Lord, Bend Me!
Dear High Street Family,
I’ve received a variety of exciting feedback as we’ve launched our Renewal series and I’m expectant for all God wants to do in us during this series and in our year ahead.
What came to mind for you as we pressed into Renewal together through Romans 8?
Checkout Sunday’s Sermon, “Renewal in the Spirit” the first in our Renewal series.
I loved rehearsing the story of Evan Roberts from the Welsh Revival in the early 1900’s, who had been praying and digging into Renewal, eventually gushing-forth a potent prayer during their worship service, crying out, “Lord, Bend Me!”
Watch a Short Documentary on Welsh Revival - "A Diary of Revival"
Evan Robert’s "Lord, Bend Me", prayer moved churches, towns, and the Welsh nation into one of the largest revivals in history, spilling over into Europe and even into the United States. And Renewal is understood as a precursor to great moves of God—when the Church turns her heart and mind back to God’s presence and power.
Read More of Evan Robert & The Welsh Revival here.
These sorts of stories become fuel for our spirits, they spark a fire in our lives that reminds us that God is involved in our history, our stories, our times, and our lives.
What comes to mind for you when you hear these stories of Renewal?
Like J. Edwin Orr said, “There have been instances in the history of the Church when the telling and retelling of the wonderful works of God have been used to rekindle the expectations of the faithful intercessors and prepare the way for another Awakening.”
Read “A Call for the Re-Study of Revival and Revivalism” by J. Edwin Orr
My prayer is that the words of Scripture in Romans 8 and the stories and anticipation of Renewal will open your heart and mind up to new options and avenues for what God might do in your life now.
· What would your life be like if you could experience God's presence more and more?
· What would Renewal of God’s presence look like in your workplace? Your home life? Your friendships? Your dreams? Your prayers?
· Where are you wanting to see God move right now?
Let’s take a moment to turn to the One who says, “[He] saved us…by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,” (Titus 3:5-6). This is our King Jesus, who “Gives the Spirit without measure,” (John 3:34).
And let's prayerfully anticipate God’s word as we consider this Sunday in Romans 8, “A Renewed Mind,” and cultivate a thought-life centered on the presence and peace of God.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Dave
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RESOURCES
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Remember Asbury Revival? – News Clip - Take a look at the first 10 minutes of this CBN News feature on the Asbury Revival and the waves of impact from that time in God’s Presence. This was just a year ago! Imagine the seeds that God planted in that time that He wants to harvest now, even in us.
"Surprising" Passion Conference Worship Moment – Short Clip – To build on Asbury, here is a clip of tens of thousands of young adults and teens worshipping at Passion Conference over New Years 2024—all of a sudden, they’re caught up in holy moment as God’s Presence moves the whole stadium to fix their eyes on Jesus. Check it out and experience a taste of Renewal.
Short Documentary on Welsh Revival - "A Diary of Revival" – Documentary - One of the most far-reaching revivals ever took place in 1904 in Wales. In this program, you will see how the revival broke out and how it changed lives and impacted the entire society. Through the use of letters, interviews and photographs, this program examines the 1904 Welsh Revival through the eyes and thoughts of the Revivalist himself, 26-year-old Evan Roberts.
"A Call for the Re-Study of Revival and Revivalism” by J. Edwin Orr - Article – J. Edwin Orr is an amazing Baptism theologian who traveled with Billy Graham and others to study, testify, teach, and proclaim the continuing work of God throughout the world. This is a wonderful article that clarifies biblically the foundations for God’s work in His people and is a deep dive for those of you interested in pressing into this significant part of our evangelical history. Read more about his life here: jedwinorr.com