Introduction: The next few devotions are going to relate to the subject of REVIVAL – Spiritual awakening. There seems to be a misunderstanding of this phenomenon that is recorded in the Bible. Therefore the following questions will be addressed on this matter.

1. What keeps CHRISTians from experiencing a REVIVAL?
Several verses speak to this issue:

• Prov 3:5,6

• Mark 11:22-24

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

• 1John 1:6-10)

“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

• James 4:2

“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

• James 4:6-10

“7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

• James 4:4

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

Introduction: The next few devotions are going to relate to the subject of REVIVAL – Spiritual awakening. There seems to be a misunderstanding of this phenomenon that is recorded in the Bible. Therefore, the first question to discuss is the following:

1. When do we need a REVIVAL? (Hab 3:2)

“O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.”

When the work of God is lacking – not being done – it shows we need a REVIVAL! In Habakkuk’s day the people of God (Israel) were wondering “Why a good God would allow bad things to happen?”

If God was in control, then why would He permit a heathen nation (Babylon) overtake His people and their country? And then on top of that, why would Yahweh/God let a sinful nation take His people into captivity? Yet, after stepping back and hearing a word from the Lord, Habakkuk sees the BIG PICTURE. 

Our Lord has a PEOPLE, a PLAN, and a PURPOSE. By the way, He has one for you and me. 

2. When do we need a REVIVAL?

These movements of the power of God were demonstrated during times of national and spiritual decline.

Examples: Hezekiah (See 2Chron 29-31), Josiah (2Chron 34), Jonah (3,4), Ezra (8-12)

3. When do we need a REVIVAL? (Psa 138:7)

“7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me…”

Even during a troubled time, the Spirit of God is able to revive the people of God. Are you a candidate? 

Conclusion: Do you conclude that our nation/communities/and Churches are in need of a REVIVAL? There is no better time than now for personal revival. 

Introduction: The next few devotions are going to relate to the subject of REVIVAL- Spiritual awakening. There seems to be a misunderstanding of this phenomenon that is recorded in the Bible. Therefore the following questions will be addressed on this matter.

1. Why do CHRISTians need a REVIVAL? (Rev 2:1-7, etc.)

“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

The glorified Christ is giving His evaluation of the Church of Ephesus. While there were some words of commendation, He also spoke words of correction. The word “left” speaks of abandoned.

First, there needs to be an honest confession. We’ve “left our first love”! Then comes the cleansing followed by the calling.

2. Why do CHRISTians need a REVIVAL? (Rev 2, 3 etc.)

To all the seven Churches except for Smyrna and Philadelphia, Jesus called them to repentance – a change of heart.

Introduction: The GRACE of God is stronger than the sin of man! As we take a journey through the pages of the Bible, it becomes abundantly clear. 

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

1. Noah found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Noah was a solitary saint in a sin-sick society. He stuck out like a sore thumb! Are you making a difference? Are you different than the world? Jesus said in the last days it would be like the days of Noah. “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matt 24:37)

Moses wrote, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Gen 6:8)

You too can find “grace” in the eyes of the Lord!

2. Abraham found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Abraham lied about his wife, being his sister, well half-truth. Anyway, Abraham is called a friend of God. He believed the Lord by faith. Will we trust the Lord by faith?

3. Jacob found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Jacob was a cheater and a deceiver, but God changed him. He became known as Israel – a prince that prevailed with God. Is it any wonder that he blessed his children with grace?

4. Moses found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Although Moses murdered an Egyptian and ran away, God called him to be a great leader. 

5. David found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Although David committed adultery and then participated in a murder – but paid the price – yet, he was forgiven and restored into fellowship with God. He became one of the greatest leaders of all of Israel. 

Our Lord wants to use us in a mighty way- all for His glory!

6. Samson found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Samson lost his hair, his eyes, and his strength. But he did not lose how to get back to God. Learn this… Sin binds. Sin blinds. Sin makes grind. 

But GRACE abounds. 

7. Rahab found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Although Rahab was a harlot, she had a change of heart and through faith became a follower of the one and true God of the Bible. Did you notice that she did not let her failures in the past keep her from her future?

Will you?

8. Jonah found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Jonah disobeyed the Lord by not going to Nineveh. Instead he went the farthest distance from God’s call. Why? Rebellion? Was he prejudiced? Perhaps. But God got his attention. Consequently, he repented and followed the Lord. God sent a great revival. 

Are we obeying the Lord as He leads?

9. Peter found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Peter denied knowing Jesus right after he claimed that he would die for Him. Jesus restored Peter. 

Have you failed? Will let Jesus restore?

10. Mary Magdalene found GRACE! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Demons controlled Mary until she met Jesus Christ who set her free! She became a devoted follower of Jesus. 

Are you following Jesus?

Conclusion: Me and you can find GRACE – favor! (Rom 5:20)

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Marvelous GRACE! Infinite GRACE!! GRACE that is greater than all our sin. 

Introduction: Believe it or not, our Lord uses troubles and trials to transform our life. An explanation of this process is thoroughly explained by Paul in Romans Chapter Five. Please follow the thought of the Holy Spirit.

1. Tribulation! (Rom 5:3)

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”

The word tribulation means pressure. Are you facing any pressure? Be of good cheer. It might be a blessing in disguise.

2. Patience (Rom 5:3,4)

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience…”

Patience means to stay under or persevere. Easier said than done. Right?

3. Character (Rom 5:4)

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience..”

Did you connect the dots? Through the troubles and trials, Jesus has a useful purpose.

4. Hope (Rom 5:4)

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope.”

There’s hope in the Lord!

Introduction: Our Lord is FAITHFUL to “PROVIDE where He GUIDES.” Are you trusting Jesus? Let’s see who exercised faith in Him.

1. Elijah did! (1Kings 17,18)

“1And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 2And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 3Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 4And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. 5So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 6And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.”

Elijah was a faithful servant of God who lived by FAITH. When he was told to “hide himself,” he did so not having or knowing all the answers for his needs. Yet, our Lord fed him by commanding the ravens to pick up some food and drop it by his place. Interesting to say the least!

After all, if our God made it all – CREATION – then why can’t He control it? 

The answer is He can!

Next, the brook – water source – dried up. Imagine how Elijah felt. Why Lord? What is going on Lord? But God’s faithfulness was demonstrated again through providing for him through the widow of Zarephath. As we read this testimony of Elijah it should build faith in our hearts toward the character of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

No. We are not Elijah, but we are God’s children (see 1John 3:1-3). Just like a father who gives “good gifts” to his children, Jesus reminds us that our Heavenly Father gives to provide for His children (Matt 7:11). 

So we can trust Him.

Are you? Will you?

Conclusion: The case is made. Can you testify? “Where the Lord guides, He provides”!

Introduction: Movements come and go. Experiences come and go. But a real work of God remains. Wise men and woman understand this principle. Have you?

The early Church was spiritually exploding! Things were happening. People were being saved by the power of the Holy Spirit of God. There were those being healed spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally. God was at work!

Yet, the adversary was stirring up opposition. Attempting to shut down the work of God became a losing battle! There were those who were trying to stay in control. But the words from Gamaliel stand true today. His words were spoken at an opportune time. Here is what he said and meant.

1. The Man Gamaliel! (Acts 5:34)

“33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space.”

Remember. Paul (Saul) was taught and trained at the feet of Gamaliel.

“I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.” (Acts 22:3)

Apparently, Gamaliel is a doctor of the law, and a respected man with a lot of influence. In addition, he was a member of the Sanhedrin. Therefore, one can conclude that he was very religious. He was well versed in the Old Testament. 

2. The Message of Gamaliel! (Acts 5:35-37)

“35And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.”

His analysis of historical characters tells the story. These failed miserably. But when the Lord is in it, it will not fail according to his counsel.

But He’s right!

3. The Mandate of Gamaliel! (Acts 5:38,39)

“38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”

Great words from Gamaliel. He gave great counsel. Now whether he was genuinely converted to Jesus Christ remains to be your guess or mine. 

Conclusion: God cannot be stopped. Man’s futile efforts cannot cease the work of God. Therefore, let’s join His unstoppable WORK for His glory! Those who fight against Jesus will ultimately LOSE.

Introduction: Do you love to spend time with Jesus? He makes the difference! People can even tell the difference He makes when we wait upon Him in “Prayer & Faith.” PRAYER WORKS if you WORK it!

A good example of that is found in the book of Acts.

Check it out:

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

1. After being persecuted for doing the “Work of the Lord,” check out Peter’s response! (Acts 4:8-10)

“8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.”

A lame man was healed. But as you might suspect, everyone was not happy, especially the religious crowd. Yet, Peter was “filled with the Holy Spirit,” That was the key. After spending time in the presence of Jesus Christ, the glory of the Lord was on Peter and John. They were bold witnesses. 

Have you been persecuted? Do you spend time to get “FILLED UP”?

2. The proof was in the pudding – the lame man was healed by the power of God, which was working through yielded vessels such as Peter and John! (Acts 4:11,12)

“11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Here is the GOOD NEWS! Jesus is His name. There is POWER in His resurrected life. He holds the keys to death and hell (Rev 1:18).

Go tell! Don’t be ashamed!!

3. Others will not be able to deny the proof and the testimony of the transformation of a life that has been changed by Jesus Christ! (Acts 4:14)

“14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.”

Glory! Don’t you love it!! Praise the Lord!!!

Conclusion: “Being with Jesus” makes the difference not only in our life but in others – like the lame man. In turn, when our Lord performs His mighty unstoppable work, others – like the religious crowd – cannot deny that Jesus Christ is Lord!

1. First, The UPLOOK! (Titus 2:13)

“13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Along with the writings of Paul, Luke was inspired to write these words in the context of the second coming of Jesus – not the rapture. 

“28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28).

2. Next, The INLOOK! (Titus 2:11-12)

“…Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us.”

3. Finally, The OUTLOOK! (Titus 2:11, 14)

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men…..13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

Conclusion: Keep LOOKING UP! Keep running the RACE where GRACE is in PLACE!! Keep your eyes on the PRIZE!!!
Finish Faithful.

Introduction: Why are so many relationships failing today? Yes. I agree. There are no “perfect” relationships. However, if our Lord Jesus is perfect, and He is, then He would know how to build a relationship that will last a lifetime….not perfect but BLESSED. He gives us not only instructions but also His overcoming life to enable us to make the most of our relationships.

Check out the following:

These principles will work for any relationship.

1. Medicine for our Marriages! (Col 3:18,19)

“18Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”

Two things. According to this and other Scriptures, the wife’s role is to come under the authority of a husband…God holds him accountable as a provider, protector, and priest of hi home. As she does, she is “submitting” to Jesus Christ who submitted to His Father’s will. 

On the other hand, the husband is to “love” – unconditionally – his wife as himself (Eph 5:22-33)….blemishes and all. If you do a word study on these words, you’ll discover “submit” is ὑποτάσσω(hoop-ot-as’-so), which means to place under, to put myself into subjection. If you do a word study on these words, you’ll discover “love” is agape, which means unconditional. Furthermore, the Lord instructs the husband not to be bitten with bitterness. 

2. Purpose for Parenting! (Col 3:20,21)

“20Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”

Both children and parents have guidelines for functioning in the home. 

Conclusion: Bottom line: Our God knows what is best! All of this is possible because of Jesus Christ’s power for the hour!