“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:16
When I moved from California to Georgia, I experienced quite a bit of culture shock. First, the language, even though it was English, still sounded foreign to me. For example, in California, a buggy is what a baby goes in. In Georgia, a buggy is where you put groceries. Secondly, road directions are explained completely differently. In California, someone would tell me to turn left on 1st street, then right on Figueroa St. In Georgia, I am told to turn left at the old oak tree, then right at the big red barn.
One other major difference was the concept of church revivals. I always thought those were camp meetings held in the 1800s, but I was so wrong! Revivals are alive and well in my adopted home state! If you’ve never been to a church revival, you are missing something AMAZING!!
These past four days of our recent revival were phenomenal! We sang songs of praise, prayed individually and corporately, and listened to messages from God’s Word targeting personal self-examination and rejuvenation of my Christian walk. Every aspect of revival challenged me, inspired me, and exhorted me to work on becoming a better Christian. As I listened to the messages, the Holy Spirit worked in me through God’s Word to impact my heart and change my behaviors and attitudes to be better aligned with the Scriptures and better able to serve the Lord.
Each evening was rich with worship and praise of the Lord Jesus Christ through song, testimony, prayer, and fellowship! Just like all the past revivals I have attended, this one was also a wonderful blessing to me!
I realize that with the coming of Jesus rapidly approaching, there is much for me to do. My responsibility as a Christian is to share the gospel with others. Why? So when He does appear, others will be able to go with Him back to heaven! I must admit, after revival, I am revived, refreshed, and ready to go to work!! By the way, the next time we have a revival, please join us!
Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.
O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me;
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.
(from “Search Me, O God” by James Orr)
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” – Isaiah 57:15
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For revival in our land, we must first have revival in our hearts.