CPR

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"The focus in revival is Jesus Christ, not revival. A genuine revival is characterized by a fresh revelation of the grace, greatness, and glory of Jesus Christ." - Mark Stibbe

There it is….an old book I have to read every two years before my CPR expires. It’s time again…So, I’ve been cramming last night. Reviewing techniques, sequence, ratios, and other pertinent things that have slowly faded in my memory bank, in between these past two years. It’s not often we have “Code Blue’s” at work. But when the need arises, of course, every nurse in the prison must work together to save a precious life. So, it’s just right to review and be reminded of the skills that we must not forget.

Tomorrow, I’m off to our annual training. The first part of the day is usually spent with our doctors and other staff taking turns, educating us if there’s anything new that is going on with correctional healthcare. We get a lunch break. Then, the remaining half of the day we spend on the floor, by ourselves and then, by two’s, practicing CPR skills on a dummy. Maintaining a patent airway is very crucial and if pulseless, then, that’s when chest compressions are initiated. But there has to be a right depth, right rhythm, right ratio…I’m already tired thinking about it because I know it will feel like a real scenario. But I know I must be refreshed. It’s vital and necessary.

Becoming saved does not stop there. I used to think “I’m fine, I’m saved. I’m going to heaven.” Amen! Then, I wanted to glorify the Lord through writing and I discovered this blog world. Met a lot of sisters/brothers in Christ. Blessed by their own writings as well. Unfortunately, it's not all about that. To mature in Christ is a continuous, lifelong process. Not just being saved and meeting other Christians.

It's not just about prayer and sharing that help us grow in our faith. We need to also exercise or "flex" our spiritual muscles that God gave. However, we have that need to be connected with each other. And that relationship as His family and church is very real!

We need discipline to keep growing in His knowledge.

"Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. This is true, and everyone should accept it. We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly of those who believe." - 1 Timothy 4:7-10

I admit, I am a big work in progress, like you. As we become a blessing to each other through our blogs and prayers, may we all be encouraged to keep growing and mature in Christ, through the different spiritual gifts we learn from each other. How true is that saying "no pain, no gain!" But with Christ, the pain we endure helps us to grow in our faith. It is a good kind of pain if we choose to suffer with Christ.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish." - Hebrews 12:1-2

So, meet you here? Same place, same time? To seek our Lord Jesus daily and repent for our sins, and continue to practice CPR [Christ's Powerful Revival] as his family. And while you're here, I just want you to know I'm so grateful to have met you and thank you for your prayers and friendships. May God bless all of you richly and to Him be the glory in everything that we do!