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Old Testament Revival

Did you notice the revival that Judah experienced in the time of Hezekiah? There are a few things that stood out to me as I was reading; these things have characterized revival in the past. First, revival is never about finding something new but returning to what has always been God's will. That's also why its called re-vival and not discovery. Second, there are some who won't agree, understand, and will mock what is true. Third, revival will involve an increase in obedience to God along with impact on all of life. And finally, 2nd Chronicles 31:21, "And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered."

Father, give me a whole heart to seek after You. You are worthy and strong. That You would send your Son for me is such an amazing gift. That Your Son would die for me is beyond comprehension. Revive my heart to serve you. I don't want to just have some improvement of religion. God I want improvement in all of my life. I want all of me to be changed by Christ. I want all of me to be governed by Christ. I want to live for Christ. Do not let me think about what others will say. Let me think about what Christ has done and how I am given life in Him. Send revival to me. Send revival to my church. Turn our hearts to You.

In Jesus' name
Amen

Don't miss this

Oftentimes in search of the meaning of prophecy we miss the message of prophecy. Don't miss this today from Revelation 12:11

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Father, show me and fill me today with the power of the blood of the Lamb. I don't want to be simply nostalgic about the cross. I want to know the power of His resurrection. I don't want to just make it by. I want to live for You. I want to know the power of faith to conquer. May my testimony of faith be powerful because it's grounded in Christ, fed by Christ, and directed always to Christ. And Father, I want to know Christ to the extent that faithfulness unto death is an easy choice. Do not let me wait for the executioner's sword. May I not love my life even unto service. May I not love my life even unto sacrifice and witness. May I love Jesus Christ and by his blood become a conquerer.

For Jesus
Amen

Pay Attention Don't Drift

The lesson is the same from the kings of Judah to the end of time: we need to hold fast to Jesus Christ. The product of our depraved natures is to look inward instead of look Godward. Unfortunately this doesn't disappear at the new birth. The residual effects are felt every day while we walk this earth. To put it is as blunt as Scripture does there is the temptation to return like a dog to its vomit (2 Peter 2:22). Joash returned to his vomit. The nations will wallow in the mud. Christ and Christ alone is what cleans us up and keeps us clean. Looking to Christ who is the full display of God's glory brings repentance of sin and sanctification. We must intentionally set Christ before our eyes. After my daily bible reading and prayer this morning I returned again to Philippians chapter 2. This passage has pointed me repeatedly to the glories of Christ and my satisfaction. Search for Christ in His word and you will be satisfied.

Father, shine the light of Your glory today into me and out through me. I want to see Jesus. I don't want to run well for a time and then lose it in the end. I want to run the race, finish well, and win the prize. Oh how I need Jesus. Oh how I love Jesus. I live in a dark land constantly bombarded by the temptations of darkness. Surround me with light. Use me to shine forth the light of Christ. Master, it is my desire to be used by You. Show me Your glory that I might be transformed. Teach me great and wonderful things about my Savior.

In Jesus' name
Amen

Always Reforming

The nation of Isreal was under a constant need of consistent reform. This was the produce of two ingrediants sinful humanity and leadership turnover. Mankind has an obvious sin problem that unfortunately tends to taint even our best attempts at obedience over time. Mankind tends to die as well thus forcing new leadership into position. I don't say all this because I'm a pessimist but because I'm a Christian. We need Christ today and we long for Christ's return and His complete reform. Christ is not sinful so we must rely on His leadership. Christ will not die so we must rely on His longevity. Jesus can be trusted. Jesus must be trusted. He will lead the way to faithfulness and He will lead raise up faithful leaders. If you're going to be pessimistic just be sure you don't go too far. Maybe it's time to reform our pessimism.

Father, Your wisdom and glory are my hope. Christ is what I need and what the church needs. He has given us our salvation and He has given us our direction. The cross tells us that we need saving, all those who come to Christ will be saved, and there is glorious work to be done. May I grow today. May I be useful to You today. May Christ's obedience and sacrifice guide my every thought.

In Jesus' name
Amen

The king no one wanted

Today we meet King Jehoram of Judah. His life is a lesson in how to be a person no one likes. First, kill all your family. We're not quite so drastic so we just verbally wound and run off everyone around us who is a perceived threat. Next, Jehoram was a poor leader and military commander. In order not to be liked its a good idea to run everything into the ground. Then, Jehoram set up idols and places to worship false gods. Leading people to hell is ultimately not the best way to care for and look after your family and friends. Finally, abandon God. Jehoram turned his back on God and tasted the earthly discipline for that act. The gut wrenching thing (no pun intended) about Jehoram is that his suffering isn't over; his suffering only just began.

Father, You are the One who holds the four angels at bay. By Your word and Your wisdom they go and stay. Your power is magnificent. Use me today and the rest of my days in a way that reflects Your power. You defeated sin and death through Christ and His glorious resurrection. Nothing is too big for You. Make me useful today. Make me a plant in your kingdom that yields a great harvest of fruit. I want to see people saved. I want to see people changed. I want to see people invigorated by Your glory and honor. I want to see people come to know Jesus Christ. Use me today.

In Christ's name
Amen

Our Eyes are on You

2 Chronicles 20:6-12, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. 7 Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, [4] or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ 10 And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy— 11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”