"Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away Your displeasure toward us. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger through all generations? Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" - Psalm 85.4-6

       Jesus asked the lame man at the pool of Siloam if he *wanted* to be well (whole)! After all, perhaps the man enjoyed the attention he received with his malady? Or, perhaps he did not want the responsibility of being a whole man? Maybe he did not want to find work and have a family? Jesus wanted to make sure that the man was not luxuriating in his victim status!

       And, so, we ask the question: Do you really want revival? Do you want what revival brings?

       Many folk believe revival means the restoration of joy and intense "worship" inside the church building. ... ... hmmmm. Jesus did not tell us to dwell in our tabernacles, but to do His works. Do we really want what revival brings?

       Are we seeking goosebumps in the name of Jesus or are we seeking to surrender totally to the leading and guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit on a continual, daily basis? Are we seeking to become dependent upon the Spirit to direct us to some hurting person who has been cast out of society ... someone who has become culturally invisible? Do we want to be bothered with having our schedules and programs messed up?

       Do you WANT to simplify your lifestyle to be pleasing to God? Do you WANT God to show you how to live with less and give more? Do you WANT God to give you a broken heart for the millions and billions of souls bound for hell?

       Do you really want what revival brings? Are you really convinced that those secret sins are EVIL? Do you want to be cleansed, or do you really want to hang on to a little sin here and a little sin there? Do you really want revival, or are you chasing an emotional high? Do you want to be a servant, or do you want to FEEl good?

       Do we really WANT revival, and do we WANT what revival requires? In 1825, Charles G. Finney gave the blueprint to prepare for revival. He said we must "break up our fallow ground" by searching our hearts and repenting of all that is not pleasing to God, then we are ready for revival.

"Lord, I'm caught again! Just when I think I'm making progress, then my playpen is exposed. I keep trying to compromise instead of surrendering. Forgive me again. In Jesus' name. Amen."