As we seek to follow God's leading in our first campus launch we commit to prayer and fasting for 40 days. Share your insights and encouragements in the comments below!
Praying, and God is reminding me to keep all of the amazing blessings we have as a church in the forefront of my mind. Too often it's only challenges that get my focus....but to be thankful for the wonderful...that's what God wants.
The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting 1. Jesus expected His followers to fast. In fact, He gave specific instructions for how to fast. Matthew 9:15 “The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” 2. The church fasted in order to hear from God. Acts 13:2-3 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. 3. The church fasted on behalf of their leaders and those in service. Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 4. When more power is called for, fasting is required. Mark 9:29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”
First, I was struck with the way fasting is connected with humility (Ps. 35:13/Ez. 8:21) What a great way to assure we are leading from a posture of humility!
Second, reading in Acts 3 where Peter and John heal the crippled beggar I noticed how Peter did not choose to focus on what he did not have (silver or gold) but on what he did have - the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. I am convicted to lead from a conviction of what we do have and not a preoccupation of what we do not have.
Looking forward to sharing the rest of the journey with you!
I had the opportunity to fast and pray on Monday. I was great to be reminded throughout the day to pray for God's guidance in advancing His church.
On Monday I was reading through the section of Genesis that contains the story of Joseph and his brothers. In reading it, I was reminded that God provides everything we need, despite our present circumstances and the uncertainty of the future. I feel that God is calling on us as a church, and specifically a leadership team, to remain faithful and trust that God will provide what is needed to complete the vision He has given us.
As we continue to ask God to provide what we need to complete the project, we have the assurance that He will fulfill His promises, just as He did for Joseph.
Praying, and God is reminding me to keep all of the amazing blessings we have as a church in the forefront of my mind. Too often it's only challenges that get my focus....but to be thankful for the wonderful...that's what God wants.
ReplyDeleteThe Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
ReplyDelete1. Jesus expected His followers to fast. In fact, He gave specific instructions for how
to fast.
Matthew 9:15
“The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to
show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But
when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to
men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who
sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
2. The church fasted in order to hear from God.
Acts 13:2-3
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me
Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted
and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
3. The church fasted on behalf of their leaders and those in service.
Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,
committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
4. When more power is called for, fasting is required.
Mark 9:29
He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”
Thoughts from first day of fasting and prayer;
ReplyDeleteFirst, I was struck with the way fasting is connected with humility (Ps. 35:13/Ez. 8:21)
What a great way to assure we are leading from a posture of humility!
Second, reading in Acts 3 where Peter and John heal the crippled beggar I noticed how Peter did not choose to focus on what he did not have (silver or gold) but on what he did have - the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. I am convicted to lead from a conviction of what we do have and not a preoccupation of what we do not have.
Looking forward to sharing the rest of the journey with you!
I had the opportunity to fast and pray on Monday. I was great to be reminded throughout the day to pray for God's guidance in advancing His church.
DeleteOn Monday I was reading through the section of Genesis that contains the story of Joseph and his brothers. In reading it, I was reminded that God provides everything we need, despite our present circumstances and the uncertainty of the future. I feel that God is calling on us as a church, and specifically a leadership team, to remain faithful and trust that God will provide what is needed to complete the vision He has given us.
As we continue to ask God to provide what we need to complete the project, we have the assurance that He will fulfill His promises, just as He did for Joseph.
James