From the Pastor

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 “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you”

–Psalm 85:6

Many people say we need a spiritual revival in America, and I am sure that is true.  Although we are one of the most religious minded countries in the western world, being “religious minded” isn’t always the same as being true to God and His will for us.  The Bible indicates that renewal of a nation begins with revival in the house of God.  The Church is to not only pray for the nation, but also repent of our own sins. We are to seek God’s face so we can be instruments of healing in the land.

The Lord says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their land.”

“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he is commanding all people everywhere to repent.”                –Acts 17:30

GOD’S RESCUE PLAN!

“Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.” –Psalm 31:2-3

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”          –Colossians 1:13

 RENEWAL

“Renew a steadfast spirit within me.”     -Psalm 51:10

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy, He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” –Titus 3:5-6

RESTORATION

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation.”                            –Psalm 51:12

“And the God of grace, who called you to eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”  –I Peter 5:10

RECONCILIATION

“All this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation”                   – 2 Corinthians 5:18

What does a spiritual awakening or revival look like?  God moving on hearts by His grace and in answer to prayer, people getting right with God and each other, people turning from sin and turning to God, people righting their wrongs, people giving testimony and praise to God’s work in them, people rejoicing in the goodness and mercy of God, people seeking God with all their hearts, people glorifying God for who He is and not just what He does for them!

It may start in personal Bible study or prayer, in a small group or worship service. It may be the result of God getting our attention in dramatic ways, but it always ends up in lives being changed!

Where there is genuine revival: violence and crime decrease, anger and abuse cease, profanity shuts down, gossip and backbiting end, and love prevails. Couples reconcile rather than divorce. Liquor sales go down because people are filled with joy and peace and don’t need an artificial boost. The sale of Bibles goes up, because people are hungry for God’s word, and a desire to share it with others.  Tolerance and temperance increase and temptation loses its power. People are set free from bondage and gladly give themselves to God’s service and the blessing of others.

“Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.” –Psalm 85:10-12

“Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.”  –Psalm 80:19

Revive your church, O Lord, revive our nation, and let it begin with me!

Blessings,

Pastor Dan