March 24, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

2016 Passion Week Series

Forgiveness Worth Asking For

Christ claimed your sin by calling your sin His own. He took it willingly and yet it could not hold Him the Bible says. How could that happen, by God placing all the sin and sickness from the world upon His Son? How did Christ overcome all our sin? It is only through forgiveness. Yes, Christ asked for forgiveness for your sin that became His sin. He did not hesitate to find mercy from God. When your sin became His sin, Christ knew it needed to be forgiven by God His Father.

Psalm 51 talks specifically about Christ finding forgiveness for your sin/His sin. As we look back to Christ, David looked forward to Christ. David saw Christ so intimately that he wrote about Christ’s passion—Christ’s struggle to ask for forgiveness from His Father. David’s son, Solomon, said his father ‘found great mercy’. This could only happen if David realized how much God loved him through Christ and how great the forgiveness that God granted all of us through Christ’s passion.

If Christ prayed this prayer (Psalm 51) either before or during His crucifixion what should we be praying? What should our attitude and position be toward finding forgiveness? Should it not be as Christ found forgiveness from His Father? We ought to be praying for forgiveness as Christ did! Do not take forgiveness for granted. The Bible says that we must ask and believe in Christ and confess our sins. Christ is our example; we ought to do the same. I believe Psalm 51 refers to every type of sin, the process for forgiveness from sins, to even offering freedom from the destructive power of sin. We need only to pray what Christ prayed and believe that “it is finished”.

What is included in our prayer of forgiveness and what should our demeanor be?

ü Forgiveness is based on God’s mercy and loving kindness, and you can count on God hearing you.

ü Forgiveness includes tender mercies, not judgment or condemnation—ask for God’s record of your sin to be completely wiped out.

ü Forgiveness requires washing and cleansing so nothing of the sin’s residue is left behind or visible.

ü We must acknowledge our sin and realize that the Holy Spirit makes sin exceedingly sinful during forgiveness. We need the Spirit’s help.

ü The ability to sin came to us through the wrong doing of others; sin has a domino effect. We acknowledge the hold sin has on us and ask that it be broken and stopped.

ü God wants us to have truth and wisdom to replace the sin that is taken away.

ü “God, you wash me and I will be clean”—you can count on God to do this.

ü Forgiveness brings joy and gladness, which will cause you to rejoice.

ü Ask God to forgive your sin to the point of ‘never-ever’ seeing your sins again.

ü Forgiveness brings a clean heart and a right spirit—ask for this to happen.

ü “Do not allow sin to take God’s presence or Holy Spirit from you. You will need His presence and the power of the Holy Spirit during forgiveness.

ü Ask for joy and freedom during the process of forgiveness.

ü Be willing to tell others about the forgiveness God gives you.

ü Forgiveness can take away all the ‘guilt of sin’ you have acquired so tell God to give you salvation and righteousness to take its place.

ü Sing songs of praise to God for His forgiveness, realizing that God does not need whatever sacrifices of works you are tempted to do but rather be broken and sorry for your sin alone.

ü Once you have forgiveness ask God to build walls of protection around you—to give you walls of His righteousness and offerings of praise to the God of Gods and Lord of Lords.

Ask for forgiveness as Christ did. Do not be afraid or shy. It is God who wants to forgive. God has forgiven every aspect, type, depth, and kind of sin. Believe, ask and proclaim what Christ claimed for you—total, complete and perfect forgiveness.

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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February 29, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Need I Say More Series #7

Always in Love

Being an overcomer is what Christ wants from each and every one of us. Notwithstanding, there is a quality that precedes being an overcomer and keeping your ‘position of overcoming’ on a daily basis.

Often we think serving God is about doing things His way or having enough faith or showing an over abundance of mercy to others. These are all good but miss the mark when it comes to Jesus’ teachings. May I remind you—to love God first!

When we get lost in the ‘fight of righteous’ or the ‘business of helping others’ to the point we lose ourselves and the closeness to what all of this was for—being in love with God. We need to be reminded of what it is like to be in love. I learned “what being in love” is from my wife, Alonna.

When I met Alonna she did not like me. It took sometime for me to win her over—she thought I was an egocentric, self-centered, macho male that thought he knew everything—she was not far from the truth. Needless to say, I was able to show her some of my better qualities and she fell in love with me.

We would go on a date and when I got home, I would talk with her for hours on the phone till early in the morning. I just could not talk with her enough, be with her—seeing her smile and laughing with her. I could not get enough of her…never have; never will.

Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit are just the same to me. I have fallen in love all three persons of the Trinity. It was easy, They just showed up at different times of my life, and I followed Their leads—Their love for me. Just like Alonna’s love.

God’s love is better than life! I just cannot get enough of Him! I am in love with the Trinity! I cultivate my relationship with my wife and as we grow older—I remember and will never forget—I am in love.

Even so, it is also with Christ, God and the Holy Spirit. I will not forget; I do things that remind me of my love for Them. I make sure I have my favorite Bible verses, inspirational songs, and conversations that move my spirit and bring His presence.

Want to be an overcomer, try staying in love with Christ! Our love for Him demand actions that promote and show our love—not so different that being in love with your wife. Yes, I am an overcomer by His blood, by my testimony and being in love with Him!

Come Lord Jesus, come!

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

February 28, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Need I Say More Series #5

Being an Overcomer

You have to be a fool to not want to make it to heaven. Even if you are not a believer in God most people rather be safe than sorry. However, it is not about how good God is—He is good all the time, but how good you are—that’s what makes the difference.

I am reminded of the verses in the Book of Revelation that keep quoting the same phrase, “To him that overcomes I will…” God is looking for ‘overcomers’. Who are those types of people? What do they do? Can I become one? Are there examples?

Revelation 21:7-8: “He that overcomes shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my son. But the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, fornicators & adulterers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Ouch! I do not want to be described by any of those attributes. I rather “inherit all things” God has to offer. But my question still demands an answer, ‘How do I get there—to become an overcomer?’

You can find this statement in Revelation (12:11), “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony: and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

OK, I get the first part, “The blood of the Lamb”. I know what that means—the blood of Christ shed for me on Calvary, can wash away my sin. I know this, I have felt this, and I experience this often in my life—often daily.

But what does the phrase mean, “…by the word of their testimony?” Do I have to have a testimony? If I do what is it? Is each person unique—that is, do each of us have our own testimony that God honors and recognizes? I need a testimony!

Abraham has this testimony, “That he was searching for a city whose builder and makers is God.” Enoch said, “He pleased God.” Sarah said, “She judge Him (God) faithful who will keep His promise.” Moses’s mother “Was not afraid of king-pharaoh’s commandment.” And others, “Who out of weakness were make strong, were tortured not accepting deliverance, wrought righteousness and obtained promises.”

What is your testimony? Are you searching for a city? Do you judge God faithful? Or do you simply please God? My testimony, that’s simple, “I am a friend of God!”

Come Lord Jesus, come!

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

February 27, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Need I Say More Series #5

Sin That Does Not Belong To Me

Who wants to hear about their sins? I know my sin—I wish I hadn’t sinned, but God’s grace is sufficient. I am quick to repent of my sin and try to make things right—always.

But sin demands discussion—not for my sake for Christ’s sake; Psalm 38 is emphatic about this. Let’s take another read of this Psalm—it will be good for us!

O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the daylong.

For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

They also that seeks after my life, lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the daylong.

But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

I like reading Psalms in the KJV—it seems to have more flavor and artistic style. Nevertheless, most scholars will tell you it was written by King David as a Psalm of remembrance. I am sure David can remember his sin; I can remember mind, but I know that each line, verse and chapter of Psalms is talking about Christ. David knew Christ better than most of us. (The Psalms are not about David but Christ.)

So this is my point. David saw Jesus carrying his sin and how Jesus reacted to his sin. Jesus did not just accept God placing the sin of David and the world on Him (Jesus), but Jesus called the sin of everyone his own. Yes, your sin is not yours—it belongs to Christ. He gladly accepted your sin and was willing to accept the consequences for taking your sin at Calvary and calling your sin His sin. My sin no longer belongs to me!

David looked ahead to Calvary and saw Christ taking and dying for our sin, just like we look back to the same point in time. I refuse to mock Calvary, the cross, and the death of Christ. I repent; I do not take back my sin but leave it there with Him. Jesus owns my sin—oh what love He loved me with. Love that goes beyond words and anything I can offer. “Thank you Jesus for accepting my sin as your sin forever!” Yes, I am free—I am free indeed…thank you.

Come Lord Jesus, come!

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

February 26, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Need I Say More Series #4

America, Politics, and One’s Character

Mark Twain said there are “no truthful politicians.” People who desire power will eventually become corrupt. That is why David gave this advice to his son Solomon before Solomon took over his throne, “Be Strong and be a man.”

David was talking about character, steadfastness and purpose for living. It does take strength of character to do the right thing. All of us have enemies; enemies that desire nothing else than to do us harm. I am persuaded that any leader needs to stand up for righteousness and fairness.

I hear often for the call to pray for America. I do not pray for America but for the people living in America. I do not honor the institution over the individual. I care about people no matter what country they live in or their political persuasion.

America will eventually crumble from within before Christ comes back, but there are things we can and ought to do before then. We need not worry about who is trying to conqueror us but rather the corruption from the people within our borders. It is sin that destroys nations not its political makeup. That is how God judges a nation.

I do not like politics. Politicians offer so many promises they cannot keep. I agree with Mark Twain, “What politicians do best is lie.” They cannot keep what they so willing offer—they want your vote—need I say more? They desire to have an office of power and prestige, but I want what David said, “Be strong and be a man.” We are in trouble once again in this election cycle. Pray for all people; pray for repentance, not for America to be what it once was a century ago. We must be looking for spiritual renewal not financial prosperity.

Jesus told Pilot “You have no control or power over me”…Jesus was allowing only God to have dominion over His life. Let’s not look to Washington to solve our problems but rather seek and do God’s will. That should be enough for you and me.

I stand with Franklin Graham’s Tour of America. At each of our nations state capitals the rallies are a call for America to be “under God” not under a politician’s personal rule. Yes, he prays for our leaders and God’s intervention, but most of all for Americans to repent, to honor God and to look for His guidance.

Why is that important? Because that is what America was founded on and if we refuse God’s guidance and protection then we will end up like so many other powerful nations—ruined, ashamed, and vulnerable for whatever Satan brings our way. Do not give away to a politician what God has placed in your hands—be strong!

Come Lord Jesus, come!

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

February 25, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Need I Say More Series #3

I am for life!

Death is my least favorite topic to write about, but it can be the best intro into writing about life.

I cry when things die. I simply love life and all God brings with it. There is nothing more rejuvenating as walking through a maternity ward in a hospital—you can feel life flowing down the hallways and through each room—it’s in the air.

I also love seeing things grow, trees, shrubs, garden plants, and flowers on hillsides. Newborn animals are most people’s favorites and mind too. But there are risks in life being born. I have done my share of crying when animals die.

A few years ago, I had a baby lamb die in my arms after it got injured. To this day I cannot erase the memories of what the lamb went through. I have also assisted animals that had biological needs when born—often I could not save them. All of this breaks my heart each and every time.

I recently lost an ewe (female sheep) that had twins. She got Twin Lamb Disease. I did not know about the disease till it was too late. My wife and I did everything we knew, as well as, talking with people who lost sheep to the disease. It was tragic!

The unborn lambs (in the trimester) begin to deplete all the nutrients from their mother, which can send the mother into a coma. I know better now, what to look for, and what to do but it does not help the pain go away. It hurts knowing I could not help her and watching her give all she had for her twins.

Do I love life, yes way too much. Do I hate death, yes I do. I am told there are animals in heaven. I am looking forward to seeing God placing the breath of life back into everything I loved. I am looking forward to seeing my dad, my brother, close friends, and the many animals that I have loved.

When people ask me or tell me of tragedies—my answer is simple—I am for life! And, because I love life I fight for it on every level for any reason. I am sure God wants me to have this strong desire and passion for life, breath, and opportunity to live. Yes, God will wipe away every tear I have shed and give me life forever more. I can hardly wait for that day.

Come Lord Jesus, come!

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

February 24, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Need I Say More Series #2

Is there anything too big for God to do or too small for Him to care about?

Often we place limits on God. What we know about God can hinder what we do not know about Him. For me, God is ever changing and expanding. That is, I continue to learn and experience more about His will and purposes for my life. God is always a step ahead of me, and I am glad for that.

I am reminded what Nathanael said when he was told that they found the Messiah. “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” I too question things when I am told what God is now currently doing, but when I research it for myself, I am either amazed (for indeed God does show up) or it is plain to me that this is just another Christian fad that will soon fade.

I have also learned that God is a God of exceptions. Every time I think I have God figured out, He takes a right turn on me. God keeps me looking and searching for His likeness. He never wants me to become stagnant or get to the ‘saturation point’ that ‘I know everything there is to know about Him’.

There are many Biblical stories about the ‘exceptions’ of God. How His purposes and will in any given situation for a particular person support the exception rather than the rule.

For instance, Samaritans were off-limits for Jews; this did not matter to Christ. Jesus chose the exception; he visited the Samaritan woman who had many husbands. Rahab the prostitute who was destined to be killed but instead found mercy, and was spared from death when the Hebrews marched into the promise land and surrounded Jericho. Or, how about Ruth the Moabite? Jews were not too have anything to do with the Moabites. They were considered outsiders, cursed, and rejected by God. Yet, it was Ruth and not an Israelite woman who would be the great-grandmother to David. God chose the exception and not the rule.

Where does this leave you and me? Are we limiting God and state that there are no exceptions? Do we consider ourselves righteous, and therefore not looking for the justice and mercy of God? Do I consider myself to have attained the goal, or am I still “pressing toward the mark and prize of the high calling of God?” Just how big and merciful is God? Can I truly say, “I believe in Jesus Christ?”

The most difficult thing for Jesus’ disciples to do was to believe in Him. Jesus took many ‘U-turns’ and ‘off-road’ treks, which His disciples did not understand nor did they always believed that what He was doing was the ‘right-thing’.

As for me, I rather accept the exceptions and acknowledge any limitations on my part. I rather believe that there is nothing too big for God to do, and that He cares about the smallest of things that affect my life. (Biblical references: John 1:46, 4:7-26, Joshua 6:17 & Ruth 4:17)

Come Lord Jesus, come!

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

February 23, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Need I Say More Series #1 Update

Revivals

For many Christians revival is always on their minds—they want more and more of God. Los Angeles will continue to host events that focus on the regeneration of the Azusa Street Revival of the early 20th Century. I have read about many revivals and no two are the same, but they indeed have common ingredients for their initial start-up and continuance.

I am sure no spiritual awakening can come again to L.A. like the Azusa Street Revival. Why, because the constituency organizing the events need to exhibit the following attributes. Without certain characteristics spiritual renewal cannot take place. Furthermore, pride is something that historically every revival’s leadership did not have. That is why today’s religious leadership cannot produce a revival unless they acquire or avoid the following qualities (their pride will get in the way of the Holy Spirit).

1. Foolishness—Jesus and scriptures state that we need to be ‘fools for Christ’ i.e. what the world considers foolish God considers His will. Too often today, people rather be acceptable in their preaching of the Gospel—they want to be measured by the world’s standards not God’s.

2. Criticism—If one has thin skin and works to avoid criticism on a personal and scholarly level then you will never attain to the best God has to offer. The media is not our friend and neither is religious elitism—so often they are the enemies of Christ.

3. Reputation—So many Christians are doing what the world requires concerning marketing and branding oneself. Jesus on the other hand “did not make himself of any reputation” the Bible says. He did not want people to look to Him but to God, and He was the Son of God. If He did this what should we be doing?

4. Money—Money can get in the way of any revival. Once you depend on money to do more and/or the need for money to do it, then the end of the revival will soon be coming. The ‘love of money’ only gets in the way of God’s presence.

5. New patterns—One need not look to resurrect the past in order to have a future. Every revival is unique and different. Whatever God did in the past He will of course build upon that, but what He now wills to do is to be new with an unbelievable sense of wonder. God is a God of newness and amazement.

6. Hunger—How bad do you want a revival of God’s presence, miracles, healings, and deliverance. Without a hunger for God that consumes everything one does, revival will never take place.

7. Unity—This is the most critical ingredient for a revival. Unity must take place and it does not depend on numbers or quantity. A few in unity will do more that many people agreeing on a particular subject or behavior. Without unity, ‘being as one in one place’ revival will not begin.

8. Humility—The error: “I am important—see what I have done.” God always used no-bodies to begin a revival. Revivals never began with leaders or important people. God is looking to receive all the glory. He does not need you or me; He stands alone and is all-powerful. It is the weak and non-important people God uses—not the somebodies!

9. Resistant—If God sends a revival, He needs to know that we will with-stand the urge to conform to many of the norms that now exist within the greater Christian church. Want revival, we must embrace the change when it comes (though it is not change but rather more of God)—it is just that simple.

10. Persecution—No revival existed without persecution or hatred toward God at some level. If you cannot endure or do not want persecution then you will never be part of any great revival or the miraculous that only God gives.

Revivals do come to an end. One cannot predict the timeframe—30 days, 30 months or 30 years. There will come a time when God says, “Move on.” He wants what you have experienced and learned to be dispersed to other people and nations.

I firmly believe any new revival will be more connected to the Book of Revelation than an extension of the Book of Acts (though the Holy Spirit will always be at the center of any movement). A latter-day revival will be a completion of all what God has done and what He plans to do. It will have more signs of judgment/conviction and addressing/preparing for the return of Christ. A revival of repentance and Holiness within the Body of Christ, the identification and challenging of all that is evil, and the exercise and administration of judgment—preparing for Christ’s return.

Yes, revival can and will come but it will be a greater manifestation of who Christ is—the Christ of yesterday, today and forever!

Come Lord Jesus, come!

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

February 18, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Need I Say More Series #1

Revival is on the mind of many Christians. In fact, there is a series of events coming to Los Angeles that focuses on the regeneration of the Azusa Street Revival of the early 20th Century. I have read about many revivals and no two are the same, but they indeed have common ingredients for their initial start-up and continuance.

I am sure no such revival can come again to L.A. like the Azusa Street Revival. Why, because the constituency organizing the events need to exhibit the following attributes. Without certain characteristics revival cannot take place. Furthermore, pride is something that historically every revival’s leadership did not have. That is why today’s religious leadership cannot produce a revival. Their pride will get in the way of the Holy Spirit unless they acquire or avoid the following qualities.

1. Foolishness—Not only did Jesus but also many scriptures state that we need to be ‘fools for Christ’ i.e. what the world considers foolish God considers His will. Too often today, people rather be acceptable in the preaching of the Gospel—they want to be measured by the world’s standards not God’s.

2. Criticism—If one has thin skin and works to avoid criticism on a personal and scholarly level then you will never attain to the best God has to offer. The media is not our friend and neither is the religious elite—so often they are the enemies of Christ.

3. Reputation—So many leaders are doing what the world does on marketing and branding themselves. Jesus on the other hand “did not make himself of any reputation” the Bible says. He did not want people to look to Him but to God and He was the Son of God. If He did this what should we be doing?

4. Money—Money can get in the way of any revival. Once you look to money to do more and/or the need for money to do it, then the end of the revival will soon be coming. Money only gets in the way of God’s presence.

5. New patterns—One need not look to resurrect the past in order to have a future. Every revival is unique and different. Whatever God did in the past He will of course build upon that, but what He now wills to do is to be new with an unbelievable sense of wonder. Quit looking over one’s shoulder!

6. Hunger—How bad do you want a revival of God’s presence, miracles, healings and deliverance. Without a hunger for God that consumes everything one does, revival will never take place.

7. Unity—This is the most critical ingredient for a revival. Unity must take place and it does not depend on numbers or quantity. A few in unity will do more that many people agreeing on a particular subject or behavior. Without unity, ‘being one in one place’ revival will not begin.

8. Humility—The error: “I am important—see what I have done.” God always used no-bodies to begin a revival. Revivals never began with leaders or important people. God is looking to receive all the glory. He does not need you or me; He stands alone and is all-powerful. It is the weak and non-important people God uses—not the somebodies!

9. Resistant—If God sends a revival He needs to know that we will with-stand the urges to conform to many of the norms that now exist within the Christian church. Want revival, we must embrace the change when it comes—it is just that simple.

10. Persecution—No revival existed without persecution at some level or hatred toward God. If you cannot or do not want persecution then you will never be part of any great revival or the miraculous that only God gives.

Come Lord Jesus, come!

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

January 28, 2016 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Sarah Lee’s Testimony: A student at APU

Our home purchase was a true display of God’s goodness and providence. Three months before our wedding, my fiancé’ David and I started to look for a place we would soon call home. Being new to ‘home shopping’, we were lost to how to go about even taking our first step. Like a kid on his first trip to a Toy’s R Us, we were excited, as well as overwhelmed and confused. To our delight, my future mother-in-law had a friend who was an agent. We thought that with this person, we wouldn’t have to be so worried. However, it took us 2 weeks for us to finally get a day to go see the properties. But, on that first day we were supposed to go see a property, I became ill. Wanting to see the houses together, I felt that that wasn’t the day for us to go see the properties. When the agent was called of this unfortunate situation, I could hear the frustration in her voice. Not knowing if I made the right choice, I went home. However, it was the first sign of God’s hand guiding us to our future home.

Another week passed by until we were able to restart our journey to find our home. Juggling between the ever-near wedding and our search for a home proved to be more and more difficult as the days passed by. But, sudden twist of events proved to shed some light. Not only did we change agents, we were forced to change the mortgage company when Citibank denied us. However, the change was exactly what we needed, and God knew. The new mortgage company, although there were many difficulties, not only approved us over the phone, but they offered us a greater buying power. The new realtor was not only very supportive and professional, but he lived and worked in the area that we were looking to buy our home in.

We had only 2 weeks to see and choose our home if we wanted to have it ready to be moved into after our wedding, or else we would be without a place to live. Those 2 weeks were very hectic. We saw little more than 20 properties, some more than once, in 3 days during the 2 weeks. By the end of the 2 weeks we were able to narrow down our list to 3 possible homes. The current home, which we live now, was not one of the houses on our final list. Our future home was listed at a price above our purchasing power. But, we went in to look at the design and the layout of the house in order to compare it with other homes. We liked the home so we made an offer.

Even though the offer we made was a ‘far shot’ from the asking price, we decided that it wouldn’t hurt to make an offer. It was a ridiculous offer, being $34,000 less than the offering price and $64,000 less than what a similar unit sold for recently. After a week of silence on the seller’s part, we started looking at other properties. But, after a few days and after the seller learned that we were looking at other properties, she accepted the offer with a counter-offer. We were one step closer to attaining the dream home, but still a long way from that day as we soon found out.

Every week from the time that the seller responded, we were walking on a bed of nails. Every week presented us with another hurdle to jump over. There were so many calls to and from my realtor saying that it didn’t look like it will go through or that we have a big problem. There were many trips to the banks and calls to my mortgage company to alleviate one-problem after another. The first few problems kept us worried. But, soon we realized that God was miraculously opening doors for us. We also realized that these were gentle reminders from God that we needed to be constantly in prayer and for us to acknowledge that He is guiding the process.

I felt, the only thing that could help us was more prayer. That is when, I made phone calls to family and close friends, asking them for daily prayer. I am an introvert, so it was very hard to share personal prayer requests. However, in my Senior Seminar class, my professor, Dr. Steven Wentland, encouraged us to share our cares and concerns, that ‘God cares what you care about’. With prayers from family, friends, fellow students, and awesome professors, I believe God answered a prayer that looked so impossible in our unfaithful eyes. "What is impossible with men is possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

Even up to the last few days, we didn’t know if the house was really going to be ours. The seller was getting tired of waiting; the escrow closing date was extended 41 more days than the original 45 days. She also lost $7,300 more through the process. While our agent was concerned, our parents and extended family members were praying for us, church members and friends were praying for us, and we were at peace. God had given us a sense of tranquility that surpasses knowledge and descriptions.

When we look back at our long-winded struggles in purchasing this house, we are left with immense thankfulness and awe of the greatness of God. Every struggle was for our benefit. So it will be for our house, a house of blessing, for it truly was a blessing from Jehovah-Jireh!

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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