Day 21 (Sunday, January 29, 2012)

Today is a bitter-sweet day for me. Bitter (in more of a figure-of-speech kind of way) because there are some things -some patterns – I became accustomed to during these last twenty-days that may change because of needing to expand my focus to many other areas. Sweet because off course I get to eat some things (and drink some coffee) I had exempted myself from for the last three weeks. Then I thought, if everything goes back to “normal” then some habits never changed. Some experts say that it takes 21 days to change some habits, whether good or bad.

The more I thought about this dilemma, the more at peace I was with myself. Why? (glad you asked). Because things don’t have to go back to “normal”. There is a new normal. Jesus didn’t go back to helping Joseph at the wood shop after his 40 days of fasting and prayer. On the contrary, he moved on His assignment at a greater speed; in power and authority. What will you do now that you have the opportunity to go back to “normal?” What will your “New Normal be?”

Let me encourage you in three areas this last day of Fasting. For those of you that started later, apply this accordingly as you come to the end of your fast. For those of you that stopped sooner, you can make it applicable to you as well.

1. Don’t Indulge - In addition to food, what did you shy away from in order to spend more time in God’s presence? Just because the Fast is over, don’t allow the enemy to lure you into an over-indulgence of those things such as, food, television, phone, Facebook, leisure, etc., that took so much of your time. Remember, “A man (women as well) without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Prov.25:28)

2. Keep the Fire Burning - I like the way the Apostle Paul puts it in his charge to Timothy, “For this reason I remind you to fan the flame…” (2 Tim.1:6). Don’t allow the fire of what God has given you to die out. Fan the flame of ministry, relationships, dreams and will to overcome. When you feel it’s dying down, maybe it’s time for a Fast (even if it’s for a shorter period of time).

3. Move in a New Dimension - You can do ALL things through Christ that strengthens you. (Phil.4:13) You don’t spend time in God’s presence to then move in weakness, be drawn to failure, or give in to temptations. No! You do it and then move in power, in authority, in love. Move forward and conquer those things that tried to instill fear and hold you back.

I encourage you to pray this with me: Lord Jesus, as I draw near the end of my Fast, I pray that it would by no means be the end of new habits. Help me to continue to live a balanced life. That I may never allow the fire of your Holy Spirit and the passion to live for you to die down. I commit to moving in authority. Not my own, but in the authority of who I am in You. I am believing that this will be a year like no other; of order, increase and fulfillment. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

Exodus 3:14, Psalms 119:105, Isaiah 40:31, Gal.6:9, Phil. 4:13, Col.1:11, James 1:2-4

Blessed by the opportunity to spend this time with you,

Pastor Charles

P.S. Write to us via e-mail, Facebook, or a post on this blog…but we would love to hear what God has done and is doing with you as you meditated on these devotionals and spent time in the presence of God! Blessings to you now and always! 

Day 20 (Saturday, January 28, 2012)

Okay so we build, work, play, toil, and do so much day in and day out. Is it all worth it? Truthfully, it isn’t unless it is done with eternity in mind. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his own soul? (Mt.16:26)

The pressures and enticing (because they could be enticing) ways of this world could become so strong that if we don’t live with the right perspective – an eternal perspective – we can become lost - intertwined – and lose focus of what God wants for our lives instead of what we have simply become accustomed to. Yes, live life, and live it to the fullest, but do it with eternity in mind. “He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.” (Rev.3:5)

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t be afraid to be different. At times it may even feel like you’re standing alone, but it’s ok. Many went through it before you. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth…and truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrew 11:13-16)

Fast and pray that as you go living out your purpose in this earth and fulfilling your assignment, that your feet may be planted here but your eyes on eternity. Live as an ambassador representing your true home!

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

Mt. 7:13-14, John 3:16, John 14:1-3, 1 Cor.15:54-57, 2 Cor.5:6-10, 1 John 5:13-14, Rev.2:11, Rev.3:5-11

Investing in eternity with you,

Pastor Charles

Day 19 (Friday, January 27, 2012)

Depending on your age, and to some extent your upbringing, the things that negatively influenced you cannot be compared with what influences our young generation in this day and age. Think about it. We are in a visually-crazed society. No matter where you go or what you turn to, there is some kind of image flashing at you. From smart phones, to electronic tablets, from television to billboards, someone is fighting for your attention, money, and I dare say – soul.

Our younger generation is under fire. The easy access to information and images that damage their “virgin” minds is at an all-time high. Our children seem to be growing up way too fast. Millions and millions of dollars are spent by major corporations in order to attract them to the latest trends and fads. Who will stand in the gap to influence them in the right direction?

Fast and pray for this rising generation. Jesus’ said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.”  

Stand in the gap for this growing generation. Pray and fast for safe environments and homes for our children. Pray against any and every attack of the enemy out to destroy this generation. Pray that even at an early age they can become passionate about Jesus Christ.

I believe we can impact a generation that will impact the music industry, corporate America, sports, media, and even Hollywood with standards that honor God and exalt the name of Jesus Christ.

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

Deut.4:9, Psalms 139:13-16, Prov.22:6, Isaiah 54:13, 1 Cor.15:33, Colossians 3:21

Standing in the gap for our children with you,

Pastor Charles

Day 18 (Thursday, January 26, 2012)

Can you imagine doing and doing and doing and at the end of the day still miss the MOST important thing? I wonder if that’s how Martha felt when she heard Jesus’ response after she complained about the fact that Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and she was busy hosting. Jesus said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part…”(Luke 10:41-42)

Similarly is the message to Ephesus, “I know your work, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those that are evil…and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake…Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. (Revelation 2:2-4)

Many of us like Mary could become soooooo overwhelmed with the things we think we “have” to do; whether they are personal, ministerial, work, home, etc., and neglect the “one thing.” Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things shall be added to you.”

Fasting helps you become a person of “one thing.” Fast and pray that no matter what comes your way throughout the rest of this year; whether successes or trials, that you would maintain “first things first.” That your relationship and intimacy with God would be your first and foremost priority.You want to see God help you align things in your life, become a person of “the one thing.”

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

Mt. 6:19-21, Mt. 6:31-33, Mt.22:37, Rom.8:5, 2 Cor.8:5, Gal.2:20, Col.3:1-4

Keeping first things first,

Pastor Charles

Day 17 (Wednesday, January 25, 2012)

Ahhh yes the “F” word. You can sugar-coated, ignore it, pretend it is not affecting you, but at the end of the day it will only detain you from being whole. Sometimes you must ask for it and other times you must give it – Forgiveness!

Perhaps you need to ask for it. Tertullian once said, “You can’t undo anything you’ve already done, but you can face up to it. You can tell the truth. You can seek forgiveness. And then let God do the rest.” This should include acknowledging your sins before God and receive His forgiveness.

Sometimes you need to give it. Someone once said, “Forgiving someone does not mean denying a person’s responsibility for hurting you, nor does it mean minimizing, or justifying the act. It does mean willing to forgive someone without condoning or excusing what they did, and then letting it go.

In Jesus’ sample prayer to His disciples (and a framework for us), He taught them to pray, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

In one of His most vulnerable moments, Jesus also, after being betrayed, beaten, scorned, and hung on the cross said, “Father forgive them for they know what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

Fast and pray that you would have the courage to ask for forgiveness and the strength to forgive. Be set free from any root of guilt, dislike, bitterness, resentment, or even hate and live in the freedom provided for you in Christ Jesus. Amen!

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

Psalms 51:17, Isaiah 55:6-7, Matthew 5:22-24, Matthew 6:14-15, Luke 7:47-48, Eph.4:31-32

Forgiven and forgiving with you,

Pastor Charles

Day 16 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012)

Wake up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, wind down, and do it all again the next day. Sound familiar? That daily cycle of life has the tendency to cause people to limit their view to simply what’s in front of them. As a result, the life outside of that “vicious circle” becomes very unfamiliar. But it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Within that larger scope of life are missionaries, pastors, families, and millions of people that do not enjoy the comforts of life that we enjoy. They need our prayers and they need our support.

I’ve experience first-hand the look on a mothers face when she was handed a bag with the most basic of foods – rice, beans, and flour. Or the look on a teenagers face when handed a tube of toothpaste or a bar of soap – priceless.

Fast and pray for the least of these. That we would be so moved that our prayers, time, talents, and treasures would become the answered prayers for the many that cry our to God for provision on a daily basis. Pray for our missionaries that are dedicating their lives to being the mouth, hands, feet, eyes, and ears of Jesus Christ to those around the world. Fast and pray that God would accelerate their work and the masses would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and that no weapon formed against them would prosper.

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

2 Chron.6:33, Isaiah 49:6, Daniel 7:13-14, Mark 13:10, Luke 10:2, John 4:34-38

Praying for the world with you,

Pastor Charles

Day 15 (Monday, January 23, 2012)

“As the physically weak man can make himself strong by careful and patient training,” writes James Allen, “so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ!

You could very well be one thought away from a breakthrough. I think the enemy knows this all too well. Hence, always trying to mess with your mind. So, if you are going to go beyond the limitations that have tried to hold you back for so long, then you don’t need another prophetic word, a hand-out, or some out-of-the-sky break. What you need is transformation by the renewing of your mind and begin to move in the purpose and plan that God has already laid out for you.

Change your thinking and you will change your ways!

Fast and pray that whatever stinkin’ thinking that has been trying to limit you and keep you from God’s best would be cast out and you would begin to think with the mind of Christ.

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

Jer.29:11, Rom.12:2, 2 Cor. 10:5, Eph. 4:22-23, Phil.4:8, Phil.4:13

Renewing my mind with you,

Pastor Charles

Day 14, (Sunday, January 22, 2012)

Imagine for a moment someone telling you, “Look, I’m going to give you all this money and all of this food. But it comes with a catch.” What’s the catch, you ask? “Well, you have to use it all up today.” How about I store some of it for tomorrow, you reply. “No! If you trust me, you need to trust that I will come back tomorrow and fill you up once again.”

Well, though I believe in good stewardship and planning for the future, when it pertains to life, daily living, and trust in God, that is exactly what He (God) promises us.

As Jesus instructed his disciples about prayer, one of the instructions was, pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Mt.6:11) When God gave Moses instructions to have the people pick up the bread that would rain from heaven, He said, “Each day the people can go out and gather only enough for that day. That’s how I will see if they obey me.” (Exodus 16:4)

Why do we become so anxious about the unknown? Worried about the problems that are yet to appear? Why do we hold back on enjoying the life God has given us? We hold back on emptying ourselves in His presence with intense worship and praise. Why? Don’t you know that tomorrow morning He has given you the same promise he gave you today – Daily Bread!

Fast and pray that you would have the understanding and faith to trust God EVERYDAY. That you would be able to walk in His provision EVERYDAY! That you would be able to pour yourself out knowing that He is pouring into you…EVERYDAY!

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

Exodus 16:3-13, Matthew 6:25-34; 7:7-11, Rom.8:32, Phil.4:19, 1 Peter 5:6-7

Enjoying Fresh Bread with you,

Pastor Charles

Day 13 (Saturday, January 21, 2012)

Ever heard the comment, “Perception is reality?” Or, “Perception is everything?” Unfortunately these statements hold true for too many people. People tend to make a reality of how they perceive things.

Can you imagine being given a directive to go and conquer something because God has already given it to you? And all the promises associated with receiving your promise have already been declared? But when you get there, what seems like an impossibility presents itself. What will you do? Will you see things through your physical eyes and melt in fear? Or will you believe God’s word and proceed and conquer?

Such was the case with ten of the twelve spies that were sent by Moses to spy out the land that God had already promised them. Look at what they said, “There we saw giants; and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (Num 13:33)

Chances are that if you see yourself like a grasshopper, you will act like a grasshopper…and eventually you will end up stepped on. I challenge you to Fast and pray for a vision to see yourself like God sees you.  No matter the ”giants” that try to say otherwise, move forward and conquer. Conquer your fears. Conquer your addiction. Conquer your woe-is-me way of thinking.  Begin to see yourself through the lens of Scripture and know that you are more than a conqueror! 

David was quite the opposite of the “grasshoppers” in Numbers 13. He was shorter, younger, and had no armor. But he knew that in the power of Almighty God he was much bigger and greater than the giant trying to mock him and as he perceived himself -  he acted.         ( 1 Samuel 17)

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

Psalms 139:14, Isaiah 40:29, Matthew 19:26, Acts 17:28, Romans 8:31, Romans 8:35-39

Perceiving greatness with you,

Pastor Charles

Day 12 (Friday, January 20, 2012)

What’s the sound you hear as you go about your day at work? How about at school, on the city streets, and just about anywhere else except a house of worship? Is it the sound of revival? Is it the sound of joy, greatness, purpose, tranquility? Or is it the sound of distress, worry, chaos, anxiety, depression and depravity?

Undoubtedly, our cities are in need of revival! The very word “revival” means to live again. We have more social programs, entertainment venues, and the like, all in the name of “helping” people live a “happier” life. Yet, debt, corruption, crime, drugs, alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, divisiveness and so many other ills abound in ways never thought possible. We have more police officers yet people feel less safe? Have we forgotten, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”(Ps.127:1) It’s time for our cities to “Live” again!

We need a fresh wave of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to sweep through our cities. And it may very well begin with your (our) intercession.

Fast and pray over your neighborhood, government, school staff and administrators, your work place, police force and all public safety personnel, for city administrators and law makers, even for our churches. Pray that many, many of these places would be occupied by God-fearing, Spirit-filled individuals. That we would not only pray but also take the steps to be the hands, feet, and mouth of Jesus in our city. Fast and pray that the powers of darkness would have to surrender to the Light of the World!

Here are some scripture verses to read and meditate on throughout the day: (Click on the verses to read them on www.Biblegateway.com).

2 Chronicles 7:13-14,  Psalms 85:5-6, Isaiah 57:13-16, Habakkuk 3:2, John 10:10

Standing in the gap with you,

Pastor Charles