Revival, Not More of The Same

We are in a spiritual season where the Spirit of God is bringing about revival in His people; He is stirring our hearts in preparation to revive us and restore our souls. Many may not know that when we obey God’s word, that’s when the restoration of our souls begins to take place. For the Holy Spirit says that true “Biblical” revival occurs when we do things God’s way, in accordance with His word, which first involves “a change in mind.” This is what the Bible calls, repentance.

We read some examples of this in the gospel of Luke 3:2-14 (paraphrased). Here we have the account of John the Baptist calling for repentance in preparation for Jesus to come and begin His earthly ministry. John explained to the listeners that followed him what is required to avoid the wrath of God that will come on the world due to sin; and how to bring forth fruits connected to repentance. In vs 10 the people asked him what should they do in order to repent? John instructs each person according to what needed to change in their heart on a personal basis; for repentance is personal, it does not look the same for everybody because we are unique individuals.

John the Baptist explained in vs 11; whoever has two coats, share your second coat with a person that doesn’t have one. And the person that has food, share your food with someone that doesn’t have any. This behavior reflects the heart of God the Father, a Provider. Therefore, he was preparing the heart of these to be unselfish and have care for others.

In vss 12-13, the publicans (tax collectors) he tells them to only collect the proper amount of taxes from the people, and don’t ask for or require from them more than they owe. So repentance for the tax collector meant to stop engaging in dishonest gain; let their actions in business be done with integrity and truth.

Last, vs 14 looks at the life of the Roman soldier. Roman soldiers were known for inflicting unnecessary violence on people that was not warranted (undeserved), they would falsely accuse people, and strong-arm people out of money for themselves. That said, soldiers were being called to change their thinking and behavior regarding their oppressive and corrupt interactions with other people; whether it was unmerited violence, lying or forcing money out of people due to greed because they were in a position of a soldier. In each situation we see that it called for a change in their thought life and actions.

Another aspect of revival we need to look at is during times of revival, the Lord will begin to stir our heart by the Holy Spirit bringing things to our remembrance we used to do with Him and in Him; activities and /or spiritual disciplines we did with Jesus during precious time spent with Him. For example; prayer, reading and/or studying the Bible, journaling, going on outings together with the Lord, writing skits, revisiting and refreshing ourselves on certain foundational scriptures that anchored our life in Christ Jesus. Some things we did with the Lord in His presence are actually connected to purpose, showing us who we are in Him, what we are to do and how to fulfill it. These are just a few examples, I don’t know what that is for you, but you and the Lord know. What’s important is that when the Holy Spirit begins to stir those memories and prompt you, follow His lead and re-engage yourself in whatever it is. Don’t miss God in this season of revival. I say this in the Name of the Lord because believe it or not many of us have left off doing what we used to do in our relationship with the Lord Jesus. Makes sense to me otherwise why would there be a need for revival.

This is how the Spirit of God is moving for such a time as this in the lives of His people; AND in preparation to draw more people into His Kingdom through our lives. The following writing is something that the Holy Spirit inspired me to write a few years ago; and I think is timely to share at the present. It reads:

Revival (originally written April 17, 2018)

God brings about restoration after Revival, which is preceded by repentance.

It’s repentance first; a change in mind (and direction) based on doing things God’s way according to His word and the leading of His Spirit, as we turn and walk in His direction.

Next comes revival; the Breath (Spirit) of God re-filling us again, as He awakens everything that seemed to be dead and dormant; along with the grace (power and ability) to carry it out.

Last, restoration. The Lord restores our soul Psalm 23: 3a (our mind, will and emotions; our character). As He restores our soul, He simultaneously restores the ability to function in our rightful place in Jesus Christ.

That said, it’s Repentance, Revival and Restoration; in that order says the Lord!

I pray this writing is both enlightening and a blessing to you and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless you,

Sis Bea