are to respond to the times.

F. I believe that we are in a God season.

1. God is stepping up the pace. Things are happening “suddenly.”

2. Humankind is more interested in reality and “real Christianity than ever before.

G. Given below are seven characteristics of the God Season that I see.

II. SIGNS OF THE GOD SEASON

A. It is a Season of SHAKING.

1. God is shaking everything that can be shaken including nations,

governments,businesses, churches , families and individuals. Hebrews 12:25-29.

2. He is putting the torch to everything that is not Kingdom of God.

See Hebrews 12 in the Message Bible.

3. As discerners of the times, we would do well to ask ourselves “what is

God seeking to accomplish by the shaking?”

B. It is a Season of TRANSITION AND CHANGE

1. There are some things that do not change. God, Malachi 3:6. Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:8, The Gospel and the Word of God. Galatians 1:8. The Kingdom.

2 Peter 1:11. Everything else is “up for grabs.” The only thing for certain is

change.

2. It is a wonderful season if you don’t mind change. (We all do). Insanity is

doing the same thing expecting different results.

3. There is a godly transition taking place in the church between generations.

God is doing new things. Isaiah 43:18-19.

C. It is a Season of INCREASED EVIL.

1. Many believe that these are the “evil days” of which Paul spoke. Ephesians 6:13

2. The devil is most certainly coming in “like a flood.”Isaiah 59:19.

3. Humankind is inventing new ways of evil and the “cancer of sin” that

inflicts our nation and work is growing.

4. Spiritual warfare is no longer an option for God’s people and Christ’s church.

We are at war! We must throw off the “peace-time” mentality and Stand up!

D. It is a Season of RESTORATION.

1. We are in the season of the “restoration of all things.” Acts 3:21,

a. Christ’s church is being restored to its rightful owner.

b. God’s house is being restored as a house of prayer. Matthew 21:13.

c. The power of God is being restored to the church.

d. God’s government is being restored . Ephesians 4:11,12.

f. Fathers are being restored to their children and families. Malachi 4:6.

2. The God Season requires that God’s people flow with His restoration if

we are to experience His fullness.

E. It is a Season of RECONCILIATION.

1. We are seeing the fulfillment of the Lord’s high priestly prayer for unity. It’s

happening before our eyes. John 17:21.

2. The church of Jesus Christ is more united than she has been in 1000 years or

more.

3. Biblical unity is not sameness but spiritual oneness in the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:3.

4. A spirit of reconciliation is moving across the body of Christ among

Native Americans and those of European descent

African Americans and Anglo Americans

Charismatics and Evangelicals

Men and Women

5. Repentance and reconciliation is flowing throughout the family of God.

6. All of this has a purpose, “That the world may believe.” John 17:21.

G. It is a Season of RENEWAL AND REVIVAL.

1. Many of God’s people are experiencing “times of refreshing from the presence

of the Lord. “ Acts 3:19.

2. The fresh breath of God’s Spirit is blowing across the church in every country,

every denomination and every church.

3. “Pockets of Revival” are breaking out throughout the world.

4. The Spirit is being poured out on all flesh. Joel 2:28.

H. It is a Season of HARVEST!

1. The Harvest season is upon us. Matthew 24:14, John 4:35.

2. More people are coming to Christ than ever before.

3. God is appearing in visions and dreams throughout the Moslem world.

4. We must do all that we do in light of the harvest. We must be harvest

focused.

III. CONCLUSION

A. Will we go on doing “business as usual” during this God-Season or does God

require more of us?

B. God points out seven things we must do in Ephesians 4:15-21 in response to

the season in which we live.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1

After forty-three years of Christian ministry, I am more and more convinced of two things regarding the “seasons of our lives.” One is that God often works in different ways in the different seasons of our lives. What He did or the way He did it in the last season does not dictate the way He will work and move in the present. Creative God has no need to duplicate for His mercies are new every morning. More than once, God spoke to Isaiah and others, “Behold I am doing a new thing.” God Himself does not change but the way He works in ones life and ministry is always subject to change.

Secondly, I am convinced that we are living in the “God Season.” (See Luke 12:56 in the Message Bible). In this “God Season, “ God is increasing the pace and moving suddenly Everywhere there is a heightened interest in things eternal. (I would recommend that you read my “signature” sermon, “The God Season” for my perception of what God is doing in this special season.”) It is truly a “kairos” moment, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you and I are instructed to “make the most of every opportunity, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5: 15, 16. We must take advantage of every window of opportunity God has given us in this “Age of Reality.”

In this season of my life which some might call Autumn, Fall or Sunset, I am experiencing God as never before. Not necessarily the way I want to experience Him nor does He move the way I would most prefer He move. But He is moving. My responsibility is to move with Him.

Here are some ways I see God moving in my life and circle. Maybe you can relate to or benefit from similar stirrings:

1. God, significant others and my unique circumstances are all impressing upon me that Time is Precious and We must Make the Most of It. To me this does not mean fear that I am running out of time or working harder and doing more. It means enjoying my wife and family as never before.. It means living life to the fullest every day and taking time to along the way to “stop and smell the roses.” I have come to believe, especially in this season, this is not rehearsal, this is the real thing. I have never passed this way before and I will never pass this way again. Therefore, by His grace and to His glory, I am going to “live it up.”

2. I am experiencing on a deeper level than ever before, Life and ministry are ministry for more than four decades.

lived by faith and not by sight. Looking back over my calendar the last few years I see something written in every slot on every page. Looking forward, at this point, there is a lot of open space. Often I have to fight discouragement and despair yet I know that He holds the future, including mine. Over and over I hear Him say, “ Have you done the last thing I told you to do? Do the next thing I tell you to do and leave the rest to Me.”

3. Pursuing Him must be the main thing in my life. Practically speaking, it has taken me a long time to come to this place. Often I have crowded out “knowing Him” in my life with activity and most of the time it was Christian activity. Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost For His Highest, “Christian work can actually be a means of diverting a person’s focus away from Jesus Christ.” My life, devoted to Christian

, is a living testimony that activity can crowd out a living, loving and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, the lover of my soul. With God’s help, I am moving back to the center piece of my life and re-focusing on the center who is Jesus Christ rather than the peripheral. Charles Stanley said it in a profound way when he said, “Knowing Christ must be the Magnificent Obsession of our lives.”

4.Relationships are the key. Christianity is relational from beginning to end. I did not grow up in a religions tradition where relationships were emphasized. I knew about Christ but I did not know Him personally and intimately. When I first began to see the significance of a personal relationship with Him, I was accused of having watched too much Billy Graham. As preachers, we were encouraged to keep our distance form others and avoid close, personal friendships with those in the congregation. Therefore, I grew up “missing the mark” as far as relationships were concerned. Rather than “loving people and using things” I often used people and loved things. I was cause-driven and loved projects more than people.In this season, God is about the work of changing priorities in my life and enabling me to build a loving relationship with Him and with others. I told someone recently, “At this stage in my life, I am more interested in people than in institutions.” It’s been a hard road for me to travel and a difficult transition to make but He is changing me for which I rejoice.”

“At this point in my life, I am more interested in individuals than I am in institutions.”

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Someone said recently, “The only thing that is certain is change.” I wholeheartedly agree.

Thank God that He does not change and neither does His Son or His Word, but everything else seems to be “up for grabs.” Change, Change, Change seems to be the order of the day for the season I find myself in . Adjusting to the new season in a Christ-honoring way seems to be the major challenge now before me. It is difficult not to assume that it will be in the future as it has been in the past. Forty-three years of ministry in over fifty countries, always with a schedule full of activity and preaching assignments, there is a real challenge in adapting to a slower, more restful pace. However, I am committed remaining in the center of the will of God for my life until my dying day.

In the last article, I shared four ways I saw God moving in my season of life and ministry. Here are four more lessons I am now learning and seeking to walk out..

1. The Christian Life is More than Church Services and Who is up front. I no longerbelieve that the Christian life evolves around the gathered assembly regardless of how good it is. Yes, I am a member of a local church. Yes, I do go to church on a regular basis. However, I am more convinced than every that we who belong to Christ are just as much the church on the streets on Monday as we are in the pew on Sunday. Peter Wagner calls it the “nuclear church” and the “extended church.” He says, “A good way to think of the two forms of the ekklesia is that the ‘nuclear church’ is what meets on Sunday, while the ‘extended church’ is the people of God the rest of the week.” A pastor friend of mine said this to me recently, “I feel I have spent my entire ministry life instructing people how to behave in church and I haven’t taught them how to walk the Christian life.” Enough said!

2. Making Disciples is the essence of what God has called us to. For a decade, the Lord has been pressing in on me to “make disciples.” I am in this season trying to obey. To His Glory, I can now point to at least twelve young men I have walked with for all or part of the last decade. At present, I am discipling three wonderful young men. THIS HAS BECOME THE HIGH POINT OF MY LIFE AND MINISTRY. The privilege of investing in these “sons of fresh oil” is a high calling. Each week I seek God about what deposit of His word I am to make against the backdrop of my years of experience which includes many failures and mistakes. We laugh together. We cry together. We pray together and we just “hang out” together. I’m now convinced that this is “The Jesus Style.”

3.I am coming to a growing realization that my true significance does not lie in public ministry or how well I perform. Neither is my true worth measured by how much others affirm me. I would never have acknowledged until now, that my past was riddled with an ungodly need for being up front, being in charge and receiving the accolades of my friends and flock. But it was there. I am now aware of it and by His grace, I am dealing with it. I am realizing more and more, that as a true disciple of Christ and a “friend of the Bridegroom” I must decrease and He must increase in my life, my relationships and my ministry. Thank God I am breaking free of this bondage.

4. The blessed Holy Spirit and the sacred anointing He brings is more precious to me than ever before. I have walked in the renewal movement for over thirty-five years. I was baptized in the Spirit in the mid-seventies but the Holy Spirit and all He came to bring is sweeter, even sweeter as the days go by. I know the terror of moving into the pulpit or the place of ministry not feeling you have the “smile of God” (the sacred anointing). R.T. Kendall, more than any other man and author, has helped me realize the “sensitivity of the Spirit” and how easy it is to move out of the anointing, for the moment, and see “the dove fly-away.” I have no desire to go anywhere or say anything if His presence does not go with me. I am coming to the place where if He is not present, I will wait until He comes. What a wonderful place of freedom I am finding this to be. Jesus said that He did nothing that He did not first see His Father doing. It worked for Him and I am confident it will work for us.

“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God.” Psalm 46:4

INTRODUCTION

Water and rivers have a prominent place in both the Old and New Testaments. They often represent the presence of the Lord of the Holy Spirit.

Ezekiel 47 John 7:37-38 Revelation 22:1-2

The bottom line in all of Scripture is that water represents life. It is the River of Life.

I believe the text contains a very important principle which must be embraced if we are to experience the wholeness of Jesus Christ. The principle is this:

“To experience the fullness of Christ we must be drinking from all of the streams in the river of God.”

Many of us isolate ourselves to only one stream or movement within the Church. Although we may be based in a particular stream we should endeavor to drink freely from all of the streams.

Contained with this passage in Psalm 46 is the principle of interdependency. I believe God is saying here and throughout Scripture, “We need each other.” See 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:15-16

The real question before us is “Do we want to experience the Fullness of Christ?” If so, Drink! Drink! Drink!

This sermon was sparked in my heart for several reasons:

I heard a speaker recently that I couldn’t pigeon-hole or label.
I came from a very sectarian background isolated from everyone else.
I am convinced no one or no one group has all of the truth.
SOME OF THE STREAMS OF LIVING WATER

I say some because the streams given below may only be a representative list. There may be others. I am indebted to Richard Foster for the list of streams.

The Contemplative Stream (The Prayer-filled Life)

This stream has to do with growing in the love of God and intimacy with Jesus Christ. From this stream we learn to focus on the person and presence of Jesus, to “Practice His Presence.” This is the stream that teaches us to meditate and to be silent before Him and how to draw near to Him. See Matthew 22:37; John 15:4; James 4:8

Denominationally, we would be learning from the Anglicans and the Catholics in this stream. Individually, we would draw from those like Thomas Merton, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Henry Nouwen, John Eldridge and Richard Fosterr. Jesus Christ is the model in drinking from this stream as well as all other streams of the river of God. His relationship with the Father was the greatest focus of His life while on earth. See John 14:10

The Holiness Stream (The Virtuous Life)

This stream has to do with one’s own personal life of purity and holiness. The focus is on holy thinking, holy habits and holy actions. Here we are talking about personal transformation into the “measure and fullness of Christ.” This stream has to do with the purity of our walk before God placing every detail of our lives under the Lordship and scrutiny of God. Denominationally, we would be talking about the Wesleyan tradition, the Nazarenes, and all denominations within the Holiness tradition. Writers in this stream would include John Wesley, John Calvin, Blaise Pascal, Thomas a Kempis and Teresa of Avila. Jesus Christ stands at the “head” of this stream of Holiness. He lived the Holy Life. All of His words and actions reflected the holiness of His Father. I Peter 1:15-16

The Evangelical Stream (The Word-Centered Life)

This stream has two primary areas of focus: The centrality of Scripture and the importance of conversion/evangelism. The stream has to do with the place the Holy Scripture should occupy in our lives and in our churches. Emphasis in this stream is given to being born again and a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Scriptures of importance in this stream are 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 28: 19-20, John 3:16, John 3:1-7 and many others. Writers in this stream would be E. Stanley Jones, Francis of Assisi, Madame Guyon, Charles Spurgeon, Watchmen Nee, Billy Graham and Bill Bright. Denominationally, we would be talking about the Southern Baptists.

The Charismatic Stream (The Spirit-Filled Life)

This stream has to do with the person and work of the Holy Spirit, Life in the Spirit, the baptism of the Spirit an spiritual gifts. Scriptures of importance in this stream would include John 14-16, I Corinthians 12-14, John 7:37-39, the book of Acts and many others. Denominationally, we would be talking about the Pentecostals, the Charismatics and the thousands of independent, non-denominational Spirit-empowered churches. Writers in this stream would include Tomas Kelly, Isaac Penington, John Bunyan, Dennis Bennett, Jack Hayford, Larry Christensen, Vinson Synan, T. D. Jakes and others. Again, Jesus is our model as “ A Man of the Spirit.” See Acts 10:38.

The Social Justice Stream (The Compassionate Life)

This stream has to do with taking the “good news” to the streets, to the poor, the needy and the helpless in the name of Jesus. Focus of this stream is to bring Christ’s redemption and transformation to person, institutions and societies. This stream focuses on “setting the captives free.” Luke 4:18-19. Other Scriptures would include the books of Amos, Acts and James. Writers in this stream would include Elizabeth O’Connor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Perkins, Chuck Colson, Ron Sider, Tom Sine and many others. Denominationally, many of the mainstream denominations are models of walking in this stream Unfortunately, many of them have deserted the other streams. The Salvation Army is a classic model for this stream. Contemporary models would include Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa and many others. Again, Jesus Christ is the model for this stream. His compassion and care for others is unequaled.

DRAWING SOME PRINCIPLES FROM DRINKING FROM THE STREAMS

Based on my own experience, I am laying down some principles of drinking from all of the living water.

To experience the fullness of Christ, I need to be drinking from all of the streams of God. This, of course, does not mean the heretical, cultic or streams that do no fall within the framework of Orthodox Christianity.

To confine myself to one stream often leads to sectarianism and imbalance and can lead ultimately to heresy. Francis Scaffer once said that heresy begins by isolating one truth from all other truth in God’s Word.

I must avoid, like the plague, ever coming the the conclusion the “my” stream is the best stream or even the only “true” stream. Worst still is when I conclude that my stream is the river (rather than a stream of the river) and that all must come to my stream if they would be saved. Someone once said, “God didn’t give any one group the whole truth. There isn’t one He could trust with the whole truth.” This is why He created us with a need for each other, individually and as churches.

We must never shut the doors of our hearts or churches to the other streams of the River of God. The opposite of this spirit is the man who said, “ I wouldn’t walk across the street to hear someone who doesn’t speak in tongues.” (or the reverse)

Although most of us may be “based” in a specific stream, we should pursue learning from the other streams. The pastor and church leaders should work toward their flocksbeing exposed to all streams of the river of God.

We must drink freely and continually from the whole river of God if we are to have life and be a life-giving church.

Jesus, in all of His Fulness, is the River and All of The Streams are manifested in His life and ministry.

CONCLUSION

Find the river and get in it!

The Holy Spirit is the river!

Drink from all of the streams of the River of God!

Some time ago while in Kalispell, Montana, I had the privilege of visiting the Kalispell Healing Rooms and interviewing the director. The Healing Room in Kalispell is a part of a national and international network of Christian healing centers, established along the line of the healing rooms in the ministry of John G. Lake, healing evangelist of a previous century. In a radio interview, the Kalispell director shared with me some of the exciting miracles God has done in the lives of those who had come to the center for healing prayer. I HAVE NO REASON TO QUESTION THE authenticity OF THESE HEALING TESTIMONIES BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN A HEALING GOD.

I grew up in a religious tradition that denied in doctrine and practice the present-day healing power of God. We believed that miracles stopped, along with spiritual gifts, with the last of the twelve apostles. Even though we prayed that “the sick and afflicted would be restored to their normal walks of life” we would have challenged any claim that God had healed and made anyone well. Actually, I know of one “dorm mother” in a Christian college of my non-denomination who claimed that God had opened her deaf ears and she was fired from her job for making this claim.

In spite of my commitment to the reality of the supernatural including healing and miracles, I am concerned about the fact that there seem to be so few bona fide miracles. I know for a fact that sovereign God heals when He chooses to but I also know that some of the miraculous claims being made are either false or greatly exaggerated. I am aware that there are some fakes and counterfeits disguised as healing evangelists. I am aware that unbelievers and even the agents of the enemy can operate to some extend in the supernatural.(Matthew 7:22). I am convinced that there is a bona fide gift of healing and I believe there are those believers who have special gifts of healings and miracles.( I Corinthians 12:20)

So where am I as it relates to healings, miracles and the supernatural?

1. I believe will all of my heart that the Bible teaches that God is still a healing God andChrist is still a healing Christ TODAY! (Exodus 15:26; Hebrews 13:8).

2. Primarily, I believe in healing and miracles today because of what the Bible says and notbecause of what I may have seen with my own eyes. That may shock you but I must level with where I am. I have not seen enough bona fide, undeniable miracles that would fully convince me, if that were the only reason.

3. I believe healing, and the gifts of healings and miracles have been given to the church today. I believe they are part of the church’s birth right. (Luke 9:2; Mark 16:17,18).

4. Although I believe there are individuals gifted with special healing gifts, I also believethe elders (and the church) can pray for the sick to be healed and see them healed. (James 4:13-16; Mark 16:16-18).

5. I don’t find a shred of real Biblical evidence to support dispensationalism, the doctrinethat miracles and spiritual gifts ceased in the Apostolic age. Church history gives accountafter account of miracles in the church, long after the last apostle lived and died. The Bibleteaches that spiritual gifts will continue until Christ returns. (I Corinthians 1:4-7).

6. Although the Body of Christ is experiencing a genuine restoration of healing in the Christian community, we are woefully short, especially in North America, of measuring up to the level of the supernatural miracles and healings which characterized the New Testament Church and Acts of the Apostles. I believe to deny this is to deny reality. There are not as many miracles as there were in apostolic times. And the truth is that North America is on the bottom of the list in terms of genuine signs and wonders. Reinhart Bonke is quoted as saying that he would rather conduct a healing service in any place in the world other than the United States? Why? Why are there so few miracles in the American church?

WHY NO MORE MIRACLES THAN THERE ARE IN THE UNITED STATES ANDWESTERN SOCIETY?

In wrestling with this issue in my own life and ministry, I have come up with several factors that I believe contribute to the problem of the lack of the supernatural in our ministries.

1. Bad Teaching and Bad Doctrine. Many of us have had to repent of teaching our traditions and biases rather than “sound doctrine.” Along with our people, we must believe and “declare the whole counsel of God” which includes the supernatural and the miraculous.

2. Belief in a God who is not the God of the Bible. I believe that many of us have togo back to our doctrine of God. For many years, I believed in a second-rate, domesticated Godwho was unable and unwilling to do miracles today. After examining the Bible, with the Holy Spirit as my tutor, I discovered that the God I believed in was not the God of the Scripture.

Hebrews 11:6 says that “he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. “ Believing “that He is” means believing that He can do everything the Bible says He can do, whenever He chooses to do it.

3. Lack of Faith. Again the writer of Hebrews says, “Without faith it is impossible toplease Him.” I’m talking about real faith. Some subscribe to the biblical doctrine of God but they really don’t in actuality. They file their doctrine of a supernatural God away in their little mental file box never to disturb. Can you imagine how few Christian churches last Sunday morning actually took the time to pray for the sick, anointing them with oil, in their services. If you really believe it why don’t we do it? Richard Roberts once said that the call to worship in the early church was “Is there any sick among you?” Is this true today in your church and mine? Not only is this lack of faith absent in the lives of many individuals but it’s absent in many churches. The church in the United States is covered by layer and layer of unbelief which has accumulated for many years. This unbelief must be dealt with.

4. Lack of Boldness and Courage. Many of us are so passive and timid in stepping out and taking risks. So often the apostles asked that they be prayed for regarding boldness. There is an even greater need for boldness and courage in the pulpits and churches of today. Step out and Give God a Chance to Show Himself.

5. Lack of Persistence. I can almost hear someone saying, “I tried that and it didn’t work.” How many times did you do it? Once, twice, etc.? John Wimber used to say that when he first started praying for the sick in his church, folks only got worse and some died. But Wimber and Vineyard persisted and became a model across the church for restoring the supernatural to the church.

6. Wrong Motives. James 4 says “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss.”That means you ask for the wrong reason. Why do you want miracles in your church and ministry? To glorify God, to exalt Jesus or to advance your reputation or that of your church? While pastoring in Houston, Texas I made an intensive push for signs and wonders in the congregation I was serving. I was after extraordinary miracles. While seeking the Lord, He said to me, “I can’t yet trust you with an extraordinary miracle.” Can he trust you and your church?

7. Confusion as to the Primary Purpose of Miracles. Yes, I believe the Lord touches believers and unbelievers, out of His compassion because He loves humankind. However, I find in Scripture that Jesus did “many other signs” that “you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30,31) I have concluded that one of the primary purposes, if not the primary, was to validate the claims of Christ. I believe that is still true today.. We must take the supernatural and the miraculous out of the church buildings onto the streets. John Wimber called this “power evangelism.”

Once I was in India on a mission serving along side of several Indian brethren whose ministries had a strong reputation for signs and wonders. For several days, we had been busy speaking in churches two or three times a day. I finally asked, “Brethren, where are the miracles?”

They looked surprised at me as if I should know the answer. They said, “In the streets, brother Bevis, in the marketplace. “ They encouraged me to come to the train station with them while they preached and ministered on the crowded train platforms. “There,” they said, “are the miracles.” I went and I saw them.

Once while preaching in a street meeting in the Philippines, one of my co-workers, called out in a loud voice, throughout the village, “Come tonight, if you have sick. Bring them and they will be healed.” They came and many of them were touched. That’s boldness and that’s Biblical.

OVERCOMING OUR QUIRKS AND TRADITIONS IN HEALING

Before I go on, there is one more thing that I feel I must address in the category of obstacles to a greater flow of miracles in the American church. Those of us who believe in a supernatural, miracle-working God must come out of our bad doctrines, bad practices and legalistic traditions. I will only mention four of them:

1. Believing that some sort of “formula” or special words spoken in a religious tone willproduce miracles. (This is not to discount the all-powerful Name and Power of Jesus which is the source of all biblical healing).

2. Making faith, the degree of faith or the absence of faith the primary factor of whether one is healed or not. I know, based on God’s Word that faith is a factor in healing. but I do not believe that faith is the determining factor or the only factor. Otherwise, how could Lazarus have been raised from the dead along with the countless others who were either dead, unconscious or seriously ill.

3. Pronouncing healing upon someone you have ministered to in an indiscriminate way. You need to be very sure you have heard from God before you tell someone they are healed. One’s healing is a matter solely in the hands of sovereign God, as far as I am concerned.

4. Instructing someone that they are healed when the symptoms persist. There is absolutely no biblical precedent for this although in at least one biblical account the healing seemed to come in at least two stages. I believe that healing can be spontaneous and it can be a process. But it seems ridiculous to me to tell someone with a missing leg, that’s still missing, “ you're healed.”

5. Believing that all of the “trappings” must be present in order for healing to occur.Things like oil, hands, aprons, sweat bands and handkerchiefs have been used by the Lord as a “point of touch” of the healing virtue. But none of them are necessary if God decides to heal. He can do it with or without them, as He chooses.

ENHANCING THE MINISTRY OF HEALING IN THE AMERICAN CHURCH

I could simply instruct you to take the healing obstacles and re-state them in a positive way but I will list nine things I believe we can ALL DO to increase the flow of healing in the American church.

1. Decide, once and for all, that healing is possible and should be a part of Christ’s Church, if we are to follow the biblical mandate.

2. Teach your people about Christian healing and equip them to be able to administer healing, in Christ’s name and power.

3. Every time you gather, invite and welcome Christ and His healing presence into your service.

4. Allow time in your church gatherings for praying for the sick.

5. Incorporate the laying on of hands and the anointing of oil into your church services.(James 5:14). You are standing on solid, biblical ground when you do this. It is not Pentecostal or charismatic, It’s Bible.

6. Spend time before praying for the sick, being sure your heart and life are clean. Present to Him a holy vessel for His use.

7. When praying for the sick, before you pray, conduct a brief interview with the one being prayed for and ask the Lord how you are to pray for this person. Sometimes it may be different from what has been requested.

8. Allow for and encourage healing testimonies in your church services. Give God theglory for those who have been healed.

9. Pursue the healing ministry with consistency Don’t give up. Someone said we oftenquit just before the answer comes. So often we are so sporadic in our pursuit of healing. I encourage you to keep pressing in!

“Dear Father, I am confident that You are who You say You are and that You can do what the Bible says You can do. I wholeheartedly agree with your Word that You are the Lord who heals us and Jesus Christ is the Great Physician who is the same ‘yesterday, today and forever.’ Father, increase our hunger for the supernatural and for signs and wonders. Do such a work in us and in our churches that you can trust us with extraordinary miracles. I believe that you have shown us that the Gospel of the Kingdom is both proclamation and demonstration.

Do your miracles in us and through us. Give us the desire and power to take it to the streets. In Jesus Name. Amen.”

Over the weekend of June 25-28, we had the privilege of participating in the 200th Anniversary of The Signing of the Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery. All of the activities took place in the Cane Ridge Meeting house near Paris, Kentucky.

This was the first time we had been back to Cane Ridge since the 200th Anniversary of the Cane Ridge Revival which took place at Cane Ridge in 2001. When we received word that the Last Will and Testament would be celebrated we knew that we had to be there to see what the Lord might say and do. Prior to the 2001 celebration, the Lord had instructed us to lead a pilgrimage to return to Cane Ridge and to “re-dig the wells of revival.” Genesis 26

Approximately one hundred of us obeyed that heavenly order and had a once in a lifetime experience with God at Cane Ridge. Our three-day prayer meeting was filled with “God surprises” from beginning to end. God powerfully used a Catholic priest and many from the Campbell-Stone Movement to execute times of confession, cleansing and celebration. Everything was Spirit led. There was no man made agenda, and we never seemed to know ahead what He was going to do next. The powerful “upper room” prayer meeting culminated in a foot washing service in the evening with all “streams” of the Movement, plus some from other denominations, participating and washing one another’s feet. The final morning and the grand climax of the week, was the outdoor gathering around the Lord’s Table with the Lord Himself being present. Although we could not see Him with the natural eye, it was obvious that He was present. All were touched and many of us vowed to carry the baton of Christian unity on to others. Many of us had a sense that our work at Cane Ridge was unfinished. We believe that significant progress has been made, but there is still much to do.

The next installment for some of us was the 2004 “Springfield Presbytery” celebration. Several of us were present from the 2001 Celebration, and it was obvious to most of us that (1) the presence of the Lord still lingers on the “sacred grounds” of Cane Ridge and (1) the atmosphere was considerably lighter. It was as if the heavens had opened even farther and the “heaviness” had diminished. I took the time to retreat to my special corner at Cane Ridge and once again I literally felt the “wind of the Spirit” blowing across the property.

All who were present in 2001 will remember the intense heat we experienced in the meeting house during the three days. This time in 2004, it was as if it were air air conditioned. Never did any of us even work up a sweat. We’re not sure what this means, but my mind went back to the ministry of Zadok in the Old Testament. Their ministry was characterized by “no sweat” and it was primarily a ministry unto the Lord.

Several things impressed us at the 2004 Celebration. Some of which we will briefly share.

One, the mood was much more celebrative and the people much warmer toward each other. There were those present from all three branches of the movement, and the tensions and suspicions which had characterized earlier events seemed to be melting away. Praise be to God. As our people continue to relate to one another, they are discovering the beauty of their common heritage.

Two, there were public testimonies and private conversation attesting to the “coming together” of those in the movement. One of the highlights was the moving accounts of what God is doing among “our closest kin” in the Lexington area. Some of the ministers from all three of the streams have bee meeting together, and as they have shared and prayed, God has knit them together. It was obvious to all that “behold, they loved one another.” The Lexington churches of the Campbell-Stone Movement have had more than one combined service worshipping together and God has blessed their gathering. Praise to the Father that the evidence of the “re-digging” is beginning to manifest itself.

Three, we saw little if any evidence of the condescending spirit which some in one branch had shown toward the others in previous gatherings. We seemed to be approaching the “level ground” at the foot of the cross. As a matter of fact, more than one of the speakers spoke of our need to die to ourselves and embrace the cross. It is happening before our very eyes!

Four, one of the highlights of the 2004 gathering was the presentation of the new Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement. It is clear that God has used the development of this historic publication to “move the movement” closer together. Douglas Foster, of Abilene Christian University and the non-instrument Churches of Christ is the General Editor. He has done a magnificent job in guiding this proper through both smooth and rough waters. It will be released to the public before the year is over. It will no doubt be the most comprehensive work ever produced in documenting the Campbell-Stone Movement.

Five, although small in comparison to the other elements of the event, a prayer component was added to the 2004 celebration. An all night prayer vigil ushered the celebration into Monday, and the day celebrating the actual signing of the Last Will and Testament. Only a few gathered fro the prayer time, but earnest prayers were offered for the unity of the Movement and the cause of Christ at large. Meaningful testimonies and conversations were interwoven into the fabric of the prayer gathering. We cannot help but feel the 2001 prayer gathering helped to prepare for the 2004 prayer vigil. We are confident that greater things are to come in the arena of prayer and intercession from this movement given by God to bring healing and wholeness to the Body of Christ. We seem to have corrected our sectarian course and gotten back on the main line of being a gift to the Body of Christ.

PERSONALLY

I have been to Cane Ridge many times and never have I gone without being impacted and “strangely warmed.” This visit was no exception for me. Once again the “fires of the Spirit” were stirred and stoked within me. Once again, I left Cane Ridge with a new determination to be available as His instrument to bring healing to what was once a mighty move of God, birthed by His Holy Spirit at Cane Ridge in 1801. I continue to have a very simple explanation of what happened at Cane Ridge in 1801. Jesus Christ “touched down” and “visited” the Cane Ridge Communion Festival. If that happened, and I believe that it did, how could anyone accuse the “manifestations” as being excessive. Jesus had come by and “they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen (Luke 24:52-53)

TO THE 2OO1 PRAYER TEAM

Take joy my brothers and sisters! The heavens are opening. The Spirit is moving and once again the water is flowing. Know that your labor was not in vain in the Lord. “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…”

Time will never erase the “visitations” of 1801 and 2001. Let us continue to pray for His fullness to return to our movement and ignite our hearts once again. Furthermorek letus continue to seek Him as to the next step. We are confident that there is one!

Expectantly,

Jim and Anne Bevis