Into The River

🌊 River of Revival » A Clean Heart (January 11)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10

We know that God, not man or woman, brings revival to a community or nation. So it is also true of personal revival—it’s God’s work, not ours. We can pray, read the Word, even lead others to Christ, but it counts for little unless God is empowering (and glorified in) the work being done in us and through us.

Asking God to create a new heart in us is a prayer for personal revival, and it’s a prayer he desires to answer.

God is the author of revival. We Christians can prepare the atmosphere through our earnest prayer, exemplary living, and being contrite and humble. But only God can revive the spirit and revive the heart of a person.” –Billy Graham

Prayer Prompt: Father, like David, I ask you to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. May the inside job you do in me be seen by those who know me best, and may you be glorified by your wonderful work in me.

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. 

Join the church family in prayer daily and also today, Sunday morning worship (10 AM), and on Wednesday evenings praying together (6:30-7:30 PM). We are becoming more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶 

Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024).

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” —Psalm 55:22

We live in a stressful world. Each day seems to bring yet another stressful situation. Handled wrongly, stress affects our physical, mental, and spiritual health. In revival, stress can cause us to miss out on the changes God wants to make in us or the blessings God wants to give us.

But stress, rightly handled, can work for our good. Stress teaches us how to handle the hard things that come into every life. To be alive is to know times of stress.

While we grow through rightly handled stress—casting our burden on the Lord—we can rely on him to give us the strength and wisdom to make it through.

“God does not promise to save us from struggle and hardship, for in no other school could he make spiritual men of us. Nor does he promise to make the hard way easier for us, for that would be to lower the standard of attainment, and of character which he has set for us. But he has promised, when the stress is growing too sore, to give us strength, that we fail not.” –J. R. Miller

Prayer Prompt: Lord, you know the triggers for my stress. I pray those might become triggers to cast my burden on you. For you will surely sustain me. You will never permit me to be moved.

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. 

Join the church family in prayer daily and also this Sunday morning (10 AM), and on Wednesday evenings together (6:30-7:30 PM). We are becoming more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶 
Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024).

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” —James 4:8

For most of our problems, we deal with the symptoms more than the causes. Like a painful toothache, we can try painkillers, or we can have the tooth removed. Revival, as it comes to us, may be just the beginning of what God wants to do next. Are we ready for what A. W. Tozer calls a “radical reformation”?

“I believe that the imperative need of the day is not simply revival, but a radical reformation that will go to the root of our moral and spiritual maladies and deal with causes rather than with consequences, with the disease rather than with symptoms.” —A. W. Tozer

Prayer Prompt: Father, may our motto be “whatever it takes” for a cure for our worldwide problems. May our churches rise to the occasion and root out causes, not merely consequences. Go deep with us, Lord. Go deep with me.

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. 

Join the church family in prayer daily and also on Wednesday evenings together (6:30-7:30 PM). We are becoming more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶 

Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024).

“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” —Revelation 16:15 

When will Christ return? Will there be worldwide revival first? Will there be judgment here on earth? These are questions Christians ask, but God withholds the specifics, asking us to trust him and stay awake awaiting Christ’s return.

Some Christians foresee a final revival, perhaps in the aftermath of some catastrophic event. Is that how revival will come? Again, we don’t know. We must, however, not be shaken by world events that disrupt our comfort. Such an event may indeed lead to a large last-days revival. Be prepared. Stay awake!

“Times of suffering and crisis are a prompt for God’s people to, again, link arms across oceans and denominations in visible, united, extraordinary prayer. What might God be pleased to do if we asked him for global revival, for the expansion of the glorious gospel of his beloved Son?” —Ryan Griffith

Prayer Prompt: Father, I pray for Christians around the world, particularly in countries where believers are already experiencing tragic events—political upheaval, life-threatening diseases, earthquakes, wars, and rumors of war. Lord, may they be awakened, praying for us even as we pray for them. So desperate is the world for revival, we will willingly suffer tragedy if revival comes with it.

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. 

Join the church family in prayer daily and also on Wednesday evenings together (6:30-7:30 PM). We are becoming more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶 

Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024).

“In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” –Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV) 

God’s goal is that we be complete and full in him. That we live as completed individuals, in the fullness of His complete community. Thus, he has made provision for our completeness. Too often, we try to complete ourselves through appeals to the flesh, but they can never deliver the right and permanent connection to us. His indwelling us is a permanent and complete connection. To live this out, we must forsake the flesh and all that appeals to the flesh. God will not share us with the flesh or with Satan.

“Yes, believers are complete—they have a fullness in Christ which nothing can exhaust; a love which passes knowledge, a strength which is omnipotent, and a faithfulness which cannot be questioned. And the more they dwell upon it, the deeper becomes the conviction of their own weakness and Christ’s sufficiency, their own emptiness and his fullness, their own ignorance and his wisdom, their own utter inability to keep the path of duty, and their daily, hourly need of Christ to animate, sustain, and guide them.” —John MacDuff

Prayer Prompt: Lord, so often I feel like I still lack completeness, but your Word assures me I am complete in Christ, so I take that truth by faith. Thank you that, because of Christ, I am complete, totally who you desire me to be. Nothing lacking.

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. 

Join the church family in prayer daily and also on Wednesday evenings together (6:30-7:30 PM). We are becoming more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶 

Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024). 

“I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me.” –John 16:7-9 

A hallmark of all true revival is the conviction of sin. One role of the Holy Spirit is just that—to reveal our sin to us. If we claim to have no sin or feel no conviction, we need only to ask God to show us our sin. That’s a prayer God always answers through Holy Spirit conviction.

In the light of God’s presence during revival, there will be a newfound grief as sin is uncovered—even sin we were previously unaware of. A revival-believing Christian keeps short accounts with God—­confessing sin as soon as it’s revealed. Blessed by the Lord, who forgives all our sins! 

“When Holy God draws near in true revival, people come under terrible conviction of sin. The outstanding feature of spiritual awakening has been the profound consciousness of the Presence and holiness of God.” —Henry Blackaby

Prayer Prompt: O God, holy One; Lord of all creation and Lord of my life, reveal to me hidden sin so that I may confess, repent, and enjoy the glow of forgiveness. Help me keep short accounts with you. I desire a holy and fruitful life, indwelt by your Holy Spirit.

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. 

Join the church family in prayer daily and also on Wednesday evenings together (6:30-7:30 PM ). We are becoming more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶 
Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024).

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” –1 John 2:15–17 

This present world is filled with lures. We can all identify the attractions that weaken us spiritually. Worldliness to a Christian is like Kryptonite to Superman. Our benefit from revival will be shown in what we do when we encounter those Satanic lures of the world. Are we hungry enough for God to cut ourselves loose from the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life? From all that glitters in this present world?

“A true revival means nothing less than a revolution, casting out the spirit of worldliness and selfishness, and making God and his love triumph in the heart and life.” —Andrew Murray

Prayer Prompt: Father, this world holds many attractions for me. But I know that by faith the greater joys come from your kingdom. To experience revival, I pray for an increased desire for the things of God and a decrease in the false glitter I see around me. Lord, call your people out of this ungodly culture. Help us stand strong for your kingdom. Equip us to reach others for Christ. May true revival blossom on earth as an invitation to the lost to enter your kingdom of light.

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. 

Join the church family in prayer daily and also on Wednesday evenings together (6:30-7:30 PM ). We are becoming more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶 

Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024).

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” –1 Samuel 15:22 

Though revival comes only through prayer, we must also personally prepare for God’s outpouring. Obedience is key. God shows us what to do, but we’re sometimes reluctant to obey. 

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person’s seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.” —Elisabeth Elliot 

Prayer Prompt: Lord, you require no burnt offerings from me. You ask for no unreasonable sacrifice. You only ask for my obedience. Show me what you would have me do. Empower me with your Spirit. Breathe into my being the personal revival that seeks your will. I ask this for all of us praying for revival. May our obedience bring forth lasting fruit—revival fruit. 

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. On Sunday January 4, Pastor Jerry will teach on PRAYING & FASTING as we become more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶 
Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024). 

“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze.” —Exodus 35:31-32

“It is a part of Christianity to convert every natural talent to a holy use.” —Hannah More

PRAYER PROMPT: Lord, thank you for the natural talents you give your people. Bring forth even greater creations as a result of revived artistic ability. Give fresh talents to those who ask for it. Allow your glory to be glimpsed through the gifts of your people.

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. This Sunday January 4, Pastor Jerry will teach on PRAYING & FASTING as we become more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶

Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024).

“Behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” —King Jesus (Luke 24:49)

“Verily the day of revivals is not past. The Holy Spirit is still waiting to fill believers with power from on high.” —John Greenfield

PRAYER PROMPT: Lord, thank you for the filling of your Holy Spirit. Today may I walk confident of the power within me to affect change.

In 2026 we are committing ourselves as a church body to seek God's heart for revival, reading Scripture and praying along with the prompts in the daily devotional Our Cry for Revival. For three weeks to begin the year we will share daily videos highlighting a theme from that day's devotion. This Sunday January 4, Pastor Jerry will teach on PRAYER & FASTING as we become more intentional in our efforts to follow Christ "Upstream," rather than just drifting downstream into a new year. Join us on this daily journey, and fasting as well (Jan. 5-14). ConnectionOC.com 🌊​​🛶

Devotional: Nick Harrison, Our Cry for Revival: 365 Devotions and Prayers for an Outpouring of God’s Spirit (Brentwood, TN: B&H, 2024).