Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
ON THE MARCH
‘Look, brethren, we’ve gotta stop grieving God. Where is
his fear? Can’t you see his judgements amongst us? Brethren,
our God is a consuming fire. Look how Ezra felt: “O my
God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to
you” (Ezra 9:6). We ought to cry for mercy! We gotta let him
plough us up! O God remove our reproach! God will make
Zion beautiful again if we stop our arrogance and get low
before him.’
Everyone went quiet as an awe settled on the room for what
seemed like hours. All was still, apart from a few whispered
prayers. Some fidgeted and couldn’t handle the silence. Outside
the cold wind blew up clouds of snow.
‘Right!’ said Steve. ‘I’m going outside. I’m walking once
round the lawn out front to show God I mean business. It’s
got to be everything, brethren! If you want to follow me, then
you come — but make it real!’
One by one, they walked out into the snow. That night was
a turning point. Rufus got fired up — praying, and fasting
and going for long walks. He felt like he was married to God.
‘It was like heaven!’ said Rufus, ‘But I couldn’t convey the
bliss I felt.’
Jess and the kids soon brought him down to earth!
In February we started Friday night revival gatherings in
chapel. There was no formal leadership. We came in silently
and prayed, and it was obvious who carried a real burden.
Often it was sisters crying to God for their houses, and that
meant a lot of pride-swallowing for leaders. Our eyes were
opened to backsliding — rebellious kids, prayerlessness, shallow
conversions, complainings, worldliness and lack of zeal.
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