Many of us who believe in God's sovereignty and the hope that he will again visit our country with revival, are praying for God's Spirit to come anew. In past revivals there seem to be key ingredients that proceeded the mass response to messages calling for repentance and the birth of many into God's Kingdom.
"Genuine spiritual awakenings--or revivals if you prefer--have at least five ingredients.-prayer
-heart searching, resulting in confession and spiritual repentance
-changes in conduct and behavior
-sovereign acts of the Holy Spirit
-growth in the churches" *
I've heard that the next revival will bring conviction and repentance of the godless. Lives will be dramatically transformed by the power of God's Spirit. Whereas, in the early 70s, the Holy Spirit revival seemed to be focused on refreshing believers and instilling them with new understanding of the gifts of the Spirit and the power available to live a more dynamic Christian life.
What then, is important for the church to be focusing on now, in preparation for the next mighty move of God? Will we be ready to receive thousands of baby Christians into our fellowships? Do we know how to nurture them? It will take more workers than just our present leaders. Are "mature" believers trained to share life-building biblical truths with newbies? To lay aside preconceived ideas about "worldly" people that would judge their actions and outward appearance, rather than accept their person? To believe God wants to use them, in spite of their inexperience and failures? To be willing to give up schedules and invest whatever time is required to care for newborns?
Let's get the nursery ready. The bosom of Jesus will be their crib, where we can lead them to rest. Feedings of the milk of God's word will be around the clock. There's a good supply of wipes and clean diapers handy, as sin has to be eliminated and cleaned up.
The walls will be bordered with the ABCs of God's attributes and character. Educational games to boost their skills and coordination in love, hope and faith are in the toybox. The bookshelf will be loaded with books about Bible characters, Christian missionaries and our own memoirs as we share what we have learned. Life group playdates will develop in them the fruit of the Spirit as they learn to play fairly and with compassion.
We'll celebrate every new milestone and cheer them on to winning over every challenge. Their first outfits will be changes into hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. They'll sign up for basis classes in warfare, wearing armor and handling God's sword of the Word. Music lessons will include singing songs, hymns and spiritual songs. We'll work on memorizing the death and resurrection of Jesus whenever we take communion. Their security details of Goodness and Mercy will keep watch, always. And most importantly, they will grow to love our big brother Jesus and our Father, God.
Are we up for the challenge, the opportunity, the excitement of bringing home a new baby? Our partner the Holy Spirit is the perfect co-worker, who we can count on for wisdom, strength and comfort, no matter what paths this new one will take.
To God be all the glory for the new family members he will birth into his Kingdom. Let's pray the deliveries happen soon. Let's get our hearts right; free from distractions, alliances that would lock us into meaningless commitments, abandoning sins that would weigh us down, and keeping loose holds on our privileges and wealth.
Please bring revival, Lord, to our nation, to our world. Help us to be ready. May we have your love and heart to care. May we be eager to obey and do, whatever job you assign us.
*https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/ingredients-of-a-genuine-revival/
