From The Pastor's Pen... 1/9/12 - Personal Restoration

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit”  (Ps. 51:12 AKJ).

Although we, as individual born-again believers are, like the church, blood bought, every serious follower of Messiah Jesus nonetheless requires regular periods of spiritual restoration, to continuously walk in power and victory. David’s declaration from the 12th verse of the 51st Psalm expresses that vital Kingdom principle, and we would be wise to heed its truth. Unfortunately, in our day and time, the term revival and the resultant spiritual restoration, which it carries with it, has taken on a context completely opposite to its original meaning, thus making it difficult to grasp for our selves. Let me explain.

You see, in earlier decades, not far removed from our own, it was readily understood that revival, whether individually experienced, or a church wide spiritual restoration, was not a scheduled event on a church calendar. Rather, it was a spontaneous, divinely originated action to restore, and uphold, previously achieved spiritual goals and understanding. And to, in effect, advance scriptural revelation for the purpose of empowering the believer, and local church, for greater warfare ahead.  Yet, none of these things can come forth except through prayer and fasting, coupled with an earnest search for a closer relationship with the Father, not by the plans, agendas, or traditions of men. The evidence of this principle has been, and will continue to be repeated over and over again throughout the Church Age. The most recent example being, the well documented Azuza Street revival of the early 20th century.

As we enter the opening days of a new year, it’s vitally important that we recognize the need for a true, divinely inspired restoration of our spirit man, which originates directly from the throne of God. May we who are called as followers of Messiah Jesus the anointed, like David, seek to be restored by Him, above all that we could conceive or think, according to the power that works in us, by way of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Like the person of Jesus Himself, the covenant promises of God, which are still available to us, are the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wonderously with you; and my people shall never be ashamed” (Joel 2:25-26 AKJ).