However, the Holy Scriptures assure us that God is kind and tender hearted. For it is written: "A bruised reed HE shall not break; And a smoking (smoldering) flax (wick) HE shall not quench!" (Matthew 12:20). In fact, that is the whole point of the Parable of the Lost Sheep, that HE is willing to leave the 99 and find that one little lost lamb (Luke 15:3-7). HE wants to bring HIS People back to their Flock!
In turn, this show us our own need. That we need a Good Shepherd, to chase after us (like a loving parent), and bring us back to the safety and security of the Fold (John 10:11-16). For, if we are left to our won choices, we will wander out of the way and get lost. (Or get devoured by the wolves!) Thus, to deal with our own, natural wayardness, we need a way to re-kindle our Faith. And this is what Renewal is all about!
However, the Scriptures plainly tell us that we need to FOLLOW ON TO KNOW THE LORD! (Hosea 6:3; Matthew 4:19) And that our Walk with the Lord is a GROWTH, that we need to farm, foster, or encourage (Matthew 13:3-23; Mark 4:28). If we do not do this, then we remain as babes in Christ (Hebrews 5:12-14; I Peter 2:1-3)--immature children of God, or as some say, carnal Christians (I Corinthians 3:1-3). So, let us get on with our growth. Let us mature in the Faith!
Unfortunately, there are all too many who do not listen to this important teaching. Consequently, they wander away from God, and get themselves in all kinds of trouble! This wandering out of God's Way (or refusing to grow) is called Backsliding (Jer 5:6, 8:5-7; Hosea 11:7). Even more dangerous, Backsliding can become so bad that a person loses their Faith and is nolonger Saved--Apostate (Matthew 24:10; II Thessalonians 2:3). And it can reach a point where the person cannot be saved again nor renewed to the Faith (Hebrews 6:4-8)! So, beware! If you forsake God, HE will forsake you (II Chronicles 15:2; Jeremiah 2:19). So, follow on CLOSELY to know the Lord better.
But, if you become weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9; II Thessalonians 3:13), then it is time to seek the seasons of refreshing (Isaiah 28:12; Acts 3:19). Or, if you are being severly tempted to doing something wicked or evil (James 1:13-16), then you need to seek God's Power for restraint (I Peter 4:1-4). Or, worse, if you are seriously thinking about turning your back on the things of God, never to return, then you seriously need to seek Renewal!
Another good test is to ask yourself these 3 simple questions. Are you reading God's Word, the Bible, on a daily (or almost daily) basis? Are you praying to God, both thanking HIM for the good things that HE has done for you as well as asking for what you may need? And, are you still attending Fellowship and gathering with other people who Believe in God? If you answer no to any of these (and especially if you answer no to the last one), then you had better get back on the Path to God. For, you are in serious danger of getting lost (and eaten by the wolves of the world).
So, what I am saying here is that we all need to be Renewed from time to time. So, don't let pride stop you from seeking it (Proverbs 16:18). For, we must learn to be humble (I Peter 5:5-6). For, that is when the Lord can work the best in our lives! So, don't let them get you to thinking that you are weird or bad because you need a new touch form God to get you through. We all do, sooner or later. And, it is easier to seek it sooner. Because later can bring with it a lot of pain and sorrow! So, if you find yourself in that boat, you had better get rowing, NOW!
So, what if there is not a NORDESEL (or ZDK) Group near you? Well, there are a few Evangelists running around, who can do a respectable job getting you Renewed back to God. And, there are a few congregations, here and there, that specialize in Renewal. (Some even have special Renewal Groups to help you.) But, all too often, people think that it is their own Pastor, or their own church that has to do the Renewing. However, if you have Backsliden there, in their pew, the odds are good that you won't get Renewed there, either! You are going to have to get yourself up and go out somewhere and seek it where God is willing to give it to you! so, get at it! And don't delay any more.
However, for most people, it is an individual struggle. You just have to simply make the commitment and keep with it. It may be a bit harder, but you can do it (if you have to). And, with Our Revival Course, you will find that it is not that hard. (We have simplified many things, to make it easier on you.)
So, to start on your trip back to God, let us pray together. Now, you say this following prayer out loud, so that God will know that you agree to it:
So, do we have a future Evangelist, here? Or, are you just wondering and would like to know what else you may learn about Renewal? Well, we do have more details about it, in Our Revival Literature Section, so look it up in Our Web site. Or use the handy links, below, if you really want to know more:
Phone: (509) 493-1674
And, E-Mail us at: zdkf@gorge.net (Please, mark subject box RE-ASSURANCE!)
COPYRIGHT 1999 (Net) by Daniel Shaddox. All rights reserved.
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Phone: (509) 493-1674
(NOTE: limited permission to duplicate this article is extended to ZDK and Nordesel members, for the expressed purpose of recruiting or teaching new members.)Dated: 5-30-99 . . . Updated 6-27-99