As we dive into the idea of brokenness and what has to happen for our cups to run over, here are some thought and questions to consider as we discuss Chapter 2.
Any others? Feel free to comment.
1. Do I look at revival as having to give up something rather than gaining something?
(Read page 34, last paragraph)
Consider the hymn: “I’d Rather Have Jesus” (as sung by George Beverly Shea)
Matthew 11:28-30:
Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.
2. Does it sound too simple to be able to just learn to ask God to let Jesus’ precious blood cleanse my sin away?
(Read Page 37, first paragraph, “The moment. . .”)
3. How can I possibly accept that someone’s purposeful antagonism or even outright persecution is God’s will for my life?
(Read Page 37, end of second paragraph, “We must first be broken. . .”)
Note:
I think the only way this is possible is if we’re willing to be abased in ALL aspects of this present life. This is how Paul was able to get up, after being stoned and left for dead, and to go back to the city where they stoned him: 1.) he didn’t count his life dear to him; and 2.) he counted others, including the lost, and even those who abused him, more dear to him that his own present life.
And I will very gladly spend and be utterly spent for your souls though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. -- 2 Corinthians 12:15
4. How am I doing at allowing the “peace of God” to rule (or referee) in my heart?
(Read page 38, 1st paragraph, “This peace is to ‘rule’ our hearts, . . .‘be the referee’. . .”)
5. Am I taking ownership for my sin? For my thoughts? Or am I putting the blame on other people or other things?
(Page 38, 3rd paragraph, “We do not lose peace with God over another person’s sin.”)
- Even if someone did something horrible to me, my reaction ought to be the same as my Lord’s:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” - Luke 23:34
6.Can you think about a time when you’ve neglected the referee’s whistle? Neglected the prodding and conviction of the Holy Ghost?
(Pages 39-40, last paragraph of chapter)
So that nobody can consider these questions and become despondent or depressed, remember that God would not convict us if He didn't love us! This may sound like a pep talk, but I'll say it anyway: YOU CAN DO THIS, because (and ONLY because) God is on your side and wants to use you! I know, right? Crazy, isn't it? I wouldn't want to use me if I had other choices. He would be totally justified in writing me off, and yet, His Word beckons to every one of us as he calls out, "Come to me. . . "
Men, answer the call!
PRAISE JESUS!
Any others? Feel free to comment.
1. Do I look at revival as having to give up something rather than gaining something?
(Read page 34, last paragraph)
- What are the things I think I have to give up for revival?
- What are the things I gain as a result of revival?
- What do I think about the idea of wanting favor of my Lord and Savior above all else (wanting to please Him above all others)?
Consider the hymn: “I’d Rather Have Jesus” (as sung by George Beverly Shea)
Matthew 11:28-30:
Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.
2. Does it sound too simple to be able to just learn to ask God to let Jesus’ precious blood cleanse my sin away?
(Read Page 37, first paragraph, “The moment. . .”)
- Do you KNOW that His blood WILL cleanse away your sin?
- Do I want His blood to cleanse away my sin?
- Are there times when I don’t want it too (what is my "besetting sin")?
3. How can I possibly accept that someone’s purposeful antagonism or even outright persecution is God’s will for my life?
(Read Page 37, end of second paragraph, “We must first be broken. . .”)
Note:
I think the only way this is possible is if we’re willing to be abased in ALL aspects of this present life. This is how Paul was able to get up, after being stoned and left for dead, and to go back to the city where they stoned him: 1.) he didn’t count his life dear to him; and 2.) he counted others, including the lost, and even those who abused him, more dear to him that his own present life.
And I will very gladly spend and be utterly spent for your souls though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. -- 2 Corinthians 12:15
- How am I doing at not counting my life dear to me?
- How am I doing at valuing others’ lives over my own?
- Am I working on it?
- Or am I just coasting through life, day by day, never thinking about it?
4. How am I doing at allowing the “peace of God” to rule (or referee) in my heart?
(Read page 38, 1st paragraph, “This peace is to ‘rule’ our hearts, . . .‘be the referee’. . .”)
- Read Colossians 3:10-17
- Who is referee in my heart? (see page 39, first full paragraph) – The Holy Spirit!
5. Am I taking ownership for my sin? For my thoughts? Or am I putting the blame on other people or other things?
(Page 38, 3rd paragraph, “We do not lose peace with God over another person’s sin.”)
- Excuses = alibis - they do nothing for us!
- Is God obligated to give me peace?
- Have I ever come to the understanding that nobody and no thing other than me is responsible for my sin?
- Even if someone did something horrible to me, my reaction ought to be the same as my Lord’s:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” - Luke 23:34
6.Can you think about a time when you’ve neglected the referee’s whistle? Neglected the prodding and conviction of the Holy Ghost?
(Pages 39-40, last paragraph of chapter)
- How do you relate to the last paragraph, with respect to “days following days” without answering or turning back from the thing you know is wrong?
- Hession says it will take a great hunger for restored fellowship with God.
So that nobody can consider these questions and become despondent or depressed, remember that God would not convict us if He didn't love us! This may sound like a pep talk, but I'll say it anyway: YOU CAN DO THIS, because (and ONLY because) God is on your side and wants to use you! I know, right? Crazy, isn't it? I wouldn't want to use me if I had other choices. He would be totally justified in writing me off, and yet, His Word beckons to every one of us as he calls out, "Come to me. . . "
Men, answer the call!
PRAISE JESUS!