Revival

You know that feeling of busy excitement that you have when your congregation is hosting a revival or seminar? It takes so much planning and preparing. Everyone works together to set the dates, works up the flyers, plan the speakers stay and meals, invite friends and family, clean the building, etc.

Then the event comes, busyness and excitement grows even more. The speaker visits your home, and lifts and encourages you and your family. Your revival fires are rekindled and you remember the joy of your salvation. Your busyness turns into earnest working for the Lord again. You begin to do more and more to build the Kingdom of God on earth.

It then becomes a mission for us to continue in that excitement. We continue lifting and encouraging each other, loving each other, and becoming more and more the image of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul was the ultimate evangelist. Can you imagine the joy and excitement that his visit could bring to your congregation? His love for God was never hidden. He was always about serving the Lord. As a matter of fact, Paul states, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat."

I believe that this statement has two meanings: 

First, a person needs to not be idle. We need to work to earn our physical food.

And second, spiritually. Jesus is the Bread of Life. If we don't work in God's Kingdom, how can we think we can partake in The Bread of Life? 

The Psalmist, David, says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalms 51:12 ESV

We need to always remember the excitement and joy that we knew when we first became Christians. We need a revival fire inside us. Then we need to re-ignite the fire in others and fan the flame. Shouldn't everyone know Christ's love? 

“Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 

For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.

 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 

If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 ESV