Ascend to Me

 

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People want revival, but will they do this?

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(God said to Moses):

Ascend to ME, to the mountain, and remain there…….

Exodus 24:12

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It is a known adage that if you want something different to happen, you have to DO something different to cause it to happen.

You cannot just be doing the same thing, over and over.

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The Hebrew word for coming up, or ascension, is Aliyah.

Moses was about to do something he had never done before.

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For Moses to obey God, he had to do the following:

Ascend, or go up

Remain there for 40 days without food or water

Be ready to accept whatever YHVH said or did.

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Once this happened, he received

The Word of God (Torah)

Strength to fast for an incredibly long time

The glory of God, which descended upon him and the mountain.

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So when Moses ascended to God,

God descended to Moses

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In most revivals, believers want God to “come down,” but they do not “go up” to meet him.

They may listen to a sermon, and sing some songs.

They may even cry a little, and repent some.

They might even dance a little to please their pastor.

But they stay where they are spiritually.

So, not much changes.

They may enjoy the service, and go home happy, but they are not holier than when they went there.

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Holiness is God’s goal for us.

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Man’s goal is usually not that lofty.

It is either to get some prayers answered for themselves, or a get a need met of some kind.

At its worst, some just want to be entertained.

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So, if a revival service seems to fail, or have limited results,

the people need to take a closer look at themselves, and what they are not doing right.

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Psalm 24:

 

3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

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Revival occurs before a group meeting even starts.

It has to start with being alone with God.

Reading the word

Humbling oneself

Asking for forgiveness

Thanking Him

Thinking

Wondering

Asking

Seeking

Knocking

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It also involves a decision to do something one has not done before, in a step of faith into the unknown.

This could be witnessing to others.

Fasting for the first time, or in a different way.

Doing something one fears, to get over that fear.

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Fasting without prayer is a crash diet.

Prayer is essential.

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Fond Memories

I am much older now, but there was a time when I was more active, and I was really blessed for it.

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I would travel to nearby towns or distant ones by car or train, just to go to a prayer meeting.

Sometimes I flew across the country, or out of the country.

I was that hungry for the Word of God.

I would travel anywhere…..

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I helped others, and worked at a homeless shelter as a volunteer.

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I would fast up to 21 or 40 days: no solid food, just liquids.

I would endure mistreatment at times and offer it up as a sacrifice of love.

I would stay up late at night, or wake up in the middle of the night, just to read my bible.

I would stay on my knees for hours, listening to worship music, and praying.

I would have jumped into the deep, if I thought it would bring me closer to the Lord.

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I was really seeking God, and knocking hard on heaven’s door.

I experienced the glory and holiness of God in dreams and visions, and other personal experiences.

I experienced miracles, and cast out demons.

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I saw the answers to my prayers.

I fell in love with God in a way I had not done before.

I talked to Him daily, and rejoiced when He responded.

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Now that I am older,

This does not mean I stop seeking God, and knocking on heaven’s door.

I just do it differently now.

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I now stay home more, and minister to others from here.

I still want to hear His voice, and feel His love.

I share my experiences with others, and encourage them on their life path.

I still pray for people.

I journey constantly in my mind.

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I spend ALL my days with Him now, listening, and waiting, remaining in His presence.

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But every once in a while I want to jump into the deep again, explore the unknown mysteries of God, and find the joy of His revelations.

Maybe there are some amazing fasting times I just may do again.

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I am starting to get involved with rescues for persecuted Christians in foreign lands. I pray the Lord gives me wisdom and guidance.

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For those that are older, remember Moses was in his 80s when he ascended the mountain to meet his God.

And

No matter what our age,

We will always meet the Lord,

if we ascend to Him,

to his mountain,

and remain in His presence.

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