24 comments

Bill Elliff

Before I Die . . .

Posted on 03.25.11 by Bill Elliff

All of us have dreams. Some want their dream home, complete with grass and picket fence. Others would love to have their dream job or dream car or dream vacation. A good way to ask this question is . . . if you could experience anything in the world, what would it be?

I have a lot of dreams. Fueled by a few years of experiences and a passion for something transcendent, you don’t want to ask me about my dreams unless you have a full pot of coffee and a good bit of time. I’ll wear you out.

But, can I let you know just one? I dream of a mighty spiritual movement in this nation. Something that history would record—not just in human writing, but in heavenly records: A movement of God’s Spirit that overpowers our human frailty and our silly wineskins, a breath from the throne of heaven that brings the church to magnificent renewal. Where people can’t wait to get to prayer meetings and worship that lasts all night. Where no musical instrument is needed because the fullness of human voices raised in genuine praise is more magnificent than the greatest symphony.

I dream of a day when the silly, stupid, worldly gods we vainly follow as believers are seen for what they are and gladly released. When the thought of wasting time in front of a television is so useless to believers that it’s passed over like stale bread. I dream of Acts 2. I dream of love that causes us to release every hold on our possessions in such remarkable ways that the whole church in any given city is caring for the needs of each believer so that there is literally “no more need” in the entire believing community.

I dream of a national revival in God’s true church where whole towns are marked by one characteristic—the manifest presence of God. I see, from this reviving of God’s church, a spiritual awakening among those without Christ. Where society and culture is consumed and transformed in a tidal wave of spiritual momentum. Where people without Christ don’t have to be begged and persuaded to think about Christ but come running to God’s altars to beg for mercy and cleansing. Where Sunday morning is a continuation of gatherings that have happened every single week day. Where every home becomes a sanctuary; every gathering a prayer meeting; every person a testimony and a messenger of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Where the gospel becomes almighty and carries everything before it.

If you think I’m a lunatic, go ahead. But I’m not just dreaming. This is my God’s desire, and He has done it before. Everything I’ve just described has happened, more than once, in American history. And our God is powerful enough to do it again. In spite of our sin and weakness, our fears and our traditions. It seems fantastical to us, but it’s our lack of exposure to an experience of national revival and spiritual awakening that makes us so unbelieving.

That’s ONE of my dreams and, I admit, the big one . . . and I’m not giving up on it until I die.

Comments

  1. Now that is a beautiful dream! Why don't we think and pray like that anymore?! May God do that and more in our time! Thank you for sharing that.
    posted by Debbie A.
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 7:02 am
  2. Lord, do it again!!!! I'm with you, Holly, in that dream. If enough of us would catch this vision and begin to cry out to God for a move of His Spirit, I believe it could happen. Lord, let it begin in me.
    posted by Jodi C.
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 7:48 am
  3. As David Wilkerson said in "Anguish" (one of my favorite quotes), "There is nothing of the flesh that will give you joy. I don't care how much money, I don't care what kind of new house...there is absolutely nothing physical that can give you joy. True joy comes only through what is accomplished by the Holy Spirit when you obey Him and take on His heart."
    posted by April
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 8:09 am
  4. You are right this is God's desire and I agree that we need to keep dreaming this one and praying for it and I want the same dream as you and we will dream together.
    posted by Gladys R Bullis
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 8:11 am
  5. That is a beautiful dream and something worth praying for.
    http://hissonginmyheart.blogger.com
    posted by Stacy
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 8:13 am
  6. Beautiful!
    posted by Stephanie
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 8:18 am
  7. Amen. May it be soon.
    posted by Dianne
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 9:12 am
  8. Wow...your "dream" brought tears to my eyes and emotions too deep to utter...Praise God that I am not alone in the longing of such things as this...our God is able.Thanks for the encouragement today.
    posted by kathy
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 9:32 am
  9. YES!!!! I share the dream with you Bill and Holly. Not giving up.

    HE IS ABLE!!
    posted by Kimberly Wagner
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 9:37 am
  10. Holly, Thank you for your timely post. God's timing is always perfect: I should not be surprised. There has been an overwhelming sense of urgency stirring in me regarding what we are storing up down here that won't be of worth to lay at the judgement seat. My husband is struggling to see the need to re-evaluate priorities, as "we go to church and bible study", fearing that I think we should stand out on the main lawn at our alma mater, with a cross and sign, screaming, "Repent, Jesus is Coming!" So, by your article, maybe I join the ranks of lunacy. Not that I think one should stand on public corners on display. But to the contrary--maybe revival begins in the home, with the headship. (Thanks Kim for your encouragement!) Praying for hearts to be open and obedient!
    posted by TS
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 10:41 am
  11. Amen and Amen!
    pwfarmtexas.com
    posted by Linda Suggs
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 10:52 am
  12. That is such an inspiring dream. I have often thought about a world like that and how beautiful it is. Just think, though--Heaven will be so much greater than that! Reading your article just reminded me of how amazing heaven will be, and how I should live my life with eternity in mind. Thank you!
    posted by Rebecca M.
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 11:36 am
  13. I read this the other day (in a Life Action post) and now again, today. This is not just an inspiring "dream." It is an inspiring framework to set the stage for revival, if we will Set aside foolish idols... Worship in the presence of God.... and obey the Word. Just those three things would change our lives, and Lord willing, our churches and communities.

    Re-posting on Facebook and Twitter!
    www.LOLwithGod.com
    posted by Dawn Wilson
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 12:49 pm
  14. Great testimony! Writings such as this are very needed to remind all of us of God's power to overcome our nation and world's problems and to turn us back to him. Heartwarming thoughts to remember as we face the constant onslaught the world produces. Thank you for your honesty and sharing of something that seems impossible as you read today's headlines.
    posted by H Tester
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 5:56 pm
  15. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I will admit it, it does seem so impossible.... so far from reality. Yet, I know that to know God is to believe in his powerful and magnificent abilities. I believe that our nation is in his hand and by the words of his mouth he could do just what you have described.

    One of my biggest dreams is that the Lord would bring an end to abortion in our country. I often feel that it is just as impossible, but I know that my dream hinges on yours. How else will people turn from their own selfishness without apart from the transforming work of the gospel?
    www.desiringvirtue.com
    posted by Jessalyn @DesiringVirtue.com
    on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10:31 pm
  16. Beautiful! What a fantastic encouragement to dream big for the Kingdom of God! Thank you for sharing!
    www.hopescribbles.wordpress.com
    posted by Elisabeth Allen
    on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 5:31 am
  17. Your dream brought me to tears this morning. Oh me of little faith. Thank you for extending my vision to new heights. Thank you for the encouragement that "it's happened before". He truly is able! Praying this morning, in a new way, for revival that starts with me and my family.
    posted by Mary
    on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 6:50 am
  18. Beautiful dream Holly!! May God make this dream come true!!
    posted by E
    on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 9:35 am
  19. Only as we set our minds on things above, not on things below. Col. 3:2
    posted by JoAnne Blackford
    on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 10:03 am
  20. Reposting this.
    Thank you, Holly, my husband and I also ask God to send a great revival again. We read about real revivals and wait.
    posted by Joyce Pooser
    on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 11:33 am
  21. ..."that EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD."
    posted by NJ
    on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 11:25 pm
  22. This is absolutely worth praying for!! The world has got their priorities out of order. Thank you for sharing this. Blessings-
    posted by Julie Wehunt
    on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 2:51 pm
  23. that is so my prayer also! praise the ALMIGHTY for "this is an easy thing for God." i can't wait.
    posted by rhonda schueren
    on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 3:35 pm
  24. Wow! All that has been stirring in my heart, all the words I could ever speak, all that I could ever desire (simply because the Lord put that desire in my heart) is summed up in this awesome writing... O to God be the glory, Holly, for what He has put in your heart to write and dream and express! I had to re-post in my Facebook because I spend days and nights just wondering and praying how and when this supernatural revival will come... because too many called the "church" are stagnant and just comfortable with the way things are... There must be a compassion stirring up in our hearts -- not just for the lost and unsaved -- but for the church to rekindle that fire for the Lord and each other!

    Thank You, Abba Father, for words so aptly spoken!
    posted by Lillian Valle
    on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 12:19 pm

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