Joy in His Presence

As a member of theLab internship that I explained in my previous post, I feel the need to let people know what God is doing, not only in the internship but also at Revival Church where the internship is based.  God is moving tremendously in many places across Michigan and specifically in the Detroit region.   At the internship and Revival Church, we believe that God is raising up burning ones to be carriers of revival fire.  If you are a burning one, perhaps you will join us.  If you are a skeptic, perhaps you will be challenged. 

Last night we had a blast in the mighty Presence of God.  During the worship service, Holy Spirit led me to the altar to flag during one song.  As I flagged I sensed the release of joy, victory and freedom.   Prophetic words of hope and encouragement were then released over people.  Not long after, we were led to do a fire tunnel.   People were touched, wrecked and filled as they made their way through the tunnel. 

God’s Presence, bursting with joy and freedom, filled that place and it was like a party!

Every week, the services are becoming more and more intense in the power of God.  He is wrecking us, filling us and preparing our hearts for what He desires to do.

Perhaps you are wondering, what is the purpose of that?  How does that bring salvation to a city?  People getting sloshed in the Spirit so that they can hardly walk out of the building!  What is that all about!?!

Take a look at the city of Detroit.  Have you seen it lately?  Have you driven through it?  What do you see? 

Do you see joy?  Do you see life?  Do you see purpose and hope?  Do you see justice and righteousness? 

God is doing a work in His body.  He is breaking down religious barriers that has given the world a false picture of His beautiful bride.  To the world, she may look more like a prune faced schoolmarm rather than a radiant bride who sweeps Him off His feet.   If that’s what they think the bride looks like, than how must they picture the  groom?!!!    Or the world may see the church as a community of people where they can gather safely, feel good about themselves and go on with their lives without interruption or challenge.   That shallow representation does not reflect the depth of the Word of God, the work of the cross, or the relationship God desires to have with His people.

If we, as Christians, are not fully convinced of the joy and freedom available to us in Christ, how are we going to carry it to others?  If we are so afraid of being undignified and find ourselves threatened and offended by the manifestations of Holy Ghost joy, as King David’s wife was, we may find ourselves barren as she did. 

Make no mistake, reverence is not absent.  There are many times we find ourselves on our faces in the fear of the Lord.  There are times a holy hush falls and we are awed by His Greatness.   Intimacy with the Lord is foundational in our relationship with Christ.  Repentance and Holiness are a must.   It is not about having a great time in the Presence of God and then leaving to live however you want.   We must live a life that declares “I will be holy as He is holy!”   Hidden sins are often rooted out and laid down at the altar.  Deliverance comes.  The Lord is purifying His Bride. 

Detroit needs a breakthrough of colossal magnitude, as do many cities.   God is looking for a people who will go beyond themselves and receive all He has, however He desires to deliver it.   We must break before Him that He may expand our hearts and spirits.  He wants to fill us to the fullest so He can reach the city through us.   No “box mix” Christianity is going to win this city.   It’s going to take people who are  available, unoffendable, walking in holiness, burning with the passion and fire of an intimate relationship with Jesus, and have no dignity or reputation to defend - conduits through whom Holy Spirit can freely flow.  

Will you be one?  Will you look beyond all that you have been used to and see the “more” that God has for you.  He loves you so much and wants to blow your mind with His dreams and desires for you.  Will you let Him?  Will you abandon all that you know?  Will you abandon yourself to Him and trust Him completely?

Don’t miss this opportunity.  Ask God to make you a burning one.  Cry out for Him to consume you with His Holy Fire.  Become His and His alone.