The orgasm, the blunt, the cocktail, the juicy gossip, the “lazy day” you took when you had so much to accomplish, the words you speak which tear others down, the thing you put before God and ministry, the jealousy that drives you to spend what you don’t have on what you don’t need… Is it worth it? Is it worth your salvation? The salvation of your family? The salvation of your co-workers and friends?
Faith Over Fear – Fasting & Prayer Day
What is Faith? What does it mean to you? How do you apply it in your day to day life? Is there a difference between Faith and belief? Is it possible to believe in God but not have Faith in Him? Faith is defined as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something. A strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.” Meanwhile belief is defined as “an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists. Trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something.” Based on the definitions provided, we see that there is a clear and distinct difference between the two words. One requires acceptance, and the other trust. Before we can exercise Faith in God and claim His promises, we first have to believe in Him and accept His word as truth.
Content in Contention – Fasting & Prayer Day
Contention is defined as “a point advanced or maintained in a debate or argument.” Discord, conflict, friction, strife and disharmony are additional words that can and have been used to further describe contention. The Spirit of Contention is a demonic power designed to damage ministries, the workplace, families and interpersonal relationships. When the enemy sees people striving to work harmoniously together, he will sow the seed of contention, with miscommunication and frustration, allow it to grow and watch as people who once loved each other turn against one another.
How Are We Called To Lead
Whether we like it or not, we’re all called to be servant-leaders. God has assigned each of us a significant role to execute in spreading the gospel and growing the kingdom. Our goal as servant-leaders is not to obtain power or celebrity. Instead, we are concerned with the growth and well-being of others.
“Deep Cleaning” Fasting & Prayer Day
The daily maintenance of our home? is important. However, every so often a deep cleaning is needed: we change the curtains, rearrange the furniture, and throw out what isn’t needed.?️ If it can be scrubbed, swept and mopped, we do so. This is not an overnight process, and can often take weeks ? to properly accomplish. Depending on the size of the space or the intensity of the mess, we may ask for help. We tend to do our big cleaning before company arrives, before major holidays, and when we’re bored with our surroundings. The process is tedious and frustrating, but when it is all done, it is so worth it.
“Me, Myself, and God” Fasting & Prayer Day
For the past few weeks, we have been praying for God to reveal to us many different Spiritual Cancers: things that strive to separate us from God, things that would ultimately cost us our salvation. Today, we are going to pray for ourselves, our needs, our wants, our desires, the car, apartment, job that we desire, the spouse we are waiting on God for, a change of heart, a change in character, and to reflect God more in our day to day interactions with those who are struggling to learn God for themselves. While there is nothing wrong in praying for the big things (our country, world leaders, interceding for others) there is value and importance in seeking God for yourself and the things that you really need.
Death Becomes Us
Habitual sin leads to a hardened heart. As our heart hardens, we are no longer able to exhibit the fruit of the spirit in our lives; we are no longer sensitive to the voice of God or the ministry of the Holy Spirit; we carry burdens that Christ has already covered at the cross; and we lose the desire to accept the free gift of salvation. We become zombies, existing to execute the will of the devil instead of fulfilling the Great Commission, heeding God’s commandments and pursuing our ordained purpose. We were not created to please the flesh and be in bondage to our feelings and desires. We were created to worship, minister and please God.
The Puppet Master
Yesterday we learned the main problem with sin is that sin separates us from God, but the effects of sin are vertical as well as horizontal. Sin also has a negative effect on our relationship with each other. The verse above lists characteristics that are far from ideal in establishing and maintaining healthy relationships and makes it challenging for mankind to operate according to God’s original plan for humanity.
“My Weakness, His Strength” Fasting & Prayer Week
Within the body of Christ, there are many among us that are weak. They may be struggling with something, but don’t know how to turn to God to strengthen them in their weakness. We too may battle with various weaknesses that affect our lives, both in our spiritual walk and natural life. We create defense mechanisms that deflect attention from our weakness. These self-destructive behaviors make it harder for God to work on us, or shield us from communing with those whom He has already strengthened so they could minister to our particular weaknesses. Reality is, no one likes to talk about what their REAL weaknesses are. It requires transparency, honesty, and vulnerability with ourselves, others, and accountability partners.
The Problem with Sin
The problem with sin is obvious. Sin separates us from God. We know this, yet many of us engage in a lifestyle of transgression against God and, in many cases, battle the same issues year after year. Whether it’s unforgiveness, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, anger or “borrowing” pens from the office, if it compromises our walk, we should refrain.
