"An Invitation to Consecration – As We Stand at the Precipice of a Great New Move"
We stand at the precipice of a great new move of God. Many of us in the Body of Christ sense that the Lord is preparing to do a great work of restoration in America, leading up to the next Great Awakening.
If you have been following my ministry, you know that the resurgence of the historic Appeal To Heaven flag is a key part of this awakening. For the purpose of gathering Believers under its message, launching us into a prayer movement that will pave the way for this next great move of God, I am scheduling Appeal To Heaven Conferences in key cities nationwide.
The first of which will be held in Middletown, Ohio, in just a few weeks (see itinerary below). As we approach this significant gathering, I have been pondering what the Lord has spoken to me about how we are to prepare for the release of His river of revival.
In the third chapter of the Book of Joel, the Lord tells Israel of a coming great season of restoration. This Scripture also serves as a dual prophecy of what God will do later at the outpouring of His Spirit at Pentecost, and again, at the end of the age.
Preceding this prophecy, in Joel 2:15-17, and each time God desired to release a mighty move of His Spirit among His people, Israel, He spoke to their leadership, giving them this one same instruction: "Consecrate yourselves."
In Hezekiah's day, prior to Israel's restoration of temple worship, "consecrate" or "sanctify yourselves" is once again given as a directive from the Lord (2 Chronicles 29:5). When King Josiah led the nation in several reforms, allowing God to reestablish His presence there, these words were also spoken (2 Chronicles 35:6).
And in Joshua's day, before crossing the Jordan River and moving into their inheritance, God said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you" (Joshua 3:5). I believe God is saying this to American Believers today.
Draw Near to God
We hear of the concept of "consecration" periodically, but we often have a vague understanding of what it really means. The word consecrate, in Hebrew, is actually a relational term. Qadash means to separate or set yourself apartunto God. God's heart isn't, "Clean up your act so I can restore and bless you." He says instead, "Come to Me so I can bless you." BIG DIFFERENCE! His love is free, not earned.
It may even surprise you that qadash (set apart to Him), is actually the root word for holy (qodesh). Not to confuse you with a bunch of strange words, but isn't it great to know that being "holy" isn't the result of ordefined as "being good enough?" (Photo by Jennifer Page "Redeemed" via elijahshopper.com)
Rather it is the nature (qodesh) we receive from our union with Him (qadash), whichmotivates us to good works and a refusal to sin. We must be careful, then, that when we set out to prepare ourselves for a move of God's Spirit, we do not move into a legalistic works mentality, trying to accomplish separation and holiness in our own abilities; rather, we draw near to God in relationship.
There is another word in Scripture that also means separation, which we often confuse with consecration and holiness. Nazir, from which we get the word Nazarite, means to be separate from. Nazir implies that we are separating ourselves away from something, as in sin, or the Nazarite vow of separation from certain activities. Qadash implies that we are separating ourselves unto, or drawing near to God. And this is where we must always start in our walk with Him.
Samson was a Nazarite and lived a life separated from certain things. There is never any indication in Scripture, however, that he was separated unto, or walking closely with God. When Delilah entered the picture, since Samson was attempting holiness in his own strength, not by drawing near to the Lord, He did not have the strength to resist temptation.
The Lord desires to raise up men and women of prayer and radical devotion through which He can release a greater Great Awakening and shift the course of nations today.
To be a part of this, however, we must be willing to comply with what God requires of us: Prepare ourselves through drawing near.
A Season of Separation
The Lord is inviting you to enter into a season where you separate yourself unto Him in an extra special way. Take time to inquire of the Lord as to what this means for you. I am certain things will shift if you increase your devotion time from 15 to 30 minutes each day. Doors will open if you fast one lunch per week to spend that time with the Lord. You will experience breakthrough if you put on some worship music and commune with the Lord as you go about your daily chores. For 15 minutes a day, invite Him to walk with you around your backyard or sit beside you on your porch.
If you rearrange your busy schedule over the next few weeks to pray and fast and spend more time in worship and the Word, your life will radically change. No matter what level of relationship you currently enjoy with the Lord, He wants to transform you into a more passionate and zealous Believer.
As you draw into His depths, His cleansing stream will prepare you for His rivers of revival. (Photo by Jennifer Page "Selah" via elijahshopper.com)
If you will be participating in the upcomingAppeal To Heaven Conference, do this before you come. I urge you, please, do not take this gathering lightly. I hear the Lord calling us to a Joel 2 time of consecration so that He can accomplish His purposes for our upcoming convocation.
"Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you!"
Dutch Sheets is an internationally recognized author, teacher, and conference speaker. He travels extensively, empowering Believers for passionate prayer and societal transformation. Dutch has pastored, taught in several colleges and seminaries, and served on the board of directors of numerous organizations. Dutch's greatest passion is to see America experience a sweeping revival and return to its godly heritage.
Dutch is a messenger of hope for America, encouraging Believers to contend for awakening in our day and reformation in our lifetime. Dutch has written over 20 books, many of which have been translated into over 30 languages. Dutch and his wife Ceci have been married for 35 years and now reside in the Dallas area. They treasure time spent with their two grown daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
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Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your head from the Lord Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach.
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People
Charlotte, NC USA