Church-Wide Prayer Schedule (Both Campuses):
Dates:
Monday (1/13) – Tuesday (1/14)
Times:
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Dates:
Thursday (1/16) – Saturday (1/18)
Times:
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Fasting Guidelines and Information
“Fasting begets prophets and strengthens strong men. Fasting makes lawgivers wise; it is the
soul’s safeguard, the body’s trusted comrade, the armor of the champion, the training of the
athlete.”
— Basil, Bishop of Caesarea (AD 330–379)
“Fasting… opens the way for the outpouring of the Spirit and the restoration of God’s house.
Fasting in this age of the absent Bridegroom is in expectation of His return. Soon there will be
the midnight cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ It will be too late then to fast
and to pray. The time is now.”
— God’s Chosen Fast, Arthur Wallis
There has been a resurgence of fasting in recent decades, as God calls His people to regular
fasting as part of a normal Christian lifestyle. We must prepare ourselves adequately so that the
fast can honor God and fulfill its purpose. The following is a general overview of biblical
precedent and guidelines for wise fasting to help and encourage you.
Fasting Is Biblical
The practice of regular fasting as normal Christian behavior was taught by Jesus (Mt. 6:16–17,
9:15), exercised by the early church (Acts 13:2), and has been the regular discipline of believers
throughout church history. The practice of fasting in Scripture usually includes, but is not limited
to, abstinence from food (Dan. 10:3) and may be engaged in for varying durations—typically for
no more than a few days at a time.
Abstaining from all food for extended periods of time is biblical, but was rare and unusual in
Scripture (Ex. 34:28; 1 Kgs. 19:5-8; Lk. 4:2), and thus should never be undertaken without
counsel and appropriate supervision. The same standard applies to an absolute fast (Esther fast—
no food or water for three days) of any duration (Est. 4:16). The maximum length of an adult fast
that is biblically supported is forty days without food for a male adult in good health, and three
days without water. The Bible does not speak of children engaging in fasting food.
Fasting Is Always Voluntary
Though spiritual leaders may invite others to join in corporate fasting with a specific goal in
mind and for a specific time, fasting can never be forced or made compulsory. We do promote
and encourage it as a biblically and historically proven means of obtaining God’s grace in the
context of commitment to prayer and to the Word (Joel 2:15). The level at which a person
engages in fasting (particularly food) should be determined according to age and with regard to
any physical limitations. Those with a known or suspected physical disability or illness, or those
with any history of an eating disorder, should never fast, except in consultation with, and under
the supervision of, a qualified doctor. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not fast food or drink
as it could negatively affect the health and development of their baby and their own personal
health.
Minors/Children
Minors are discouraged from fasting food and should never engage in fasting without express
parental consent and oversight. Minors who desire to fast are encouraged to consider non-food
abstentions, such as TV, movies, Internet surfing, video games, and other entertainment. If older
teenagers do fast food under their parents’ supervision, we encourage them to use juice and
protein drinks to sustain them, out of consideration for their health and metabolism.
Fasting Regularly
Participation in regular fasting as a lifestyle necessitates a healthy lifestyle on days when food is
not being fasted, and should include exercise and a proper diet. A “fasted lifestyle” is a
disciplined lifestyle, in which we steward our bodies and time with wisdom and diligence.
Fasting is not only abstention; it is an exchange where we abstain from certain things in order to
“feast” on God’s Word and prayer, whereby the abundance of His grace is made more readily
available to us. When undertaken with this type of commitment, a fasted lifestyle is sustainable
on a long-term basis, just as it was for Daniel and his friends (Dan. 1).
The Benefits of Fasting
While the physical impact of fasting is real, the spiritual benefits of fasting are undeniable. Any
fast undertaken must be done with spiritual wholeheartedness and wisdom when dealing with our
physical body; we must count the cost honestly and honor the temple of the Holy Spirit. Whether
we are partaking or abstaining, everything should be for the glory of God.
Physically Preparing for a Fast That Extends More Than Two Days
•
Prepare your body for the fast and prevent constipation during and after the fast by eating
certain preventative foods at least two days beforehand (even longer before an extended
fast), such as: fresh fruit and raw vegetables, fruit or vegetable juices, oatmeal, etc.
•
Eat smaller meals a few days prior to the fast.
•
Avoid high-fat and sugary foods before the fast.
•
Make your commitment and determine the length. You can fast in many different ways.
Pray and ask God what he will give you faith for in terms of the duration of the fast.
•
A Daniel fast, with vegetables and water, is good for those carrying a heavy workload.
•
A fruit or vegetable juice fast allows you to enter into fasting but still gives enough
energy to function. Many people have done a 40-day juice fast. If you have sugar
sensitivities or problems (e.g. diabetes), consult your doctor before attempting this (or
any other) fast.
•
A water-only fast has been undertaken by many people. We would not encourage this for
long periods of time without strong medical supervision, particularly in the case of young
people. Depending on your weight and metabolism, you can go forty days on water
alone.
•
A total fast is without food or water. Do not go beyond three days without water. Discuss
your plans with your doctor, church leaders, and spouse or parents. We do not encourage
this type of fast without specific confirmation from the Lord through your church
leadership or parents.
Helpful Hints for Your Fast (Physical)
•
Drink plenty of non-tap water. (Drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of
water per day is a good rule of thumb whether you are fasting or not.) Distilled water is
most beneficial, but filtered and purified water also work well.
•
It is wise to abstain from strong stimulants such as caffeinated and sugary drinks during a
fast, including the artificial sweeteners found in diet drinks. Also, avoid soy protein
drinks, which have been known to cause health problems during a fast.
•
If you are on a juice fast, drink raw fruit juices such as apple, grape, and pineapple, which
are excellent sources of necessary natural sugar to stabilize blood sugar and keep energy
levels up. Orange and grapefruit juice are also good, but they are not recommended for
arthritis or allergy sufferers. Monitor juice acidity carefully as it can cause canker sores
(mouth ulcers). Raw vegetable juices such as carrot, celery, beet, or green vegetable
combinations are excellent as well. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices can be made in a juice
extractor or purchased ready-made (be sure to buy juices without any added sugars).
Some of the benefits of drinking raw juice versus bottled are that it does not stimulate
digestion (hunger) and it maintains all of its enzymes and nutritional value.
•
Expect some physical discomforts because of the detoxification process, especially on the
second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains or dizziness. Withdrawal from caffeine
and sugar may cause headaches, but it is a part of the detoxification process. Physical
annoyances may also include weariness, tiredness, nausea, and sleepiness.
•
During a fast, four major areas of the body are going through a detoxification process.
Take care to attend to each of these:
•
The bowels/colon/large intestines: During a fast of three days or more, taking an herbal
laxative (inquire at your local health store) or an enema before bedtime will help
eliminate solid waste products; these can cause headaches and sluggishness if left in the
body during a fast. This should be done early during the fast and then intermittently
throughout the rest of the fast. The body begins detoxifying during a fast, depositing the
toxins into the intestines. If you do not take a laxative or an enema, the toxins can hurt
your intestines or reabsorb into your bloodstream, making you feel nauseous.
•
The kidneys: Drinking fruit juices, vegetable juices, broth, or just plenty of water will
remove many toxins via the kidneys.
•
The lungs: If strength permits, walk half an hour during the day to help cleanse the lungs.
Also do some deep breathing throughout the day by inhaling through the nose and
exhaling through the mouth.
•
The skin: Since one-third of the waste products eliminated during a fast are removed via
the skin, adequate bathing is essential. Use a natural bristle body brush or loofah sponge
on your skin prior to bathing, to help cleanse the skin.
Helpful Hints for Your Fast (Spiritual)
•
Seek advice and permission before the fast. Seek medical advice before the fast,
especially if you have any existing medical concerns or conditions. If you are under 18
years of age, discuss your desire to fast with your parents. Spiritual covering, submission,
and unity are important factors when fasting. Discuss your plans with your church
leaders. Remember, fasting is an attitude of the heart! Ask them if they would consider
fasting with you.
•
Fast and pray in order to humble yourself and purify your worship. In fasting we are not
trying to get something from God, but seeking to realign our hearts’ affections with His.
In fasting we can more readily say, “We love you, Lord, more than anything in the
world.” Lust of any kind is perverted worship, but fasting enables us to cleanse the
sanctuary of our hearts from every other rival.
•
Don’t boast about your fast. Let people know you won’t be eating only if necessary (Mt.
6:16–18).
•
Do the fast with someone else. Two are better than one! We encourage parents and kids
to consider fasting together. Several generations fasting together has a powerful impact.
•
Have a clear target as your prayer focus. Without a vision (a clear, prophetic prayer goal),
the people perish. Write down your vision, so you can run with it (Hab. 2:2).
•
Take time to pray and read the Word. This may seem obvious, but busyness and
distractions can keep you from devotions. Reading books with testimonies of victories
gained through fasting will encourage you, too.
•
Expect to hear God’s voice in the Word. Daniel prepared himself to receive revelation
through fasting (Dan. 10:1–2). There is a fasting reward (Mt. 6:18).
•
Prepare for opposition. On the day of your fast you can bet that donuts will be at the
office or in class. Your spouse (or your mom) will suddenly be inspired to cook your
favorite meals. Press through. Many times you may feel more tension build at home.
Satan tempted Jesus on the fast, and we must expect the same. Discouragement may
come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand on the victory of
Christ.
•
If you fail, don’t give in to condemnation. The “to fast or not to fast” dilemma can be a
major tool of the enemy. Even though you may fail several times, God always extends
grace. Just hit the “delete” button and continue on your fast.
•
Feel free to rest a lot and continue to exercise with supervision.
•
Breakthroughs often come after a fast, not during it. Do not listen to the lie that nothing is
happening. It is our conviction that every fast done in faith will be rewarded.
How to Successfully Break Your Fast
•
Break your fast gradually. At this point you will need to exercise watchful self-control.
Break your fast on a meal that is light and easy to digest (i.e., a pound of grapes, a
shredded apple, watermelon, or steamed vegetables).
•
When breaking a fast of ten days or more, the break-in period should be extended one
day for every four days of fasting.
•
A fast of three days or more should never be broken by eating a normal meal (including
animal proteins, bread, sugar, dairy, and processed foods) because these heavy foods put
a severe strain and shock on the digestive organs which have been resting throughout the
fast. Eating too heavily after a fast can produce serious discomfort (stomach cramps,
nausea, and weakness) and can nullify the physical benefits of fasting; it can also cause
serious irreversible complications or even death.
•
After breaking an extended fast, continue drinking fruit or vegetable juices because the
stomach is continuing to detoxify.
•
During any fast exceeding two days, your stomach will shrink. Do not over-expand it
again by overeating. If you have been prone to eating too heavily, guard against going
back to this habit. If you train yourself to eat more lightly, your stomach will adjust itself
accordingly.
•
While continuing to drink fruit or vegetable juices, add the following:
•
1st–3rd day after the fast (increase amount of days for extended fast): Eat fruit and
raw/steamed vegetables only. Example meals for the first few days are a pound of fruit, a
baked or boiled potato without butter, steamed vegetables, or a vegetable-only salad
without oil-based dressing. Avoid bananas for the first few days; they have no juice in
them and can easily cause constipation.
•
Thereafter, you may return to heavier foods such as animal proteins, but maintaining a
healthy diet after the fast will promote lifelong health and allow you to fast correctly in
the future.
•
Take extra care in breaking a water fast. Begin with drinking fruit or vegetable juices and
gradually ease into eating fruit and steamed vegetables.
•
It is important after a fast to begin to discern between real hunger and cravings so you do
not feed your cravings.
Important Medical Information
•
Years of fasting incorrectly can cause permanent physical damage to your body. These
negative effects are not typically felt at a young age, but they will accumulate after years
of fasting. In their zeal, some people have begun fasting in an extreme way before
understanding how fasting physically affects the body; increasing your understanding and
taking care of your body while both fasting and eating will ensure your ability to live the
fasted lifestyle for many years to come.
•
Pregnant or nursing mothers should never fast all food and/or drink, as fasting could be
very dangerous to their baby’s development and health, and their own personal health.
Pregnant or nursing mothers could engage in types of fasting such as giving up certain
kinds of food. However, women who are nursing or pregnant must always maintain a
balanced diet. Any kind of fasting which leads to detoxification could be dangerous to the
baby as the toxins can affect the baby via the mother’s milk or her bloodstream.
•
People who have struggled with eating disorders in the past should undertake any fasting
with wisdom and caution. Fasting should not be used as a motive for weight-loss; it is
important to enter back into “normal” healthy eating after a long fast (as described in the
previous section).
•
If you have a diagnosed illness and/or are taking prescription medicine, fasting should
only be done under the direct supervision of a doctor or healthcare professional.
•
Some people have trouble fasting and become extremely hungry, dizzy, and nauseous
because they have undiagnosed low blood sugar, so they should drink fruit and vegetable
juices to help keep the blood sugar stable during short fasts. If the juice contains too
much sugar for your system, dilute it by 50 percent with water or drink a “green drink”
(made by juicing carrots, celery, spinach, and parsley). If these or any symptoms persist,
you should stop fasting and seek immediate professional help from a doctor or healthcare
professional.
•
If you are having digestive trouble after breaking a fast (e.g., diarrhea), mix a cup of
unsweetened applesauce with a cup of cooked brown rice. This should stop the diarrhea.
Also, take digestive enzymes (inquire at your local health store) to aid your stomach’s
digestive transition.
This Handout Is for Informational Purposes Only
The information in this handout reflects only the limited opinions, experience, and suggestions of
Calvary Assembly and is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your doctor or other
healthcare professional.
You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or
prescribing any medication. Additionally, this information is not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. These tips have been found to be helpful and successful, but they
are no guarantee that you will fast without experiencing any difficulties. You will need to do
your own research, talk with health experts and those experienced in fasting, and continually ask
the Lord for increased discernment and wisdom concerning fasting and healthy living.
Introduction Why are we praying and fasting to begin 2014?
I’m really excited about this fast that we are entering into as a church family!
Why? Because I have seen again and again the life-changing results when God’s
people seek Him with passion and purpose. This fast will release God’s power in your
life as an individual and our entire church family will be impacted because we are doing
this together.
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount we notice in Matthew 6 there were three things
He mentioned that were to be a regular practice in our Christian life. In each of these
He did not say “if” you do this but rather “when” you do this. Matthew 6:6 “when you
give”, Matthew 6:5 “when you pray” and Matthew 6:16 “when you fast”. He also
declared in Matthew 17:21 that some of hell’s powers are overcome “by prayer and
fasting”. Learning the discipline of prayer with fasting will allow the power of God to
overcome your greatest challenges.
Our fast begins Monday, January 13th, 2014, and will continue for seven days
through Sunday, January 19th, 2014. Seven is God’s number of completion and
fulfillment! I believe God will do a great work in your life during these seven days. Get
ready to complete one season in your life and freely step into the next one. You can go
to our website each day for a daily devotion to encourage you on your fast. Copies will
also be available in the church office. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and
Saturday of this week our Pastors will lead prayer meetings at both campuses from
6:30pm-7:30pm. These corporate prayer times will encourage you and keep you on
track during the fast. Of course on Wednesday we will all join together for our powerful
“Encounter” service at the Beltline campus from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Eddie James will be
our special guest. We will complete our fast in an incredible miracle service with Jesse
Duplantis at 6:00pm at the Beltline campus on Sunday the 19th. These seven days will
be amazing!
Finally, this fast is an opportunity for you to experience a “total fast”. Our Pastors
and leadership will abstain from all food and just drink water and juices to remain
hydrated. I encourage you to do your best. You will never know what God can
strengthen you to do until you try. You should follow your doctor’s advice and remain
on your medications. Do what you can. Do your best. Sacrifice something, some time
to wholeheartedly seek God. You will be so glad you did! Let’s do this!
God Bless You,
Pastor Sawyer
Monday, January 13 Be Courageous
by Pastor Tony
We have entered the second day of the Fast and already the enemy, along with your
flesh, is telling you " There's no way you can go seven days " !
For some of you fasting has become a helpful part of your Christian walk. For others
you've tried fasting a few times with some success and for others this is your very first
time and it's hard. I have Word for all of you today and it is to be "Courageous".
The dictionary defines Courageous as, " being very brave ; having or showing courage "
. Synonyms are, " bold, brave, fearless, gutsy " . Antonyms include, " chicken, chicken
hearted , gutless, lily-livered " . I know in my heart of hearts today that if you're reading
this devotion, you are Brave, Bold, Fearless, and Courageous!
In the book of Joshua, chapter one, shortly after Moses has died , God tells Joshua
"....... I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. " Then god says
repeatedly in vs. 6 " Be strong and courageous....", vs. 7 " Be strong and
courageous....", vs. 9 "...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified
( lily-livered ) ; do not be discouraged, for The Lord your God will be with you wherever
you go "
Just as God had promised to be with Joshua as he led Israel to fight enemies they had
never fought and into a new land where they have never been, He will be with you
through the fast as you fight battles you've never fought and as you go places, in Christ,
you've never been. If you continue to be Strong and Courageous!
So, for today, and the next five days, encourage yourself to be strong and courageous
then God will be with you strengthening you, guiding you, giving you wisdom and
showing Himself to you in ways you have never experienced!!
Be blessed in the fast !!!
Tuesday, January 14 “From Broke Out to Break Through”
1 Chronicles 20:4-8
“Later war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. That was the time Sibbecai the
Hushathite killed Sippai of the clan of giants. The Philistines had to eat crow. In another
war with the Philistines, Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath the
Gittite whose spear was like a ship’s boom. And then there was the war at Gath that
featured a hulking giant who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each hand and
foot—yet another from the clan of giants. When he mocked Israel, Jonathan son of
Shimea, David’s brother, killed him. These came from the clan of giants and were killed
by David and his men.”
I am sure you have experienced a peaceful time in your life where everything was going
great and then, BAM, war breaks out in your life! This is just what happened to the
Israelites.
War had broken out and there were no giant slayers in their midst; so when Goliath
stood against the armies of Israel, the Israelites trembled! There was, however, a young
shepherd boy, whose intimate knowledge of His God inspired and empowered him to
fight the evil giant, and defeat him.
David's victory over Goliath paved the way for those after him to slay the giant's
offspring, who were also giants. So when those giants arose to fight, they already had
knowledge that they could be defeated. David's breakthrough had set a powerful
precedent for all of Israel's "mighty men".
All around us there are "Goliaths"…but none of them are "undefeatable". In fact, we
have an entire Bible full of examples of saints who stood their ground and defeated their
enemies. Don’t allow your current situation to cause you to forget about all the other
times that you have been in difficulties where you needed a breakthrough and God gave
you the victory. If He did it then, He will do it again!
Others are watching you and looking for someone who will stand up to a Giant and
believe God for a victory. I don't know what you may be facing, but I know the One Who
can defeat it. Bring your giants to Jesus, because He is still in the giant killing business. Wednesday, January 15 A New Level Of Worship
Church Family, we’re in the middle of one of the greatest demonstrations of faith
through our relentless pursuit of the presence of God through this corporate time of
fasting and praying. I want to remind us of what the scriptures have to say…
(Matthew 17:15-21)
{…Jesus, having just come down from the mountain of transfiguration, is approached by
a man who falls at His feet crying out, “Please have mercy on my son. He is having
seizures, often times falling into the fire and sometimes into water. I brought him to your
disciples, and they could not help him.” Jesus them replies, Oh faithless and perverse
generation! How long must I remain with you? How long do I have to put up with you?
Bring me the boy.” Jesus then rebukes the demon out of the boy and he was made well
from that very moment. A little time passes and the disciples come to Jesus asking Him,
“Why could we not cast out the demon?” He replies to them, “Because of your small
level of faith: Truly I declare to you, If you have the faith the size of a grain of mustard
seed, you can then say to this mountain move from here to there, and it will move; and
nothing will be impossible to you. But THIS kind[of faith] does not go out from you
except by prayer and fasting…}
Watch this… often when we read this familiar story, we are focused on how Jesus
handles and deals with the disciples. This time, what jumps off the page to me in this
story is the posture of the man coming to Jesus to ask for his help. I am intrigued by his
reverent posture, and his desperation. I believe this word is for some of us who come
into the presence of the Lord more out of habit than out of desperation. We’ve lost our
crave and desire for His glory to saturate us. Think about the ruler Jairus and the
woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5. The bible says in verse 22 that Jairus fell at
the feet of Jesus and pleaded the case of his dying daughter. It says later in the same
combined story (verse 33) that the woman after she had been healed of her twelve year
issue, came trembling in reverent fear and fell at the feet of Jesus and told Him of the
great thing that had been done to her. I don’t know if you’re seeing the revelation I’m
seeing, but can I just encourage somebody right now that God is moved when we go to
a new level of Worship that is driven by a desperate kind of faith. When you have run
out of resources, intellect and strength… and the situation your facing STILL isn’t
getting any better, then things get desperate!!! It’s from this place that sometimes we
give our BEST worship. It’s in these moments that we hold nothing back, but we lay it all
on the line BEFORE WE ASK FOR A THING!!! Notice…. They each of these individuals
hadn’t asked for ONE THING until they had bowed down in worship before the Lord.
They recognized that He was worthy before they even made their request. It seems to
me that another scripture is being confirmed…
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we
may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.”
If I can quickly be equal in the treatment of my case, let’s look at Job for a quick
second… The bible says that after Job had lost EVERYTHING, he tore his clothes,
shaved his head, fell on the ground and went to worshipping God (Job 1:20)
David and his mighty men find themselves backed up against the wall in a situation
where they had just fought off the enemy in Judah, but their families were under siege in
Keilah. (I Samuel 23:1-6) The mighty men had to admit, we’re afraid in Judah… [Judah
means Praise] but we gotta get to Keilah…. [Keilah is transliterated to mean Strength].
The scripture goes on to say that David asked of the Lord, “Now what am I to do? Do I
go to Keilah?” The Lord answers David, “Get up and Go and I’ll handle the fight. I’ll give
the victory to you.”
I feel like I need to tell somebody, the reports may say that you’ve lost everything, you
may feel like you’re about to lose your mind, the people around you may be admitting to
you they are afraid… but if you come to me honestly, boldly and reverently in “Praise”,
I’m going to give you everything you need to go fight in “Strength” And I’m going to give
you back everything you lost PLUS MORE!!!
In these next few days, I want us to turn up our level of Worship!!! God is ready to move
for us, move among us, and move US to another level. If we would just get desperate,
fall on our knees, fall on our face and begin to give Him ALL The Glory, ALL the Honor,
ALL The Praise SIMPLY BECAUSE HE IS WORTHY, He will begin to make some
things move on our behalf!!!! Everything we’re believing for, God is ready to manifest
it!!!
Challenge… Declare Psalms 34 Everyday over yourself, over your situation, over
your job environment, over your family, and over everything you’re believing for
and watch God come and inhabit[LIVE IN] your praise and change your
circumstances. (Psalms 22;3)
Get DESPERATE!!! Get IN HIS PRESENCE!!! Get READY!!! God’s Getting Ready
To MOVE!!!
God Bless You!!!
Joey Richey
Thursday, January 16
We Are The Church
by Pastor Josh
SCRIPTURE Acts 2:42-47 NLT All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and
to prayer. [43] A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed
many miraculous signs and wonders. [44] And all the believers met together in one
place and shared everything they had. [45] They sold their property and possessions
and shared the money with those in need. [46] They worshiped together at the Temple
each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy
and generosity- [47] all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the
people. And each day the Lord added to their
A healthy church attracts people to Christ. The early churches passion for obedience,
their generosity, and their brotherly love was not a hindrance but an attractive attribute
to those on the outside.
Are we a healthy church?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
devote ourselves to scripture.
devote ourselves to the teaching of the apostles.
communion and breaking bread together.
generously serving with and sharing all we have.
worship through life, song, and obedience.
praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.
the Lord adding to our fellowship those who ARE BEING saved.
Brotherly love seemed to be a major part of the lives of the first community of Jesus
followers. Let us strive to live this out…but it is only possible through grace empowered
by Jesus and grace given to each other. Living a life that is an example to everyone we
come in contact with.
My Prayer: Lord we consistently live in tension between your will and our own. Between
building our own empires and surrendering to your Kingdom. You’ve forgiven us of our
ways. Help us to find our rest in you, to be at peace within your perfect plan, to be
content with what you’ve given us, while we (by the empowerment of the Spirit) grow to
reflect your image and to live as your chosen people together within community to serve
our neighbors well.
Friday, January 17 Authority
By Pastor Emilio
As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, you have authority. Colossians 1:13
“For he has rescued us from the power of darkness and placed us into his kingdom” the
word “Power” is translated “Authority” We have been given authority as an inheritance
through Christ. Ephesians say’s Jesus has been given all authority, all power and all
dominion; also we have been seated along with him in heavenly places.
Therefore, as believers we have been equipped with the same power and the
same authority as Jesus Christ. We are victorious and can live a triumphant life due to
this inheritance of authority. John 10:10
Jesus came to give us the victory. Receive this word today, believe it and
activate it in your daily life, Jesus has delegated this authority that we may overcome
and defeat the devil and all his lies. Give no room for the devil in your life and take
authority over all his schemes, take authority over sickness and disease, lack and loss,
declare God’s word in your life and take authority in Jesus name. You are born of the
Spirit, filled with the Spirit, led of the Spirit and you have been given God’s authoritative
Word, now simply exercise your authority, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His
might. You have authority in Jesus name!
Saturday, January 18 “Favor”
by Phyllis Sawyer
Psalm 5:12 “For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your
favor as with a shield.”
The definition of “favor” means a kind act. An act of kindness performed or granted out
of good will. Favor is preferential treatment shown to somebody.
As a 15 year old teenager, I began to wholehearted seek the face of God. I read
Matthew 6:33 and made a decision to SEEK HIM FIRST AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as well.” This verse is the foundation of how I began to know
Christ and the person I am today. As I sought HIM and NOT THINGS/STUFF, I learned
to obey the Lord and do what he asked me to do. I was listening and obeyed when I
was asked to give of my own belongings, time, money and even my car! I knew my
Lord because I was a seeking of his heart and understood that whatever he would ask
of me would not harm me but would allow his continuing presence to be in my life in a
greater way. And bottom line, I wanted to obey HIM.
You are asking what does this have to do with favor. EVERYTHING! God given favor
comes because you have gotten the attention of God out of a relationship. That
relationship turned into Christ being the Lord of my life, which then led me to all the
other things and open doors that His Kingdom had for me.
How do we get to this place and walk in that continually? It’s simple.
Favor that comes from your heavenly Father is given to you as a token of love and
goodwill. It’s a small gift from your God that shows love and concern. Its favor and
God’s blessings that come from studied the Word of God, applied it to your life, and
then obeying the voice of the Lord. I said it is simple. Well, not always but at first to do
all things the Lord would ask. But obeying and trusting is the best way and I’ve learned
that in my walk with Christ.
As I have walked out simple acts of obedience, I begin to notice time and time again
blessings and benefits that were coming to me. It was because of favor! Favor changes
everything and it last a lifetime! Psalms 30:5 says that favor last a lifetime!
Your walk with Christ is a journey. You determine on how the path will go and if you will
allow the kingdom of God to rain on you unlimited blessings of goodness, love and
kindnesses.
Our prayer for you daily is that you know Christ and all the other good things and
blessings that only come from him will be given unto you.
Sunday, January 19 RELATIONSHIP DETERMINES RULERSHIP
We are learning that the most important and life-impacting factor in our lives is
our personal relationship with Christ. Everything we do: relationships, work and school
are affected by our walk with Christ. God’s reality in us is the source of God’s reality
through us.
As you pray and fast today, remember this dynamic truth. In Matthew 6:9 Jesus
said, “This then is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven…” Your prayer will be
powerful today because through your personal relationship with Jesus Christ you have
relationship with God the Father. You have an audience with the God who created the
universe. Then Jesus said in verse 10 to pray this: “Your Kingdom come, your will be
done on earth as it is in heaven”. Through your relationship with God and your
willingness to pray today, earth – your world – is receiving God’s rulership. His Kingdom
and all He is and does is flowing to you and through you as you pray and fast!
Then notice once more the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:20: He replied,
“Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard
seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing
will be impossible for you.” But He was not through with that thought because verse 21
sums it up by reminding them and us, “But this kind does not go out except by prayer
and fasting”! How do we break through Satan’s most difficult strongholds? Prayer and
fasting? When we pray and fast “nothing will be impossible” for us.
What you do today as you pray and fast is making a difference—for you, your
family and your church family. Together, you and God can do all things—nothing is
impossible.