Revive Us Again – Time For Revival

When our youngest was just shy of two years old, we were in a local department store one day. I was pouring through racks as I pushed him in his umbroller (that was in umbrella stroller which folded very neatly for travel and ease of use). Suddenly, he sang forth Lu-yah dine glo-ree. Lu-yah, ah-men! To the top of his lungs. The melody was perfect, and the words were apparently what he heard as I sang it to him each night as he drifted off to sleep.

He may not have understood revival, but he understood the joy of singing those words and that melody. Do you know Revive Us Again? It’s an old hymn often sung at revivals. It was a favorite during my childhood. My son no longer remembers this song. It is only when I bring forth this memory that he has any recollection at all.

In our church, we just finished 21 days of prayer in which we gathered on Monday and Thursday mornings to pray for the direction our church should go in the next few years. We prayed for our youth, for our missionaries, and all manner of things relating to our church and her future influence on our area.

This past Sunday our pastor, Dr. Justin Alexander, asked us to pray specifically for three things that can bring about revival.

A RETURN TO GOD’S WORD

I think most of us of a certain age would agree that we’ve wandered far from following God’s Word in recent years and even decades. He quoted our minister of music, God’s Spirit moves with God’s Word. Justin recounted a story about William Tyndale who translated the Bible into English. The King of England was so angry, he called for the capture and burning at the stake of Tyndale. He escaped to Europe but was eventually caught. He was strangled then burned in 1536. His last words were, Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.

This prayer was answered when King Henry VIII turned to Protestantism and authorized that the 1539 publication be used by the Church of England for public use. A Bible was to be placed in every parish church.

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A RETURN TO REPENTANCE

And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the LORD their God. Nehemiah 9:2-3 (ESV).

I don’t think we have to work hard to see that in many churches today, repentance is rarely, if ever, mentioned. Some won’t even say the word sin. It’s pretty apparent that we are living in an anything-goes, worldly period of time. No matter what God has to say about it.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (KJV). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 ESV).

SPREAD THE GOSPEL

Like the people after Pentecost, when Holy Spirit came upon them and filled them, and they went out and spread the Word, we too will be eager to spread the Gospel when we give our lives to Christ Jesus. I’m not saying it will be easy. Many will say they aren’t capable. It’s too hard. What will people think? But Jesus told his disciples that Holy Spirit would give them the words. Will He do any less for us? God always equips the called.

REVIVE US AGAIN

I don’t know if my sweet baby was filled with Holy Spirit that day in the department store. Some things aren’t for us to know here on earth. But I know it is a moment this Mama will never forget. It is written on my heart for all eternity. It blessed me beyond measure. For sure, Holy Spirit was present, but it is beyond my understanding. I can only refer to the Scripture, Isaiah 11:6 (ESV) which says, . . . and a little child shall lead them.

How about you? Are you ready to sing Lu-yah?

Blessings, y’all!

I pray this blesses you like my baby boy blessed me all those years ago! May revival sweep across this land!