Revive Us Again

Upon a suggestion by Melissa of "Mel's Quiet Thoughts" blog, I am writing about revivals.

In rural northwest Missouri where I now live, revivals are alive and well. If you are not familiar with the term, it is a series of meetings with music and preaching for the purpose of renewing and refreshing the relationship we have with God through Jesus. It is also a time to share God's love and the message of salvation with others. In fact, many people will testify to the fact that they gave their heart and life to Jesus at a revival meeting. Some "senior saints" have reminded me in the past that revivals used to last two to three weeks back in the old days, but today a week-long revival is a long one. Usually 3-4 days and sometimes a weekend.
I have, over the past 10 years or so, led music for several revivals (I would guess 20-25.) They are always different depending on the church and people involved. Some churches are mostly young people and some mostly old. Some churches have a new pastor, and some have a seasoned veteran at the helm. Some have revivals several times a year and some haven't held a revival in a long time. There are several thing that they all have in common though. They are all seeking to be closer to God. They are all hoping to have people experience salvation. Some other elements of a revival that I have noticed is that some people understand the importance of prayer before a revival. It is easy to see that those churches who embrace this idea and that especially pray for weeks before a revival, really experience great things, supernatural things. I think it is because it brings them to the realization that revival does not come from the music or the preaching but from God himself and our willingness to submit our time and efforts to Him.
If there is not a revival meeting near you, have your own revival. Pray for God to renew your relationship with Him, praise him through singing, seek understanding by reading the Bible. You will be renewed! You will have revival in your own heart.

Maybe this will get you going...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJaU5-OdBaA

New Prescription

I have never worn glasses or had contact lenses. I am sure I will eventually need them because our eyes tend to lose strength over time like the rest of us. I am still blessed with great vision, but one of my daughters recently began saying that it was getting harder and harder to see. We attributed it to lack of sleep or too much time on the computer, but finally took her to the doctor who thoroughly tested her and got her a prescription for glasses. She was stunned by what she could now see. All it took was a small piece of glass to change her perception of what is around her. Actually, it took her dad changing his willingness to take her to be tested. I actually made the statement, "Why is it that everyone who goes to the eye doctor leaves needing glasses? They must just tell people that so they can sell glasses." Once I gave in and put down the money, I was able to realize that she really needed glasses. My attitude and stubbornness was getting in the way of my daughter's ability to see.

I see and hear a lot of people give reasons why they do not attend church. They seem to have it "all figured out" and understand that churches are just another group of people who want to take advantage of them for monetary gain. They have some music, have an inspirational speaker who tries to make you feel good, and then they ask you for money. They cannot understand how so many people are so gullable. I wonder how long they have seen the church this way?

Did they even have a parent who made cynical statements like I had done about the eye doctor?

I pray that they would have the experience of sitting down for a thorough examination of the church, close up. I think they would be amazed at the change in their vision.