Spread the Fire - May 2008 - (Page 17)

Before we pray, we must look to ourselves. We must humbly pursue an intimate relationship with God by continuing to walk in the relationship with Him that He introduced us to when renewal first touched our lives. As we restore experiencing God’s love to first priority ourselves, we can then see clearly to urge others to do so. Then, like Moses did for the Israelites, we must intercede for them because we love them. If we do, I believe God will hear those prayers and open their eyes. In the Israelites’ case, God eliminated the 3,000 rebellious ones, and then the rest of the children of Israel repented. Separation had to come in order for God’s purpose to be accomplished. In test after test, separation came before the day Israel finally entered the Promised Land. Whether we like it or not, our spiritual temperature has an effect on everyone around us. Instead, God said He would send an angel before them to lead them on their journey. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want an angel, I want His glorious presence! I’ve been spoiled by what I experienced from my time in Toronto. Full immersion in God’s presence has forever transformed my life! How can I be satisfied with a substitute? Moses was not happy with a substitute for God’s glory. Meeting with God had “messed him up,” and that experience had changed his life forever. Moses begged God, “Show me Your glory!” This prayer found favor with God. God relented and restored His promise to personally lead them to the Promised Land instead of sending an angel. (See Exodus 33:17) And God said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Moses exclaimed, “If Your presence does not go with me, then carry us not up hence.” (Exodus 33:13-15) In each of the three films I produced about the revivals in Toronto, Brownsville and Smithton, I found that prior to each outpouring, the pastors of each work had come to the conclusion that they were fed up with second best. They desired God’s real presence. Their discontent with business as usual was actually a way of seeking His face. MORE TO COME After Israel repented, Moses gave them God’s plan for the Tabernacle, the temporary dwelling for His presence in the wilderness. I wonder what is ahead for us if we will turn away from the things we’ve been substituting for God’s presence. my life! How can I be satisfied with a substitute? Then God told Moses that He would still bring them into the Promised Land, but God Himself would not lead them. He would send an angel to do what He was going to do Himself, because they were “stiffnecked.” (Exodus 33:2-3) The price of Israel’s choosing the “golden calf” would be that God would deny them what He wanted to give them which was Himself. God said, “If my Presence were to come in the midst of them, it would consume them and they would die!” Soaking in God’s glorious presence is wonderful, but are we like Moses? Do we want more? Moses prayed, “I beseech you, show me Your glory.” (Exodus 33:18) God’s response was to shelter Moses in the clift of the rock and allow Him to catch a glimpse of the “More” he had prayed for. God is asking today, “Do you want Me? Do you want My glory to be made manifest in your life?” Not settling for the substitute will unlock the door to the “more” you have been praying for. S TF - 1 7

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Spread the Fire - May 2008

Spread the Fire - May 2008 Contents In the River From Mystery to Clarity: Understanding the Language of Heaven Don't Settle for a Substitute Marooned in Bolivia The Sign of Israel's Blooming International Itinerary Resource Center Catalogue Visitor Information Upcoming Events

Spread the Fire - May 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.