Revival

There's so much chatter in the world right now…in the news, on social media, on podcasts... I don't want to add to the noise. But my heart is full. It's full of hurt, it's full of sadness, and it's full of thoughts. It's so easy to get burdened down by this world and that's natural because we live physically in this world. But scripture tells us in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Let’s not be of this world even when we have to be in it for now.  While we can hurt for the things that we see of this world, we have to make sure our hearts and our eyes stay focused on God above so that we don't lose sight of the promise that we are given in eternal life with Him. He is bigger than this world here and the tragedy and hurt that happens here.  I hope that can bring you some peace.  It brings me comfort when I stop, take a deep breath and realize God is all knowing, more powerful, and more in control than all the things of this earth.

There are so many opinions on Charlie Kirk right now, and I don't want to add to them. All I know is I'm feeling this time is an awakening!   I like the word REVIVAL.  To me it's an upheaval of what has been normal and it's a readjusting of thoughts and actions. I don't think there's any better time than a revival for today's world. Charlie Kirk's death is a tragedy regardless of how you felt about the man. He did not deserve to die at the hands of another human being just because someone felt hatred toward him. I pray that the revival that I know God is capable of causing right now happens. I pray that it hits us politically from far left to far right.  From Democrat to Republican. I pray that the extremes all come together, and unity happens again.  We can listen and respect each other's opinion but let Christ guide us to be a morally and ethically sound country following the principles that we were based upon. There has to be a moderate ground and not these extreme views left or right.

The time for a revival is NOW. What does that look like? For me it's a time of slowing down and getting beyond myself and looking at how I'm living my life. What are my priorities?  Where's my heart focused? Am I spending enough time in the Word? Am I talking the talk and walking the walk that would please Jesus? I think many Christians have shied away from truly voicing our opinions because we don't want to offend people.  Conservative and Biblical views have taken a backseat to the louder, the “prouder”, and the bolder.  We need to start standing back up for our beliefs…not to be argumentative or show we’re superior.  We just need to be the voice of Jesus in this world and not let fear get in the way. Jesus argued in the Bible. He fought for what was right. He mingled with people that were not his mirror image. We should be doing the same!  We shouldn't be afraid of what others are going to think, what they're going to do, or if they're going to like us. When I opened Simply Home almost thirteen years ago, one of my big visions for this store was using it as a mission field. I think we have successfully done that, but I also think there's a lot more that we could do.

Here's what I’m asking of myself today, and I am boldly asking the same of you!   Take ten minutes to sit down with your Bible and reflect in the Truth.  That’s just 600 seconds of your day! Read verses that comfort you. Read verses that confuse you. Read verses that scare you. Let's all remember what happened last week and know that our time to live for God is right now. What is he wanting you to do? What is it that you're afraid to do? When you answer that, then pray for it!  Pray that God opens the doors and the opportunities that allows you to fight through that fear and He will carry you through. Who in your circle needs to know about Jesus right now? Think of ONE thing you can do this week for REVIVAL.   Maybe it’s a changing of YOUR mindset.  Maybe it’s speaking out to family or coworkers about Jesus.  Maybe it’s just settling an argument that you've had with someone.  Maybe it’s being vocal and voicing how you feel about the news.

It's time for us to put down our phones, turn off the TV, and deep dive into the Word. I don't care if you're a new Christian or you've been a Christian for years, there’s a message in it that will hit you in a new way, there's always truth in it, and there's always comfort in it. I'm praying for you. I'm praying for our nation. I'm praying for the Kirk’s family and friends’ circle. I'm praying for a revival and I'm praying that God shows me how to be a part of it.  If anyone wants to talk, share, or chat, I’m always up for a cup of coffee, so message me!

In Him today and always,

Tami