WHEN DO WE NEED REVIVAL? (Part 2)
The word revival combines two Latin words, “vivo,” meaning to live, and “re” meaning again. It’s like a rebirth or a re-awakening, an invigorating experience where the Holy Spirit moves freely and fully among believers, setting their hearts on fire for the Lord. Below are another 5 indications that we need revival:
When answers to prayer are few and far between (Is. 59:1-2; Mal. 1:8-10} You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James 4:2c-3)
What ever happened to the power of God in response to our prayers? Have we become more dependent on methods, techniques, strategies, and programs, than on prayer and the Holy Spirit?
We need revival when prayer is more of a duty than a joy; when God seldom places on our heart people who need prayer; when we rarely sense God’s nearness when we pray, and when there are few, half-hearted praises to God for what He is doing.
When you lack real compassion for people suffering and in need
But whoever has the world’s goods and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him. (I John. 3:17-18)
Are you moved to pray and help when you hear about the latest natural disaster? Do you get tired of hearing about the victims and the plight in Israel, Hamas, Ukraine or Russia? Or are you moved to intercede and support in any way you can?
When joy is gone in our lives and in our worship (Psalm 16:11)
Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners will be converted to Thee. (Ps. 51:12-13).
When the pressures and circumstances of life rob us of the blessings and eternal benefits of our relationship to Jesus, we need revival. Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6)
When offenses are held and there is no power (Colossians 3:12-14)
We are a community of the forgiven who refuse to forgive. We live with unresolved conflicts—in our homes, in our families, in our workplaces, among church staff and even in the pew. We live with the enslaving consequences of anger, bitterness, loss of fellowship with God and man, psychosomatic problems, etc. Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24, If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Jesus also said, in Matthew 6:14-15, For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
When there is little true concern for people without Christ. Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. (Rom. 10:1)
If these 7 statements were God’s test on your heart, how would you rate?
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
