10/25/21 Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 07

There were plenty of accusations. “They want our property so they can sell it to fund their own ministries,” suggested one opponent to the REVITALIZATION partnership being offered by a sister church. Another used scare tactics among the few remaining homebound members by overstating the value of the church’s property and how a partnering church would use this value to their own advantage. Still another accusation came from the chairman of the few remaining deacons, “Those offering us assistance only want to make a name for themselves and they care nothing about us.” These, and many other misguided, yet painful, accusations may very well be a part of your church’s efforts toward REVITALIZATION. Despite their opposition, stay the course because part of the process of REVITALIZATION is the cleansing of hearts and motives among those who resist the process.

INSIDE OUT… Jesus challenged the Pharisees on more than one occasion to be careful about putting on a religious front when, in fact, their hearts were yet unclean in motive or attitude. “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness” (Luke 11:39). “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like white-washed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). Not only must we make sure our attitudes and actions are pure before the Lord in this REVITALIZATION effort, but we must also pray for our brothers and sisters who are demonstrating something less than pure motives and attitudes in their reaction to God’s work of REVITALIZATION.

PRAY… Jesus, thank you for giving our church the opportunity for restoration and REVITALIZATION. I know the process will not be easy, but with You all things are possible, and we are trusting in Your ever-present help throughout the process. Please cleanse my heart, and the hearts of all our church members of any evil, conspiring, or uncooperative spirit in the REVITALIZATION process so that You alone can gain glory and Your church be reclaimed for Your great purpose. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.