Revival And Spiritual Awakening - Pursuing Intimacy With God
Revival Of God’s People And Spiritual Awakening
It is more clear than ever that we have a desperate need for God to move in a mighty way in our world, our nation, our communities, our churches, our families, and in our own hearts. You don’t have to look far to see the depths of how far we as a world, a nation, and a people have fallen from God.
How could things get so bad ? How could things have degraded so quickly ? The normal reaction of Christians is to blame the lost people, the “heathens”, the sinners, or the liberals, or the Democrats…
Lost Battles and Territory
However, in God’s Word you see when God’s people lost battles and lost territory to their enemy, it was always the fault of God’s people. It was their sins and their lack of obedience and holiness that caused God to turn away from them. And this resulted in defeat of God’s people, and it resulted in the forces of darkness and God’s enemies being able to influence the people and communities and society around them.
God’s people are to be a positive and saving influence on the world around them, but the opposite takes place when we, God’s people, are not right with God. We need God to touch and change our hearts, so that we are right with Him and one with Him again. One with His heart, and His will, and His desires, and His priorities. God’s love and passion for lost people to come to know Him and be saved needs to once again become our passion.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God lays out what we need to do
- If my people, who are called by my name (God is talking to Christians, His people, not lost people)
- will humble themselves (bow down to God in humility and acknowledge that He is Lord)
- and pray (pray regularly & reverently)
- seek my face (hungrily seek God and His presence and His word & voice)
- and turn from their wicked ways (Repent ! Turn from all sins, living for yourself, unforgiveness…)
- then I will hear from heaven (then our relationship & fellowship with God will be right again)
- and I will forgive their sin
- and will heal their land (God will pour out His spirit and will bring Spiritual Awakening and many will be saved)
For God’s glory and His name sake, may He bring about revival in us, and then a great spiritual awakening that is greatly needed.
Here is more great information about Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Dr. Henry Blackaby:
“Revival and spiritual awakening!” This has been the heart cry of multitudes for decades. God has been listening to our cry! In recent years, we have seen a marked increase in personal and corporate praying. But more significantly, we have seen a different kind of prayer. It is much more demanding. As individuals, families, churches, denominations, and a nation, God has allowed us to have the opportunity to come to the point of desperation. Not all have taken the opportunity. Some have remained untouched and unmoved by the spiritual crisis in our lives, homes, communities, and nation. Others, however, have seen these times as a divine invitation to experience the heart of God and to “stand in the gap before [God] on behalf of the land” (Ezek. 22: 30-31) in grave intercession, lest He bring rightful judgment upon our land.
Now more than ever, I have become aware of a growing number of spiritual leaders and the people of God “feeling the heart of God.” When God is “ready to bring revival,” He causes His people to come before Him in prayer. They instinctively:
- Pray – come to know the heart of God
- Believe Him
- Repent (adjust their lives fully to Him)
- Obey Him
Revival & Spiritual Awakening
Then He moves among His people in mighty revival! And the world comes face to face with God and His salvation. Not everyone wants revival. In the head, many want revival; but in the heart, most do not. Jesus said, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matt. 7:20). When asked about revival, their affirmations are strong. When given the freedom to speak or plan, revival is rarely mentioned, if at all. However, the desperate cannot help but speak what is so heavy on their hearts and on the heart of God!
We are now seeing an “open cry of desperation”–an open and unashamed crying in great repentance, even brokenness, before the Lord. Real, life-changing repentance is becoming the common thread of experience in increasing numbers of student groups, churches, and meetings of God’s people, especially leaders.
Blessed Are The Pure In Heart
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). The prayers of the righteous are powerful with God (see James 5: 16-18), and the redeemed shall pass over the “Highway of Holiness” (Isa. 35:8). The prophet said, “The unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for others.”
This is what we are seeing and experiencing–a deep sense of the presence of God, the holiness of God, the awesomeness of God, the true condition of our sin. We are seeing deep, honest repentance, followed by real, personal corporate “cleansing” by our Holy God. Like David, the cleansed can “teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You” (Psa. 51: 13). Revival by God’s people always results in spiritual awakening in the hearts and lives of lost people.
Pursuing Intimacy With God is committed to helping you with the most important thing in your life… your intimacy with God , your fellowship with Him, and your partnership with God in His Kingdom work & mission.
The Pursuing Intimacy With God Bible studies book has hundreds of Bible verses and great truths & promises from God’s Word.
Hear God’s Voice: Vital To Have Intimacy With God
Jesus: The Source of Abundant Life
Prayer Is Passion For Seeking & Knowing God
God’s Purposes For You & Your Church
Religion vs Relationship With God
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