must choose to step out of our comfort zone , take some risks , and obey God ! I believe as we allow our faith to arise , we will discover hidden or even dormant anointings and giftings that God has given us that we had yet to discover . I believe it is time we push back the boundaries of what was considered “ acceptable ” to make sure we are standing in agreement with God ’ s Word , to birth what is about to be released : a powerful awakening and hunger for God !
Remember , Jesus and the apostles were radical . The gospel of Jesus Christ did not come quietly , but came with force ! The apostles and early believers risked their very lives , and some were martyred and all were persecuted for what they believed . Scripture says , “ The kingdom of God suffers violence , and the violent take it by force .” ( Matthew 11:12 ). We must ask ourselves : Are my motives pure ? Do I really desire to serve the Body of Christ , or am I trying to create an “ identity ” that will win me favor with my congregation and fund my ministry ? Are we willing to be persecuted for the true gospel of Jesus Christ ? Our we brave enough to speak up against evil , or will we cave to the pressure of being “ politically correct ” so we don ’ t lose Facebook likes ?
I believe people are hungry what is real . What about you ? Are you frustrated with the current church culture you are living in ? Do you long for a fresh move of God ? Do you cry out to the Lord for protection and divine help in the face of radical shifts in society and “ culture ” that are leading people you know — believers , family members and even your children — away from God and towards sin and destruction ? It is time to take a stand !
Only the love , grace , and power of Jesus Christ will turn hearts and minds away from sin and toward God . Jesus was and is the Prince of Peace . We too must choose the path of peace as we die to self to submit to God . We must speak truth to our congregations , ministries and communities , because Jesus IS the way the truth and the life , and no one comes to the Father except through him ! ( John 14:6 ). Following Jesus is the only way to heal the nations of the world !
Lastly , we must PRAY . Jesus said , “ My house shall be called a house of PRAYER ” ( Matthew 21:13 ). Prayer will move mountains , shift culture and change lives forever ! Forgive us , Father , for turning Your house of prayer into a den of thieves ! Heal us , Lord , and show us Your perfect will for our lives and Your Church , so we will be ready for Your return ,
In Jesus Name , Amen .
Pastor Ashley N . Gronholm is a revivalist , world evangelist , and prophetic worship leader . She is the Founder and President of Be Free Ministry , Inc . and of Magdala School of Apostolic Ministry , and International Bible Training school . Ashley is a mother of three and resides with her beloved husband Greg on their farm in North Georgia .
17