Fasting Day 21

Well, today is the last day of the 21 Day Fast at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  It has been a great journey of feasting on God's Word and prayer.  God has certainly been pouring His Word out into my heart and showing me insight into the great things of the kingdom.  When we will slow down and spend time with the Father, it's amazing the things we'll see Him do in our hearts and lives.

I can't wait to hear all the praise reports and results from the fast.  We'll be sharing all of the results in a special Celebration of Praise at Bridges of Hope Fellowship on Sunday, February 12th at 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.  To get directions or more information, visit www.GetHope.info or visit our Facebook at www.facebook.com/bridgesofhopefellowship

Here's today's final fasting devotional.  I hope you've enjoyed reading them and that they have been an encouragement and a help for you each day.  They are courtesy of www.awake21.org

Fasting Devotional Day 21

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 23



Observation:

David was surrounded by opposition. Even

though he knew he was about to be betrayed,
he still prayed and worshipped God. In the
end, God came through. David found himself
separated from his enemies, delivered from
danger and resting in the stronghold of En-gedi.


Application:

David’s life was filled with trials. At times, he

was running for his life, at times he was hidingout in caves. It was a fight. But there were two
things that remained throughout David’s entirelife: worship and prayer. David knew that
when it came down to it – regardless of what
he went through – that was all he needed.
Over the last 21 days, we’ve established a
consistency in prayer, worship and drawing
closer to God. Remain consistent, recognizing
that this is the lifeline to strength and the only
way to overcome any adversity.

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank You for this time and all that

You have done in and through my life over
these last 21 days. I commit to keeping this
space open to You and trust that You are all I
need. I love you and thank you. Amen.”

Fasting Day 20

Today has been a great day as it was my day off.  I enjoyed spending time with my beautiful wife, Natalie.  It's been nice spending extra time in the Word and prayer.  I know that the devil is getting mad.  I had a dream last night that was more of a sign from God or maybe a warning of the attacks of the enemy to come.

This evening has been spent with my family.  We had a game night/movie night.  We played aggravation.  Natalie won three games and Dwight won one.  Me...I didn't win any.  lol  It's okay though.  I really enjoy spending time with my family.

Fasting Devotional Day 20

Scripture:

Read Mark 9

Observation:

The disciples found themselves unprepared

to deal with this particular situation. Because
Jesus led a lifestyle of prayer and fasting, He
was prepared to deal with the issue when the
time came. He didn’t wait until the problem
arose to prepare – a lifestyle of prayer and
fasting had prepared Him for it.

Application:

Prayer and fasting prepares us for what lies

ahead. We don’t have to wait for an emergency
to arise before we prepare. Let us prepare
ahead of time so that when confronted with
adversity or challenges, we can face them
head on.

Prayer:

“Dear God, as I set time aside today to pray,

fast and seek You, I ask that you strengthenme, prepare me, and fill me with Your Word.
God, You see everything and hold all my days
in Your hands. You know exactly what I have
need of before I even ask for it. Thank You for
Your grace that enables me to face whatever
lies ahead. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Fasting Day 19

Fasting Devotional Day 19

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 22

Observation:

David and Abiathar were Saul’s next target.

While it would have made more sense for
David to send Abiathar away, he instead drew
him in and offered his protection. David took
a risk to keep Abiathar safe. David acted in
a lot of ways like Jesus - not turning a blind
eye to someone in need, even amidst trials
of his own.

Application:

No matter what the situation, when it seems

all hope is lost Jesus’ response is the same:
draw closer to Him. He will offer His unmatched
and perfect protection every time.

Prayer:

“God, I pray that You strengthen my resolve

to put my entire trust in You, knowing You
will always protect me from harm. Help me
to never turn away from other people in needjust because I may be going through difficulty
myself. Amen.”

Fasting Day 18

Today has been a great day of spending time with the Lord.  I am amazed at out deep the Father's love is for His children.  It's just awesome to think that we can't even run so far as to escape it.  And when we do wrong, God is still there in His love and tenderness, waiting to show us His grace and forgive our sins.  That's just awesome!

Fasting Devotional Day 18

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 21

Observation:

David is running from Saul and for a moment,

is overcome by fear. At this low point in his
life, he acts like a crazy man before the king
of Gath. David was beyond the point of simply
experiencing fear. He let fear control him.


Application:

Any one of us can be subject to fear when

we are tired, hurt, or emotionally low. In order
to ensure we don’t start doing wrong things
and going places we should avoid, we must
remain deeply connected to God. His love will
cast out any fear, no matter how great.


Prayer:

“Father, help us manage our lives to stay

healthy - in body, soul, and spirit. Please fill us with
Your spirit and give us boldness of
faith in place of fear. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Fasting Day 17

Fasting Devotional Day 17

Scripture:

Read Mark 8

Observation:

Jesus was clearly a man of power and action,

not just words. The miracles he performed
came from a motivation of love and a desire
to draw people to God.


Application:

The more convinced we become that Jesus is

God, the more we will see his power and love.
His mighty works show us He is able to save
anyone regardless of their past. The miracle
of forgiveness brings healing, wholeness and
powerful change to those who trust Him.


Prayer:

“Lord, I declare Your goodness and that You

are the only true God. I thank You that You
are still a God of action today. I wait with an
expectant, hopeful heart as Your mighty hand
touches my life, bringing healing and salvation.

In Jesus name, Amen.”

Fasting Day 16

Fasting Devotional Day 16

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 20


Observation:

How fortunate David was to have a friend

like Jonathan, someone who stuck by him
through thick and thin. Jonathan was a friend
that would even feel a righteous anger because
of the shameful treatment that David received.

Application:

What kind of friends do you have? We must

strive to have friends in our life like Jonathan
– the ones who will encourage and support
us, no matter what. In addition, we must always
strive to be a “Jonathan” kind of friends
to others.


Prayer:

“God, please help me to surround myself

with people that will always point me towards
Your best. Today as I fast and seek You, I ask
you to reveal to me the people that You have
placed in my life that will help me become the
person You are calling me to be. Amen.”

Fasting Day 15

Today marks the beginning of the last week of our 21 Day Fast at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  It has been a great day!  We had awesome services today and the Lord was good to us all.  We welcomed to our fellowship, Charlotte Vien.  I believe there will be many others to join our fellowship in the days, weeks, and months to come.  God is pouring out His favor upon His people!

Fasting Devotional Day 15

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 19

 

Observation:

The Israelites were under attack. Jonathan,

an intercessor for David, saw the hand of
God upon David’s life and knew that he stood
blameless before God.

Application:

Our victories may cause jealousy to surface

in others and may result in us being undeservingly
persecuted. However, we can take
comfort in knowing that Christ intercedes for
us and gives us favor. He also surrounds us
with people who will support and encourage
us. We can’t always control how people treat
us, but we can control how we honor God.


Prayer:

“Lord, help me to honor You as I seek to draw

closer to You during this season of prayer and
fasting. Even through persecution, allow my
conduct to glorify You. In the name of Jesus,
help me to intercede on behalf of others who
may be dealing with judgment, jealousy, and
unwarranted attacks. Amen.”

Fasting Day 14

Today is day 14 of the 21 day fast at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  For me, it's been a good day of rest, relaxation, and study of God's Word.

I hope you are taking time each day to slow down and fellowship with the Lord.  He has so much He wants to say to us, if we will just sit quietly before Him and listen.

Also, if you're not reading the Bible through this year, you can still participate at www.youversion.com and click on plans.  Pick "The One Year Bible" and you're off to a great start.  In less than 15 minutes a day, you can read the whole Bible in a year.  Awesome!  I am on day 21 now.  Join me!

Fasting Devotional Day 14

Scripture:

Read Mark 7

Observation:

The Pharisees and teachers of the law had

been given the commands, statutes and
teachings of God, but seemed to miss the
whole point. Their adaptation of the law had
become empty, hollow and heartless.

Application:

We are given a solemn warning that if we are

not careful, we can fall into this same trap. It
is easy to settle into a routine and focus on
schedules and to-do-lists. Although we don’t
mean for it to happen, the voice of God can
get drowned out by these distractions. Let
this time of prayer and fasting disrupt the
regular patterns of life. Make time to meditate
on God’s Word and listen to His Voice. You
will experience clarity where there was confusion,
and peace during the trial.


Prayer:

“Father, I choose to disconnect from all the

distractions to draw closer to You. Let my
eyes be steady on what You have set before
me and help me never lose focus on thethings of substance that produce life. Amen.”

Fasting Day 13

Today has been a good day.  It was my day off!  That always means extra rest and time with God.  It's day 13 of the 21 day fast and we're headed towards the homeward stretch.

Be sure to keep your focus on the Lord during this time.  If you're experiencing hunger pains and temptation, make the effort to spend some extra time in the Word and Prayer.  The enemy wants to distract you from what God has called us to.  Hang in there!  God will give you the strength to stay faithful, if you'll ask Him.

Fasting Devotional Day 13

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 18

 

Observation:

Even Saul, who tried to kill David, recognized

the hand of God on his life. David’s success
and favor was two-fold. First, David understood
from his past experiences that his success
was a result of the Lord being with him.
Second, David was given the responsibility of
leading the king’s men into battle against the
enemies of Israel. David had determined in
his heart to advance the kingdom of his king.

Application:

As you fast today, reflect on the victories that

God has given you in your life and consider them as preparation and confirmation of the victories to come. Praise God for where He

has positioned you in your life and commit to
advancing the Kingdom of your King, Jesus.
Prayer:

“Dear Jesus, thank You for all that You have

done and are going to do in my life. Help me to acknowledge You and receive Your grace in everything that I do. Allow my life to bring glory to Your name as You empower me to
advance Your Kingdom in my world. Amen.”

Fasting Day 12

Today is day 12 of the fast.  Yesterday at noon marked the halfway point in the fast.  Already, we're seeing God do so many wonderful things in the lives of His people.  People are drawing near to Him and getting a greater hunger for the things of God.  Praise His Name!

Last night, the POWER UP prayer gathering at Bridges of Hope Fellowship was awesome.  God showed up and His Spirit was moving all over the house!  If you are not a regular on Wednesday nights, then you should be.  You are really missing out!

Get ready for a great day filled with God's blessings and draw close to him!

Fasting Devotional Day 12

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 17

Observation:

Saul was a seasoned warrior. Who would

know better than Saul which weapons would
be necessary to defeat Goliath? However,
God wanted to deliver His people in a way
that would leave no doubt that He had done
the work. By using a shepherd boy with a
small stone and a sling, no man could take
credit for the victory. It was clearly God who
delivered His people from Goliath and the
Philistines.


Application:

When we rely on our own strength, we will

experience limitations. But when we trust in
God’s strength, He gets the victory and the
glory, and we get to be a part of His plan.


Prayer:

“Father, putting my name on Your plan is like

Saul putting his armor on David. Please don’t
let me ever try to cover what You are doing.
Let me be transparent, so that You always get
the glory You deserve. In the name of Jesus,
Amen.”

Fasting Day 11

Fasting Devotional Day 11

Scripture:

Read Psalm 56-57

Observation:

David decided to put his trust God when people

were attacking him. He asks, “what can man
do to me?” What a declaration of confidence!
What a show of true faith and freedom from
the fear of man.

Application:

Proverbs 29:25 says, “the fear of man brings
a snare.” God wants us to place our trust in
Him and fear Him. Not be afraid of Him, but
have a healthy respect, esteem and honor for
the Lord. When the Lord holds this place in
our hearts, we don’t have to fear any other
man.

Prayer:

“Father, when I am afraid of others or their
opinions of me, I choose to trust in You. I
fear, esteem, and honor You above any other.
Thank You for peace and freedom from fear
of man today in the name of Jesus.”

Fasting Day 10

Fasting Devotional Day 10

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 16

 

Observation:

It’s time for a new king, Saul is out of control.

The Lord sends Samuel to Bethlehem to find
and annoint the next king. The shepherd
boy who God has chosen is quite a suprise
not only to his family but to the experienced
prophet as well!

Application:

God has given us gifts and talents that He’ll

use for Kingdom purposes. We must not let
our short comings determine if we are ready
or not. Let us only ensure our heart is fully
committed to saying “yes” to God. We must
be careful to not judge anyone based solely
on outer appearances.
Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, I pray that today You will

use me to speak encouragement to others
and work to uplift someone. Please show me
someone with the heart to do what You have
called them to do and give me the courage
to come alongside them. Strengthen me with
boldness to pray with them in spite of where
they are in their life. Amen.”

Fasting Day 9

Today is day 9 of the 21 Day Fast.  It's awesome to be able to give the first part of our year in prayer, fasting, and giving with my family and church family.  There's something about giving the first and best to God.  It makes the rest of the year blessed and sets the pace for everything we do.

Fasting Devotional Day 9

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 15

 

Observation:

After being instructed by God to destroy the

Amalekite nation completely, Saul decides his
own way is better. He ends up sparing the life
of the Amalekite king and keeping the livestock
that appealed to him. His disobedience
caused God great sorrow.


Application:

Putting God first is really all about having the

highest value for Him and what He says. Too
often, we make our own adjustments to what
God has said, thinking that we know best.
Valuing God’s Word and trusting His ways
means that when He speaks,we obey completely.
Ask God to empower you follow His
truth, make the decision that His way is your
way, and then just do it.

Prayer:

“Father, open my eyes to see that Your ways

lead only to life. I will trust You with all of my
heart. Thank You that Your grace empowers
me to walk in Your ways. Thank You that I
have not been left to my own ability, but am
empowered to live in a way I could never live
on my own. Amen.”

Fasting Day 8

Fasting Devotional Day 8

Scripture:

Read Mark 6

 

Observation:

Notice in this account that Jesus never takes His eyes off of His disciples. Though He may
not have been with them in the boat in that
moment, it did not mean that He wasn’t aware
of everything that was going on.
Application:

Just because we may find ourselves in a

storm from time to time, it doesn’t mean that
Jesus does not know exactly where you are.
Though it may feel like you are on your own
in the boat, rest assured in knowing that the Savior has His eyes fixed on you.

Prayer:

“Dear God, help me trust in You to a greater

degree, even amidst the scariest storms of
life. I know You have Your eyes on me and
that You know where I am the entire time.
Thank You for that assurance. In Jesus
name, Amen.”

Fasting Day 7

Fasting Devotional Day 7

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 14

Observation:

Jonathan and his armor bearer made room

for God to act on their behalf. They had the
perspective that God was bigger than them
and able to do more than they could. They
also understood that God did not have the
same limitations or hindrances that they were
subject to.


Application:

In this season, we should make room for God

in our lives through every means available:
praying, fasting, giving, devotions. When we
make room for God to operate in our lives, Hecan do much more to fix our situations than
we can. When we submit areas of our lives
to God, He can remove the hindrances and
push past our personal limitations.

Prayer:

“Lord, I ask You to show me areas of personal

limitation in my life. I know that You want to
bring a breakthrough in this area and I pray
You would show me how to make room for
You to move. Show me, teach me, guide me
and change me, Father. You are bigger than I
am and can do way more than I can! Amen.”

Fasting Day 6

Today is day 6 of 21 in our corporate fast at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  So far, so good!  Thankful for the spiritual discipline of fasting as it helps us keep our focus on the right things.  It actually makes our focus sharper. 

Fasting will empty you of all that is of YOU (the flesh) so that you and I may be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. It de-clutters us, if you will.  It also has some physical benefits, such as detoxification and natural healing for the body.  During this time, it also allows you to break bad habits such as smoking, drinking, caffeine, etc. 

Hang in there and don't give up or COMPROMISE during the fast!  God will honor your faithfulness and obedience.

Fasting Devotional Day 6

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 13

Observation:

It was no doubt that Saul was under a lot

of pressure to lead the people into battle. Though he had been given specific instructions
 on how to proceed, he felt compelled
to offer the burnt offering himself. Instead of worshipping in the Lord’s way, Saul chose to
do it how he saw fit. This was a huge mistake
that cost Saul the anointing as king.
 
Application:

No matter what your instincts might be telling

you, it is NEVER the prompting of the Holy
Spirit to go outside of God’s will to get things
done. As a leader, this will remove you from
God’s covering, in addition to everyone you
have been charged to lead.
Prayer:

“Father, I thank You for the Holy Spirit that

guides and prompts me in Your ways. Thank
You that You never leave me or forsake me.
Help me to always choose Your ways over my
own, for Your ways are higher than mine. In
Jesus name, Amen.”

Fasting Day 5

Today is day 5 of our 21 Day Fast at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  I was back on the Daniel Fast today and it's been awesome! 

This morning, Natalie and I had the joy of meeting with Pastor Tim at Teen Challenge of the Upper Cumberland in Gainsboro, Tennessee.  We were able to deliver lots of toilet paper that was collected by the members at Bridges of Hope Fellowship at Christmas.  It was great!  Pastor Tim gave us a tour of the facility and we went away blessed at what God is doing.  They serve as a Crisis Center for Teen Challenge.  Their facility is able to house 8 women until they get them into a long term program location.  Praise God!

Then, Natalie and I made some stops and talked a lot about Jesus on the way home.  I love spending time with my wife!  She is an awesome women of God.

Tonight, we're watching the #codeorangerevival at the www.elevationnetwork.com. We're excited as Pastor Jentezen Franklin is preaching on God's faithfulness.  God has been so faithful to my family and Bridges of Hope Fellowship!  I am so blessed and highly favored by the Lord.  God is good!  You can log on anytime day or night and listen to really good messages and music.  Check it out too!

Here's today's fasting devotional that can help and assist you with your quiet time with the Father this evening.

Fasting Devotional Day 5

Scripture:

Read Mark 5

Observation:

The demon-possessed man was struggling

with something that not only kept him up all
night, but it was also something he had dealt
with for a very long time. He was in constant
agony and wanted relief so badly. He would
cut himself out of frustration, irritation and
desperation, wondering why he was dealing
with this issue.

Application:

Do you eve find yourself so frustrated that
you hurt not only yourself but others? Ever

struggle about why you’re in a particular situation?
Notice that in this passage, the man
saw Jesus, ran to Him, laid it down at His feet
and was changed forever. After his encounter
with the Messiah, he was purposely sent
back to his home town so people could see
the change that Jesus made in him.



Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, I pray that today I would

have the kind of resolve it takes to lay my burdens
at Your feet. I am faced with so much
and I know that You care about every last detail
of my life. Create a testimony through my
experiences that will reach others some day
and bring You the glory You deserve. Amen."