Greetings to you in the name of the One who is: the Way – the Truth – and the Life, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! Once again we have been given a Spring morning prepared for us by the Lord of Creation and we give thanks! I trust that you have had a week of blessings, adventures, divine appointments and missions accomplished. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to prepare you for a weekend of ‘wonder’ as He touches your life with grace, mercy, healing and compassion.
Last night was ‘Encounter Night’ and as per usual God’s presence showed up in unusual ways. We had prayers for the upcoming June 7th Ontario Election, prayers for specific needs, and prayers to change the ‘atmosphere’ in our lives-our church-our community. There was a good amount of interaction with each other as well and a word of knowledge from one of the elders.
The elder shared a teaching that he had heard recently and since we were praying about ‘atmosphere’ …I believe that it came to us as a word of knowledge. You probably have an understanding of ‘atmosphere’ but let me highlight a simple definition: atmosphere is the pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or person…its is often described as ambience, or feeling or vibe or quality or attitude. Now there is a wonderful progression that takes place when an atmosphere is maintained…atmosphere that is maintained creates a ‘climate’, an ongoing normality. The good spiritual atmosphere is expected and depended on…it is noticeable by insiders and outsiders.
When the climate prevails, it introduces a ‘culture’ – an accepted and agreeable set of customs, attitudes, and beliefs that is expected when one looks at or interacts within that climate. I imagine this sounds a little weird but it isn’t. If, in our lives we create, and it is hard work, an atmosphere of grace, gratitude, and generosity. If we continue with that atmosphere consistently the ‘climate’ in our personal world begins to define us until we create a ‘culture’. When we interact and spend time with others who are doing the same thing…wow! This is, in a very simple way, how Christianity progressed…and it is what we are trying to recapture through revival. The prayers for revival are deeper and more intense than one thinks.
You see, this same process can reverse itself…a culture can deteriorate and that affects the climate. When the climate changes and becomes unstable, the atmosphere is affected-the mood changes. So revival is recreating the atmosphere in our own lives and with others so that we can re-establish a stable climate that will once again bring a ‘culture’ that is positive and powerful.
Just a little something to think about on a Friday! May God bless you this weekend!