Category Archives: Revival

Bible, Blessing, Compassion, Renewed, Revival, Scripture

RENEWED COMPASSION

PHILIPPIANS 4:10

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act.”

When I read today’s verse, my mind instantly went to one of my memory passages. Lamentations 3:23-24 says, “22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” That renewed compassion which the Lord has for me is a sweet fragrance. He is constantly reviving His concern for me.

Paul uses a word for “revived” that is only used here in the New Testament. I love what the Topical Lexicon says about this word. It says anathalló “portrays the image of fresh blossoms opening after a dormant season. The term captures the moment when life hidden beneath the surface bursts forth visibly—an apt picture of believers whose love is rekindled into active generosity. Used once in the New Testament, it conveys far more than sentimental warmth; it reveals the God-ordained rhythm of renewed care that accompanies authentic fellowship in the gospel.” Isn’t that beautiful?

APPLICATION

Is there an area of your life that needs reviving? Do you need some “fresh blossoms” in your life? We have this beautiful, yellow rose bush in our yard. We planted it last year when we moved into our house. It has the most fragrant blossoms. Unfortunately, earlier this year it got some kind of fungus and lost most of its leaves. No buds, no blossoms. But after treating it faithfully and tenderly, new leaves are growing and new buds are coming on. I can’t wait to smell those roses again. My life gets that way sometimes, doesn’t yours? We get a spiritual fungus and our growth stops. But God can cure any “fungus” if we come to Him with it. Then He shows His compassion to us fresh every morning.

Paul was referencing the Philippians’ show of love to him once again. They had been so faithful to give to him earlier, but due to distance or circumstances had not been able to send Paul a love gift again. But then Epaphroditus stepped up and volunteered to make the trip to Rome to bring Paul this blessing. Paul received this like fresh rain after a long, dry period. It revived his spirit. Not only that, but it also revived the hearts of the Philippians knowing once again they had blessed their brother.

Maybe the Lord wants to use you as a fresh, fragrant blossom to someone. All it may take is a word of encouragement or maybe a hug. People need to know there are others who are praying for them. When I went through my health crises in 2010 and 2020, knowing others were praying for me got me through. Every time I received a note or a card, it revived me. Be that fragrance today.

Thank You, Lord, for reviving my spirit with Your Spirit each and every day. Let me be used by You to encourage others.

Standard
Advice, Bible, Brokenness, Cleansing, Confession, Disciplemaking, Holy Spirit, Repentance, Revival, Scripture

LET THE TRUMPETS BLOW

JOEL 2:15

“Blow a trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly,”

I can remember as a child the excitement that built as our church announced an upcoming revival. Banners were hung outside to let the community know that revival was coming. The evangelist’s name was made known and even a countdown might be posted somewhere in the church. People looked forward to that time of being called back to the Lord in a powerful way.

That is my thought as I read this verse today. Joel is calling the people back to the Lord. The trumpets were blown to bring the people’s attention to the temple so they could hear the message. It was time to fast and pray. A solemn assembly is called so all the people can come together and agree on their sins and come before the Lord Almighty in repentance.

APPLICATION

Oh, that we could blow the trumpets today across the globe to all the church. We need to all come together in brokenness before our Lord. Our world needs revival. The people of God need to rise up and proclaim the truths of the Word to a lost and dying world. We need to consecrate a fast and proclaim a solemn assembly.

That may not be possible, but we can begin with ourselves. Will you come to Him today in brokenness and repent? It begins with one. You could be the one to start a revival in your church and community. When others see our willingness to be open before our Lord, we may draw them to their own place of repentance.

I long for revival in my own church. I desire to see the Lord in a more intimate way, don’t you? I want to see others taste the goodness of our Lord. I know once they do, they will think twice before going back to their previous way of living. So, blow the trumpet, consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly.

Revive our hearts, O Lord. Send Your Holy Spirit into our lives afresh so we will be drawn to You.

Standard