Walking With Jesus

Struggles

“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.” (Philippians 1:29-30 NLT)

The greatest battlefield for a believer is between our ears. Our mind will lead us places that will test our faith in ways nothing else will. Why does it seem the harder we seek to be close to the Lord, the more we struggle with other dimensions of our life?

It comforts me to know that the Apostle Paul faced many struggles on very practical levels – being hungry, cold, homeless, alienated, mistreated, scourged, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and in other ways, but his conclusion was essentially – it’s part of the deal, it’s what we signed up for! How so? Many of the issues we face aren’t necessarily because we’re believers, but because we’re part of the human family.

The upside is, we never face any of them alone. As a Jesus follower He is with us every step, but additionally, He knows how what we’re experiencing is equipping us to be effective for Him. Suffering isn’t our enemy. On many levels it’s our friend, our “instructor” if you will.

Because I have the “gift” of Alzheimer’s I’ve been blessed with insight into the heart of God that I never dreamed I would have. He’s given me more boldness in speaking out for Him, more courage to face the future with hope and expectation. Whatever the future brings, it will ultimately bring me face to face with my Savior.

To know the Lord Jesus is with me and for me; that every step of my journey has been mapped out by the Master Strategist and only includes those things that will in some specific way contribute to the success of my life’s journey, means everything to me.

Max Lucado wrote: “Don’t see your struggle as an interruption to life but as preparation for life.” What you’re experiencing right now, in this season of your life, is not by accident, it’s not an interruption, it’s an instruction. What you’re learning through this struggle will prepare and equip you for the next chapter of your life.

It can frighten you, as it does me, when I think about what “might” be, but it comforts and brings me peace to know that whatever that looks like, there’s Someone who is walking beside me, holding my hand and leading me through.

Think of the three young Israelites who knew they were headed to the furnace, but rather than panic, they walked right in like they were going out for coffee. Why? Because they knew no matter how hot the fire, they had a Friend who would walk with them and protect them from anything that wasn’t in line with His eternal purposes.

That’s true for you as well, my friend. What you’re facing may be terrifying, but one of two things is guaranteed: 1. It will kill you, which will make you eternally whole. 2. Or it will open avenues of opportunity you don’t have the capacity to understand in this moment. Either way, God’s purposes will be accomplished in and through your life in ways you don’t have the means of even imagining.

So, don’t dread your present struggles, embrace them to the glory of your Savior.

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊

The Greatest Benefit

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NLT)

What is your greatest pleasure? Yeh, I know this could get a little “ify,” but when we’re honest, especially as we age, it will reveal a lot about what’s most important in our life. Let’s just get this out on the table, because I know it was the first thing that came to some of your minds 😊. Throughout my marriage being intimate sexually with my wife was my greatest physical pleasure. God designed it to be.

But in this season of my life my greatest pleasure isn’t physical, it’s spiritual. My intimacy with God by far outweighs all other pleasures in my life. To know God supersedes any earthly form of enjoyment. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:10-11: “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”

You may find it interesting that the word Paul used in verse 10 that’s translated “know” is a derivative of the same word that Moses used in Genesis 4:1 in the KJV when he wrote: “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain…”

It’s confounding to some that love of the Lord Jesus is more satisfying than any earthly pleasure, especially when you consider the fact the satisfaction isn’t derived only in what we get, but in what we give to His honor, glory, and praise. Paul uses words like “suffer,” “sharing in His death,” as well as “experience the resurrection from the dead.”

That’s why millions across the centuries up to and including today, choose to die rather than deny their faith in Jesus. On some levels I believe it’s true that you’re not ready to live for Jesus unless and until you’re ready to die for Him. Perhaps that’s why we have so many lukewarm “pew” sitters in the church and so few whose lives are a torch of light for the Savior.

A recent quote attributed to Mike Reeves says: “The greatest benefit of union with Christ *is* Christ.” In some ways it’s like me saying: “The greatest thing about marriage is being married to MY wife.” In those themes is exclusivity – no one brings me more satisfaction, pleasure, enjoyment, yet also, there’s not one to whom I have more commitment, devotion, or a willingness to “lay down my life for” kind of passion.

If your greatest desire isn’t to walk pleasingly before your Savior, your savior must not be Jesus! Why would I say such a thing? Because Jesus doesn’t call us to mediocrity or for Him to be our proverbial “genie in a bottle,” responding to our every beck and call. He bids us come and die!

Jesus said in Matthew 9:23-24: “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.” While many literally die every day for their faith, for most of us our “dying to self” looks like putting Him first in everything we do, say, or think.

If you’re not enjoying life to the fullest, I invite you to give your life to Jesus who IS “the Way, the Truth and the Life.” (John 14:6) If you’re not sure how to do that, please click on the highlighted name and let Ron Hutchcraft explain it to you.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Christianity Without the Church?

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT)

Given the state of our world today it seems more people than ever should be flocking to churches, but it’s not the case. With rare exception churches are struggling to maintain or are losing ground. This is true, not only in attendance, but faithfulness in serving, leading, giving, outreach, and in other vital areas. Why do you think that is?

Likely because more people who profess faith in Christ are leaving the church or have never been taught to understand the vital nature of being a part of a local body of believers. I’ve often contended that I’ve met some of the best people and some of the worst people in the church. But to allow another person or group of people to drive you away from the church is to rob yourself of an area of vital development in your walk with the Lord.

Early in my ministry I read a book by Reuben Welch entitled “We Really Do Need Each Other” that helped shape my view on the necessity of aligning ourselves as believers with like-minded people. Jesus followers are often compared with soldiers, and for good reason. I’ve watched a lot of war movies, among my favorite series is Band of Brothers which dramatizes the history of “Easy” Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

When you’re at war your comrades in arms are your “family.” And, like most any family, you’re not always going to like each other. You’ll fuss and pout and say stupid things to each other, but when the bullets start flying and the sky lights up with artillery fire, there’s no one you want by your side more than your fellow soldiers.

It doesn’t mean each one will believe exactly alike, they’re not all the same race, color, or creed, but they’re all fighting for the same cause, and, for those of us who are Jesus followers, there is no greater cause than “fighting” for King Jesus and His eternal Kingdom.

To profess faith in Christ and not give our allegiance to a local body of believers is a contradiction. Jesus is the Founder of the Church, which is literally “the called-out ones.” The word “Church” has many implications, one of which is to be “called out” of darkness into light, “called out” of sin and shame into forgiveness and new life, and “called out” of your home or place of comfort into a house of worship with other brothers and sisters in Christ who are seeking to follow the commands of their Savior.

But another vital consideration is the effect our laziness or obstinance in not choosing to find a place of corporate worship has on those around us. Kevin DeYoung wrote these challenging words: “The man who attempts Christianity without the church shoots himself in the foot, shoots his children in the leg, and shoots his grandchildren in the heart.”

Most reasons people leave a church seem to focus on them getting hurt in some way, which I understand to some measure, but, honestly, hurt feelings is not a valid reason for removing yourself from gathering with people of faith. Yes, I can understand if you have to break ties with that local fellowship but find another group with whom you can join ranks. Jesus died for the Church, so to casually walk away as though it doesn’t matter is a slap in the Savior’s face.

Please, make the effort to find a church home and commit your life to helping them build God’s Kingdom. It will be well worth your effort. Think about this: what if a big reason they’re not making a larger impact is because they haven’t yet met you?

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊

What Do You Think of Christ?

“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.” (Ephesians 5:25 NLT)

Everything we do, say, or think adds to or detracts from the painting our life displays, in terms of what we think of our Savior. How we love ourselves and others, how we care for ourselves and others, what we think about, talk about, dream about, demonstrate in every word, act or deed, every moment of our life.

Of course, there are exceptions based on our mental, emotional, physical, even spiritual state, but as a believer in Jesus we are stewards, managers, caretakers of EVERYTHING the Lord gives us, including our body and mind, not just our soul. What we eat and how much, where we spend money and on what, whether we tithe and with what attitude. Virtually everything we do reflects what we think of Christ.

In Luke 10:25-28 Luke records a conversation Jesus had with an expert in religious law. The man asked Jesus: “’Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus replied, ‘What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?’ The man answered, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘Right!’ Jesus told him. ‘Do this and you will live!’”

To love Jesus is to put that love on display in every area of our lives. What do you “feed” your mind? Where and how do you invest your time? On what do you nourish your heart? How are you developing the strength and health of your body? What avenues are you following to nourish your soul?

Unless and until you make the connection between heart, mind, soul, and body you’ll never have ongoing intimacy with Jesus. How does that translate? Eat food that is nutritious, that will nourish your body; exercise in age-appropriate ways that will enable you to maintain an active lifestyle. Read books, articles that stimulate a healthy interest in things you enjoy, as long as they don’t dishonor Jesus. Read sermons, and especially the Bible to nourish your mind and soul.

Balance what you allow your eyes to view and your ears to hear, so as not to overload your mind and heart with “junk” that will deteriorate your spirit. Feeding your mind on a constant diet of television, video games, news channels, etc., will rob you of healthy communion with your Savior.

John MacArthur wrote: “The Christian husband displays what he thinks of Christ by the way he treats his wife.” And, of course, the same is true of the wife. How we love others is a reflection of how we love our Savior. MacArthur also wrote: “Those who are full are not interested in food. In the same way, sinners who are satiated with their sin have no hunger for spiritual things.”

While I’m not necessarily equating time spent on electronic devices as “sinful,” it can be very distracting to the accomplishment of other avenues of spiritual development. But even as I’m writing I’m realizing how many hours I research and write on my computer. However, even that needs balance. I still read and study my Bible largely the “old fashioned” way.

The point is, the end result of what we do, say, and think during the course of our day is going to reflect what we think of our Savior. So, you’ll need to discern what that looks like for you. Who’s being exalted? You or Jesus?

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊

The All-In Prayer

“Someone once told the great evangelist Dwight L. Moody, ‘The world has yet to see what God will do through a man fully consecrated to him.’ Moody took that to heart and dedicated his life to taking the Good News to the world. Can you imagine if Christians all around the world took on that challenge of dedicating themselves wholly to God? It starts with just one person making that decision. If you’re ready today to give yourself totally to God and his purposes, pray this prayer. Then consider sharing it with your small group or pastor. – Pastor Rick Warren

*Please let this prayer by Pastor Rick Warren become your prayer, as it has become my prayer. Blessings, Ed

Father, today, I’m stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice. The verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now. I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes, with God’s people, on God’s planet, for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, to cultivate his character, to participate in his family, to demonstrate his love, and to communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting me in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead, I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today. I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running with me.

When times get tough and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit led, purpose driven, and mission focused. So I cannot be bought. I will not be compromised. And I shall not quit until I finish the race. I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace. I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ I say, however, whenever, wherever and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes. Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime, anywhere, any way. Whatever it takes, Lord. Whatever it takes. I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in and let the eternal party begin.”

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

When Satan Rejoices!

“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to Me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.” (John 16:20 NLT)

Seeking to bring comfort to His disciples as He prepared them for His departure from this world, Jesus mentioned that while they grieved, the world would rejoice. C. S. Lewis picked up on that theme when he wrote: “My prayer is that when I die, all of hell rejoices that I am out of the fight.”

It reminded me of the last words of Kari Jobe’s song, The Cause of Christ, which say: “I pray it’s said about my life that I lived more to build Your name than mine.” May I assure you that if your life is being lived to the Lord’s honor and fame more than to yours, hell will rejoice when your life comes to an end on earth. The happy reality is, even after we’re gone our legacy for the cause of our Savior will continue.

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile on Pexels.com

Here’s the truth, living a life devoted to the cause of Christ that will cause Satan to rejoice when we die isn’t something that will happen by accident. Loving Jesus and living for His honor and fame are byproducts of a focused life, they’re the result of a disciplined life lived with intention. What might that look like?

Focus on anything begins in our mind. What we think about comes about, so, if our desire is to change anything in our life, we first need to train our mind to think right thoughts about whatever it is. We’re creatures of habit, so in order to develop a new habit, we’ve got to set reminders in open view to remind us of whatever it is. I write myself notes and leave them in places I know I’ll see them.

Some critical habits for a believer are things like prayer, reading and studying God’s Word, the Bible, listening to the Lord in prayer and reading, not only the Bible but good books that ground our mind in truth. Books written by people like C. S. Lewis, Henry Blackaby, John Piper, Timothy Keller, Lee Strobel, Andrew Murray, Charles Stanley, Erwin Lutzer, Max Lucado, Jim Cymbala, Tony Evans, Charles Swindoll, Rick Warren, and on and on it goes.

Time alone with the Lord is indispensable. Prayer is not only speaking, but listening, as is reading the Bible. Read devotionally for the sheer pleasure of reading God’s words, but also take time to contemplate what those words mean.

For example, John 1:1a says: “In the beginning the Word already existed.” What does “In the beginning” mean? What does that tell you about Jesus? It establishes Jesus’ credentials as God, that He was and is pre-existent, which basically means, before anything else He already was.

John goes on to reveal a lot more about Jesus, but establishing a firm understanding of who Jesus is will go a long way in equipping yourself to handle the questions, doubts, fears, anxieties, hopes, and many other emotions that are raised in the course of any given day.

When my focus is on Jesus, I remember that He’s God in human flesh, so, as God, He’s pre-existent, ever-present, all-knowing, all-powerful, He will never leave or forsake me, and on and on it goes. In short, whatever I need, to be everything He desires me to be – HE IS!

When we find our joy and complete satisfaction in Jesus; when He’s our all in all, our everything, our life, everything we are or ever hope to be, then He will be our motivation to give our all in the fight to make Him known. As a result, hopefully and ideally, we’ll make a dent in the devil’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy, so, he’ll rejoice to see us leave this life.

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Racism

“In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free, Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.” (Colossians 3:11 NLT)

As a Caucasian growing up in the 60’s, prejudice was an expected part of our upbringing. We didn’t even think about it, it was just the way it was. There were black kids in our school, but rarely any interaction between us except in sports. I never stopped to ask why it was that way, but just figured the black kids got the same memo as white kids, that we weren’t supposed to like each other.

A few months after I got saved a singing group came to our church from an affiliated college. The kids were to be housed by the families of the church. My mom got a call and was asked if we’d be willing to host a black male student. Amazingly, my mom said “yes,” and that was the beginning of an education that has continued to this day.

Mel was a few years older than me, but one of the kindest, most gentle, most talented men I’d ever met, and was also a very talented musician. We hit it off immediately and, for me, the race barrier was shattered. From then on it became apparent to me that the color of our skin, the one thing with which we’re born and over which we have no decision or control, should never separate us.

It took me a while to realize that unlike many of the pictures I’d seen of Jesus, he wasn’t a white guy, but a man of color who grew up in a land I’d never heard of until I began to read the Bible.

Racism is a belief that some races are by nature superior to others, leading to discrimination based on that belief. Having traveled to other countries and met people whom I instantly loved based on nothing more than our mutual love of Jesus, I found it strange that there was so much turbulence in the 60’s due to race. Why couldn’t we just get to know each other and learn to love one another?

Not understanding the history between white and black people until I was older, I hadn’t understood the basis of the mistrust and hatred. But also, being aware of the rednecks in the backwoods of West Virginia, and realizing I was seen as one, I understood perfectly. I learned when you treat someone as stupid or unwelcome, or “different” in any way, it doesn’t take them long to believe that about you and or themselves.

Garrett Kell made an insightful observation when he wrote: “One of racism’s most deceitful tricks is to assure you that it abides anywhere other than your own heart.” One of the greatest privileges I’ve ever had is to be a part of Hope Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. We have more than 50 language groups represented in our congregation.

Some Sundays we sing familiar songs or choruses and many of the people sing them in their native language. It’s a touch of heaven and never ceases to bring tears to my eyes. I now have many friends of all shapes, sizes, and colors and each one brings a new and much invited dimension to my spirit that enables me to see Jesus a little more clearly.

Regardless of where you live or how long you’ve walked with the Lord, please allow the Lord to open your heart to each of your brothers and sisters regardless of race, color, ethnicity, or anything else that might be different from you. Learn from one another and allow the Lord to build between you an unbreakable bond of loving friendship. When you do, you’ll experience a little bit of heaven on earth.

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊

When 1 + 1 = ENOUGH!

“When the people saw Him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, ‘Surely, He is the Prophet we have been expecting!’ When Jesus saw that they were ready to force Him to be their king, He slipped away into the hills by Himself.” (John 6:14-15 NLT)

The verses above come right after Jesus had miraculously provided food for 5,000 men, plus their wives and children. As you’d expect, the people were overwhelmed with awe and they wanted to declare Jesus their literal king right then and there, but that was never Jesus’ desire or plan, so He “slipped” away.

The word used that is translated “slipped” here means “to withdraw, so as to leave a room; of those who through fear seek some other place.” (Strong’s) Make no mistake, Jesus wasn’t running from the crowd, He was running to His Father, and fear wasn’t His motivation, love was.

Alone time with His Father was a recurring necessity in Jesus’ life, as it must be in ours. To walk with Jesus and not spend time alone with Him is to miss the point of walking with Him. Following Jesus isn’t simply a commitment we keep, it’s a relationship we nurture, so, to miss time alone with Him is to miss the point of our relationship.

Why is our one-on-one time with Jesus so critical? Because, as He said in John 15:5: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” Alienation leads to ineffectiveness that leads to estrangement. Just as with our family and friends, time with Jesus is a choice, a choice that will lead to intimacy or isolation. At some point we must decide that, as the old hymn says: “if none go with me, still I will follow!”

In that context we can think of our walk with Jesus as Jesus + me = ENOUGH! However, it has much broader implications than just my personal walk with Christ. His design and desire are that we walk together, but the strength of our togetherness grows out of the strength of our oneness with Him, especially in our marriage and family.

I love this story by Jim Mitchell (See I Do Every Day: It’s a No, and It’s Unanimous – 2022) about a very frightening and challenging time in his marriage. He’s applied for what was, in his mind, his “dream” job. It was everything he could have ever hoped or imagined the perfect job would be, but when he got “the call,” the board responsible for hiring voted unanimously to NOT hire him.

As you might expect it was crushing, but Jim writes: “Then something beautiful happened. ‘It’s a no, and it’s unanimous’ became our rallying cry. Words that had wounded also created a defiant us-against-the-world resolve in the face of questions: “Is it true that not a single person sees our value? Has God really abandoned us? Will we put joy on hold and stop dreaming of a bright future together?”

‘It’s a NO!’ We said it together and we meant it. A unanimous vote of two. Looking back, I know God was right alongside us the whole time. So, I would never seek to diminish His presence. But I’ll also tell you, this was a profoundly human moment for us, where we looked each other in the eye and learned beyond any doubt that one plus one does not simply equal two. Sometimes in a marriage, when spouses cling to one another as God intends, one plus one equals enough.”

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Radical or Conservative?

“Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lords’s battles.” (1 Timothy 1:18 NLT)

There is a war going on in our world today, not simply literal wars where human life and property are at risk, but a spiritual war between right and wrong, good and evil, God and Satan, for the souls of men and women, boys and girl. And whether you choose to believe it or not, you’re on one side or the other.

You’re either engaged in battle FOR lost people’s souls or you’re not; you’re either standing up for the King of Kings or you’re not; you’re either holding up the banner of holiness and right living or you’re not. There’s no standing on the side lines. You’re either in the fight or you’re not. Where do you find yourself today?

John Piper wrote: “We cannot know what prayer is for until we know that life is war.” To believe we can stand by and watch while the world is burning is to not realize what it means to be a Jesus follower. To pretend we don’t know the battle lines have been drawn is to be a German blind to the plight of the Jews in Hitler’s regime.

There’s a point where blindness becomes numbness and turning a blind eye becomes idiocy. John Stott wrote: “Every Christian should be both conservative and radical; conservative in preserving the faith and radical in applying it.” We’re in the fight whether we like to think about it or not. If we profess faith in the living God, our life is in the crosshairs of the evil one.

The war is on and has been ever since Jesus took His last breath on the Cross. We’re either being a part of the problem or a part of the solution. We’re either taking seriously our Commission to give our all to Jesus or we’re trying to blend in with the world. But at some point, sooner than we want to realize, we’re going to answer the question: “Who’s really ruling my life?”

It’s either Jesus or someone else. Who is it for you? If it’s Jesus, then live like it. Stand up for what’s right, good, and holy, not just with your words, words are cheap, but with the quality of your life. Does your life shout for all to hear: “I’m God’s child and the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart are going to bear witness to that fact!”

By the world’s standards we’re going to live very conservatively – well within our means, generous with what God has given us, not only monetarily, but with our efforts to forward His eternal Kingdom. And we’re going to be very radical in how we apply our Christian principles in the way we treat others, how we pray, how we give, how we open our lives to the poor, the outcast, the rejected, the lost and lonely.

We’re not about exclusion, but inclusion, when it comes to people. If someone needs Jesus, we’re there for them. We’re not necessarily about waving banners, holding placards, or shouting slogans, but we are about standing up for what is right, good, wholesome, and will benefit those who are willing to put their lives on the line for Jesus.

In the days to come we’re going to be called on, whether we like it or not, to either defend our faith or deny it. We need to be clear in our own hearts and minds, because our choice is going to cost us our life – in this life and/or the next.

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊

Why No Revival?

“The high and lofty One who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: ‘I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.’” (Isaiah 57:15 NLT)

The term “Revival” isn’t a word we use or even hear much these days, but it’s needed more now than perhaps any other time in history. Revival, on some levels, is a “neutral” term. It literally means “to restore to life, to cause to grow, or to give life,” but that can have reference to an old photo or to an antique car.

But when God uses it, He has reference to His life in us. In the original language of the Old Testament the term meant “to quicken, revive, refresh, to cause to grow.” Growth is God’s plan for each of us who believe. But growth doesn’t happen accidentally. Growth is VERY intentional. To not be intentional about spiritual growth is to intentionally choose spiritual death.

Being a Jesus follower is a decision that requires action. It’s like saying: “I’m buying a new car; would you like to come with me to pick it out?” It’s a decision that results in practical change that, over time, affects every area of our lives.

Revival has at least two dimensions. Our part and God’s part. Leonard Ravenhill wrote: “The only reason we don’t have revival is because we are willing to live without it.” If we’re honest, most professing believers never give revival a thought, largely because we don’t understand how badly we need it.

Have you ever been a part of a true, Spirit-led move of God? I have and it can’t be faked or falsified. The Spirit speaks, people listen and respond. There’s little or no preaching and very little singing, except as the Spirit leads. People respond to the Spirit, then share what He’s saying. It’s genuine, Spirit-led, Bible-based confession, repentance, restoration of relationships with God and others that can’t be described or explained in any other way than God did it.

The actual “Revival” may only last a few days or a few months, but the launch of God’s Spirit in people’s lives as He awakens and ignites their spirit to love and serve Him will live on throughout eternity. I’m forever changed for having been a part of such a move of God and I long for that in the lives of others today.

The irony is God will not force His Spirit upon us. He’s a gentleman and will only go where invited and welcomed. He will make His presence known and will flood our hearts with Himself where He sees an openness and honesty that genuinely desires and longs for Him alone. And when there is a group of believers longing for that to happen, not for any ulterior motive or desire for personal recognition or gain, He will respond in miraculous ways.

Do you hunger for His presence? Do you long to see your life exude love that is beyond anything you could “muster up” or fake? Are your prayers focused on the salvation of your lost loved ones and friends, or on things that are more centered on your needs? And please understand, I’m not saying it’s either or, but it must be both.

Some who profess Jesus don’t need revival, they need salvation. They have a pretense of spiritual fervor for what it can do for them, when what they need is to be cleansed of their sin and filled with God’s Spirit.

When enough people stop pretending and start begging God for His presence, the Spirit may see fit to bring revival. Until we demonstrate through our lives that we’re longing for the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do in and among us, there will likely be none.

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊