The Problem with Revival

 

Ever since Adam's failure to walk according to God's precepts in the garden, God's whole creation longs for the freedom, which God's presence brings to our life (Romans 5:12, 8:19-23).

We all desire revival to bring us closer to God. Revival is a time of intense concentration on God's truth and His Spirit. We sit still for several days cloistered with Christ's Body.

God immerses us in His presence, because we take the time to rest at His feet. The music and the preaching of God's Word brings life to the spirit and the soul - our mind, will and emotions.

The problem with revivals is that as the memories of the revival fade, the soul no longer feels the euphoria, which was present during the revival; therefore, our soul will look to the world for new feelings of elation, rather than to the Lord.

Israel is a perfect example of this issue. In their entire history as a nation, they always fell back into the world after every revival (Hosea 14:1; Psalm 78:10-11, 40-42, 56-57). The casual church member is no different in their behavior.

Only a remnant of Believers respond to revival in their spirit, as well as their soul. Our spirit experiences a deep immersion into the presence of God. His peace influences our attitude and outlook.

Authentic Believers gradually realize that our soul is even more satisfied as we spend more time with God than with the world. We find the joy of the Lord as our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

We wake every morning and luxuriate in the presence of God all through the day. Even at night, our spirit rejoices as we sleep; and when we wake, there is a song of praise flowing through our mind.

In times of trial, we maintain the peace and joy of the Lord, realizing that there is a seed for a miracle in every negative experience we encounter. We enjoy fellowship with our brother, Jesus Christ, by His Spirit who dwells within us.

Prayer:
Father God, thank You for keeping us as the apple of Your eye, and sheltering us under the shadow of Your wings (Psalm 17:8). When we encounter trouble, we are always safe in Your dwelling place, as You hide us in the shelter of Your sacred tent and put us high upon a rock (Psalm 27:5, 32:7).

Teach us that revival is an attitude of our heart, not a week of meetings or a group experience. We can dwell in a time of revival each day of our life, as You renew a right spirit in us and make us ever mindful of Your presence our life (Psalm 51:10).

Thought for the Day:
We have an advantage in our life over the Saints who lived prior to Christ, because we actually have the presence of God's Holy Spirit dwelling within us; and He is continually reviving, comforting, correcting and drawing us closer to a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father.

One Spirit and One Body

The Spirit of God gives each of us gifts to use in our lifetime in service for the Kingdom of God. We have one God and Spirit, but there are many different types of gifts, which He gives to us to use for His glory. Some people are very wise with common sense and can give advice to those who need it. Others have knowledge from books and can pass along their understanding to the rest of us, or a specific word of knowledge directly from God for our benefit.

Some people have great faith in God’s faithfulness and can help us to trust in God when our faith is weak. God gives the power to do miracles to a few trusted Saints who can pray for us as we see God intervene in our life. Many have the gift of speaking, preaching and teaching God’s Word to help us to understand the divine teaching in the scripture.

Then, we have people who can discern evil spirits and can help us to avoid the devil’s traps. The Spirit gives the gift of tongues to some, so that He can use us to intercede in prayer through the Spirit and to speak God’s message to us, with others who can interpret that message when it is spoken in public. One Spirit gives to each Born Again Believer the gift, which he or she needs to fulfill God’s call on our life for each moment of time (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

How would the human body function without a liver? We cannot see it, but we all realize the unique and essential purpose the liver performs in our body. We cannot live without a functioning liver. The liver can be damaged in a matter of days by certain medications we take, addictions we partake of and some foods that we eat. However, the liver is able to repair itself and to grow healthy cells in place of the damaged ones in as little as one month.

Like the liver, no part of the Body of Christ is better than any other and the Spirit of God uses each one. We are all equally as important and the Spirit directs us what to do, when to use them, in what setting and in what way He needs them used. We are God’s Body, and we all minister to one another (1 Corinthians 12:24). God’s Spirit may give us more than one gift, or change the gifts He gives us according to the circumstances in which He leads us. God has a very special place for each of us who are called to His Body.

Prayer:

Father God of all the earth, You are our Maker and You are our husband. You called us and You have a plan for each life (Isaiah 54:5-8). Remind us not to think too highly of our self, but to realize that we are the gloves and You are the hand within us, directing us to accomplish great things for You (Romans 12:3-4). Whatever we do, even if it is just in what we eat and drink, we will do it all for Your glory (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).

Thought for the Day:

In Christ, we who are many, form one Body and we all belong to one another. – Romans 12:5

 

 

 

The Word of God Speaks

 

 

Jesus prophesied His own death several times during his years with His apostles, but they did not grasp the reality of His predictions (John 13:31-32). Jesus was still a young man and they assumed they had years of service still ahead with him. Jesus spent a great deal of time with the apostles, speaking to them about what they needed to know before He left them. They did not fully understand the meaning behind His words, however, until after Pentecost.

When we hear God’s Word, we receive it with joy. The Word of God will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). His Words are Spirit and give us life (John 6:63). The word of God is living and powerful. Like a surgeon’s knife, it penetrates into the deepest recesses of our soul – our thoughts, choices and emotions - and removes the ungodliness present there (Hebrews 4:12). When He uses us to plant the seed of the gospel in fertile soil, it springs forth with plentiful fruit (Luke 8:11).

Even the heavens and skies declare the glorious works of God’s hands (Psalm 19:1). When I consider the size and magnificence of creation, I cannot comprehend it. It is too magnanimous for me to fathom. God uses this very creation to preach His gospel (Romans 1:18-20). Even in countries where missionaries have yet to preach, the heavens are proclaiming God’s righteousness and the people see His glory (Psalm 97:6). If they refrain from believing His truth, it is only because of their rebellion and pride (Romans 1:20).

If we hide God’s Word in our heart, we will not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). Every word of God is perfect and holy (Proverbs 30:5). We meditate on His precepts and respect His ways, which He lays out for us in the Bible (Psalm 119:15). God breathed every word for our inspiration, instruction, conviction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). We stop and think before we say anything to anyone, and speak only the sincere words, which God gives us to say (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Peter 4:11).

Prayer:

I meditate on Your Word all through the night watches. You are my help, and I hide and rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You for stability and comfort. You hold me up with Your powerful right hand (Psalm 63:6-8). You are my rock and You bring me true salvation. You are my strong fortress, which prevents me from being shaken by the storms and quakes of life (Psalm 62:2). The earth and sky will most definitely be destroyed, but Your Word remains forever (Romans 10:8).

Thought for the Day:

The Word of God is always near us, in our mind and heart and on our lips. – Romans 10:8