Before the new year, the Holy Spirit showed me that Zechariah 4 prophetically illustrates an awakening of the church. The Lord gave me eight patterns for personal heart revival and filled me with eager expectation for the church.  My prayer is that the winds of the Spirit would fan the flame in believers to the point that the power of his love can no longer be contained. It’s time for the gospel to spread like the raging wildfires.  

It’s time to wake up, and RISE. 

Zechariah 4:1 says, “And the angel who was speaking with me came back and awakened me, like a man who is awakened out of his sleep.” AMP

The Lord has sent angels to rouse and awaken us in 2020 the way he did Zechariah. 

Much of the church has gotten sleepy and  we’ve grown accustomed to our comfort zones. I believe the shakings we are experiencing in the world currently and the birth pains that are to come, are essential for the awakening of the church. Have you ever tried to sleep through an earthquake or someone shaking you? The shaking makes it impossible to stay sleeping comfortably. 

When life starts to shake us we have a choice to make.  

Option one: Stay uncomfortably comfortable. We grumble, complain, and toss around in our beds while still refusing to leave our known territory. 

Option two: Get out of bed and follow Jesus into the unknown. 

In order for revival to start in us we must RISE expectantly giving him all our attention and devotion. 

When rebuilding the temple in 2 Chronicles 29, Hezekiah spoke to the priests and levites and said, “My sons, do not now be negligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him and to be his ministers and make offerings to him.” ESV

Our love of comfort will lead to negligence. To rise to this call we have to lay down our lives. Under the new covenant we are all priests with unlimited access to the throne room. We must understand our position and authority in Christ so we can rise with his full power in us. 

The Lord has chosen us to stand in His presence. This is a high and precious calling. 

The majority of people will want to hit snooze on this call. 

Will you RISE UP to minister to the Lord and be his ministers? 

What are some things that cause you to be negligent in your relationship and obedience to the Lord? 

Is there anything the Lord may be leading you to surrender or fast?

What’s one way God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone this week?