READ: Psalm 85:1-7
While working my way through graduate school, I taught five-string banjo in a music store. The job provided me with the opportunity to buy a brand-new, professional-quality instrument for nearly half-price.
That was over 30 years ago, and that banjo has accompanied me on ministry efforts around the world. But despite its excellent craftsmanship, eventually it needed to be refurbished. A master repairman pointed out how imperfections had worn into the banjo. He was confident that his repairs would result in the instrument sounding better than new.
I wasn’t disappointed. The action on the strings and the clarity of the sound are astonishingly superior to its original condition when I purchased the instrument.
In a way, our lives are like musical instruments intended for “the praise of the glory of [God’s] grace” (Eph. 1:6). But over time, life wears us down. Our hearts cry out for renewal. The psalmist prayed: “Will You not revive us again?” (Ps. 85:6). The Hebrew word for revive means not only “to restore and refresh” but also “to repair.”
It’s vital that we submit our souls to the Master’s restorative touch. Why not set aside some time for spiritual retreat, and ask the Lord to repair your heart? — Dennis Fisher
Revive us again—
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above. —Mackay
Time in Christ’s service requires time out for renewal.
Adapted from Our Daily Bread.
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Let there be a revival. Across the nation. Across the world.
For NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD
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So I lift, my eyes, to you Lord
In your strength, will i, break through Lord,
Touch me now,
Let your love fall down, on me,
I know your love dispels all my fears.
Through the storm, I will, hold on Lord,
And by faith. I will, walk on Lord,
Then i'll see,
Beyond my Calvary, one day,
Then i will be complete in you.