7 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2022
Monday, January 10, 2022 – January 16, 2022
It is imperative that we pray at least (3) times daily throughout this week of Prayer & Fasting (Daniel 6:10). It’s not just about abstaining from foods; it’s about developing a “listening ear” through prayer unto God.
We will be praying for our world, our nation, the Church (Body of Christ), lost souls, families and then our own personal relationship with Christ .
Fasting
Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has ever given us for our daily lives.
We all go through times when we feel like we are not living up to our full potential. Sometimes we lose our energy and our spiritual sharpness . . . this causes us to lose our edge.
What does it really mean to lose your edge?
When a lumberjack keeps swinging away at the tree without sharpening his ax, the ax will soon become dull and ineffective. In much the same way, that can happen to us.
Going through our daily routines in our own strength wears us down. Little by little, we lose our closeness to God. Without that closeness, we become ineffective for the purposes His has for us.
Fasting can help you get back your passion! It can recharge you!
Although fasting lasts for a short season, it brings long-term results, which sharpens us, enabling us to face the challenges of life in His strength. Through fasting, you can experience spiritual renewal and direction for your life . . . restoration of relationship . . . healing . . . release from bondages . . . and so much more!
We begin year 2022 with 7 days of fasting. Fasting in January is much like praying in the morning to establish the will of God for your entire day. I believe that if we will pray and seek God and give Him our first and best at the beginning of the year, He will honor that sacrifice and bless our ENTIRE year! “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mathew 6:33).
But when you make fasting a way of life, you get even closer to God and grow in your spiritual walk like never before. Making fasting a lifestyle is like a lumberjack who takes time to rest and sharpen his ax periodically to be able to effectively finish the job set before him.
Fasting can help you Recover Your Passion, Recapture Your Dream and Restore Your Joy!
Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to practice. It is not a punishment; it is a privilege!
Make fasting a “lifestyle”! Join us, and thousands from around the world, in the Fasting Movement .
What Is Fasting?
Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.
Prayer and fasting is defined as voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer and fellowship with God. Prayer and fasting often go hand in hand,You can pray without fasting. When Prayer and fasting are combined and dedicated to God’s glory they reach their full effectiveness. Having a dedicated time of prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what you desire. Rather, it is simply forcing yourself to focus and rely on God for the strength, provision, wisdom you need and gain a deeper fellowship with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world through prayer and biblical fasting, we can focus better on Christ.
Fasting has always been practiced by true believers.
Fasting helps subject our bodies to our spirits. (I Cor 9:27)
Fasting is disciplining the body, mind, and spirit. (Prov. 25:28)
Fasting is subordinating our flesh-desires to our spirit-desires. (Gal 5:17)
Fasting helps set the priorities in our lives. (Mt 6:33)
Fasting is longing after God. (Ps 63:1-2)
Why Should We Fast?
1.Honor God – Mt 6:16-18, Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2, Mt 5:6
2.Humble Yourself – 2 Chron 7:14-15, Ps 35:13
3.Discerning Healing – I Cor 11:30, James 5:13-18, Isaiah 59:1-2
4.Deliverance from Bondage – Mt 17:21, Is 58:6-9 (loose bands of wickedness)
5.Revelation – God’s vision and will – Dan 9:3, 20-21, Dan 10:2-10, 12-13
6.Revival – personal and corporate – Acts 1:4, 14 / 2:16-21, Joel 2:12-18
7.Repentance – personal failures – Psalm 51: Jer. 29:11-14, James 4:8-10
8.Jesus fasted 40 days before He started His ministry. (Matt 4:12; Lk 4:14)
9.Fasting helps us become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:2)
10.Helping us to deny our own flesh and crucify the carnal mind.
11.Fasting brings spiritual revival. (Dan 9:2,3)
12.Helping us to prevail in prayer and intercession.
13.Fasting is God’s Providence to give us a healthy lifestyle and it cannot be substituted by any other way. It is the privilege of the children of God.
14.To fellowship with God, have intimacy with Him and knowing Him.
15.To be made whole, healed and restored spiritually, physically, emotionally and psychologically. (Hos 6:1-2)
There are several types of Fasting. The one you chose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.
Full Fast
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
The Daniel Fast
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
3-Day Fast
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Partial Fast
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
Corporate Fasting:
Examples of Corporate Prayer & Fasting
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
1 Samuel 7:5-6 5 Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the Lord for you.” 6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.” Now Samuel was serving as leader[a] of Israel at Mizpah.
Ezra 8:21-23 21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Nehemiah 9:1-3 The Israelites Confess Their Sins
9 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.
Joel 2:15-16
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast,call a sacred assembly.16 Gather the people,consecrate the assembly;bring together the elders,gather the children,
those nursing at the breast.Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
Jonah 3:5-10 5 The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
6 When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh:
“By the decree of the king and his nobles:
Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”
10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Acts 27:33-37 33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board.
Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!
When you eliminate food from your diet for a number of days, your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God. As David stated, “Deep calls unto deep” (Ps. 42:7). David was fasting. His hunger and thirst for God were greater than his natural desire for food. As a result, he reached a place where he could cry out from the depths of his spirit to the depths of God, even in the midst of his trial. Once you’ve experienced even a glimpse of that kind of intimacy with our God—our Father, the holy Creator of the universe—and the countless rewards and blessings that follow, your whole perspective will change. You will soon realize that fasting is a secret source of power this is overlooked by many.
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. —Luke 6:40
During the years that Jesus walked this earth, He devoted time to teaching His disciples the principles of the kingdom of God, principles that conflict with those of this world. In the Beatitudes, specifically in Matthew 6, Jesus provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. That pattern addressed three specific duties of a Christian: giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus said, “When you give…” and “When you pray…” and “When you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of Christian life. As much attention should be given to fasting as is given to giving and to praying.
Solomon, when writing the books of wisdom for Israel, made the point that a cord, or rope, braided with three strands is not easily broken (Eccles. 4:12). Likewise, when giving, praying, and fasting are practiced together in the life of a believer, it creates a type of threefold cord that is not easily broken. In fact, as I’ll show you in a moment, Jesus took it even further by saying, “Nothing will be impossible” (Matt. 17:20).
Could we be missing our greatest breakthroughs because we fail to fast? Remember the thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and hundredfold return Jesus spoke of (Mark 4:8, 20)? Look at it this way: when you pray, you can release that thirtyfold return, but when both prayer and giving are part of your life, I believe that releases the sixtyfold blessing. But when all three—giving, praying, and fasting—are part of your life, that hundredfold return can be released!
If that’s the case, you have to wonder what blessings are not being released. What answers to prayer are not getting through? What bondages are not being broken because we fail to fast?
Matthew tells the story of a father who had a demon-possessed son. For years he watched helplessly as his son suffered severe convulsions. As he grew older, the attacks became so severe that the boy would often throw himself into an open fire or a trench of water. A suicidal spirit tormented him constantly; the situation became life-threatening.
Having exhausted every attempt to cure the boy—even talking him to the disciples with no avail—the father’s plight seemed impossible. Then he heard that Jesus was near. Going to the Master, he cried, “Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for often times he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him” (Matt. 17:15, KJV).
When the boy was brought to Jesus, the Bible ways He “rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour” (v. 18, KJV). But what made the difference? After all, Matthew 10:1 records that Jesus had already given the disciples power to cast out evil spirits and to heal every disease. So why couldn’t the disciples cast out the demon and cure the boy?
That’s what they wanted to know, too, so later that night, when they were alone with Jesus, they asked Him. Jesus replied, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:20–21, KJV).
Long before this incident, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, where He spent forty days and forty nights, taking no food. “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” For Jesus, casting out that stubborn demon wasn’t impossible.
If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? The Son of God fasted because He knew there were supernatural things that could only be released that way. How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives?
Fasting Is for Everyone
Perhaps you’re thinking, “I still don’t know how fasting can really be for me.” According to the words of Jesus, it is the duty of every disciple and every believer to fast. When addressing the Pharisees as to why His disciples did not fast, Jesus replied, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days” (Luke 5:34–35).
Then they will fast. Jesus didn’t expect His disciples to do something He hadn’t doen as well. Jesus fasted, and according to the words of Peter, Jesus is our example in all things (1 Pet. 2:21).
-Fasting brings rewards.
There’s another vital point that I want you to see in Matthew 6: God delights in giving rewards. Not only that, but He says that when giving, praying and fasting are practiced in your life, He will “reward you openly.”
A good example of such open reward can be found in Daniel. While in Babylonian captivity, his fasting—even partial fasting of certain foods—brought about the open reward of God, who blessed Daniel with wisdom beyond that of anyone else in that empire.
Later, in chapter 10, Daniel was grieved and burdened with the revelation he had received for Israel. He ate no choice breads or meats and drank no wine for three weeks. Then he describes the angel that was sent to him—which had been delayed by the prince of Persia for twenty-one days—with the answers Daniel sought. His fast broke the power of the delayer and released the angels of God so that God’s purpose could be revealed and served.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Do you desire to know God’s will for your life, whom you should marry, or what you should do in a critical situation? Fasting brings you to a place of being able to clearly hear God’s will.
Fasting demonstrates repentance.
Joel prophesy of judgment upon unfaithful Israel was followed by a divine call to ward off judgment through a fast of repentance. The Lord beckoned, “Even now,?declares the LORD, Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.? Quote; (See Joel 2:12-13.) Similarly, James exhorts New Testament believers with these words: “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (See James 4:8-10.) Fasting demonstrates the brokenness of a heart that is truly repentant for sin.
The Daniel Fast
Step 1: Be Specific
Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.
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The king’s food was against dietary laws.
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Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
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The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.
Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment
The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).
Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline
Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:
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Your food choices.
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The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
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Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.
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Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.
Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin’s Role in Poor Health
Notice James 5:13-16:
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Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
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Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
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Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
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Repentance is linked to health according to James.
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Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
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Sick people must desire to be well
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The anointing oil could mean
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Medicine for healing,
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Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
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It could be baptism
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Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
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In Greek there are several words for “sick”. James uses “Kanino”, which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
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Attitude is important. James said, “are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”
Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others
Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king’s food.
Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat
Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.
Step 7: Yield All Results to God
Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).
FOOD GUIDELINES FOR A DANIEL FAST
Daniel 1:12
“Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
Daniel 10:3 KJV
“I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
When going on a Daniel fast, or any type of fast, if you have questions outside of what Scripture says, prayerfully seek the Lord and be led by the Spirit for the specifics for your personal fast.
Whether you are beginning a Private Fast or Fasting Corporately as we do here at Gospel Outreach Center every year, I believe you will find these tips helpful.
FASTING TIPS
1) Preparing to Fast (Esther 4:16)
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a) Get your heart and mind ready, set your mind clearly on the objective of fasting, and maintain a thankful heart.
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b) Write down the clear objectives for fasting; add a clause of flexibility, so that God may speak His objective.
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c) Pray and commit to a type of fast, asking God for grace to remain determined.
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d) Plan your calendar
Conserve your energy and devote more time to prayer and reading God’s Word.
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e) Prepare spiritually
Fine tune your mindset, make known to God that you desire to weaken the flesh so as to be close to the Lord spiritually. Allow the Spirit of God to direct the mind, to direct the body for renewal action, meaning: getting ready to change.
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f) Prepare physically
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h) Pray daily and read the Bible.
Don’t overeat before fasting. On the contrary, reduce food intake gradually until the day of fasting. Avoid food that is high in calories. Eat only salad and fruits three days before fasting.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness.
Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4;17:3-4).
Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance.
Beginners are advised to start slow.
What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast.
Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
During the Fast (Mat 6:16-18)
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a) Read the Word of God and fellowship with God
b)Talk with and listen to God; try to hear the voice of God, once
you hear, verify with the Holy Bible. Then wait for a season to confirm. Once confirmed, put it into action and let no one stop you.
c)Seek the Lord
Pray and read God’s Word during meal times. Join at least one prayer meeting.
Be ready to respond when you hear from God.
Whatever God makes known to you, make restitution immediately. Change any habits immediately. Be accountable to someone for your renewal.
Practical tips
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Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs
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Limit your physical activity and exercise
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Rest as much as you can
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Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day
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Allow for temporary bouts of physical weakness, impatience, irritability and anxiety as your body adjusts.
Fasting is not recommended:
The following are among groups fasting is generally not recommended:
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People who are pregnant or breast-feeding,
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Children and teenagers since they are still growing and developing (in the bible only adults are known to have been permitted to fast),
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People in their senior or elderly years since their body organs need a consistent flow of body fluids and nutrients,
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People who are recovering from illness, injury or surgery (operation),
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People who are highly underweight,
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People who have diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, and other chronic health problems.
The rest of us with healthy bodies it’s merely a choice we make – to fast or not to fast. As far as God is concerned health limitations are the only worthy excuse, not busy careers, family obligations or environmental factors.
How to End-Breaking the Fast (Acts 14:23)
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One hour before- pray harder and thank God for such grace of the opportunity to have intimacy with God through fasting.
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Reintroduce solid food gradually in small portions throughout the day. Start with fruits, juices and salad.
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Continue praying-Let the momentum you gained during the past transform your prayer and devotional life.
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Expect Results
Persevere in prayer. Keep a copy of your prayer points, giving thanks to God as you see how He answers your prayers at the end of the year.
Bible Characters Who Fasted
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Moses fasted twice for 40 days-Following his first fast, Moses received the Law. The second was to turn God’s wrath away from God’s sinful people. Deuteronomy 9:9,18,19
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Hannah, for a child. She was barren and deeply distraught. God gave her release from inner turmoil. Then He gave her a baby boy, Samuel, who grew into a mighty man of God. I Samuel 1:7,8
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Elijah fasted for 40 days while fleeing in fear from wicked Jezebel, who threatened to have him killed. God gave him comfort, boldness and instructions to go back the way he came and anoint new prophets. 1 Kings 19
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King David for seven days that God might heal his dying, infant child, conceived illegitimately with Bathsheba. The baby died, yet David experienced God’s wonderful peace through this incredible trauma. 2 Samuel 12:16-23
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Proclaimed by King Jehoshaphat – When he and his army were surrounded by enemies and destruction seemed imminent. After proclaiming the fast, they rejoiced with praises and God destroyed their enemies. 2 Chronicles 20
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Proclaimed by Ezra – Prior to a very perilous journey to Jerusalem. Ezra 8
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Nehemiah – For restoration of the city he loved (Jerusalem). Nehemiah 1:4
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Proclaimed by Queen Esther – For the entire nation to fast for three days without food or water. They were on the brink of annihilation. Esther 4
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Daniel‘s partial fast of 21 days – He received a vision and revelation of end times. Daniel 9
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Proclaimed by the King of Nineveh– With national repentance to avert disaster through God’s wrath. Jonah 3
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Jesus for 40 days. If God in human flesh fasted, how much more ought we? Matthew 4:2
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John the Baptist – He and his disciples fasted often, as did the Pharisees. Matthew 9:14,15
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Anna – A widow who dedicated herself to prayer and fasting and is honored in the eternal Word of God. Luke 2:37
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Paul the Apostle– He fasted for three days after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus (while still known as Saul of Tarsus). Acts 9:9 He later wrote in 2 Corinthians 11 that he fasted often.
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Isaiah 58 is the fasting chapter. Read and study it to discover the many benefits of fasting when done God’s way.
Scriptural Teachings& Examples of Prayer
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using it to overcome temptation. Genesis 3:1-6;Matthew 26:40-41
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does it change God’s mind? Genesis 18:20-33
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ask God anything but expect anything. Genesis18:33
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don’t be afraid to ask. Genesis 25:21
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why God may withhold an answer. Genesis 25:21
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turn your worries into. Genesis 32:9-12;Philippians 4:6-7
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balancing prayer with action. Exodus 14:15
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instead of complaining. Exodus 17:2
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changes attitudes and events. Exodus 32:9-14;Acts 12:5
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make sure you really want what you ask for. Numbers 11:4-9
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helps us remember God’s goodness. Deuteronomy 8:10
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of Joshua. Joshua 7:7-9
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why God may not be answering yours. Judges 13:18; 1 Samuel 28:15; 2 Samuel 7:8-16
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don’t let guilt feelings keep you from praying. Judges 16:28-30
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when discouraged. 1 Samuel 1:10
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be careful what you promise God in prayer. 1Samuel 1:11
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is failing to pray for others a sin? 1 Samuel 12:23
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how David responded to God’s “no” answer. 1Chronicles 17:16-20; 1 Chronicles 22:7-10
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lessons from Solomon’s dedication prayer. 2 Chronicles 6:19-42
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what to request of God. 1 Kings 8:56-60
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don’t always expect immediate answers. 2 Chronicles 7:12
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Hezekiah saved a nation. 2 Kings 19:1-7
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how Hezekiah approached God. 2 Kings 19:15-19
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Jabez remembered. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
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serious prayer. Ezra 8:23
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what it clarifies for us. Nehemiah 1:5
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spontaneous prayer. Nehemiah 2:4
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combining prayer with preparation. Nehemiah 4:9
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for your children. Job 1:5
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assurance of answered prayer brings peace. Psalm3:5
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God hears every one. Psalm 4:3
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the secret to a close relationship with God. Psalm5:1-3
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pray even when God seems far away. Psalm 10:1
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moving from prayer to praise. Psalm 54:3-4
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a weapon against evil. Psalm 55:17
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can release tensions of emotional stress. Psalm62:3-6
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places our focus on God. Psalm 77:1-12
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Psalm 122:6-9
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Why many are afraid to talk with god. Isaiah 7:12
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Can change events. Isaiah 38:1-5
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In the midst of panic. Daniel 2:16-18
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How do you react to answered prayer? Daniel2:19-23
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Daniel’s disciplined prayer life. Daniel 6:10
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We can pray anywhere anytime. Jonah 2:1
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Using it to look holy. Matthew 6:5-6
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Shallow repetition. Matthew 6:7-8
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Matthew 6:7-8; Colossians 4:2
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The lord’s prayer. Matthew 6:9
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Discernment to ask for the right things. Matthew7:9-10
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God’s attitude toward ours. Matthew 7:11
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Importance of praying alone. Matthew 14:23
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Relying on the holy spirit. Matthew 18:19-20
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Can we ask for anything? Matthew 21:22; mark10:38-40
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Finding time to pray. Mark 1:35
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Keys to effective prayer. Mark 9:29
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Mark 11:22-23
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Jesus’ prayer in the garden. Mark 14:35-36
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How and when god answers. Luke 1:13
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Should precede important decisions. Luke 6:12;james 5:16-18
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Puts us under god’s control. Luke 6:19
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Important to evangelism. Luke 10:2
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What “constant” prayer means. Luke 18:1
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Lessons from Jesus’ longest prayer. John 17:1
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Jesus prayed for us too. John 17:20
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Using it to make decisions. Acts 1:12-13
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Early believers’ prayers are a model for us. Acts4:24-30
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Don’t be surprised when god answers. Acts12:13-15; Romans 1:9-10
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God responds at the right time. Galatians 4:4
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How to pray for others. Colossians 1:9-14
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1 timothy 2:1-4
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Pray for government leaders. 1 timothy 2:2
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What hinders prayer. 1 timothy 2:8
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With reverence yet bold assurance. Hebrews 4:16
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Christian leaders need our prayers. Hebrews13:18-19
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Most common problems. James 4:2-3
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Part of god’s healing process. James 5:15
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Rather than revenge. 1 peter 3:9
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Praying in god’s will. 1 john 5:14-15
Annual Christmas Dinner, Concert & Talent Night 2017
Annual Christmas Dinner, Concert & Talent Night 2017
It’s that time of year again. We are inviting all in the Kansas City area for our Annual Christmas Dinner and Talent Night. You will get to enjoy a free meal and diverse presentations from America to Africa , Bach to Rock and everything in between.
Always a fun and festive event as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. See you at GOC, Saturday, December 16th at 4.30 P.M.
Always a fun and festive event as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. See you at GOC, Saturday, December 16th at 4.30 P.M.
8 REASONS TO COME:
1. 1 Scrumptious DINNER
2. 40-Piece ORCHESTRA
3. 5-Piece Live BAND
4. 2 Awesome DJs
5. Multi-cultural PRESENTATIONS
6. Fun AUDIENCE + 2 Awesome MC’s
7. 100% FREE
8. 1 Great CHANCE to CELEBRATE The Real Reason for The Season (JESUS)
Word of the Day
THE ENEMY OF PURPOSE
“But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry.” Nehemiah 4:7 (ESV)
When Nehemiah received his divine mandate to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, he encountered stiff opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah. Sanballat was the then governor of Samaria, a hated outpost in Judea whose inhabitants were deemed outcasts because of intermarrying with non-covenant nations. Sanballat focused his attacks on what the Jews lacked rather than on the actual strength of the opposition.
Dear friend, it is on your way to fulfilling your God-given purpose for your life that you will face the stiffest opposition. Satan does not formulate his attacks on those that are lost but on those that have heard God. In often times, his attacks will take the form of focusing our attention and energies on what we do not have or rather, what we are lacking in resources and strength to accomplish God’s purposes.
Friend, if God called you, He will equip you. If He sent you, He will resource you for the journey. Jesus exhorts us in John that without Him we can do nothing. We are to focus on Him and abide (persevere and remain steadfast) in Him alone for strength and refreshment. He is sufficient for every need. Distraction is the enemy of purpose and the enemy would rather have us focus on the challenges and impossibilities brought about by our inadequacies rather than on He who is All-Capable to replenish us.
Shake off all voices of distraction and focus on the Living and Effective Word of Him who is able to complete whatever He put in your heart to accomplish this season.
Word of the day
STANDING NO MATTER WHAT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 13:1 One of these witnesses is the Apostle Paul. He went through some of the hardest times in History yet he kept going. In recognizing this he says in Cor 4:7-12
Through all the beatings, rejection, imprisonment he remained grounded and kept going. He did not lose hope no matter what. One of the ways that he stayed on track was by staying focused Phil 3:12-15
He points out in the passage above that forgetting and pressing on toward the mark is the mature view of things. He also encourages the believer to stand and continue to stand no matter how stretched we may feel.
Ephesians 6:13-15 says 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
What a challenge to the believer to know that we can and will go through anything. Be encouraged as you face the stormy times that you can stand like Paul. He realized that no matter what NOTHING can separate him from the love of God. This is reason to keep each of us going. Let us like Paul be convinced of the love of God for us. Romans 8:38-39.
God Bless
Word of the day
JUST PRAISE HIM!
In order to bring forth the sweetness, there has to be some suffering. To bring
about the beauty of the flame, something must go to ashes.
Blessings come from suffering; beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3). This is borne
out so well in Hebrews 12, verse 11, which says: “Now no chastening seems
joyful for the present, but painful: nevertheless afterward it yields the
peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it”
It’s like a giant hand taking a honeycomb and squeezing it and out comes the
honey. Or it’s like when Moses smote the rock: The rock received a blow, but
out came the water (Exodus 17:1-7). The heart of stone has to be broken before
the water [of God’s Spirit] can flow out to refresh the people. It’s like a
beautiful flower that’s pressed and crushed, out comes the perfume. The perfume
smells good to everyone.
Or like the beautiful music that comes from the throat of the bird, almost as
though it’s in pain, yet it comes forth with song. Even though the bird’s song
may be sad, it’s so sweet. The groans are not murmurs, but songs of praise and
thanksgiving to God’s sad, sweet song! As the great poet Shelley once said, Our
sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thoughts!
Praise is the voice of faith!
We could never appreciate the light unless we had once been in darkness. We
couldn’t appreciate health unless we had been sick. We can’t appreciate joy
until we’ve known sorrow. We can’t appreciate God’s mercy until we’ve known the
Devil’s justice.
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (1Cor.1:4)
Word of the day
Frustrated? It may be because you’re trying to make something happen that only God can make happen.
Whenever you are doing what God has called you to do, it is important to rely on His strength, His grace, and His power to complete your task. You will become frustrated if you try to make things happen on your own strength instead of relying on God. God is the author and finisher of His plans (Hebrews 12:2), and you must not try to take the place of God if you expect things to work out.
In Colossians 1:26-27, Paul reveals a mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations… Christ in you, the hope of glory. In other words, there is something that people of the past didn’t know—it was hidden from them, a mystery to them—but Paul is now revealing that mystery to us: Christ lives in all who believe in Him! No longer is God just with his people—God now lives in his people!
Also, note that it is Christ in you that’s the hope of glory—not Christ and you.
Also, note that it is Christ in you that’s the hope of glory—not Christ and you.
Paul then continues by saying that he labors and works for the gospel, but all of his labor is really done by Christ’s power, which so powerfully works in [him] (Colossians 1:29).
If you’re trying to labor without Christ’s power at work within you, then your labor will be frustrating and in vain. You need to stop trying, and start dying to self so that you may be alive to Christ’s power.
Struggle and frustration occur when you try to do God’s job by your own strength—rather than relying on Christ’s strength, which is at work in you.
If you’re trying to labor without Christ’s power at work within you, then your labor will be frustrating and in vain. You need to stop trying, and start dying to self so that you may be alive to Christ’s power.
Struggle and frustration occur when you try to do God’s job by your own strength—rather than relying on Christ’s strength, which is at work in you.
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God often chooses to use lowly people so that He can show His greatness through them. When you think you have it all together and have everything going in your favor, then you won’t lean on God—you’ll rely on your own strength.
But if you know that you can’t do something on your own, then you’ll rely on God for strength—and that’s when God can show His greatness. Every single person has amazing potential to do great things for God. Regardless of your talents, you can do outstanding things for God. All God is looking for is people like David, who have a right heart that is open and available for God to work through. If you find yourself broken and in obvious need of God’s help, don’t despair. God can use you anyway, because God is not necessarily looking for ability; He’s looking for availability.
Word of the Day
OUR COMPLETENESS IS IN CHRIST
Ocober is the Tenth Month In the Bible, the number 10 is used 242 times. The designation “10th” is used 79 times. Ten is also viewed as a complete and perfect number, as is 3, 7 and 12.
Christianity is Christ, salvation is complete and comprehensive. The moment a person is saved by faith
in Christ, that person is complete. That individual has everything he or she needs to live the Christian
life in a Godly way. We as believers lack nothing because Christ lacks nothing and He’s the one who provided the salvation.
The completeness of Christianity rest on the person of Jesus Christ, not on our works, merit or accomplishments. Any person who attempts to sway you away from whom Christ is and from the complete and comprehensive salvation that He provides, is to be rejected as a heretic, no matter whom they are nor what they say. In Christ are hid the storehouse of wisdom and knowledge.
In Christ, we as believers are to live steadfast in Him, rooted and built up in Him, abounding in thankfulness to Him. We are not to allow any person, religion, denomination, angel or demon to rob us from what we have in Christ Jesus. We are not to allow the philosophies of man, no matter how intelligent it may sound, no matter how convincing it may appeal to the mind or the flesh, to draw us away, to entice us away from Christ Jesus, in whom is everything. Christ is the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form. In Christ is the fullness of deity, because He is God. Because of whom He is, we are complete. Notice in chapter 2 verse 10, that we are complete IN HIM, not in our performance, or in our religion or in our theology, but IN HIM, IN CHRIST, I AM COMPLETE!!
Word of the day
IS YOUR HEART RIGHT WITH GOD?
Do you have an evil heart?
An evil heart can spring up at any time. Heb. 3:13
Bitterness can spring up.
In many families, churches, relationships, etc., where there was once love, bitterness has taken over. How sad!
Heb. 12:15 “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
As weeds have a tendency to always spring up where they ought not be, so does bitterness.
WHEN IS ONE’S HEART NOT RIGHT?
- Do you find church services boring?
- Do you find true joy in Bible study?
- Do you enjoy the company of brethren?
- Do you get mad at others when they rebuke you?
- Are you truly interested in souls?
Word of the day
It doesn’t matter who has overlooked you or cut you out of their promotion list. If you are walking with God being after God’s heart, your day of breakthrough is coming.
David, Jesse’s last born was not invited when Prophet Samuel showed at their house, he was like a nobody and they didn’t seem they cared much about him. The beautiful news was that David was the very purpose the Prophet came, to annoint him in preparation of what was awaiting him, Be the King of Gods people.
Your breakthrough is not in the hands of your haters or those who rejoice in when they hear you are in trouble but in the hands of God who looks at the Heart and not the outside appearance.
Word of the day
God Will Take Care of You!
“The Lord…has given rest to his people.” 1Ki 8:56 NIV
Live for today, and put tomorrow into God’s hands. Begin to eliminate the words
“what if” from your vocabulary. God will always be one step ahead of you. “The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Dt 31:8 NKJV). The reason God is called the “Alpha and Omega” in Scripture is because He not only initiates the starting point of your spiritual journey, He has arranged every step of it according with His will. He says to you: “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope…when you pray, I will listen…I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes” (Jer 29:11-14 NLT). If you’re fearful of the future, check with the past. “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people…according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised” (1Ki 8:56 NKJV). You will never conquer your worries entirely, for worries, just like weaknesses and character flaws, draw you closer to God and keep you dependent on Him.
For forty years in the wilderness the Israelites never missed a meal. God delivered it to the door of each of their tents daily. And He will provide for you too. “Not so in haste, my heart! Have faith in God, and wait; although he lingers long, he never comes too late.”
Word of the day
SENSE OF URGENCY
In Luke 12:35-40, Jesus clearly explains what every believer must do. First, the believer must be ready for Christ’s return. The believer must always be spiritually ready, for there will be no time to get ready after He comes. Secondly, the believer must be watching at all times in anticipation of Christ’s return. Verse 40 says, “You must also be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
If a huge snow storm was coming, you would prepare. You would get enough food and supplies to last several days. You would watch the weather to see exactly when the storm is coming and how long the storm is expected to last.
If a hurricane was heading for your home, you would prepare. You would watch the weather to see if the hurricane was going to hit in your area. You would find out exactly how strong the storm was going to be. If necessary, you would board up the windows. You would take every precaution to protect your family and belongings.
As Christian believers, we must maintain a sense of urgency about the second coming of Christ. We must constantly be ready and watching for Christ’s return. Are you ready? Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Are you watching? Have you become complacent? Are you telling others about Jesus?
God Bless.
