40 Days of Revival: Lent Day 35: A Heart of PRAISE - DECLARE JESUS

We've all experienced seasons in life when we have felt that our life - perhaps due to relationships, work or finances - has become overly complicated. Thank God that we can call on the name of Jesus at these times! Unchanging and always present, Jesus' name can simplify life as we lift Him up as the focus of our praise. 

Likewise, sharing our faith does not need to become complicated. The Holy Spirit convicts (John 16:17) and we are released to simply declare Jesus' name by sharing our story and show others that there is a Saviour who deeply loves them and has a plan and purpose for their lives. Make a list of any challenges that you are currently facing. Beside each of them, write the name of Jesus. Begin to praise God, focusing on Jesus and declaring the power of His name over your situation.

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 3:The Art Of Being PRESENT - PRESENT IN THE COMMUNITY

From the earliest days of the church, God has been present when believers gathered. In Acts 2, when early believers met together, the Holy Spirit came like the wind, filling the place and causing those gathered to speak in tongues.

The early church hungered for both God and community. Daily they met and made space for those who God added to their community. They found what Jesus had shared with His disciples to be true; that where two or more were gathered in His name, He was there among them (Matthew 18).

When any unique individual is wholly present in a community, that community is naturally strengthened. When we take our place in the community of believers though, the community is additionally strengthened supernaturally by God's presence - and especially so when we have faith for God's presence.

Perhaps it has been a while since you have taken your place in the community of believers. Or perhaps you have been present physically but lacking faith for God's presence. Let this moment be a turning point for you. Determine that you will be found to be present and faith-filled in the community of God this weekend.

40 Days of Revival: Lent Day 2:The Art Of Being PRESENT - CONSISTENCY

John 20:24 is a verse that many Christians have likely passed over often. It recounts how Jesus' disciple Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples in His resurrected form.

Later, Jesus did appear to Thomas, graciously allowing him the physical proof he'd said he needed to believe that Jesus' resurrection was real, to which Thomas responds with an absolute, personal confession of belief.

The Bible doesn't tell us why Thomas was not with his friends that day. We can speculate based on the circumstances and Thomas' personality: perhaps he was grief-stricken or traumatised?

We can say with certainty though, that Thomas was absent from the group of those who knew and loved Jesus on that day, and missed an opportunity to be in Jesus' presence as a result. Another opportunity was given to him (isn't that just like God?) but the initial moment lost, could never be regained.

How To Experience His Presence in Your Everyday Life

Life is busy and filled with distractions. It's so easy to get caught up in your cares, errands and worries that we lose sight of what matters most.

Luke 2:41-52 is a story of "The Boy Jesus At the Temple".
42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.

I wonder how many times we suppose that God is with us when we've wandered off to do our own thing?

When Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was not with them, it took them three days to find Him. 

• It is easier to lose that special presence of God than it is to get back once we've lost it.

We need to be careful, to remain in the presence of God. When we do, we make God feel at home in our hearts. 

This simply starts with being obedient to His Word. A commitment to turn from behavior that offends God is the number one sign of spiritual maturity. It shows you care about what He thinks.

That means you choose to be generous towards others, you learn to forgive, let go of offenses and live in peace. When we choose to be intentional with our words giving thanks to God and lifting up to others we'll feel connected to God all throughout the day.

--Joyce Meyer: Promises for the year --