Day 6: Influence

We all influence those around us whether we are aware of it or not. Perhaps it is when we lead in some sphere of life as a parent, teacher, team leader, captain of a sports team or board member. At some point in life there will be people looking up to you or observing you, especially if you are a Christian.

We need to reflect Christ to those who do not yet know Him. Selwyn Hughes, founder of Crusade for World Revival, posed this question, “By our attitudes are we nullifying the Christian message? Does our behaviour contradict the very truths we are trying to get across to others?”

Take a moment to consider Hughes’ question. Does your lifestyle reflect one that is completely in love with Christ and submitted to God? Invite God to work in these areas so that you can be a better influence on others for Him.

DEAR FRIENDS, I URGE YOU, AS FOREIGNERS AND EXILES, TO ABSTAIN FROM SINFUL DESIRES, WHICH WAGE WAR AGAINST YOUR SOUL. LIVE SUCH GOOD LIVES AMONG THE PAGANS THAT, THOUGH THEY ACCUSE YOU OF DOING WRONG, THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND GLORIFY GOD ON THE DAY HE VISITS US.

1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)

Day 5: Acknowledge the Presence

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." -Psalm 42:5-6a

A few days ago, Pastor encouraged us to pursue the presence of God during our fast. I have found that I could be having the worst day and when I choose to acknowledge the presence of God everything changes. The presence of God has the power to shift our perspective and focus our attention on what truly matters.

Have you resolved to praise God through your weariness? Let me challenge you to get into the presence of God and allow Hope to rule in your heart.

-Pastor Bri

Day 4: Serving

'Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.' -Proverbs 22:9

I love the phrase 'bountiful eye' in this passage. The author illustrates beautifully a person who is seeking for opportunities to serve the poor. Furthermore, he says that we will be blessed when this is the position of our heart. 

James 1:27 reads, 'Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you,' 

During this fast, how can you serve the poor? How might God be calling you to care for the less fortunate around you?

This Saturday, we will be practically serving our community through our #ilovemycity serve day. Meet us at Main Campus at 10am.

Day 3: The Pursuit

"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." -Proverbs 8:17 (KJV)

He shall be found by those who seek Him. The Father can be found because He desires to be found. He wants us to know Him. He desires for us to discover Him for who He is. This seeking after and finding Him is not something you do once and then you find or discover all there is. No, He is “new every morning.” It is like a great adventure, you find new treasure every day!

“Those that seek me early….” There is something about the early morning hours! Maybe it is the quietness of the night or the stillness of all the hustle and bustle of life. Maybe it is simply the seeker sacrificing something precious, sleep, to be with Him. God is found in a special way in those early morning hours.

However, we also understand it is more about the pursuit then it is the time of day. Pursue God and you will find Him. Pursue His presence and you will discover His newness everyday. You can never exhaust His beauty. You can never run to the end of His greatness. The more you pursue the more you discover.

He said, “Those that seek me….shall find me.”

-Pastor Gary

Today, make time to pursue the Presence of God.

Day 2: Finding Your Heart

Jesus said, Matthew 6:21 (NLT) "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

Have you ever asked yourself the question, “God, what is it that I treasure?” Is it a "good time?" Self? A name? Pleasure? Sin? Heaven? Spiritual matters? His Word? Jesus?

Our prayer should be: "I want to treasure what You treasure. I want to want what You want. I want to long for what You long for.

Psalms 86:11 (NLT) - Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.

Ask the Lord to teach you His ways so you may live according to His truth. In doing so you will not only live in His truth but you will live out His truth. May our prayer be, “Lord, grant me purity of heart!” Matthew 5:8 (KJV) says, Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

I want to see God! Where is your treasure? It is there where you will find your heart.

-Pastor Gary

Today, pray for God to reveal where your heart is. May we find our hearts where our true Treasure is - in the presence of Christ.

Day 1: Dealing w/ Disappointment

You are ANOINTED to deal w/ DISAPPOINTMENT for what God has APPOINTED you to do.

Disappointment in our life reveals the character of our heart. David was anointed King of Israel when he was 15 years old but for the next 15 years of his life he would run for survival because King Saul would try to kill him. David went from being anointed to a season of disappointment. When we become disappointed it reveals what's truly in our hearts. Will we take control into our own hands or submit to the process of the Lord? David submitted to the Lord's timing and knew that he was APPOINTED for what was to come.

God has anointed you for any disappointment in your past, present or future because He has appointed the promise that is coming your way.

Today, pray for God to deal with any disappointment in your life. Release it to Him. Receive His anointing for the appointment.