“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (I John 4:8, ESV) First impressions are not always correct. I was reminded of this while eating a late lunch in a fast-food restaurant. Just from a quick glance at the clothes and general appearance of a man entering, I made some assumptions about him. I must admit I did not expect the extreme politeness and friendliness I then saw him display toward others. First, I watched as he chatted with the lady behind the counter. He showed respect and interest as they briefly conversed about things in general. I could tell that he saw her as a real person, not as a faceless nobody entering his lunch order in the system. Receiving his food, the man moved toward the drink machines to fill his cup. Another employee busily wiped spills and straightened things. With sincere warmth the man complimented, “You must be the one who keeps things looking so nice for all the customers.” From her pleased expression it was obvious that few, if any, had ever taken time to notice her good work. It was after the usual noon rush and noise, so I could…

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7) The Bible has such a marvelous way of turning its spotlight on a seemingly insignificant event or unknown person to teach us a timeless lesson. Mark 12:41-44 is one instance of this. It’s as if the action freezes while God says, “Attention! I want you to see this.” FACES IN THE CROWD That day in the Temple Jesus sat to one side, observing the crowd as they walked past the collection box. The Bible doesn’t say, but let’s imagine the thoughts of those present that day. A rich businessman, puffed up with importance, seemed to be saying, “Look at me and all that I am giving to God.” On his way out he brushed past a man carefully counting out his coins. His attitude said, “I’m giving, but don’t expect me to enjoy it.” Almost on the heels of those ahead, another man rushed up, impatience visible on his face. He hurried to get his religious duty out of the way so he could carry on with his important schedule. As they each came, caught up in their own…

“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6, NKJV)  As a child, when my church announced a revival, I knew this meant our family would be attending services every night. My parents were faithful and would not miss a night. Revival usually meant a full week of services, or perhaps even longer as God moved with power and conviction. If it was warm weather, our pastor might announce a “tent revival.” This was a different kind of church, and even as a child I felt the excitement. The lively singing and anointed preaching would fill the night air, the sound reaching well beyond the canvas tent. Even if the curious would not join us inside, some would often lingered outside just to observe. WHERE REVIVAL BEGINS  Revival is defined as: (1) a period of renewed religious interest, or (2) an often highly emotional evangelistic meeting or series of meetings (Merriam Webster Dictionary). Yet, revival is more than just a series of meetings. True revival always begins within our hearts. Some describe revival as a time of “getting serious about God” or as “being renewed in the Spirit.”  We feel a new awareness of…

“While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and lying face down on the ground in front of the Temple of God, a very large crowd of people from Israel—men, women, and children—gathered and wept bitterly with him.” (Ezra 10:1, NLT) After years of exile in Babylon, Artaxerxes, king of Persia, decreed that any of the people of Israel who desired were free to return their homeland. Ezra, a priest and scribe, led a group of fellow Jews back to Jerusalem. Their journey took four months, but they were finally in the land God had given them long ago. What Ezra soon discovered grieved him deeply. Many of those living in the land, including priests and leaders, had grown careless. They had disobeyed the Lord’s commandments by marrying women of the idol-worshiping nations around them. The Israelites were no longer a people separated unto God; their distinction was gone. All this greatly troubled Ezra. EZRA’S CALL TO PRAYER Ezra did the one thing he knew how to do. In humility and repentance, he fell on his face and cried out to God for his nation. He didn’t pray in a quiet corner somewhere. He lay on the ground in front…