You see, if there’s no expectancy, there’s no deliverance, there’s no miracles, there’s nothing unusual. If you come with the mentality the “same old same old,” then you’re going to leave with the “same old same old.”

– Kim Clement on Elijah List

[for "Cherished Servant of the Lord"]

Apple of the Father’s eyes
Cherished one don’t compromise
Keep the sweetness in your heart
Broken is a place to start

Handmaid in the Master’s realm
Rest and be not overwhelmed
You are greatest when you serve
Grace, the humble ones deserve

Dark you are but lovely still
When His Holy Spirit in you fills
New in Christ and old is gone
Righteousness you now put on

Warrior armed with servant’s heart
Covered by God’s loving arms
Wield your weapons formed of praise
Serving humbly, run the race

Cherished Servant of the Lord
Join the saints in one accord
Take heed to the Master’s call
Rise up; you can conquer all

[for "Resolute Covenant"]

No doubt, no fear, no worry, no tear
His promises true and oaths sincere
From age to age, His Word is clear
His covenant — absolute — is here

One word won’t miss the promised bliss
For He is true and so is this
The God of Jacob won’t dismiss
A covenant — resolute — is His

The Holy God who condescended
Has spoken words of life and mended
All hurt and pain in you upended
His covenant — absolute — to you extended

You can rely until you die
Or ’til you see Him with you eye
He’ll keep His word, He cannot lie
His covenant — resolute — alive

So rest your case, and set your face
To Savior who abounds in grace
And when life seems a bit misplaced
His covenant — resolute — embrace

Now one more thing: you are a king
Called out to war and sword to swing
In Him, sing out prophetic things
And covenants — absolute — He brings

You’re resolute, in Him arise
Your armor, weapons are supplied
The strength you need is in His eyes
His covenant — resolute — abides

There had not been a prophet in Israel for more than 400 years. Now, in the spirit and power of Elijah, John the Baptist stood in the Judean wilderness. Lightning flashed from his eyes as his message thundered across the terrain of human souls before him. The storm of God had returned!

Historians tell us that John’s penetrating ministry brought nearly one million people to a baptism of repentance. It was an unprecedented beginning to a time of visitation. It was into this electrified atmosphere of awakened faith that Jesus came, bringing miracles previously unseen in Israel’s history. The presence of the living God was flowing through Christ; His message was unparalleled: the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand!

Yet, for all the multitudes, miracles, signs and wonders, incredibly, Jesus lamented over the nation. He wept because, according to His view, they failed to “recognize the time of (their) visitation” (Luke 19:44).

In what way did they miss this move of God? Certainly, vast multitudes responded to John’s call for repentance. Clearly, people were in awe of the supernatural: the incurable had been cured and demoniacs delivered! And, what of the multitudes that followed Jesus into the wilderness whom He fed the loaves and fishes–didn’t they recognize the uniqueness of this hour?

Obviously, the crowds were very familiar with the healing, miraculous dimensions of a visitation (see Luke 4:14-19; Isaiah 61:1-2). Yet, when God comes in visitation, He is seeking two unfolding realities: to destroy the works of the devil and then build His Kingdom into the lives of the newly healed. He does not come to heal us so we can drift back into our old lives. He heals us so He can transform us into His image. Indeed, the very captives He sets at liberty He then empowers to “rebuild the ancient ruins . . . raise up the former devastations and…repair the ruined cities” (Isaiah 61:4).

To ignore or minimize this transformational goal is serious. When we are given much, much is required. You see, the word visitation not only means a time of healing; it also refers to a time of inspection, of being examined closely. God not only participates in the joy of our deliverance, He is also examining us to see if we will now respond in increasing obedience.

Our obedience actually creates a different future for us, one that is blessed. Yet, if we do not respond, there are calamities awaiting also. He tells the newly healed to “not sin anymore” lest something worse happen (John 5:14). To the delivered He warns that, if their soul remains unoccupied after having their inner lives cleansed and put in order, the “last state of that man becomes worse than the first” (Matthew 12:45).

You see, at the very moment God removes our burdens, He is also removing our excuses. Having now been freed from oppression, the Lord expects that we will put aside our differences, reconcile and unite as a heavenly community, and begin to transform our world.

A New Season of Outpouring

Over the past years, the Lord has raised up an international armada of intercessory ministries. As a result of the prayer movement, especially TheCall and other solemn assemblies, the beginnings of a visitation are emerging. Reports are coming almost weekly of supernatural manifestations and revival. Many feel we are close to a spiritual awakening.

I personally have been following the Lakeland revival on God.tv. Yes, there are minor things I might do differently, but I have been moved by the spiritual hunger of the people and also by the remarkable miracles and conversions. Most importantly, I have been touched by the attending presence of God’s glory. Yet, while my heart swells with joy, I also fear. For when we cry for a holy visitation, we are crying for God’s Kingdom–the very reign of God to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. My concern is, when we entreat the Almighty for His Kingdom, are we truly ready to surrender ours?

Most in first century Israel did not understand the goal of a visitation; they were blessed, touched and healed, but they did not attain God’s purpose, and for them Jesus wept. Nevertheless, on Pentecost Christ’s disciples did, in fact, carry the visitation to its appointed purpose: the early church became the dwelling of God on earth. The citywide church was united, committed to prayer and focused on Jesus (see Acts 3:1). Miracles were ordinary, as was extravagant giving to the poor. The early church set the standard for visitation: signs, miracles and conversions, but also Christ-centered unity among church leaders and believers alike.

If there is no functional, Christ-centered unity among the churches in your city, then let’s begin by praying for the leaders. Yes, let us rejoice in the beginnings of revival. But, with sobriety, let us also keep in mind that the goal of a visitation from God is that we become the habitation of God.

Francis Frangipane
Ministries of Francis Frangipane
Email: francis1@frangipane.org

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ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321
http://www.elijahlist.com/
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250

I WAS DRIVING TO A LUNCH APPOINTMENT WITH a Pastor when I came upon a detour. Because of the detour, traffic became snarled and I was barely moving. I checked the time and knew that if this traffic didn’t clear up soon, I was going to be late. I almost fell into an irritated state, when God’s presence came upon me. I sensed the Father saying, “I have placed many of My children on a Divine Detour and they do not know it.”

SOME ARE FACING UNEXPECTED ROAD BLOCKS IN THEIR WALK WITH GOD…

Generally, everything seemed to be going smoothly for you. Most battles were easily won and temptations (although constant) didn’t usually trip you (1 Corinthians 10:13). Then all hell broke loose. Those things that you used to handle with ease suddenly overwhelmed you and you wondered, Where did your strength go (Psalm 6:2)?

So there you are, called by God and following His plans the best you knew how, when things start to go downhill. Your spirit used to soar with enthusiasm, but now it is hard to get out of bed.

Fear not, God is preparing something new for you, but to bring it forth (here comes that word), pruning must take place (John 15:2). You didn’t ask for this, but now you must fight the battle (Ephesians 6:11-12). You must bite the bullet and keep moving forward–tremendous rewards await you if you do not quit (Philippians 1:6). You decide to keep moving (Philippians 4:13). God nods His approval.

SOME THINK THEY ARE HARDLY MOVING AND SEE NO PROGRESS AT ALL…

You are wrong. If God would have allowed you to keep on the same old path you were on (Proverbs 14:12), you would have missed the opportunity (and blessings) He is about to show you. Often, God forcefully detours us so we will head into the harvest He has for us (John 4:38). Sometimes, more is accomplished in the spiritual realm when He makes us wait (Isaiah 40:31) then when we are “busy” for God.

Don’t panic because nothing seems to be happening. He has pushed the “divine pause button” to bring you to Him and sit in His presence, something He has been trying to get you to do for some time now (Matthew 11:28-30). Yes, you are moving, only this time He is carrying you. Yes, progress is being made, but this time He is directing it. You prayed for this long ago, so don’t fight it. You now relax…as He takes over.

BECAUSE OF THE DETOUR, DON’T THINK HIS PROMISES ARE POSTPONED…

Actually, the opposite is true (Psalm 138:8). Because God is taking you a different way, the promise will not only come to pass, but be fulfilled on a grander scale, because you allowed God to do it His way (Psalm 18:30). Oh yes, you meant well and your heart was in the right place, but God wanted to show you “a better way.”

And because you decided not to panic and take a side road to avoid His detour, God can now speak with you about His plans and not yours (Jeremiah 29:11). Now you realize that you should have taken His detour long ago, but you couldn’t discern the signs. You start to thank Him for the “forced detour” that He caused, because it will bring you into deeper communion with the King (Luke 24:15). You smile.

REJOICE, YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY AND ABOUT TO MAKE HISTORY…

God gave Paul a divine detour (Acts 9) and changed history. Jesus gave a few fishermen a detour and it turned their lives upside down (Matthew 4:18-19). God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary for the grandest detour of all–and because she accepted it (Luke 1:30-31), you and millions of others are now in the Kingdom of God. They and many others could have taken the “normal, beaten path,” but they would not have changed history.

God’s highway appears before you (Isaiah 35:8) and you need to start thanking Him for the interruption. Rejoice for the detour God has placed in front of you. Do not run from it. Many will be blessed because you said, “God, I don’t recognize this path, I have never been here before, but because You say so, I will follow Your detour for me.”

Remember, no one said you have to understand the detour God is making you go through…that will come later. As for now, take a deep breath, slow down and enjoy the view. Simply keep your eye on Jesus and He’ll let you know which exit to get off (1 Samuel 3:10).

Al Thomas
Celebrating His Life Ministries
Email: a.thomas@myactv.net

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ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250

Psalm 45:4
In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 22:4
Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

Zephaniah 2:3
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.

Acts 20:19
Paul said: “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.”

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

James 3:13-14
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.