Every morning, his first task was to bask in the peace that vista brought to his heart.”
–C. Wayne Winkle (One Last Chase)
“It was on the same day that Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the lake-side.”
–Matthew 13:1 (Phillips)
—————————————-
In my Pastor’s sermon last Sunday, two terms caught my eye. REVIVE–REFRESH, and I want to add a third this morning, REKINDLE.
Revival, we hear that often these days among believers. “Oh, Lord send a revival,” but I ask, is it a half-hearted plea? We know that there will be a great revival before the Day of the Lord, but don’t be too quick to judge. We tend to think only of America, and not rightly unso for we do want revival in our own land. However, there is a major revival going throughout most of the world, save western nations.
This country has had tremendous revivals in our history from the very foundation of our country. The Great Awakening came at just the right time in our country’s history. Not only was it a great spiritual revival, but it is important to note that this is when those whom we call the “Founding Fathers” were growing into manhood. They were greatly influenced by this national revival. On I could go about the revivals in our history, but let me stop to say two things: first, we must consider the sovereignty of God. He doesn’t want any to perish, that’s a fact, but also He also knows the hearts of men, He knows the state of the union, so to speak. Perhaps, it will be judgment that will bring revival to America. Second, revival is very much an individual thing. Yes, it is corporate, for the whole Church, but it is in the heart of each individual person that there must be revival.
“Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love,
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.”
–William P. Mackay
Revive means “to flourish anew,” or “to regain life, is used of a moral revival.” If we, as believers, find ourselves beginning to wilt we need to revive our spirits. We need to get into the word of God, pray, and let our lives begin to flourish again.
The second word, Refresh, makes us “feel good.” Think of a refreshing rain, a refreshing shower, a refreshing vacation. Vine’s translates, “refresh” as “to give intermission from labor, or to give rest. Another term for refresh means, “to make cool, refresh”, in other words to relax. It can be used to obtain relief. How in this crazy, confused, evil world can we be relaxed and rested? By focusing on Christ. My taking time to rest in His word. In the frenzy of this world we need to stop and cool down. Have you ever had your car overheat? If so, what is it that you do? First, you let it sit and cool down before any other action. When you are going, going, going, then what is the first step, stop and cool down–be refreshed. Grant to us a refreshing, O Lord, as we honor Your word.
“‘There shall be showers of blessing:’
Oh, that today they might fall,
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Saviour above.”
–Daniel W. Whittle
The final word, Rekindle, is not found in the New Testament, yet it is implied. We are to keep our lamps lit. Do not let the flame go out, but if it does make sure you have oil enough to relight it. Don’t be like the foolish virgins, who begged, pleaded, and wanted to borrow more oil. The oil of the Holy Spirit is sufficient for each individual; He provides for each one individually. Another place we see the fire burning is when Jesus said that you don’t hide your flame under a bushel. Keep it on fire, don’t let it go out. Finally, Paul brings the idea of “rekindle” to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul tells Timothy to “stir up” the gift. It means “to kindle afresh, or keep in full flame.” Let the refreshing breeze of the Holy Spirit move over you and let the flame appear. Keep your life aflame with the Holy Spirit.
“O Lord, send the pow’r just now, O Lord, send the pow’r just now,
O Lord, send the pow’r just now, And baptize ev’ry one.”
–Charlie D. Tillman
“‘Tis burning in my soul, ‘Tis burning in my soul;
The fire of heav’nly love is burning in my soul,
The Holy Spirit came, All glory to His name!
The fire of Heav’nly love is burning in my soul.”
–Delia T. White
—————————————-
In my Pastor’s sermon last Sunday, two terms caught my eye. REVIVE–REFRESH, and I want to add a third this morning, REKINDLE.
Revival, we hear that often these days among believers. “Oh, Lord send a revival,” but I ask, is it a half-hearted plea? We know that there will be a great revival before the Day of the Lord, but don’t be too quick to judge. We tend to think only of America, and not rightly unso for we do want revival in our own land. However, there is a major revival going throughout most of the world, save western nations.
This country has had tremendous revivals in our history from the very foundation of our country. The Great Awakening came at just the right time in our country’s history. Not only was it a great spiritual revival, but it is important to note that this is when those whom we call the “Founding Fathers” were growing into manhood. They were greatly influenced by this national revival. On I could go about the revivals in our history, but let me stop to say two things: first, we must consider the sovereignty of God. He doesn’t want any to perish, that’s a fact, but also He also knows the hearts of men, He knows the state of the union, so to speak. Perhaps, it will be judgment that will bring revival to America. Second, revival is very much an individual thing. Yes, it is corporate, for the whole Church, but it is in the heart of each individual person that there must be revival.
“Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love,
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.”
–William P. Mackay
Revive means “to flourish anew,” or “to regain life, is used of a moral revival.” If we, as believers, find ourselves beginning to wilt we need to revive our spirits. We need to get into the word of God, pray, and let our lives begin to flourish again.
The second word, Refresh, makes us “feel good.” Think of a refreshing rain, a refreshing shower, a refreshing vacation. Vine’s translates, “refresh” as “to give intermission from labor, or to give rest. Another term for refresh means, “to make cool, refresh”, in other words to relax. It can be used to obtain relief. How in this crazy, confused, evil world can we be relaxed and rested? By focusing on Christ. My taking time to rest in His word. In the frenzy of this world we need to stop and cool down. Have you ever had your car overheat? If so, what is it that you do? First, you let it sit and cool down before any other action. When you are going, going, going, then what is the first step, stop and cool down–be refreshed. Grant to us a refreshing, O Lord, as we honor Your word.
“‘There shall be showers of blessing:’
Oh, that today they might fall,
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Saviour above.”
–Daniel W. Whittle
The final word, Rekindle, is not found in the New Testament, yet it is implied. We are to keep our lamps lit. Do not let the flame go out, but if it does make sure you have oil enough to relight it. Don’t be like the foolish virgins, who begged, pleaded, and wanted to borrow more oil. The oil of the Holy Spirit is sufficient for each individual; He provides for each one individually. Another place we see the fire burning is when Jesus said that you don’t hide your flame under a bushel. Keep it on fire, don’t let it go out. Finally, Paul brings the idea of “rekindle” to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul tells Timothy to “stir up” the gift. It means “to kindle afresh, or keep in full flame.” Let the refreshing breeze of the Holy Spirit move over you and let the flame appear. Keep your life aflame with the Holy Spirit.
“O Lord, send the pow’r just now, O Lord, send the pow’r just now,
O Lord, send the pow’r just now, And baptize ev’ry one.”
–Charlie D. Tillman
“‘Tis burning in my soul, ‘Tis burning in my soul;
The fire of heav’nly love is burning in my soul,
The Holy Spirit came, All glory to His name!
The fire of Heav’nly love is burning in my soul.”
–Delia T. White