“I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.” Ephesians 1:18-19 (HCSB)
Recently I was meeting with an amazing young college student. He had grown up in the church and had pretty much always known he was saved. He had been taught once saved always saved! But today he stands at a crossroads! He believes his eternity is secured yet wonders why he should be concerned about pleasing and serving God, after all he is confident he will make it to heaven! The world and this young man’s dreams are quite glittery, especially compared to the powerless Christianity he has experienced. As I shared my testimony and the many, MANY things God has done, this young man was blown away and wondered why he had never heard of or experienced such things. I told him that the glitter he is focusing on is but the pavement in heaven. The best this world can offer is but a shadow of the eternal realities to come, but also are here right now! He cannot grasp the spiritual realities with eyes of his flesh. The church has not demonstrated to Him a living Savior who is moving, healing, doing miracles and releasing joy, peace and hope in a dark world. No wonder the glitter is so attractive! Sadly, so much of his generation has only seen a weak, powerless, hypocritical, compromised, religious church! His generation is hungry for an authentic encounter with the REAL JESUS! This generation, like the student I have mentioned above, needs to experience the Holy Spirit empowered Church, that is doing real spiritual warfare against a real devil, and worshiping a real Jesus Christ who is the Most High God! This generation is ready for a power-filled gospel, and they are ready to take it to the nations!!!
Join me in praying for this younger generation that needs an encounter with the real Jesus. Pray for High School and College students that you know, specifically in your church, that they would have this fresh encounter. Pray that your church would be a place where they can experience the real Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the student leaders to have this encounter with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray for your pastor to teach, preach and live Jesus’ words and His life and to truly equip these young people for the spiritual realities and battle of our day. Pray that your church would embrace a power-filled Christianity, where “signs and wonders accompany those who believe” (Mark 16:15-18). Pray for revival among this younger generation across our city, state, and nation!