Revival -- Be Encouragers and Lights

For seven years, I have been saying it and I've had this feeling that there is a stirring in the atmosphere. I see what is happening in our world. Not everything is gloom and doom, but certainly changes are happening that is shifting the way our society reacts to a whole lot of different situations. Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, division of families, changes in weather patterns -- just to name a few. Our youth are losing hope in what the future holds for them. I am a boomer, an old geezer, old fashioned in the way I think and set in my ways (hardly). The perception is there. I thought the world was confusing enough with the information we were receiving and then came Artificial Intelligence. We don't have to think for ourselves anymore. BOOM -- maybe that's why my generation is called Boomers.

So back to my gut feeling. People are searching and wanting to know their purpose. What is going on in the world? Why is there so much suffering, hunger, violence and injustice. This brings me back to what my parents used to tell me when I felt life was unfair -- they would tell me life is unfair and who told you it wasn't. I know as a follower of Christ, there will be many things I don't understand and why they are happening. But I have a hope and I think people are waking up and searching for answers.

The recent political division that has occurred is so alarming to me. I never knew a time such as now when people can just say what they feel with regard to our government and to what people put their trust in. There was a time when there were sanctions and such when someone defamed another political figure. It is my belief that every person in leadership has a purpose. I don't think it is by chance that someone attained leadership in some of the most powerful positions on this earth. I think there is an organized plan. Just like each one of us has a purpose here. We may not know how the story goes, because we are just living our daily lives, but you and I can have an impact on just one person that could make a difference. You read about these stories all the time. How a knock on a door and the kindness of a neighbor has saved someone's life while they were just about to end it, but it was interrupted and that particular person knocking had a message of encouragement. Some of us may never know in this life how we impacted someone by doing what just comes naturally to us. It may not mean much to us, but it sure did to that person who we somehow touched. We are so consumed by the popularity of celebrities and who we deem important people. Ask yourself, do these people impact your life on a daily basis? Do they care about your own personal needs? Do they care about what is happening in your life?  Do they care about your families? I'm not bashing all celebrities, because I've seen some who are actually trying to make this world a better place through their philanthropy and use their platforms in a positive way. 

So we continue searching for happiness through all kinds of temporary fulfillments. Our youth can't keep up with it all and therefore are getting discouraged. They have perceived that they need to set goals at certain times in order to be successful. Successful for who? As parents who are raising these children, we need to keep our eyes open and give direction to them. Encourage them always!!! Quit placing your expected goals and ideals on them. Just enjoy and love them while you still have them. I am actually guilty of pushing my young adults too hard sometimes. I'm learning to pull back on the reins. It's easy to compare where they should be independent wise as we were in the "old" days.

So I've completely gotten on my soap box and took a different direction with this blog. The world is looking for answers. I know where I find my answers. I know there are all kinds of different philosophies and belief systems out there. Who wouldn't get confused? As you know, I am not shy about telling you where I get my strength. Now is not the time to start giving up and think we are just going to self implode ourselves on this earth. We are listening to the noise around us and getting distracted.

I have a hope. I've seen a lot of miracles in my own life. I don't give those things up to chance. I believe in God, I believe he sent his son Jesus to redeem us. I believe we are guided by Holy Spirit. I believe there was a beginning and I believe there is an organized end. I believe the labor pains have started and we as a society need to get back to the root of what this country we live in currently USA and the world was built on and that is God. People need to wake up and look up!! We cannot get caught up in the spiritual warfare unprepared and we need to complete our own races and purpose. We need to start loving each other more and respecting each other more. Things will fall and fail if there is not unity. We need to be encouragers and lights. We need to quit turning away our heads and ignore those who are searching for answers. You don't have to preach to people; let them see Jesus through your example and your kindness. I've always loved what Pastor Greg Laurie always emphasizes, your life and how you live it may be the only Bible anyone ever sees. God is the one who works in people's lives and if you are ever worthy enough to be a vessel for him, be available. God does the changing and awakening, not us. Share what you know at whatever level you are and whatever you are moved to say. That's what I hope to do with these blogs.

Revival is a renewed focus on and return to the teachings and principles of the Bible, often accompanied by a spiritual awakening and a desire to live according to God's will. 

Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."