“Bless your heart” is a statement used in the southern part of the United States, often as a passive aggressive way of implicating that what the person said or did wasn’t necessarily the smartest thing in the world. Personally, I feel like I’ve had this said to me by friends and family way too many times to count. I tend to specialize in saying things that sound a lot better in my head than they do coming out of my mouth.

A man named Nicodemus had one of those moments with Jesus. However, thankfully, Jesus is a lot more patient and kind than we tend to be. Basically, Jesus told Nicodemus (who was a very religious man) that he must be born again to see the kingdom of God (v. 3). It’s a great reminder that being religious and moral does not save you. We all desperately need a Savior.

Interestingly, Nicodemus was only thinking purely in physical terms, “How can anyone be born when he is old?” (v. 4). This is probably the part where the rest of us would have said, “Nicodemus, bless your heart.” However, Jesus responded that being a part of the family of God is not something you’re physically born into; it’s something you have to be spiritually reborn into. You must be born of the Spirit. You must have “two births”: a physical birth (born of the flesh) and a spiritual birth (born of the Spirit).

Revival is more than a feeling; it’s being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Have you had two births? Of course, we’ve all had a physical birth, but have you also have a spiritual birth?

Write down your physical birthday. If you remember when it was, also write down your spiritual birthday. (Maybe even write it in your Bible. It’s an extremely important day!)

In John 3:8, Jesus compared the Spirit to the wind. We also saw that comparison in Acts 2. I can’t help but think of G. Campbell Morgan’s quote:

“We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the wind from heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again.”

One of the best ways to “set your sails to catch the wind from heaven” and experience revival is by praying. Talking to God, listening to what He has to say to you, and thinking about who He is and the promises of His Scriptures.

PRAYER MOVEMENTS

Hands Up

A sign of surrender.

• Read Colossians 1:16.

Spend time telling God how great He is. Not because He needs to hear it but because you need to be reminded.

Surrender to the truth of who He is today and that He is worth following.

Hands Open

• Read Matthew 16:24.

What do you need to let go of today? What is getting in the way of you going all in on following Jesus, or what is tripping you up as you follow

Him? Empty out by confessing any unrepentant sin.

Hands Out

A sign of receiving.

• Read Proverbs 3:5.

Lastly, ask God to be with you today. Let Him know you are ready to receive any truth He teaches you. Through the power of the Holy Spirit be ready to obey anything He calls you to today. You’re ready to receive His orders for you.