November 20, 2020
As a leader, the greatest way to help others to a revived life is to live there yourself. This does not happen automatically. In fact, the pull of the world, flesh, and devil is so strong that we can easily slide into sin and find ourselves in deep need of personal reviving.
Paul, in Ephesians, reminds us of our incredible blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1-3), and then calls us to walk worthy of that high calling (Ephesians 4-6). He sums some of this up in Ephesians 5:15-21 with some direct admonitions. To walk with Christ in these areas is to walk in personal revival. And, if you’re not there, you cannot lead others there.
Examine yourself prayerfully in light of these 10 areas and 30 questions.
1. Be CAREFUL
"Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but wise" (Ephesians 5:15)
"Make the most of your time because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16)
"Do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17)
"Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation" (Ephesians 5:18)
"Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18)
"Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" (Ephesians 5:19)
"Singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19)
"Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father" (Ephesians 5:20)
"And be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (Ephesians 5:21)
"And be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (Ephesians 5:21)
Walk back through this list and turn every question into a prayer for your life or the lives of those God brings to mind. Ruthlessly deal with anything that is aborting God’s presence and power in your life. And realize that, as a spiritual leader, everything depends on living in personal revival!
Father, thank You that You have designed a way for me to walk intimately with You. Search my heart and show me anything that is hindering a life filled with You. And lead me in the everlasting way.
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