Monday, January 16, 2012

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, He
can 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.”

Friday, January 13, 2012

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.”

Thursday, January 12, 2012

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."

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Fasting Day 4

Today is day 4 of the 21 Day Fast for our Bridges of Hope Fellowship family.  Today was a full fast for me and Natalie.  That means only having water and juices to drink and no food.

It's been a good day with some sweet time alone with the Father in His Word, prayer, and reflection.  I love having this time to listen and hear from God. 

Fasting Devotional Day 4

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 12


Observation:
The prophet Samuel gives his farewell
address after anointing Israel’s first king,
Saul. God graciously permitted His people to
have an earthly king and promised to bless
them as long as they and their king remained
obedient to Him first. However, the Israelites’
failure to comply with God’s standards resulted
in them missing out on the promises that
their ancestors received.


Application:

God wants to rule and reign in our hearts. We
often struggle with walking by faith and not by
sight, so we seek something tangible. God,
in His perfect permissive will and grace, will
grant our requests under a stipulation - that
we are completely obedient to His Word. The
promises of God always carry the asterisk of
obedience.


Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me the
strength to be obedient to Your Word. During
this season of fasting and prayer, help me to
hear Your voice more clearly so that I can operate
within Your will. Amen.”

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Fasting Day 3

It's day 3 of the 21 Day Fast at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  Today has come with some temptation to eat the type of foods that I shouldn't eat. However, with each temptation, my spirit has been strong and overcame the flesh.  In short, I didn't give in.  lol  Tonight will be our last meal of the Daniel Fast until after our break tomorrow, in which we'll be doing a day of total fasting with water and juice only. 

I am excited for my Bridges of Hope family!  I am already hearing great news of God moving in their lives and situations.  By the time we get finished on January 28th, we will all be on shouting ground.

I hope the devotionals being presented here are of help to you as you faithfully continue the fast.  Be sure to spend lots of time in the Word.  As you do, read prayerfully, pray expectantly, and reflect with great anticipation of what God is about to do in your life.  God is speaking, if you will listen.

Fasting Devotional Day 3


Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 11


Observation:

The Israelites were under attack. Was there
anyone that could save them? Note some
interesting symbolism here: Nahash means
“serpent.” Jabesh means “dried up.” The
“eye” is symbolic of vision and whenever
“right” is mentioned, as in the “right hand of
God,” it symbolizes authority. Clearly, the attack
was a spiritual one.


Application:

When our relationship with Jesus feels
“dried up”, our enemy attacks. Have you
ever considered compromise as an option?
Compromise comes from a lack of vision
and authority over the enemy. Today, ask
the Holy Spirit to reveal any compromise in
your life and where you need to be recommitted
to Christ. Respond in obedience and
Jesus will restore both your authority and
your vision so you will experience victory!


Prayer:

“Lord, my desire is to follow You with all of my
heart, soul, mind, and strength. Please help
me today to see any of the areas of my life
in which I have intentionally or unintentionally
allowed compromise to creep in. Today, I
recommit my life completely to You.  Awaken
my soul and fill me with Your presence. Amen."

Monday, January 9, 2012

Fasting Day 2

Well, today is day 2 of our 21 Day Fast at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  Many thousands in the body of Christ are fasting at the same time around the world.  God is hearing the cries of all His children as we get serious with Him through prayer and fasting.

Some are in their 3 days of total fasting, while others are on the Daniel Fast or some other type of fast.  Regardless, each has made a vow to God and every vow is important to God.  Whatever type of fast you are on, be sure that you are setting time aside at each meal time and other times throughout the day to get alone with God and spend time in His Word, prayer, journaling, and reflecting.  If not, you are only going on a cruel diet.

Here's the fasting devotional for day 2.

Scripture:

Read Mark 4

Observation:

Jesus gave us insight into understanding how His Kingdom would work in our lives. Like a
farmer sowing seed, amazing things happen when the seed falls on good, healthy, fertile
ground.

Application:

Our hearts are like the garden. The things we plant into our lives will grow, and weeds can
sprout up if we are not paying attention. If we are going to experience all the amazing
things Jesus has provided, we must be intentional about planting the “right” things in our
hearts and getting rid of the “weeds”. Plant His Word, cultivate it, and it will produce an
incredible harvest. As you fast, expect God to reveal Himself to you more clearly.
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for helping me see the amazing truth of sowing Your Word into my life. The harvest that is produced is transforming my life. Help me to see You for who You really are. Help me to see myself in light of who I have become because of Your gift of righteousness. Amen.”