by Michael Sove
As leaders we need to hear the call to the Spirit-filled life.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.†John 10:10 (NIV)
Not only must we hear the call but must heed the call to the Spirit-filled life.
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.†Eph 5:18 (NIV)
At Allen we believe prayer is the pathway to a Spirit-filled life. We ask all our pastors and cell leaders to participate in “Soul Switch.†This is an on-going 40 day period of commitment, where each of us agrees to pray for 30 minutes and read for at least 15 minutes daily. As we do this we ask God to crucify our self-focus and our self-confidence.
Prayer must become a meeting with God. We don’t like to use the word quiet time, as this meeting with God is far more than quiet. In order to meet God, your soul must thirst for God. We believe that when you approach God you must have “intense intentionality.â€
Psalm 42:1-2 “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?†(NIV)
Prayer also becomes important in the destruction of strongholds (areas of persistent disobedience that we refuse to destroy but rather try to justify). In order to remain Spirit-filled, you must attack the strongholds. We encourage each other to C.A.B daily. (Confess your sin, Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, Believe that you have been filled)
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.†(NIV)
Do you want to have a strong cell church that impacts nations for the Glory of God? Then grow Christians to become Spirit-filled Believers. Put them on the pathway of prayer. It begins with you, passes through the leaders and spreads to the others.
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Michael