The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ Luke 18:11-13
What kind of heart and attitude does God want from us? There is a great call for a movement of prayer and revival calling out to God, right now. The Spirit of God either ignores or transcends so much that marks the Christian system, and makes it seem as though it doesn’t count, for the Holy Spirit never compromises on that which is vital and really of God, does that not mean we must consider what our own efforts obtain? The days of the Church’s greatest spiritual power and impact were the days when the outward forms (ecclesiastical), the building (architecture) and the Sunday ritual (liturgical service) were of no regard and practice, and the Lord Himself was everything within the people. To get away from the lessor important ritualistic religious things we need a powerful vision of the Spirit of God; this, and only this, will do it. This has been said over and over throughout history and even agreed with. What has perplexed us is that, while these things have been constantly repeated and strongly stated, the implication seems to never have registered itself with sufficient strength as to result in practical adjustments. So, on the other hand, if we seriously faced the things which the Spirit of God has again and again ruled out when He has His way, would not the way be opened for a more permanent high level of spiritual life, fullness, and effectiveness?
Is not reformation an essential part of revival? Does not the Lord call for certain drastic adjustments before He can “open the windows of heaven” over us? Whenever and wherever, by a new revealing of Himself, His purpose and method, the Lord has secured those who have moved out on to the ground of Christ only and in fullness, they always had to meet a great and painful cost. That cost has usually come through their own brethren who exacted it upon them. It is very difficult for the institutional organized Church to believe anything very much of value can go on without machinery, publicity, and all the framework of organized work.
Maybe we need to pause and consider God’s mightiest and most fruitful works in nature that move in grace and are done quietly, unobtrusively, and in many cases, done before anyone knows about them? Spring time? When we constantly sit within our man-made world we so easily lose sight of His Majesty and mystery and wonders of His creation.
How often do your spiritual leaders / elders point you to the Holy Spirit with questions? Do they encourage you to seek out the Holy Spirit, teaching you how to hear His Voice throughout your day? Or do they just want you to attend the next ‘service’ with your tithes? Are you developing a larger fire within you for the Spirit of God? For Him and Him alone? Are you asking the Holy Spirit deep and searching questions? Are you pursuing Him with all you have? What do you place on the value of eternal things? Are they important to you? Reformation and revival must first begin in our individual hearts. Doing the same things you’ve always done religiously — will never get you there. You must step out. Where, when, how, should be done by His direction.
Blow on that flame of God the resides within you.