Revive Us Again! Part 2

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 

(Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

Note:  On March 12, 2017, I was blessed to lead worship at my church—the title of my sermon was Revive Us Again! 

This is the second post in a short series sharing a heavily edited version of my sermon by the same title.  In the future, there may be an audio or video of this sermon which will enhance what I will be sharing in writing.  To enhance your understanding I recommend you read the first post here:  Revive Us Again!

From  https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Psalms-51-10_Inspirational_Image/

Starting with our own sinful nature, crying out to God in humility, as David did in Psalm 51 is a great place to start.  Revival starts with individuals and spreads.  In Psalm 51 David cries out for mercy, for forgiveness, asking God to cleanse his iniquity—God is the only one who can do this.  In confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness from God, our hearts are purged (cleaned, emptied out—complete thorough cleaning process), we are washed in the blood of the Lamb—the blood of Jesus and made whiter than snow.  A clean, renewed heart wholly devoted to God alone. 

From  https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Psalms-51-11_Inspirational_Image/

In revival, we are restored to a right relationship with God.  This causes us to rejoice!  Revival is a blessing from God—it is not a given in every generation, nor is it a cure-all for all that ails us.  Revival—true revival changes us and shakes things up.  Revival should fill us with a passion to share the gospel with everyone!  Revival without obedience to God is a mockery, a disservice to God—honestly, I am not sure how that can even be called a revival!

From https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Psalms-51-12_Inspirational_Image/

For several suggestions on praying for revival, I offer to you the following links that contain solid information on praying for revival:

How to Pray for Revival

Ten Prayers for Revival and Spiritual Awakening

In summary, all our prayers for revival should start with our own hearts and lives—seeking God for a renewed sensitivity to sin and deepening of love for God.  It is from there the biggest changes occur and we are changed, as well as those around us.

If you decide to pray for revival, be prepared for change—change in how we worship and do what we do--music; for example, changes through revivals.  Consider the music Charles Wesley wrote—he used contemporary tunes to turn his poetry into hymns, many of which are still sung today…or consider the contemporary worship music influenced by the Jesus People/Charismatic Movement of the late 1960s/1970s.  Expecting revival without change will not work.  In revival the church is changed; then society changes.  Sadly, this did not happen in the Charismatic/Jesus People Movement—while many people came to faith, society grew more and more liberal (this was the time of prayer being removed from schools and the legalization of abortion).

Where do we start?  We start with our own heart—searching it and confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness from God.  Then we can pray for those around us and the rampant sin in our society.  Ask God to open the windows of Heaven and pour out His Spirit.  O that God might have mercy on us and send revival before things get really bad!

Nevertheless, may the cry of all our hearts echo the cry in a contemporary worship song from the early 1990s, Cry of My Heart:  

The hymn I selected to close the service, Revive Us Again, comes from a renewed, revived heart—from one who was a prodigal but returned home to the Lord.  May the words ring true for us as we live each day for the Lord.

Amen!

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, through Your Holy Spirit stir-up in us the embers of faith that are beginning to die, so that we may see our hearts as You see them.  As we cry out to You, in faith, realizing the depth of our how lost we are, we know that You will be faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us anew.  Cause us to be sensitive to the sin in our lives and to confess and receive forgiveness, moving on in faith to all that You have for us.  Open us to the variety of changes revival will bring our way—changes within us and within our churches.  Empower us to change our society through a revival of Your work within and around us.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Scriptures and Quotes on Revival

After taking last week off from blogging; I am back with a new post.  At this point last week I was at work on a sermon for Sunday.  Revival was the topic the Lord led me to study; the title of my sermon was Revive Us Again!  Therefore, I thought it might be interesting to consider some Scriptures, as well as some quotes on revival (which may or may not have appeared in my sermon text).  In the future, I may share my sermon; for now, I offer these thoughts.  Many of us are praying for and longing to be revived and refreshed.  Revival starts on the individual level and then spreads.  I encourage you to prayerfully read through this post. 

Image from Pixabay

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

  (Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?  Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. 

(Psalm 85:6-7 KJV)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

(2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)

O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. 

(Habakkuk 3:2 KJV)

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you… 

(Acts 3:19-20 KJV)

Image from Pixabay

They tell me a revival is only temporary; so is a bath, but it does you good. 

~Billy Sunday[1]

A revival does two things. First, it returns the Church from her backsliding and second, it causes the conversion of men and women; and it always includes the conviction of sin on the part of the Church. What a spell the devil seems to cast over the Church today! 

~Billy Sunday[2]

I believe there is no doctrine more dangerous to the Church today than to convey the impression that a revival is something peculiar in itself and cannot be judged by the same rules of causes and effect as other things. 

~Billy Sunday[3]

When is a revival needed?  When carelessness and unconcern keep the people asleep. 

~Billy Sunday[4]

When may a revival be expected? When the wickedness of the wicked grieves and distresses the Christian. 

~Billy Sunday[5]

Personal Photo

“…revival is nothing more or less than a new beginning of obedience to God.  It’s a church word…  It is not for the nonbeliever.  Revival starts with the church and then affects the world.  The world does not need revival; the church does. The world needs evangelism.”[6] 

~Greg Laurie

Personal Photo

With these Scriptures and quotes in mind, I invite you to pray with me and others for revival—personal and within our churches.  America is clearly in need of a revival before things get worse.  God may bring us a revival or He may choose to not bring revival.  Nevertheless, revival is a sovereign act of God. Many have written a great deal on the topic of revival.  Reading has its place; however, it is in experiencing revival that we are changed, renewed, refreshed, and made clean. 

What Scriptures would you add to this list?  

What is your favorite quote on revival listed above or one that you have read elsewhere?

Please join with me in prayer:

Loving Father, Thank You for the gift of spiritual hunger and desire for more of You.  Encourage us to fan the flame of Your light within us, so that we will continue to burn and shine brightly for You.  We cry out for revival, our dry spiritual bones need reviving; just as those old, dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision came to life through the breath of the Spirit—we seek fresh wind and fresh fire of the Holy Spirit.  Please be gracious to us and revive us once again.  Thank You for the desire You have planted within the hearts of Your children to seek revival from You.  We understand this is a special gift from You for us, Your people.  Prompt us to take what we receive from You and share with those around us—first with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ and then with those around us in evangelism.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

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[1] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda183039.html?src=t_revival

[2] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda325870.html?src=t_revival

[3] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda325880.html?src=t_revival

[4] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda325897.html?src=t_revival   

[5] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda325898.html?src=t_revival

[6] From https://www.harvest.org/devotions-and-blogs/daily-devotions/2016-01-23

Preparing Our Hearts for Easter

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 

(Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

On March 1, 2017, Lent started with the observance of Ash Wednesday.  This is a period of time observed by some Protestant denominations, as well as the Catholic Church.  Lent is simply a time of preparation for Easter.  “Traditionally, it is a time when Christians re-examine their spiritual life and try to discern the quality of their relationship with God.  It is a time of deeper dedication to God and seeking ways in which we can help to further God’s kingdom on earth.”[1] For more on Ash Wednesday, please click here:  What is Ash Wednesday?

Personal Photo

During this time, some Christians choose to fast for a particular time or deny themselves a particular food or activity.  For example, some choose to fast from sweets, while others choose to fast from social media.  For some ideas on how to journey through this time, please see:  Ideas for journeying through Lent.  

For a short video describing Lent and Ash Wednesday please click here:  

Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 

(Joel 2:12-13 KJV)

It takes humility to acknowledge this.  Just as Jesus was a humble servant; it takes humility on our part to acknowledge our need for a Savior and to confess and accept forgiveness for our sins.  “Ash Wednesday emphasizes a dual encounter:  we confront our own mortality and confess our sin before God within the community of faith.”[2]

Lent is a time of preparation to journey to Jerusalem with Jesus and His appointment at the cross.  It is a time for us to consider our own life and death, acknowledging that we are mortal beings and will one day return to the dust from which we were created.  Acknowledging this should be a humbling experience—we are finite beings, created for relationship with our Creator through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Our souls are restless until we are united with our Savior, Jesus.

Personal Photo

Trusting God for forgiveness—repenting of your sins and be completely cleansed from the inside out “declutters” our heart, our inmost being.  Allowing the Holy Spirit to convict you of your sins is part of the process for preparing for Easter.

Taking stock of our life and confessing our sins to God is something that needs to be done at times other than Easter; something that should occur daily.  The process, while important, can also be “messy” and a bit painful.  However, God is thorough and gentle in the process. 

Rend your heart; let God examine it.  Confess your sins before God and accept His wonderful forgiveness and mercy.  Remember that sin weighs us down; confession of sin frees us and lightens the weight that bogs us down.  There is no need to be depressed about what we have messed up or what we have done; it is a time to experience the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus’ forgiveness.

What sins do you need to confess?

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 

(Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

As a part of your preparation process I encourage you to deeply listen to this worship song by Keith Green.  Let the words penetrate deeply into your heart and spirit.  Sing them from your heart and not your mind to the Lord.  Meditate upon the words. Create in Me a Clean Heart.  

How are you journeying through Lent?

Please join with me in prayer:

Forgiving and Loving God, in humility we recognize that from dust we came and to dust we will return.  We return to You, turning from our wicked ways—confessing our sins—seeking Your forgiveness.  Thank you for forgiving our sins, for healing us, and for setting us free.  Assist us to accept Your forgiveness and live as people set free.  Create in us a clean heart—a heart fully and totally devoted to You.  Fill us with a desire for a clean heart.  Thank you for the renewing and refreshing presence of Your Holy Spirit within us.  Prepare us to deeply ponder all that Jesus did for us on His journey to the cross.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

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[1] From Trinity United Methodist Church Newsletter, February 2016 (slightly edited)

[2] From The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992) pg. 321

Rend Your Hearts

Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:   And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.  (Joel 2:12-13 KJV)

From https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/02/18/09/51/in-640517_960_720.jpg 

Today (Wednesday, February 10, 2016), is Ash Wednesday—the beginning point of Lent—which is observed in some Protestant denominations, as well as the Catholic Church.  Lent is a time of preparation for Easter.  “Traditionally, it is a time when Christians re-examine their spiritual life and try to discern the quality of their relationship with God.  It is a time of deeper dedication to God and seeking ways in which we can help to further God’s kingdom on earth.”[1]  For more on Ash Wednesday please click here. 

During this time, some Christians choose to fast for a particular time or deny themselves a particular food or activity.  For some ideas on how to journey through this time, please see:  How can I observe Lent?

For a short video describing Lent and Ash Wednesday please click here: Ash Wednesday and Lent in two minutes. 

It takes humility to acknowledge this.  Just as Jesus was a humble servant; it takes humility on our part to acknowledge our need for a Savior and to confess and accept forgiveness for our sins.  “Ash Wednesday emphasizes a dual encounter: we confront our own mortality and confess our sin before God within the community of faith.”[2] 

From http://www.blc-denver2.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2014-Lent-Cross.png

Lent is a time of preparation to journey to Jerusalem with Jesus and His appointment at the cross.  It is a time for us to consider our own life and death, acknowledging that we area mortal beings and will one day return to the dust from which we were created.  Acknowledging this should be a humbling experience—we are finite beings created for relationship with our Creator through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Our souls are restless until we are united with our Savior, Jesus. 

From http://livegreaterfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/lent.png

Trusting God for forgiveness—repenting of your sins and be completely cleansed from the inside out—“declutters” our heart, our inmost being.  Allowing the Holy Spirit to convict you of your sins is part of the process of preparing for Easter. 

Taking stock of our life and confessing our sins to God is something that needs to be done at times other than Easter; it is an every day thing.  The process, while important, can also be “messy” and a bit painful.  However, God is thorough and gentle in the process.  

Rend your heart; let God examine it.  Confess your sins before God and accept His wonderful forgiveness and mercy.  Remember that sin weighs us down; confession of sin frees us and lightens the weight that bogs us down.  There is no need to be depressed about what we have messed up or what we have done; it is time to experience the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus’ forgiveness.

What sins do you need to confess?   

From https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Crossofashes.jpg

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  

(Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

From http://live-from-the-heart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ashes-heart.jpg

How are you journeying through Lent?

Please join with me in prayer:

 

Forgiving and Loving God, in humility we recognize that from dust we came and to dust we will return.  We return to You, turning from our wicked ways—confessing our sins—seeking Your forgiveness.  Thank You for forgiving our sins, for healing us, and for setting us free.  Assist us to accept Your forgiveness and live as people set free.  Create in us a clean heart—a heart fully and totally devoted to You.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

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[1] From Trinity United Methodist Church Newsletter, February 2016 (slightly edited)

[2] From The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992) pg. 321

Worship: Create in Me a Clean Heart

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  (Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

From http://store.augsburgfortress.org/media/images/productsh/6000061218h.jpg

Due to time constraints this week, I am offering this time of worship.  Please take some time and deeply listen to this worship song preformed by Keith Green.  Let the words sink deeply into your heart and spirit.  Sing them from your heart, not your mind.  Meditate upon the words.     

I encourage you to use this time to prepare yourself for the season of Lent (this will be addressed in a future post) and Easter.  Open yourself to what the Lord has to say to you during this time of worship and preparation.

From https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/8e/eb/23/8eeb23e3c1b756868098de15a2739ac2.jpg

Stay alert; I plan to have a post on Ash Wednesday soon.

Please join with me in prayer:

Loving Lord, Thank You for how willing You create a clean heart within us; all we have to do is humbly ask You to cleanse us.  Fill us with the desire to crave nothing more than a clean heart and your presence.  Direct our focus to search our hearts and confess our sins and receive the forgiveness You so richly provide us.  Thank You for the renewing and refreshing presence of Your Holy Spirit within us.  Prepare us to deeply ponder all that Jesus did for us on His journey to the cross.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim