First of all
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. (1 Tim 2:1, ESV)
Poem in Your Pocket
Hosanna kids are getting into national Poetry Month (April) in a big way. They are going to be composing poems to and about God all month long…culminating in a special evening when parents and members of the community will be invited to an evening of a “Let There be Light” poetry performance by the kids. Not only that, but the Hosanna bunch is challenging kids everywhere to highlight the first ever national Poem in Your Pocket Day (April 17th) by carrying a poem on every day of the month!
The value of Grace
I was fortunate to receive a book recently that is chock-full of Faith and Witness. Written by Bruce Galloway, an evangelist who I am hoping will join us for a Kentucky revival this spring, the work is entitled “Being a Christian in the Workplace.” It is a powerful book.
In it, Bruce tells about a time when he took a bench from a worksite. His boss had told him to do it, but Bruce knew better. By his own reckoning, “I knew in my spirit that the Lord was telling me not to do it, but I was beside myself with covetousness and I wanted that bench no matter what.” The result: Continued resistance to the voice of the Spirit led to physical sickness, dwindling faith, a feeling of worthlessness. Bruce was under attack by the enemy of our souls. Finally, by the grace of God, Bruce was able to confess his sin and receive forgiveness.
That’s not all, though. Our God doesn’t waste anything. Bruce’s pastor asked him to share this testimony to the wisdom of holding fast and not giving way; he asked Bruce to stand up in front of the congregation and speak it. Bruce tells it like this: “I never realized how much of a ‘ripple effect’ one small bench could make in the lives of 300 or more people.”
Hosanna! Praise Him, for He is good and right and brings deliverance to the captives!
Drawing close
When you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. (James 4:8, TLB)
Revival Ministry in Bangalore
I don’t know any more about this ministry than what can be read on the website, but I am touched by the sincerity and simple desire to see revival. Here is an excerpt from the testimony of Dr. Paul Solomon, who labors for our Lord out of Bangalore, India:
In 1980 I was a homoeopathic physician. One day I was called to treat a dying young boy who took poison near Madras. I was using very powerful German medicine which can bring down poison even from the brain. Finally the boy was saved. At the same time I was watching a few Christians who were praying for the boy and finally said “it is Jesus who saved this boy”. I got irritated by hearing those words and replied with anger “who is Jesus, I never saw him coming and treating this dying young man. I saved him by my powerful medicines”. As a result of my anger they seriously prayed for me secretly “Jesus touch this communist doctor”. It will be a big history to say in words, with in 3 weeks I became a Christian. On July 24th -1980 early morning I found Jesus and He spoke to me “My son” I was broken into pieces. Since then I am serving my Dad. So every year I never celebrate my birth day - but taught by Him to celebrate my Born Again Day. Praise the Lord.
To read the rest of the story and to find out more about Dr. Solomon’s ministry, go to his home page. He says there that “It is surely the divine guidance that brought you to surf this web site. Revival is the urgent need for every one in these last days.”
Hosanna!
The Shantung Revival Story
Our first revival story concerns a Southern Baptist mission to China. According to the “Grace and Truth to You” blog, missionary C.L. Culpepper says, I had opened my Bible to Romans 2:17. It seemed the Apostle Paul was speaking directly to me when he said, “But if you call yourself a Christian and rely upon the Gospel, and boast of your relation to God, and know His will, and approve what is excellent; and if you are sure you are a guide to the blind, a light to those in darkness, a correction to the foolish, a teacher of children – you then who teach others, will you not teach yourself”
Culpepper’s reaction was one of conviction and repentance, leading him to confess his “pride and spiritual impotence” at a prayer meeting the following morning. Consequently, the Holy Spirit moved to ignite revival. It is impossible to judge the actual result of this case–where one man listened, confessed, and told others.
Read the entire post at this site. Thank you to Wade Burleson for compiling and sharing this story.
Revival Story
We are an insignificant ministry in an insignificant area, but we serve a great God. The dates for the revival service on the Kentucky River have been set for May 12th thru May 18th. Come and join us.
Beginning today, the category previously known as “News” has been changed to “Revival Story.” The news that matters most is the news of the Kingdom of God. Check the “Revival Story” tab for revival stories, old and new. Hosanna!
**Update** I tried that and it just didn’t set right. Revival is what this blog is all about. Bear with me as I rearrange the posts and begin to use this spot…the front of the front page…to concentrate on Revival Story. Hosanna!
Poetry and Healing
With National Poetry Month (April) just around the corner, I have been leaning the children’s literature instructions in that direction, and I have been surprised at the results. My students are eager to bring and read poems for group discussion. They love it. The parents, though, are another matter–isn’t poetry a bit too frivolous? Shouldn’t we be discussing more serious matters? I don’t think so. Poetry has the ability to speak the language of both Psuche and Psyche (Heart and Mind.) Poetry is neither irrelevant nor irresponsible. It is one more way to seek and glorify God.
So…let’s open up a space on Hosanna Blog for poetry. No holds barred, any form you wish; let’s celebrate National Poetry Month and encourage one another in the process. Send your posts and we will open up a Poet’s Corner.
Revival services in mid-May
Revival services are coming to the Troublesome Creek area in mid-May. The plan is for week-long activities, with a meeting every night, during the week of May 11th thru May 18th. I will have more information on location and times soon. Please pray for this endeavor to see the Holy Spirit work mightily in our region and spread to yours. The time right, the desire is right; Father, send the Rain.
May Revival Services Coming!
I “chanced” to eat lunch with a local pastor, last week, and was thrilled to find that his congregation plans to hold week-long Revival services this May. I immediately offered Hosanna’s services to help with the project, and he was happy to see that our hearts are tuned to Revival. Moreover, I spoke at a chapel service, yesterday, and afterwards he asked me to be one of the speakers at the Revival. And the topic–”Reaching Kentucky for Christ”–just what I long to do. The lesson I take from this is that God is ever before me, preparing the way, and that all I need to do is follow Him. Hosanna! Praise the Lord!
