Encouragement
Sooner is better than later, for you and God to deal with sin.
Of course, the best way is to stay close to God in fellowship, prayer and worship.
I grew up on a farm and our Baptist Church had one revival each year. The revival was in August after the cotton crop was 'laid by' and harvest was about 2 months away.
All 4 of us sons were saved during those revival meetings.
We have precious memories that will never be forgotten....
and the results were life-changing and Eternal in consequence.
A person can have a revival without attending revival meetings.
But the important thing is to allow God to deal with past sins and give you a renewed heart and desire to live for Him.
You can have this happen in private, but public worship helps us to grow.
I) REVIVAL is bringing a needy people and a powerful God together to have such an experience that the people will never be the same again.
II Chronicles 7:14 is the best definition of REVIVAL.
"If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (Also see Psalms 51 for David's personal experience)
I have listed what REVIVAL can do. See if you might need one or more of these:
1) To get your song back...and really live again.
2) To have a new beginning (start anew spiritually).
3) To get going (or activate) again.
4) To put into circulation again the spiritual dimension of life.
5) To cheer the heart (spirit)...perhaps to deal with depression.
6) To quicken (or renew) the mind.
7) To restore HOPE to the people of God.
8) To bring back the Springtime....God does it to nature, why not with us?
II) Repentance toward God and Faith in Jesus Christ are the keys to REVIVAL.
Repentance is a little-known doctrine and is experienced less by many people.
1) Luke 13:3~
Jesus said, "Except you repent, you shall perish." Repentance is the door to Spiritual Life.
2) Acts 3:19~
"Repent and be converted that your sins may be forgiven and refreshing will come from the Lord." Oh how we need spiritual revival and refreshing!
3) Acts 17:30-31~
"God tolerated past ignorance about these things, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent."
4) Acts 8:22~
"Repent therefore of this wickedness and pray to God that you may be forgiven."
Someone said, "The enemy of God in our churches can be hard hearts and dry eyes.
If you're excited about the Lord, tell your face about it."
Each year we enjoy watching the basketball games during 'March Madness'. Our eldest son has been a Coach for over 20 yrs. so we understand the frustrations they encounter.
But the countenance on a few of the coaches' faces, makes you wonder sometimes if they really enjoy what they're doing!
This reminds me of the saying, "Take a good look at yourself in the mirror each morning! Make sure that you have a pleasant countenance! You may not see your face again...
but other people will." The facial expression shows what is in one's heart.
The word 'Enthusiasm' comes from the Greek word, 'En-Theos' which means 'In God'.
Please remember that the same things that saved you, are needed every day:
Repentance toward God and Faith in Jesus Christ.
CONCLUSION:
Beware of 'cold hearts' and no fire from God.
Lord Byron wrote:
"I now have ashes where once I had fire. The soul of my body is dead.
The things I once loved, I now merely admire. My heart is as grey as my head."
Please allow the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to 'stoke the fire' in your heart and life.
'Revive Us Again' (written in 1863)
Words: William P. Mackay (1837-1885)
Music: John J. Husband (1760-1825)
"We praise Thee, O God!
For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died,
And is now gone above.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God!
For Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior,
And scattered our night.
All glory and praise
To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins,
And hath cleansed every stain.
All glory and praise
To the God of all grace,
Who hast brought us, and sought us,
And guided our ways.
Revive us again...
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again."
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Oh yes, how much repentance and revival is needed right here in the US. Oh that God would turn the hearts of the people to Himself and rekindle our nation as well as each one of hearts with a heavnenly fire. Thank you Travis for this inspired and timely article. Love you both, your friend, Sharon
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