Tuesday, April 8, 2008

The Awakening

I was awakened this morning by a powerful dream. There were no angels, no out of body experiences, just a prayer. In fact I dreamt I was praying one phrase over and over again: “Revive us Lord, lest we all perish.” I woke up with tears on my face, and this one phrase echoing in my ears, and for some unexplained reason I felt a great sadness, as though a physical weight was pressing down upon me.
For too long the house of God has been in what I have coined as standby mode, awaiting revival. Our expectant hopes have given way to disinterest and indifference allowing the tendrils of slumber to grab hold of our hearts, dragging us into an ever-deeper sleep. While we sleep the sleep of the indifferent, Christ still agonizes in the garden of Gethsemane. Under the watchful eye of our blemishes we slumber hoping that eventually we will be awakened. Nothing stirs us any longer, nothing disturbs our fitful sleep, and with a wave of a hand we dismiss the signs that are all around us.
We have fallen asleep in the warm bed of strange doctrine, each more comfortable and tolerant than the last. The security of our salvation is eternal. We will not go to judgment, but merely pass from death to life. Salvation is by grace, and our works matter not. We will traverse the wrath of the end days unaffected, flying high above them like eagles soaring above the clouds. The rapture will come, of course before any sign of tribulation is apparent, and the seal of the Spirit will ensure our coming into possession of our entire inheritance, after having received our first installment here on earth by way of material excess and a life of opulence.
The new Jesus not only heals our diseases, but fills our wallets too. Our preachers speak in monotone, monotonous and unconvincing clichés hoping only to induce an even deeper slumber so no one notices as they pick clean the pockets of their flock.
If some pathetic appeal to righteousness, repentance, holiness and sanctification attempts to disrupt our sleep, we have hundreds of well practiced, impeccably delivered, un biblical comebacks to silence those who would be rude enough to stir us from the static state we have so come to be comforted by. Slowly but surely we are becoming an inert mass, useless and powerless, a sleeping giant content only with a full wallet and a full stomach.
What I wonder will be that which stirs us from our slumber, that which brings about the awakening so many are hoping for? Will it be a new doctrine, a new crisis, suffering, perhaps persecution? My honest answer is I do not know. Perhaps all these things at once, perhaps a perfect storm of unexpected events that will bring us to our knees that will stir in us the spirit of humility, or perhaps something else none of us has thought of. Only God knows. What I do know is that we need an awakening.
We have become materialists not through our philosophy, but by the vocation of the tangible, wherein we have become more interested in the blessings of God, than the God of blessing. False teachers have called us to His banquet table for the love of the goods that are upon it, not for love of the One who sits at the head of the table. They have spoken to us so often and eloquently about the miracles of the Lord, that they have overshadowed the Lord of miracles. Trusting, we followed, seeking prosperity and health rather than fellowship and intimacy with Him, which would have been enough, sufficient, more than any man could have asked for. Even if His grace were sufficient for one such as Paul, it would seem that it is no longer the case in this generation. Grace was all well and good, but what we really wanted was prosperity, and cars, and homes, and boats, health and diplomas, big names, adoration and popularity.
Our prayers have become an expression of our own egotism, and rarely have we sinned against God in a more deplorable manner than when we prayed in such a way. The sacred time, the time reserved for being in His presence, and having fellowship with Him, has been transformed into a time of begging.
Where is the love for God in the church? When was it that we abandoned the notion of foregoing gold and silver for His love? When will we once more thirst for Him? When will we once more run to Him as a child runs to its mother? When will He, and not the toys and the trinkets of this world once again satisfy us?
Overcome by the frigid cold of indifference, a cold that has settled into our very bones, we realize, perhaps now more than ever that the only path to a new awakening is by way of the fire of Christ’s love. Nothing will scatter the darkness faster, or chase away the paralyzing cold from our hearts, than the light of His face shining down upon us. He will transform us only when we seek Him for what He is, not for what He can give us.
Revive us Lord awaken us, lest we all perish, caught in the undertow of this world and all its false idols. Revive us Lord, and awaken us that we may live for you and you alone.

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea Jr.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Revive us Lord awaken us, lest we all perish, caught in the undertow of this world and all its false idols. Revive us Lord, and awaken us that we may live for you and you alone."

amen! you are not alone in these sentiments-i dare say there are many who echo these very thoughts to the throne room of God!

as another has said-"so let be written, so let it be done."

again-amen!!---p.g.---

Anonymous said...

I woke up this morning with a very similar dream---seeing myself keep asking for reviving from our Lord over and over and over again
Also it was understood He's the only one can do it

Elm Street Chapel said...

Michael,
Do not be surprised, you know the scriptures:

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The slumber you speak of is only a sign of what time it is. Clearly, at least half of those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit have become luke warm. They no longer have the love of truth in their heart. We all wait, some because of anxiety, please their flesh, not being patient and not possessing their soul, not making their calling and election sure. Do not lay to heart the apostate church or the heretic as they serve another Christ (Anointing). They will receive their portion. Point the way in the apostle’s doctrine to being filled with the Holy Spirit before it is to late. Don't be weary in well doing, give to every man that which is truly needful, ears to hear, for the days shortly to be upon us.

L,J,P&HG
Dave

Anonymous said...

Yes, Lord, revive us!! Fill our empty hearts with Your Holy presence once again, fill our spirits with the fire of Your Holy Spirit, burn away the slime and sludge layered by years of spiritual hedonism, open our eyes to see You once again, open our ears to hear only You--revive us, Father!! So many years of spiritual starvation, we have become dry bones--rebuild us, Holy One!! You are the Maker of heaven and earth, You are the Source of all that is, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, King of kings and Lord of lords--You have called us forth to life, to this time and place--revive us, Father!! Without You, we have no life. Without You, this land has no life. Revive us, Father!! Let us know the pain of Your discipline that we may be spared the numbing and eternal death of sin! Revive us, Father!! Revive us, that we may not perish!! You are not willing that even one should perish--revive us, Holy God!! You are the one true God and we are Your children, we belong to You and You alone. Awaken us, Father, to all that we were always meant to be! Revive us, that we may fulfill Your purposes and bring You glory! All praise and honor and glory are Yours, now and forevermore!

Anonymous said...

Thank-You Michael for your message .

A Seed Sower said...

Brother Michael, I like you wonder just what it will take to get peoples attention and turn their hearts to God. Then I wonder if any will because even Jesus himself said.."When I come will I find faith?"...and "except the days be shortened there should no flesh be saved"
I observe people who live in open rebellion toward God, who when in dire straights for one moment start to turn toward God, then the moment their burden is lifted slightly, they again turn away from Him.
Oh if only in the tribulations they would put all their trust in Him, who is able to do all things, they would not be disappointed, they would not feel forsaken.
Oh that they would taste of the Lord and see and know that He is good.
Still it is Him who chooses whom He will, and we must trust, because He alone knows the hearts and souls of men and women. No matter what things look like around us we must yet trust and continue to look to Him and live to please Him alone, wether we do that alone or not. We must walk the path that He has chosen for us to walk in Him.
God is picky....why? I don't know but He is, and He knows them that are His and He will keep them unto that day..sorry for the rave, love you, God Bless
Helen B.

Anonymous said...

Am very grateful to this site and Michael. Am thankful too for a brother in Christ who discerns the times and the state of today's church. Am just praying and hoping someone will understand the sick, ill, chronically ill in the church. There are those greedy christians who seek God's hand for material blessings and it is nauseous, but, in your article you throw in material blessings as boats, homes, cars, adoration, etc. But to my chagrin you mention health as a material need. My life has been spent with sickness and I would love to be a useful vessel for the Lord, but physical and mental disability prevents me. I am a broken spirit, always in pain from a variety of attacks, and it pains me more when I hear of a need for health as an selfish request. I pray that pastors who have their health and can expend their energy on the Lord be thankful that they have it, and pray for those who don't. The grace is sufficient verse has been spoken to me many times. Church says if one can't obtain healing then they must accept, yet every week we are expected to serve these pastors in a variety of ways by means of money, energy, and attendance, meanwhile being belittled for not being witnesses or bringing in people. I would love to have an opportunity to talk to everyone about Jesus, but being a stay-at-home mother with no one to visit, talk to or share with, where do people like myself go? This evil world is pressing in on the saints and I have no answers as to what to do. God bless you for letting me send this. IN JESUS' Name. Amen

Anonymous said...

I've been in many a church that go through the motions, calling it revival, but there is no true power and something in your spirit says "no" this isn't the real thing.

Yes, I have been in churchs with true revival, but somehow this mostly seems to be cut short when we get back into our daily living routines. It's like something is always lacking and maybe what's lacking is within me.

But then I read and hear of those who are truly experiencing revival, but that it came at a price and the church grows. They are not scared to lay their lives down for the gospel and many times do, and they experience revival.

I guess I've lived in the comfort of the American church for too long, all my life that I've known the church and I don't know if I would lay it all down. Yes, through this ministry, we have endured hardships and rejection by those who call themselves my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. And in many ways, I don't want to know if I could lay it down.

I'm just being honest, I've not known the hardships of my brothers and sisters abroad.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I hit the wrong button, I wish to continue and didn't get to double check for mistakes but-

Maybe this awakening needs to begin in me. But do I really want to count the cost for Christ?, though I say I do.

In talking to my Asst. Pastor at this time on this matter while I type, he askes the question in response to Bro. Boldea's posting. "If 9/11 didn't create a revival, what will?"

The good Lord knows the answer to that question, but deep down I know that I don't want to find that answer.

Your sister in our Lord

Anonymous said...

I have found myself using that same phrase repeated in some of my prayer times, in recent times.

Anonymous said...

As Moses said, "unless your presence goes with us leave us here" It is God's presence and Joy that gives me purpose and Hope. If I Pray and do not experience this intamacy I feel unfulfilled. The Holy Spirit has said many times that we need the power of God for the times to come or we will not stand. It is so horrible that no man will live unless the Lord comes and we are on the very edge of this time and we do not see it.
Revive us Oh Lord unless we perish is so relevent to the time in which we live. I do believe that the Lord will do a great work in this nation through the righteous in the time to come.. those who feel that they are in a position to be used of God should be crying out to the Lord daily for His power, Grace, & revelation as to what to do to be ready .. the Lord knows how to show each person the things in their life that needs to be removed , changed or improved upon. sanctification is no longer optional. it will be needed just to survive the wave to come.

God keep you Michael and those you help and pray for.

Scott

Anonymous said...

Amen brother Michael, Amen.

We need a revival. Your word echoes what has been going through my mind (once again). I need a revival. I no longer desire to hear what others have to say about God but I need to hear Him for myself, for my relationship with Him. I desire a level of intimacy that is not based on other voices but on His voice and our conversations and me living according to His direction, guidance. Him pointing the way that we (Him and I) will walk together.

I hear you brother, and we the church need this revival lest we perish in this life and the one to come.

Blessings,
Joyce

Anonymous said...

Amen brother Michael, Amen.

We need a revival. Your word echoes what has been going through my mind (once again). I need a revival. I no longer desire to hear what others have to say about God but I need to hear Him for myself, for my relationship with Him. I desire a level of intimacy that is not based on other voices but on His voice and our conversations and me living according to His direction, guidance. Him pointing the way that we (Him and I) will walk together.

I hear you brother, and we the church need this revival lest we perish in this life and the one to come.

Blessings,
Joyce

Unknown said...

Sadly, most will not heed the warning. The church is too busy buying junk that will rot and rust away.

It's a sad day for the church here in America. Oh, that we had more of the "good stuff" I've seen in other countries. Good stuff like spending money to feed and clothe the poor. Good stuff like meeting the needs of the lost, instead of buying fancier decorations for the church.

Sad......

deannaslater said...

As sad as it is there is no doubt that we are the church of the Laodiceans. "I know your works, that you are neither hot or cold. I could wish you were cold or hot. "So then , because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say I'm am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked--I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich, and white garments, that you may be clothed , that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. My dear friend, me,myself and I have to die, we must die inside, everything has to be surrendered to the Holy Spirit of God, the time is so short, Our Lord is coming back for a spotless bride, are you ready? which virgin are you? 5 are ready and 5 are not. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.Behold,"I stand at the door and knock. "If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. "I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me.

Anonymous said...

"Am just praying and hoping someone will understand the sick, ill, chronically ill in the church."

Anonymous, I find your choice of words very interesting and they make me think of the word of the Lord that follows:
The Steeple and the Horn of the Beast-
..."You reject My word and the word of My prophets, so it is that you have allowed a curse to enter in among yourselves and it has been allowed to grow unchecked. It is as a canker sore that has been allowed to fester and has now ulcerated and you have become ill from the poison that purges through the very veins of your spirit, as you have now become Septic” 2/12/05

"There are those greedy christians who seek God's hand for material blessings and it is nauseous" though I know that you mean the word nauseous in another way, it makes me think of:
The House has to Repent-
...“They, the church, will vomit the meat of My Word on this day, due to the reality of what has happened and they will ask themselves how did this thing come to be? They will be as a starving people who cannot handle solid food, for when it is introduced into their stomach they vomit it out. They will have to be spoon fed in small amounts, to be able to tolerate what is given them. For they will be a starved people and will hunger after the food that they have turned up their noses at for so long, saying, “I don’t like that,” and became as a child picking at it’s food.” 3/4/04

I thank our Lord for Bro. Michael and all of you. Your sister is our Lord

Anonymous said...

Anonymous, please forgive me, as I didn't clarify to you that the posting of The House... and The Steeple... is in reference of the church in general, due to key words in your post.

I don't try to profess to understand what it is that you are going through. My brother has a heart for the Lord, but he too suffers from physical and mental illness and is many times confined to home, but in his case he many times avoids people including his family, isolating himself further. Our father also suffers from physical and mental illness, but he does not isolate himself.

I'm not trying to say that I understand your circumstances, but that since I have re-read you posting, I have already prayed for you and will continue to do so. I pray for strength and peace within Him, a hunger for truth and His word. For an opportunity for you to share His word to those around. For His will to be accomplished within your life.

You are not alone my sister,
Yours sister in our Lord

Anonymous said...

As a minister of the word of God, i find myself being attacked more seriously and more frequently than i have ever been in my life. This i consider has an end significance. George

Bonny said...

Dear Anonymous 'stay-at-home-mum', I was moved by your comments in relation to your health and situation. Chronic pain and illness are hard trials to bear. Have you read the life of Amy Carmichael? She is a saint whose life and writings have really encouraged me over the years....she spent the last fifteen years of her life bedridden, and felt for a time that her life had been wasted. But we don't see things as the Lord sees them. Many of us are called to suffer greatly, as the Lord chooses and allows. You are a witness to your children and family, so don't think that you are not doing anything useful for the Lord.
Thank you for your words again, Brother Michael. Many churches I know pray for revival, but they want power, signs and wonders, miracles.....do they really want the Lord Himself though, and are they really ready for His refining, cleansing fire which purges and convicts of sin, and exposes their true state?
May we not be afraid of the cost, of living for Him alone.
George, I don't think you are the only one - I believe that the attack on the saints is coming with such increased fury these days that it takes everything to withstand. I can relate to your comment.