Women of Prayer and Praise Fasting Commitment: January 4-25, 2015 Theme: Totally Committed to Christ Matthew 22:37, I Kings 8:61

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1 Women of Prayer and Praise Fasting Commitment: January 4-25, 2015 Theme: Totally Committed to Christ Matthew 22:37, I Kings 8:61 Name Corporate Prayer (9pm Daily) Telephone: (712) Code: # Fast partner: One person who will fast with you and pray with you at least once a day during the fast Partner s name Prayer time with partner Personal prayer request: I believe in the power of the fast and that God answers prayer. Therefore by faith, I am fasting because I need to be totally committed to Christ during God being my strength and grace I am committed to the 21 days of fasting and prayer (January 4-25) with Women of Prayer and Praise. Date Signed

2 Women of Prayer and Praise Fasting Commitment: January 4-25, 2015 Theme: Totally Committed to Christ Matthew 22: 37 Jesus told him, you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. I Kings 8:61 Now let your heart be completely devoted to the Lord our God, to live according to his statues and to keep his commands, as we are today. During 2015, our theme will be Totally Committed to Christ, based on Matthew 22:37 and I Kings 8:61. During the twenty-one days of fasting, we shall focus on what it means to be totally committed to Christ. We shall strive to live each day in fulfillment of Christ s call to love the Lord your God with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is a directive to be totally committed to Christ. Therefore as we begin 2015, we are dedicated to living a life that brings honor to our Lord. As we fast and pray, we yield to the Holy Sprit s working in us to bring about total commitment to Christ, all for the Lord s glory. For this time of fating you will need time with the Lord; individually, with your fast partner and time for the daily corporate gathering at 9pm. You will also need a journal to keep notes that you can return to for praise and encouragement. Prepare for a wonderful time with the Lord.

3 January 4-5 Matthew 6:33, Mark 10:28-30 These verses stress the preeminence of Christ in our lives. Christ is above all and should remain our first love. Disciples of Christ are call to a life that is totally devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is Lord and we live and demonstrated that truth every day of our lives. Seeking means to go after, to pursue, it entails action and diligence. It puts Christians in a mode of putting the love for Christ into action, primarily living out this love in all and everything. Consider: Ruth who left all for something far greater than anything she s ever imagined. (Ruth: 1: 1-18) Anna, the prophetess and her life in the temple (Luke 2:36-38) Solomon s request (1 Kings 3:5-15) Take a close look at your own life, how do you seek first the kingdom of God? Confess your faults and ask the Lord for grace to do better. Make a list in your journal of practical things you can do to help with your total commitment to Christ. For example you might set a specific time daily to spend reading your Bible and praying alone. Praise: For the blessings of seeking the Lord first Prayer: Ask the Lord for a fresh desire seek the kingdom of God

4 January 6-7 Joshua 1:8-9, II Timothy 3:14-17 This is a call for a commitment to meditate study and memorize God s word. This requires a daily quiet time with the Lord individually and corporately. This includes a time of scripture reading, prayer and writing in a journal. This is essential for our growth in Christ. Consider Paul s call to Timothy to study God s word Timothy 2:15, "Study to show thyself approved of God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." This call to Bible study echoes an earlier point that Paul had made in 1Timothy 5:17, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine." Consider: Psalm 119:11 Why should we hide God s word in our heart? Acts 17:10-12 the Berean who searched the scripture daily II Timothy 2:15 Why do we study scripture? How much time do you spend reading your Bible? Increase your time in God s word and see how you grow in Christ. Select one book of the Bible ever month this year, (begin with the book of John). Read through the book, a chapter or less daily. Write in your journal a verse that especially speaks to you every day. Praise: For the word of God, the Bible Prayer: Ask for an appetite for God s word

5 January 8-9 I Thessalonians 5:17, Romans 12:12, Luke 18:1-8 Total commitment to Christ requires an active continual prayer life; for the Lord is ever listening to our prayers. Look closely at Jesus parable in Luke 18. What does the parable teach us? What are the other lessons from the parable? When the Lord returns will he find faith on the earth that leads to prayer? Consider: Daniel s prayer life and how he saw unbelievable miracles, prophetic mysteries and experienced victory (Daniel 6) Hezekiah s prayer to God on his death bed (Isaiah 38:1-8) Habakkuk s prayers of word hip and rejoicing (Habakkuk 3:2-19) A woman for the healing of her daughter (Matthew15:22-28) Keep a list in your journal of your prayer requests. It serves as a reminder to praise. Praise: The opportunity and power of prayers Prayers: A faithful personal and cooperate prayer life

6 January Matthew 6:18, Isaiah 58:3-12 Christ calls us to a commitment to fasting because some things come only by fasting. Fasting brings a fresh perspective and a renewed reliance on God, as attention is focused on the Lord. Reflect on the examples of fasting in the Bible. In your journals note what was accomplished and how the Lord was glorified. Consider: Esther fasted on behalf of her people (Esther 4:13-16) The people of Ninevah fasted after hearing the message of Jonah (Jonah 3) Paul fasted 14 days while at sea on a sinking ship (Acts 27:33-36) The elders in Antioch fasted before sending off Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:1-5) Critical situations require fasting and prayers (Mark 9:17-29). When we fast and pray we enter in the most holy place by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19) and enjoy the many blessings which is ours in Christ. As we fast we are also transformed; faith increases, the Holy Spirit produces self control in us, our hunger for God grows, prayers are more focused and we are obedient to Christ s call to fast. As we begin 2015 let s turn to the Lord and plead with him in prayer and fasting. Praise: The power of fasting Prayer: For grace and strength to be faithful to the fast

7 January Deuteronomy 10:14, Luke 6:38, I Timothy 6:7 Christ calls his followers to be givers; primarily because all that we have is a trust from God, to be used for God s glory (Psalm 24:1). Jesus calls us to be faithful stewards. Read the following verses and list in your journal an important principle of Christian giving from each verse: Matthew 6:1-4 Job 41:11 II Corinthians 9:6-7 Consider the following, and write in your journal one thing you have learned from each verse: Gods call to give the tithe (Malachi 3:8-12) The widow s gift (Luke 21:1-4) Your own record of giving to the Lord Finally, how did Zacchaecus giving change when he met Christ? Is there a change in your giving since you encountered Jesus? (Luke 19:1-10) Have your giving change since you encountered Christ? Remember we are called to give to God s people, the household of faith (Galatians 6:10) such gifts can go toward evangelism and nurturing other believers. This is what giving to the Dorcas project does. We prepare Christian young women to fulfill the Lord s good plans for them. May the Lord find WPP faithful in this endeavor. Will you faithfully give to the Dorcas project? Praise: For the privilege to give for the Lord s glory Prayer: That we are faithful, cheerful givers

8 January John 14:15, Acts 5:29 Our total obedience to Jesus reflects our love for Christ. Obedience is not an option; it not a suggestion; it is a commandment from almighty God, and it is the very heart of our faith. Obedience led our Lord s death on the cross (Philippians 2:8) and calls us to take up our cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24). Obedience expresses our trust in Christ and is a duty as we yield to the authority of Christ over our lives. Review the promises of obedience: Exodus 23:22 I Samuel 12:14 Isaiah 1:19 Jeremiah 7:23 Consider the obedience of the following people: Noah (Genesis 6:13-22) Jesus (Luke 22: 41-42, Matthew 26:36-46) The wise men (Matthew 2:1-12) The apostles (Acts 5:17-29) Obeying God can be costly, but we are called to trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus. Consider what God says about disobedience: I Samuel 15:22-23, Matthew 7:26-27 Write in your journal two important lessons you have learned about obedience. Live out these truths during the year. Praise: For the blessings of obedience Prayer: For the grace and power to be completely obedient

9 January Psalm 90:1-12, Psalm 39:4 As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to number our days, living with wisdom, righteousness exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. When we number our days we recognize that life is short. The following verses express the brevity of our lives. Isaiah 64:6 like a leaf James 4:14 like a mist Psalm 39:5 like a breath Numbering our days acknowledges that our time on earth is limited; we may be here today and gone tomorrow. Wisdom gives the ability to see the preciousness of time. We are to member our lives are short and must be lived to the glory of God. Reflect on the following scriptures how do they relate to numbering our days? Matthew 6:20 Mark 14:1-9 Ephesians 5:15-17 Apply the call to number our days to the life of Samson, Judges List in your journal the lessons we can learn. What is the evidence of carefully numbering your days and wisdom in your life? Make a list and use scripture to verify your list. Nothing to list, ask the Lord s direction. Praise: For every day the Lord gives us Prayer: We may learn to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom

10 January Matthew 28:19 As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to make disciples. This is a call for evangelism but is also is an incentive for godliness, and a constant witness of holy living that is a profession of faith (John 8:31). We are called to lead others to Christ by how we live and what we say. We are to share by our lives and words what we have learned from being with Christ. The times the disciples spent with Christ and all that was gained from Christ s teaching, witness, example and love for others were to be passed on. It was to be shown to the rest of the world, so that a continual process of bringing others into the kingdom would be replicated. The task was to proclaim the teachings received from Jesus throughout the world. We are entrusted with the same task. Reflect on the following verses that give similar instructions: Matthew 10: 6-7 Mark 16:15 Consider the following in making disciples: The early church, how did the church grow? (Acts 2:41-47) The response of the woman Jesus met at the well. How did she share the good news? (John 4:28-30, 39-42) The witness of Dorcas (Acts 9:36-43) Read about Paul s first missionary journey, Acts to make disciples. List some of the challenges he faced. Are you making disciples for Christ by your witness and your words? What are some of the challenges you face? Praise: For the opportunity to share Christ Prayer: For faithfulness to make disciples by how we live and what we say

11 January Deuteronomy 28:1-2, John 10:27 The Lord speaks to his children. We have to be in readiness to ear that still small voice. The Lord speaking is usually unexpected; nevertheless we are to be listening and ready to obey. Some of the ways God speaks to us include: His word (II Timothy 3:16) Through creation (Romans 1:20) Through other believers (James 3:17-18) Through music (II Chronicles 20:21) Through His Spirit (John 14:17, I Corinthians 3:16) Through prayer (Romans 8:26-27) Consider the Lord speaking the following people and how their response brought glory to the Lord: Paul (Acts 9:3-6) Samuel (I Samuel 3:4-14) Mary (Luke 1:28-38) The women at the tomb (Luke 24:1-12) These are some of the women God spoke directly to. Read the passages and reflect on how a difference was made in each of their lives. Eve (Genesis 3:13, 16) Hagar (Genesis 16:7-12) Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18) Quietly reflect on your life, how has God spoken to you? Praise: Thank the Lord that we can hear him Prayer: We will be quick to hear and obey

12 January Hebrews 10:24-25 As disciples of Jesus Christ we called to have regular fellowship with one another. Christian fellowship identifies us as followers of Jesus Christ. Christian fellowship does the following: Enhances spiritual growth (Acts 2:42) Love one another (I John 4:12) Encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13) Serve one another (Galatians 5:13) Instruct one another (Romans 15:14) Honor one another (Romans 12:10) Show kindness and compassion to one another (Ephesians 4:32) Pray for one another (James 5:16) Christian fellowship is essential, it enables corporate prayer. Read Acts 12:5-17 How did the assembling of the believers make a difference? When one comes to Christ one becomes a part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). The proper function of the church requires all the parts of the body (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). Additionally, the gathering of believers serves as a means of building up and nurturing of each believer. Consider these additional reasons for Christian fellowship: Christian fellowship encounters Christ (Matthew 18:20) The church is a place of edification (Ephesians 4:12) Christian fellowship must be consistent and regular because each believer has a gift that is needed by other Christians. (I Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30) List your spiritual gifts and how you are using them in the gathering of believers. If you do not know what your spiritual gifts are pray with your fast partner asking the Lord to show what they are. Let s join the Psalmist (Psalm 122:1) and joyfully gather for God s glory.

13 Praise: For the regular assembling of God s people throughout the earth Prayer: We will faithfully meet to fulfill the command of Hebrews 10:25 For the persecuted church and those who cannot gather freely

14 January Psalm 92:1, Psalm 138:1, I Chronicles 29:13 Christians are called to be a people of praise. Why? Our God is full of glory (Psalm 138:5) Our God is great (Psalm 145:3) God is wise and powerful (Daniel 2:20) God is good (Psalm 107:8) God is merciful and faithful (Psalm 89:1) Spend the next two days praising the Lord for the fast and for all his blessings. Study and meditate on the following scriptures: Psalm 9:1-2 Luke 17:15-16 Psalm 100:1-2 Acts 16:25 Luke 19:37-38 I Chronicles 29:10 Revelation 4 Make a list in your journal of some of your blessings and praise the Lord for each. Praise: For our wonderful God Prayer: For a heart that is always thankful and filled with praises