December Guest Post: Revival

I am super excited for our second Guest Post! It comes from one of my dearest friends, Olivia Costa! 

Revival: “Restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, ect.” (dictionary.com)

           Words are important beyond the scope of our realization. They can and will tear things down in a second; they can move mountains; and they can change the world when spoken correctly. I love defining words because it gives speech a whole new meaning and sophistication.

           Anyway, we’re talking about Revival because believe it or not, it’s happening. Revival is happening in places where there is no “comfort” for Christians and even where it’s very dangerous to proclaim your faith and hold meetings together. I say “believe it or not” because it seems that all we see on the news is negativity. Images of beheaded American journalists, hundreds of people sitting on train tracks in Mexico, and whites and blacks in a battle on the city streets are burned into my mind. These are just a few of the events that have transpired as of 2013-14. Where are the super heroes? Where are the good guys? WHERE IS GOD?

Revelation 1:8

“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’”

Revelation 1:17-18

“‘… Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.’”

Exodus 3:7,10

“… I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God os Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

          So, perhaps the question is, where are you? Where are we? Where is the Church? Step up you men and women and children of God!

           Egypt has been a simmering pot of controversy for the last couple years, and the danger of being a Christian has grown.

http://www.faithit.com/god-is-up-to-something-in-egypt-and-we-really-think-you-should-know-about-it/

          “Captive in Iran” Women who were placed in one of the darkest places on earth so that their light could shine and drive away the hopelessness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_WQyYYw864

           In books by Tom Doyle, he vividly tells the stories of revival in the Middle East, as well as the stories of men and women who are seeing Jesus, Yahweh, in their dreams every night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bihUguIFigg

1 Peter 4:12-16

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be over joyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

Olivia is an excelling high school student with a beautiful voice

and Christ like attitude! She loves photography and is always looking for ways to serve. I enjoy the many deep theological conversations (and rants) we have together! ;) 

Thanks Olive,  for being an inspiration in your writing and life!

Be sure to check out Olivia's Blog too!