“Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts, see if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:23,24.
What is your Achilles heel? Sex, money, power, popularity, your tongue, envy, sarcasm, self-centredness?
“Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts, see if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:23,24.
Reverend Jimmy Swaggart passed away yesterday (July 1) at 90 years of age. Thus ends a checkered legacy of great gospel music, many Christian books authored, hundreds if not thousands of sermons delivered as well as debilitating scandal that rocked the North American church.
Jimmy was so gifted – at the peak he was on TV, was leading a church, was singing and recording music and was directing revival meetings all across the US and Canada. Carol and I went to one of these meetings held at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver. He was amazing, with a powerful musical and spoken message. The crowd was very lively and very emotional. I remember commenting to Carol that the vibes in the building were too intense for me –there would be too much temptation for me if I were to pastor like this.
Sadly, it was too much for him as well and in 1988 he was caught with a prostitute and then again three years later. Despite open repentance, the media die had been cast, and his ministry shrank dramatically. Along with the celebrated fall of Jimmy Bakker, it set the North American church back 25 years – maybe we have never recovered. No longer were pastors like me regarded with trust but instead had to prove our innocence to a suspicious populace.
It reminds me of David, who I quoted at the beginning of this piece. A man after God’s own heart, composer of songs, worshipper and effective king, his sin with Bathsheba also goes hand in hand with the positive aspects of his life.
Interestingly,a Holy Spirit revival is always known for confession and repentance of sin. It is a time to get honest with God and His people. Jesus promised that the Spirit would convict of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement(John 16:8). We don’t have to wait for a revival meeting to be inwardly revived. We simply agree with the Spirit’s conviction, repent and then keep short accounts with God.
What is your Achilles heel? Sex, money, power, popularity, your tongue, envy, sarcasm, self-centredness? If the Spirit is speaking to you about these, TODAY is the day to deal with it. Let Him create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you!
https://youtu.be/BFe4r3qe1x0?si=6yEX3OrVfU5tJo3Q
Have a listen to this great song and let the Spirit speak!
PastorLeon Throness
