Unexpected Opportunity - Embracing an Outreaching Lifestyle

Invest Your Life in Reconciling People to Christ (Insights in NT)

6/29/2011

In Luke 14, we learned that those who minister to sinners come alive. He who turns a sinner from the error of way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20). God continually searches and shows compassion for those who go astray, whether a person is immoral or self-righteous. Heaven rejoices when a sinner repents. Will you invest your life in reconciling people to Christ?

Pharisees and scribes grumbled as Jesus ate with tax-gatherers and sinners. Jesus told parables about a man leaving 99 sheep and going after the lost one until he found it. After coming home, he calls together his friends and neighbors to rejoice over finding the lost sheep. More joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance (Lk. 15:1-7). Jesus searches and rejoices after finding a lost person who repents of sin.

A woman losing one of ten silver coins carefully searches until she finds it. She rejoices with her friends and neighbors after finding the lost coin. Joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Lk. 15:8-10). Angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents.

A younger of two sons asked his father squandered his share of the estate with loose living in a distant country. After spending everything and feeding swine, he realized his father's hired men had enough to eat, but he was dying with hunger. The son confessed his sin to God thinking he was no longer worthy to be called a son. Coming home, his father saw, felt compassion, ran, embraced and kissed him. The father brought out the best robe so they could eat and be merry "for this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found." The older son was angry and refused to go to the celebration. He told his father that for years he served and obeyed him, but never received a party like his younger son who devoured wealth with harlots. The father said, "My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to be merry and rejoice, for the brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found" (Lk. 15:11-32). God yearns for both moral and immoral sons to repent of sin.

Pray for family members or friends who have gone astray so they will repent of their sin remembering the promise of James 5:20.

How to Gain Confidence in God (Insights in Psalms)

6/27/2011

Many times, we lose our confidence in God. By trusting in ourselves or what the world has to offer, we get distracted and forget the power of God. As we make Him a priority by connecting and engaging our faith, we grow more confident in Him. In Psalm 84-86, we learn how to gain confidence in God in at least eight ways.

Divine Priority
My soul longs and yearns for the living God because His dwelling places are lovely in comparison to the world, flesh and devil (Ps. 83:9-12). Like birds finding a nest to lay their young, our home is centered upon praising "My King and my God" (Ps. 84:1-4). Making God your King provides equilibrium and well-being.

Strength is not found in ourselves or the world, but in God. Your heart becomes the highways to Zion as you praise God. (Ps. 84:5-7). Strength comes each time you praise God.

Nothing compares with spending time with God in prayer. He gives grace, glory and protection. God doesn't withhold anything from you (Ps. 84:8-12). God always provides good gifts to the righteous.

Divine Connection
Sin causes misery, bondage and affliction. Instead of receiving God's anger, He lifts you up in love to experience forgiveness of sin and total restoration (Ps. 85:1-7). God's forgiveness and restoration allow you to really live.

God speaks peace to His people so His glory can dwell in the land. He is looking out for your best interests. God's love works in perfect tandem with His faithfulness and righteousness. He makes His footsteps into a way (Ps. 85:8-13). Your life is connected to God's story.

Divine Outworking
Admit your neediness and affliction to access God's life. Cry to Him all day long because He is a good God ready to forgive your sin. He loves you completely. He listens and answers your prayers. No other god will perform miracles like the one and only true God (Ps. 86:1-10). Be desperate and cry out to God continuously for His miracles.

How do you stop wasting God's miracles? Ask for His leadership, walk in His truth, give thanks to Him and glorify His name continuously so He can deliver in every situation (Ps. 86:11-13). Follow God's leadership in every circumstance.

Instead of human pride, choose God's mercy, grace, love and truth. Ask God boldly for a sign so you won't be ashamed in choosing Him instead of human strategies (Ps. 86:14-17). Ask God to show Himself strong so you become confident in Him.

Which of the following strategies will you apply to gain confidence in God:
1. Prioritize time with God (Ps. 84:1-4)
2. Find your strength in God (Ps. 84:5-7)
3. Receive God's good gifts (Ps. 84:8-12)
4. Experience God's forgiveness and restoration (Ps. 85:1-7)
5. Connect your life to God's story (Ps. 85:8-13)
6. Cry out for His miracles (Ps. 86:1-10)
7. Follow God's leadership in every circumstance (Ps. 86:11-13)
8. Ask God to show Himself strong (Ps. 86:14-17)

Gaining True Accomplishment and Victory (Insights in Prophets)

6/26/2011

Getting things done in God's kingdom is more than crossing items off your to-do list. Evil spirits fight against your best efforts. Prayer, God's word and integrity are your three primary weapons in the spiritual battle. Your eyes must be open to danger so you can take proper action. You find your purpose and gain true accomplishment and victory by pursuing God's presence.

Saul and 3,000 men of Israel went to the wilderness of Ziph to search for David. When he saw Saul coming after him, David sent spies knowing Saul was coming. He came to a place where Saul camped (1 Sam. 26:1-5). Keep your eyes open to spiritual danger.

David asked Ahimelech and Abishai to go with him to Saul at night where they found him sleeping with a spear stuck in the ground. David said to Abishai that killing Saul would cause guilt and ultimately his own death. The Lord forbade him to kill the Lord's anointed but told Abishai to take the spear and jug of water beside Saul's head. No one knew they left because the Lord made Saul and his men sleep soundly (1 Sam. 26:6-12). Trust God to fight and defeat your spiritual enemies in His time and way.

David said Abner and his men would die since they failed to protect Saul. David showed him Saul's spear and jug of water that was at his head (1 Sam. 26:13-16). Guard yourself from evil attacks by putting on armor of God.

David asked Saul why he was being pursued since he hadn't done any evil against him. If the Lord stirred Saul against him, David should make an offering. However, Saul's fleshly motivation in hunting David like a flea would be cursed since it could prevent him from receiving the Lord's inheritance. David would serve other gods apart from the presence of the Lord (1 Sam. 26:17-20). Find your purpose by pursuing God's presence.

Because Saul realized his sin and that David saw his life as precious, he would not harm David. By not killing Saul, David said the Lord would repay each man for his righteousness and faithfulness. David said, "May my life be highly valued in the sight of the Lord and may He deliver me from all distress.” Saul told David that he was blessed, would accomplish much and surely prevail (1 Sam. 26:21-25). Obey God to accomplish much in His kingdom.

Meditate and do the following applications:
1. Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger
2. Trust God to fight your spiritual enemies in His time and way
3. Guard yourself from evil attacks by putting on armor of God
4. Find your purpose by pursuing God's presence
5. Obey God to accomplish much in His kingdom

Man-Centered Strategies in Dealing with Pressure (Insights in Law)

6/23/2011

To experience relief from pressure, people find substitutes for God's power, bargain with Him, try everything except Him, explain away miracles, refuse His deliverance and act deceitfully to stay in their comfort zone. Pride infects our hearts to turn away from God and His solutions. We rely on our own understanding instead of acknowledging His ways. When Moses confronted Pharaoh to let Israel leave Egypt, you will observe man-centered strategies in dealing with pressure.

The Lord told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go that they may serve Him. If he refused, the Nile would swarm with frogs everywhere. The Lord instructed Moses to stretch out his staff over the rivers to make frogs come up into Egypt. The magicians did the same with their secret arts (Ex. 8:1-7). People find substitutes for God's power.

Pharaoh said if Moses and Aaron entreated the Lord to remove frogs, he would let the people sacrifice to the Lord (Ex. 8:8-9). People bargain with God by responding only if God does something first for them.

Moses said that by asking God to remove frogs, Pharaoh would know there is no one like the Lord. When he experienced relief, Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not listen to Moses and Aaron (Ex. 8:10-15). People try everything except God to experience relief from pressure.

The Lord told Moses to strike the dust with his staff so it becomes gnats throughout Egypt. Magicians tried with their secret arts but couldn't bring forth gnats. Magicians said to Pharaoh that "this is the finger of God," but his heart was hardened (Ex. 8:16-19). People explain away miracles and God's power if they experience relief from pressure.

The Lord said to Moses that if Pharaoh would not let the people go, He would send insects everywhere to set apart the land of Goshen where His people lived. Pharaoh would then know that He, the Lord, is in midst of the land. God said to Moses: “And I will put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall occur” (Ex. 8:20-24). People refuse God's deliverance when the pressure comes.

Pharaoh told them to sacrifice to the Lord, but Moses refused because it would be an abomination to the Egyptians. Moses demanded they go on three days journey into the wilderness as God commanded. From there, he would ask the Lord to remove the insects. Moses warned Pharaoh to not act deceitfully again by refusing to let people sacrifice to the Lord. But Pharaoh hardened his heart again and did not let the people go (Ex. 8:25-32). People act deceitfully when the pressure is off to stay in their comfort zone.

Which of the following man-centered strategies do you use in dealing with pressure?
1. Find substitute for God's power
2. Bargain with God
3. Try everything except God
4. Explain away God's power
5. Refuse God's deliverance
6. Act deceitfully to stay in your comfort zone
Memorize and act upon Prov. 3:5-8: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones.

Get Involved to Come Alive (Insights In NT)

6/21/2011

Why doesn't the world take Christians seriously? Often our lives are no different than non-Christians. People aren't attracted to the church because they don't see sparkle and a zest for life. Getting involved in the lives of others will make you come alive!

One of the Pharisee leaders watched Jesus closely when He asked "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" Jesus healed a man suffering from dropsy and reasoned that if you had a son or ox fall into a well, wouldn't you pull him out on the Sabbath? (Lk. 14:1-6). Minister to needs that come across your path.

Jesus spoke a parable to invited guests after noticing they had picked places of honor at the table. Instead, He said for them to sit at the last place so the master may say, 'Friend, move up higher', resulting in honor instead of disgrace. "For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted" (Lk. 14:7-11). Humble yourself to be exalted.

Jesus told the host to not invite his friends, brothers, relatives or rich neighbors, lest they invite him in return. When giving a reception, invite the poor, crippled, lame and blind in order to be blessed since they have no means to repay. Wait for payment at the resurrection of the righteous (Lk. 14:12-14). Spend time with the poor, crippled, lame and blind.

Jesus shared another parable about a man who invited many to a big dinner and the various excuses given why they couldn't come: oversee a piece of land, try out five yoke of oxen and married a wife. The master told his slave to go immediately into the streets and bring in the poor, crippled, blind and lame. After finding there was still room, the master said to "go out into the highways and along the hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." None invited shall taste of His dinner (Lk. 14:15-24). Leave your comfort zone so the poor, crippled, blind and lame can experience a personal relationship with Christ.

Jesus continued to share about the cost of discipleship since one's love for family and his own life should be hated in comparison to Christ. Being a disciple involves carrying a cross. Just like calculating the cost to build a tower or king taking counsel whether he is strong enough to win in battle, count the cost before becoming a disciple. If you put possessions in their proper perspective, then you can become a disciple. Not paying the price of discipleship results in being tasteless and ineffective (Lk. 14:25-35). To influence others, pay the price by not letting other things exceed your love for Christ.

Answer the following questions on how to get involved in others' lives so you come alive:
1. Do you minister to needs that come across your path or walk on the other side to avoid them?
2. Are you humble not expecting attention or exalt yourself to feel important?
3. Do you spend time with the poor, crippled, blind and lame (either physically or spiritually) or only hang out with important and beautiful people?
4. Do you leave your comfort zone to help the poor, crippled, blind and lame experience a personal relationship with God or hide away at home, office or church building?
5. Do you pay the price in loving Christ more than other things or love other things more than Christ?

Repent of your sin, ask God to change your heart and obey Him by doing the first thing listed in each question.

Influence of Gratitude (Insights in Psalms)

6/20/2011

When spiritual revival comes, society looks completely different. People aren't full of shame and dishonor because of addictions. Workers aren't intimidated by their bosses to compromise. The weak and needy are trained to be self-sufficient instead of manipulated for someone's political agenda. God completely satisfies one's heart so he or she can be a godly influence. The Most High God is worshiped instead of false gods like money, status, possessions and appearance. A heart of gratitude satisfied and self-sufficient in God influences the world toward Him.

Gratitude
God asks you to sing and joyfully shout to Him because He is your strength. Playing instruments like the timbrel, lyre and harp, while blowing the trumpet on the feast day celebrates His deliverance in Egypt as a testimony to Him (Ps. 81:1-5). Express gratitude to God for His deliverance and strength.

God rescued Israel from the burden of unjust slavery when they called upon Him in Egypt. After leaving Egypt, He provided water in the wilderness to test their heart. They had two choices: they could believe and listen to Him or trust and worship a false god. God wants to fill your mouth with His praise (Ps. 81:6-10). God fills your mouth with gratitude and praise if you listen and worship Him alone.

Satisfaction
When God's people didn't listen and obey Him, He gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart so they would walk in their own devices. But if His people listen and walk in God's ways, He would defeat their enemies and feed them with fine wheat and honey to satisfy them (Ps. 81:11-16). God completely satisfies your heart if you walk in His ways.

Self-Sufficiency
God stands in the congregation to judge rulers who show partiality to the wicked. He calls upon them to vindicate the weak and fatherless, do justice to the afflicted and destitute, rescue the weak and needy, and deliver them out of the hand of the wicked (Ps. 82:1-4). Leaders train the weak and needy so they can become self-sufficient.

However, the wicked walk in darkness and don't understand since society's moral foundations are shaken. Leaders, as sons of the Most High, can be co-heirs with God in possessing the nations (Ps. 82:5-8). Leaders inherit the land if they show gratitude to God by listening and obeying Him.

Influence
God's enemies exalt themselves by making shrewd plans against His people. They conspire together trying to wipe out Christians (Ps. 83:1-8). The world, flesh and devil fight against Christians' godly influence.

Call upon God to destroy the aggression of the world, flesh and devil in desiring to take God's place (Ps. 83:9-12). Ask God to destroy the worldly, fleshly and devil-led intimidation.

God demolishes the world, flesh and devil's deception like chaff and fire so those manipulated, ashamed and dishonored may seek His name in knowing the Most High God over the earth (Ps. 83:13-18). God removes manipulation, shame and dishonor so you will seek and know Him.

Use a chiastic structure beginning with the first paragraph: A, B, C, D, D', C', B' A'. We group together the content in A & A', B & B', etc.:

1. God removes manipulation, shame and dishonor so you can express gratitude to Him for deliverance and strength.
2. God destroys intimidation from the world, flesh and devil so you can listen and worship Him alone.
3. God completely satisfies your heart if you walk in His way as a godly influence.
4. Leaders possess the land if they train the weak and needy to become self-sufficient.

Becoming a Peacemaker (Insights in Prophets)

6/18/2011

When Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matt. 5:9), He blessed the work of peacemakers to help others live in just and right relationships with others and God. Jesus calling peacemakers "children of God" confirms their deepest and original identity. The hard work of making peace pleases Him and allows you to follow in Jesus’ steps. Abigail’s peacemaking work between David and her husband, Nabal, becomes an example for all of us to follow.

Samuel died and all Israel gathered together to mourn for him. David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran (1 Sam. 25:1). Peaceful leaders leave a positive legacy.

David told ten young men to bless and ask favor from Nabal since they hadn’t insulted or stolen from his shepherds. Nabal was rich with 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. His wife, Abigail, was intelligent and beautiful, while Nabal was harsh and evil in his dealings (1 Sam. 25:2-8). Harsh leaders leave a negative legacy.

Nabal refused to give David's men food and scorned them asking, “Who is David? Shall I give meat to men whose origin I don’t know.” David told his men to take their swords with them leading 400 men while 200 men stayed with the baggage (1 Sam. 25:9-13). Returning evil for good builds animosity.

One of the young men told Abigail that since David’s men protected Nabal’s shepherds, she should consider responding to the evil plotted against Nabal and his household. Nabal's associate said he was a worthless man where no one could speak to him (1 Sam. 25:14-17). Those who associate with harsh leaders see them as worthless.

Abigail brought supplies for David and his men, but didn’t tell Nabal. David said that in vain he guarded Nabal’s possessions as he returned evil for good (1 Sam. 25:18-22). A peacemaker takes initiative and uses discernment in reconciling relationships.

Abigail told David to not pay attention to the “worthless” Nabal. She brought gift of provisions and asked David to “forgive the transgression of your maidservant; for the Lord will certainly make for my lord an enduring house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you all your days.” Abigail said God would protect David’s life, appoint him as ruler over Israel and save him from taking revenge on Nabal (1 Sam. 25:23-31). A peacemaker prevents sin so people can fulfill their mission in life.

David blessed Abigail for showing discernment in preventing bloodshed. He received her provision and granted her request (1 Sam. 25:32-35). Authorities will exalt the discernment of peacemakers.

Nabal held a feast and became very drunk. When Abigail waited until morning to tell Nabal, his heart died, he became as stone and died ten days later (1 Sam. 25:36-38). God intervenes to confirm the discernment of peacemakers.

When David heard Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept back His servant from evil. The Lord has also returned the evildoing of Nabal on his own head.” When David’s servants came to Abigail to take her as his wife, she washed the feet of “my lord’s servants” (1 Sam. 25:39-44). God avenges evildoing and exalts patience and humility leading to a positive outcome.

Ask God to make you into a peacemaker. Is there a situation where He wants you to be a peacemaker? If so, take the initiative and ask God on how He wants you to be a peacemaker.

Listen So God Can Demonstrate His Glory (Insights in Law)

6/15/2011

A battle wages in the heavenlies. You don't fight humans but rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12). God's power is superior to the world or Satan. Just as Moses battled evil powers when God told him to confront Pharaoh, each of you face a spiritual battle in your home, church and at work. Listen so God can demonstrate His glory and power.

The Lord told Moses that he would be as God to Pharaoh and Aaron would be Moses' prophet. Aaron would speak to Pharaoh to allow Israel leave the land according to what God commanded Moses. God would harden Pharaoh’s heart to multiply His signs, wonders and great judgments in Egypt when Pharaoh stopped listening to Him. The Egyptians would know God is Lord once the sons of Israel left Egypt. Moses and Aaron obeyed the Lord's command (Ex. 7:1-7). God shows His glory and power through miracles and signs even when authorities harden their hearts and don't listen.

The Lord instructed Moses and Aaron to throw down their staff before Pharaoh so it would become a serpent after Pharaoh told them to, "Work a miracle." Pharaoh’s wise men, sorcerers and magicians did the same with their secret arts, but Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and didn't listen to the Lord (Ex. 7:8-13). God shows authorities that His power is superior to the world's.

The Lord told Moses that Pharaoh’s heart was stubborn since he refused to let the people go. God told Moses to meet Pharaoh by the Nile and say the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, sent him saying, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness. But behold, you have not listened until now.” The moment Moses struck the Nile River with his staff, Pharaoh would know He is Lord because the water would turn to blood causing fish to die and people would be unable to drink its water. (Ex. 7:14-19).  God uses judgments and miracles to get the attention of authorities so they will obey His will.

After Moses struck the Nile, the magicians did the same with their secret arts, which hardened Pharaoh's heart so he wouldn't listen. He went into his house unconcerned while the Egyptians dug around the Nile for water to drink. Seven days passed after the Lord struck the Nile (Ex. 7:20-25). Authorities seek easy or worldly solutions to maintain the status quo even if people are hurt.

In the spiritual battle you are facing, whether at home, church, work or community, listen to what God is saying.

Tipping Point of Kingdom Growth (Insights in NT)

6/14/2011

A tipping point is a culmination of a build-up of small changes that effects a big change. Malcolm Gladwell popularized the concept in his book, "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference," showing examples of technologies, procedures, services or philosophies reaching critical mass and becoming mainstream. In New York City, for example, subways were cleaned of graffiti, which led to a sharp decrease in the crime rate after 1990. The kingdom of God has its own tipping point when Christ compared it to a mustard seed (smallest of all seeds) and leaven (obscure material) that grows like a tree, and leavens bread, respectively.

Neither the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with the Roman sacrifices nor the 18 killed when the Siloam tower collapsed on them were greater sinners than those still alive. Unless you repent, you will also perish. For three years, a fig tree did not produce fruit. If the tree did not bear fruit the fourth year after putting fertilizer around it, he would cut it down (Lk. 13:1-9). God designs circumstances so people repent of sin and bear fruit.

A woman stood erect after being bent double for 18 years with a sickness caused by a spirit when Jesus laid His hands on her. The Sabbath healing upset a synagogue official. Jesus said they were hypocritical because they untied their ox and watered them on the Sabbath. Shouldn't a daughter of Abraham be released from Satan's bonds? All His opponents were humiliated and the entire multitude rejoiced over the glorious things done by Him (Lk. 13:10-17). Jesus wants to release people from Satan's bonds so they can experience freedom.

Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grew and became a tree. The kingdom of God is also like leaven that a woman hid in meal until it was leavened (Lk. 13:18-21). God's kingdom spreads throughout the world from small beginnings to impact a person from the inside out.

When someone asked if just a few are saved, Jesus said to enter by the narrow door since many seek to enter without success. Those who know God's will, will eat and drink with Christ and those left out will experience weeping and gnashing of teeth (Lk. 13:22-30). God's kingdom is revealed to those who do God’s will.

The Pharisees told Christ to leave since Herod wanted to kill Him. He told them of His goal to cast out demons and perform cures until His death and resurrection. Christ expressed His sorrow over His people rejecting and not seeing Him again until His Second Coming (Lk. 13:31-35).Christ calls on everyone to receive His death and resurrection.

To show how God's kingdom grows corporately, use a chiastic structure beginning with the first paragraph: A, B, C, D, C', B' A'. We group together the content in A & A', B & B', etc.:

1. God desires people to repent of their sin and personally receive His death and resurrection
2. God desires people to bear fruit in their lives by accepting His rule
3. God works from the inside out by releasing people from bondage to Satan so they experience freedom.
4. God's kingdom spreads throughout the world from small beginnings.

Steps in Praying for Spiritual Revival (Insights in Psalms)

6/2/2011

The third stanza of the hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, says: "Daily I'm constrained to be!Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here's my heart, O take and seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above." For the problems we face in the world, a spiritually revived church that allows Jesus Christ to be Lord is our only hope. For the church to fulfill its purpose, spiritual revival will counteract the tendency of "prone to leave the God I love." In Ps. 79-80, you will learn the steps in praying for spiritual revival.

Worldly philosophy and sin infects every member of the church like food being eaten by animals. Each of us are helpless being poured out like water. We are a reproach and a disgrace to those around us. People scoff, mock and make fun of our condition. Even in our ruined and uncomfortable situation, God is jealous for His church. Pray that God pours out His wrath upon ungodly influences who have devastated the church (Ps. 79:1-7). Acknowledge the church's unhealthy condition and ask God to defeat ungodly influences corrupting the church by confessing personal and corporate sin.

In spite of your sin as part of God's church, humbly appeal to His compassion so it meets you in your desperate situation. Ask God to help, deliver and forgive your sins for His glory so the world will stop saying, "Where is their God?" Even as disciples of Christ, we are doomed to die unless God intervenes and defeats the evil forces of wickedness. In response, we make known and praise Him to all generations because of His saving power (Ps. 79:8-13). Call upon God's compassion to forgive your sins and for His power to overcome your wickedness.

As the church goes, so go you. God leads you like a flock. Spiritual revival by turning to the Lord is the church's great need. When God's face shines on the church, every member will experience deliverance, including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being (Ps. 80:1-3). Ask God to respond to your prayers for revival, which affect every area of life.

Sin prevents the church from experiencing revival and freedom. Getting right with the Lord is the only way to stop the world from laughing at us. The church's evil condition angers God. Tears become the engine for action (Ps. 80:4-7). Tears motivate and increase your passion to get right with God.

The symbol of God removing a vine (the church) from Egypt encourages everyone that He hears and acts on behalf of the church. He drives out nations and nurtures His church to grow organically by sinking deep roots into Him. God breaks down the hedges making us vulnerable to worldliness and evil, but also better positioned to be a godly influence (Ps. 80:8-13). Sink deep roots in God to incarnate and weave the gospel in the world.

Ask God to restore and care for His church. People become His instruments as they grow spiritually where they are planted. When people are spiritually revived, they will call upon God's name, obtain His authority, accomplish His purposes and see people delivered in all aspects of their lives (Ps. 80:14-19). Above all, seek spiritual revival so God's authority can reign in the church to transform society.

Notice the various steps toward spiritual revival:
1. Acknowledge the church's unhealthy condition by confessing personal and corporate sin like Nehemiah (Neh. 1:6-7)
2. Call upon God's compassion to forgive your sin and for His power to overcome wickedness (Neh. 1:5)
3. Ask God to respond to your prayers for revival, which affect every area of life (Neh. 1:11)
4. Weep and let your tears motivate and increase your passion to get right with God (Neh. 1:4)
5. Sink deep roots in God to incarnate and weave the gospel in the world (Neh. 1:8-9)
6. Seek spiritual revival so God's authority can reign in the church to transform society (Neh. 1:10)

Begin following the above steps by praying for revival in your church and city with a small group of believers!