Revival of the Hearts is a quick in-depth Bible commentary on 2 Chronicles 7:14 in the series, A Flash of Insight Christian Bible Commentary.
In this Bible commentary, you will learn how the truths God states in 2 Chronicles 7:14 show people how to positively increase their spiritual, psychological/emotional, physical, and social well-being – experiencing a revival of hearts.
A revival of hearts is found in those with a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ. Those who have turned from their sins toward Christ, experiencing once again, the abundance in this gift of life – the blessings of being right with Christ. They have returned to Jesus Christ – their first love – Revelation 2:4.
Revival of the Hearts 2 Chronicles 7:14
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV, God says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
This verse declares God’s love for us! He does not want us to experience short-lived revivals – momentary bursts of Christian excitement – but a revival of hearts that is unwavering through the years. A constant turning from sin towards Christ. We all fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23, not one person is perfect. But the gift of God is found in Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins upon repentance.
A Flash of Insight Christian Bible Commentary series
May we Christians live with a desire to not have sin rule our life; a desire that is focused on Christ, inspired to grow in our relationship with Him – living in light of His love.
Alysa Vw
God has given us His Word – the Old Testament and New Testament – to study and live; inviting us into a conversation with Himself that is everlasting. A genuine relationship that is filled with abundance.
This is the way – reading and studying the Bible – to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – 2 Peter 3:18; for He is the Word made flesh – John 1:14.
God cares about our life here on earth as well as our life in heaven – that is why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to bring the Good News to the poor in spirit, to liberate the captives, to open the eyes of the blind, to free the oppressed and to proclaim that the time of God’s favor has come.
He sent us a Savior, who died on the cross for our sins and rose again, to show us the way to live.
In these ten chapters, VanderWeerd breaks down the truths God declares in 2 Chronicles 7:14; providing a quick in-depth look into Scripture that is great for personal study or for a group bible study, with questions for discussion at the end of each chapter.
Revival of the Hearts Excerpt
Spiritual Maturity (ch. 6 See the Invisible)
A spiritually mature Christian does not need a reason to seek God – they seek Him out of their love for Him.
An individual controlled by the Holy Spirit grows in spiritual maturity; as they think about things that please the Spirit – Romans 8:5-6. Whereas, an individual dominated by their sinful nature remains spiritually immature; reflecting the world in jealousy and wrong motive – 1 Corinthians 3:3. When individuals allow their sinful nature to control their mind, thus their actions, it leads to spiritual death; while a mind controlled by the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace – peace with God and peace with people – Romans 8:6.
People at varying levels of spiritual maturity are spoken to differently; as Paul said to the Corinthians, “Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?” – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT.
Therefore, growing in spiritual maturity is a choice we make, as we consistently repent of sin; turning away from the world’s ways, seeking God. We don’t need an explanation of why we need to repent – we know right from wrong – Hebrews 5:14; and we know repentance of sin and placing our faith in God is fundamental – Hebrews 6:1. Spiritual maturity, thus, moves beyond fundamental belief to living the gospel daily, desiring God and His ways; refusing to be loyal to the world.
God teaches those willing to learn. He teaches those who do not simply want scientific head knowledge, but heart knowledge witnessed in wisdom and understanding – Proverbs 9:9. He speaks to those desiring an intimate relationship with Him. Truly, God takes people whose minds are controlled by the Holy Spirit, deeper in their walk with Him; providing an increased understanding of the Scriptures, moving beyond the basics of the faith found in pure spiritual milk – Hebrews 5:12, 6:1.
It is known that people grow at different paces; depending upon desire and an active seeking of God. God holds the timetable, as He teaches His own. No one is able to state the number of years an individual will reach spiritual maturity. That sinful desire is a historic sin within the church, found in those who want to decide the next spiritual leaders. Sanctification is a part of spiritual maturity and it is a life-long process. A lot depends upon an individual’s willing submission to God in the sanctification process. Jesus alone perfects His own, for He is the author and finisher of our faith – Hebrews 10:14; 12:2. God anoints at His will and makes His appointments clear. There are many young people who desire God wholeheartedly, thus are told, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity” – 1 Timothy 4:12. Plain and simple, spiritually mature people walk in the fear of the Lord – Proverbs 1:7; while those who are spiritually dull, refuse to obey God’s commands – Hebrews 6:11-12.
There is a reason why David instructed Solomon, saying, “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him you will find him. but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever” – 1 Chronicles 28:9 NLT.
These actions increase spiritual maturity.
That word to Solomon is a word to us:
“Learn to know God intimately” – is a call to not simply have second hand knowledge of God, but personal knowledge that stems from a relationship filled with communication and commitment.
“Worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind” – speaks to our intent and outward actions for the Lord. God knows our heart and our thoughts that lead up to our actions. He knows when our actions stem from us being half-hearted; not fully committed to what we are doing for Him. He also knows when we are just going through the motions, resisting in our mind or moving without thought. We might be doing something under duress or mere duty; but our actions are minus a sincere desire for the Lord and His ways. He also knows when we are serving Him, but we forget Him in our service, as our mind is focused on others with wrong intent; these acts are not offerings of righteousness. Ultimately, God knows and it is between Him and the individual. No one knows the thoughts and intent of the heart except for the Lord – Jeremiah 17:10. Thus, when we worship and serve God with our whole heart and willing mind, we genuinely delight in Him – Psalm 37:4, honoring His name.
“If you seek Him, you will find Him” – is an assurance of God’s presence. God is always available for the genuine seeker. For “whenever someone turns toward the Lord, the veil is taken away” and they obtain understanding of the truth – 2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT. For the act of genuine seeking involves belief that He exists and He rewards those who sincerely seek Him – Jeremiah 29:13; Hebrews 11:6. As wisdom and the word made flesh, Jesus says, “Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise” – Proverbs 1:23 NLT. Thus, those who genuinely seek God, walk in the fear of Him, and He reveals Himself to them; but those who do not fear God will not find Him when they search for Him – Proverbs 1:28-29.
A genuine desire for Jesus Christ ignites revival in a heart and mind – it’s a life hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
Alysa vw, Revival of the Hearts
5.0 out of 5 stars You need this book in your library!
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2021
Love it! “Revival of the Hearts” is a book based on the core verse 2 Chronicles 7:14. The author breaks down this piece of scripture completely, segment by segment and does an amazing job of taking you deeper into how this verse ties into themes that are repetitive throughout the Bible and how it applies to our world today. Absolutely recommend this book! 🙂
5.0 out of 5 stars A timely message for the time we are living in!
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2022
In Revivial of the Hearts, Alysa writes in such a way that makes it easy for the reader to get through weighty subject matter. There is a lot of meat in each portion of this book yet it’s broken down in such a way that you can keep reading and reading, and soaking in truth after truth without realizing how much you’ve just read.
Revival of the Hearts is truly a revitalization for the heart, and in the short time I began reading I already felt my heart lapping up the truth of God’s word inside the pages, bringing refreshment. Thank you Alysa for spending the time to hear from Jesus and putting the words He gave you down for the exhortation of His saints. I pray too, for those who do not know Him personally, that the Holy Spirit would illuminate this work to them and light up the dark recesses of their thoughts, and hearts’ intents. That’s what I took away from this, that the heart of the author is to see the hearts of the readers be renewed in Christ. I sincerely hope that too. Thank you for spreading the Good News of Christ Jesus, Alysa! This book is a treasure.
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2021
I just started reading this book and I am loving it! It is filled with scripture and I love that! I also love how the author breaks down 2 Chronicles 7:14. It is such a timely message. Revival starts with the individual. I can’t wait to finish reading. I totally recommend this book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2021
Insightful interpretation of scripture!
5.0 out of 5 stars Great analysis and message
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2021
A thorough and insightful review of 2 Chronicles 7:14. A detailed analysis with several cross references to other scriptures, emphasizing a loving call for repentance to a world in need. A needed reminder in these times.
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2021
2 Chronicles 7:14 is analyzed and reviews in this book. A great book for any Christian or anyone in need of repentance
About the Author
Alysa VanderWeerd is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Community Care and Counseling: Family & Marriage at Liberty University. She has her Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in English from the University of California – Irvine, and her Master of Arts in History from the University of California – Riverside. A life long student whether at God’s feet, in the classroom, in the pew, at a workplace or on the street – she loves sharing her knowledge acquired and God given wisdom in a way that is inviting and inspiring; encouraging people in the Lord, while exhorting them to live like Christ in this world. As 1 John 4:17 NLT says, “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”