Awaken to Purpose 
The 2020 Awakening! 
Terry R. Baughman

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NKJV). 

Why are we here? Finding the answer to that question is sometimes a life-long quest. Seeking to find what our gifts are and the things that bring joy into our lives are ways we can begin to identify our purpose. God has placed gifts and abilities in each of us that bring fulfillment and satisfaction when we are able to use them for a purpose that is bigger than our lives and longer lasting than our existence. 

Purpose must be more than status or success. If we give all of our energies into merely acquiring financial accomplishments we will identify with the foolish man who only lived for more. He said, “I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods” (Luke 12:18). His ultimate goal was to lay in store so much that he would never need to worry or work again saying, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19). Jesus called him a fool because he did not know that he would perish and leave all of these possessions behind. This is the condemnation of one, “who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

The secret of success is, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Obtaining financial security is not evil and owning possessions is not wicked, but looking to those things for fulfillment or hoarding possessions for selfish passions will rob us of the true blessing that comes from finding God’s purpose in all our pursuits. 

Putting God first in our lives leads to a life of contentment and obtaining the favor of God. As Matthew recorded above, “all these things shall be added to you.” Paul assured us that a result of finding and fulfilling the purpose of God will be rewarded in “that all things work together for good to those who love God,” in the text (Romans 8:28). Living according to His will and seeking His purpose first in our lives will bring many blessings and the satisfaction of a life well-lived. 

As we seek His ways in our lives we will find a resource of strength and the prompting of His presence as we make decisions in alignment with God’s purpose. The wise man said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

It is time to awaken to our purpose in life. Rather than squander our days and waste our talents on things that will soon decay, let us arise to accomplish the eternal calling on our hearts. Relationships, spiritual growth, biblical studies, conversion of friends and family, these are the lasting events that will remain long after our lives are ended. 

In the time of the Covid-19 pandemic we have been made to assess our lives and weigh out the value of our activities. Many things have been deemed essential services while others become unnecessary. We find ourselves reevaluating our careers, our goals, and our spiritual connections. Let us arise and awakened to our purpose that God has called us to accomplish! 
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Theme passage:
“Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). 
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Awaken to Opportunities 
The 2020 Awakening! 
Terry R. Baughman

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1–2 NKJV). 

When we awaken we become alert to our surroundings and sensitive to our environment. In the process of awakening it may be common to be confused as to what day it is or where we are, especially when traveling and in an unfamiliar setting. It often takes a few minutes to get our bearings and become aware of our surroundings. Once we are fully awake we should be able to think more clearly and begin to make plans for the day. 

Culturally it is possible to become dulled to our surroundings and drowsy with the familiarity of wickedness. Things that once were offensive become tolerated. The open expression of immoral conduct and social acceptance of that which was once forbidden become less alarming to the Christian simply because of the repetition and frequency of exposure. We become desensitized to sin and tolerant toward that which is offensive to God. We have become sleepy and our senses dulled. 

It is time to awaken, to arise from the slumber of our spiritual paralysis and to acknowledge the shame of sin that pervades our society. While we may wring our hands in despair or struggle in surrender concerning the condition of our world, we must never concede defeat nor condone the conduct of our culture. Awaken to the light of truth and the illumination of the Holy Spirit to expose the corruption of sin around us. The prophet predicted that, “darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people,” but he did not stop with the doom and gloom. He went on to declare, “The Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you” (Isaiah 60:2). 

Rather than looking at the negatives, and there are plenty to choose from, let us  focus on the positive opportunities before us. The darker the night, the brighter the light will shine. We know that Jesus is the light, but it is interesting that the prophet said, “Your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). While we understand it is the light of the Lord, yet it becomes our light when He shines upon us! It is our time to shine. Not to bring glory upon ourselves, but to acknowledge His presence and power shining through us, bringing honor to Him. “His glory” is to be seen in us and upon us. 

Paul wrote about the revelation that comes when, “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). When the glory of God shines upon us we become illuminating in our darkened world. While most do not wish to draw attention to themselves it is our privilege to reflect His life and bring Him glory!

Paul said, “If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 4:3). The only way for people to be saved is to see Jesus Christ in us and hear the saving gospel from our lips. Our greatest opportunity is to share the Light of the World in a culture that glorifies the dark and finds satisfaction in the shadows. 

It is time to awaken to our opportunity, to clearly see the privilege we have been given to shine in the end time. We have been called by God, “that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Awaken to the light, “a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).
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Theme passage:
“Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11).

For Such a Time
The 2020 Awakening! 
Terry R. Baughman

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 
(Esther 4:14 NKJV). 

Mordecai inspired his young cousin, Esther, to arise to the challenge of her generation. He had taken her in as a child when both of her parents died and raised her as his own daughter. Because of his great affection for Esther he would have never suggested anything that would have endangered her life. There was a nation wide search for a new queen when the Persian queen fell into disfavor with King Ahasuerus. He desired to find a truly beautiful and special person to fill the role. When Esther was considered in the competition, Mordecai cautioned her to conceal her Jewish heritage. 

Living under the oppression of Persian rule, the Jewish people had began a slow recovery after long years of captivity. Old hostilities and prejudice remained against the Jews while many of the ruling party viewed them as inferior in the land of their subjugation. Haman had authority over the princes of Persia and had a deep-seated hatred for the Jewish people. He plotted for a way to destroy the Jews added to an acrimonious determination to eradicate Mordecai. Haman seethed with hatred when Mordecai refused to bow down in obeisance to him. Ultimately Haman developed a plan to paint all Jews as rebells to the king and convinced him to sign an edict that all Jews might be slaughtered on an appointed day. 

This became an urgent situation and the scheduled day for ethnic genocide was approaching. The Jewish people fasted and prayed for deliverance and Mordecai sent word to Queen Esther, “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13–14).

 Mordecai was now convinced that God had placed Esther in this position of prominence with access to the King for this very purpose. When the situation was desperate God had arranged beforehand the person to be an influential voice of hope for the Jewish people. Mordecai was full of faith and believed that even if Esther refused to intercede for the Jews, God would have someone else arise to the challenge. 

Esther rose to the challenge. After three days where all the people fasted and prayed for her because she pledged to approach the king saying, “I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16). She risked her own life when she approached the King unbidden. Had King Ahasuerus simply ignored her presence she would have been forcefully removed and sentenced to death. The King apparently wanted to hear her petition and what she had come to request. He raised the golden scepter that was in his hand indicating acceptance and granting her permission to speak. Through a series of banquets and efforts to win his favor she revealed her ethnicity and the motivation for the wicked plot of Haman. 

King Ahasuerus passed sentence against Haman and he was hanged on the very gallows he had constructed to execute Mordecai. Esther was spared and she was the instrument of God to bring relief to her people. 

God has brought each of us to this generation. The current conflict is not about our favor or discomfort, rather it is more about the advancement of the Kingdom of God. He is at work in the world and involved in our dilemma. Who knows if He has brought us to this generation for such a time as this!
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Theme passage:
“Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11).

Spiritual Leaders 
The 2020 Awakening! 
Terry R. Baughman

“If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves” (Galatians 6:1–3 NIV). 

Sometimes, we think of Spiritual Leaders as being those who are very spiritual people, even icons of perfection. Because we see our own imperfections, we may feel inadequate for leadership and ill-equipped for positions of responsibility. In reality anyone who desires it, can become a spiritual leader.

The spiritual ones are those who are simply striving to follow God’s leading. Living in obedience does not imply perfection, it just exemplifies a willingness to submit to God and seek His direction. 

In the same way men in the home are called to be leaders in their families. Some are overcome with the heavy weight of responsibility and fear that they will fail to fulfill the expectations of those to whom they have been called to lead. Fathers and leaders in the home have a tremendous duty to provide direction for those under their care. Some flee from the weight of that task when they experience the burden of leadership, feel their inadequacies, and refuse to accept the responsibility.

The role of a father is fulfilled naturally. It is not a talent that you are born with but rather a skill that is developed through life experience. It is not a responsibility to flee away from but rather a challenge to be accepted and skills to be practiced. All leadership roles require time and exercise to overcome the learning curve inherent in any new endeavor. 

We should not allow the term spiritual leader to intimidate us or dissuade our resolve to rise to a new challenge. God has called us to leadership in whatever ministry He allows us to enter. Whether we are a father of children, a teacher of the Bible, a small group facilitator, or a nursery director, we have been called into leadership. We must rely on the Spirit of God to enable us to be effective leaders. We must recognize the call of God is to serve. Positions are not to produce pride and self-sufficiency, but the recognition that we are in leadership to serve God, our church, and those who have been committed to our care. 

Paul was clear. When we deal with problems among those we lead, we must also recognize that we are capable of the same mistakes and prone to the same sins. He warned us, “Watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 NIV). The principle of the harvest is that what you sow, you will also reap. Paul said, “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8 NIV). As we labor for God seeking the things of the Spirit, the reward will be a reaping of spiritual blessings. 
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Let us seek fervently the things of God and expect the harvest to be revealed in our area of ministry. We are leaders and when we seek the leading of the Spirit we will become spiritual leaders.


Theme passage:
“Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). 
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Dressed for Leadership
The 2020 Awakening! 
Terry R. Baughman
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“But Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the LORD. He wore a linen garment like that of a priest” (1 Samuel 2:18 NLT). 

Children will sometimes play dress up, either by clunking around in the shoes of their parents or siblings, or donning oversized clothes. Little girls may dress in long flowing nightgowns and slippers pretending to be Cinderella or a princess. Boys may wear a bathrobe and a sash tied around their head pretending to be Luke Skywalker or a quick and nimble ninja warrior. In the field of imagination you can become anything you wish and there is no limit to where you can travel. 

The uniform or dress becomes the identity. A raincoat can transform the character into a spy or an Arctic fisherman. A turban can evoke images of magical flying carpets or a Bedouin shepherd on windswept desert dunes. A bath towel can become a superhero’s cape granting special powers and the ability to fly in the sky. 

Just as a young boy, Samuel was brought to the temple to serve and to be trained to perform protocol and assist in the daily ceremonies of worship in Israel. He took his role seriously and he “served the Lord.” It quickly became obvious that Samuel was serious about his training. The text said, “He wore a linen garment like that of a priest” (1 Samuel 2:18 NLT). This was more than play-acting or pretend. He wore the garments proudly and performed flawlessly. 

Many years ago John T. Molloy wrote, “Dress for Success” (1975, revised in 1988), to stress the importance of our appearance on our success in a chosen career and in life. It was probably somewhat in response to the hippie generation and the general trend toward more unkept appearances in the 70’s. However, the principle was true then and it is true now that we can project an appropriate image for our desired achievements by the way we dress. 

We often dress in garments that don’t seem to fit. Sometimes we are called on to fulfill a role or assume a position for which we are not qualified. We put on the uniform, pin on the ID badge, and show up for the job. We look the part and wear the apparel. However, confidence eludes us and our lack of experience becomes obvious, but that’s the way we learn. First, we dress for the role; then we gain experience while performing the duties that go with the position. 

As a graduate, or when you assume a new position of responsibility, take courage in knowing that everyone had a first day. No one comes to the job with all of the experience and qualifications that will prepare them for the challenges that new roles require. The term “fake it until you make it” applies here. Take on the challenge with confidence and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when you just don’t know how to do something. There will always be someone willing to give guidance or a word of instruction. 

On the first day or in the beginning of your journey you may feel that you have stepped into giant shoes that are clunky and ill-fitted, but be encouraged. You will grow into your clothes. In time your feet will fit in to the shoes of your calling and your garment will seem just right!

Step into the future and accept the role of leadership. You are prepared, now dress like it!
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Theme passage:
“Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11).

Every Nation
The 2020 Awakening! 
Terry R. Baughman
Jesus, “You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). 
The purpose of God was far more inclusive than just for the nation of Israel. Notwithstanding, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were uniquely favored by God to be the lineage whereby He would reveal Himself to the world, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 18:18; 22:18; 26:4). 
God’s kindness was revealed throughout the Scripture toward those who were outside the family of favor. Naaman, the Syrian, was healed of leprosy when he dipped in the Jordan River at the word of the Prophet Elisha. The hospitable widow of Zarephath baked a cake with the last of her supplies for Elijah and found that her meager staples were never depleted throughout the time of famine in the land. Jonah preached one message to the pagan city of Nineveh and the entire population turned their hearts to God in repentance. Jesus drew from these illustrations in the Gospels as He ministered to Jewish crowds who rejected His message and opposed His purpose. John said, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11–12).
God’s view has always included the broader picture of redemption. His plan of salvation was universal, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The commission was all inclusive, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). 
John’s revelation gave insight to the ultimate completion of God’s plan and the extent of His outreach. John saw the host of people that were redeemed to God by the blood of Christ. They represented, “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Every tribe represents ethnic groups of families and regional identity. Every tongue assures that all language groups are reached and represented among the redeemed. Every people encompasses the cultural groups around the world. There is no culture that is omitted or neglected from God’s focus. Finally, every nation indicates that there are no borders or boundaries created by humanity that precludes the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The call goes out to the entire globe, “Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelations 22:17).
We have no reservation when we declaring the grace of God and the provision of salvation. We may freely extend the invitation to any and all within our reach with full assurance that God’s plan is to fill them with His Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive” (John 7:37–39).
The name of Jesus is known around the world and the Gospel continues to be preached. The Word of God is being fulfilled and we are tasked to proclaim a universal message to every nation. Solomon spoke in the Psalm, “His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed” (Psalm 72:17). 
Let us declare the power of the name of Jesus to every nation!
Theme passage:
“Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11).

Spirit Promised
The 2020 Awakening! 
Terry R. Baughman

“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). 

The promise of the Spirit and call of God continue to reach across the centuries and is more relevant today than it has ever been. There is an urgency in our day for hope, for spiritual renewal, for a new awakening. It is time to arise, to shine, for the Lord has come! 
The prophet Isaiah predicted darkness on the people similar to what we witness in our day, a day of darkness, a time of despair, and a promise of restoration. He wrote, “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising” (Isaiah 60:1–3).

In a study of renewal history, there is a time prior to the revolution and the Declaration of Independence referred to as, “The Great Awakening.” It spans the years from 1730–1755. The eighteen century was also seen as the “Age of Enlightenment.” It is interesting that while society was caught up in their superior self-sufficiency and celebrated an age of reasoning, there was also a spiritual hunger growing among the people. Art can never feel the spiritual void of the soul. Science, philosophy, or logic will never satisfy the hunger of the heart. While some celebrated the advancement of humanity, those who sought the Creator found the light of life and began to proclaim the Glory of God in their generation. 

Jonathan Edwards was a minister from Yale who avoided the formal conventions of the Church of England and began voicing his opposition to the worldly manners he saw around him in the New England colonies. He is most famous for his sermon addressing the sins of his generation, “Sinners in the hands of an Angry God.” He read his sermon to those who gathered in his congregation and conviction gripped the hearts of those who heard his words. 

George Whitefield was a British minister who preached among the colonies with great passion; “He would shout the word of God, weep with sorrow, and tremble with passion as he delivered his sermons” (https://www.ushistory.org/us/7b.asp). Thousands of colonists would gather to hear his sermons and religious fervor began to spread. It was time for an awakening!

Across the pond, John and Charles Wesley began to seek to understand the difference between formal profession of Christianity and the inward experience of conversion and transformation that they begin to witness. The Methodist movement began as an outgrowth of this Evangelical Revival they experienced and proclaimed in the British Isles. 
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Again today, we find ourselves in an age of incredible advancements in science and technology, but unfortunately, we find our society increasingly void of spiritual pursuits and moral values. It is time for another awakening. Through international pandemics, national injustice, overwhelming societal problems of homelessness, uncontrolled immigration and global challenges, there is a spiritual vacuum that cries for renewal and spiritual demonstration. This is the hour for Pentecostal power, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the declaration of God’s plan for restoration. This is our day! … This is our time for a New Awakening, the LAST Awakening! This is our promise.