Revive Us Again!

Daily Reading: 2 Timothy 1

Scripture Focus: Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you. (2 Timothy 1.6)

Devotional Thought: "Revivals" are a thing of the past... I've heard that many, many times. And, I suppose if we think about "revivals" as special meetings with an evangelist, then there are certain aspects of "revivals" that are things of the past. But revival itself? Hardly!

Paul was a believer in personal revival. On a previous occasion, he had already written to Timothy, "Do not neglect the gift you have" (1 Timothy 4.14), to urge him to give proper attention to his soul: to introspection and correction. Apparently Paul thought his beloved son in the faith still needed a reminder, for he wrote again for Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you."

I like what J. Glenn Gould wrote in the Beacon Bible Commentary. There is "a perennial need in the hearts of all Christians and especially in those who are cast in the role of leaders of the church. Our constant danger is the lessening of our ardor and the slackening of our pace. Periodically we need to seek renewal of our commitment and to reaffirm our loyalty... This is the basic meaning of revival and it must come periodically to us all." (BBC, p. 628)

Let us sing from our hearts today: "Hallelujah! Thine the glory! Hallelujah! Amen! Hallelujah! Thine the glory! Revive us again!"

Prayer: O Father, help me to fan into flame the gift of God's grace that is in my heart. Revive me, O God! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! 37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. 38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. 39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. 40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life! (Psalms 119:33-40)