~~Alexander Hamilton to John Laurens, August 15, 1782
Revival came to Asbury College, located in Wilmore, Kentucky, on February 3, 1970. These videos, available from SermonIndex.net, tell the story best. I'm sorry that the visual quality is a little poor, but the most important part of it is what is said instead of what is seen.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
We are all familiar with the words of God in 2 Chronicles 7:14, in which God outlines what His people need to do in order that they may see the revival, or healing, of their land. Many times the only part of the verse we seem to read, or think is really important, is "if My people who are called by My name will pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven," etc.
But that it not what it says in its entirety. Yes, we need to pray and seek His face. Yes, we need to turn from our wicked ways. But what God thinks is of primary importance goes deeper than our deeds; it deals with our thoughts and attitudes. Here is the entire verse:
[I]f My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.Humbling ourselves is the first step. Without that, I do not think that we can prevail in prayer with God. Let the following Scriptures illustrate this truth:
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
~ 1 Peter 5:5-7
You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss that you may spend it on your pleasures. ... Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore submit to God. ... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
~ James 4:3-7, 10
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men -- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
~ Luke 18:9-14
I haven't seen the videos yet, but your own post speaks marvelously well of the IMPORTANCE of people-- including "established" Christians who tend to take these things for granted-- of constant humility and obedience to God! Even a Christian school (wasn't this college named from Francis Asbury, that great Methodist missionary?) needs to remind themselves not to stray from God's path, but to have times of refreshing.
Good post, and very fitting for this time.
Hello Mrs. Mecomber. Thanks for reading and leaving your comment. I hope you will have an opportunity to see the videos above; they are incredible.
Yes, I think this college was named for Francis Asbury; the college is United Methodist, and is in Kentucky, where I believe Asbury traveled.
Yes, it is easy for us "established" Christians to take such things as humility for granted. I think that we must remember that it is something that we constantly learn and grow in as we walk with God throughout our lives; it is not perfect and full-grown in an instant. And yes, even Christian groups need times of refreshing from the Lord. And does not revival begin in the church, and among God's people?
Great points. Thanks again for your comment.
Hey there, Herky!
What an excellent WFW! That is an excellent point you've made, and one that we all need to take to heart. People do tend to only take the good parts of the promises to heart, but what about OUR part? This is something I've been looking into in the Bible... what do I have to do in order to get God's blessings? In this case, I'm told that the benefit of my himility is that God will bring revival. (God is a good Father- He rewards His children when they obey Him!)
Good WFW, and glad to see that you're back! :D
Hello Jay! Welcome to the blog! Thank you so much for reading and leaving your thoughtful comment.
Thanks for your kind words, and for leaving your reflections. I agree; God is good, and He abundantly rewards those who will simply obey Him.
I too have been thinking about the need for us to do our part. I think that the mindset of humility must also play in this as well. I mean, we want revival, right? But why do we seek it? Do we seek revival for its own sake? Do we seek it so that our lives will be better? Or do we seek it because we want God, and we want Him to have His way exclusively? To choose the last means a total denial of self, and that takes a lifetime of consistent commitment. But that is simply what the Christian life is. In all I have learned about revivals in church history, those who benefited the most were those who were seeking God, not necessarily those who were seeking revival. And I think that what you are doing, by going through the Bible and looking for what God says to do in order for Him to bless, is part of that. The one who seeks to obey Him shall find Him.
Thanks again for commenting. It reminds me to read your WFW! (Sorry, I am a late blogger!) :)
Herky, welcome back!!!
Like Mrs. M., I haven't had time to watch the videos yet, but it's on my list. :)
It is amazing that we both used the same verse this week. Not only is it easy for "established" Christians to take humility for granted, I think it's easy for us to completely forget about it! Pride is insidious, and when we see the evil in the world, we are so tempted to compare ourselves to that evil and think we look pretty good.
I've missed your insights, my friend, and I'm glad you posted!
Hi Jean. It's great to hear from you again, and to participate in WFW for the first time in a while. I know you are busy (we have something very much in common :D), but I would love you hear your thoughts (and Mrs. Mecomber's) when you get a chance to see the videos -- they are great!
Your reflections are very true. What a great need we have to be sober-minded and apply them to our lives.
Thanks for your comment. Happy (belated) WFW!
Well, gee, Herky! Welcome back! I wondered where ya' been! So sorry it's taken me so long to comment... I haven't yet watched the videos, but your points are true and well-founded. I think you and everybody else have said enough, so that is all I have to say!
Hey, Herky! Gave you an award, if you're interested ;) I understand you are a busy fellow, so no need to feel rushed. Just wanted to let ya know!
http://asinamirror.com/i-got-an-award