What is Revival?

A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God. - Charles Finney

During true revival, thousands of lost people are suddenly swept into the Kingdom of God. Scenes of the lost coming to the Savior in great, and unprecedented numbers, are common. - Henry Blackaby

The coming revival must begin with a great revival of prayer. It is in the closet, with the door shut, that the sound of abundance of rain will first be heard. An increase of secret prayer with ministers will be the sure harbinger of blessing. - Andrew Murray

We want a revival to come just in our way. You never saw two revivals come just alike. We must let them come in God’s way. People are ashamed to admit they need a revival. - Mordecai Ham

A true revival means nothing less than a revolution, casting out the spirit of worldliness and selfishness, and making God and His love triumph in the heart and life. - Andrew Murray  

Revival is falling in love with Jesus all over again.  - Vance Havner

Revival is the visitation of God which brings to life Christians who have been sleeping and restores a deep sense of God’s near presence and holiness. Thence springs a vivid sense of sin and a profound exercise of heart in repentance, praise, and love, with an evangelistic outflow. - J.I. Packer

Revival is when God gets so sick and tired of being misrepresented that He shows Himself.  - Leonard Ravenhill

Hope for America

Our nation is in trouble. We are experiencing the judgment of God. Turmoil abounds. Darkness accelerates its hatred. Is it too late for the United States of America? There is still a chance for America and there is a precedent from scripture.

Nineveh was the capitol of Assyria. This wicked nation offended God and His wrath was imminent. But they experienced revival and turned to God.

1. God used an imperfect prophet. Jonah was a reluctant, hateful, angry person. But God used him!

2. God used Jonah’s incomplete message. Jonah merely announced, “Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” (Jonah 3:4). God used Jonah’s few words to bring repentance and as a result judgment was averted.

So here’s the point: IF GOD CAN USE AN IMPERFECT PROPHET WITH AN INCOMPLETE MESSAGE TO BRING REVIVAL TO NINEVEH THEN HE CAN USE US ALSO TO BRING REVIVAL TO AMERICA.

The Neck, Knees, Eyes, and Back Prayer

The Neck, Knees, Eyes, and Shoulder Prayer is an ancient prayer to be used when a nation was in trouble. It goes like this:

1. "God help my neck to bow before You. I don't want to be proud and stiff-necked, but humble and submissive to You." An example of this is Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:18).

2. "God help my knees to kneel and pray. Give me a spirit of prayer. Help me to get down on my knees and call out to You in earnest prayer." An example here is Elijah (1 Kings 18:42).

3. "God help my eyes. I want to see Your face. Help me to seek You and know You better and love You more." An example here is Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1).

4. "God help my back to turn away from all evil. Help me to hate sin and reject it consistently." An example here is Joseph (Genesis 39:12).

God first taught Solomon the Neck, Knees, Eyes, and Shoulder Prayer in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves (NECKS) and pray (KNEES) and seek My face (EYES) and turn (SHOULDER) from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land."

This is a powerful prayer, but it is not being used like it should be. CALLING OUT TO GOD IS THE ONLY HOPE FOR AMERICA. I am going to start trying to pray this prayer twice a day. Will you join me?

3 Steps to Spiritual Renewal

Simon Peter was supremely confident, pledging his loyalty to the Lord. But during the arrest of Jesus, Peter failed miserably, denying Christ three times; and, during the crucifixion of Jesus Peter was noticably absent. Approximately six weeks later, Peter went fishing and failed at that also (John 21). Imagine how horrible Peter must have felt.

How did the Lord reinstate Peter? More importantly, when we falter how does the Lord restore us? Here are three aspects of spiritual renewal.

First, we must SPEND TIME WITH JESUS. Simon enjoyed a nice breakfast of fish and bread with Jesus. In a similar way, we enjoy time with God through prayer and scripture. The resurrected Lord met with Peter at sunrise. I find the Lord most often meets me in the early morning hours also. It is amazing how "a little talk with Jesus makes things right."

Second we must SERVE GOD'S PEOPLE. Three times Jesus asked, "Simon do love Me?" Each time Peter declared his love for the Lord, Jesus told him to feed His lambs and tend His sheep. In other words, "Peter if you really love Me, take care of my people!" The way we show our love for God is through service to others. God then blesses us when we bless others.

Finally, to be brought back into fellowship with God we must SURRENDER TO THE CROSS. Jesus told Peter to expect suffering. He also told Peter not to worry about other people. Likewise we are to focus on the Lord and follow Him. As we follow Jesus we can expect to be treated like He was and that of course means the cross. Practically this means that we give up living for ourselves and die to our preferences in order to submit to God's will. 

When we drift away from God He wants to bring us back into fellowship with Himself. Simon Peter's experience shows us the way to renewal.

• Spend time with Jesus
• Serve God's people
• Surrender to the cross

220 Power

The most important verse for the pre-christian is John 3:16, but the most important verse for the existing Christian is Galatians 2:20.

Galatians 2:20 explains the power for Christian living. An easy way to remember this verse is to recall the difference between 110 and 220 electricity. 110 is for small appliances like toasters, but major appliances like dryers require 220 volts. And so it is, Galatians 2:20 contains major spiritual power to help us in life's big challenges.

How does one acquire this supernatural power?

1. You must die to self. Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live." Likewise, I must affirm that because of my union with Christ (Romans 6:3-6) I am crucified and everyday make the decision to die to self. 
2. Allow Jesus to live through you. Paul said, "Christ lives in me." Like a hand in a puppet, invite Jesus to takeover your mind, mouth, actions, emotions, etc. Give him complete control of all of you. Seek the filling of the Spirit. 
3. Live by faith. Paul explained, "and the life which I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." The Christian life is lived by faith. Stop trying and start trusting. Believe that Jesus wants to live through you and trust Him to do so. Feelings have nothing to do with victorious Christian living, but faith is vital. 

Spiritual Renewal Always Includes

During Josiah's reforms, "Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law" (2 Chronicles 34:14).

In the glory days of the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem, "Ezra opened the book" (Nehemiah 8:5).

At the start of our Lord's earthly ministry, "[Jesus] was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And He opened the book" (Luke 4:17).

Yes, my friend, if you are wanting a fresh touch from above, be sure and open God's book, the Holy Bible. 

A Pure Heart

Being double-minded is not good because such a person is mixed up inside. Sometimes they are spiritual, othertimes they are carnal. Sometimes they trust, othertimes they doubt. Instead of being double-minded the committed Christian should desire a pure heart. A person with a pure heart is totally in love with God. And because they are full of love for the Lord, there is no room within them for fear, doubt, or disobedience. Jesus promised, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8)."  

Watch out for the symptoms of double-mindedness. Seek to have a pure heart fully devoted to the Lord.