The AWAKEN DTS has begun! After all the preparation, prayer, thought, discussion, and meetings, the students and first speaker (Philip York) are here. Now begins a new phase, a transition from preparation to application. 59 students from over 12 countries have come to learn more about God. Its quite a task and quite a privilege that God has put us in this position. I can get quickly overwhelmed thinking about it beyond a day! My title of this post comes in now—this is bigger than me or any person.
You see, the Awaken staff, leaders, and I can prepare and try to teach students about God, but it ultimately comes down to the individual and God. What is happening right now in hearts is that God, the God that created the Heavens and the Earth, is in pursuit of and captivating the hearts of the students. Although we care about our students, it will never measure up to God’s love for them. We must partner with God in this process for any lasting results.
The Spirit of God is stirring alive as the revelation of Gods character permeates their very being. The old lies that were attached to students are being replaced with the Truth about how God created them beautifully and wonderfully and with purpose. It has to be one of the most beautiful things to watch. Although most of the transformation is internal, you can see physical manifestations like brighter complexion/eyes and extreme joy and peace.
What is happening is a miracle. The Spirit of God, the Spirit of Truth, is dwelling inside of a human. Isn’t it crazy to actually take a second and think about? Jesus gave us such a gift. Gone are the Old Testament days of the select few people with the Spirit on them or that have access to the Holy of Holies. We have full access to the Spirit 24/7!
Jesus talking about the Holy Spirit:
“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. John 14:15-18
I don’t know about you but I think a gift from God deserves some examination and exploration! What is crazy is this gift keeps giving. With the Spirit, we have access to wisdom, understanding, discernment, reverence of the Lord, and council, the fruits of the Spirit as well as gifts like prophesy, teaching, leading, speaking in tongues, and many other things probably still to be discovered. It is a lifetime of exploration and understanding of just who the Holy Spirit is!
The Spirit was there in the beginning of time hovering over the waters and will again pour out over all the land in the end of time. I believe we are experiencing it!
Thank you Lord for not leaving us empty handed when you left, but you had a perfect plan to give us your Holy Spirit! I pray you continue to release the pouring out of your Spirit on all people! AMEN
My wife and I are part of the Awaken Community. We desire restoration and reconciliation in the broken and lost. We both love God and are committed to following his will. I enjoys taking photographs of my travels as well as blogging about awesome things God does or teaches me. To see more photos, visit our gallery. More about Calvin and Camille
One Comment
I can testify to all of this! Staffing a Dts is the most amazing experience! You get to see the transformation the students have by experiencing the love of God! To partner with God in helping the student wake up into who they really are (loved children of God with big purpose) is the most rewarding thing ever! Calvin and Camille are amazing staff already! You guys display the fruit of the spirit and because of that the students can learn what it means to walk close to Jesus! Love you guys!
Kristin Hanson
7/14/2010
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