January 6, 2021 is a day we will never forget. Watching a massive mob of angry and violent protestors break into our nation’s Capitol, while Congressmen and women cowered on the chamber floor was horrifying and heartbreaking.

It left Americans shaken, scared, uncertain.

Later that day I went out for a walk to think, pray, and try to process what was happening. The beautiful sky and setting sun reminded me of God’s supremacy.

What came to mind were the words on a poster I had as a teenager:

 JESUS CHRIST

Certain in the midst of uncertainty

A firm rock in the sea of speculation

A safe anchorage in the ocean of doubt

Yes, the days we live in are troubling and uncertain. But in the midst of the world’s chaos, Jesus Christ is our certainty. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He gives us a peace the world cannot provide.

In the sea of swirling news and internet speculation, Jesus is the firm Rock on which we stand. All else is sinking sand.

When doubts arise and anxiety grips our hearts, Jesus remains our safe anchorage. His presence is our refuge. The Hope of His coming, our anchor.

Do not neglect your quiet time with God each day. Be salt and light to a troubled world.

That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.  (Philippians 2:15-16 NKJV)

As the days grow darker, the light shines brighter.

Copyright © 2021 Cheryl Elton

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A new year brings hope, a sense of new beginnings and better days. For many, it’s a time to redefine goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

As Christians, perhaps now more than ever we need to stay strong in the Lord.

 Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  (Ephesians 6:10)

This verse begins a section of scripture—Ephesians 6:10-17—which gives us the crucial reminder that at its core, life is spiritual. We’re to “put on” the armor of God to ready ourselves for the spiritual battle at hand, and to be victors in this life through Christ.

The armor we’re told to put on is the:

• Belt of TRUTH
• Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
• Sandals of PEACE
• Shield of FAITH
• Helmet of SALVATION
• Sword of the Spirit—the WORD OF GOD

The armor of God is more than just a protective covering—it’s the very presence of Christ Himself. By putting on the armor of God, life becomes no longer about simply fulfilling our own desires, but allowing ourselves to be transformed into His likeness, so we may carry out His work in the world.

As the only offensive weapon on the list, the sword of the Spirit is significant.

From the original Greek, verse 17 reads: “the sword of the Spirit is the word (rhema) of Christ.”  

A rhema (word) is a “speaking.” This certainly includes the written word of God. In the gospels we see Jesus, when confronted by the devil, bolding proclaiming “It is written . . .” as He quotes from the Old Testament.

Most notably for us today, a rhema is also a speaking by the Holy Spirit into our Spirit—a revelation word for a specific situation in the moment. The rhema of Christ must be wielded like a sword—spoken out and acted upon—to yield the results God desires.

God has given us this magnificent imagery of the armor so we might draw near to Him and experience His presence and power—thereby enabling us to be victorious in the spiritual battles of life.

The power of God is demonstrated by the rhema of Christ.

Perhaps our greatest goal for the new year should be to sharpen our swords—to spend more time in His presence, to learn to hear His voice as He speaks rhema words to us—and to proclaim His word, His power, and His love to the world around us greater than ever before.

I want to start the new year strong—strong in the Lord, equipped with the full armor of God—living day by day in His presence.

How about you?

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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Establishing daily quiet time with God is necessary for anyone who wants a close, intimate relationship with Him. Many of the great men and women of faith throughout Scripture and history have testified to morning being the optimal time.

Yet a wandering mind can challenge many Christians during their quiet time with the Lord. Have you ever started praying, only to find a few seconds later you’re thinking about what you’ll have for dinner that night? Or begun reading the Bible, only to have your thoughts jump to that Facebook post you liked?

The world trains our minds to jump from thought to thought constantly. Television, advertising, the Internet—all with fast moving images—encourage these thought patterns.

But the good news is that with God’s help we can learn to focus and quiet our minds as we develop new habit patterns of silence. We simply need less of us, and more of Him.

For ten years hero of the faith George Müller had regularly spent time in prayer each morning—but he struggled considerably with a wandering mind. So he changed his habit to meditating on Scripture. As he did, he found he would almost effortlessly go into prayers of thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and supplication.

From that time on, prayer was no longer such an effort! Reading and meditating on Scripture provided a natural springboard to praise and prayer. Müller then sustained the habit of Bible reading and prayer for the next 40 years with much more ease.

When relationship with the Lord becomes a priority, He reveals and helps us with the things we need to change, including learning to control our thoughts. 

In the 16^thcentury, St. Francis de Sales wrote:

If the heart wanders or is distracted, bring it back to the point quite gently and replace it tenderly in its Master’s presence. And even if you did nothing during the whole of your hour but bring your heart back and place it again in our Lord’s presence, though it went away every time you brought it back, your hour will be very well employed . . .

We must build new habit patterns of silence, taking the time to tune out life’s demands and distractions, and entering the secret place of His presence. It is only there we find rest.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”  (Psalm 91:1-2)

If you struggle with a wandering mind during morning devotions, try meditating on Scripture, as Müller did. If you’re not comfortable with quiet, or you struggle with racing thoughts, take heart. Jesus Christ is with you, helping, strengthening, and encouraging you in all your endeavors.

With His help in developing these disciplines, in time we learn to carry His stillness with us, wherever we go.

Let the Prince of Peace Himself welcome you into the new day. He is with you . . . just waiting for your call!

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

For more on the value of cultivating quietness, see chapter 16 “The Quiet Classroom” in my book Pathway of Peace: Living in a Growing Relationship with Christ

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Yesterday, while heading out the door to go to the movies, my husband announced “I don’t have my phone—but we have yours, right? We need at least one phone with us.”

Funny how for years we lived with no cell phones—now we can’t seem to survive without them! I thought.

For most of us, leaving the house without our phones, we feel lost, even vulnerable, unsafe.

The ability to communicate and get information anywhere anytime has tremendous value, but can also serve as great distraction.

Reaching for the phone—for some while still in bed—is often the first action of the day. Yet this simple act, as innocent as it seems, can quickly distract us. Before we know it, we’re responding to messages, checking emails, reading articles—and we’ve robbed ourselves from entering the day fully engaged with God!

Many heroes of the faith in Scripture spent quiet time with God, usually early in the morning.

David tells us in Psalms:

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.  (Psalm 63:1-2)

Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3) 

Daniel had quiet times of daily prayer. Job would rise early to offer sacrifices and pray for his children.

And of course Jesus understood the importance of daily quiet time with the Father. In the gospels we read He often went out early in the morning to seek silence and pray.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.  (Mark 1:35) 

Establishing daily time with God is necessary for anyone who wants a close, intimate relationship with Him. Although morning devotions aren’t a command in Scripture, it’s clear that many of the great men and women of faith throughout history have testified to morning being the optimal time.

In his book Power Through Prayer, E.M. Bounds writes:

The men [and women] who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day. 

Without setting our hearts with God first thing in the morning, it remains difficult—once we move into the demands and distractions of the day—to be still within, to hold His peace, and to hear His voice throughout the day.

It’s a matter of priority, isn’t it? I won’t occupy myself with other things until my heart is first engaged with You. 

In that precious morning time of Bible reading, prayer, quiet meditation and listening, He fills us with His presence, His peace—and the heart we need to love Him and others through each new day.

What a joyful way to live!

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Could the next great revival be on the horizon?

Many Christians think so, and we certainly need one. Our country has reached heightened moral decline, God is all but removed from public places, and we’re divided on many fronts.

“There’s so much anger, so much polarization, and Jesus is the answer,” said Anne Graham Lotz, after her father, the Rev. Billy Graham, known as “America’s Pastor” passed away earlier this year[1].

She prays her father’s death serves as a wake-up call for the Church and sparks a revival. Lotz believes to fill her father’s shoes we all need to step up and share the powerful gospel message with boldness.

A revival is a reawakening of people turning to Christ, usually through evangelistic meetings led by great preachers like Graham. Other notables include DL Moody, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, and Charles Finney.

Yet not all revivals are led by powerful evangelists. Some are initiated through lay people and simple means. One such example is the Great East African Revival of 1929—arguably one of the most famous and influential African spiritual movements of the twentieth century.

At the helm, were John Edward Church[2], a British medical missionary to Rwanda and Simeon Nsibambi, a young Christian leader from Uganda. Both shared dissatisfaction with the low spiritual condition of the church, and had reached a personal state of “acute spiritual dryness.” After spending two days together in prayer and Bible reading, each experienced the “transformative power of the Holy Spirit.”

With renewed zeal, the two men began extending love and full sharing[3] with fellow Africans—regardless of class, station, or race—through small group fellowship meetings. Such gatherings quickly spread throughout homes and villages, as Christians met to share their testimonies and desire for the deeper Christian life.

Distinctive features of the East African Revival were:

• No famous preacher was leading its efforts. John Church never claimed to be the leader of the revival, but considered himself a co-worker with the Holy Spirit.
• Revival sprang from two wonderful Christians with a love for the people and a heart to reach them.
• Small group meetings were led mostly by lay people. Great impact spread from the grassroots level, and continued for several decades.
• Emphasis was on the saving power of Christ and daily submission to Him. Other themes were messages of sin, repentance, and forgiveness, rather than the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues and supernatural healing.
• Public confession of hidden sins was common, followed by a desire for holy living.

In time, the East African Revival was presented as a model for renewal movements of the Holy Spirit to other countries, including Switzerland, France and Germany in the late 1940s, and Malawi, Angola, India, Brazil, Israel, and the United States in the early 1950s.

It’s possible the foundations of this revival influenced one of the most significant and more recent awakenings of the 20^th century in the United States—the Jesus movement of the 1960s and 70s.

Are there common attributes that spark a revival?

Yes!

Author and men’s ministry leader Patrick Morley lists 10 characteristics of revival:[4]

1. TIMING: Revivals emerge during times of spiritual and moral decline, which leads to intense prayer.
2. PRAYER: God puts a longing into the hearts of many to pray for revival.
3. THE WORD: The preaching or reading of God’s Word brings deep conviction and desire for Christ.
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit takes people to a spiritual depth they could not achieve on their own.
5. CONVICTION: Affected sinners are inconsolable except in Christ.
6. GLORY FOR GOD: God receives praise, honor, and glory for bringing revival.
7. REFORMATION AND RENEWAL: Revival produces lasting fruit. New ministries are founded and society experiences a reform of morals as more and more people convert.
8. MANIFESTATIONS: Manifestations like fainting, groaning prayer, and miracles vary by culture and denomination.
9. MESSY: Revivals are messy–controversies swirl about miracles, abuses, excesses, suspicions, and theological disputes (to name but a few).
10. CYCLICAL: Revivals inevitably crest and decline.

God initiates revival as a result of deep repentance—regret or remorse and a turning to God with humility—occurring in peoples’ hearts.

In the first century church, Peter’s sermon in Acts 3 gave a powerful call for repentance: 

Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3:19 NASB)

Could we be on the cusp of the next great awakening here in the United States?

If our generation is going to experience revival, it starts with God’s people humbly submitting to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, confessing their sins, and seeking change where needed.

It requires remaining fervent in prayer, and seeking our refreshing in the presence of the Lord.

Then, we can rest assured that we are making a step toward sparking the next great revival.

_______________________________________________________________

[1] For Anne Graham Lotz’s response to Billy Graham’s death, see: http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2018/february/anne-graham-lotz-prays-her-fathers-passing-will-spark-revival-in-the-church

[2] To read about John Edward Church and the Great East African Revival of 1929, see http://www.bu.edu/missiology/missionary-biography/c-d/church-john-edward-1899-1989/

[3] “Fellowship” in the Greek is koinonia, meaning a full sharing.

[4] For the full article, see: http://patrickmorley.com/blog/2015/6/23/a-brief-history-of-spiritual-revival-and-awakening-in-america

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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George Müller talked to God about everything and expected God to answer every prayer.

During his lifetime (1805-1898), Müller cared for more than 10,000 orphans as the director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England, and provided Christian education to over 120,000 children in the 117 schools he established.

Yet despite these wonderful achievements and the many lives he touched, he is best known as a man of great faith and prayer. His uncomplicated trust in God for every daily provision continues to inspire people around the world today.

Remarking on his prayer life, Müller once said:

“The most important part of prayer is the fifteen minutes after saying ‘Amen.’”

For many, ‘amen’ marks the end of prayer time.

Not for Müller.

For him, prayer was all about relationship—and ‘amen’ simply signified the transition into his listening time with God.

Some of us give God our shopping list of requests for the day, ask for His blessing, say ‘amen’, and then jump up to rush into the day.

Many never consider or expect that God could even speak to them.

Do we perhaps miss out on the best part?

Isn’t it during the sacred time of listening that God whispers those quiet reassurances of His presence, confirms His word in our hearts, and often gives us the timely revelation word we need?

These were the precious moments of prayer that were most important to George Müller. For he had experienced the sweetness of fellowship with his Lord that only comes through daily dialogue.

All relationship develops trust, and grows closer, sweeter, through communication.

How God longs for us to hear His voice . . .

Are we listening?

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Nothing is as satisfying as a good meal when you’re hungry. Most of us are blessed to have full refrigerators and stocked pantries. It’s easy to grab a snack any time of the day the stomach growls.

But what about spiritual hunger?

Jesus said if we believe on Him and go to Him we would never go hungry, for He is the “bread of life.”

“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” (John 6:35) 

Any time we find ourselves spiritually malnourished and wanting, we need only call upon Jesus and He will give us all we need.

It’s easy to feel “full” after a great spiritual experience—a church weekend, an inspiring sermon, Christian music, or an exciting time of seeing God at work—but do we mistakenly go on thinking radio broadcasts and big weekends alone will satisfy our hunger? 

Some, when spiritually hungry, quickly run to the phone to talk with a friend. Or, they try to feed their hunger with other things—time at the day spa or gym, chocolate, or some other relaxing or feel-good activity.

While all of these things may have value, none replace our need for daily time with the Master, the true “bread of life”. 

In the Old Testament, God had the children of Israel wander in the wilderness for forty years in order to learn to humble themselves, trust Him, and hear His voice. (Exodus 16, Nehemiah 9:15)

During this time, God rained manna (bread) from heaven every day to feed them. If they tried to save some of the bread for the next day it would go bad. They had to rely on God’s provision for physical bread one day at a time.

“So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 8:3) 

Likewise they had to learn to seek and trust God daily to experience His presence and hear His voice. 

This record, being a model for Christ, corresponds with Jesus’ words after He was tempted in the wilderness for forty days:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [Greek = rhema: speaking] that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:1-4) 

Just as the children of Israel and the Son of God learned to rely on God for daily sustenance, our spiritual nourishment—through time in His Word and conversation with Him—like the manna, is something we must seek daily.

Jesus instructed His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Jesus is the bread of life. In His presence we will never go hungry.

Have you dined at the Lord’s table today?

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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In our activity-addicted world, many proudly wear busyness as a badge.

While feeling good we’re being productive, it can also become all too easy to go through the day so busy that we’re oblivious to those around us with needs. 

Jesus warned us of this in a parable in Luke 10:25-37.

After quoting the great commandment from the law, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself,” a lawyer, wanting to justify himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

Here’s Jesus’ response (paraphrased with comments):

A Jewish man was on his way to Jericho when thieves viciously attacked him, stripped his clothes, and left him wounded and half dead on the side of the road.

In time, a priest and then a Levite passed by and saw the man. Surely these religious leaders would help the man, wouldn’t they? But no—they both continued on their way—no doubt having important things to do or appointments to keep.

Finally a Samaritan, despised by the Jews, came along, and seeing the man felt compassion. He bandaged the man’s wounds, put him on his own donkey, and took him to an inn where he cared for him. The next day he gave the innkeeper money, saying, “use this to care for him.”

The most unlikely one to help—an enemy of the Jews—the Samaritan was the one who showed mercy. Jesus ends the parable saying, “Go and do likewise.”

How often do we stay so busy that we miss opportunities to help those around us?

We can become so focused on carrying out our own agendas that we fail to hear the voice of God prompting us to stop and get involved in someone’s life—to love our neighbor.

Are we willing to surrender control of our own plans and allow God to interrupt when He needs to?

Opportunities abound every day to love and help those near us, whether it be an encouraging word, an act of kindness, praying for someone, or reaching out with a phone call or email.

Or, if He’s telling us to do so, stopping by the side of the road to help the person with a flat tire.

Ask Jesus to live His life through you today and show you where to get involved. He knows your many responsibilities, and His timing will be right.

As we incline the ears of our hearts to hearing His voice, we’ll find that loving our neighbor isn’t only for when it’s convenient, but a lifestyle of service found in His presence . . .

. . . service that brings great joy and blessing.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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People around the globe are taking to social media, flaunting their latest badge of distinction—membership in The 5 a.m. Club.

It’s inspired by a challenge from best-selling author and motivational speaker Robin Sharma to wake up at 5 a.m. for 66 days to develop habits for greater productivity.

“Join The 5 a.m Club. Your most valuable hours are 5 a.m. – 8 a.m. They have the least interruptions,” he says.

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, and dozens of other successful leaders past and present are known for using this special time of day to exercise, plan, meditate, and reflect.

Great men and women of the faith throughout history also regularly rose early—to spend quiet time with God. Before moving into their tasks for the day, they used the early morning solitude to read the Bible, pray, and set their hearts in His presence.

Nineteenth century Methodist minister E.M. Bounds wrote:

“If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day.” 

In the Bible, David says “Early will I seek You.”  Daniel and Job had daily quiet times of prayer. Jesus often went out early in the morning to seek silence and pray.

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” (Mark 1:35) 

While we often picture the Son of God moving among crowds and ministering to many people, he too found it necessary to commune with God in solitude, thereby preparing and recharging his heart to touch others with the Father’s love.

So it is with us also. 

Establishing quiet times in His presence is necessary for anyone who wants a close, intimate relationship with God.

Jesus instructs us:

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6)

David also knew the blessing of abiding in God’s presence: 

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)

Do you have a regular morning appointment with God?

Whether it’s at 5 a.m. or later, whether you have fifteen minutes or two hours—the main thing is to meet Him in that secret place to start the day—giving praise and honor to Him.

As the shepherd leads the sheep, invite Christ to go before you into the day, and help you stay close and follow. Those who draw near to the shepherd learn to recognize and hear His voice. 

Sitting quietly in His presence our souls are refreshed and refocused; we receive His peace, and our hearts still to hear Him.

Could there be any better way to start the day?

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

For more on how to incorporate quiet time with God into your life, see chapter 16 of Pathway of Peace: Living in a Growing Relationship with Christ. (Also available here.)

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In a Reader’s Digest article recapping interviews of couples married 40, 50, or even 60 years, all said similarly that despite their shared history together, they were still changing, growing, and learning new things about each other.  

A big factor to their marriages’ longevity was developing good communication skills. Most happily married couples will tell you that they have learned to listen to their spouse—(not “agree” but “listen.”)

Relationship is not a one-way monologue, but an ongoing shared dialogue.

What about our relationship with the Creator of the universe? Learning to know Him and listening to hear His voice is a lifetime endeavor—and a journey that marks the Christian life with its greatest joy.

Prayer has many aspects, including praise, confession, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession. But an often overlooked, and equally important facet of prayer is listening.

Evangelical Christian missionary Frank C. Laubach said:

“Prayer at its highest is a two-way conversation and for me the most important part is listening to God’s replies.” 

Hebrews 4 speaks of a promised rest to God’s people. David called it the “secret place of the Most High.” Many never find it because unbelief and pride harden their hearts.

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:9-11 NKJV) 

Resting our hearts in His presence is central to our prayer lives; for it’s in quietness and rest that we hear His still small voice. The Lord leads us beside still waters, and there restores our souls (Psalm 23:2-3).      

As we share ourselves in relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the ears of our hearts remain open to His voice. Much dialogue, and also sitting quietly in His presence and listening to Him speak, is a vital part of our daily prayer time.

In that quiet place, we cease from our own works, and allow Him to do His.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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