Anderson Hills

Revival is transformational. As people get honest, the blood of Christ cleanses, and life—real life, the abundant life of Christ—is restored. Revival is for the reviving of the body of Christ, and for turning sinners to Christ so that they too can become saints. But our prayers for revival will be a mockery if we are not living holy lives. With an enhanced standard of conduct, people pursuing holiness gets noticed. The moral effects of revival cannot be overlooked, and this is the aspect which most impresses the world—changed lives and behavior is evidence for all to see. We need to remove the ordinary things, purging ourselves from worldliness to create more space to be consecrated by God.

Revival is transformational. As people get honest, the blood of Christ cleanses, and life—real life, the abundant life of Christ—is restored. Revival is for the reviving of the body of Christ, and for turning sinners to Christ so that they too can become saints. But our prayers for revival will be a mockery if we are not living holy lives. With an enhanced standard of conduct, people pursuing holiness gets noticed. The moral effects of revival cannot be overlooked, and this is the aspect which most impresses the world—changed lives and behavior is evidence for all to see. We need to remove the ordinary things, purging ourselves from worldliness to create more space to be consecrated by God.

Revival is about God’s Name being exalted with praise and honor given to Him, on earth as it is in heaven. As we understand the awesome power of the One we address in prayer, our faith grows and we begin to pray in a way that moves the hand of God. Powerful prayers are not about the spoken words, but the heart behind them, a heart hungry for God. As we prepare for God to revive us, we pray for God to move in our own hearts in order to receive more of His love. We become the love of God by experiencing the love of God. We ask Him to work in the hearts of others so they are open to see God’s glory and have the desire to know Him. Most importantly, we need to pray in a posture of humility; our lives are to exalt Jesus.

Revival is about God’s Name being exalted with praise and honor given to Him, on earth as it is in heaven. As we understand the awesome power of the One we address in prayer, our faith grows and we begin to pray in a way that moves the hand of God. Powerful prayers are not about the spoken words, but the heart behind them, a heart hungry for God. As we prepare for God to revive us, we pray for God to move in our own hearts in order to receive more of His love. We become the love of God by experiencing the love of God. We ask Him to work in the hearts of others so they are open to see God’s glory and have the desire to know Him. Most importantly, we need to pray in a posture of humility; our lives are to exalt Jesus.

Revival depends on repentance, and repentance requires conviction and confession of sin. God’s people, whether individually or corporately, cannot be revived unless they abandon their attachment to sin. Once the Holy Spirit brings conviction and we wholeheartedly respond by renouncing our offensive ways, revival fire can come and new growth can flourish. Allowing the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and minds and uncover any offenses steeped in pride and unbelief is a necessary daily discipline. We cannot be filled with the power and love of God if we are full of ourselves. Sin is a hinderance to growing in relationship with Jesus and with others. Confession and repentance is the way to restore and revive our hearts.

Revival depends on repentance, and repentance requires conviction and confession of sin. God’s people, whether individually or corporately, cannot be revived unless they abandon their attachment to sin. Once the Holy Spirit brings conviction and we wholeheartedly respond by renouncing our offensive ways, revival fire can come and new growth can flourish. Allowing the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and minds and uncover any offenses steeped in pride and unbelief is a necessary daily discipline. We cannot be filled with the power and love of God if we are full of ourselves. Sin is a hinderance to growing in relationship with Jesus and with others. Confession and repentance is the way to restore and revive our hearts.

When Paul declared that on his body were the marks of Jesus, he referred to the scars that had been left by the scourgings, stonings, vigils, and turmoil Paul endured for the sake of Christ. They showed that he belonged wholly to Christ, his Master. Standing up for Jesus may take us out of our comfort and safety zone. There is, after all, a cost to following Christ. The cost might be experienced in our finances, our security, our family, relationships, and yes – even our physical well-being. Like scars we have from our healings, these kinds of scars speak loudly and give testimony to the incredible worth of following Jesus to those who are exploring faith.

When Paul declared that on his body were the marks of Jesus, he referred to the scars that had been left by the scourgings, stonings, vigils, and turmoil Paul endured for the sake of Christ. They showed that he belonged wholly to Christ, his Master. Standing up for Jesus may take us out of our comfort and safety zone. There is, after all, a cost to following Christ. The cost might be experienced in our finances, our security, our family, relationships, and yes – even our physical well-being. Like scars we have from our healings, these kinds of scars speak loudly and give testimony to the incredible worth of following Jesus to those who are exploring faith.

Jacob’s name means deceiver or schemer, and we see that his name rang true by the choices he made. But God, the Redeemer, interceded through a wrestling match and showed Jacob a whole new way to live, under God’s blessing. At the end of the match, God not only gave Jacob a new name, He also gave him a visible sign of who Jacob now was and how he would live—God wrenched Jacob’s hip out of place. Jacob would now walk with a limp to remind him that he no longer walked in arrogance apart from God, but must walk in humility before God. The injury was a visible reminder to all that Jacob was a man who finally submitted to God.

Jacob’s name means deceiver or schemer, and we see that his name rang true by the choices he made. But God, the Redeemer, interceded through a wrestling match and showed Jacob a whole new way to live, under God’s blessing. At the end of the match, God not only gave Jacob a new name, He also gave him a visible sign of who Jacob now was and how he would live—God wrenched Jacob’s hip out of place. Jacob would now walk with a limp to remind him that he no longer walked in arrogance apart from God, but must walk in humility before God. The injury was a visible reminder to all that Jacob was a man who finally submitted to God.