August 3

Written by Bill Grandi on August 3rd, 2022

Very recently I read an exciting and interesting new book by Pastor Greg Laurie called Lennon, Dylan, Alice and Jesus. Strange name I know, but it was a book about those three musical icons, their contemporaries and how they felt about Jesus. Pastor Greg also wrote about other rock icons-Morrison, Hendrix, Joplin (who were all part of the dubious 27 Club because they all died when they were 27 years old), as well as others. He wrote about Jesus’ influence on different rock and roll artists- their acceptance, rejection, falling away, and embracing-of Jesus.

After reading that refreshing, sometimes sad, but still refreshing book, I decided to go back and read again another book by Greg which I had read back in 2018 called Jesus Revolution. I only started it last night so I can’t say much about it. However, chapter 1 began with this quote:

There can’t be any large scale revolution until there’s a personal revolution, on an individual level.  it’s got to happen inside first.

Who said that? Hold onto your hat when I tell you. Jim Morrison.

Shocked? Yeah…me too.

Sounds like some religious jargon doesn’t it? How many times have you heard or said something like, “Real revival must start with me.” It’s true. Real revival, real renewal, must begin within each one of us, starting with me. Real revival is a revolution, a radical changing of my heart and mind to being conformed to the image of Christ. To borrow and reword Jim Morrison’s words: It’s an inside job.

You see, I think the world (and the church to some extent), has seen enough of, and had enough of fake “works of God.” I know I have had enough of pretenders (and that includes me from time to time).  We see the garbage and hucksterism on TV for what passes for faith, and we hear of crusades (not Harvest Crusades put on my Greg Laurie) with all the showy junk, that we are literally sick of it. 

I know I’m sick of what passes for “God’s work” and “God’s words.”  Sort of makes me sick to my stomach.

Revival, or a move of God, is much more than “You don’t do this” or “You don’t do that” or “You must act a certain way” or “You must belong to a certain political party.”  No. Revival is a radical change within a person’s heart. THAT is what the world wants and needs to see.

Jim Morrison was right. We need Someone to light our fire. It’s not a baby (babe). It’s the King of kings setting us on fire with a fire of epic proportions. That is one that will set the night on fire by bringing the light of Christ to its darkness.

That the real thing. Authentic. Life-changing. White hot change-maker.

“Start with me, Father. Set me on fire.”

 

8 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S says:

    I am curious what others think in regards to the spark in our lives that at times is a raging fire while other times is just a smoldering ember. Why is that the case? I don’t believe for a moment that the God of the Universe lacks the “fuel” to keep me burning like a raging flame. I don’t believe for a moment that the Holy Spirit that lives inside of me comes and goes or that he is inconsistent in any way. The only variable I can see in this equation is me. If God is a constant (and I believe He is) then what can alter the “btu” of my flame?

    If I trust the math… and I am the variable, then I suspect it is me.

    That said, I think there will be seasons, when we allow, that God will take the opportunity to lead me into areas that excite me both spiritually and emotionally.

    I also believe that God will only lead me where I am willing to follow. — Read this in one of my studies this morning by Tony Evans.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Like you, Ryan, I believe the variable is me. My love waxes and wanes as I move through life. God never changes so that is a constant. And like you, my love cools and then burns hot from time to time. Being open to the Spirit’s influence and leading is so important. And I like Tony’s quote.

  2. Diane Ronzino says:

    Wow! Hallelujah! I’ve been saying this same thing for years. Preach it Bill!

  3. This sounds like a book I need to read, too, Bill. I loved Jesus Revolution, for sure. And yes, Father, set me on fire for You!
    Blessings!

  4. gail says:

    Read both blogs, and yes it does have to start in our own hearts. That’s the problems with laws and rules in the culture. Unless people change in their own hearts, and really follow God’s Way, make that transformation, all you really have are some rules that are nice to have. There is no real movement behind them the rules, which in the end, means the same actions keep getting done over and over. We cannot change without the Fathers help and guidance, we have to surrender to Him first.
    BTW:I have always loved Bob Dylan’s album, Slow train coming, he wrote it after he was saved.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I think the problem with a lot of us Gail is we think we can make changes on our own. Or by making outward changes. Like you picked up, it comes from inside. Thanks for reading both blogs. As for the album, I never listened to it. I read about it but I was into more “aggressive” music at the time. 🙂