I’m excited about a revival movement that’s beginning to spread amongst the youth of America. On 07/07/07 1,000’s will travel to Nashville, TN for a prayer walk that will culminate at the Titan’s stadium for a great prayer and praise rally. For more information go to www.thecall.com.

A pastor once told me that he didn’t believe in revival. His premise was that a church or a believer should never decline to the place where revival was needed. But the reality is that most people and churches come to a place where periodic revival is needed to restore spiritual vitality and life. Without times of national revival people become like rusting hulks in a junkyard. Their glory was left in a bygone era. But God promises revival and spiritual blessings to anyone who will pay the price of seeking His face and meeting His conditions. Let’s consider some factors of true revival for spiritual vitality.

First – REPENTANCE. When Jonah preached to the Ninevites, they repented in sackcloth and ashes. The king called the nation to fast and pray. They became broken and sorrowful over their sin. God’s promise holds true today. (II Chronicles 7:14) John the Baptist preached repentance. (Matthew 3:1-12) He said that the axe was laid at the root. What roots need cutting out of your life? Is it pride, self-centeredness, worldly pleasures, or idols? (Psalm 51:10; James 4:1-10)

Second – RENEWAL. Overtime wear and tear will cause a vehicle to deteriorate and lose its luster and efficiency. There needs to be times of renewal and refreshing. (Acts 2:14-17, 38-40; 3:19) A stressful, sad, or sour spirit will cause the life of Christ to grow dim in your life. David prayed, “Renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). We must be renewed like an eagle. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Third – RE-EMPHASIZE. Overtime some biblical doctrines or spiritual disciplines may be neglected – the fire grows dim. The Israelites neglected the Word of God so much that a lost copy was discovered under dust and debris in the temple. When Josiah had the Book of the Law read publicly, a national revival ensued. (II Chronicles 34 and 35) In the book of Revelation, Jesus rebuked the church at Ephesus for leaving their first love. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place – unless you repent” (Revelation 3:4-5). Are there neglected spiritual doctrines and disciplines you need to re-emphasize and renew in your life?

Fourth – RESTORE. Sin or a lack of fellowship with God causes one to lose their joy. Routine or “sameness” can deteriorate into simply ritual or religion. Fresh intimacy with God is lost.

Restoration of classic cars takes much time and money, but it’s worth it to see it brought back to its original glory. David had lost his joy. David prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10-12 NIV). Rejoicing in the Lord is a key to constant revival. (Philippians 4:4-6) Will you not join me and pray for revival? (Psalm 85:6-13)