This time the Saturday note is in the morning unlike last week when I first sent this email to New Lifers.
Hey New Life,
With this email being at night, I don’t know how many of you will get to read this before Sunday, but I wanted to send this anyways because I felt that this was an important piece to continuing fasting in your life.
One last thing that has been impressed on my heart during this time of fasting is that a fast is not a diet. To be honest with you, most every fast I can remember going on I treated more like a diet to lose weight than to shake off the pounds of inner “fat” (selfish wants, past hurts, misused emotions…) When you fast certain foods do you lose weight? Yes, but that needs to be a secondary thing and not the primary reason.
The primary reason is so that you and I can find a deeper place with God, recognize his voice, and remember that we need Him to breakthrough in areas of our lives that only He can breakthrough!!
Tomorrow will be one of the greatest days in the lives of all of us at New Life Community Church and those we will be praying for if we have been fasting and seeking God this past week with the right heart, and attitude. God will hear us tomorrow when we pray, and worship Him!!!! New Life, believe that God’s answers will be right!! Trust Him and His decisions!!
HERE IT COMES!!!! SUNDAY, JANUARY 18TH IS HERE AND GOD IS/WILL BE TOO!!!
I am so proud of all of you and your fasting and praying!! I believe God has been smiling and proud of our efforts, no matter what you have fasted or how much, because it has been all about GOD!!!
See you in the morning!
Pastor David
I'll I have to say is FINISH STRONG!!! DON'T GIVE IN OR GIVE UP BUT GIVE GOD YOUR BEST TODAY as you finish off your fasting!!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Fasting Friday
I pray that if you've continued to fast and pray another week or that you are reading this for the first time, that you always make sure to do an internal check on yourself. Look and see what's inside that maybe needs a tune up so you don't wear out!! Here's Friday's email:
Hey New Life!
End of the week and a day closer to Sunday, January 18th when we bring ALL our requests and needs to God and ask for Him to breakthrough in those relational, financial, emotional, physical and spiritual areas of our lives and those lives of others around us.
Going into the weekend, I am confident of one thing: God will hear us and answer!!!
What His answer is I do not know for sure, but one thing I do know for sure is that I don’t want Him to answer us the way He did to Israel through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 58.
‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
Why aren’t you impressed?
‘We have been very hard on ourselves,
And you don’t even notice it!’.
“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
You keep oppressing your workers.
What good is fasting,
When you keep on fighting and quarreling?
This kind of fasting
Will never get you anywhere with me.”
Just like my note yesterday, this reminds us that “how” we fast is more important than “what” we fast, and that our attitude during the fasting weighs more on the mind of God than the act of fasting. As you have been fasting, what has been your effort to listen to the voice or leading of God each day? Have you seen things around you differently or is the routine of your day still “the same old” routine?
On Monday, I had just got done shopping at Walmart when I was walking to the other end of the building to exit and I noticed a man who was sitting down and staring straight at me. I looked away like it was no big deal, but when I looked his way again he was still staring right at me. So I took that moment and asked how he was doing. Arthur tells me that he just got released from the hospital that day from having pneumonia. I felt like I was supposed to stay and talk with Arthur a little more and as I did, he shared that he had been in the hospital since December 26th and couldn’t remember most of his stay there.
At the end of our conversation, I asked if I could pray with him. When I was done praying, he lifted his head up to me, tears in his eyes, and said “I needed that today.”
I told you about that, not to show off my ability to listen to God’s promptings, but to remind you that this fasting is not all about you! It is all about God and us taking time to connect deeper with Him, hear His voice and respond to what He tells us. Yes! God will hear us on Sunday, January 18th at 10:00 AM and I believe breakthrough will shake loose from that time, but are you hearing God today? Breakthrough might be waiting for someone else, through you, and all that is needed to see that breakthrough happen is you listening and responding to God’s direction.
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
And remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry,
And give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
And do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
And your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
And the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
Now that is the answer I want to hear from God, don’t you? – “YES, I AM HERE!!!!”
Get ready for Sunday, January 18th!!
Pastor David
Have an incredible weekend!!!
Hey New Life!
End of the week and a day closer to Sunday, January 18th when we bring ALL our requests and needs to God and ask for Him to breakthrough in those relational, financial, emotional, physical and spiritual areas of our lives and those lives of others around us.
Going into the weekend, I am confident of one thing: God will hear us and answer!!!
What His answer is I do not know for sure, but one thing I do know for sure is that I don’t want Him to answer us the way He did to Israel through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 58.
‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
Why aren’t you impressed?
‘We have been very hard on ourselves,
And you don’t even notice it!’.
“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
You keep oppressing your workers.
What good is fasting,
When you keep on fighting and quarreling?
This kind of fasting
Will never get you anywhere with me.”
Just like my note yesterday, this reminds us that “how” we fast is more important than “what” we fast, and that our attitude during the fasting weighs more on the mind of God than the act of fasting. As you have been fasting, what has been your effort to listen to the voice or leading of God each day? Have you seen things around you differently or is the routine of your day still “the same old” routine?
On Monday, I had just got done shopping at Walmart when I was walking to the other end of the building to exit and I noticed a man who was sitting down and staring straight at me. I looked away like it was no big deal, but when I looked his way again he was still staring right at me. So I took that moment and asked how he was doing. Arthur tells me that he just got released from the hospital that day from having pneumonia. I felt like I was supposed to stay and talk with Arthur a little more and as I did, he shared that he had been in the hospital since December 26th and couldn’t remember most of his stay there.
At the end of our conversation, I asked if I could pray with him. When I was done praying, he lifted his head up to me, tears in his eyes, and said “I needed that today.”
I told you about that, not to show off my ability to listen to God’s promptings, but to remind you that this fasting is not all about you! It is all about God and us taking time to connect deeper with Him, hear His voice and respond to what He tells us. Yes! God will hear us on Sunday, January 18th at 10:00 AM and I believe breakthrough will shake loose from that time, but are you hearing God today? Breakthrough might be waiting for someone else, through you, and all that is needed to see that breakthrough happen is you listening and responding to God’s direction.
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
And remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry,
And give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
And do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
And your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
And the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
Now that is the answer I want to hear from God, don’t you? – “YES, I AM HERE!!!!”
Get ready for Sunday, January 18th!!
Pastor David
Have an incredible weekend!!!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Fasting Thursday
If you've been reading these daily pages, my prayer is that it will help you look at fasting in a way like never before and it becomes a regular part of your life!! Here's Thursday's email!
Hey New Life,
I’m sure that for some of you the fasting has hit a wall and you’re wondering if you can make it and for others it’s still going strong. Regardless of where you feel you are at, don’t give up!!! There’s a harvest waiting for you from the seeds you are planting!!
Today I want go back to Matthew 6 and remind you of something about our giving, praying and fasting.
When Jesus shared with his followers about “when you give” he warned, “don’t do as the hypocrites do…”
Then when Jesus shared with them about “when you pray” he urged, “don’t be like the hypocrites…”
Lastly when Jesus shared with those there about “when you fast” he warned, “don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do…”
In all three instances he was sharing that yes we need to be giving, praying, and fasting however, the way we go about including these three parts in our lives is actually more important than simply doing them. Attitude determines everything!!!
With giving, don’t give in a way that says “Hey look at me!!!! I’m giving my money or time today!!! What about you?”
With praying, don’t let your only prayers be the public ones that people hear, but make sure that you are privately having a time of connection alone with God in prayer, away from others.
And with fasting, don’t go around with a “poor me attitude” or as Matthew 6:16 says, “…when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for fasting. I tell you the truth that is the only reward they will ever get.”
This fast of ours is one for breakthrough in the lives of people at New Life Community Church and those that are relationally connected to us. The last thing I think anyone of us wants is to receive a pat on the back from others for fasting and that’s it.
We want to see God breakthrough where only He can breakthrough. We want God to make the impossible, possible in all our areas of need!! We want God’s rewards for fasting, right?!?!!
“But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:17-18
And what amazing rewards does God have for us? I don’t know exactly how but I do know they will be better than any of us can imagine!!
So climb over that wall or bust through it if you are there. Keep going strong if you are doing well. And if you have yet to begin to fast, start today!! I will see you Sunday, January 18th, at 10:00 AM. Bring ALL YOUR REQUESTS AND NEEDS!!! Let’s see God breakthrough!!!
I believe in you all!!
Pastor David
PS – Pass these emails on to whoever you want, it might help them see a breakthrough too!!!
We saw a great breakthrough today!! Someone else in the church received a miracle answer and their response? Was to make sure they brought in their tithes and offering to God!! RED TRUCKS really do exist!!
Hey New Life,
I’m sure that for some of you the fasting has hit a wall and you’re wondering if you can make it and for others it’s still going strong. Regardless of where you feel you are at, don’t give up!!! There’s a harvest waiting for you from the seeds you are planting!!
Today I want go back to Matthew 6 and remind you of something about our giving, praying and fasting.
When Jesus shared with his followers about “when you give” he warned, “don’t do as the hypocrites do…”
Then when Jesus shared with them about “when you pray” he urged, “don’t be like the hypocrites…”
Lastly when Jesus shared with those there about “when you fast” he warned, “don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do…”
In all three instances he was sharing that yes we need to be giving, praying, and fasting however, the way we go about including these three parts in our lives is actually more important than simply doing them. Attitude determines everything!!!
With giving, don’t give in a way that says “Hey look at me!!!! I’m giving my money or time today!!! What about you?”
With praying, don’t let your only prayers be the public ones that people hear, but make sure that you are privately having a time of connection alone with God in prayer, away from others.
And with fasting, don’t go around with a “poor me attitude” or as Matthew 6:16 says, “…when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for fasting. I tell you the truth that is the only reward they will ever get.”
This fast of ours is one for breakthrough in the lives of people at New Life Community Church and those that are relationally connected to us. The last thing I think anyone of us wants is to receive a pat on the back from others for fasting and that’s it.
We want to see God breakthrough where only He can breakthrough. We want God to make the impossible, possible in all our areas of need!! We want God’s rewards for fasting, right?!?!!
“But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:17-18
And what amazing rewards does God have for us? I don’t know exactly how but I do know they will be better than any of us can imagine!!
So climb over that wall or bust through it if you are there. Keep going strong if you are doing well. And if you have yet to begin to fast, start today!! I will see you Sunday, January 18th, at 10:00 AM. Bring ALL YOUR REQUESTS AND NEEDS!!! Let’s see God breakthrough!!!
I believe in you all!!
Pastor David
PS – Pass these emails on to whoever you want, it might help them see a breakthrough too!!!
We saw a great breakthrough today!! Someone else in the church received a miracle answer and their response? Was to make sure they brought in their tithes and offering to God!! RED TRUCKS really do exist!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Fasting Wednesday
Wednesday's email is now here!!
Hey New Life!
You are doing so great with your fasting!!! I am so proud of all of you! Remember to continue to focus on God and His promises of breakthrough in your lives and those around you!
There is an incredible verse that most of us are aware of. I want to share with you right now:
“Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
What a promise that is, isn’t it? How many times have we been told to have faith the size of a mustard seed? How many times have we been told that nothing is impossible for us with God?
Those are things to grab hold of during our troubles and problems that are around us. Those are words that comfort when we see loved ones sick of cancer and other life-threatening diseases or when we look at our finances and say how will this ever work. There has to be a catch! There’s always a catch right?
Well…yeah…I think there is, but check it out!!
This verse is Matthew 17:20. This verse was written right after the healing of the demon-possessed boy that the disciples could not heal but only Jesus could heal. I mentioned this verse in yesterday’s email. Jesus, after he says that nothing is impossible, after he says you can move a mountain with faith the size of a seed, says those words in Matthew 17:21 “this kind…won’t leave except by prayer and fasting.”
I believe that the impossible becoming possible is attached with the greater connection we make with God during a time of fasting and praying!! That’s why I am confident of breakthroughs happening on Sunday, January 18th when we pray for all the needs you and others bring that day!! We are placing seeds next to our mountains and in due time, the mountains will be moved out of our way!!
The key thing, my eyes were opened to today, was make sure we don’t dig those seeds back up after we plant them. For some of you, the breakthrough will be immediate!!! Others it will be a short wait, and some it will require a much longer period of time, but no matter the time period, let your seed stay in the ground next to that mountain - the breakthrough you need!
God follows through with his promises!! Genesis 8:22 says, “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest…”
Let your seed stay planted and you will see a harvest.
Paul understood the need to keep a seed planted when he said to the Galatians in his letter to them, “Don’t be misled… You will always harvest what you plant… So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Keep fasting even if it’s hard. Keep praying even if you don’t feel God is listening. The seeds that are planted for your breakthrough or the loved ones around you will break out and do the impossible for you!!
It’s just a matter of time!! See you Sunday, January 18th!!!
Believing for your breakthrough!
Pastor David
Remember these words!! Especially if you planted a breakthrough seed that Sunday!! We got our car Sally back (she's resting in the driveway - poor girl) and guess what kind of vehicle brought her home? - A RED TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! (read my post on RED TRUCKS if you don't get it!) Have a great day!!!
Hey New Life!
You are doing so great with your fasting!!! I am so proud of all of you! Remember to continue to focus on God and His promises of breakthrough in your lives and those around you!
There is an incredible verse that most of us are aware of. I want to share with you right now:
“Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
What a promise that is, isn’t it? How many times have we been told to have faith the size of a mustard seed? How many times have we been told that nothing is impossible for us with God?
Those are things to grab hold of during our troubles and problems that are around us. Those are words that comfort when we see loved ones sick of cancer and other life-threatening diseases or when we look at our finances and say how will this ever work. There has to be a catch! There’s always a catch right?
Well…yeah…I think there is, but check it out!!
This verse is Matthew 17:20. This verse was written right after the healing of the demon-possessed boy that the disciples could not heal but only Jesus could heal. I mentioned this verse in yesterday’s email. Jesus, after he says that nothing is impossible, after he says you can move a mountain with faith the size of a seed, says those words in Matthew 17:21 “this kind…won’t leave except by prayer and fasting.”
I believe that the impossible becoming possible is attached with the greater connection we make with God during a time of fasting and praying!! That’s why I am confident of breakthroughs happening on Sunday, January 18th when we pray for all the needs you and others bring that day!! We are placing seeds next to our mountains and in due time, the mountains will be moved out of our way!!
The key thing, my eyes were opened to today, was make sure we don’t dig those seeds back up after we plant them. For some of you, the breakthrough will be immediate!!! Others it will be a short wait, and some it will require a much longer period of time, but no matter the time period, let your seed stay in the ground next to that mountain - the breakthrough you need!
God follows through with his promises!! Genesis 8:22 says, “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest…”
Let your seed stay planted and you will see a harvest.
Paul understood the need to keep a seed planted when he said to the Galatians in his letter to them, “Don’t be misled… You will always harvest what you plant… So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Keep fasting even if it’s hard. Keep praying even if you don’t feel God is listening. The seeds that are planted for your breakthrough or the loved ones around you will break out and do the impossible for you!!
It’s just a matter of time!! See you Sunday, January 18th!!!
Believing for your breakthrough!
Pastor David
Remember these words!! Especially if you planted a breakthrough seed that Sunday!! We got our car Sally back (she's resting in the driveway - poor girl) and guess what kind of vehicle brought her home? - A RED TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! (read my post on RED TRUCKS if you don't get it!) Have a great day!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Fasting Tuesday
Here is last week's Tuesday email that I sent out, enjoy!
Hey New Life!
Thanks for responding to this call to fast the rest of the week and believe for a breakthrough in the lives of people connected with New Life Community Church. I’m going to attempt to write something each day in regards to fasting that will help us stay strong during this time and prepare for the breakthroughs that will happen on Sunday, January 18th when we bring ALL our prayer requests and needs that Sunday morning!!
In Matthew 6, Jesus is talking and sharing about key parts to a person’s lifestyle. In all three circumstances he uses the word “when.” That is important to know because that sets up the whole idea that this will happen or needs to happen in a person’s life.
I Corinthians 10:13 talks about temptation and says “when you are tempted.” It shows us and reminds us that temptation comes. We need to understand that principle of life and I think most followers of Jesus get that idea. Temptation will come, what are we going to do about it?
So in Matthew 6, Jesus uses the word “when” and that should perk our ears up and get our attention. He is not implying you might do this, but rather that this is a regular part of your life.
The first thing Jesus talks about is in verse 2 – “when you give”
Jesus expects his followers to give. Give to the needs of others that are around you, give to God your tithe and offerings. GIVE! Not give at the end of the year, or give as some kind of new year’s resolution. Giving is a regular part of a Jesus follower’s life. Give your time, your passions and YES your money.
The second thing Jesus talks about is in verse 5 – “when you pray”
Jesus expects you and me to pray. And why not?! The Bible shares that if you ask you will receive. It says that prayer is powerful and effective. It says that if you lack wisdom, God will give generously and not rebuke you for asking. It says to pray about everything, pray continuously! The Bible is full thoughts on prayer, different people’s prayers, victories through prayer. Basically, if you are a follower of Jesus then prayer needs to be an active part of your daily life!
The third thing Jesus talks about is in verse 16 – “when you fast”
Jesus expects believers to fast. Why would this be a third expected component of your life and mine? Jesus knew that fasting takes you to a whole nother level with God! What am I talking about? Let me illustrate it with an event in Jesus’ ministry.
There was a boy who was demon-possessed and was brought before the disciples in Matthew 17. They were unable to help the boy, but when Jesus came into the scene He was able to heal him. When the disciples asked Jesus why He could and they could not He said in verse 21 “this kind of demon won’t leave except by prayer and fasting.”
Before Jesus public ministry began, after being baptized in water, he went and fasted for 40 days. At the end of the fast, it’s interesting that Satan tempted him with turning stones into bread. Fasting needs to be an active part of our lives as believers. It’s not for the pastors and teachers of churches only. It’s for all of us!!
Something happens when we take time to focus our lives on God and His agenda!! As I was writing this, I saw God do a breakthrough here at the church and I believe with all my heart that the breakthrough came as a result of the fasting that has begun through those of us at New Life Community Church!!!
I love you all and keep fasting and praying for God’s breakthrough!!!
Pastor David
If you feel like "Where's my breakthrough God?!" Remember that He is fighting and working on your behalf! Make sure you fight too!!
Hey New Life!
Thanks for responding to this call to fast the rest of the week and believe for a breakthrough in the lives of people connected with New Life Community Church. I’m going to attempt to write something each day in regards to fasting that will help us stay strong during this time and prepare for the breakthroughs that will happen on Sunday, January 18th when we bring ALL our prayer requests and needs that Sunday morning!!
In Matthew 6, Jesus is talking and sharing about key parts to a person’s lifestyle. In all three circumstances he uses the word “when.” That is important to know because that sets up the whole idea that this will happen or needs to happen in a person’s life.
I Corinthians 10:13 talks about temptation and says “when you are tempted.” It shows us and reminds us that temptation comes. We need to understand that principle of life and I think most followers of Jesus get that idea. Temptation will come, what are we going to do about it?
So in Matthew 6, Jesus uses the word “when” and that should perk our ears up and get our attention. He is not implying you might do this, but rather that this is a regular part of your life.
The first thing Jesus talks about is in verse 2 – “when you give”
Jesus expects his followers to give. Give to the needs of others that are around you, give to God your tithe and offerings. GIVE! Not give at the end of the year, or give as some kind of new year’s resolution. Giving is a regular part of a Jesus follower’s life. Give your time, your passions and YES your money.
The second thing Jesus talks about is in verse 5 – “when you pray”
Jesus expects you and me to pray. And why not?! The Bible shares that if you ask you will receive. It says that prayer is powerful and effective. It says that if you lack wisdom, God will give generously and not rebuke you for asking. It says to pray about everything, pray continuously! The Bible is full thoughts on prayer, different people’s prayers, victories through prayer. Basically, if you are a follower of Jesus then prayer needs to be an active part of your daily life!
The third thing Jesus talks about is in verse 16 – “when you fast”
Jesus expects believers to fast. Why would this be a third expected component of your life and mine? Jesus knew that fasting takes you to a whole nother level with God! What am I talking about? Let me illustrate it with an event in Jesus’ ministry.
There was a boy who was demon-possessed and was brought before the disciples in Matthew 17. They were unable to help the boy, but when Jesus came into the scene He was able to heal him. When the disciples asked Jesus why He could and they could not He said in verse 21 “this kind of demon won’t leave except by prayer and fasting.”
Before Jesus public ministry began, after being baptized in water, he went and fasted for 40 days. At the end of the fast, it’s interesting that Satan tempted him with turning stones into bread. Fasting needs to be an active part of our lives as believers. It’s not for the pastors and teachers of churches only. It’s for all of us!!
Something happens when we take time to focus our lives on God and His agenda!! As I was writing this, I saw God do a breakthrough here at the church and I believe with all my heart that the breakthrough came as a result of the fasting that has begun through those of us at New Life Community Church!!!
I love you all and keep fasting and praying for God’s breakthrough!!!
Pastor David
If you feel like "Where's my breakthrough God?!" Remember that He is fighting and working on your behalf! Make sure you fight too!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Fasting Monday
As I shared on Sunday, I am going to post the emails I sent regarding fasting in case you chose to continue to fast this week. Here is Monday's email from January 12th:
Hey New Life Family!
First of all I know I don’t have everyone’s email address so please forward this to everyone you can think of. Thanks in advance for doing that!
What a great Sunday! Pastor Garth did an amazing job of sharing from his life’s adventure how God has a specific plan for each one of us and that we should be aiming for that plan through our Core Values, Spiritual Gifts and Past Experiences. Great Job Pastor Garth!!!
Then on Sunday night, we continued down this road of “Becoming” who God wants us to be and understanding how when things come our way to accept that they are there, deal with them in the right attitude and with the right actions. If we do that, then in the midst of our chaotic world we will have clarity on what to do. Let’s just say that there were some lives altered Sunday night towards a new direction that will impact so many lives that we cannot even begin to fathom the number of people who will be affected by decisions made that night!!!!
As I have been reflecting on yesterday’s events and on other things today, something has become visible to my eyes that I had not seen before now.
Let me first share about the life of Queen Esther and what she did.
Esther was the queen of Persia and also a Jew. She found out through her uncle, Mordecai that there was a massive plot to annihilate her people. She was planning to go to the king, unannounced, and find his favor and save her people. Going unannounced meant that she could die!
This is what she asked of all the Jews. “Go and gather all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.
My maids will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” – Esther 4:16-17
The reaction of the king? He gave the Jews the opportunity to fight and save their lives if they were attacked and the man, Haman, who had ordered the attack, was hung on a gallows set up for Mordecai. The Jews were saved!!!!!! Because of the people joining in prayer and fasting!
Jesus even said that there are some things that are not defeated, or answered without prayer and fasting!
All that is said to request of all of you, that are a part of New Life Community Church, to come this Sunday, January 18th and present all your prayer requests and needs to God. All your requests for yourself, your loved ones, your friends, whoever! All your financial requests, physical healing requests, emotional breakthrough requests, relational healing or restoration requests, spiritual battle requests, anything!!!
Bring it to Sunday January 18th at the AM service. At the end of the AM service we will pray for those needs, believe for God’s answers, and lastly I am asking everyone to begin a 5/6 day fast today or tomorrow (Monday/Tuesday – Saturday).
Remove something from your routine, replace it with God. Take something that you "have to have" each day and instead "have" more of God in that time period. Every fast has to have a spiritual purpose, and this purpose that you will have will be none other than seeing God answer our request!
I am believing for miracles to take place, homes to be healed, emotions restored, finances to be freed! I know that God has been God longer than you have been you! Take a leap out into the world of faith and trust and combine it with fasting for these 5/6 days! You will begin to simply get a taste of who God is and what he has for you and you will never want anything else to "eat" but what he has to offer!!
There are some things that are not defeated, overcome, or beaten without fasting! It is something that we, as follower of Jesus, must not forget to do in our lives!! It brings us closer to God. The closer you are to someone the easier it is to hear what they are saying!!
So remember, bring ALL your needs, and requests on Sunday, January 18th and we’ll pray for them, and begin fasting the rest of the week and we’
ll see his breakthrough and victory happen!!!!!
I love you all and know that 2009 is the best year that we will ever see in our lives!!!
Pastor David
I hope that this challenges you to take fasting on as a regular part of your journey with Jesus! It will make an unbelievable difference in your life!!!
Hey New Life Family!
First of all I know I don’t have everyone’s email address so please forward this to everyone you can think of. Thanks in advance for doing that!
What a great Sunday! Pastor Garth did an amazing job of sharing from his life’s adventure how God has a specific plan for each one of us and that we should be aiming for that plan through our Core Values, Spiritual Gifts and Past Experiences. Great Job Pastor Garth!!!
Then on Sunday night, we continued down this road of “Becoming” who God wants us to be and understanding how when things come our way to accept that they are there, deal with them in the right attitude and with the right actions. If we do that, then in the midst of our chaotic world we will have clarity on what to do. Let’s just say that there were some lives altered Sunday night towards a new direction that will impact so many lives that we cannot even begin to fathom the number of people who will be affected by decisions made that night!!!!
As I have been reflecting on yesterday’s events and on other things today, something has become visible to my eyes that I had not seen before now.
Let me first share about the life of Queen Esther and what she did.
Esther was the queen of Persia and also a Jew. She found out through her uncle, Mordecai that there was a massive plot to annihilate her people. She was planning to go to the king, unannounced, and find his favor and save her people. Going unannounced meant that she could die!
This is what she asked of all the Jews. “Go and gather all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.
My maids will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” – Esther 4:16-17
The reaction of the king? He gave the Jews the opportunity to fight and save their lives if they were attacked and the man, Haman, who had ordered the attack, was hung on a gallows set up for Mordecai. The Jews were saved!!!!!! Because of the people joining in prayer and fasting!
Jesus even said that there are some things that are not defeated, or answered without prayer and fasting!
All that is said to request of all of you, that are a part of New Life Community Church, to come this Sunday, January 18th and present all your prayer requests and needs to God. All your requests for yourself, your loved ones, your friends, whoever! All your financial requests, physical healing requests, emotional breakthrough requests, relational healing or restoration requests, spiritual battle requests, anything!!!
Bring it to Sunday January 18th at the AM service. At the end of the AM service we will pray for those needs, believe for God’s answers, and lastly I am asking everyone to begin a 5/6 day fast today or tomorrow (Monday/Tuesday – Saturday).
Remove something from your routine, replace it with God. Take something that you "have to have" each day and instead "have" more of God in that time period. Every fast has to have a spiritual purpose, and this purpose that you will have will be none other than seeing God answer our request!
I am believing for miracles to take place, homes to be healed, emotions restored, finances to be freed! I know that God has been God longer than you have been you! Take a leap out into the world of faith and trust and combine it with fasting for these 5/6 days! You will begin to simply get a taste of who God is and what he has for you and you will never want anything else to "eat" but what he has to offer!!
There are some things that are not defeated, overcome, or beaten without fasting! It is something that we, as follower of Jesus, must not forget to do in our lives!! It brings us closer to God. The closer you are to someone the easier it is to hear what they are saying!!
So remember, bring ALL your needs, and requests on Sunday, January 18th and we’ll pray for them, and begin fasting the rest of the week and we’
ll see his breakthrough and victory happen!!!!!
I love you all and know that 2009 is the best year that we will ever see in our lives!!!
Pastor David
I hope that this challenges you to take fasting on as a regular part of your journey with Jesus! It will make an unbelievable difference in your life!!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
How was your day?
Alright, yesterday was a day full of experiences.
Shami worked at 5 AM (working for a co-worker who's switching with her on a different day) and it was on her way that Sally (read previous post) would not warm up inside the car but had no problem heating up her engine to levels that would scorch even Satan!
Sally (read previous post) asked for more money. May be just a water pump or may be just a new engine (can't wait to see which it is). It's getting looked at and Shami and I are talking about what to do. All I have to say is "RED TRUCK!" (read previous post)
Then Bayley came home sick, RRRREEEEAAAALLLLL sick. She got food poisoning from her school lunch and has been letting go of all that's inside on both ends (sorry if that's gross, but I tried to be nice - I could've said worse) :-)
Then Shami became Bayley's cheer coach by osmosis on Monday since her coach was never showing up and they were going to be added to the 4 year old team. Shami got the team list for the first time yesterday and now with Bay sick, Shami might have to go to cheer without her (not our idea when we signed her up).
We got our utilities bills and they were, lets say...................... HIGH! Anyone got new windows to giveaway? (just kidding...kind of)
I have a headache, Savanah woke me up at 6:30 AM on a Saturday (way to early for me!). I'm sure I could go on but no need.
Look, I shared that not to complain, though letting that out did feel good, but to show that even a pastor and his family go through crappy days, yet yesterday was a day that God made, and he says to rejoice and be glad in each day.
I did rejoice (no I did not bust out in song - you wouldn't want me to). I was glad because I had a day. I was glad that my day was living in Marion, serving the people of New Life, and having one amazing family.
Plus I got to pray ridiculous prayers like, "God, we need a new car." I can't wait to hear and see what God's answer will be to that prayer and others I prayed simply because God says, "ask and you will receive."
OK, so yesterday was crappy and it was fantastic all at the same time!!
How was your day?
Shami worked at 5 AM (working for a co-worker who's switching with her on a different day) and it was on her way that Sally (read previous post) would not warm up inside the car but had no problem heating up her engine to levels that would scorch even Satan!
Sally (read previous post) asked for more money. May be just a water pump or may be just a new engine (can't wait to see which it is). It's getting looked at and Shami and I are talking about what to do. All I have to say is "RED TRUCK!" (read previous post)
Then Bayley came home sick, RRRREEEEAAAALLLLL sick. She got food poisoning from her school lunch and has been letting go of all that's inside on both ends (sorry if that's gross, but I tried to be nice - I could've said worse) :-)
Then Shami became Bayley's cheer coach by osmosis on Monday since her coach was never showing up and they were going to be added to the 4 year old team. Shami got the team list for the first time yesterday and now with Bay sick, Shami might have to go to cheer without her (not our idea when we signed her up).
We got our utilities bills and they were, lets say...................... HIGH! Anyone got new windows to giveaway? (just kidding...kind of)
I have a headache, Savanah woke me up at 6:30 AM on a Saturday (way to early for me!). I'm sure I could go on but no need.
Look, I shared that not to complain, though letting that out did feel good, but to show that even a pastor and his family go through crappy days, yet yesterday was a day that God made, and he says to rejoice and be glad in each day.
I did rejoice (no I did not bust out in song - you wouldn't want me to). I was glad because I had a day. I was glad that my day was living in Marion, serving the people of New Life, and having one amazing family.
Plus I got to pray ridiculous prayers like, "God, we need a new car." I can't wait to hear and see what God's answer will be to that prayer and others I prayed simply because God says, "ask and you will receive."
OK, so yesterday was crappy and it was fantastic all at the same time!!
How was your day?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
"RED TRUCK"
I'm so excited for 2009!
I know, I know I should be dreading it and wondering what is going to happen with the economy and with all else that is looming ahead.
I'm not dreading a single thing because no matter what I am sure of one thing...
God has got it all under his control.
My car, Sally (named by my girls after the Silver Porsche in the movie "Cars") has had several maintenance issues. The latest being her brakes.
The front was grinding a bit, the back squealing. Sally was crying for help. I agree she needed help.
The other night, Shami and I were watching the movie "Facing the Giants" and the coach in this movie has a car that is in much worse shape than Sally has ever been. The great moment is when he receives an anonymous gift of a brand new Full Extended Cab Red Truck!! Sweet!!
The next day after watching that with Shami, I was in on my way to my Men's Coffee House small group and thinking about Sally's issues and hearing her cry to me. I thought of the movie and that great gift the coach received and suddenly a vehicle drives up right next to me.
It was a Full Extended Cab Red Truck!! I felt God say, "I've got it all under control."
I ended up seeing over 2 dozens Red Trucks on the drive home after the small group - no joking!! Now every time I see a red truck I simply say, "RED TRUCK!" and I'm reminded of God's control in my life.
He has control. He will take care of you and me. We do our part of Loving Him, being faithful in our giving of time, passion and money and he will show us his control through blessings and provision in 2009!
By the way, Sally has new brakes on and does not cry anymore!
I know, I know I should be dreading it and wondering what is going to happen with the economy and with all else that is looming ahead.
I'm not dreading a single thing because no matter what I am sure of one thing...
God has got it all under his control.
My car, Sally (named by my girls after the Silver Porsche in the movie "Cars") has had several maintenance issues. The latest being her brakes.
The front was grinding a bit, the back squealing. Sally was crying for help. I agree she needed help.
The other night, Shami and I were watching the movie "Facing the Giants" and the coach in this movie has a car that is in much worse shape than Sally has ever been. The great moment is when he receives an anonymous gift of a brand new Full Extended Cab Red Truck!! Sweet!!
The next day after watching that with Shami, I was in on my way to my Men's Coffee House small group and thinking about Sally's issues and hearing her cry to me. I thought of the movie and that great gift the coach received and suddenly a vehicle drives up right next to me.
It was a Full Extended Cab Red Truck!! I felt God say, "I've got it all under control."
I ended up seeing over 2 dozens Red Trucks on the drive home after the small group - no joking!! Now every time I see a red truck I simply say, "RED TRUCK!" and I'm reminded of God's control in my life.
He has control. He will take care of you and me. We do our part of Loving Him, being faithful in our giving of time, passion and money and he will show us his control through blessings and provision in 2009!
By the way, Sally has new brakes on and does not cry anymore!
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