Re. Not “regarding” or “concerning."

The prefix. "Again, anew" or "back, backward."

Re is a good place to be.

Reborn in Christ.

Redeemed at the cost of his life.

Reflecting his glory.

Revived by the Holy Spirit.

Rekindled in passion.

Restored to right relationships.

Receiving gracious blessings.

Resurrection expectation ahead.

Re is a good place to be.

Yet. Re can be not so good.

Repeating the same old sins.

Rejecting God’s Word.

Recalcitrant to authority.

Resisting the Holy Spirit.

Rebellious in the face of Sovereignty.

Refusing to surrender control.

Removed from Jesus' care.

Reduced to self-sufficiency.

Re like that. Not so good.

As the church, those following Christ of any denomination in any location, we talk about & pray about revival. We schedule dates for revival meetings. But meetings & calendars do not make revival. The Holy Spirit brings revival by visiting God’s people who are thoroughly surrendered to Him in a supernatural way. Repentance from sin. Release of hurts. Return to Christ. Relying on him. Remaining in him. These lead to revival.

What will you choose?

What will I choose?

To surrender & serve?

Or to rebel & run?

Pray for yourselves & others to be completely surrendered. Be prepared for attacks against you, your family & your church family as you pray. Attacks that will divide unity & distract focus from the real, deep work of God.

Yet. Pray. Seek. Beseech.

Lord, send revival.

Let it begin with me.

My amazing Melanie wrote this.

She's allowing me to share it with you.

Anybody who knows me well knows that I LOVE surprises. A general rule of thumb at our house is that you don't buy me a gift unless it's a surprise. If you have to hint at it or ask about it, you'll just have to save it for another time. (Just ask Aaron about the bicycle story.)

We moved to Lincoln, NE, almost four years ago. If I only knew what surprises God had in store for me here! Friends that I treasure, growth in my marriage, a new little Householder...just to name a few. One of our first surprises was the house that God provided for us, brand-spanking new with not a tree in sight. We wanted a house in an established neighborhood, lots of trees, etc. God had other plans. He placed us here on South 59th Street and has allowed us to love and learn from some wonderful neighbors.

As on most streets with lots of young families, we have seen much new life. I would have to stop and think for a few minutes to count all the babies that have been born in our short time here, but I am amazed each time I see them. Ella, Embrie, Lewis, Will, Owen, Lauren, Jacob, Will, Peter... plus all the toddlers and preschoolers who are growing way too fast.

Last week was a difficult week for me, one that made my mama want to drive fourteen hours with my sister and her two not-so-quiet little girls, one that left my pillow wet, my heart hurting. God, knowing how I love surprises provided for me. Looking out my front door last night there was a full rainbow and out my back window the sun was peeking through the clouds. Today, in the midst of new houses and small trees God reminded me of His great power to bring new life into the most unlikely places. A robin chose to build a nest in our tiny oak tree (Aaron's father's day present last year) in the backyard. Now there are three baby birds peeking out of that nest in that little tree. Three houses down, a bunny chose to burrow down in the new sod of a brand-new lawn with seven baby bunnies!

I praise God for the new life He gives. I am amazed at the places He brings it forth. I am humbled that He has given me renewal in my spirit, peace and joy when it makes absolutely no worldly sense. If we are willing, He will renew us, revive us, breathe new life into weary and tired, apathetic and cynical souls. And the world will marvel at the newness of life in the most unlikely places.