I am joining Amber and Melissa in a Bible Study called Seeking Him--Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival. For the next 12 weeks, I hope to post on Tue as if in "discussion". Feel free to join in, or not and comment, or not. :)Here are the questions we'll be discussing for Week #1.
~Before beginning this study, what did you think "revival" was? Has your view changed? How?
I pictured tent-style revivals with a bunch of bible thumpers. Something which would honestly make me turn tail and run. And in my mind, those tent revivals had nothing to do with the already saved, but were all about bringing new folks to Jesus. But I had a niggling in my mind that "revival" didn't have to mean that. Of course my view has changed. I realize that revival is a bigger word than for what I had given it credit. The authors note that in order to be revived, one must already be born again, which made sense to me. It fits where I'm at right now: a sinner, saved by grace. In need of a reminder of God's great love for me, and in need of refocusing on the race which he has provided for me to run.
~What things do you tend to hold on to for security, even though they could easily be taken away?
I hold fast to my husband and family. To my "rights" and "privileges". To anything which has the stamp of pride, including, but not limited to "I'm right."upon it. I don't try to do this, but do it all the same.
~What does the idea that God initiates revival in His people tell you about Him? What does it tell you about yourself?
This idea tells me that God a) made us to need Him., b) knows that we will fall away from Him, even if we love Him, because of our sinful natures, and c) knows that when we're done fighting ourselves, we'll indeed need His revival of strength, courage, and grace in order to return to Him. Further, it tells me that no matter how far I've strayed, He wants me back, and wants me to abide in Him.
I tend to depend on my own devices far more than I should. I love God, but do not seek Him before all else. In short, I'm in need of His glorious revival.
