George Otis has traveled the world over the past 20 years to document communities that have been transformed by the Gospel. Through his observations, thousands of interviews, studying over 800 contemporary revivals and many historical examples, he has collected some principles and observations that reveal the patterns of God. Some of these below are taken from “The Journey to Transformation, Next Steps” by Intercessors for America.

Transformation Observations and Principles

1. The process of salvation and transformation begins with hopelessness and surrender.
2. The need for transformation depends on how we perceive our condition.
3. Before transformation can occur, we must be persuaded that: 1) our present circumstances are desperate  2) time is running out  3) there is a lifeline or an opportunity to be grasped.
4. Human history tells us that people don’t generally move until they perceive either an imminent crisis or an immediate opportunity.
5. Desperation declares that our condition is not just broken and painful, but actually dangerous.
6. If we sense that we have time, there will be no urgency for transformation.
7. We must want deliverance, not just relief.

Transformation Questions

1. What percentage of the Church do you believe is concerned about the condition of the Church and the community? Think about the community you live in.
2. What do you believe is the perception of need in your community?
   1. Conditions desperate and unmanageable
   2. Conditions troubling but not unmanageable
   3. Conditions not perfect but stable and prosperous
3. How do your perceive your own condition: desperate, time is running out, there is a lifeline or opportunity to be grasped?

Transformation Application

Based on your perception of your condition and the condition of your community, list some steps you can take personally, and some possible next steps to help those in your community to recognize that the condition of the community is desperate, time is running out, and there is a lifeline.

Beginning next week, I will be doing a series of Transformational Devotionals which I trust will be an encouragement to you. If you live in the Richmond, Virginia area, we will be showing and discussing at our next ETN Missions Forum one of George Otis’ Transformational DVDs, documenting three Community Transformations in three different parts of world. The ETN Mission Forum will be held Tuesday, January 21, at 7pm at the House of Prayer, 10500, Newby’s Bridge Road, Chesterfield VA 23832. Join me in the Journey to Transformation.

May God reveal Himself to you in a greater way in 2014 and meet your every need.