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  REVIVING THE HEART
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of coming to God with
a contrite heart for true spiritual growth and healing.

Topics: "Humility", "Spiritual Maturity"
Scripture References: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 34:18, Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 57:15, Matthew 5:3, Luke 18:13, Romans 12:1, Philippians 3:10, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson emphasizes that coming to Christ solely for personal
gain or relief from problems can hinder spiritual growth and maturity.
He reminds us that while God is always ready to help those in distress,
true transformation requires coming to Him out of reverence and a desire
for a relationship, not just for relief. Wilkerson encourages believers
to approach God with a repentant heart, assuring them that He will
provide refreshment and guidance. He highlights the importance of
humility and contrition in our walk with God, as these qualities open
the door to spiritual revival. Ultimately, a genuine relationship with
God leads to true maturity in faith.

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CONTENT
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Did you first come to the Lord only because you wanted something from
Him? Did you turn to God in order to kick a drug habit, to have your
marriage restored, to be delivered from financial trouble?

The truth is, Christ will work miracles for you. He will do the
impossible in your life. But if you come to Him only to get something
from Him -- only to be delivered from your problems -- you will never
grow an inch in maturity. On the contrary, you will only grow hard.

Think back to the time of your conversion. Did it happen after some
locust had eaten everything away? Was your health debilitated? Was one
of your children in trouble? Did you end up in devastation, with death
and ruin hovering over you?

Please do not misunderstand me. Of course, God loves to save people who
end up in ruin. When all is lost, He is always near and faithful to
deliver. But, beloved, you cannot come to Jesus just to get relief. You
must come to Him because He is God and because He deserves your life,
your worship, your obedience.

Right now you may be saying, "Yes, I admit I've been neglecting God's
Word and I'm still bound by a besetting sin. Am I too far gone to
receive the Lord's healing touch?"

No, not at all! If you will begin to call on the Lord today, in the
midst of your need, He will bring you times of refreshing. Whenever you
bring a truly repentant heart to Him, He will act as your mediator and
intercessor, not as your judge.

Do you want to grow into maturity in Christ? Do you want the Lord to
keep reproving you in love and guiding you toward godliness? Then call
on Him today. Nothing will keep you on His intended path for you more
than a broken and contrite heart!

"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose
name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is
of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and
to revive the heart of the contrite ones" (Isaiah 57:15).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/reviving-the-heart/
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