Stay Revived: Embracing the Newness of March and Beyond

 

It feels like just yesterday we entered into the new year, filled with hope, dreams, and expectations for 2025. Though not everything may go as planned, we all desire the best from this year. And now, here we are, already in March. God's word speaks powerfully to us in this season, as He reminds us, "On the third day, I will revive you" (Hosea 6:2).

To live triumphantly in the months ahead, we need revival. God desires to revive us so we can be launched into the dimensions He has set for us. He’s calling us to a fresh season of spiritual renewal, where we can fully walk in the fullness of His plans and purposes.

Looking back to the early church, we see how they were able to live out the miraculous. What made them different? They were constantly revived, persistent in their faith, and committed to communion with God. Their encounters with Jesus were real and life changing. They didn’t just know about Jesus—they experienced Him in profound ways, and that made all the difference in how they lived and ministered.

Just as the early church sought intentional communion with the Father, we too must make time for regular, intentional encounters with God. It is in these moments of communion where peace is found, a peace not given by the world but only through the Lord. Our hearts must long for that place of peace and intimacy, just as the early believers did.

There will be times in the coming months when we must close the door, shut out the distractions, and seek God in prayer. We need to quiet the noise in our minds, silence the constant bombardment of news and social media, and bring our doubts into agreement with God. In those sacred moments, we position ourselves to receive His revival. In stillness and intentional communion with God, He renews our spirit, filling us with His peace, strength, and direction.

There is a revival coming, just like in olden times. But as we anticipate this move of God, we must remain watchful and aware of our times. Darkness is increasing in the world around us, but we can take heart—victory is assured in the name of Jesus.

As we press forward, let us stay revived, continually seeking God's presence, and walking in the victory He has already won for us.

Stay revived!

The Gethsemane Experience: What Does This Place Mean to Every Believer?

 I must admit that I hadn't paid much attention to the significance of Gethsemane in the Bible. My knowledge of it was limited to the fact that it was the place where Jesus was arrested before being crucified. However, one morning, as I pondered over recurring dreams that weren't very positive, the Holy Spirit whispered a single word to my heart: "Gethsemane."

I couldn't understand why I kept having these dreams or why I seemed stuck in a rut, unable to move forward. Have you longed to break through to the next level and see the manifestation of prophecies in your life but can't? It was then that I heard the whisper: "Gethsemane."

Although unfamiliar with the term, I decided to research it. I discovered that Gethsemane is a Hebrew word that means "oil press." It's a place where olives are crushed to extract their valuable oil. As I read through Mark 14:32-33 (AMP), I gained a deeper understanding of the significance of Gethsemane:

"Then they went to Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, 'Sit down here while I pray.' And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be struck with terror and amazement and deeply troubled and depressed."

As I reflected on this passage, I realized that Gethsemane represented a place of total defeat. Jesus wanted to ask for the trials to pass Him by, He wished for something soothing. However, at the close of His prayer, He accepted God's will and declared, "Not My will, but Yours be done" (Mark 14:36, AMP).

Speaking these words can be challenging, especially when we're faced with battles that seem to suck the life out of us. Yet, Jesus' acceptance of God's will transformed a place of defeat into a place of great victory.

I'd like to ask you: Have you truly surrendered to God's will? Are you at a point where it seems like your whole world is crashing down around you? Remember that what may appear to be a place of defeat can be the starting point of a victorious journey.

There are days when I wake up expecting triumph, and there are days when I feel uncertain. However, I've come to realize that the Gethsemane experience wasn't Christ's defeat, but rather a testament to His total submission to God's will. It marked the beginning of a victory chant that would echo throughout eternity.

Instead of focusing on the pain, defeat, and failure, let's choose to declare, like Jesus, "Abba, Father, everything is possible for You. Take away this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will" (Mark 14:36, AMP).

May we learn to surrender to God's will, even amid uncertainty. May we discover that what seems like defeat can be the starting point of a victorious journey?

Stay revived!

By Guest Writer.

Deliverance in the Midst of Adversity

It’s interesting how, even when you’re not causing any issues, people will try to smear your image simply because you are favored. They may attempt to discredit you or cause you to fall. As I reflect on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, I’m reminded of how Daniel found favor in the eyes of King Nebuchadnezzar. After Daniel interpreted the king’s dream, he requested that these Hebrew men be given positions in Babylon, and they were appointed as administrators over the province.

King Nebuchadnezzar, who had previously declared that the God of Daniel was "the God of gods and the Lord of kings" (Daniel 2:47), later issued an order for everyone to bow down and worship a golden statue. This was a clear trap designed to take out Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. However, what the enemy failed to realize was that this situation would only reveal God’s glory.

This is often how we find ourselves. The enemy tries to trap us in situations that challenge our faith and tempt us to deny God. Yet, in those moments, God is at work. When the king commanded that everyone bow down to the golden image at the sound of the music, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the idol. They stood firm in their faith, saying that their God would deliver them from the fiery furnace, but even if He didn't, they would not worship the image.

Sometimes, when the world puts a period on your story, that’s when God begins a new chapter. He doesn't need anyone’s permission to move in your life.

For every fire we go through, there is always another person. The enemy may think he has trapped you in a crisis, but you are not in crisis; you are in Christ. There is always a fourth man in the fire, and that fourth man is your helper. No matter how impossible or hard it may seem, God has not brought you this far to leave you stranded. He is too faithful to fail, and He always shows up right on time.

So, gird up your faith, for the fourth man is here to help you. Just as King Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed, when God shows up in your situation, it will be a testament to His power and faithfulness.

Stay revived!

When Do the Temptation to Give Up Set in?

Fighting wars and facing battles can be exhausting, not just for one camp, but for both. Even when victory seems certain, prolonged battles can sow doubts and fears. Long battles have a way of doing that to those involved.

However, this time around, we're not just fighting physical battles, but spiritual battles that manifest physically. Our enemy is relentless, refusing to give up even when we think we've overcome. His persistence can lead us down a road of long, arduous battles.

In those moments, I'm tempted to give up. Why doesn't it just stop? Haven't we passed this point already? Haven't we broken through? Haven't our marriages, children, and jobs improved?

I was stuck at this moment sometime ago and it pierced a doubt in my heart. Sorrow did set in. 

This is a kind of popular feeling-

and we're unable to draw strength from God. Only joyful people can draw from God.

 God's word steps in to encourage us. 2 Samuel 3:1 AMP reminds us:

"There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker."

God knew we'd face battles that would last years, months, or weeks. That's why He left us His word – to keep us strong and fighting.

Even if the test results are still negative, I'll keep growing stronger. The enemy can't beat the strength we derive from God; that's the ultimate power.

Remember, friend, just as the enemy consistently blocks our paths, God's promise of a victorious life remains consistent. 

Stay revived!

By Guest writer.