In the coming weeks, churches in our local association will be joining together for a series of "revival" meetings.

According to internet resources, revival -- in the Christian context -- generally refers to a specific period of spiritual renewal in the life of the Church. Though such elements as mass conversions and a positive influence on the moral climate may be involved, the main focus in revival is the restoration of a fervent and active relationship between the Church and God. The very fact that churches and various church groups seek revival infers a marked period of decline with regard to that relationship.

It only takes a few moments in front of the television watching any evening news to understand that there is much wrong with this world of ours.

Greed, lust, violence and corruption are everywhere and in every corner of society. Christians are finding themselves more and more in the crosshairs of those who would make us a persecuted minority in our own nation. We are quickly becoming irrelevant in the eyes of the world.

It is indeed time for revival: True revival that starts with Christians and changes churches, communities, states, and entire nations.

So why do I think we need revival?

We need revival today because the church is weak in faith, weak in commitment, and weak in prayer; because the church has lost its integrity and identity concerning its relationship with the Kingdom of God and its responsibility to live as citizens of that Kingdom.

We need revival because churches today are filled with materialistic and worldly- minded Christians. We need revival because many churches act as though they wouldn't be able to reach their communities without the use of worldly methods and influences. In fact, in many of our churches you can't tell the sacred from the secular. We need revival because many of our churches have forgotten about love and are existing in a somewhat loveless state.

Sadly, we need revival because in many of our churches you can't tell the preacher from the professor, the pusher, the pimp or the player. It's not real clear what he's saying, and it's not too clear what he's promoting. But the lack of power and connection with God -- truly spending time in His presence -- is evident. The pulpits of America are losing their power and the nation is suffering because of it.

We do need revival.

But true revival looks different than we may expect. It sometimes empties churches before filling them up again. It burns through and takes away all that is not necessary before restoring true faith. It purges and then rebuilds. Sometimes it hurts, but it's a glorious pain.

As someone once said -- beware what you pray for, you just might get it.

May God bless our efforts, and may we truly experience revival -- God's way.