How to Experience Personal Revival

Often times the book and life of Nehemiah are utilized to teach about leadership lessons, and it certainly serves as a record of how God worked through Nehemiah, Ezra, and God’s faithful remnant. In Nehemiah 8 we read of Ezra reading from the Book of the Law. You read of the people’s response. While Nehemiah 8 is a record of God’s people gathering publicly around God’s Word, it encourages me to seek personal revival in the Lord as well. As Christian leaders we are inundated with news, decisions, and challenges. Nehemiah and Ezra must have felt these pressures too. Effective Christian leaders also need to be revived Christian leaders.

I pray we will experience personal revival as Christian leaders… 

1. Hunger for the Word of God.

In Nehemiah 8:1 the people told Ezra “to bring the Book.” Daily we can face a myriad of news stories, headlines, social media posts, phone calls, texts, etc. We can listen to and read many opinions from others. First and foremost, I need the Bible. Lord, give us a hunger for Your Word and to hear You first and foremost.

2. Pay Attention to the Word of God.

Nehemiah 8:3 records the people were “attentive” to the Book. From early morning until mid-day, they are listening to the Word of God.  Standing the whole time too. It sounds elementary, but I need to actually pay attention to the teaching of the Word. Lord, help me to pay attention to Your Word.

3. Celebrate the Greatness of the God of the Word.

Nehemiah 8:6 tells us that Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. The Word of God is about God. Forgive me for stating the obvious, but I can read the Bible like it is a book of counsel and guidance – and it is – however, I must remember the Bible testifies to the Greatness, Goodness, Graciousness of our God. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the others lived under a regime that was all about other gods (false and fake). Yet, I know the One True God reigns and is worthy of praise. Because of the Lord Jesus, I have a relationship with God. Lord, praise You for Your Greatness!

4. Help Others Understand the Word of God.

Nehemiah 8:8 records that they helped others understand the reading. I am thankful we can help others. Praise the Lord for the calling to preach the Word. Personal revival ought to lead to public impact. Thank you to those who lead and teach in churches, lead and host small groups, Vacation Bible Schools… Lord, give me a heart to help others understand Your Word.

5. Adjust My Life to the Word of God.

In the second of half of Nehemiah 8, the people seek to adjust and do what they read about in the Scriptures. Lord, give me the wisdom and strength to adjust, repent, and submit to Your Word.

Lord, thank You for Your Word.

Your brother in Christ,
Brian Autry