Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Embracing the Spirit: How to Speak with Divine Inspiration

Unleashing God's Word Through You



Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're suddenly handed a microphone and expected to speak, but your mind goes blank?  I've experienced this more times than I can count. Today, I want to share some insights on how to tap into the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit when you're called to speak, even if you feel unprepared.

The Power of the Word and the Spirit

Knowing the Word: Your Spiritual Arsenal

As believers, we're often told to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Jesus himself said, "Take no thought beforehand what you're going to say, but in that hour... it will not be you speaking, but will be the Holy Ghost." This promise is incredible, but it comes with a caveat that many overlook: we need to know the Word of God intimately.

Let's look at the example of Stephen in the Bible. Before his martyrdom, Stephen delivered a powerful speech recounting the history of God's people. This wasn't just a spontaneous outpouring; it was the result of being "full of the Holy Ghost" and deeply knowledgeable about Scripture.

The Spiritual-Intellectual Connection

In my own walk with Christ, I've learned that there's a beautiful synergy between spiritual revelation and biblical knowledge. It's like having a vast library in your spirit that the Holy Spirit can access and articulate at any moment. This is why I always emphasize the importance of letting "the Word of God dwell richly in us."

Personal Reflections: From Worldly Wisdom to Godly Insight

Overcoming the Futility of the Mind

I remember a time in my life when I was walking around in what the Bible calls "the futility of their minds." I was constantly estimating outcomes, relying on my own intellect and worldly wisdom. I even learned speed reading and memorization techniques, thinking these would give me an edge in life.

But you know what? I wasn't fulfilled. There was always something missing.

The Transformative Power of God's Wisdom

It wasn't until I truly surrendered to God's wisdom that things began to change. I realized that God's ways often confound human logic. Remember Gideon? God reduced his army to just 300 men to face an overwhelming force. That's the kind of wisdom that leaves the world scratching its head but showcases God's power.

Practical Steps to Speak with Divine Inspiration

Immerse Yourself in Scripture: Make Bible study a daily habit. The more you know, the more the Holy Spirit has to work with.

Cultivate a Spirit of Worship: I've noticed that when I'm in a worshipful state, revelation flows more freely. It's in these moments that our faces can shine "like the face of an angel," just as Stephen's did.

Practice Listening Prayer: Spend time in silence, listening for God's voice. This strengthens your ability to hear Him in crucial moments.

Stay Humble: Remember, it's not about showcasing your knowledge but allowing God to speak through you.

Trust the Process: Even if you don't feel prepared, trust that God will give you the words when you need them.

Biblical Teachings on Speaking by the Spirit

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power."

This passage beautifully encapsulates what it means to speak by the Spirit. It's not about eloquence or human wisdom, but about allowing God's power to flow through us.

The Supernatural Aspect of Spirit-Led Speech

When we align ourselves with God's Word and Spirit, supernatural things happen. I've witnessed people receive specific words of knowledge or prophecy that they couldn't have known in the natural. This is the realm where the spiritual and the physical intersect, and it's available to all believers who are willing to step out in faith.

Conclusion: Your Call to Action

As we wrap up, I want to challenge you:

Commit to daily Bible study, even if it's just for 15 minutes.

Next time you're asked to speak, resist the urge to over-prepare. Instead, pray and trust the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Share your experiences of speaking by the Spirit in the comments below. Your story could encourage others!

Remember, when you combine knowledge of God's Word with openness to His Spirit, you become a powerful vessel for His message. You never know when you might be handed that microphone, but with this approach, you'll always be ready to speak with divine inspiration.

Are you ready to take this step of faith? Let's embrace the power of the Spirit together and watch as God moves in extraordinary ways through our willingness to be His mouthpiece.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Birthing Revival: Prophetic Insights for a Desperate Generation

 Awakening the Spirit: A Call for Revival in Memphis and Beyond



I'm thrilled to share with you some powerful insights that have been stirring in my heart lately. As I've been walking with the Lord, praying, and reflecting on His Word, I've found myself repeatedly drawn to several key themes that I believe are crucial for our spiritual growth and the revival of our nation.

The Burning Passion for Revival

One of the main topics that God keeps bringing to my attention is the desperate need for revival, particularly in Memphis. It's as if the Lord is shouting this message from the rooftops! I can feel His desire for a spiritual awakening in our city, and I believe it's time for us to respond with fervor and dedication.

The Birth Pangs of Revival

Recently, I had a powerful experience during a worship service that I believe illustrates God's heart for revival. As I was praising the Lord, I saw a vision of clouds on the worship screen transforming into a sonogram image of a baby. It was as if God was showing me that He wants us to birth revival through our diligent seeking of Him.

This vision was confirmed multiple times in the following days through conversations and sermons. It's clear that the Holy Spirit is speaking to the body of Christ about bringing forth a new move of God. We are in the birth pangs of revival, and it's time for us to push through in prayer and worship!

Contrasting Biblical Doctrine with Modern Church Practices

Another area that deeply concerns me is the disconnect between what the Bible teaches and what we often see practiced in churches today. As believers, we need to constantly examine our lives and our congregations in light of Scripture. Are we truly living out the teachings of Jesus, or have we become complacent in our faith?

The Need for Mentorship and Discipleship

One significant issue I've observed is the lack of genuine mentorship and discipleship in many church settings. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:15, "For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers." This verse highlights the importance of spiritual fathers who can guide and nurture younger believers.

We need to move beyond simply attending services and listening to sermons. True discipleship involves walking alongside one another, sharing our lives, and helping each other grow in Christ. It's time to embrace the biblical model of mentorship and create deep, meaningful relationships within our church communities.

Knowing God, Not Just About Him

Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of our faith journey is developing a personal, intimate relationship with God. It's not enough to know facts about Him or to simply attend church services. We must pursue a deep, experiential knowledge of our Heavenly Father.

Encountering the Supernatural

As we seek to know God more intimately, we often encounter His supernatural presence in our lives. Recently, my wife Susan and I have experienced several unexplainable events that can only be attributed to God's divine intervention. These experiences serve as powerful reminders that our God is alive and active, constantly seeking to communicate with His children.

The Prophetic Significance of Our Times

We are living in a pivotal moment in history, and I believe God is speaking to us through various signs and prophetic revelations. Two books that have particularly impacted me are "The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakening" by Jennifer LeClaire and "The Mystery of the Shemitah" by Jonathan Cahn.

The Appeal to Heaven Flag

The history behind the "Appeal to Heaven" flag is fascinating and holds great significance for our nation. This flag, which features an evergreen tree, was flown by George Washington during the Revolutionary War as a symbol of America's reliance on divine intervention. God has been highlighting this symbol to me and many others, reminding us of our covenant with Him and the need to turn back to our spiritual roots.

The Shemitah and God's Timing

Jonathan Cahn's work on the Shemitah (a seven-year cycle in the Hebrew calendar) has revealed intriguing patterns in America's history and economy. When combined with the messages from "The Harbinger," these insights point to the supernatural nature of God's dealings with our nation. We must pay attention to these prophetic signs and respond with humility and repentance.

A Call to Action: Becoming Intercessors for Our Nation

In light of all that God is revealing, it's clear that we can no longer remain lukewarm in our faith. We must transition from being passive hearers of the Word to active doers who intercede for our nation. Second Chronicles 7:14 serves as a powerful reminder of our role in bringing about spiritual renewal:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

It's time for us to become like Daniel, who fervently prayed for his nation. We must step up our seeking of God, deepen our repentance, and cultivate a desperate hunger for His presence.

Igniting the Fire of Revival

As we look at the state of our nation, it's evident that America is sliding down a dangerous path of wickedness. But this is also an exciting time to be alive because the lines are being drawn more clearly than ever before. We must choose to stand firmly for Jesus and His Kingdom.

I encourage you, my dear friends, to join me in turning up the heat in your spiritual life. Let's not be content with lukewarm Christianity. Instead, let's become passionate, on-fire believers who are willing to do whatever it takes to see revival break out in our cities and nation.

Will you answer the call? Will you join me in seeking God with all your heart, in mentoring others, and in interceding for our land? Together, we can be part of the next great move of God that will transform lives and bring glory to His name.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. If this message has touched your heart, please share it with others and consider supporting our ministry as we continue to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Let's keep seeking Him diligently, for He is faithful to reward those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

May God bless you abundantly as you pursue Him with all your heart!



Friday, April 17, 2015

Tina Tatum Interview - National Day of Prayer

Embracing Unity and Revival: Reflections on the National Day of Prayer




Introduction:

I've been witnessing an incredible movement of God in the Memphis Mid-South area. Today, I want to share my thoughts on a pivotal event that's set to ignite our community's faith: the National Day of Prayer for DeSoto County. This gathering isn't just another religious observance; it's a catalyst for transformation and a call to unity that I believe will ripple across our nation.

The Power of Coming Together:

When I think about the National Day of Prayer, I'm reminded of Jesus' words in John 17:20-23. He prayed for all believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity isn't just a nice idea—it's the very thing that will make the world believe in Christ's mission. As I've been preparing for this event, I've felt a strong conviction that God is calling us to set aside our denominational differences and come together as one body.

The 'If' That Changes Everything:

There's a powerful word that keeps resonating in my spirit: "if." It comes from 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." This "if" is like a hinge on a door—it's the turning point that can unleash God's healing and revival in our land.

A Prophetic Moment for Memphis:

I believe we're standing at a prophetic crossroads. There have been numerous words spoken over Memphis and the surrounding area, indicating that God is positioning us for a significant move of His Spirit. One prophecy that stands out to me is about an olive branch stretching from Olive Branch, Mississippi, into Memphis, Tennessee, signaling a great revival. These prophetic insights aren't just feel-good messages; they're calls to action for us as believers.

The Seven Mountains of Influence:

During our National Day of Prayer event, we'll be focusing on seven key areas of influence in our society: family, church, government, business, education, media, and arts & entertainment. This strategy, sometimes called the "Seven Mountains Mandate," recognizes that as believers, we're called to be salt and light in every sphere of society. It's not just about Sunday morning worship; it's about bringing God's Kingdom into every aspect of our lives.

Breaking Down Walls:

One of the most exciting aspects of this gathering is that it's breaking down traditional barriers. We're meeting at Brown Missionary Baptist Church, a predominantly African-American congregation. This choice is intentional. It's a statement that we're willing to step outside our comfort zones and familiar surroundings to demonstrate the unity Christ prayed for. It's in this coming together that I believe we'll see the power of God manifested in unprecedented ways.

A Call to Action:

As we approach the National Day of Prayer, I want to challenge each of you reading this. Will you be part of the "if"? Will you humble yourself, pray, seek God's face, and turn from anything that's hindering your walk with Him? This isn't just about attending an event; it's about positioning ourselves for a move of God that could transform our communities, our nation, and even the world.

Conclusion:

The National Day of Prayer on May 7th at 6 PM at Brown Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a date on the calendar. It's an opportunity for us to make history—to be part of a generation that saw division in the church and decided to stand united instead. It's a chance to appeal to heaven, just as our forefathers did, believing that God is still in the business of healing lands and reviving hearts.

I invite you to join us. Let's be the answer to Jesus' prayer for unity. Let's be the "if" that ushers in revival. Together, we can exalt Jesus and see His Kingdom come in power in the Memphis Mid-South area and beyond.