Tomorrow starts our yearly, corporate, 21-day fast. The focus of the fast is REPENTANCE. We fast to discipline our bodies (1 Cor. 9:27), for self control (Prov. 25:28), to put the Spirit before the flesh (Gal. 5:17), to set priorities (Matt. 6:33), and to long after God (Ps. 63:1-2).
The fast will take a lot of focus…there is nothing easy about denying ourselves. But we have to be willing to stand strong for the one that died for our sins. God didn’t give His only son for us to simpy indulge our every want, whim, and desire. Our goal in life should be our salvation and drawing nearer to Him with every breath He allows us to breathe. The least we can do is take 21-days to show Him how much He means to us. Isn’t it awesome to know that with all of the times we disappoint Him, we actually do have the ability to make Him smile at us. Let’s take it seriously…pray, read your Bibles, and then pray and read some more. Let’s make God proud!
Remember, we don’t want 2008 to be a carbon copy of 2007. We are already a little over one month into the new year. His mercy has kept us standing, but let’s admit we haven’t completely surrendered to Him. With this fast and even beyond the 21-days, Let’s start playing by the rules so that we can attain the victory. Let’s check ourselves! Ask yourself…”What’s my motive?” Are we saying, “Lord I want to do your will” when we mean, “Lord, I want to put your name on my will.” Christ knows our hearts…remember that. Let’s get it right with Him while we have the chance.
For everything you do in life, aren’t you generally put to the test? Evaluated? God tests our faith and our testimony. FAITH THAT CAN’T BE TESTED, CAN’T BE TRUSTED! Live for God in your personal, private, leisure time. There is a big difference between testing and tempting. Satan tempts us to destroy our testimonies. God tests us to build our testimonies, to develop, and to discipline us! During this fast and beyond, let’s pray for the wisdom to know the difference.
When one believer stands, another is encouraged to do the same!!
Our Usher Day Celebration is coming up fast on Sunday February 10th. Pastor Kevin Mincey of The Disciples of Christ will be joining us in giving honor to God for us having the best Ushers in Washington, DC!!! Let’s not wait until Sunday…let’s make sure we constantly tell them how much they mean to us.
Let’s also remember to keep our Pastor, Stephen Joyce in prayer. He is one of the most committed, hard-working, men of God on the planet. We ask that God continue being a light unto his feet and keep Him strong. We pray that his continued obedience is pleasing in God’s sight. We are thankful for his dedication and unselfishness.
Last, but not least:
Give God the glory in all you do. Praise Him every chance that you get folks. Worship Him with an open heart and with gladness. Spread the Gospel. Love one another.
