DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT: Revive Us Now! #1

Revival is that sovereign work of God in which He visits His own people, restoring and releasing them into the fullness of His blessing. -- Robert Coleman.
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O LORD, I have heard your speech and was afraid; O LORD, revive your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. -- Hab 3:2 (NKJ)

Why is Revival Needed?
As we continue our series on Revive Us Now, we have to ask ourselves the question… “Why is revival needed?” I believe it is when the love of God's people has grown cold… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. -- Rev 2:4.

We must pay attention to this warning from Jesus, to help us understand that knowing correct doctrine, obeying some of His commands, and praise and worship in the Church is not enough! The Church above all must have a passionate love for Jesus and His Word!

Consider the symptoms of why we need revival.
Ø Complacency: self-satisfaction or satisfaction with the status quo.
Ø Lack of concern for the lost.
Ø Hiding or covering secret sins.
Ø Animosity toward other Christians.
Ø Having an unforgiving spirit.
Ø Being filled with pride.
Ø Any condition of spiritual standing, where we are less than we were before we were saved, in other words…Backslidden!

The Dangers in our need for revival.
Often spiritual deterioration comes without our awareness. Samson had the power of God upon him, but he played around with sin and was found deficient, and the disciples had received power from Jesus Christ to heal and cast out demons, but they had lost their power, they were unaware that it was gone!

Jesus told them that it was because of their unbelief... “Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." -- Mt. 17:19-20

We need the faith of God! This faith is an effective faith that produces results! Only when we have this faith can we move mountains, people, Churches, Cities and Countries!

Revival restrains the righteous anger of God, restores the conscious awareness of God, and reveals the gracious activity of God. -- Stephen Olford.

Often the condition of our hearts is such, that we are not aware of our need at the very time it is obvious; the flesh will fight against revival, and in order to have revival, we must admit that we have a need for it!

Loving Father, help me to keep the passionate love for Jesus, in my walk with Him. Hear the cry of my heart Lord; I desire to see revival in my time! Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit to have your faith, that I may move mountains, my Church, my City, my country, for your glory! In Jesuswonderful name I pray! Amen.