"Encourage Me Blog"

What are you searching for?

2012-01-22T22:52:00.002-05:00

2 Timothy 1:7

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind"

There are 41 posts on this blog covering a number of life issues that people face daily.

About 70 percent of the visitors are being sent from Google searches and the balance from my own web site and a few others that link to my blog.

Listed below, are the top 6 most viewed posts.

God will keep you in Perfect Peace.

When will the answer come ... how much longer must we wait.

Do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow.

Be of Good Cheer - Jesus overcame the world.

The Secret Place brings hope, peace and quiet confidence.

Peace that Passes Understanding.

These are the key words or phrases people are searching for, and it confirms where we are in the world today. Recent polls in the USA show that the majority of Americans are concerned about the economy. There are 40 million Americans on food stamps and unemployment is at almost 9%.

I posted the blog God will keep you in Perfect Peace. on March 11, 2011 and it has stayed at the top of the list since then. People REALLY NEED PEACE in this time of history. There is such a need in the world and many are suffering greatly because of lack of finances and in many cases, lost jobs.

It is easy for me to simply say, "Trust the Lord" But for the people facing the situation, it is easier said than done. I can only speak for myself and say, I have been on both sides of the fence. I have been in prosperity and at the brink of poverty. The truth is, peace is needed in both situations.

There are many extremely prosperous people who have no peace at all. They have all the money the average person could only dream of, yet they don't have peace. Peace does not come from material things and pleasure. Peace is internal and is a "fruit of the Spirit" Fruit has to grow and mature.

Peace starts in my spirit because of the presence of the Lord, and I have to learn how to yield my mind to that peace. I have been in the middle of a financial crisis so deep that I never thought I would ever recover. But that was almost 30 years ago. That crisis lasted about two years and I learned how the mind can conjure all sorts of bad scenarios that make you loose hope.

But I also found out that none of those thoughts had any foundation at all. In fact, none of the bad things my mind conjured up ever came to pass. Out of that desperate situation, God brought one of the greatest blessings in my life and marriage I had ever experienced. God made a way where there was no way.

I discovered the Joy of the Lord is my strength. I am not talking about a by faith "spiritual joy". I am talking about a literal joy, where laughter takes hold and a "joy unspeakable" fills your entire being. It's like God's anesthetic which takes your attention off of your situation and places it on His incredible joy. It's a joy that mends a broken heart and puts hope back into a hopeless heart. It's a joy that takes the focus off of me and puts it on Him.

The after effect of joy is His peace. It's like knowing a good outcome, inside as opposed to a bad outcome, outside. God's peace allows us to see His provision when our understanding sees the result of our bad circumstances. It's like looking through God's eyes and seeing His plan and purpose unfolding, instead of ours eyes that see only the circumstances surrounding us.

Now I am the first to admit, that we have had many difficult times since then where we have had to trust God to see us through. But it is a lot easier now, as I have learned how not to let my thoughts get out of hand.

The word of God says "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:7 Fear is the opposite of faith. Fear is faith in reverse gear. Fear overwhelms us and makes us doubt God's ability to deliver us from our situation.

HOW CAN THIS HELP ME? You ask.

As soon as the negative thought comes into your mind, there are two directions you can take. One is to give into the thought and dwell on it until fear manifests. The other is to immediately say to yourself ... "I will not allow my mind to dictate the outcome, but I will trust God who has promised to deliver me and be my provider. Immediately begin to re-direct your thoughts away from the negative. God sees only blessing for your life and will always make a way of escape. So I have to begin to think His thoughts which are to be found in His word.

I love this old song "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of the earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

God bless you

Gil Howard-Browne

www.revivaltimes.com

www.encourageme.tv

Peace that Passes Understanding.

2012-01-13T10:41:00.002-05:00

Philippians 4:6-9 (KJV)
Vs 6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.   Vs 7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (See vs 8 at the end)

"Be careful for nothing" Why would God's word suggest that, when there is so much in life we have to care about. There is not a person in the world, rich or poor, famous or infamous, who does not have a care. It's like asking us to be in denial, when everything around us seems to be the opposite.

The clue is to be found in the latter part of Vs 6.   God is saying that the answer is "fellowship with Him" talking to him (prayer) and thanking Him for His goodness and provision. God already knows what we are going through and what we have need of. But it is in fellowship that we find the strength and direction that we need.

The second key is to be found in Vs 7.   "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."    It's the peace of God that we all desperately need.   Peace is the opposite of turmoil. As long as we live on earth, there will never be perfect peace. We will only see that in the "New Millenium" when Jesus rains supreme.

God is speaking about "internal" peace. It's peace in our heart and mind. It's "peace that passes understanding" It's peace in spite of what is going on. It's beyond understanding. The mind is the biggest enemy that we have to deal with. It's our minds that continually imagine the worst scenarios and unless we allow God's peace to fill our minds, the turmoil around us will overtake us.   PEACE NEEDS TO PASS UNDERSTANDING.

It would be great if there was an on / off switch which allowed us to turn the world off for a while, but the reality is we live in an imperfect world. But we have a perfect God living on the inside of us.   It is His peace that will make a difference.

It's a daily practice of letting Him rule.   God's word commands us in Colossians 3:15 (AMP) "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]."

I love how the amplified bible puts it ... "let peace act as umpire continually". It's a state of mind. Learning how to not to allow turmoil to get the upper hand in our minds. It's the Peter walking on water principle. It's the Lions Den and the fiery furnace principle. Because for every situation we find ourselves in, God has an answer and the provision.

When we let the peace of God act as UMPIRE, it "decides and settles with finality all questions that arise in our minds"   Most will say, that is easier said than done. How can my mind be at rest when all around me is not. We take a pain killer to kill pain. So take a positive thought to kill a negative one. I have to bombard my mind with enough of the positive to quell the negative.

Most Christians blame the devil because of the premise ... it's an attack of the devil. But we delude ourselve if we think the devil has so much power that daily he can harass the thoughts of billions of people all over the globe. He is not omnipresent, God is. He is not omnipotent, God is. He is not omnicient, God is.   So the answer is to be found in me. It's my negative nature that is trying to become ruler over my life. But I will not allow it to. I will feed my mind and thoughts with God's word and promises. I will fill my mind with the blessing, mercy and grace of God and allow His peace to be the ruler.

Phil 4:8 confirms what I have just said. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

God is telling us, the answer it to purposefully direct our thoughts to what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report. Don't let your mind dictate how you are going to live and be.

(For more on this subject please read ... "God will keep you in Perfect Peace" )

God bless you richly

Gil Howard-Browne

www.revivaltimes.com

www.podcast.revivaltimes.com

www.encourageme.tv

Be thankful to God during good and difficult times.

2012-01-07T23:43:00.001-05:00

Being thankful for all that God has done in our lives is something we should cultivate on a daily basis, not only when life is great and blessings are flowing. It is easy to focus on the things we need and want, but sometimes we forget ALL the wonderful things that God has done for us.

We are commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 " In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." That does not mean we are to thank Him for bad things, but regardless of our condition, we are to be thankful.

The Amplified says it well [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks] Being thankful even when things go wrong means we trust Him and are not swayed by life's trials. A thankful grateful heart, opens the door to the Joy of the Lord which in turn causes the peace of God to flow in us.

It's like being in the fiery furnace and not being singed. Daniel 3:24-27 The truth is, Jesus is with us every day in every circumstance. It's like being in the Lion's den and not being afraid because He is with us. Daniel 6:22 "My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions' mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent and blameless before Him"

God will send angels if needed to help us and bring in the needed provision. He will shut the mouths of the Lions (the circumstances) because we Love Him and serve Him and make room for Him in our lives each day. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will provide all our needs according to His riches in glory.

It may be low tide now, but High Tide is Coming soon.

Put it to the test, right now, regardless of how you feel. Just begin to thank Him over and over until you feel the heavy burden lift off of your shoulders.

"Father, I thank You for ALL the blessings that You have poured out on me. I thank You for Your peace, joy and love that you have filled me with. I thank You, that You always cause me to triumph and that no matter what my present circumstances are, you will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. I thank You that nothing is too hard for You to do and that You will provide all my needs according to Your riches in glory. Amen."

Listen to "God is so Good"

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne
www.revivaltimes.com

Happy New Year - New Blessings and Opportunities

2011-12-31T10:03:00.002-05:00

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Philippians 3:13-15 ... but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

Oh how we all love to forget the trials and difficulties of the past year. We say and hear others say, "I am glad this year is over" But the one thing we so often forget to say is, " Thank God He brought us through and we made it into the new year, and He is going to take us through the next 12 months.

The reality is, there is not much different between Dec 31st and Jan 1st other than the date. The world celebrate the midnight hour as if it is some magical moment. But, things are pretty much the same. Some may still be in the struggle in January as the were in December. Others may be riding the wave of success and it carries through into the new year.

Whatever your situation is, God is still the same God and His word is still the same word. He has never changed and is in fact, "yesterday, today and forever the same." He is the one constant in our lives and His plan and purpose has never been changed. Our successes and failures are never a surprise to God. But his blessings and provision is always a surprise to us.

That's why the Apostle Paul says "it is my one aspiration, to forget the things which are behind" It is important to forget the past. The past is unchangeable, but the future can be altered by the decisions and actions we make.

Paul speaks about "straining forward to what lies ahead". We know God is the author of good things. His word says "all good things come from above" It is never in the plan of God to provide bad things. God is incapable of doing bad things. So His plan for this next year is to bless us beyond measure. Our job is to strain forward to receive that which lies ahead.

Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--" Amplified.

I love this scripture. He is able to carry out His purpose and do "superabundantly". The truth is His is capable of far greater than we dare ask or think. The limitations are placed there by me. I am the one who is ultimately responsible for allowing the promise of God to be made manifest in and through me.

It is indeed sad, that the church has made the devil the scape goat for our lack. But there is nothing in Ephesians 3 that indicates the devil has anything to do with my lack. The truth is God wants to bless us and we need to stop messing with this blessing.

The word straining and press towards indicates a willingness and action on my part to make heavens goal my aim. Let's agree together to make this new year a special year of receiving God's richness for our lives so that we may be able to impart to others that richness and bring them to the place of provision for their lives.

God bless you all.

Gil Howard-Browne
www.revivaltimes.com

Joy to the World.

2011-12-25T14:39:00.000-05:00

Luke 2:10-14 (KJV)

¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Christmas day is a great day of celebration for Christians all over the globe. Even those who do not believe in Christ, inadvertently celebrate His birth in that they use Christmas as a great commercial time. We walk in stores and hear Christmas carols being sung and it brings joy to many that hear them. It is a day associated with joy and happiness and excitement.

But the truth that millions miss, is that the birth of Christ was heralded by the angels with tidings of "great joy" and "peace on earth and good will towards men" Christmas signifies God's heart of good will towards all mankind and His desire to fill them with peace and joy.

2 Corinthians 5:19 (AMP)

¹⁹It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).

That's the good news. God is not mad at the world but has forgiven them through Christ and restored them to favor with Him. Favor is undeserved and unmerited. We were cut off from Him but He has restored the connection and granted us access through Jesus' birth and death.

That's the true meaning of Christmas. God came down in the form of Jesus and made a way for us to come back to Him.   All we have to do is acknowledge Him and accept what He has provided for us. Then turn around and start living for Him and allowing Him to fill us and lead us and guide us for the rest of our lives.

It's a great live of surrender to Jesus. Not a dull life as some would suggest, but a life filled with adventure, love, peace, joy and provision.   It's a life filled with victory after victory, free from the condemnation that comes to those who do not accept His love and salvation.

So, Christmas day and the baby in a manger is a special day to all those who would embrace the provisions that were provided for the world.   Jn 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Have a blessed Christmas and my His love, peace and joy fill you to overflowing.

Gil & Loraine Howard-Browne

Pressing towards God's plan and purpose.

2011-12-08T15:36:00.004-05:00

Phip 3:13 "but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead"

The apostle Paul speaking a simple yet profound truth. "Forgetting what lies behind" The past is the past and there is nothing we can do to change it. How many of us have wished we could just go back several years and change something that we did or said or did not do. But that is not possible. But it's our future that can and must change.

That change can only come when we take the next part of Paul's exhortation "straining forward to what lies ahead" The word "straining" is indicative of "effort" It denotes something that I must passionately embrace. I want change so badly that I will diligently pursue it.

I'm not talking about works. Works will bring us into further bondage and frustration. I'm not saying we must run around trying everything. The "effort" is really "rest". As the bible declares in Hebrews 4:10 (Amplified) "For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors ..."

The secret is to walk in the peace and joy of the Lord and to lean on the wisdom of God. The peace is the umpire and the joy of the Lord is our strength. The wisdom of God comes when we ask and yield.

PEACE :

Colossians 3:15-17 Amplified Bible "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds ... "

God's word tells us to allow His peace to be the umpire, the decision maker, thus settling the questions in our minds. You see, we want answers but they are not always forthcoming. Mainly because if God were to tell us everything in advance, we would mess it up anyway.

I don't want to know too much, it may be overwhelming.

JOY :

Neh. 8:10 "... the joy of the Lord is our strength" There is strength that comes from joy. Joy energizes the human spirit. It brings encouragement in the face of insurmountable odds.

It's not a set of formula's that bring success, but a relationship with God and a trust that comes from an ongoing yielding to His plan and purpose. Many time our lack of success is because we are looking for outside approval. We are looking for man's acceptance. But ultimately, we need to have God's sanction and approval.

I have seen HIGHLY successful people burn out after a time because their success was based on their effort. It does not matter ultimately how big or small your ministry or personal effort for the Kingdom of God is, if it is based on your strength and ability, it will fail.

PURPOSE:

Psalm 127:1 "Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it"

With the Peace and Joy of the Lord, the Purpose of God becomes easy. It's time for the Body of Christ to trust, obey and rest in Him. He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

God Bless

Gil Howard-Browne
www.revivaltimes.com

Your miracle is moments away.

2011-09-11T17:03:00.001-04:00

Jude 1:20 "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,"

Watching God's plan unfold takes faith and patience. It is fun in the Spirit but in the flesh sometimes scarry. That's because we can get discouraged when all we see is the problem and the solution is not forthcoming.   God's suggestion to dealing with this is to "pray in the Spirit"   The reason God says to pray in the Spirit, is that according to the Word of God, when we pray in the Spirit our minds have nothing to do with the process. We are praying by the Spirit within and "building up ourselves"

1 Corinthians 14:14-19 explains it well. Amplified Bible (AMP) For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit [by the [a]Holy Spirit within me] prays, but my mind is unproductive [it bears no fruit and helps nobody].

We can and should pray with our understanding, that is simply talking to God. But God knew that the human mind is fickle and easily distracted. So He devised a perfect way for us to pray that would not require our minds full attention.   I like that. Don't you?

It is important to do what God suggested. He knows the end from the beginning and knows that the miracle is closer than we realize. I would love to get a direct answer from God for everything I ask Him, but I am sure if He told me I would probably not like the answer. Smile.

But He is full of surprises and can do "anything" in an instant if it lines up with His plan for our lives. It's not hard for God since He can create something out of nothing. (The Universe is proof) But He demonstrated that through the life of His Son, Jesus. Think of it this way. If Jesus could use the little boy's lunch to feed 5000, He has so many more creative things He can do to bless us and provide for us.

He said in Isiah 43:19 "I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
That means He does not need my help to get the job done, unless He asks for my co-operation in doing something that will be the trigger to release the blessing.   There is no road in the wilderness and there is no river in the desert, but God will put one there if necessary.   HE CAN DO IT. I have to get my head out of the way, set my thoughts and affections on Him, and trust Him to see me through.

He is the God of suddenlies. (Acts 2:1) Rejoicing and keeping our focus on Him, keeps us in the place where suddenlies can happen. It's His way of showing how much He loves us.   The lame man at the gate of the temple, was there to collect money from those who felt sorry for him.   But Peter and John has something better, the anointing touched the man and healed him. It was a suddenly for him. One minute he was as he always had been from birth ... lame ... the next minute he was "walking and leaping and praising God"

We can go from lame to leaping in a heavenly minute if we stay in the place where miracles happen.   God is so far ahead of the game. He is always many steps ahead, just waiting for us to grab hold of all that He has done and will do.   The bible says, He had made ready and keep ready for those who love Him.

1 Corinthians 2:9 "But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [ who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]." Amplified

When we don't know what to do, God's plan is still perfect. Our circumstances are never a curve ball to God. His love is steadfast and His plan is unchanging. He may have to move the obstacles I create out of the way, and that can be the hold up.   Isaiah 59: 1   "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:"

So, take courage and be of good cheer. The answer is closer than you think.   We are commanded to encourage, edify and build up one another daily.   1 Thessalonians 5:11 Amplified Bible "Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing."

Summing up :

Watching God's plan unfold takes faith and patience. It is fun in the Spirit but in the flesh sometimes scarry. Lets stay in the Spirit.
The miracle is minutes away. If Jesus could use the little boy's lunch to feed 5000, He has many creative things He can use to bless us.
He is the God of "suddenlies". Rejoicing keeps us in the place where "suddenlies" can happen. It's His way of showing how much He loves us.
When we don't know what to do, God's plan is still perfect. Our circumstances are never a curve ball to God. His love is steadfast.

I trust this blog has been an encouragement to you. Please feel free to write a comment or send me an email with you prayer request or praise report by going to my web site http://revivaltimes.com/address.htm The contact form is to prevent spam which I am trying to eliminate.

Listen to my latest worship podcast.

God bless you righly

Gil Howard-Browne
Visit our worship podcast at http://podcast.revivaltimes.com

The Secret Place brings hope, peace and quiet confidence.

2011-06-26T15:24:00.008-04:00

Psalm 91

Vs. 1 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]."

Vs.2 "I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!" Amp.

Our salvation is secure in this truth, John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:" and John 3:15-16 "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" That's the simple truth about the "Good News"

There are two ways we can live our life in Christ. The one is to worry, stress and fret about everything and the other is to learn to trust Him who is "able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy," Jude 1:24

There are so many Christians worrying about things that probably will never happen. They fret about the future and listen to those who appear to be "strong Christians" and in "leadership" who spread fear instead of faith and hope.

I have seen so many emails, tweets and facebook posts that strike fear in the hearts of believers who are not grounded in the truth of God's word. I am not sure why the negative gets more traction than the positive. It's almost as if there is a blindness to what God has promised in His Word.

For instance, Ps 23:6 "Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" If God promised "goodness and mercy" why are we captivated by all that is bad and negative. If you look up the word "goodness" at Dictionary.com, you get this definition. " the state or quality of being good, moral excellence; virtue, kindly feeling; kindness; generosity." The opposite is "badness and evil"

Now, look up the word "mercy" and you will find it means "compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner."

It's synonyms are "forgiveness, indulgence, clemency, leniency, lenity, tenderness, mildness" and the only antonym listed is "cruelty" So when God's word promises "goodness and mercy will follow us" why are we looking for all the bad things instead of what He meant for us.

Sure life is tough and we face problems often, but that is because this is an imperfect world and things go wrong from time to time. But life can and will be blessed if we learn to trust our loving heavenly Father.

Which brings me back to the opening scripture ... "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High" The secret place is not to be found by looking at all that is wrong in the world but in looking at all that is right in Christ. It is a place of learned behavior. We learn to not lean on our own understanding, but to lean on Him. It comes from fellowship with Him. It comes from a life of worship and obeying the Holy Spirit within.
Click the play button to listen to this worship podast.

Rom 8:13-15 (Amp)

^"(13) For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever. (14) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (15) For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!"

Vs 15 talks about "the spirit of slavery and bondage to fear" There are so many Christians who are slaves to bondage and fear. That is not what God intended for us. He promised "life and life more abundantly"

God is calling us to live in the secret place of the Most High and to enjoy the "refuge and fortress" He provides.

"Father I pray for every reader of this blog, that Your Presence and Power would flood their hearts and bring a quiet confidence and peace upon them. No matter what they are facing now, that a revelation of Your Divine intervention would fill them now. I pray for a peace in their minds, that their thoughts would be filled with the blessing, purpose and promise of God. Thank you Father in Jesus name for a new awareness of the "secret place of the Most High" to come upon them" Amen

Watch the new Video Song
by my Daughter, Jilleen "Secret Place"
Visit her web site www.jilleen.net

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Visit us on our ministry website at www.revivaltimes.com also our worship podcast at www.podcast.revivaltimes.com

Thirst cannot rest until it is quenched.

2011-04-28T18:25:00.004-04:00

Psalm 42:1 "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God"

In medieval times, the word "hart" was used for a fully grown red deer stag five years or older. It was greatly sought after as a hunting trophy mainly because of it's it weight in meat and fat and the size of it's antlers. These deer/hart were hunted down using dogs or other means and as such, they would end up running great distances to get away, resulting in great thirst and panting.

David the psalmist, during his shepherding days, had probably seen a hunt on numerous occasions, and had noticed how the deer, fleeing the hunters, panted and thirsted for water. Coming to a stream, it probably dropped it's head and drank long and deep, before darting back under cover.    "Lord I thirst after you just like this deer. Lord I long for more of You."

Thirst forces a desperate and deliberate decision.  Thirst cannot rest until it is quenched.   That's how we should be with God. I am so hungry and thirsty for more of Him and His presence that I can't wait until the next time I have opportunity to drink from His river of life.   But why wait? Jesus said "if any many thirsts, let him come unto Me and drink"   Jn 7:37

God makes it available. It's His promise and all I need to do is make a decision to come and drink.   I don't have to pray, beg, plead or become despondant. All I have to do is "come to the water and drink"  I spend time in His presence, that's where the refreshing is.

What makes us thirsty?   The answer is simple "lack of water"   We become dehydrated, sleepy and irritable to name just a few things. It sounds like the way we feel when we lose fellowship with God.   The truth of the matter is, we are a spirit, and we live in a body and we have a soul.   Our bodies need natural nourishment and liquid in order to live. Our spirit needs to be nourished with the Word of God and His presence.

Isa 44:3 says "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty" When God pours water, you have to know it is going to be good and it is going to be plenty.   But He only does that for those that are thirsty. God never forces His water on those that don't want it.   But He sees the thirsty heart and He will bring refreshing by pouring water upon us.

He continues in that verse to say, "and floods upon the dry ground."   Not only will He refresh you but He will refresh all those that are around you.  There will be an overflow.   We don't realize how much people need our help. If we are dry ourselves, we cannot help those around us.

But He is not done yet.   He continues "I will pour My Spirit upon your offspring, and My blessing upon your descendants"    What a package deal. Not only do I get refreshed, but my offspring ... my kids and my descendants ... my grand kids.    That is what's amazing about God.  He is so generous in His giving and loves His children greatly and has purposed to bless us beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams.

Ephesians 3:20 (Amplified Bible) "is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--"

"I'm hungry, thirsty and desperate" Worship segment from one of our revivals"

God is never done with us and He never get tired of blessing us. That's what He accomplished through Jesus on the cross. He always has something new and fresh for us. We just have to be ready and willing to receive. Don't make excuses like "I'm not good enough" God it not blessing you because you are good, but because He is good.

God bless you richly

Gil Howard-Browne
PS: Our latest "Weekly Worship" is available. CLICK HERE

http://www.revivaltimes.com/
http://www.podcast.revivaltimes.com/

Focusing on the "ROCK"

2011-04-25T19:22:00.008-04:00

Psalm 61:2 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I."

It's quite normal to want to know the answer to everything. We look for a word of encouragement or prophecy that may through some light on our situation. But often, it's on a need to know basis and God is the only one that needs to know.

Many times we look for the answers in the wrong places. It's almost like the fellow who was looking under the street lamp at night for something. A passer by stopped and asked him what he was looking for. He said he had lost his car keys and pointed to a spot about 40 yards away. The passerby looked puzzled and asked him, why are you looking in this spot for your keys when you lost them 40 yards away. The man answered ... because there is no light there so I came here because I could see better.

Now that's a dumb joke but its a great illustration of how we are looking to the wrong source for the answer.   The Lord woke me up early one morning with this statement "God wants the Body of Christ to change the way we think, speak and act.

Troubles and problems are all around us, they are a fact of life. Troubles come to the strong in the Lord and the not so strong in the Lord.   It's often our first reaction to something that happens, or to something someone says, that determines it's outcome. That reaction becomes the foundation upon which success or failure is built.

For instance, when someone says something that hurts or irritates us, we need to pause before responding, to consider what outcome our reply will have on the issue. My reply could either help the situation or make it worse.

This holds good for thoughts as well. The minute the thought enters our mind, what do we do with it? Do we give into it with an emotional response, or do we consider the thoughts credibility in the light of what God's word says.

For example, when we feel a pain in our bodies, and a thought crosses our minds that we may have cancer, because someone we know had the same type of pain and they died of cancer. Do we believe that thought or do we immediately steer our thoughts towards what God's word tells us. "By His stripes we were healed"

We are the masters of our own words and thoughts

If your focus is on the wrong thing it will lead you away from God's purpose.  Don't think every thing bad that happens to you is the devil. Life is full of surprises. Both good and bad things happen to good and bad people.

A lot of negative things come from bad choices we make. Some people get mad at God as if He had something to do with it. The truth is God has given us all of His promises and His anointing to help us succeed. Unfortunately, we are often so wrapped up in our own condition that we don't see the provision that God has made for us.

God is wanting a people who are confident in Him.

Paul says Phil 4:10-11 "I was made very happy in the Lord that now you have revived your interest in my welfare after so long a time; you were indeed thinking of me, but you had no opportunity to show it."

Vs 11 "Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am"

Paul experienced a lot of difficult trials and situations. But we very seldom hear him say it was the devil. We hear him say "God always causes me to triumph." 2 Cor 2:14 and "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world".

The prayer Paul prayed for the Church in Eph 3:14-20, never once mentioned the devil or evil or problems. Instead it focused on the length, breadth, depth and height of the love of God.

God is looking for quiet in the midst of the storm.

Jesus focused on RESTING rather than on the storm.
Peter focused on the storm rather than on Jesus.

Is your focus on the situation or on the God of the situation?

The man at the pool of Bethesda focused on his inability to get to the pool when the angel stirred the water. Jesus never saw his disability but saw him whole. The answer that came from Jesus was " take up thy bed and walk"

He could have reacted negatively to that statement of Jesus. "What do you mean ... take up my bed and walk. Can't you see I am lame." That's the emotional response based on what he had become accustomed to. Many Christians are unable to trust God anymore because they are so accustomed to their circumstances.

Victory does not mean that all your needs met.

Victory is how we think, speak and act while we are waiting for our needs to be met. The lame man at the gate of the temple, was so accustomed to being lame that all he knew to do was beg for money.

Sometimes we can get so used to our condition that we become programed to react in the same way over and over again. This lame man saw Peter and John entering the temple. His first thought was ... I can get some money from them.

Getting money from people became his focus. If someone told him that he could walk one day he would probably have replied ... "are you kidding ... can't you see I am lame and have been since birth."

Peter's immediate reaction was "we don't have money but what we have is far better for you. It's called the anointing. The presence of God. Here have some", and took him by the hand and just raised him up. The man went from the lying position he had been in since birth to walking and leaping and praising God in a second.

Your immediate thought may have been that both these men were lame. You say ... "Their condition is so different from mine." But your situation has paralyzed you and kept you from walking in the blessing of the Lord. God can change that in a moment of time.

Make a conscious effort today to change the way you think, speak and act. If you don't see the result immediately don't despair and lose hope. Many people have problems that are an accumulation of mistakes they have made over years and expect God to change it overnight. But when those mistakes involve people, God has to work on their hearts first before we see the change.

But while you are waiting for that change to take place, God will fill you with His love, peace and joy and make it possible for you to be victorious while waiting for the circumstances to change.

Weekly Worship with Gil and daughter Jilleen.

Let the peace of God rule your heart bringing a quiet trust and confidence in the God that is more than enough.

God bless you richly,

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

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The true meaning of "Easter"

2011-04-24T13:52:00.011-04:00

Today, Sunday April 24th, millions all over the world celebrate the risen Christ. Sadly for many this is purely traditional. They will go to Church, worship the Lord, listen to an Easter message and go home and life will continue as normal.

But it would be awesome to see those millions recognize the Risen Christ EVERY DAY and invite Him in to stay.

It's not about the day Easter, it's about a relationship made
possible by what happened during the historic days of Easter, that can only come when He truly lives inside.

The purpose of Jesus death was so that we could have life. He paid the price for all our sin, shame, guilt, inhibitions, shyness, anger, bitterness, hatred, addictions, and every human imperfection you can think of.

2 Cor 519 "It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor)." (Amplified)

Because of Christ's death and resurrection, we have favor with God. This favor is undeserved, unmerited, unearned and has nothing to do with anything I do other than receive. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOESOEVER believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jn 3:16.

But the resurrection of Jesus made it possible for Him to send "another comforter" the Holy Spirit that He promised would "be in you" and that we would receive "power" (God's ability, efficiency and might - Act 1:8 Amp.) and be witnesses to others about Him. In other words, people would know that there is something different about us. We are in the world but we don't live like the world. We walk according to another law, the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ" (Rom 8:2) that sets us free from "law of sin and death" that we were subject to before.

Romans 8:4 (Amplified Bible)"So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit]"

AN AMAZING THING HAPPENS ...

But an amazing thing happens when we receive Him as Lord and Saviour and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. A transformation takes place inside that changes our desires, hopes and dreams. Our focus changes from our will to His. Sure we will never be perfect in this life, but our hearts cry is to be more like Him and to live according to His dictates via the Holy Spirit inside. That's what God looks for and works with, our desire.

And so begins a wonderful journey of discovery in Him. Because He is our Shepherd, He looks after us, providing what we need when we need it.. Helping us to succeed when we should have failed. Lifting us up when we fall and causing us to "triumph in all things"

2 Corinthians 2:14 (Amplified Bible) "But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere" We become trophies of Christ's victory and we spread the "fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere"

And after He rose, He was seated at the right hand side of God (Rom. 8:34) making intercession for us.

Colossians 3:1 "IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Vs 2: And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.

That's the true message of Easter - He did it all for me so that I don't have to work for it.

That's the true message of Easter - He did it all for me so that I don't have to work for it.

I am so happy that I found him at age 6 and

He has been my friend ever since.

Thank you Jesus for the true message of Easter.

Listen to our new "Weekly Worship"

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

When will the answer come ... how much longer must I wait, Lord?

2011-04-10T13:20:00.019-04:00

Have you ever expressed, to the Lord or to yourself or to someone else, the thought "When will the answer come, how much longer must I wait, Lord?"

I am sure you have. Impatience is often the source of frustration. But I have found, in my own life, that many of the answers God gave did not come in my time frame nor in the way I expected.

God promises us "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation. " Psalms 91:15 & 16

The heart of God is to bless us. He is a loving heavenly Father and knows how to bless and keep us. If he did not mean that, He would not have said it. Jesus came to fulfill the will of His Father, by paying the price for us on the cross and making a way for us to have access to every promise of God.

God says "If you call on me, I will answer you" This promise is only conditional upon us "calling upon Him" He says, if you call. God of course already knows what is going on in our lives, but there is something about us calling on Him, that makes Him respond. He is watching over His Word to perform it.

I know there is a lot of teaching on faith or the lack of faith. I have seen people in bondage to "faith" rules and regulations. Suddenly because they happened to think or say the wrong thing, their faith is nullified. A lady many years ago, came to us for prayer. She had miscarried several times and was confused as her pastor told her that she did not have faith.

I immediately told her "you don't need faith to have a baby, God made it that way." Billions of people have had babies without even know what faith is. What she really needed was healing and not a guilt trip.   All the faith rules are complicated and based on my ability to impress God by being perfect.  I have seen God do miracles for total non believers. I have seen people get healed who did not even believe nor were they expecting a healing.

(listen to this clip while you read the blog)

But Jesus said we only need mustard seed faith to move mountains. That is tiny. Just the simple act of calling upon the Lord, is in itself an act of faith. I would not call on Him if I did not believe He would answer. That would be dumb.  Remember, many miracles came to people to whom Jesus had said "oh ye of little faith"

He says again in Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."  The act is "call unto me" and God's response is "I will answer you" but not only answer you, but "show you mighty things that you did not know I was capable of doing". Again, the only condition God places on this promise is "Call unto me"

God delights in honoring His word. He knows we are not perfect and He knows we never will be. He knows we live in an imperfect world where things go wrong. You say, how do you know that. Well look at all the imperfect people God has used over the centuries to do His will.   There are many great names today who are by no means perfect and have issues, but God is using them profoundly.

Let's take this over to the new testament and see what Jesus said.

(Matthew 7:7-8) Vs. 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:   Vs. 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

That is not difficult to understand. But if it is as simple as Jesus said, then why do we not get everything we ask for.   Well simply put, if God were to give us everything we asked for, our lives would be a mess. Many of the things we think we need to change our lives, would actually complicate them and ultimately lead us away from God's perfect plan for our lives. So what did Jesus mean when He said, ask, seek and knock.

Jesus clarified this earlier in Matthew 6: Vs. 31 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?   Vs. 32 - (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. Vs. 33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.   Vs. 34 - Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

Jesus says ... "there is a better way."   Seek first the Kingdom of God ... that is God's plan and purpose for your life. "for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."   As we pursue God's things, all the things we NEED will be added to us.

There is an attitude of simple trust that we must learn to walk in. I am not striving every day to get things from God.  Living for God is not a chore that I must do each day I wake up. He is part and parcel of my every day life. I am aware of Him and I am confident that He has my best interest at heart.  I am living in expectation for the next God planned event in my life. But I am also not phased if in the natural it does not look like much to others.

The Apostle Paul learned that secret during his walk with Christ. Phil 4:10-11 (Amplified) 11 - Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be [a] content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. Vs 12 - How to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also haw to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.

It's not that Paul is "satisfied and content" with his negative circumstances, it's that he is rooted and grounded in his trust in God's ability to cause him to triumph. The thing he calls "secret" is simple trust. It's not "21 steps to receiving your miracle". It's trusting God each and every day, knowing that He loves us and His plan for our lives is being implemented." Now obviously if He is talking to you about doing or not doing something, then obedience is also a key.

Trust and Obey.

In many church communities, you could not ever say what Paul just said, without being chastised for speaking unbelief. But Paul had learned to trust God during good and bad times. His love for and faith in God did not waver because of the circumstances he found himself in.

Then he adds ... Vs. 13 - I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [b]infuses inner strength into me; I am [c]self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

It is Christ in me that makes a difference. It is His ability, efficiency and might on the inside that makes a difference. This takes the pressure off of me to perform ritualistically and puts the pressure on Him in me.

It's His life, power and ability in me that will make my life productive.

It's His strength, wisdom, understanding, favor, and anointing

that is conforming me to His image and His will for my life.

So stop beating yourself up and start leaning "not to your own understanding" but trust in what Christ accomplished on the cross. He is presenting you holy and faultless and irreproachable to His Father.

Colossians 1:22 (Amplified Bible)  "Yet now has [Christ, the Messiah] reconciled [you to God] in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable in His [the Father's] presence."

That does not mean we are just going to live any which way we want to, but when we get a revelation of what He has done for us, we love Him even more and we desire to live circumspectly before Him.    Christ is presenting you holy and faultless and irreproachable before the Father.

Trust Him today and call upon Him. If you don't get the answer immediately, don't get mad at Him, but keep on loving Him and through "Faith and Patience" you will inherit the promise. (Hebrews 6:12) Stay away from many "formulas" because they will lead you into bondage, but simply trust what God has said in His word.

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Don't let the "storms of life" stop the FLOOD of God's blessing.

2011-04-02T01:10:00.009-04:00

On Thursday March 31st, storms lashed Florida for the entire day, with gusts of wind up to 75 mph and in our area, up to 4 inches of rain fell. Thunder, lightning all day with a few tornado's touching down. It inspired me to write this blog.

"Don't let the storms of life stop the FLOOD of God's blessing"

Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. vs.24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. vs.25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. vs.26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

The disciples who witnessed this miracle of Jesus, must have been awestruck. One minute the storm was raging, and Jesus was so unconcerned that "He was asleep", but in response to his disciples anxiety, He takes action and a great calm came over the entire area.   That's our God in action.   Always ready to honor His word and work on our behalf. He will "make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" Isa 43:20

With all the economic problems, storms, earthquakes and wars all over the world, there are a lot of people who are living in fear about the future. That is not hard to understand. It is easy to watch these happenings taking place, on our TV's, while we are in the comfort of our homes sipping coffee.   But it is another thing to be going through the experience.

That's why having a personal relationship with God is so important. It's because He knows all of our circumstances, successes, failures, trials, tribulations, difficulties, troubles and everything else about us, but His plan and purpose for our lives remains unchanged.  His plan does not include failure and He has an answer for everything.   But we have to deal with the evidence the five physical senses tell us, so if our focus in on those things, we will never hear what the Spirit of God is saying to us.

When I look back on my life and see the many times that the Lord came through for us, I am overwhelmed by His goodness. I am not sure what I would have done if I did not know the Lord in a very personal way. I can tell you with great confidence, that if you spend time in His presence, you will be able to deal with the storms of life in a different way. His Word speaks about the "oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness" Isaiah 61:3

Oil is symbolic of the anointing or power of God. There is an anointing of joy available for us that is independant of all our human frailties. It's an anointing that EVERYONE of us needs and it's very necessary in times of stress, discouragement, depression and all the things that assail humans in times of adversity.

(listen to "Pour out your Glory Lord" while you read this blog)

Just ask Him now to fill you to overflowing. Ask Him to fill you with His peace and Joy and new life. Pray this prayer " Father, thank you for your love, mercy and goodness. Thank you for your presence that fills me now. Thank you that every bit of stress, anxiety, depression, fear lifts off of me now in Jesus Name. I thank You for making a way for me where there is no way. I thank You for being my provider today and I praise You and bless Your Name. In Jesus Name I ask this, Amen"

God bless you richly

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

When we sow encouragement, WE reap the fruit of encouragement.

2011-03-27T11:39:00.010-04:00

According to "Pastoral Care Inc.", 20,000 ministers left the ministry last year! Many left because they felt inadequate, lonely, hurt and discouraged. Some of the reasons cited was lack of finances, that put a strain on their marriage. Others left because of some moral lapse in behaviour. Whatever the reason, it is sad indeed, that lives that once touched so many, are now themselves in need of help.

Sadly, many pastors children are no longer interested in church because of the hardships their parents have faced. Probably half of the issues they experienced, are because of lack of training, wisdom and understanding. Oh how we desperately need an outpouring of the love and glory of God in our churches in the USA and elsewhere. But there is something we ALL can do about this epidemic.

Galatians 6 (Amp.) Vs.1 BRETHREN, IF any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also.

God loves His people and wil go to great lengths to strengthen and heal, body, soul and spirit. That's why He gave gifts to the people He calls, in order to do the work of the ministry. (Eph.4:8) We have a great responsibility, as His vessels to make sure that we do everything in our ability to help others stay in the plan and purpose of God for their lives.

"When we encourage and strengthen others, we reap a harvest of encouragement for ourselves."

Listen to "God is So Good"

It is easy to be critical of others and find fault. That is not difficult at all. Especially when we really don't know what is going on in their lives. I wept when I read the report, that a well known worship leader, admitted to adultery, and was stepping down from ministry. His music had been such a blessing to me and thousands of others, I began to wonder whether I was sad that his music would no longer be heard or was I sad for him, who still loved the Lord, but was going through much emotional turmoil, guilt and shame. Whilst we cannot condone adultery, as it is against the laws of God, we can love the person and do everything in our power to pull them away from this soul destroying sin.

But often it is not "wrong living" that caused so many to leave the ministry, but "wrong thinking". They allowed the pressures of the ministry to become their focus or they got off on a tangent, on some little doctrinal side road, and became entangled in error, which ultimately robbed them of their fellowship with God.

God gives us a clue in His word on how to deal with someone overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort. He says "you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him," We are to do whatever we can to restore the person to right standing with God.

In the same verse, God warns us to make sure we do it ... "without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness" watching ourselves ... "lest you should be tempted also."   Over the past 45 years of serving God, I have seen preachers who have been critical of others and have openly attacked other ministers, who themselves were "overtaken in misconduct or sin" and eventually fell away from the grace of God.

The Body of Christ will never be perfect because it consists of imperfect people. In fact, the great comission was not given to super saints, but to a bunch of unbelievers.  Jesus had just finished rebuking the diciples for "their hardness of heart and refusal to believe" (Mark 16:14 - Amp) and then commanded "Go into all the world and preach the Good News"

I know we hold preachers to a higher standard and the shepherd need to be beyond reproach, but we must remember that the shepherd is also a sheep and has sheep needs.   So even though the vessel is not perfect, God inside us is Perfect. Thank God for the Holy Spirit who is our teacher, comforter and guide. Thank God for His word which is the road map we can follow.

Galatians 6 Vs.2 " Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and [a]troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete [b]what is lacking [in your obedience to it].

Make a decision that you will do everything in your ability to encourage someone today and help them under the strain of their load. If you hear someone being critical of another believer or preacher, stop them and pray for that person. Can you imagine, what the world would be like, if every believer were to make a promise to God, that they would encourage someone that day.

Vs.3 For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another's load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.

Vs.4 But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [[c]in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor.

God bless you richly

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Does your Mind have a "Mind of it's Own" ?

2011-03-23T15:57:00.006-04:00

Have you ever heard the expression "The GIGO Effect" It means, Garbage In - Garbage Out. It's a secular saying and was birthed in the early days of computers.

I know I am giving my age away, but back in the early 70's, I worked for General Motors in South Africa. I remember walking through the computer department and marveling at all the "modern technology" (LOL) ... rows and rows of tape readers, with spools of magnetic tape flying through the reading heads at great speed.

What was considered a powerful computer back then, could not do a fraction of what the Lap Top I am currently writing this blog with, can do. It was a giant IBM computer fed by thousands of book mark sized punch cards, with hundreds of punch holes in, later to be replaced by paper tape.

These were created by punch card operators or teletype tape operators, who spent their days at typing machines that transferred data from various departments in the entire factory, into a punched out code that the computer could read and analyze.

Every department would get reams and reams of paper with colums of data which we would use in the day to day operaton.

From time to time, operators would input the incorrect information and thus the reports we got would be incorrect. This was refferred to the GIGO effect. Garbage In and Garbage Out.

It's much like our minds. What we feed our mind with today, will be affect what happens tomorrow. In other words, I can make sure my future is blessed beyond measure by feeding my mind with the right thoughts today. We are told to "guard our hearts" and "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" If you look at the greek meaning of the word "heart" it refers to the mind and thoughts. So we are to guard our thoughts.

There is so much negative stuff that we are being bombarded with daily. Whilst a lot of it is true, we have to make sure it does not affect the way we think. Just because there are so many problems in the world, it does not make God any less able to deliver us from the snare of the fowler and the noisome pestilence.

In the course of conversation, I hear Christians often speaking in a fearful way about some situation in their community, state or country. They repeat something they hear from someone else, as truth, without checking the validity of the report. The truth is, whatever happens, God is still God and His mercy endures forever. His goodness and mercy shall follow us ALL the days of our lives. THAT'S WHAT I HAVE TO BELIEVE.

So, don't let every bit of garbage you hear, become a part of your thinking. Refuse to allow it to take root in your thoughts. Rather believe what God says and stand firm on His promises.

2 Cor 10:5 "Casting down imaginations" The word imaginations literally means ... a thought or obstinacy. It's an obstinate thought that dominates your thinking. Cast it down. Get rid of it. Purposefully fix your thoughts on something of value. "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Phil. 4:8 (New Living Translation.)

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

The Joy of the Lord

2011-03-16T15:23:00.002-04:00

"The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength". Nehemiah 8-9

There is not a person alive that does not need joy. Every man, woman, boy and girl, needs joy in their lives in order to cope with the pressures of life. That’s why comedies are so popular. People love telling jokes and at gatherings of friends and family, there is often a lot of mirth and merriment. But human laughter, whilst good, is only sustained for a few moments. You laugh for 20 or 30 seconds at a good joke and then it’s over.

We have seen people get touched with the Joy of the Lord for an hour or two and even longer. But the result afterwards is amazing.

There is research that has found that 87% of illnesses stem from emotional and mental disorders. Stress, depression, fear, anxiety all contribute to the physical ailments that assail people.

God has an answer to these problems. It’s called “the Joy of the Lord”    Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.   It is the Holy Spirit that dispenses God’s joy. It’s for everyone and is freely available.

All you have to do is yield to it. I realize that when you are in the middle of your problem, the last thing you feel like doing is laughing. But that’s where the miracle happens. When we are not able to in the natural, He is and will fill us to overflowing.

We have seen literally thousands of people all across the globe get filled with joy. Many testimonies of healings, marriages saved, depression, suicidal tendencies, and other victories, have come out of our meetings.

“When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dreamed. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, & our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.” Psalm 126:1 & 2

God knows the pressures of life that are on His people and has provided an antidote for them, His Joy. God's joy is an antidote for the pressures of life. Life is full of surprises and many of them are not enjoyable, and if we allow them to get to us, it will rob us of the little joy we have.   So, everyone of us needs God's supernatural joy to fill us at all times.

Job 5:22 says "At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh" It's a command God gave to Job to prepare him for what was to come.   God is saying to us, that His joy will help us through difficult times. It's supernatural and is God's provision for those that love him.

Whatever you are facing today, reach out and grab a hold of God's supernatural joy now and let Him refresh you, fill you and use you.

God bless

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

When your heart is overwhelmed.

2011-03-16T10:59:00.002-04:00

Psalm 61:2 "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Rocks are majestic and speak of longevity, strength, endurance, and often beauty. As a child, I loved climbing rocks and was facinated with caves.

It is interesting to see the Psalmist, David referring to the Lord as a "rock", his place of refuge. David knew where his source of strength was, in the presence of the Lord. I am sure it came from his boyhood days as a shepherd. There must have been many a time when danger threatened his flock of sheep and he herded them into a nearby cave for shelter and protection.

His prayer here is, "when my heart is overwealmed, lead me to the rock"   Lord, show me the way to the place of safety. There is a place of safety to be found in the midst of troubling times. The days we are living in are troubling times. If you focus on them, your heart is going to be overwealmed.

So many families are under the gun so to speak. Worry and anxiety are a constant companion for so many people and stress related illnesses are on the increase.   But God has provided the ability for us to be protected from all these things. It's called the presence of God. It's called the "peace of God that passes all understanding." Phil. 4:7   It is peace that is not dependant on your own understanding. It's trusting God in spite of your surroundings, plight, problem, situation, lack, sickness etc.

When your heart is overwealmed, the "Rock - Jesus" is the ONE to go to and has the peace that we need. So we are to learn how to run to Him for comfort. It's not as if suddenly the thing we need, to relieve us of the stress we are under, arrives, but His peace fills us regardless of whether the problem goes away or not. It's not logical and may sound like "sticking our heads in the sand". But it's God's provision for us ... the "secret place of the most high" Psalm 91:1

The rest of this verse in the Amplified Bible says " shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]."   Stable and fixed sounds good to me. Under the shadow implies "influence or protection"   We are to remain under the influence and protection of God's presence.  It's like an immunization against whatever is trying to overwealm us.

That's what helps us to "cast down imaginations"      Verse 2 & 3 (Amp) says "I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence."

Leaning on and confidently trusting Him to deliver us from the snare and deadly pestilence. That is powerful stuff and something worth persuing.     "How do I get into His presence?" you ask. It's a cultivated behaviour, something I learn to do and comes from positioning my self to receive His blessings. It's walking under the umbrellar during the storm.

See the blog "God will keep you in Perfect peace" CLICK HERE
Also "Be of good cheer - Jesus overcame the world" - CLICK HERE

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Feed My Lambs

2011-03-14T12:57:00.001-04:00

John 21:15-17
Soon after Jesus was resurrected from the dead, he appeared to His disciples for the third time. He performed yet another miracle in providing fish for the disciples who had caught nothing all night. Then after preparing a meal of fish and bread for them, Jesus poses this question to Peter "Do you love me"   Of course Jesus knows that Peter loves Him, but He is wanting to get a point across to Peter.    Peter responds with surprise, wondering why Jesus would question his love for Him. "Yes, Lord, you know I do"   Jesus then makes this statement "feed my lambs"

Jesus asks the same question two more times.   The second response from Jesus is "shepherd or take care of my sheep"   No longer lambs but sheep.   The third response to Peter's reply is "feed my sheep"

Feed my lambs, take care of my sheep, feed my sheep"  These are commandments from Jesus to Peter and ultimately to all His disciples ie: "US".   Jesus is talking about an ongoing process of shepherding and caring for the flock to adulthood and then some more. This is something that takes place over the lifetime of the sheep. It's not good enough just to feed lambs, but to take care of them, nurture them and make sure they grow up into adult, productive sheep.

Our job is not to take advantage of sheep, nor to use sheep for our own purpose. Our job is to make sure the sheep are following the Good Shepherd. To make sure the sheep don't stray and to encourage, protect, strengthen and nurture the sheep.

We as believers are all assigned this task. With the help and direction of the Holy Spirit, we can do it and do it well.   It's one thing to lead people to salvation, but it's an entirely different thing to take care of the afterwards. We must ask ourselves ...   "Are we winning the lost and losing the saved"   To many Christians are being lost to the world because they are not being fed and nurtured to full maturity. God gave His very best, His Son Jesus, so that we could have access to eternal life. So we need to give our very best, so that He did not die in vain.

Jesus gave the great commission to His disciples in Mark 16:15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."   But it is not just to preach the gospel, He also commanded in Matthew 28:19 (AMP) Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,We are to preach the gospel and make disciples out of the converts. Feed my lambs, look after the sheep and when they are fully grown, continue to feed them.  Every thing we do and say should be to encourage people to love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul.

God bless

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow

2011-03-11T16:41:00.004-05:00

Matthew 6:34 : "So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of it's own. Sufficient for each day is it's own trouble." Amp.

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." KJV

Being anxious is very human. There are millions of people who go to bed and wake up every day in an anxious state. Considering the state of the world, the cost of living, unemployment, not to mention wars and rumours of war, natural disasters etc, it is not hard to realize why.

But Jesus tells us not to worry or be anxious about tomorrow. But that is easier said than done.   So why would Jesus say this to us? Does He not understand and does He not have compassion? Absolutely He understands and has made a way for us where there is no way.  He will "even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isa 43:19   He promised that we "can do all things through Christ that gives us strength"   Phil 4:13

I have been through many trials in my 62 years of life. Some of them seemed insurmountable, but God always brought us through. Life is full of surprises and things go wrong in this imperfect world.   Learning to trust God in all things is not something that we can do overnight, but as He proves Himself to be the faithful provider, merciful, compassionate and longsuffering, we will change from being negative to being more positive.

So what exactly does God mean when He says "do not be anxious or worry about tomorrow"?  He is saying "put your trust in Me, I will see you through" and take care of your future.

Vs 30 & 31 says : "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?   : Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?

He is giving us a clue here.    Saying what we do not have is not the answer, because the more we say it the more we are going to believe it. The more we believe it, the more negative we are going to become. Faith and negativity don't mix. I cannot be negative and be in faith at the same time.

What I have found, in my life is, having things does not make me more positive. In fact, when having things becomes our priority, we open ourselves to frustration, anxiety, worry and fear and because when we don't get them, we feel like failures.

Think about this for a moment.   What made people feel prosperous and successful, just a few years ago? People felt secure when they purchased their own home and felt prosperous as they watched the value of their asset increase year after year.   But for millions, that feeling of security changed quickly when the housing market went belly up. People lost hundreds of thousands in a very short space of time.   The feeling of prosperity and security was gone.

The truth is there is no security in the worldly system. Investing time in fellowship with God is the only guarantee of survival.   That's why He says "take no thought"    Don't even think about it. We are living in very uncertain times and all the worry and anxiety about how we are going to make it, will only keep us awake at night.

He concludes in VS 33 : "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." The kingdom of God is where He is and about what He wants to do in and through us. As we stay in fellowship with Him and allow Him to direct us, He will make a way for us.

There is hope in the final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Bible)   "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome."

"Father, help us to overcome our fear and anxiety about tomorrow. Fill us with your peace today so that we can stop worrying about tomorrow. Thank You that You are our provider and will never leave us nor forsake us. Amen"

God bless you.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

See also "Be of good cheer, Jesus overcame the world" . . . CLICK HERE"

Are you a "persuader"

2011-03-10T11:41:00.002-05:00

2 Corinthians 5:11 "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences."

God's word instructs us to "persuade men" The Greek root is peithō (pronounced "pie tho") means to prevail on (a person) to do something, as by advising or urging: and "to induce to believe by appealing to reason or understanding; to convince." It's synonyms - urge, influence, move, entice, impel, induce, imply influencing someones thoughts or actions.

There are no absolutes on how this action of persuading people should take place. Because there are so many believers with such diverse understanding of God and His word, that I cannot say how you should persuade people. That is something between you and God. Everyone of us needs to have a personal relationship with God, that allows Him to lead us in the direction that He intends for us to go.

But we do get a clue from 2 Corinthians 5:11 - The Amplified says it well " Therefore, being conscious of fearing the Lord with respect and reverence, we seek to win people over [to persuade them]. But [a]what sort of persons we are is plainly recognized and thoroughly understood by God, and I hope that it is plainly recognized and thoroughly understood also by your consciences (your inborn discernment).

"We seek to win people over [to persuade them]. " It's something that I want to do. It is the desire of my heart. I seek to win people over by my words and action and my lifestyle. The Amplified continues ... "But what sort of persons we are is plainly recognized and thoroughly understood by God" God knows our hearts and motives and understands how to use us best to fulfil His plan and purpose.

Have you ever looked at people and thought how their lives inspire you. Their manner of speech is inspiring to you. God has someone for everyone. Not every preacher or believer has inspired me. But God had specific people whom He brought across my path at the right time who "persuaded" me and inspired and encouraged me.

He has someone like that for you. But He also has you for someone else. The secret is to let the Holy Spirit in you "persuade" others through you. 1 Peter 4:11 "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified ..."

The dictionary meaning for the word "oracle" is ... a person who delivers authoritative, wise, or highly regarded and influential pronouncements. A divine communication or revelation. Any person or thing serving as an agency of divine communication. Any utterance made or received as authoritative, extremely wise, or infallible".

Every believer is a messenger of the Lord and whatever we say or do, we need to make sure that God is glorified through it. Ask God for wisdom and He will give it to you.

James 1:5 (KJV) " If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

"Father, give us the wisdom to know what to speak and only when You direct us by Your Holy Spirit, In Jesus Name, Amen"

Be blessed,

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

God will keep you in Perfect Peace

2011-03-08T11:11:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Perfect peace ... aah ... what a great thought. Can the word of God actually mean we can have peace. Yes, as hard as that sounds, we can enjoy peace. Peace is the absence of turmoil.

There are many definitions of peace at Dictionary.com, but I want to focus on two of them.   The first is - "cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension" and the second is - "freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquility; serenity".

Our peace or lack thereof stems from what is going on in our minds.   The mind is a powerful thing and left to it's own devices, it can create havoc in our lives. I make it sound like the mind has a "mind of it's own". The brain was designed by God to think. Thought processes, unless checked, can really become muddled. It especially depends on what we feed our minds. If our minds are constantly being fed the wrong material, our thoughts will become entangled in all the wrong emotions.

Annoyance, distraction, anxiety, obsessions, all rob us from tranquility and serenity. A mind full of negative thoughts leads to a negative life. A mind full of positive, creative thoughts leads to a life of productivity and blessing. It's not what we have or don't have that is important, but what is taking place on the inside.

I know a lot of people who own an lot of "things" and have a lot of money, but are not happy. Why? Because they have internal turmoil which stems from a lifetime of negatives. There are areas in their lives they have covered up and have not dealt with, that keep resurfacing and causing them problems.

Isaiah 26 : 3 says God will "... keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed" on Him. The word "stayed" means "to sustain or strengthen mentally or spiritually" or "to rest on (something, as a foundation or base) for support."   It's something that I have to actively do. I have to keep my mind "resting on the foundation" of the Lord for support. So when the first negative thought enters my mind, I have to put it out of my mind and immediately put my thoughts on what God's word says.   I lay it aside and refuse to think about it.

Have you ever been hurt by someone and over time you have forgiven them and forgotten about the incident. Then suddenly one day someone says something or you see something and immediately that emotional thought rises up in you. The reason that happens is because you have a memory and the emotion attached to that memory is stored in the brain. But just because your memory triggers that emotion, does not mean you have to yield to it. Immediately you feel that old thing arise, you have to put it aside. Say to yourself .. "I am not going to think about this anymore" and purposefully begin to think about something positive.

Now, obviously, if it is something God wants you to deal with, then don't suppress it. It may be that you have never forgiven that person and still harbor resentment and anger. You need to forgive that person and immediately ask God to forgive you for the anger and resentment you are feeling. You cannot change people, but you can change you with God's help.

People often say, "Lord please give me peace" but wonder why God does not give it to them.   To illustrate it simply, if I am hot, I get out of the sun into the shade. If I am cold, I put on warm clothing and turn on the furnace or light a fire. It does not help me to complain to God about the cold. So it is that I must put on peace. I make a conscious effort to redirect my thoughts towards the Lord.

The Lord told us what to do ... "keep our minds stayed on Him"   As we saw earlier, one of the definitions of peace was the "cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension"   Strife and dissension will rob your peace.   Before you get into strife and arguments, it is good to make a quick mental note of the outcome. You don't want to lose your peace so why engage in the thing that robs your peace.

"Lord, thank You for the "Peace of God which passes understanding" Thank You for your Love and Mercy that fills me to overflowing. Thank You that I have a sound mind and I am full of the purpose and plan of God. That your Anointing dwells on the inside and that Your Anointing will teach me of all things. "

Here is another blog article on peace ... "Peace that passes understanding"

Weekly Worship with Gil and daughter, Jilleen - Listen while you Read.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Worship - The key to His presence.

2011-02-28T15:17:00.001-05:00

I believe worship is an extremely important part of serving God. Worship is very personal and is something that I have to WANT to do. I have to cultivate a desire to worship God. It comes from a deep love and reverence for God.

Worship cannot be extorted from people and a common mistake is for a worship leader to berate Christians for not worshipping. Worship leaders need to lead by example. Leadership produce after their own kind. We create an atmosphere of the presence of God that draws people into

it by and stirs a desire to worship.Worship is expressing my love for God and acknowledging His love and provision for me. Worship makes me aware of the Presence of God. Worship brings me closer to God.

God's word comands, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’" Luke 10:27 Worship is not distracted but intimate and requires me to put my will and strength into it. Worship is not "wishy washy" but a definite act of adoration for God.

For the past 44 years, I have led worship in every one of my meetings, the first 26 years using a guitar and the past 18 years I have used a keyboard. I was taught originally that a good minister always makes eye contact with the audience. But as I was leading worship and watching people, many looked disconnected and disinterested. It troubled me and was a great source of distraction and always made me feel like I should stop. I felt I was not doing a good enough job and people were disinterested.

I asked the Lord how I should deal with this issue and He said very simply, close your eyes and worship Me as if you are the only one in the auditorium. Those who want to, will join you and get caught up in the moment.  It has worked ever since, because it took my attention off of trying to please man and onto God and His awesome presence.

My philosophy now is, if they want to join me, we are going worship in the throne room of His presence. If not, there was little I could do to make them worship.   Even if I am not ministering, but part of the audience, I love to worship and get involved with God.

But it saddens me to see so many believers, who have never had a revelation of how awesome it is to worship God with all their heart, mind and strength. It troubles me to see pastors or guest speakers who only come into the sanctuary when the worship is almost over.   They reason that it keeps them focused on what God has planned for their time of ministry.

But I contend, that the whole part of the meeting should be orchestrated by God and directed by the Holy Spirit, and we should be involved from the beginning.   When I am ministering at a church, I love to join in from the beginning. Of course, whatever works for them is ok and I don't stand in condemnation of them, but wish they could see what I have seen.

There is a great benefit from intense worship, because it brings you right into the presence of God and in the presence of God is fullness of Joy. There is also love and peace and when you invest in worship, the result is quite amazing and you will feel refreshed, revived, strengthened and encouraged.

Gods richest blessings

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Be of Good Cheer - Jesus overcame the world.

2011-02-24T13:09:00.001-05:00

John 16:33 (Amplified Bible)

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]"

We are told in the Word of God to "guard our hearts" and "cast down imaginations". Watching world events, listening to people's opinions and interpretations about what is about to happen, can lead to fear and anxiety in Christians hearts. The truth is no one really knows. If I had lived my life by all the predictions people have made over the past 44 years of being a Spirit filled Christian, I would have been in a mess emotionally and spiritually. In fact, I don't know of one that has come to pass, of the many I have heard.

The truth is, in life, we will experience, tribulation, trials, distress and frustration, because this is an imperfect world and things go wrong. But God has already done something about it through His Son. Jesus often said to those who were fearful or discouraged, "Be of good cheer". The amplified expounds on the word "cheer" [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]

Those four words, courage, confident, certain, undaunted, speak of learning to trust God implicitlly, that He will "make a way for us in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" Isa 44:19. We must not let our negative thoughts rule our behaviour, but trust Him to bring us through. Jesus then proceeds to state "I have over come the world", and the amplified adds, [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]"

Jesus is saying in fact "no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper", (Isa. 54:17) I have taken away it's power over you. We are to get our eyes off of the weapon and onto the magnificent triumph that Jesus wrought on our behalf. He has "depirved" it of it's ability to harm us and conquered it for us. He is saying, "I've done the work, now you rest in it"

In Romans 12:2 (Amplified Bible) we read "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

We are commanded not to be fashioned after the external and supercicial customs of the world, but from the inside of our minds and souls to be transformed with new ideals (moral beliefs) and new attitudes (mental outlook). Those new moral or core beliefs and mental outlook's, come from God and are fashioned by the Holy Spirit in us, so that we change from being fearful, negative, depressed. We begin to line up and agree with the purpose and plan of God for our lives. His plan cannot fail as long as I am not sidetracked by all that the world offers to me daily.

BE OF GOOD CHEER, Jesus has made it possible for you to succeed.

Be blessed

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Receiving from God should not be complicated but easy.

2011-02-19T14:39:00.001-05:00

Receiving from God should not be complicated but easy, because Jesus already PAID THE PRICE. His death on the cross made it possible for us to receive forgiveness, healing, joy, peace and His love. Jesus said "Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (New International Version, ©2010)

There are too many "formula's" being used to teach people how to receive something that God already has given through His son's death on the cross. Granted there are principles in the Word that need to be followed, but God did not complicate them. We have complicated them by interpreting the word from our own understanding and background.

I remember when I was a baby Christian and hungry for more of God. There were so many conflicting statements made during the many sermons that I heard that took me up a rabit trail instead towards God. Of course I now know, they were sermon fillers. There may even be some truth in them, but it was something someone did which had a positive outcome, and then became the formula used on everyone. We must ALL be led by the Spirit and obey what God is telling us to do.

I recently heard a preacher say three conflicting things in the space of five minutes. He said, "you have to lay down your ministry or vision in order to go to the next level", but he did not explain what that meant.   Did he mean, the pastor who is pressing in to build the Church, needs to quit so as to go the the next level???

Then he said " If your ministry is not working, you need to go back to the point it was working and do what you were doing then."   But what if you had a ministry like Philip. Having had successfull meetings in Jerusalem with signs and wonders etc, then being instructed to go into the desert to minister to ONE person.   If he had not obeyed, the Eunuch would not have received salvation and been baptised, and returned to Ethiopia to make an impact on many lives. No sometimes God has us doing things that make it look like we are going backward. But He is in charge and must have the final say.

Not two minutes later, he said, " ... if the finances are not coming in to support your ministry then you have sin in your life"   I was stunned. I know a lot of Godly men who are in very economically depressed areas and are feeling financial pressure. Then I know of men who have large ministries and have millions of dollars coming into their ministries, but later we find they have been living in sin.   There are millions of stinking rich sinners all over the world.

The above three statements are clichés and not divine truth.   I know a dear pastor and his wife who have poured out their lives and savings into their church, which is in an economically challenged area, who heard these three statements, and were very confused.

There are a lot of what I call "manipulation phrases" designed to put a guilt trip on people, as a form of control, and sometimes to solicit a bigger offering.   It is wrong for anyone to to taint the good news with a thought that contains a half truth in order to twist someone's arm to do something. We must make sure our preaching is the pure Word of God and not some nice sounding phrasiology in an attempt to make our sermons sound great.

I once repeated a phrase I had heard a preacher say often. But when I said it, I blushed and felt greatly convicted by the Holy Spirit. I guess no one saw the blush, but I felt it like a rebuke and immediately apologized to the Lord and made a promise never to use it again.

The reason was that whilst it sounded plausible, it was not biblical. We have to guard our tongue and make sure we are speaking truth and not a fable. Of course none of us is perfect and there is no one who has not uttered some unbiblical statement. But we have to allow the teacher on the inside, the Holy Spirit to correct us.

"Father help us to be faithful to your Word and to be led by the Holy Spirit in all that we say and do. Amen"

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Did Jesus die in vain?

2011-02-19T14:26:00.001-05:00

By His death on the cross, Jesus accomplished several things.

He made it possible for the world to be reconciled to the God. I Corinthians 5:19
and live eternally. John 3:16
He bridged the seperation gap that sin had caused. Isaiah 59:1,2
He made it possible for us to have abundant life. John 10:10
He made it possible for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that God could communicate with us directly and lead us from within. John 14:16
He made it possible for us to be filled with the anointing, God's ability, efficiency and might so that we could be vessels that He could use to touch the world with His power. Acts 1:8 (Amp) & 1Jn 2:27
He made it possible for us to walk in divine health because by His stripes we were healed. Isaiah 53:5

But, did He die in vain. Has the Church caught the revelation of what He has done, or have we diminished all that He has accomplished. Are we only serving Him because we need what He can do for us. Has the Body of Christ become selfish and demanding? Have we missed the meaning of the great commission.

These are questions we all must answer to ourselves and to God. Our relationship to and with God needs to be with all our hearts, minds and souls. Luke 10:27 My focus has to be on worshiping and obeying Him not on what He can do for me. There are too many Christians who are always thinking of themselves and when God does not do what they ask, they get angry at Him and forsake Him.

He wants us to trust Him and lean not to our own understanding. Prov. 3:5

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

A road to "nowhere"

2011-02-11T11:38:00.001-05:00

By Gil Howard-Browne

Have you ever felt like you were on a road to nowhere. If you are human and are living on this earth, smile, then you have had such moments, from time to time in your life. It is usually because you are between the vision God gave you and the next door that you are waiting for Him to open for you. Or you have simply lost hope, because life has become entangled with problems that seem unsolvable.

It's a frustrating feeling indeed and can be a cause for concern, unless you are firmly rooted and grounded in trusting God and His word. The truth is God always has direction for our lives and nothing that we do in this life is so bad that Jesus did not already pay for on the cross. "God ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ" 2 Corinthians 2:14

It's almost like this photo I took back in the early 90's in Michigan at the start of fall. This winding road going downhill looks like it goes to nowhere, and I have always wondered what was at the end of it and my curiosity has often sparked my imagination. I have mentally tried to visualize what is around the bend. Is it a lake full of fish, or a cabin in the woods. Maybe a field of vegetables or an orchard of fruit or a cow pasture. Needless to say, I may never know. The gate was locked or I might have been tempted to take a look. LOL

It was way back in about 1995, when my wife Loraine and I and our two children, Jeremy and Jilleen, were living in a 34 ft motor home and were traveling all over the USA and Canada holding revival meetings. We usually arrived for our next meetings on a Friday or Saturday and if we were not too tired, would visit the local mall or shopping center. On one such occasion, we were in Traverse City, Michigan, we parked our motor home at the side of the Circuit City electronics store, my favorite back then.

When I got out of the RV, I noticed the locked gate at the end of the parking lot which was at the top of a low hill. The scene below the gate was very pretty with it Fall trees and farm road, and prompted me immediately to grab my camera and take this shot. Whilst it always intrigued me, my wife said, it was beautiful but the road that grew smaller and smaller made her think of uncertainty and vulnerability.

I guess that sums it up quite nicely. There are two ways to look at any situation. Even if we don't know the outcome or the next step, God does and His plan and purpose for our lives has never changed. So when the road seems to go nowhere, we must still trust Him and allow His peace and joy to fill our hearts. That way if we got sidetracked from His purpose, He can lead us back onto the right path.

Psalm 23 says "yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" It's a valley and the shadow means it appears like death, but at the end of the valley there is a mountain and we are surely going to climb it's heights to the next challenge God has for us.

My friends, God loves us and has a never ending plan for our lives. He will make it come to pass and will bless us and keep us in the midst of whatever life deals up. He is faithful to the end and will make a way of escape for us.

His word declares "I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isa. 43:19 God does not get fazed by our situations and our feelings of helplessness. His plan is constantly unfolding in our lives. It is our job to "forget the things that are behind and to press towards the mark of His calling on our lives." Phi 3:13

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

The call of God is often by stealth. He does not tell us everything in advance.

2011-01-27T00:20:00.001-05:00

God's plan and purpose is often not realized until we are right in the middle of it. It's probably a good thing, because if He were to tell us in advance, we would not believe it possible or we would plan it out of existance.

I know we would like to know all the details, but "His grace is sufficient"   It is His grace and mercy and anointing that enables us to do what He wants us to do. There are many believers who are frustrated and discouraged because they have not seen their vision come to fruition.   They saw the end result without realizing that God needed to lay the foundation that would keep the building from crumbling.

Can you imagine if God had told Saul of Tarsus exactly what He wanted him to do, as he lay there "trembling" on the Damascus road. Paul would probably not have believed God and would not have been in agreement with God.

Can you imagine God telling Paul "I want you to know how much you will suffer for me as you obey the call of God.   You are going to be beaten with rods and lashed five times. You will be stoned, shipwrecked three times, spend 24 hours in the ocean, cross dangerous rivers, encounter robbers, not to mention the persecution you will get from your countrymen, and hostile Gentiles and false brethren. " 2 Cor. 11

Paul would have got cold feet and backed off and stayed in the comfort zone. But it was God's power that touched Paul and the school of the Spirit in the desert for 14 years.  You see the preparation time is important for the mission.  We "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"   Phil. 3:14

I felt the call of God on my life at the age of six, but it was not until the age of 17, when I got filled with the Holy Spirit, that I began to get a vision what God was calling me to. At that age, I was enamoured with the great evangelistic tent crusades of the day and I thought that was what God was going to have me do.   Although, I used every door of opportunity God gave me, it took a number of years and a move 800 miles away to see the next phase of my ministry unfold.  Then at the age of 42, God took me to another level and 20 years ago, we arrived on the shores of the USA to embark on an amazing journey of over 4,500 meetings and 245,000 miles of driving and countless hours of flying.

Listen to this short Worship Clip "I surrender all." People wept as they made a new commitment to the Call of God on their lives. The auditorium was filled with the presence of God as almost 800 people worshipped.

Yet, having done all of that, I still feel like I have not yet achieved God's full potential for my life. It's almost like God takes us through phases of our ministry. When we are at the end of one phase, it feels like there is nothing more, then He unveils the next phase to us and we obey. This is certainly an exciting journey filled with adventures in the Spirit.

The setbacks and difficulties are simply opportunities for God to show forth His goodness and mercy and ability to "always cause us to triumph in Christ." 2 Cor 2:14 The best thing we can do is "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" Prov. 3:5 Getting our own understanding out of the way is a learned behaviour. Too much strategizing on my part can lead me away from His Divine purpose.

I MUST learn to TRUST Him and know that He loves me and that "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lam 3:22-23

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Does anyone have exclusive rights to God.

2011-01-26T15:22:00.003-05:00

By Gil Howard-Browne

The beauty and diversity of our planet speaks of the Greatness of our Awesome God. When you consider the complexity of life on earth from the micro to macro spectrum, one can only begin to imagine in the minutest way, the ability of God.

Add to that the awesomeness of the universe and one begins to realize that we in our finite mind can never begin to comprehend the infinite mind of our loving heavenly Father.

So we must have a new vision of the Body of Christ. We cannot see ourselves as having the exclusive rights to understanding and knowledge of God's word.    Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Over the past 20 years as we have travelled all over the USA and other parts of the world, it has been our privilege to minister to the diversity of the Body of Christ. Not all share the same views as we do, but they all professed to love God and have Jesus as Lord and Savior.   And I have to admit, that in all the various denominations we have ministered in, the one common denominator has been the evidence of Christ in their lives.

There are so many ministries and Churches that love God profoundly and are laboring for the kingdom, that we have never heard of, nor will ever come in contact with in our short lifetime here on earth. But they are all in God's hands and He is directing them by His Spirit. Heaven will not be filled with people who had exclusive rights on faith and understanding God, but with Blood Washed saints who were Bought with a Price when Jesus died on the cross.

So I have discovered, over the years, that I could not and should not claim exclusive rights to faith and understanding of God's word.   That's why He says in Philippians 2:12 (Amplified) "... work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, [a]with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).

I love the way the Amplified says "self-distrust and serious caution." These are both qualities we as believers should develop.  In other words, I must have total trust in Him and His ability to lead and guide
me in everything I say and do. That's a life long learning process, an ongoing operation by the Spirit in my life. There is never going to be a day when "I arrive" and am fully complete in this life.

"Watchfulness against temptation" It is my obligation to flee from all appearance of evil.    We need to be sensitive to the still small voice inside that is telling us "no that is wrong" or "yes, that is the way' Again this is something that we learn, unfortunately by trial and error sometimes. But it is always accompanied by mercy and grace and God's abundant love.

Most people won't like this one, "timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ. "    Whenever we speak, we need to make sure what we say is tempered with wisdom.  I can speak a truth in wisdom that will set people free, but I can speak the same truth without wisdom and it will put people in bondage rather than set them free. " Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt" Colossians 4:6    Words have eternal consequences & can inspire or hinder people .

The Body of Christ is diverse and made up of people and cultures from all over the globe. God knows each of them by name and He is fully aware of their short comings and ability to fail and their lack of fully comprehending what He has been trying to convey to us in His word. But He is also aware of their ability to succeed when they finally come to a revelation of who and what they are in Christ.

Ephesians 3 : 18 - 20 (amp)

Vs. 18 "That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];"

Vs. 19 "[That you may really come] to know [practically, [a]through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses [b]mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] [c]unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and [d]become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!"

Vs. 20 "Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--"

Let me conclude with this.  We don't have to agree with everything others say. You can only agree to that which is a revelation to you.   But we can walk in love towards others. The good news was not meant to beat others up with but to encourage, uplift, exhort and to lead by example.  Let the Holy Spirit "convict of sin, righteousness and judgment"

Read this article "In Defense of God's Revival"

Listen to Worship from Virginia Beach Revival Meeting.

God Bless you Richly

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Many Voices - Only one worth listening to.

2011-01-26T10:14:00.009-05:00

In the hustle and bustle of life, there are so many voices that we could listen to. There are well meaning friends and family who say things thinking they are being helpful, but if you listened to their advice, it would make your situation worse. Of course not all advice is bad and some of it may be God inspired.

The fact is there is only one voice worth listening to and that is the Voice of God spoken to us by His Holy Spirit. Just knowing God's word is not good enough. There are many people who know the bible from cover to cover, but it's all head knowledge and doctrine.

It's the Word made alive to us by the Teacher, Comforter and Guide that will change us and take us to where He wants us to be. So I have to learn to listen to His voice speaking to me. As a preacher, I have a great responsibility to make sure what I say does not hinder people but helps them.

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." Col 4:5 Grace and wisdom come from the school of the Spirit and He will teach us to walk in wisdom towards others. We are also told by Jesus, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be wary and wise as serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) as doves." (Amp) Matthew 10:16.

There are many who don't have your best interest at heart, and will do and say things that suit their agenda. That's why we have to be "wary and wise" That means watchful, not skeptical and aloof, but ever listening to the voice of the Spirit inside. But at the same time, harmless, guileless, and without falsity.

" Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Col. 4:6

Words have eternal consequences and can inspire or hinder people. Let grace flow from your heart and mouth so that your words become a source of encouragement and not a hinderance. When you speak, let the Holy Spirit guide you to say the right thing. I have often begun to say something, when I feel a nudge from the Holy Spirit and was able to stop myself and say something different. It's like a knowing inside that what you are about is not good and God gives us a split second to change the direction of the conversation.

That's how we prevent gossip. In normal conversation with others, it is very easy to get caught up in talking about someone else, but we have the ability to steer the conversation in a positive direction.

The words you speak and think to yourself are just as important. It is during times of difficulty that we have to guard our minds from thinking the wrong thoughts. Thoughts dictate behaviour and can have life changing implications.

Prov 4:23 "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life"

The word heart comes from the root word meaning mind, thoughts, etc. We have to guard our thoughts and make sure our mind has right thinking that comes from God and not from man. When your mind begins to think a negative thought, immediately reject it and begin to speak what God's word says about the situation.

It's HIS VOICE that matters and when I hear Him speak, I need to obey. It's not a case of God lording it over us, but He knows the future and He knows the implications of my wrong decisions and He will correct me, because He loves me with an everlasting love. (Listen to this short clip from one of our worship services at Hudson Florida meetings in Jan 2011)

"Father, I pray for everyone who reads this blog, that You would pour out Your Spirit upon them. Fill them to overflowing with your anointing. Anoint minds to think God thoughts, that we may be sensitive to your Spirit and the direction He is leading us. Thank you for a new sensitivity to the Voice of God. In Jesus Name, Amen. "

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Whale of a tale (true story)

2011-01-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

If you had read the front page story of the San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2005, you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, tail and torso, with a line stuck in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralone Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her --a very dangerous proposition. One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around -- she thanked them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and he will never ever be the same.

This makes me think of the opportunities we have as Children of God to rescue others from the snares of life, and how grateful I am to those who have done the same for me. We all have a role to play in helping others reach their full potential in God. We are to use the anointing that God put on the inside of us to touch the world and bring change in their lives.

“Presence or Presentation”

2011-01-20T22:18:00.002-05:00

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, is quite a tall order. Our first impression is that this will take a great effort. So we resort to a
legalistic, works filled life that is exhausting and filled with failure and frustration.

There is a place in God, called the secret place. It’s a place of rest and quiet within. Not everything we believe God for comes to pass, but that does not mean you are not loved by Him. He loves you so much and has a plan and purpose for your life.

But too often, works instead of faith prevail. The place of rest does not mean no work. We labour for the Master, but it is a labour of love. It is because He gave Himself for us that we labour for Him. We listen to and follow the voice of the Spirit of God living within us.

But our labour should not be legalistic and repetitious. When we worship, it should be spontaneous and from the heart, because we “REALLY” love Him and want to worship Him.

When we read His Word, it’s because we Love Him and want to know what He is saying to us. We are not reading His word to find out what others should do but what we should do.

As we yield to His will, the secret place becomes more visible and tangible. It becomes a lifestyle of being God inside minded. We are not moved by what we see but by what is happening on the inside.

That leads to a life of substance and not symbolism. We yearn for the Presence of God not the presentation of God. Life takes on a whole new meaning and we feel fulfilled in Him.

Jilleen, my daughter and I singing "Jesus is the Sweetest Name I know" during one of the worship sessions in Tallahassee, Florida

Click the play button to listen online.

Gil Howard-Browne

PS: Listen to our free "Worship Podcast" CLICK HERE

Our main ministry web site is www.revivaltimes.com

Worship Clip from Lake Okeechobee, Fl revival..

2010-02-13T19:38:00.001-05:00

Worship Clip from Lake Okeechobee, Fl revival..

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Is you life a stagnant or life giving.

2010-02-13T16:33:00.001-05:00

Complaining is easy - Trusting God is a learned behaviour.

2010-02-13T14:19:00.001-05:00

Phil. 2:14 & 15 "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation"

It is quite human to complain about our lack or about our present circumstances. Even though we say with our mouths that we are trusting God. The thought processes that can rage in our minds, are really powerful, and if we allow it, our thoughts will take us in the opposite direction that God intends for us.

It takes an ongoing effort to learn how to "cast all our care on Him" It's easier to give into the care than to cast it on Him. Even though we are exhorted to "forget the things that are behind us" it is hard if we allow a negative thought to loop endlessly in our heads.

The human brain was designed by God to think and one thought leads to another. So it is my responsibility not to let one negative thought lead to another. I have to look at the thought in the light of God's word. What does He say about me and what does He want for my life. I have to diligently and fervently guard my mind from wrong thinking.

God says "forget" because He knows that no matter how badly we mess things up, His ability to "make a way in the wilderness" and "rivers in the desert" (Isa 43:18) is not hindered by our ability to mess with His blessing.

Nothing is too hard for the Lord and "All things are possible". So I have to take His advice and "forget" But that is easier to say than do, because the forgetting has to take place in my memory. So I have to build positive, God inspired memories so that the nature of my thinking changes. I begin to think like He does. I begin to have the "mind of Christ"

Just like the muscles of the body can become weak from lack of exercise, so my mind can become weak from lack of positive input. I make my mind think on other things. Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." That's what God wants us to do. It's a commandment and I have to make my mind obey.

He has laid a table before us in the presence of our enemies. (PS 23) He anoints our heads (mind and thoughts) with oil so that our cup runs over and goodness and mercy follow us ALL the days of our life. All the days means that His blessings never run out. He is always ready to bring change in our lives and perform miracles for us.

I have to learn to "cast all my care on Him because He cares for me." 1 Peter 5:6-7 This is a learned behavior. Immediately when I get the urge to complain, I must change the focus of my desire towards the ONE who can make a difference in my life. The words that come out of my mouth are what God says about me, not what my flesh tries to give into. We are more than conquerors. Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world."

God bless greatly

Gil Howard-Browne ( http://www.revivaltimes.com/ )

God has answers to life's surprises

2010-02-13T14:12:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)
Vs 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD". Vs 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

God is so good and His mercies are new every morning. When life dishes up things that take us by surprise, God has prepared (made and keeps ready) Isa 2:9 (AMP) the things that we need to walk in victory and blessing.

God is never caught by surprise. All we have to do is trust Him. That means, we don't need to know how He "always causes us to triumph" 2 Corinthians 2:14

One of my favorite scriptures "What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [ who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. 1 Cor. 2:9 (Amplified)

We have not even begun to understand the fullness of what God has accomplished for us through Christ. He has prepared many good things for our lives. So rather than looking at the negatives in my life, I must choose to walk in the expectation of the blessing that God has prepared for me. If His mercies are new every morning, that means He is ready for us each day. He cannot be caught by surprise.

The answer is often hidden by our constant focus on our needs. We are so wrapped up with getting what we think we need that we miss God in all the turmoil that we created. We are wanting a detailed explanation from God, but He cannot give us a detailed answer because it would become another question. His ways are higher than our ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts. I am glad that my thoughts are not His thoughts. If it were the case, heaven would be in turmoil.

Trusting Him means not having to know all the details. It is walking with a quiet confidence, knowing that He is able to bring me through whatever life tries to surprise me with. James 1:2 (AMP) Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. God is telling us to look at life like He sees it. My biggest calamity is God's opportunity to show His awesome ability to deliver me and bless me.

He is not phased by my shortcomings because He knows that the "precious treasure" is on the inside and will continue to make changes in me. 2 Cor. 4:7 (AMP) However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.

It's the power of God residing inside. It's the life of God flowing in us that is making a difference. Quit looking at all your shortcomings and failures. Start recognizing that God and you are a majority. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. The greater ONE lives in you and He has all the answers to life's surprises.

Listen to this Worship Clip from Ft Worth Campmeeting.

God bless you richly

Gil Howard-Browne

The Lord is Strong and Mighty to Deliver

2010-02-13T14:11:00.000-05:00

Ever had the feeling like "all hell has broken loose" Have you ever said to yourself "Why Me!!" or "why did that happen to him" That is pretty much a human experience. You see, we live in an imperfect world where things go wrong. A world where bad things happen to good people and bad people without discrimination.

But!!! When you know the Savior and Master, Jesus, life takes on a whole new meaning.
1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

"Why then", do you say, "are there so many Christians who are suffering pain, sickness and have so many problems?" Why does God not do something about their predicament. The bible is very clear Isaiah 59:1 "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: " That is an inescapable truth. God sees all, hears all and knows all.

He certainly does have the power to perform miracles in every believers life. But many believers are not in the place to receive those miracles. You see, it's like standing in the rain with a folded umbrella. No matter how good the umbrella is, if we don't use it, we are going to get wet.

God's provision is much the same. We need to stand in the place of God's provision so that we can be positioned to receive. That place is in the Presence of the Lord. That place comes by spending time with Him. That place comes by listening to His voice. That place comes when we obey His voice.
After all, Ps 23:6 declares "Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever"

Don't be misled and fooled into thinking that goodness and mercy means you have a full bank balance and every luxury that your heart desires. Your earthly success is not necessarily an indication of goodness and mercy. I have seen very rich people who are in abject poverty when it comes to matters of the heart. (spirit) You can have all those things and still be grossly unhappy.

No, the true measure of goodness and mercy can be summed up in a few words. "Godliness with contentment is great gain" Timothy 6:6 (King James Version) The Amplified version translates with much more clarity. "And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain." (the emphasis is mine)

So, as we stand in a sense of inward sufficiency, contentment, we stand in the place of provision from a loving and caring heavenly Father, who is pleased to show forth His hand at His appointed time and season. We are resting in Him and the knowledge that He is able. Heb 4:9 "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his."

Take heart, beloved, the Lord is strong and mighty to deliver.

Blessings

Gil Howard-Browne

http://revivaltimes.com/

Praise & Worship - the key to the Presence of God

2010-02-13T14:10:00.000-05:00

Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." What a profound statement. It speaks of a lifestyle of praise. Continually means always, ongoing, day to day, lifestyle of praise.

There is a difference between worship and praise. <strong>Praise</strong> is the thing we do when victory comes. Praise is extolling the wonderful blessing of God that He has poured upon us. Praise is something we usually do together with others in the Body of Christ. Praise takes us into the courts of the most High God.

Psalm 99:5 "Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy."

Worship, on the other hand is an intimate thing. It is something that comes from deep within. Worship is an attitude of the heart. Worship is telling God how much we love him. It is adoration coming from our hearts and expressed through our lips, thought and actions. Worship is something I do alone before the presence of God. It is stepping over from the outer courts into the holy of holies. Worship takes me into the very sanctuary of God. His awesome presence.

Enjoy this Worship Clip from our Worship Podcast. Monday Night Revival Meeting Worship -Lake Okeechobee, Fl.

Gil Howard-Browne

Jesus - the Great Physician

2010-02-13T14:09:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 53:5 "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. "

Sickness and suffering is not sent from God to make us grow. If that were the case, we should all be praying for more sickness. If sickness and suffering were God's method of teaching us, then why are there Christians who never get sick? Is it that they have learned enough? No sickness is part of this im-perfect world we live in.

Why then is there sickness? Sickness comes for various reasons. We do not take care of our bodies. Lack of sleep. Eating in-correctly. Lack of exercise. Stress. Genetic heritage. An attack of the devil.

I purposely placed the devil at the end of the list. Simply because as Christians we blame the devil for so many things that he simply is not responsible for. He may have something to do with my overeating for instance, but because of the victory to be found in Jesus, I do not have to be subject to the devils control.

Sickness and suffering is part of living in this world. But we do not have to be subject to this world. We can "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1

God bless you richly.

Gil Howard-Browne
www.revivaltimes.com

The Holy Spirit, your Teacher, Comforter & Guide

2010-02-13T14:07:00.000-05:00

1 John 2:27 "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him"God has given us the anointing to help us. Oh how we need help. As human's, we are constantly messing with the blessing. God's way is much better. If we can find that way and stick to it, we will become what God wants us to become much faster. But because we are imperfect earthen vessels, we make mistakes.

Fortunately, God loves us and has provided a mechanism to help us move in the right direction. It is called the anointing and comes from the comforter, teacher and guide ... the Holy Spirit. Our part is to become sensitive to what the anointing or Holy Spirit is wanting us to do.
There are several things we should take note of in this scripture...

The anointing "abideth" ... that means it stays. He makes a permanent dwelling inside and is there to stay. Although people play an important part in our lives and God will actually use relationships to teach us things, but the anointing is our real teacher. He teaches from inside and is monitoring our hearts and lives 24/7He will teach us ALL things That is such a powerful thing. He will teach us "ALL THINGS"

If we listen and tune our hearts into Him, He will teach us "ALL THINGS" That means, there is nothing on this earth that we cannot do. He made the earth and He knows how to fix it up.
It goes much deeper. The anointing will even teach us how to abide in Christ. In other words, He will help us to stay in the presence of God. A greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, that's what is needed in our lives.

God bless

Gil Howard-Browne
Revivaltimes.com

Keep pressing into the call of God on your life.

2010-02-13T14:02:00.000-05:00

We sometimes get discouraged because we either feel we missed God's purpose or God's plan for our lives is not coming together quickly enough. Whenever I give an altar call for those who feel God has called them, usually 60 to 70% of the audience come forward. Most express a frustration because they tried to act on that calling but seemed to fail each time they pressed forward.

Many tell me they have been waiting for the door to open for the past 10, 15, 20 or more years. They almost got to the place where they felt God had lifted the calling off of their lives. But this is not true. God is a patient God and He will wait for the right moment when our hearts line up with His purpose.

The truth of the matter is, our calling is constantly unfolding. God never tells us all He has planned for our lives. If He did, we would either become afraid or we would add our own interpretation and totally mess with His plan. What He has given you to do today, may seem insignificant, but whatever it is do it with the unction God has given you and trust Him to make it happen.

42 years after I first felt the call of God to the ministry, I am still seeing Him unfold His plan for my life. It is as exciting today as it was when I was a young man. The only difference is there is a lot more wisdom that has been etched in my heart. There is also a deeper appreciation of the fact that God is my source and without Him I can do nothing.

God bless.

Gil Howard-Browne
www.revivaltimes.com

Worship Podcast - Listen Online or Download

2010-02-13T13:58:00.000-05:00

We have a Worship Podcast available where you can listen
online or download to play on your mp3 player.

Visit: http://podcast.revivaltimes.com/

Enjoy.

Gil Howard-Browne