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March, 2004 Here's My Heart... REVIVAL! The very word defines itself. Coming from the Latin word "vive", which means "life", when we add the prefix "re", which means "again", it really does define itself: "to bring to life again". It speaks to the fact that something, or someone, was once alive, and now needs to be rejuvenated, recharged, or even resuscitated. Does this describe us? Does it describe our church? Does it describe our staff, deacon-ministers, teachers, choir members, musicians, or leaders? Does it describe our couples, singles, parents, teenagers, senior adults, or children? Does it describe WHO we are, and WHERE we are? One thing is certain, if we don't sense the NEED for personal or corporate revival, we certainly will not EXPERIENCE revival. The choice, then, becomes personal. Frankly, it's not for me to say if YOU need revival. But, it is for me to say if I need to be "brought back to life". And, the exciting part of this is, if we truly DESIRE revival, and are willing to PAY THE PRICE for revival, God is ready to GIVE it! How much more exciting could it be? So, here is the time-tested formula. You know it, don't you? It's in 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God says, "If My people, those called by My Name, will HUMBLE THEMSELVES, and PRAY, and SEEK MY FACE, and TURN A WAY FROM THEIR SINFUL WAYS, then I will HEAR THEM, FORGIVE THEM, and HEAL THEM." In other words, God WILL give us revival, when we prepare for it! As you read this article, I am asking you to stop right now and consider, "Do I need revival in my life? Do I want it? Am I willing to pay the price?" Remember, it's not up to God.. ..it's up to ME! Dr. Bruce Chesser, powerful communicator of the Word that he is, cannot bring revival. Our staff, accompanists, choir, and musicians cannot bring revival. But, we can keep revival from coming. Let's be prepared, ready, eager, and waiting for what God is going to do. God bless you. Jim Clayton |