Revival

A Better Country

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Hebrews 11:13-15 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

I love America. I am thankful for our constitution, and the bill of rights. I value the first amendment, and the free speech and religious liberty it promises. I appreciate the second amendment, and it’s guard against tyranny. I’m thankful for the fifth and sixth amendments, and for our justice system. People may criticize our system of justice, but their mind would change in a quick second if they found themselves at odds with the law in China, Russia, and most other countries in the world. I’m thankful for our constitutional republic, and ability to elect local and national leaders who are, in turn, responsible to the people whom they serve. I’ve been to the Grand Canyon, the White House, Niagra Falls, The Lincoln Monument, The Smokey Mountains, The Supreme Court House, Yosemite, Sears Tower, to many states, and a host of other breathtaking and American-spirit filled places in this country. America is beautiful
place. America is a spirited place.


I’m thankful for the Judeo Christian principles that our country was founded upon. I’m thankful for the many thousands of churches that, over the years, have proclaimed truth in this land. I’m thankful for the many missionaries that have been sent from the US to counties all around the world, and the light America showed to the world for a couple centuries. I’m a patriot. I don’t really get Americans (especially American Christians), that slam American patriotism like it’s an antibiblical philosophy. Men and women in the Bible (naturally) loved their country, prayed for its peace, and loved its success. Furthermore, people in other lands (mission fields, foreign countries) love their country, its culture and heritage, and its people
(and they should). I won’t accept the label of “Christian nationalist” because I’m patriotic. I love the flag, those who died for it, and what it affords us.

I’m an American through and through. But there is an inherent danger in living in such a prosperous, free, democratic, religious nation. It is this: I can put all of my stock in life in this country, and forget that I’m a citizen of another one. Hebrews 11 reminds me that, as much as I love this country, I’m a citizen of a better country. Hebrews 11 reminds me that I should be seeking that country. And I must be careful that I don’t become so American focused that I struggle to be heavenly minded.

I love the constitution, but the Bible is where I get my theology. I’m thankful for the flag, but I’m called to identify with the cross. We may pledge allegiance to the flag, but our true allegiance is to the Lamb. I’m thankful for the prosperity, but my investments should be in heaven. I love living here, but I must be willing to follow God’s will if He calls me to foreign land. I’m conservative politically, but first, I’m conservative biblically. I’m a constitutionalist, but first, I’m a Biblicist. I’m for grassroots campaigns, but I’d rather go soul winning and share the Gospel. I’d rather attend faithfulness rally than a political rally. I’m know about pulling myself up by my boots, but I also remember that I can do nothing without Christ. I’m for secure borders, but I’m also called to love the stranger among us. I’m upset with the anti-Christian
sentiment and vitriol today, but I remember that I’m called to love my enemies. It’s good when justice is served, but I recall Christ asking, “Father, forgive them.” I’m thankful for my freedom of speech, but I’m reminded that it should be with grace, and seasoned with salt. I’m for self-defense and protection, but I’m also reminded that as much as lies within us, we are to love peaceably with all men. I’m thankful when we score a “political victory”, but reminded that in victory or defeat, we’re called to be clothed in humility. And why? Because I’m a citizen of a better country, and I seek that country first.


Let’s be thankful for the country that God has given to us. But let us also remember that we seek a better country. Our identity, our affection, our conversation, our lifestyle, our investment, our stakes, our stocks, and our pursuits, of our heavenly citizenship should take precedent every single time. I’m thankful for America, but first, I’m a citizen of heaven. And because of it, I seek a better country.

Revive (Me) Again

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Most Christians would agree with this statement: we need revival. But if I ask, “where do we need revival most?”, there will be a plurality of answers. Many would say, “we need revival in our country!” Others would say, “in our schools!” Some would think, “on Capitol Hill.” Yet others might say, “in our churches.”

Psalm 85 tells us where revival must happen first. The Psalmist says,Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? If revival is to happen, it will not start in our country. It will not in our government, and certainly not in our places of education. The writer understood that a prayer for revival is a personal prayer, and the plea for revival is a personal plea. It isn’t for someone else to be revived. It isn’t for another institution. It isn’t at another location. It’s right here, where I am standing. It’s me, it’s me, it’s me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer for revival.

Do you long to see revival in our country? I do. Do you long to see revival in our community, and in our churches? I do as well. Revival will happen when it begins within you and me, as a child of God. How then, can I begin to see revival in my heart? We find further insight in this chapter. Moses gives us principles for personal revival.

  • The requirement for revival: Ask for mercy. The verse following the Psalmist’s request for revival says, “shew us thy mercy, O Lord”. Has there been a time where my walk was sweeter than it was this morning? Have I allowed sensual thoughts to take up residence in my soul? Do my entertainment choices (like t.v. music, social media, internet) grieve the Holy Spirit? Have I allowed pride to creep in and make me judgmental and condescending? Am I the witness and testimony the Lord wants me to be? Is it something else? If so, I need God’s mercy for personal revival. This kind of repentance- turning toward God’s mercy and away from my sin, always foreshadows revival.
  • The resource for revival: Hear the Word. Verse seven says, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak.” Hearing the Word of God always precedes revival. If we want to see personal revival, we must get back to the book. We must hear it. We must read it. We must meditate on it. And we must be willing to obey when it speaks to us.
  • The result of revival: Righteous living. How will I know that revival has begun? Is it shown in a two-hour alter call at the end of a camp meeting? Is it testimonies of those who have been “revived?” According to this chapter, revival is evidenced in righteous living. Three times in four verses, righteousness, fear of God, peace, holiness is a result. I will know that revival has begun when I begin to live more like Christ- righteously.
  • The reason for revival: The glory of God. Yes, we were created for God’s glory and pleasure, and this is the ultimate purpose for revival. But this chapter shows us that when God’s glory is known, good things happen to us as well! There’s blessing when revival happens. There’s guidance from the Lord when revival happens. God’s goodness is given when revival happens.

Do you want to see revival? I do. Revival must start with “us”. Ask the Lord to search us and reveal where we need His mercy. Get into the Book and allow it to convict our soul, and produce righteous living in us. Then, God’s glory will be evident through us, and it can’t help but make a difference in our realm of influence- our family, our church, our community, our country. Revival is personal. And it starts with me.