Revival.
HCC Soul Family,
I wanted to share my heart with you as I have had something on my heart this week. The word “Revival” has been in my spirit. I long for more of Jesus… I long for more of His presence. “Revival” is simply defined as an improvement in the condition or strength of something. It is also defined as an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again. Isn’t that what revival in the church should be? It should be “strengthening” the body of Christ… it should be the church becoming “active” and “important” again. Revival should make us want to be more focused in prayer and the reading of His word. Revival should cause our Christian walk to be stronger. Revival causes us to move from “preference” to “presence.” It’s no longer about what I want [preference], but rather, it’s all about inviting the presence of God into our lives [presence].
As I think about what is happening around the United States, I could name churches, universities, and homes experiencing revival. They are experiencing a “renewing.” They are strengthening their communities through prayer and through worship. The church is alive and becoming “active” again.
I read on social media that leaders all across the United States are traveling to these churches and universities to experience what is going on… and let me tell you, I am grateful these movements are taking place. However, did you know that we don’t have to travel to these churches and universities to experience revival? We can see it right here at Heritage Community Church. How?… Preparation and Expectancy.
Preparation: We need to KNOW Jesus… not just know of Him. We do that by spending quality time in prayer and through worship. We prepare our hearts to receive from Him. Can I challenge you to spend the next few days preparing yourself for what God is going to do Sunday? I wonder what would happen if we decided today that we want to see revival at Heritage?
Expectancy: Come Sunday, expecting Jesus to move in our church. Come ready to receive what you have prepared for. It’s hard to take someone where you have never been. That is why we prepare… so we show others the way.
So, here’s my challenge. Take the next few days, prepare your heart… come Sunday expecting to see Him move… because the question I've been asking myself all week is this: Why not us? If it can happen at Asbury, at Lee University, and at various churches around the US… then why not in Severn, Maryland. Why not us?
““...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.””
