Romans 13:11-14 “Knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep.”
In Canada, the bears hibernate during the cold winter season. Then, when the snow melts in the spring, they come out of their dens into a brand-new season. When they come out, they are very ‘hangry’ and can be aggressive, especially if they smell food!
Like the bear, much of the world’s population has been forced into hibernation through harsh Covid19 restrictions and lockdowns. This has been crippling to many businesses, churches, friendships, families, lives, hopes, and so much more! But now, we are like those bears, we are waking up, we are ‘hangry’, and we can smell revival just around the corner!
I see three main elements needed for a great Spiritual Awakening to take place:
1.The Sovereignty of God. Revival is always a sovereign move of God. Nevertheless, He moves at specific times. These are times when much of the church is backslidden, apathetic, complacent, or lukewarm, and the world is in such a desperate condition that God must intervene.
2. The Conditions in the World and the Church. God’s intervention is desperately needed in the world and church today. Only God can save our families, churches, and governments. We need God’s presence, power, protection, and provision! We need His wisdom, guidance, and direction! That means we must stay close to Him. Prayer and fasting can bring Divine Intervention into a world that is in a mess and a church that needs reviving and restoring. In Judges 6, Israel was in bondage to a cruel enemy and conditions could hardly have been worse. Whenever God is going to do something wonderful, He starts with a seeming impossibility. When the people began to cry out to God, He heard them and sent a deliverer. Gideon defeated an army of three hundred thousand soldiers with an army of just three hundred trained, unified, and anointed men - each one standing in his place and doing his part. God can still do more with less.
3. The Preparedness of Man and the Church. This does not mean the whole church is prepared, but some are. On the day of Pentecost, not everybody in Jerusalem was prepared, but one hundred and twenty were! In every generation God has a prepared people that He can use. At the turn of the 20th Century, there were a handful of people in a little building on Azusa Street in Los Angeles and another small group in Wales who had been crying out to God for spiritual rain. When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them it launched the modern-day Pentecostal and Apostolic movements. They, in turn, gave birth to a multitude of new Full-Gospel, Pentecostal, Apostolic, and first generational movements that exploded around the world. Hundreds of thousands of fresh, vibrant new churches were planted! And Victory was a part of this!
The Pattern of Revival is described in 2 Chron 7:14:“If My people who are called by My name, will 1) humble themselves and 2) pray and 3) Seek My face and 4) turn from their wicked ways,
THEN, I will 1) hear from heaven, 2) forgive their sins and 3) heal their land.”
If God’s people will do these four things - God will do three things that will bring healing to our land!!
The season is changing, and the hungry bears are coming out of hibernation. They are waking up and getting ready to Eat and to Act! Are you a hungry bear? Let me hear you GROWL!
Yours for a Great Spiritual Awakening!
Dr. George Hill
President and Founder, VCI
www.victoryint.org
Gen 2:18 - “God said, It is not good that man should be alone, I will make a helper comparable to him.”
- The Disconnect of Isolation. Connect is a key word in the church today. Many churches use Connect Groups - small groups that help people connect with God, His Word, other Christians, and a local church. Why? Because when we are left alone, we become more vulnerable to discouragement, deception, heresy, temptation, and loneliness. Covid19 has forced us all into some kind of social isolation or solitary confinement, leading to all kinds of negative results. David speaks of his loneliness in Psalm 142:4“For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.” Mother Teresa said, “One of the greatest diseases of all is to be nobody to anybody.” Isolation so often leads to devastation.
- The Disconnect of Broken Trust. Paul loved people and had many friends, but during Pauls loneliness in prison at the end of his life, only four of his friends are mentioned. (2 Tim 4:10) “Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world…” vs16 “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.” When someone has given you their trust, they’ve given you a priceless gift. Don’t abuse it or misuse it! If your trust has been betrayed, confront it head on. Though you may love the person, back off until they show clear signs of repentance and a willingness to make amends. This way a restored friendship may be possible. David’s biggest disconnect and hurt came when his own son broke trust. (2 Sam 15:6) “In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgement. So, Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” Stole means he took what did not belong to him - his father’s seat of authority and his father’s followers. Hazel and I have experienced betrayal, isolation, and loneliness many times in over 40 years of ministry and it hurts deeply.
- The Disconnect of Divisiveness. (2 Tim 4:14-15) “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.” Alexander became a divisive Judas to Paul, rejecting him and the gospel. Today’s Alexanders are Divisive and Destructive to the Church.
How Paul Dealt With His Loneliness (See 2 Tim 4:9-18)
- We all need Companions. Notice how Paul cries out for his companions: vs9 “Be diligent to come quickly” … Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you for he is useful to me for ministry.”
- We all need Compassion. The prison was very cold. In vs13 Paul asks Timothy to, “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come... vs19” Do your best to come before winter.”
- We all need Courage. “Bring the books, especially the parchments.” Meditation on God’s Word brings God’s presence, and in God’s presence is fullness of Joy. (Ps 16:11) The Joy of the Lord is my strength. (Neh 8:10)
- We all need Christ. Paul was alone, but he wasn’t lonely, because Christ stood with him. (2 Tim 4:17-18) “But the LORD stood with me and strengthened me and delivered me.” The Cross of Christ became the bridge for us to cross over and connect with our creator.
When you receive Christ, you need never feel disconnected or lonely again!
Dr. George Hill,
President and Founder, Victory Churches International
www.victoryint.org
It takes courage to become a Christian and live a Christian life. Timothy almost missed his God-given call because he was fearful. Paul helped him to conquer his fears and fulfill his destiny. Paul told him, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7-8) My greatest fear in life was to speak in front of people. This scripture helped me face that fear and fulfill the call of God on my life!
Daniel had a courageous spirit, and so did his friends. “Daniel purposed in his heart he would not defile himself.” (Dan 1:8) In the fiery furnace, in the lion’s den, and in front of kings. When lions hunt, the old lions can’t run fast enough or far enough to catch the prey, but they can still roar. The young lions lie in wait on the opposite side of the prey. When the older lions roar, the prey runs away from the roar and right into the jaws of the young lions. The moral of the story is, run toward the ROAR of your life, the thing you fear most. Don’t run from it, run to it and conquer it! Come on Christians, it’s time to ROAR!
Five Things to Grow Your Courage
- See courage as foundational to being a Christian. Life is made up of choices: moral, relational, financial, and vocational. Daniel made some difficult choices, but they were good choices based on his biblical values. (Deut. 30:19) Without courage you will never fulfill your destiny. Therefore, run toward the roar of your life!
- Face your fears head on. Every time you miss an opportunity because of fear, it puts another brick in the wall keeping you from your destiny. God told Joshua multiple times, “Do not fear, be strong and very courageous.” God will never ask you to do what you cannot do, but He will often ask you to do what terrifies you. Therefore, run toward the roar of your life! The thing you fear most!
- Surround yourself with good role models. (Deut. 20:8) Daniel and his three friends had the same God-fearing, courageous spirit. “Our God is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, but even if He doesn’t, we will still not bow down to the golden idol.” (Dan 3:17-18) Increase your exposure to courageous people and their stories. Therefore, run toward the roar of your life! The thing you fear most!
- Know you have a covenant relationship with God almighty. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) God tells us what to do, He gives us the power and ability to do it, and then blesses us for doing it! What a deal! “The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a Lion.” (Prov. 28:1) Therefore, run toward the roar of your life! The thing you fear most!
- Let the fear of God be your biggest fear, the roar of your life! (Isa 8:12-13) “Do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.” There is the fear of man and the fear of God. One is always going to be greater than the other. I’m afraid to do what God wants me to do, but I am more afraid of God!
Isaiah 42:13 “The Lord shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war, He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud He shall prevail against His enemies.” Warriors did this for two reasons: 1) To strike fear in the heart of their enemies! 2) To put courage into their own hearts!
It’s time for God’s Lions to ROAR! It’s time to come together, work together, and drive the enemy out of our homes, schools, businesses, and government. We need the resources and wisdom of the older lions and the strength and vigour of the young lions. Remember, the righteous are as Bold as a Lion!
Therefore, run toward the ROAR in your life - the thing you fear most! And conquer!
Yours for the Real ROARING Twenties!
Dr. George Hill
President and Founder, Victory Churches International
History tends to repeat itself. A century ago, the Spanish Flu epidemic swept the world, causing almost 50 million deaths. For more than two years people were stuck in the middle of severe health restrictions that brought their lives to a standstill. But on its heels came a decade of tremendous progress and prosperity. They called it the Roaring Twenties!
Covid19 has caused many people to become stuck in a negative place. You may have had no choice about getting stuck, but you do have a choice whether or not to stay stuck! No matter how long you have been stuck, the right attitude can help you get moving again.
Some attitude-changers:
- Forgiveness: The guilt that follows setback or failure can immobilize you. But forgiveness liberates you, freeing up your energy and creativity.
- Faith: When you have been stuck a long time, forward momentum can seem impossible. You lack direction, energy, and confidence. Gaining some traction requires the willingness to act in spite of your feelings. (Phil 3:14 TM) “I’m off and running and I’m not turning back.”
Getting unstuck involves two more challenges:
1. Flexibility. When your faith runs into obstacles, your flexibility keeps you in the race. You need to roll with the punches and bend without breaking. Don’t be married to your methods! Be willing to make a mid-course correction when needed. There are many ways to kill a giant. David couldn’t do it in Saul’s amour, but he knew that wasn’t his only option!
Flexibility is an attitude of determination to adjust to life’s challenges and stay on course; to trust God for wisdom; to fine-tune your responses to changing circumstances.
Flexibility is a commitment to take action. A positive mindset alone won’t get you unstuck. You’ll have to do something! Remember, big doors swing on little hinges. Taking small steps of faith will move you forward!
2. Firmness is a resolve not to quit. You’ll encounter problems that leave you no option but to stand still, like the Israelites, between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. In the tightest of spots, they received this five-fold counsel:
- Don’t give in to fear. Don’t let fear decide your response.
- Stand still. Resist irrational, emotion-driven impulses.
- Be quiet. Don’t talk yourself into defeat.
- Look for Gods way forward. Expect Him to show you how to get unstuck.
- Be ready to move forward when He opens the way.
These are simple but powerful steps you can take when you don’t know what to do. And if you blow it: just acknowledge it, re-label it as “lessons learned”, and put it in your “what not to do next time” file! When this pandemic has run its course, it will be the Roaring Twenties all over again and we don’t want to miss it!
Yours for the Roar of God’s Lions!
Dr. George Hill,
President and Founder, VCI
Turning Post Traumatic Stress Into Post Traumatic Blessing
Psalm 4:1 “Under pressure you have enlarged me.”
Adversity doesn’t automatically bring growth. Much of the outcome depends on how we respond to adversity. Joseph was betrayed by his family, falsely accused of rape, and unjustly imprisoned. Looking back, he said, “God intended it all for good.” - (Gen 50:20)
The key to post-traumatic growth lies in seeing God in all things, draw close to Him, and trust Him, even when you can’t understand the situation. It’s not right. It’s not fair. It’s unjust. But God, I trust you.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “God is too good to be unkind, He is too wise to be confused. And if I can’t always trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.” “Fear not for I am with you to strengthen and harden you to difficulties." (Is 41:10 AMP)
Sometimes things go wrong in order to make us more right! “There are many plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the purposes of God that will stand.” - (Prov 19:21)
We need to trust God, when He doesn’t do what we think He should do.
“We should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us, in whom we trust that He will still deliver us.” - (2 Cor 1:9-10)
- Who delivered us. Past tense.
- And does deliver us. Present tense.
- Whom we trust that He will still deliver us. Future tense.
God doesn’t waste any of our experiences. He will take your past and make it serve your future. He can turn your misery into ministry and enable you to reach people you could not even understand before, much less minister to.
Your Covid19 Crisis is an opportunity to grow, to learn, to get closer to God, to invent something, to develop a new relationship, to better understand others and be in a position to help them.
- It was Paul’s imprisonment (social isolation) that gave him the opportunity to write almost half of the New Testament.
- It was the lion's den that made Daniel an overcomer and brought promotion.
- It was Job’s trials that made him a legend.
- It was David’s victory over Goliath that helped position him to become King of Israel.
- It was the fiery trials that burned off the bondages and brought promotion to the three Hebrew children.
You will never succeed if you throw up your hands and quit every time something goes wrong! Both the world and the church need leaders who never lose hope and know how to trust God in Covid-19 type crisis situations.
Yours for Post Traumatic Growth and Blessing in 2021,
Dr. George Hill
President & Founder
Victory Churches International
www.victoryint.org
