Robin J Johnson
I would like to share a little of the stirring of my spirit over the past 24 hrs as I considered the day; 11 November 2011.
Firstly, let me be completely honest. I don’t always get involved in “one day” things, as sometimes they are more gimmicky than purpose driven. I don’t say this to offend anyone, past, present or even future. I just want to be transparent and create a context for what I am about to say.
We live in days of great victory. The Spirit of the Lord is moving mightily in awesome ways and in many places. However, there is still a deep seated desire and cry from within to the God of the much, much more, that HE will come again and pour out on us all HIS Spirit, grace, mercy and power to enable us to serve HIM better in the day in which we live.
I have a word, which for me sums up the whole intent of the day 11-11-11. I am inspired to make a difference and cry as did the prophet Habakkuk.
I have heard all about you, LORD, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. And in your anger, remember your mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 (NLT)
So my brief exhortation to you is this….
Attach this day of prayer; the seeking and calling on the name of the Lord, to the eternal purpose of God which He plans to fulfil in Jesus Christ. This is not about our agendas, thoughts or imaginations, but a day to desperately cry out for a fresh and dynamic visitation of God the Holy Spirit, one that will usher in a great harvest of souls and as a consequence will enable us to fulfil the great commission and “make disciples of all nations”.
I believe this should be a day. not to be so much worried about the “raging of the nations” their plans or schemes, but a day that with one voice, standing together, we storm heaven to petition and cry out;
- to worship HIM, exalt HIM, give HIM glory for HIS greatness, majesty and power
- to position ourselves and tune our ears to hear from heaven
- for HIS greatness to be manifest again in our lives and ministries as never before
- to ask HIM to renew in us, both a revelation of the tragic position of the lost and a true passion to bring people to Christ; sharing the Good News of the Kingdom of God with compassion and demonstrations of power to glorify HIS name
- for multitudes of workers to be thrust out into HIS harvest
- to transform us that we in turn will be instruments of transformation and reformation of our society and its communities.
I have no doubt that HE can truly do what we ask of HIM, in Jesus name!
By choice I have not spoken much about “repentance”, (which some won’t be happy with, sorry) nevertheless I do believe it is important. However, it is more than mere words tossed about simply for “religious” gratification. Repentance is a change of mind, the fruit of which is evidenced by a change of heart and behaviour.
My hope is, this will come about in greater degrees as we encounter the grace, love and mercy of the Living God.
Here are two other versions of Habakkuk 3:2 which add to my own conviction and stirring within….
(TMSG) God, I’ve heard what our ancestors say about you, and I’m stopped in my tracks, down on my knees. Do among us what you did among them. Work among us as you worked among them. And as you bring judgment, as you surely must, remember mercy.
(NIV) LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.
On 11-11-11, I will actually be Kuala Lumpur, having been in Cambodia and Vietnam, and on my way to Mozambique. My prayer for you is:
Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, whoever you gather with, that this be for you personally, a significant moment;
An encounter with our Great God that transforms you and your ministry and takes you to new dimensions, beyond all you have dreamed of and asked for, in Jesus name!
LORD, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power. Jeremiah 10:6 & 7
Serving the God of the much, much more!