Fasting Day 21 (Sunday, January 26, 2013)

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.1:9-11, 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…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! 

Fasting Day 20 (Saturday, January 26, 2013)

A couple of nights ago as I shared with a family whose loved had passed away I couldn’t help but remember my last two visits with him prior to dying. It was one of those situations where it didn’t matter how solemn you walked in, you would walk out laughing and saying, “Wow, that man sure has a positive outlook; what a great spirit.” This man was wasting away physically, but his attitude said something totally different. Why? The answer is simple - he had a clear understanding about eternity; and he made sure everyone knew it.

How about you? 

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. We can become intertwined and lose focus of what God wants for our lives and instead continue to simply focus on the life we have 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

Fasting Day 19 (Friday, January 24, 2013)

I could remember about a year ago, stepping into a convenience store / gas station late one Friday night to use an ATM. All I saw (at least that’s what it seemed like) were groups of people, both young and old, ready for the “club scene.”

As we go through the weekend I can’t help but wonder how many of these people will continue to live a life like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-32), looking to satisfy a thirst (and hunger) in all the wrong places. Constantly indulging  in all sorts of habits and temporary pleasures - day after day, night after night- without ever encountering Christ. Why? Because not many people professing to know Christ, ever dare to confront them like Christ confronted the Samaritan woman. Not negatively, but with an offer of hope and eternal satisfaction.

I invite you to focus today on asking God to give you the boldness to share the great news of Jesus Christ. Take time to Fast and pray for the lost. The fact is that we are constantly surrounded by people that can benefit from you serving as the hands, feet, ears, and mouth of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself ignored His need for physical food, in exchange for the opportunity to lead this Samaritan woman to the knowledge of a Savior (Himself). How about you? Would you be willing to forget about yourself for a moment and share the love of Christ with someone else?

The step could be as simple as asking someone, “Hey, I am spending some time praying for people, when I go pray, what can I pray for in your life?’ That simple door could lead to the sharing of the love and hope 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).

Mk. 16:15, John 3:16, Rom. 1:16, Rom 5:8, Rom. 6:23, 1 Cor. 15:1-4, Col. 4:2-6

Praying for the lost,

Pastor Charles

Fasting Day 18 (Thursday, January 24, 2013)

“There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.”
Peter F. Drucker

I love that quote. I hear many people say, “I have a good life.” Or, “I love good things.” But could it be that sometimes “good” keeps us from achieving “great?” Could it be that the things that keep us occupied, be the very things that keep us from achieving God’s greatness over our lives? It’s time to take inventory.

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  Martha 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, 1 Cor. 13:1-7, 2 Cor.8:5, Gal.2:20, Col.3:1-4

Striving to keep first things first,

Pastor Charles

Fasting Day 17 (Wednesday, January 23, 2013)

I will never forget the call, “Pastor, your cousin just passed; he was found dead in a hotel room.” What? This was the Best Man in my wedding, my hang-out buddy as we were growing up, and the guy that although sometimes influenced me in not-so-good-ways, came to me for counsel when he didn’t know what to do…until he moved to another state. When I found out how he died, the weight and battle within me was, “Could I have done more?” Could I have called him every time the Spirit of God prompted me to pray for him? He was gone and there was nothing I could do about it. 

Have you ever felt like you wanted something for somebody else more than they wanted it for themselves? How many of you (us) have family members that you want so much more for them. Perhaps some of you have come short of just giving up on them. Imagine how Jesus felt as He looked over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-42) and wept. Unlike the tears he shed when he cries over Lazarus (John 11:35), this type of weeping is a sob; a wailing. He has seen their potential and they have missed it altogether.

Let me encourage you today to Fast and pray for your family. Begin with your immediate loved ones – husband, wife, children. If un-married – mother, father, brothers and sisters. Then move on to more extended family. Maybe like the people of Jerusalem they have missed God-moments, opportunities, tugs from God. Perhaps they are living a status-quo life. Maybe some are bound by the enemy in lifestyles and bondages that you may think they’ll never be freed from.

Like Nehemiah (4:14) I encourage you, “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Pray that their (spiritual) eyes would be opened. That they would heed the voice of the Holy Spirit. That God would interrupt their lives and fulfill His purpose over everyone of them. That no weapon formed against them would prosper.

If we are going to see a strong, God-fearing nation, then we must begin to see strong marriages, strong families, strong homes. And living below God’s best is not an option.

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. 31:12, Joshua 24:15, Neh. 4:14, Job 1:10, Prov. 15:27; 31, Luke 11:17, 21-23, John 17:14-19, Eph. 6:1-4

Interceding with you,

Pastor Charles

Fasting Day 16 (Tuesday, January 22, 2013)

Could’ve, would’ve, but didn’t. Ever heard that expression? The questions then is, if you could have, and you would have, then why didn’t you? Oh boy, that’s really asking someone to ramble on a list of excuses. Isn’t it? When it’s all said and done, the truth is that many things -important things – may have gone undone and unfulfilled simply because we didn’t know how to make the best of our time. I’m not talking about the next chore or more work. I’m talking about things you could have done that carry eternal value; ministering to someone, writing that book, spending valuable time with you spouse and children, praying more, studying,  investing in God’s kingdom, (you fill in the rest).

Whether it’s a warm blanket tempting you to get your beauty sleep in, a t.v. show that captured you attention on your way from here to there, the updates of 100′s of people that you don’t even know on social media, or any other distraction that you could have said no to, there is (was) always something distraction you from making the best of your time. We’ve all been guilty, but it’s time to change.

Psalms 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, so that we may bring a heart of wisdom.”  Time is a commodity; once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. I can’t help but think of the Proverbs 31 woman (applies to men as well). Talk about a woman that makes the best of time!

Let us Fast and pray that God would give us an eternal perspective. Let’s pray that we would value such a beautiful commodity as TIME in such a way that we would think twice before we waste any of it. Time is one of God’s gift to us; what we do with it, is our gift to Him. Let us pray that as we learn to value our time, our efforts would serve to make us stronger and wiser as well as bless others in the process.

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

Prov.6:6-11, Prov.12:24, Prov.13:4, Prov.24:30-34, Ecc.9:10, Mt.25:14-30, 1 Cor.9:26-27, Eph.5:15-16, Col.4:5-6, James 4:13-17

Making the best of time along with you,

Pastor Charles

Note: Let me encourage you to really take time to read and meditate on the above scripture references.

Fasting Day 15

Ever sat down to think about what tomorrow will bring? No! Wait! The question is more like, “Ever sat down to worry about what tomorrow will bring?” Ever spend a day worrying about things you really have no control over? Yes, you’re seeing God’s provision TODAY but for whatever odd reason, you overwhelm yourself with tomorrow’s uncertainties? Ever been there? I have.

I can’t help but think about a line in Jesus’ prayer outline to his disciples: “Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread…” Wait! What? Did He say, “Give us THIS day…?” What a promise given to us through the power of prayer! Every morning when you wake up, you have the promise to believe God for today’s provision. Though this does not mean that can you live an idle, ineffective life, it does mean that you can depend on God all day, every day…for tomorrow will take care of itself.

Didn’t God test the people of Israel in the desert when he provide Manna? “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or not.” (Ex.16:4) God knew that His people would try to gather for many days in fear that God’s provision would run out.

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!

Fast and pray that you would be able to break every pattern of worry, anxiety and the fear-of-the-unknown syndrome that so often plagues God’s people. You can’t go back and redo yesterday. Tomorrow, well let’s just say it’s not here yet. But you can live life to its’ fullest today! THIS IS the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

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

Joshua 1:5-7,9; Mt.6:25-27, Mt.11:28-30, John 14:27, Phil.4:6-7, 2 Thes.3:16, 1 Peter 5:7

Believing for Daily Bread with you,

Pastor Charles

Fasting Day 14

Like a movie I could see it playing, frame by frame – people worshiping in 100+ degree weather (with no air conditioning), families walking for miles just to make it to church, kids playing out in the street with no shoes, families having to take turn on who is to eat the one meal that day, a pastor sharing how thrilled he was the day he received a bicycle and no longer needed to walk…

This is the picture you live with everyday while on the mission field in third-world countries.

These are the things that ought to really make us re-consider the things we fuss about and instead thank God for being blessed with so many amenities.

As we get ready to go worship in nice warm churches, with comfortable seating, electricity and running water, let us be reminded of the millions that go without, yet worship nonetheless.

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.

Let us Fast and pray for our missionaries sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. Let us pray for the church – the Body of Christ around the world; particularly in places where Christians are persecuted. Let us pray for the pastors and leaders leading those churches; their families, needs and health. Let us Fast and pray that we would learn how to selflessly invest in the church abroad; that we would connect even with the local church(es) to sponsor and aid the needs of so many around 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).

Prov. 22:9, Isaiah 6:8, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 25:35-40, Matthew 28:19, Phil.2:4, 1 John 3:17

Believing in Missions with you,

Pastor Charles

Fasting Day 13

As more than 100 teenagers get ready for our midnight basketball and mentoring program tonight, I can’t help but think about some of the horror stories we have heard from so many of them throughout the years. My question is why? Yes, people make bad choices; and bad choices bring about bad consequences. However, is there not a neighbor, a friend, a church, that can serve as the hands, feet, and voice of God to a hurting community?

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, Mayor’s office, 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

Believing for Revival in our cities with you,

Pastor Charles

Fasting Day 12

Today at dinner time (Daniel Fast approved off course) my daughter wanted to share with me - in detail – a bunch of school supplies and trinkets she had purchased at a school shop. I could hear her going on and on, but truth be told, my mind and eyes were everywhere else but on her. I finally fixed my eyes on her when her voice got louder in an attempt to get my attention. I too raised my voice (just a little) and said, “I’m listening.” She said, “No daddy, you can’t just listen. I want you to pay attention, and look at me.” Ouch!

How many of us live life like that – in a place physically, but never truly present? Whether it’s a conversation with your spouse, intimacy, quality time with your children, sitting through a church service, or even talking with God. Are you really, really, fully present? Or are you just there to get what you need, give as little as possible, “fulfill” your duties and move on to things you may think are more important? Is the video game or the news more important when your child is trying to get your attention? Is where you’re going to go eat more important when God is trying to talk to you? Is just-getting-by the type of impression you want to leave with your boss? Is the next Facebook status more important than the people surrounding you in conversation?

Could we be losing “God Moments” because we fail to be “Fully Present?”

Jesus was a great example of being fully present despite his busy ministry schedule. Remember when he was on His way to heal a young girl, and in the midst of a crowd possibly pushing and shoving he stopped dead on his tracks and asked, “Who touched me?” Immediately he stopped and addressed a woman who had dealt with an issue of blood for twelve years. (Mark 5:22-43) How about when he was “rebuked” by his disciples for wasting time with children. Yet he stopped, paid close attention to them and said, “Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” (Mt.19:13-14)

Life is too short. Let’s Fast and Pray that we would have the focus to be “Fully Present” in everything we do. Whether it’s work, relationships, parenting, serving God or serving others. Our presence and focus should be felt and seen at 100%. You will create a better relationship with your spouse, your children, your friends and your God when you learn to be “Fully Present.”

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 23, Psalms 46:1, Mt. 6:11, Mt.6:34, Phil.4:6-7, 2 Thes.3:16

Learning to stop, look, and listen along with you,

Pastor Charles

P.S. How many of you have been guilty of this?