“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” —2 Timothy 1:7

What some may term an unfortunate side effect of revival is the tendency to have certain strange manifestations appear among the congregation. Many who experience these manifestations may count it as a blessing, but others see it as a distraction—one that can soon bring an end to revival.

The truest manifestation of revival is the intense awareness of God’s presence and the worship generated by his Spirit. A Christian never needs to lose control of his or her actions. Even during revival, we are still accountable. The Spirit we have from God is one of power, love, and self-control.

“The weakness of human nature has always appeared in times of great revivals of religion, by a disposition to run into extremes, especially in these three things: enthusiasm, superstition, and intemperate zeal.” –Jonathan Edwards

Prayer Prompt: God, my nature is weak. Guide me always as I, through the power of the Holy Spirit, learn self-control and discipline. Keep me from being a distraction to others through my own intemperance. Let all be done decently and in order.

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 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).