40 Days of Revival: Lent Day 29: The Decision to make it PERSONAL - A HEART OF SELFLESSNESS

Being selfless - placing other's needs above our own - is not a natural human characteristic. Our natural instinct is to look after ourselves and loved ones first and consider others as a secondary priority. 

In contrast, Jesus' example was one of servant hood. Continually, He served those who were around Him putting aside Himself to prioritize others. 

Take some time today to wander through the gospels (the books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and look for your own examples of Jesus' selflessness, allowing them to challenge you personally. Mark them in some way so that you can be challenged by them at a later time. 

Consider how selflessness and generosity go hand in hand. How can you put your own wants and needs aside to be generous with your love, time, words, skills and gifts? Make a list and highlight three that you can do today to serve someone else.

40 Days of Revival: Lent Day 19: The Process of PURITY - PERSEVERANCE

The Evangelical Revival in 1739 - 1791, with preachers like John Wesley and George Whitefield, was known for its teaching on holiness and was given the nickname the 'Holiness Revival'. It was marked by those who were convicted of their sin, surrendered to Christ, and therefore lived with purity of heart and life.

Emerging from this was an understanding of 'social holiness' in the teaching of Wesley who understood that salvation was not only about heaven but also about loving God and loving people on earth. Wesley realised that holiness needed to be outworked in the community as a necessary part of church life.

There is nothing like remembering that our pursuit of being Christ-like is not just about ourselves, but for others too. In Galatians 6:9, Paul encouraged believers 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Take Paul's words to heart today and resolve to continue submitting to the process of purity through Christ, for the sake of all those who are, as yet, unsaved.