All hope was gone for the apostles the day Jesus died on the cross. They were very discouraged.
Have you ever felt discouraged? Perhaps it was hard to see beyond the moment. If you have ever felt like God was very close, then most likely you have also had times when you felt like He was no where to be found.
We are so blessed that God cared enough to send His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us so that we can be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life when we accept Jesus as our Savior.
We are blessed that we can take everything to God without a mediator. We are also blessed with the gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are blessed by being able to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
When Jesus was resurrected and came out of the grave on the third day, everything changed for the apostles.
Just as for them, when we feel close to God – when the Holy Spirit shows up – everything changes.
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Ephesians 4:23
The term “be renewed” used here, according to the Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary, is from a Greek word meaning a “the continued renewal in the youth of the new man.” This renewal is meant to be a continual ongoing action.
When we spend focused time with God through things like prayer, Bible study, and song, we are renewed.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
The Holy Spirit will renew us, and Christ will strengthen us, but we must spend time alone with God in worship. What I am referring to is time over and above the time you spend at church.
I have not always done this. Sure, I have sent up prayers other than when I was in church, but I have not always set aside additional time just for worship. If you think you do not have time to do this, in reality, you do not have time not to do this. God has shown me answers to many things and given me peace during my personal devotions.
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Philippians 1:27
As we continue to pray for revival we need to come to a place where we “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
Revival begins with our personal relationship with Jesus, then our relationship with each other, and it all comes together through prayer and the Holy Spirit.
We need revival.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matthew 28:5-6
Today’s challenge is to worship this Sunday more intensely than you ever have before. Pray like you believe your life – your future – depends on it. Let’s cry out to our Lord for revival as we thank Him for what He did for us.