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Holy Spirit

Revived by the Spirit 

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Escaping the Trap of a Dead Church

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of Him who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead.’” – Revelation 3:1 (NASB)

Revived by the Spirit. That is the call. That is the need. That is the cry the Spirit speaks to the churches even now.

You may have the name. You may have the reputation. People might look at your church, your ministry, your life, and say, “There’s someone on fire for God.” But the Lord who sees beyond appearances speaks a more sobering truth: “You are dead.” These are not the words of a critic. They are the voice of Yeshua, the One who walks among the lampstands and holds the seven stars in His hand. He sees. He knows. He grieves. But He also invites.

The danger of living among the remains

Just as a lifeless body is called “the remains,” many churches today are but the remains of what once was. There may still be motion, music, strategy, and sermons, but if the Holy Spirit has withdrawn, then all that’s left is the form without the fire. “For the form of godliness” without its power is a deception (2 Timothy 3:5, NASB).

Where the Spirit of God is absent, the church becomes an organization instead of a living Body. You begin to rely on business models instead of brokenness, marketing instead of prayer, and clever strategies instead of the Spirit’s leading. But the Church is not a brand. It is a Bride. And a bride without her Groom is not complete—she is waiting, or worse, wandering.

The prophet Ezekiel saw this when the glory of the Lord departed the temple (Ezekiel 10:18). The structure remained, the rituals continued, but Ichabod—“the glory has departed”—was written in the Spirit. Let it not be written over you.

How to be revived by the Spirit

But take heart. If the Word convicts you, it also calls you. If you feel the coldness in your heart, if you see that your church is operating on autopilot, it means the Spirit is still reaching out. He hasn’t left you to die. He is inviting you to live again.

“Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.” – Revelation 3:2 (NASB)

The way back begins with waking up. It is time to shake yourself from slumber and remember what it means to live for God—not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts (Zechariah 4:6). Revival does not come by accident. It comes by hunger, humility, and holiness.

You must return to the altar. Not the one made with hands, but the altar of your heart. Cry out, “Lord, breathe on me again. I don’t want to be the remains. I want to burn for You.” Let the wind of the Spirit shake your bones. Let the fire of God refine your desires. Let the voice of the Lord awaken every dead thing inside of you.

For the Lord is not looking for clever programs. He’s not impressed by packed rooms or smooth sermons. He is searching for those who will worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23). He is looking for living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him (Romans 12:1). The Holy Spirit is not a luxury. He is your lifeblood.

You were born to burn

You were not created to settle for a name without substance. You were not saved to operate in the flesh. You were born of the Spirit to live by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). So return to the Lord with fasting and weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12). Cry out until the fire returns. Dig until the well flows again.

Beloved, you were born to burn. Don’t be content with ashes. The Holy Spirit has not changed. He still comes upon those who wait, who hunger, who obey. Do not look back on what God once did. Seek Him now, for He is near to all who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). It’s time to be revived by the Spirit.

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Let fire descend on hearts once cold,
Let breath return where death held sway.
Revive the ruins, break the mold,
And raise us in Your light today.

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Prayer

El Shaddai, we repent of operating without You. Forgive us for relying on methods, models, and movements instead of pressing into Your presence. Holy Spirit, breathe on us again. Revive what was dead. Reignite our hearts. Fill Your Church with fire—not just emotion, but holy power. Let the world see a people alive in You, moving in You, shining with Your glory. We are not content with the remains. We long to be fully alive in You. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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Faith, Faith & Courage

People of the Fire

Beloved, do you not know that God still walks in the fire?

There is a holy summons today—a call echoing from the pages of Daniel to the depths of your spirit. You are not called to a lukewarm life or a faith of comfort. You were made to be among the People of the Fire. These are the ones who stand when the world demands they bow. These are the ones who refuse the golden idols of culture and comfort and, in doing so, awaken the very presence of El Shaddai in their midst.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Recall the moment in Babylon—when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before Nebuchadnezzar, refusing to worship the statue he set up. They declared without hesitation, “Our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire… but even if He does not… we are not going to serve your gods” (Daniel 3:17-18, NASB). This was not bravado. It was breathless adoration—the kind of worship that has counted the cost and chosen God above life itself.

They were bound and thrown into the fire. But the fire meant to destroy them became where Yeshua walked among them. The king himself saw and cried out, “Look! I see four men untied and walking about in the middle of the fire unharmed, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!” (Daniel 3:25, NASB).

This is what it means to be People of the Fire—to live a life where God’s presence is not theoretical but tangible in the crucible.

Restore Breathless Adoration

Have you settled into a rhythm of religion but lost the breathless wonder of being near to God? Have you traded the fire for the flicker of convenience?

There is more. There is always more of Him. The Lord is not found in safe places. He meets us in surrender, in sacrifice, and yes—in the flames.

The Burning Bush

Moses saw the bush ablaze, yet not consumed, and turned aside to look. That holy turning became the beginning of divine commission (Exodus 3:2-4). Elijah called down fire to reveal that God alone is Lord (1 Kings 18:36-39). Isaiah beheld the burning ones—the seraphim—crying out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of armies, the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3, NASB). He too was touched by fire and sent forth.

Even now, Yeshua speaks: “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49, NASB). He longs for your heart to burn with holy affection again.

Called to Walk in the Fire

Being People of the Fire means you must embrace the furnace. Not because you love pain—but because you love the One who stands in it with you. It is in the fire that chains are loosed. It is in the fire that spectators see the Son. It is in the fire that intimacy with God is made visible.

The early Church burned with this fire. Their love was so consuming that they rejoiced when counted worthy to suffer for His name (Acts 5:41). They turned the world upside down not by power, but by passion—a holy obsession with the living Christ.

You, beloved, are called to this same burning. You are not called to blend in but to blaze. You are a torch in a darkened age, and the oil of your lamp must not run dry. Stir the embers. Feed the flame. Seek His face until your heart is undone.

Breathe Again, Burn Again

The Church needs fire again—not noise, programs, or performances. Fire. Heaven’s fire. The kind that fell at Pentecost filled the Upper Room with tongues of flame (Acts 2:1-4). The type that set men and women ablaze to preach the gospel without fear, fueled by breathless adoration for Yeshua.

Let this be your cry: More of You, Lord. Less of me. Set me on fire again.

Return to the place of wonder. Return to the altar. Lay your life down—not in part, but whole—and let the fire of God consume you in holy love.

Prayer

Abba, we have grown too comfortable. We have built walls where You sought altars. Forgive us. We no longer want a safe religion—we want the fire. We want the flame that purifies, the presence that walks with us in the furnace. Lord Yeshua, walk with us again. Ignite every cold corner of our hearts. Restore breathless adoration in Your Bride. Make us a people who burn for You and You alone. We are Yours, El Shaddai. Kindle the fire. Amen.

Let the world see it. Let Babylon tremble again. You are People of the Fire.

See Also

Repentance, Revival

The Second Great Awakening: A Fire of Renewal 

In the early 1800s, America was a nation in transition, grappling with rapid social, economic, and territorial changes. Amid this turbulence, a spiritual awakening swept across the land, known as the Second Great Awakening. This revival profoundly shaped the spiritual and social fabric of the United States, leaving a legacy that resonates even today.

Unlike the localized revivals of earlier movements, the Second Great Awakening spread across vast regions, from rural camp meetings in Kentucky to urban churches in New England. At its core was a call to repentance, a renewed focus on salvation, and a fervent desire to see lives and communities transformed by the power of the Gospel. However, not every region welcomed this movement with open arms. Worcester, Massachusetts, for instance, became known for its resistance to revivalist preachers, reflecting a tension between traditional rationalist views and the emotional fervor of revivalist preaching.

A Movement Rooted in Prayer

The Second Great Awakening began quietly in small gatherings of believers who sought God through persistent prayer. In rural areas, Christians met in homes and barns, crying out for revival. These gatherings often sparked larger meetings, where preachers would proclaim the Gospel with urgency and zeal.

This aligns with the biblical principle found in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people, who are called by My name, humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land”(AMP). The awakening began with humble hearts seeking God, and He responded mightily.

Even in places like Worcester, where resistance to revivalism was strong due to the dominance of Unitarian and rationalist influences, prayer and persistence paved the way for the spread of the Gospel in surrounding areas. Though some preachers were kept out, the fire of the revival could not be contained entirely.

Camp Meetings and Fiery Preaching

One of the hallmarks of the Second Great Awakening was the rise of camp meetings, especially in the frontier regions of Kentucky and Tennessee. These outdoor gatherings often lasted for days, drawing thousands of people hungry for spiritual renewal. Preachers like James McGready and Barton Stone delivered passionate sermons, calling sinners to repentance and believers to deeper faith.

These meetings reflected the urgency of Romans 10:14: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (AMP). The preaching in these settings brought the message of salvation to countless people who might not have heard it otherwise.

In contrast, urban centers like Worcester resisted the emotional style of camp meetings. Many viewed such gatherings as disruptive and overly emotional. This resistance, however, highlights the cultural and spiritual battle lines drawn during the awakening, as revivalists sought to reach both the spiritually complacent and the unchurched.

A New Emphasis on Personal Responsibility

The Second Great Awakening differed from earlier revivals in its emphasis on personal responsibility in responding to the Gospel. Preachers like Charles Finney, who became a leading figure in the movement, stressed that individuals could make the choice to repent and follow Christ. Finney’s “new measures” included altar calls and public invitations for people to come forward and commit their lives to Christ.

Finney’s theology aligned with the call in Acts 3:19: “So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking] and return [to God], so that your sins may be wiped away, [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord”(AMP). His sermons stirred hearts and made repentance accessible to all, even in areas where resistance to change remained strong.

Impact on Society

The Second Great Awakening extended beyond personal salvation to societal transformation. It inspired the establishment of missionary societies, Sunday schools, and Bible distribution efforts. It also played a significant role in major social reform movements, including abolition, women’s rights, and temperance. Believers, transformed by the Gospel, sought to live out their faith by addressing injustices and meeting the needs of their communities.

Even in Worcester, where revivalists faced barriers, the awakening’s emphasis on social reform found traction. Organizations aimed at combating slavery and supporting education reflected the broader influence of this revivalist wave.

This revival demonstrated that true faith is not confined to private worship but influences the public sphere. As James 2:26 reminds us, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead” (AMP).

A Legacy of Renewal

By the mid-19th century, the Second Great Awakening had touched every corner of American society. Entire towns and cities were transformed as individuals came to faith, churches grew, and believers sought to live out the Gospel in every aspect of their lives. Even in places like Worcester, where resistance to revival was strong, the movement’s influence could not be ignored.

The awakening’s emphasis on prayer, preaching, personal responsibility, and societal change continues to inspire Christians today. It reminds us that revival begins when ordinary people, filled with the Spirit, seek God with all their hearts and proclaim His truth boldly.

Prayer for Awakening

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the testimony of the Second Great Awakening and the lives transformed through prayer, repentance, and bold preaching. Stir our hearts to seek You with that same passion today. Let Your Spirit move in our homes, churches, and communities, bringing revival that glorifies You and transforms lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also

Faith, Intimacy

Stop Playing Church and Return to the Lord

In His mercy, God allows us to live with free will, even when our choices grieve Him. For many of us, this free will leads to “playing church”—going through the motions of faith without truly seeking God’s presence. We attend services, recite prayers, and check religious boxes, but our hearts remain far from Him. This shallow faith breaks God’s heart, yet He waits patiently, calling us to return to Him wholeheartedly. Let us finally stop playing church and seek His presence anew.

The Bible warns us about hollow worship: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me” (Matthew 15:8, AMP). Playing church might make us feel comfortable, but it keeps us from the fullness of God’s power and purpose in our lives. The Enemy is perfectly content to see us busy with religious activity, so long as we remain spiritually ineffective.

But the moment we stop playing church and truly seek God, everything changes. When we move beyond rituals and engage in intimate, heartfelt prayer, when we genuinely repent and surrender our distractions and sins, we become vessels for God’s power. It is in this surrender that the Enemy takes notice—because a church that prays, seeks God’s face, and loves others as Christ does becomes a threat to his kingdom.

The Danger of a Shallow Faith

Playing church keeps us stuck in a cycle of empty actions. We feel busy and religious but lack the intimacy with God that transforms our hearts. Jesus reminds us, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, AMP). Faith is not about appearances; it’s about obedience, love, and surrender. To stop playing church, we must align our hearts with God’s will and seek true intimacy with Him.

This shallow faith is often sustained by distractions and comfortable sins—the things we turn to instead of God. Whether it’s entertainment, pride, or apathy, these idols dull our spiritual hunger. God calls us to strip away these barriers and return to Him fully.

True Faith Requires Wholehearted Devotion

The Lord does not want us to settle for religious routine. He desires relationship. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, AMP). True faith is an all-consuming pursuit of God. It means surrendering our favorite distractions, abandoning our comfortable sins, and seeking Him with an undivided heart. When we stop simply playing church, we embark on a true journey of faith.

This is not easy. It requires sacrifice and humility. But when we set aside our excuses and truly press into God, we experience His presence in ways we never imagined. Revival begins when the people of God stop playing church and start living as the body of Christ—praying fervently, loving sacrificially, and sharing His gospel boldly.

A Call to Stop Playing Church

Beloved, now is the time to stop playing church, and start living out our faith genuinely. God is calling us to lay down our idols, distractions, and sins and return to Him. Imagine a church where believers gather, not out of obligation, but out of a deep hunger for God’s presence. Imagine spontaneous prayer meetings, where hearts cry out to the Lord without concern for schedules or distractions. Imagine a church so on fire for God that the lost are drawn to Him through our love and witness.

This is what God desires for His people. This is what He calls us to.

Prayer:

Father, we confess that we have often gone through the motions of faith without truly seeking You. Forgive us for playing church, for being distracted by our comforts, and for clinging to sins that hinder our walk with You. We lay these things at the cross and ask You to cleanse us. Ignite in us a hunger for Your presence and a desire to live in obedience to Your will. Teach us to seek You with all our hearts and to bring Your love to the world around us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

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