As a church we will be fasting Sunday, January 27 th through Saturday, Feb 2 nd.

Transcription

1 2019

2 DAY 1 As a church we will be fasting Sunday, January 27 th through Saturday, Feb 2 nd. Fasting is an integral part of developing our relationship with Christ. It is a time where we quiet ourselves from the distractions around us, so that we can hear from God more clearly. Fasting isn t about losing weight, it s about gaining vision. Fasting is less about what you re losing, and more about what you re gaining. Abstaining from food, drink, media, or anything else that normally feeds you is no easy task! Those who fast often acknowledge the physical, mental, and emotional toll that it takes on the human body, as you are denying yourself of personal cravings. This self-denial is important in bringing focus to your heart and mind, so that you can connect with God without interference. What you stand to gain will far outweigh what you decide to give up. Fasting is denying yourself food or other comforts for a specific period of time. Fasting is one of the oldest and most prevalent spiritual practices in the Bible. Great leaders in the bible fasted routinely, including Moses, David, Jeremiah, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Jesus and the apostles. Jesus expects that we will fast regularly. In Matthew 6 Jesus addresses fasting specifically when he tells the disciples in Matthew 6:16, When you fast... Notice Jesus says when not if. Fasting is not an option. Jesus assumes that we will fast. Though fasting is assumed, it is not required. We don t have to fast. We get to fast. Like all intentional spiritual practices, fasting should not be legalistic we are not earning anything from God through fasting. Fasting allows us to create space in our minds and souls for more of God s presence and increased reliance on God s grace. Our lives and souls are crammed with a multitude of things that we rely on to satisfy and distract us: social media, food, drinks, coffee, exercise...you name it. Fasting is

3 intentionally setting aside something that we routinely rely on for comfort or sustenance. We turn that desire or need to God, asking God to fill that space instead. As God fills that space, we can begin to discern the Lord s desires and align our prayers with His desires. Jesus also tells us how we should go about it, When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, 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 others 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 (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting is difficult. But it is doable! Jesus challenges us not to share our struggle with others, but to turn your longings and struggles to the Lord, asking him to fill the void and to draw us deeper into his presence. When the Holy Spirit calls us to fast, He will strengthen us and give us the ability to carry it out. PRAYER POINTS 1. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you can fast (set aside) for the week in order to draw closer. It is a specific food or meal? Maybe t.v., a favorite hobby or the computer? I will fast 2. Commit to spending time listening to God this week. We must come into this time with a humble heart, acknowledging that God s strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we approach God this way, our hearts are open to the word that God will release towards us. Take time this week to pray and read God s Word. Is there a specific time you can devote to this? (for example, 15 minutes a day or daily at 8:00pm) I will set aside to pray and worship.

4 DAY 2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 NIV As Christians, we accept that our lives are no longer our own, for we have been purchased at a high price. Jesus brought to an end the Old Testament sacrifices for sin and His death cannot be improved on. All we have to do now is trust Him for that great work. We do not add to it. When Paul says that our worship is to present our bodies as a sacrifice he does not mean that we die and atone for our sins. Your Bodies: The sacrifice of our bodies to God is not a sacrifice for sin. The offering of our bodies is not the offering of our bodily looks, but our bodily behavior. In the Bible, the body is not significant because of the way it looks, but because of the way it acts. The body is given to us to make visible the beauty of Christ. Living: Let every act of your body in living be an act of worship. Let every act of your living body be a demonstration that God is your treasure. Let every act of your living body show that Christ is more precious to you than anything else. Let every act of your living body be a death to all that dishonors Christ. Holy: give your members your eyes, your tongue, your hands and feet give your body to do righteousness, not sin. That s what would make a body holy. A body is holy not because of what it looks like, or what shape it s in, but because of what it does. Is it the physical instrument of a hunger for righteousness? Is it the physical instrument of meekness and mercy and peace?

5 God has always longed for those who can see beyond the veil of religion, traditions and the works of the flesh those who will draw near by faith and worship Him in Spirit and in truth. He longs for those who want more than just to be good. He desires those who want to be His. By identifying with the death of Christ, we are able to live by virtue of His resurrection. Jesus broke the power of sin and death. Even now, He lives for the Father, not for Himself. And that is the kind of life He will empower us to live: one targeted toward Him. We are invited to: Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:1 2 NKJV Prayer Points: As we begin this week of prayer and fasting Would you say the life you live reflects the Lord you serve? In what ways have you surrendered your life to God, and in what areas have you not? As you spend time in prayer this week, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your life that are still your own. Ask Him to make you a living sacrifice. As you feed on God s Word and embrace His faithfulness, allow His grace to be your source of empowerment! Use this time to sit and be still and allow God to renew and refresh the relationship you have with Him. Remember this week is not about what we want from God, it s all about focusing on Him and spending time with Him.

6 DAY 3 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 In Christ, God loves us to the fullest extent of the word. There is nothing you can do to make God love you more and there is nothing you can fail to do to make God love you less. In Christ, God has shown His love to you. God s love is steadfast and unfailing. When we believe that Jesus has done everything necessary for our salvation, and we put our full weight and trust in Him, there is nothing that can separate us from Him. What an incredible promise! There are many times that we forget this great truth. In times of temptation, sadness, and prosperity, we must remember how much God loves us and that nothing can separate us from His love. We should portray this love through our lives and pour out this kind of love for others. Prayer Points: Pray for our church to rest in this truth and for the Holy Spirit to lead us in worshiping Christ. Pray for those far from God but close to you to know the surpassing love of Jesus. Pray for those in our church and community who are suffering, that they would find healing, but most importantly, rest and comfort in the presence of Jesus. Pray for Pastor Bryan and Michelle and their family.

7 DAY 4 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 Being part of a local church consists of more than weekly attendance at Sunday service. As a church, we are a body that lives life together, caring for one another, bearing one another s burdens, and seeking to help each other grow in conformity to Christ. It is our desire and prayer that TLC would be united by our love for Jesus Christ - that we would walk in the light of Jesus, having fellowship with one another, (1 John 1:7). God calls us to gather together, encourage one another, and point each other to Christ. This doesn t just happen on Sundays but through the daily rhythms of our lives as we live, learn, work, and play. Our hope is that we would see people flourish as disciples of Jesus as we open up our Bibles and open up our lives together throughout the week digging deeply into God s Word and investing in Christcentered relationships. We pray that this community would spur us to invite people far from God but close to us into our lives and our community that they would see and know that the Lord is good. Prayer Points: Pray for God to reveal one person in your life with whom you could open up your Bible and open up your life. Pray that the Lord would protect TLC and unify us as the body of Christ. Pray that God would show us how to love our surrounding neighborhoods well and provide us with opportunities to point them to Jesus Pray for the President and other elected officials in Washington, Harrisburg, Schuylkill & Berks Counties, that they would have wisdom and be led by the Holy Spirit as they make decisions.

8 DAY 5 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Prayer should be our first response. Not our last resort. Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to seek God through prayer and fasting and trust him with our futures. As we read his Word and seek Him in prayer, we grow confident in His plan and provision. In this season, we desire not to be anxious but to seek God in all circumstances, trusting that He is our loving Father who hears us and answers us when we call. God is the one who will give us peace, and it is God s peace that will guard our hearts and minds through Christ. Things will not always happen according to our plans, but God's will and purposes will always go forward accomplishing what He sets out to do (Isaiah 55:11). Prayer Points: Let your requests and what makes you anxious known to God. What resources and relationships do you need to pray for and about? Pray that our elders/deacons will seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the church grows and decisions need to be made. Pray that our church as a whole would rely on the Holy Spirit in all things, providing us a peace that leads us to awe and worship. Pray for those in our community battling depression, addiction and hopelessness.

9 DAY 6 I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before for the land, so that I would nor destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30 When God looked upon Israel he saw not a single man who could stand in the gap between Him and His people. No spiritual leaders. No intercessor. No one to lead them to repentance. The people had acted rebelliously and had committed great sins, pursuing their own personal gain rather than the Lord. Because of this, Israel would face the wrath of God. But God being gracious had a plan. He would provide a greater intercessor, someone to stand in the gap, bearing the weight of our sin and shame upon His very shoulders. A Savior who defeated sin, death, and the enemy in his glorious resurrection. He would not only stand in the gap but transform us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of Jesus, we can enter into relationship with the Father. God has created us to be men and women who seek and worship Him, and He has called us to stand up and proclaim the truth of the gospel as we intercede (pray) on behalf of others. Prayer Points: Pray that God would burden your heart for the lost and give you boldness in the Holy Spirit to take personal risks to bring the gospel to every relationship. Pray that those far from God and close to you (coworkers, classmates, neighbors, friends & family) would know Christ and find a church home. Pray for our staff at TLC. Pray that God would continue to raise up people from our church to go and proclaim the gospel to people of all nations.

10 DAY 7 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done... so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. Psalm 78:4 Children are truly a blessing. Our church is comprised of children, teenagers, college students, and all generations. It is our desire that no matter how old or young, all children would understand something about the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of God. It is our desire to love our students, and we desire for them to know Christ and make him known. For our children and grandchildren, we pray that they would be a generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of... God (Psalm 24:6). Through our Children s Ministry, Wednesday Family Nights, Summer Camp and Summer Bash, it is our desire that the next generation would feel loved and valued at TLC and that as they set their hope in Jesus, they would be equipped for the mission of God. Prayer Points: Pray that children and youth of all ages would see, hear, understand, and respond to the gospel. Pray that our families at TLC would disciple and raise up their children to trust and follow Jesus. Pray that God would bless and multiply our children s ministry and raise up more volunteers. Pray that God would bless and multiply our college students and young adults and equip them to be leaders and have a voice in this generation