Raoul’s Two Cents: February 17, 2023
Miracle at Asbury
WARNING: For obvious reasons, today’s edition has spiritual content. Move on down if you are only here for the jokes.
IT’S HAPPENING NOW
In case you haven’t heard, there’s an ongoing miracle at the Asbury University in Kentucky right this very minute. Thousands are rededicating their lives to God. Just do a search for Asbury Revival 2023 and you’ll see a whole lot of articles not covered by the main stream media. You should go if you are near the area. If not, there are other revivals sprouting out in other churches. Even if you are a doubter, go and check it out for yourself. When the Holy Spirit moves, no power on earth can stop it.
I asked my ol’ missionary buddy Ed about revivals. And he shared what happened to him some 40 years ago. Ed witnessed a revival first-hand. Along with thousands of other believers, he wept in his seat shamed by his arrogance and he spoke and encouraged the crowd on the 2nd day. Here is what he remembered.
1979 REVIVAL IN CANADA
In the fall of 1979, there was a spiritual tsunami at the Prayer Bible Institute in Three Hills Alberta, Canada. He said it started at 10 am.The speaker was supposed to deliver a prepared message but instead was moved to come clean with his shortcomings. A friend of his joined him on stage and they broke down hugging each other realizing how prideful they were. Pretty soon, others came on stage and they too humbled themselves and repented for their failures. Even after the prayer time was over, they all knew there was a magnificent force moving the events of the day and classes were postponed to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. This lasted for 5 days. There was no leader … no one orchestrating the movement — there was just prayers and heavenly worship coming from broken human vessels deep in remorse.
Ed said revivals are for believers — for believers to reignite the flickering light — and they tend to be geographical. During the1904 revival in the shipping region of Wales, England, boatloads of people would come from all over to experience the phenomenon. Some were experiencing the movement even on board their ship. People had no clue what was going on but they knew it was good and powerful. One thing too about revivals (according to Ed): they don’t last long. Like sea waves, it peters out … but the effects can last for the rest of peoples’ lives. The revival changed the course of Ed’s life.
MY TAKE-AWAY
In our crazy world full of illogical and unbelievable political and social events it is comforting to know that the “Spirit” is moving to remind us of what is real, what is important and who is really in charge. He moves without permission, without hesitation and without favoritism. Like the wind, we cannot see the Holy Spirit but we know He is there. We can feel His presence and are brought down on our knees at His awesome power. Praise God for whom all blessings flow.
Revival — what a beautiful thing! TGIF people!
Raoul
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.’ — Acts 2: 1-4
Quotes of the Week
Joke of the Week
Thanks to Ed of Makati, Philippines
Videos of the Week
Thanks to Noel of Quezon City, Philippines who shared this TED video explaining why some people live longer than others.
The Mercy Me band singing: “I can only imagine.“
Have you ever wondered what it would be like when you’re face to face with Almighty God? Will you be able to stand? Able to even speak? Will you sing Hallelujiah? I can only imagine.
Parting Shots
Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA.
Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines
Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA
I found these
My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.
Vanessa
February 17, 2023 at 10:05 am
What a beautiful story about the revivals Raoul. This is the first chance I’ve had to read TGIF for a while due to our family tragedy. I believe the Lord is coming back soon and that there will be a great harvest before that time. The world is so very dark right now, but I know the Lord still has sheep to gather & call to Himself . I hope you, Jackie & the family are doing well and that the healing process after your Fathers passing will continue with sweet comfort from Jesus. Missing you guys!!!
Vanessa
Heather
February 17, 2023 at 10:05 am
Since I was a little girl, every time I went to church I would look up at the knave in the front of the church. It looks like a boat upside down to me. It always made me feel safe and like I was in the hands of God. The things that people think in church I Believe come right from their soul. And… That means the good stuff and the bad stuff. Somewhere along the way in my life (most likely) after my daughter Allison was born, I figured out that I needed to forgive myself in order to be a good mother to my two little boys. I knew I wanted to find a man to share my life with to be a father to my children and somehow that wish came true. I’m met the most kind loving man in the entire world. He told me years later that the first thing he thought when he saw me was, that girl is going to make great kids. Of course at the time he didn’t know I even had children he just seen me waiting for a bus Monday through Fridays and offered to give me a ride in a rainstorm. There is a beginning a middle and an end to everything and the more you are in touch with where you are at in that process, the better off you are. Every day I count my blessings and there are so many memories with my parents and the people I have met along the way.
I enjoyed your article today. Heather
Oscar
February 17, 2023 at 10:06 am
Good morning Raoul, I’m so happy to hear more and more people are turning to God . I’ve always believed in God . My mistake was not believing in people and not God . I’ve always knew that we are responsible for our own outcomes in life. My mistake WAS not believing that I needed God to be and to stay successful in life. Although my success wasn’t much but if I would’ve saw it in Gods eyes, I could’ve been a millionaire without wanting too. Now I feel rich in the Holy Spirit and I’m still eating his word everyday and I feel good and Happy. All the world’s problems will pass thanks to Jesus . Hope all is well Brother.🙏🌎🇺🇸🙏😊
Oscar
Gary
February 17, 2023 at 10:06 am
Thank you Raoul,
For being bold in your faith and creative with the message.
God bless you,
Gary
Tom
February 17, 2023 at 10:06 am
Thanks Raoul, Great intro on Revival. Lots of good videos as well. That one about living to 100 was interesting as well. This issue was all encompassing . Taking time to do this each Friday in appreciated especially the Spiritual Content. Tom of Pasadena
Buddy Ed
February 17, 2023 at 10:10 am
Here is a current news report on the revival:
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/asburyrevival-real-spreading-saw
Merwynn
February 18, 2023 at 8:54 am
Thanks for sharing.
Anne
February 18, 2023 at 8:54 am
Hi Raoul.
Thanks for sharing the report about revival at Asbury University. i hadn’t heard about it yet. great to read that God is working even when we don’t know about it.
Lee
February 18, 2023 at 8:55 am
Thanks for the good word about Asbury and the renewal taking place in many lives there, many of whom came from thousands of miles away. May this miracle of God’s presence continue there and spread among the rest of us as well. It is time for the church to be the church that Christ created by the power of the Spirit, but it can only happen when we put aside our pride and failures and come open to whatever God wants to in us and through us.
Blessings.
Lee
Hilda
February 18, 2023 at 8:55 am
Great reads today. Thanks!
Naomi
February 21, 2023 at 4:14 pm
Dear Raoul,
With great sadness, I am asking you to delete me from your TGIF distribution list. I have become annoyed with your constant references to God and religious doctrine and I find I am deleting a significant portion of your TGIF (even some jokes). As you know, I am Jewish, by birth. However, I do not believe in God or a higher power and instead, rely on science. I live by the religion of “Do Unto Others………..”. You have become increasingly involved in your beliefs, and are certainly entitled to do so. However, this is not something I believe in. Therefore, please delete me from the TGIF list.
Thank You