Line Upon Line

I was going through some old sermon notes and came across "Church Pray!", a monthly bulletin insert published by Intercessors For America. The issue is dated September, 1991.

The heading on this little paper caught my attention: "Practical Steps to Revival", by Dr. George Sweeting.

Although written a few years ago, the message is timely for the Body of Christ today.

If revival is a desire of your heart, Dr. Sweeting's seven "Steps" are worth prayerful consideration.

1. Be Dissatisfied With Yourself

Develop a holy dissatisfaction. The contented Christian is a sterile Christian. Paul said in substance, "Jesus arrested me on the Damascus road. Now I want to lay hold of all that for which I was arrested by God." Be thoroughly dissatisfied with your spiritual posture.

2. Do a Thorough Job of Repenting

"Create within me a clean heart!" David sobbed. For a whole year David was out of fellowship. But he confessed his sin; he turned from that sin and then he could sing again; he could write again; he could pray again.

3. Ask God to Transform Your Life

I think of Jacob wrestling with God. He wanted blessing. He wouldn't be denied. Throw your entire life into the will of God. Seek God's very best.

4. Put Yourself in the Way of Blessing

If we desire revival and neglect prayer, that's hypocrisy. To pray for growth and neglect the local church is absolute foolishness. To pray that you'll mature and neglect the Word of God is incongruous. Put yourself in the way of blessing.

5. Make Restitution Whenever Possible

If you owe debt, pay it. Or have an understanding with the people you owe. Zacchaeus said, "Lord, the half of my goods I will give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." (Luke 19:8) As much as possible, make the crooked straight.

6. Develop a Seriousness of Purpose

Keep off the detours. Let nothing deflect the magnetic needle of your calling. If there is anything that is a Trojan horse in our day, it is the television set. Beware lest it rob you of your passion and your purpose.

7. Deliberately Narrow Your Interests

The Christian life requires specialists. Jesus said in effect, "Be a one-eyed man." (Luke 11:34-36) Paul said, "This one thing I do." Too many of us burn up too much energy without engaging in the things that bring us nearer to God.

These are excellent points - not only to ponder, but to embrace. The Lord is moving in many places in various ways. He is awakening a sleeping church to get busy about the Father's business.

We must remember that revival is not an end in itself. It is only the first step in preparation for the work God has called us to.

My prayer for you is that you will experience God's life-changing presence in such a way, so that the desire of God's heart burns in you and the power of His love flows through you!

think on these things...

The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?'' So I answered, "O Lord God, You know." Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, `O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!'"

Thus says the Lord God to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.''

So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.

Then He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.'''

So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
-- Ezekiel 37:1-10

Revival in your family, your church, and your world begins with you!