The Root of Rebellion

By Ron Boehme | Published: July 1, 2010

[R]ebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry … 1Samuel 15:23a

“If God does not exist then everything is permitted.” – Dostoyevsky

I ran across this famous quote in a booklet that I read recently. David Horowitz’s Barack Obama’s Rules for Revolution: The Alinsky Model is very helpful in understanding what is happening in America and what is at the heart of the human struggle. It’s easy in our cultural battles to think we are waging a war between left and right, Democrats and Republicans, socialists and patriots, or other competing views.

But that is not the heart of the matter. There is a mission of destruction in the world today that not only gives meaning to the perils of the present hour, but also explains our own personal temptations and failures.

There is a universal monster that is latent in each of us. That monster is our capacity for rebellion against God. And there is a being behind that monster whose name is Lucifer. Are you are rebel, or a submitted saint?

  • Lord Jesus – purge from me any rebellion in my heart toward self and sin. Help me to humbly submit in all areas to your gracious rule. Amen (1Sa 15:23, Pr 17:10-11; Dan 9:4-19)

Ron Boehme, Director, YWAM US Renewal

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“Be Strong Now!”

By Dave Kubal | Published: July 1, 2010

…Proclaim liberty and freedom throughout all the land… Leviticus 25:10

The road of the intercessor is a long one. Daniel is an example. In the year 551 BC Daniel received a vision of the rise and fall of empires. A six-year span of time was described in the vision where deceit would prosper as a “ram” (Medo-Persian Empire) and a “goat” (Greece) would battle both Media and Persia. Daniel was astonished and appalled, grew faint, and lay ill for several days after the vision. (Daniel Chapter Eight) Nothing transpired until the year 539 BC when God gave Daniel another vision which foretold the restoration of Jerusalem and the coming of the Anointed One.

Two years later in 537 BC, Daniel received revelation of a great war which caused him to seek God and mourn for 21 days. A “Heavenly Warrior” appeared to him who described what had been going on. Evidently, for three full weeks a tremendous spiritual battle had ensued between this Heavenly Warrior and the “prince of Persia.” Even the Archangel Michael had been brought in on the action. Finally, after 21 days, there was a breakthrough in the battle against the “prince of Persia” and Daniel was given an up-to-date battle report.

Then the angel spoke words that every intercessor needs to hear: “Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed… peace! Be strong now, be strong.” (Daniel 9:19) These words were spoken to Daniel to impart strength and give him courage. Even the mighty Daniel, a valiant man who had endured much and suffered the inside of the lion’s den, grew weary.

It is natural and easy for intercessors to become weary and tired. But we need to understand that there are battles being fought in the heavenlies at this very time that we don’t know much or often anything about. We are unaware, but God and His hosts are engaged! Be strong, Intercessor! Realize that God has dispatched His mighty warriors. He is ever working behind the scenes in the heavenlies.

The Liberty Bell carries this quote from Leviticus 25:10: “… proclaim liberty and freedom throughout all the land….” This Bell was ordered in 1751 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s Charter of Privileges, its first Constitution, signed in 1701. Fifty years of hoping—and certainly praying—saw many still waiting for God to bring this passage to reality. Another 25 years unfolded before the colonies would experience liberty as a country—as the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Revolutionary War was begun. After another 80 years passed, the abolitionists adopted the Liberty Bell and the Leviticus passage as their symbol of freedom. Finally, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863. Surely there was someone who was praying for liberty in 1701 who never lived to see 1776, and it is a certainty that those praying in 1701 did not live to see 1863.

Sometimes we, as intercessors, are called to pray for things that we may never see manifested or brought to resolution. Intercession is often tough enough without this truth, but this is also the raw reality before every praying believer. It is not whether we see victories; it is whether we are obedient and persist in our prayers. Let us continue in expectant faith and anticipate victories, but let us not give up if all is not “answered” in short order—or even in our lifetimes.

Listen now to the words spoken to Daniel, and hear them for yourself: “Do not be afraid, O man (or woman) highly esteemed … peace! Be strong now, be strong.”

  • Father, we are engaged in battles whose total victory will not be seen until You return. We are standing on the shoulders of faithful Christian intercessors who founded this country and in whom You gave wisdom and strength of character. They demonstrated patience and stamina; so must we, but only through Your Sovereign hand is this possible. Please help us to “Be strong now!” Even so, come Lord Jesus! Amen

Dave Kubal, President, Intercessors for America, Facebook, Get America Praying!

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Plead for Churches to Fully Proclaim Christ’s Preeminence, Calvary’s Cross and True Conversion

By Dr. Greg Frizzell | Published: June 30, 2010

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12, see also Jn 3:3, 13:32, 16:8-14; Rom 6:1-14; Php 2:5-11; Col 1:9-18)

It is God’s heart that Christ be continually exalted and proclaimed above all. From beginning to end, the central biblical message is God’s holiness and glory reflected in Christ. Even throughout the Old Testament, every blood sacrifice ad symbol pointed to Jesus. In all things, Jesus and His eternal kingdom are to be front and center. God’s major focus is sin, righteousness and judgment, not temporal comforts. (Jn 16:8) While God certainly desires to bless and comfort believers, His overwhelming priority is to focus on Christ, holiness and His coming eternal kingdom.

In John 16:14, Jesus specifically stated that when the Holy Spirit was come, He would declare of Him (meaning Jesus). Indeed, Jesus is not just the means of our getting into heaven; He is also the means of daily victory by grace through faith. (Gal 2:20; Php 2:6) Because Christ is the one and only means of knowing, loving, serving and worshipping God, He is to be preeminent in all things at all times.

The same preeminent focus on Christ and God’s holiness were also central in all historic spiritual awakenings. When Christ’s Lordship, the new birth and holiness are centrally proclaimed, the Holy Spirit moved in sweeping power. The Spirit-empowered proclamation of Christ, sin and judgment are crucial to the release of God’s manifest presence to convict and save. In generations when churches truly embraced a central emphasis on Jesus, discipleship, evangelism and missions exploded and God received great glory.

Yet today, a disturbing number of churches have departed from Christ’s central focus and message. While many declare Christ as our blessor and friend, they either ignore or marginalize the fact He is also Lord, Judge and Savior. Even in doctrinally sound believers and churches, some have drifted toward a neglect of adequate focus on Jesus. Revival surely requires a return to balance. It is certainly no accident that the Church revives and evangelism explodes when Jesus is a central focus.

Sadly, we live in a day when many churches and evangelism efforts focus more on temporal happiness than Christ’s Lordship, repentance and new birth. Far too many churches have become little more than self-help pep rallies for earthly success. In those churches, Christ’s central message of sin, righteousness and judgment is at best an occasional periphery emphasis. At worst, the essential truths are wholly ignored.

In today’s Church, there is also a frequent neglect to declare the full message of Christ as it relates to believers’ daily victory. The foundational truths of Romans 6:6-14 are often either completely ignored or marginalized. In other cases, the truths are mentioned but not explained. As a result, many believers do not realize Christ’s death and resurrection saves them from sin’s “power” as well as its “penalty.” For this reason, many believers know they are saved (eternally) by grace through faith but are trying to walk in victory more by self-effort. Of course, the result is defeat, powerlessness and lack of confidence.

Make no mistake — when the focus shifts from Christ’s foundational truths, we must assume false prophecy has taken center stage. If churches are more interested in being “politically correct, popular and non-offensive” than faithful to Christ’s preeminent truths, the need for revival is desperate! Beyond question, that is the condition of our churches in America today. So how can these conditions reverse? Only a mighty move of God’s Spirit can restore the centrality of Christ and His full gospel. For this great revival reformation, we must labor and pray with all our hearts.

  • Almighty God, we praise You for Christ’s preeminence as Lord, Savior and Judge. Please forgive us when our central focus has shifted from Jesus crucified, resurrected and glorified. Guard us from turning our main focus from sin, righteousness and judgment to earthly blessings and comforts. Cause us to exalt and glorify Jesus in all things. Teach us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness. May Christ’s name be praised and His kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven.
  • Father, please forgive me for ways I have neglected Christ’s preeminence and Lordship in my life. Lord Jesus, I realize You alone are my strength, my love and means of eternal life. Grant me the determination and wisdom to exalt You in all I say and do. As a church, please forgive us for any ways we have neglected Christ’s Lordship, righteousness and judgment. Help us major on Christ’s Lordship, kingdom and glory.

(Praying God’s Heart in Times Like These! “A Covenant to Seek the Reviver Not Just Revival, © Dr. Gregory Frizzell, 2009, www.frizzellministries.org, www.masterdesign.org/frizzell.html, by permission from the author. Download Covenant)

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An Old Sound is Awakening God’s People. It’s Growing Louder, Calling Us To Prayer & Spiritual Warfare!

By Dennis McKirahan | Published: June 30, 2010

1. Blow the trumpet,

2. Consecrate a fast,

3. Call a sacred assembly;

4. Gather the people,

5. Sanctify yourselves,

6. Weep and cry out to the Lord … “Spare Your People”

7. And do not give up your heritage but stand up for what is right.
Then the Lord will be zealous for His land, and have pity on His People.   (Joel 2: 15-19, abridged)

Today, the Lord is calling together those who will worship Him, alone, in spirit and in truth; those who report for duty to work, not just talk.

The Lord makes his commands clear and keeping them yields His results.  Remember the story of Gideon who did it God’s way?  Or Joshua in the battle of Jericho?  If God’s pastors and people will follow the directions without skipping over any instructions, God says He will fight our battles. Right?

So, what was first?

The Trumpeters (Shofarim or Shofar Blowers) were first then, and should be so today.  The Trumpeters come along side to support, but in that support role, they lead the way. They do just what Joel 2:1 and 2:15 instructs them to do.  So what does the shofar blowing first accomplish?

In Ezekiel 33: 6-9 the trumpet blasts sound the alert.   The Shofar Blowers are the watchmen on the wall.  Their alert warns the rest of the Army so that they can accomplish the other 6 things mentioned above.

God made it clear in over 70 verses in his word to first blow the trumpets. The trumpets where used and are still used today for starting things in motion and sending forth the warriors.  He uses the simple (or foolish) things to confound the wise and give grace to the humble  We must stop doing only the part that we want to do and do what the Lord says to do and the way He says to do it.  Psalm 150 gives instructions to praise God and to use all the sounds and yes even dance.

There is an unusual Army arising around the world worldwide today: an army of Shofar Blowers, thousands of men and women who have heard God’s call literally to blow the trumpet and figuratively – to awaken his people to action. May God raise up an Army of Shofar blowers – who will declare God’s urgent warnings and the promises of mercy , if we will respond (see Eze 3:17 ff; 33:1 ff; Joel 1:13-15; 2:15 ff) Enlist in God’s Army today and play your note. Shalom!

  • Heavenly Father, help us first to hear the trumpet call, then to arise and obey. Please forgive us, as Christians, for being lukewarm and weak in our flesh and spirit. Forgive our self-centeredness and lack of faith to believe that with You we can do all things.  Holy Spirit, refresh, fill, and strengthen us to be mighty warriors for Your kingdom.  Lord, have Your way in our lives; in all we do 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days each year.
  • Please cover our sins and the sins of our nation with the blood of Yeshua, our Savior and Lord.  By Your power and authority, bind Satan and every evil spirit that has come into our land. (Luke 9:1)
  • May Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  In the mighty name of Yeshua.  Amen!

Dennis McKirahan is Founder & Director of Shofar Call International a worldwide network of men and women who take the skillful sounding the shofar very seriously. Members make a purity pledge and serve believers around the world by sounding the Shofar at Church Convocations and Solemn Assemblies.

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A Cosmic Showdown

By P. Douglas Small | Published: June 29, 2010

They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. Luke 21:12

We are hearing of incredible breakthroughs around the world. And then heart wrenching setbacks. We heard about the great revival in Korea 100 years ago. So powerful was that move of God that the capital city was called “the second Jerusalem.” And then Japanese rule came. Soon, pagan beliefs were introduced into the Korean culture. Finally, ancient sun worship was imposed – full blown paganism. Pagan shrines were then set up on church property. Unthinkable. Pagan ceremonies were inaugurated in public schools to capture the next generation. Some Christians resisted. A few refused to bow at the Shinto shrines.

And then on September 11, 1938, the last resisting Protestant church instructed its members to bow at Shinto shrines as a cultural concession. WWII followed and when it ended, North Korea was in darkness. It remains the most hardened atheist state on the planet.

  • God – all over the earth we find ourselves in a cosmic showdown, a modern contest of the gods. Help us to remain faithful. Show up. Reveal yourself as alive. Give us wisdom. Our lack of resolve may close whole nations to the gospel – even our own. Our bold obedience may open doors that can never be closed. The stakes are high. Here, in our own back yard, we are being asked to bend and bow to cultural concessions loaded with moral and spiritual implications. We never expected these choices here in North America. Make us a worthy example to a watching world. Let us learn from the lessons of the past. Send a global revival. Inflame whole nations.

Rev. P. Douglas Small, Project Pray, Awakening America

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Everything is About to Change

By Ron Boehme | Published: June 29, 2010

Surely the Lord God does nothing unless he reveals his secret counsel too his servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).

I have been hearing a prophetic message in my heart for the past few months.

  • We have a non-revived and apathetic Church that God holds accountable for our national sins.
  • Blatant immorality, family breakdown and increased abortions in the land.
  • Growing government tyranny and control.
  • Unsustainable budgets and deficits for as far as the eye can see.

America–and maybe the global community–is in uncharted territory and great danger. Call it reaping what we’ve sown, economic idiocy, generational cycles, immoral people, corrupt politicians, or all of the above. But any way you cut it, it spells: Judgment.

Because if there is a God (and there is), he is all wise in directing history, just and holy in punishing sin and disobedience, and merciful in his designs for all to come to repentance. For these reasons, I believe today that everything is about to change. Whether it’s a Last Days scenario or just another cycle of judgment and renewal, only God knows. I do know this. We need to ready ourselves to survive and to triumph through Christ.

  • Father, use the troubles we face to turn people’s hearts to You. Prepare us for the days that lie ahead. We trust your judgment and look for your grace and power to prevail. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Ron Boehme, Director,  YWAM US Renewal

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Pray for Bold Faith and Nation-Changing Courage to Fill God’s People

By Dr. Greg Frizzell | Published: June 28, 2010

[G]rant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus (Acts 4:29b-30, see also Josh 1:9; Acts 4:29-31; Mat 9:29, 16:18, 17:20; Mk 9:23, 11:22-24; Eph 6:18-19; 2 Tim 1:7)

God purposes for His people to be filled with bold faith and nation-shaking courage. From start to finish, the way of spiritual victory is by faith! Strong faith is utterly crucial to powerful moves of God’s Spirit. Jesus repeatedly stated, “It shall be unto you according to your faith.” (Matthew 9:29, 17:20; Mark 9:23, 11:22-24) God continually commands His people to be filled with boldness and courage. In Hebrews 11:6, Scripture proclaims, “It is impossible to please God without faith.” Sweeping revivals and evangelism are always wrought by people of great boldness, courage and faith, not timidity. For this reason, Satan works constantly to get believers discouraged, fearful and intimidated. The enemy accuses and condemns believers to cause them to focus on their weakness instead of God’s grace and power. If our expectation and faith grow small, so will be God’s work in our midst.

Today, it is especially easy for believers to be intimidated by the world. Some of this intimidation is subtle and unconscious. If we are not vigilant, the enemy’s persecution can dampen our sense of expectant faith and bold witness. Mark this well — Christ’s Church is to be on the offense against the gates of hell, not defense! (Matthew 16:18) While the shield of faith and spiritual defense certainly have a vital role, the Church is to be on bold offensive for Christ’s kingdom. Though there will certainly be challenging days when “having done all we simply stand,” defense should not be the main tone of our lives. We are not to live in a defensive shell of intimidation!

If God’s people become discouraged, intimidated or unbelieving, they cannot be instruments of evangelism or revival. Discouragement produces lowered expectations and false standards of spiritual success. If we begin to “measure ourselves by ourselves” we will start believing God for less than full New Testament power. Because powerful faith is so crucial to knowing God and walking in revival power, we must pray for supernatural boldness, courage and faith. Only God’s grace and Spirit can fill us with nation-shaking faith.

  • Victorious Lord, we praise You that nothing is impossible with You. Please empower us with a mighty spirit of boldness, courage and faith. Guard us from any elements of discouragement or fear. Cause us to walk in the light of Your awesome power and victory through Christ. Help us keep our eyes on Him. May we not be overwhelmed by the depth of today’s darkness. Strengthen us to stand on Your promises and walk in victorious faith. Help us believe that nothing is impossible with You! Fill us with a determination to claim the nations for Christ’s kingdom and glory. May Your name be praised in all the earth!
  • Father, thank You for Your glorious faithfulness. Please forgive us for doubt and unbelief. Fill me with a spirit of boldness, courage and faith. Help me claim your promises and reach souls for Christ’s kingdom. As a church, forgive us for unbelief and timidity. Set us on fire with a mountain-moving, nation–shaking faith.

(Praying God’s Heart in Times Like These! “A Covenant to Seek the Reviver Not Just Revival, © Dr. Gregory Frizzell, 2009, www.frizzellministries.org, www.masterdesign.org/frizzell.html, by permission from the author. Download Covenant)

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“We Need Wise Leaders”

By Ron Boehme | Published: June 25, 2010

Choose wise and discerning and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads

There is a real void of good leadership in our nation and world at this present time.  In fact, I believe that the current leadership of the United States might be the worst in our history–with some of our key national leaders being either radical, egotistical, immoral, corrupt, deceptive, patronizing, not listening to their constituents–or in a phrase–devoid of godly character.

This is one reason why there is such fear, reaction, and distrust among the people as we enter the fall of 2010. We desperately need leaders with faith, wisdom, humility, skill, and insight to guide us through these perilous times.

There is no greater example in all the world of good and effective leadership than that of Jesus Christ.  Those who are his followers, share his character and passions, and are radically committed to His Kingdom of Love and Light. We need to pray for Christ-like leaders to emerge in our nation and vote them into office every election cycle. This is a desperate need.

  • Father – please give us once again wise and godly leaders who can guide us through these difficult days with broken hearts and prayerful voices. Amen.

Rev. Ron Boehme, Director, YWAM US Renewal

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The Sword is Coming!

By P. Douglas Small | Published: June 25, 2010

If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person … his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.  So you, son of man: I have made a watchman for the house of Israel; … hear a word from My mouth and warn them … if you warn the wicked … and he does not turn … you have delivered your soul.  Eze 33:6-9

The Lord made Ezekiel a watchman. God told him to warn that nation. If he did not, their blood would be on his hands. We attempt to put such passages away. They seem so out-of-place in these days of easy belief systems and seeker-friendly churches. How can such a responsibility be ours? After all, we pay missionaries. So, like Lady Macbeth, we wash our hands, but the spots are still there. Like Pilot, we absolve ourselves of responsibility (Mt 27:24). But is it that easy to dismiss? Can we really pardon ourselves so easily?

In moments of prayerful honesty, with a dying nation in clear view, we are overwhelmed. We shrink back. We don’t know where to begin, so we rationalize. With an unsaved neighbor living next door, we are intimidated by the challenge to even reach out to him. We can wait no longer.

  • Father, show us the one, the handful, perhaps even a dozen or so for whom we can pray. We are told by sociologists that each of us knows some 100 people, casual acquaintances in our world – those with whom we carpool, those in our soccer league, the lady at the dry-cleaners, the auto mechanic, a bank-teller. Who among them are you making me responsible – to pray for (the Great Commitment), to care about (the Great Commandment), or to share with (the Great Commission)?

Rev. P. Douglas Small, Project Pray, Awakening America

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Cry Out for Restored Love and Unity in Churches, Denominations and Families

By Dr. Greg Frizzell | Published: June 24, 2010

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me (John 17:21, see also 13:34-35; 15:12; 17:20-22; Acts 2:1, 42-47; 1 Cor 1:10)

It is God’s heart desire that His people live in powerful love and oneness to the glory of His name. With God, everything is about relationships! We must remember that the two great commandments are “loving God with all our hearts” and “loving our neighbors as ourselves.” (Mat 22:38-39) It is further clear that love and unity between believers is key to an empowered witness to a lost world. (Jn 13:34; 17:21) While loving unity brings God glory, bickering among believers horribly profanes His name and grieves His Spirit.

In Scripture, there is no doubt that right human relationships are crucial to right relationship with God and answered prayer. (Mat 5:23-24, 6:14-15; Mk 11:25) In virtually all historic awakenings, reconciled relationships and families were central elements. This element is even more crucial for today’s fractured society! With so many churches and families divided, revival must surely involve a flood of reconciliation and godly love. Make no mistake — praying God’s heart means passionate intercession for Christian unity and reconciled relationships. It also means embracing the specific biblical steps for restored love and unity (Mat 5:23-24, 6:14-15, 18:15-17).

  • Holy Father, we praise You that we have the power for true oneness. Please move us to embrace loving unity in our churches and deep harmony between our churches. Fill us with supernatural fellowship in You. Help us tear down the strongholds of bickering and disunity that so ravage our churches, denominations and families. Move us to ask forgiveness of everyone we have offended and extend forgiveness to all who have offended us. Forgive us for saying things in person, in print or on-line that profane Your name before a watching world we are supposed to reach. Fill us with a loving unity that draws the lost and glorifies Christ.
  • Lord, I fully repent of ignoring my broken and damaged relationships. I now covenant to forgive and reconcile all damaged relationships. I commit to unify and strengthen my family through prayer. As a church, we commit to embrace loving fellowship and biblical reconciliation with one another. Lord, we trust You to fill us with a spirit of love, forgiveness and right relationships with others.

(Praying God’s Heart in Times Like These! “A Covenant to Seek the Reviver Not Just Revival, © Dr. Gregory Frizzell, 2009, www.frizzellministries.org, www.masterdesign.org/frizzell.html, by permission from the author. Download Covenant)

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