17
Jan '18
Fasting and Prayer
17
Jan '18
It is January, which for our church is the month we set aside as a time to pray and fast.
I have to admit something. Last year when Pastor Jon asked us to join in with him as a church, I was a little reluctant.
With the fasting part- not the prayer part.
However, now I can say during that period of time…
I personally was drawn closer to the Lord
I was able to join my church family in seeking God’s direction for our church
I was able to seek God’s direction for my life in the months to come
This year I feel better prepared spiritually, mentally, and emotionally to move into a period of fasting.
I was able to join my church family in seeking God’s direction for our church
I was able to seek God’s direction for my life in the months to come
This year I feel better prepared spiritually, mentally, and emotionally to move into a period of fasting.
Consider these questions as we pray and fast this month:
Is fasting necessary for today?
Jesus Himself encouraged his followers to fast.
Jesus Himself encouraged his followers to fast.
Matthew 9:15 says, “The time will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast.”
What kind of attitude should we have when we fast and pray?
I believe we need to have a humble heart and open hands when we fast.
I believe we need to have a humble heart and open hands when we fast.
The fast is directed to God (not man), bringing humility and openness to His guidance.
What is the benefit of fasting?
The spiritual discipline of fasting can be a tool God uses to…
Draw us closer to God, causing a deeper in relationship with Jesus
Convicts us of areas in our lives that perhaps have too large of a hold on us
Makes us aware of unhealthy life patterns that need addressing
Brings about humble confession
Shows us what He has for us as a church, renews personal and congregational vision
And so much more…
The spiritual discipline of fasting can be a tool God uses to…
Draw us closer to God, causing a deeper in relationship with Jesus
Convicts us of areas in our lives that perhaps have too large of a hold on us
Makes us aware of unhealthy life patterns that need addressing
Brings about humble confession
Shows us what He has for us as a church, renews personal and congregational vision
And so much more…
II Corinthians 4:16 says, “though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.Now grant you, I do not think that I am wasting away, but I can say I am being renewed day by day!”Amen!
As we enter into fasting and praying together,
let’s seek God’s face for direction, encouragement, and a desire for a deeper love for Him during this time.
Let’s come together and support each other.
May God bless you all greatly as we seek and serve Him together.
May God bless you all greatly as we seek and serve Him together.
Author:
Ken Drew, Elder at Faith Assembly
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01
Jan '18
Commitment of Steel: How About Those New Year Resolutions?
01
Jan '18
Every January it seems like everyone turns to thinking about commitment. New resolutions are considered and pledged.
Lots of folks consider making a new commitment, but never do because they assume they’ll fail anyway.
So why try?
This January, we will most likely see a glut of opinion pieces written on how to make and keep new resolutions… and even what to do if we fail. They’re intended to encourage us to not give up- press on- be patient- and imagine the reward at the finish.
Today, I’d like to offer a perspective on one way those commitments begin to break down in the first place.
These thoughts came when I was pondering Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness,
and pondering nearly 3 decades of ministry experiences with people.
We find our story in Matthew 4. Right after Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and His Father speaks some of the most reassuring words a son could hope to hear. Matthew also says that Jesus successfully completed the 40 days and nights of fasting before the tempter came to distract Him (Matt. 4:2).
After so much spiritual accomplishment, one could think that Jesus would be immune to temptation,
and indeed Jesus was able to resist the evil one and give us His example to follow.
And still, I’m intrigued by the timing of the tempter.
So, here are a few of the nuances that got my attention.
First, the enemy of our souls loves to attack when we’re tired and vulnerable.
This seems obvious since the attack came after Jesus’ 40 days and nights of fasting.
Second, the enemy of our souls also loves to attack when we least expect it…usually when we’re fresh and excited.
It’s as if he uses a quick jab to the face to surprise us and knock us just a bit off balance. I’ve heard boxers say they all have a game plan that seems solid until they get hit in the face.
So here’s a couple encouraging tips to remember:
Keep in mind that’s the enemy’s job.
Don’t allow him the satisfaction of making you feel weak or victimized.
God will use the opportunity to continue growing you in wisdom,
further grow you up in His ways, and even toughen you up in the process.
Remember through your relationship with Him in Jesus Christ, God has instilled Himself in you. His wisdom is in you (Psalm 119:98 & 99).
And, “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
In January we are discussing the theme of commitment with our adults and children.
We define it as this:
Making a Plan and Putting it into Practice
Based on I Tim. 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,
holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
As you work through setting new resolutions and taking on good advice of how others keep them,
remember these bits of encouragement to help you keep your focus on Jesus.
With His help and in His power, you can turn your resolutions into commitments of steel.
Author:
Pastor Jon is lead pastor of Faith Assembly Grand Detour
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