| contact] |
 |
LIVING IN REVIVAL part one As we once again settle into the routines of everyday life, perhaps the question all of us must ask is: "What are we truly seeking in our lives at this moment?" What is it that drives us, motivates us, and gives us a reason to get up in the morning? As Christians, we can still find ourselves with an inadequate apologetic for our lives. We may have a Christian veneer, but inside, we may be seeking the same thins as our non-religious neighbours. Does success drive us, is it money or security that we are seeking? Or perhaps it is happiness, personal peace, or a good family, that becomes our desire. Josiah acted upon his seeking heart when he began a process of repentance and turning from sin that impacted him personally, as well as the entire nation of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 34 v 3-7, we see that Josiah led the nation in purging the land of its idols. In all true reveival there must be a turning from sin. As the nation turned from idolatry, there became a natural turning toward God. As the temple was cleaned and repaired, it was also resored as a place of workship. True worship will always be a mark of revival. As the presence of the Lord is experienced by His people, worship will be the natural response of those whose hearts are set on God. Judah had fallen away so completely from God that they had litereally lost God's Word. The rediscovery of the Word set the nation up to be blessed and to experience the presence of God in a powerful way and it is that 'rediscovery' that is needed in our own culture today. In many lives, the Word has been lost. It has been unopened and unread, and in many cases, even when it is read, it has not been believed or obeyed. It is my conviction that disobedience to Gods Word is the greatest Sin affecting the Church of Jesus Christ today, causing us to be less effective in whatever we seek to do in His name. One of the hallmarks of a genuine revival from God is the restoration of the authority of the Bible. Josiah led the nation in repentance over its failure to obey the Word. With repentance came a recommitment to not merely read the Word, but to act upon it and put it into practice. We can be very busy in the Lords work but if we are not seeing results, we must be big enough to ask ourselves this question. Are we doing it His way, or are we hindering Him from pouring out His blessings. Revival begins within us but is all of God! We would be happy to receive your comments, prayer requests, or contributions for inclusion in our next issue. Please feel free to pass on the content. We ask only that you will quote the source: pat@womensrevivalministries.org |
||