Revival?

 What is Revival?  Is it a Church term?   Has someone died and we’re trying to revive them back to life?   Does this word conjure up images of red face preachers pounding on their Bibles and yelling at people sitting on hard wooden benches (we called pews).   Is it the Church going out and setting up a tent and inviting everyone in town to attend a series of meetings under the tent?   Is it your favorite sport team getting a new coach and personel and actually winning? (we can only hope Falcon Fans).  What does revival mean to you?

Whatever image or thought you have about revival put it out of your mind.  I’m not talking about a crusade or planned outreach event of a church.   I’m not talking about any of the above mentioned ideas.    I’m talking about a realization in each of our hearts that we are sinners and that our community needs God.    A realization that God doesn’t want anything from us, He wants everything!    Revival is a spiritual awakening in our lives that takes place after much prayer and a desire that is ignited to see God work in our lives and in our communities.    

Revival is a renewing of our faith.   It is letting go of our sin and the desire of complete obedience to God.   It brings a sincere passion to see others commit their life to Christ.   Revival can’t be produced. invented or manipulated by human will.   It is a movement of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and in our churches.   It happens as an act of the heart that shows authenticity and brokenness before God. 

I’ve been reading about some of the great revivals that took place in history.   I long for this to happen in my life, in our Church and in the community.    I want to see the presence of God working through humble, praying, spirit filled believers to change many lives around us.    Will you join me?   Will you turn off the TV, computer, XBox, PlayStation and turn to God in prayer?   Will you decide to leave work on time in order to spend time with God at night, reading His word and praying?   Will you decide to start the day early spending time with Him?    My ONE prayer for our Church and community is REVIVAL.   We need a spiritual awakening! 

It will be exciting!    Ephesians 3:20

Kevin