Day 21 - Fast 2009

The final day has arrived! Thank You Lord for your provision during these 21 days; we thank You for giving us this opportunity to grow closer to You! We thank You for the many blessings that You have bestowed upon us over the past 21 days; we are in awe of what You are doing in us.

We pray that we will not be discouraged if we don't see anything changing, many times breakthroughs come not only during a fast - but after and sometimes long after. We must stay encouraged and know that God is doing something in us and our loved ones, continue to have faith.

We've started the year off right and God will bless our sacrifice to Him. We put God first, as we should with everything that we do. Continue to put God first in everything that you do. 2009 is the Year of Expectancy, Fullfillment and Completion! God is taking us to new heights this year, new victories and new promises. We thank You Lord for who You are!

Be blessed and be a blessing today.

Day 20 - Fast 2009

Today was a day that seemed like it was a long time coming. It's hard to believe that it's almost over. Going through each day it seemed hard but now that we are at the end it seems like it wasn't really that bad.

It's been a great experience getting to know God more intimately. I'm sure that God has been speaking to you in a way that you've not heard before. I pray that if you didn't join the fast this year that perhaps you would take some time this year to fast to seek God's will in your life. Perhaps you are getting ready to purchase a home or a car, or going into a business venture or about to make a big decision with your career or your family; go on a fast even if it's just only a day. Seek God's will in that decision, make an attempt to bring God into that decision.

The Bible tells us "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33 KJV) And you have to read the full context of the chapter to understand what Jesus was speaking about and it even references fasting!

Put God first and you'll see things change in your life. He'll give you unspeakable joy and a peace that passing all understanding. Maybe that seems impossible for you, but trust me, God can do the impossible. And if you think that God would never do that for you, your wrong; God loves you right where you are at. His promises are for everyone and He's standing at the door waiting for you to enter in. Take a step and move toward Him today.

Stay on track as we finish strong the final day of fasting.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today!

Day 19 - Fast 2009

Can you believe it? We are so close to the finish line; finish strong and stay on track! And if you slip up, determine yourself to get back on, ask God's forgiveness and finish the last few days strong!

Today's service was awesome! We entered into a powerful presence of the Holy Spirit! The song that we were singing this morning, "I Call Your Name", was from a CD that was actually birthed out of a 21 day fast. It's a powerful song, the CD is Moving Forward from Free Chapel and Jentezen Franklin. Last year I bought the CD for my brother and encouraged him to do a fast, he was trying to get some focus on a ministry that he was in and I challenged him to do a fast and seek the Lord. I recently talked to him and was pleased to hear that his church recently moved into a larger building; they too are believing for increase to reach the lost in their area.

Fasting with a purpose, it's an awesome feeling. And if you don't quite know what direction to ask for don't be discouraged, ask God to help you find that direction. We just have to trust God, He knows the plan for our life; we just have to willingly accept that God is in control. Let Him drive the wheel and you sit back and enjoy the ride. Let Him lead you to places you've only dreamed of; He'll pour out blessings that we can't contain, trust Him, obey His commands, He will bless you beyond measure. It's a peaceful feeling to know that God is in control and our steps are ordered by Him.

I pray that your fast is going well today. Be steadfast and finish strong!

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 18 - Fast 2009

We are entering the last days of our fast, it's just about over! Stay strong and stick with it; and if you've fallen off, get back up and continue on until the end! Don't allow yourself to listen to the condemnation that the enemy will try to tell you. You may have failed, but God forgives. Confess and acknowledge that you failed and then ask God's forgiveness. You're His child and He loves you and He sees your desire to please Him.

God is doing a great thing at Gateway and I'm glad to be a part of it. Last night I joined our Murge teens in a Holy Hip-Hop concert. It's was a great time of worship and even more exciting to have been highlighted in today's Herald Mail. Teenagers praising God in the way that they know how. I know that Holy Hip-Hop may not be your preference, but any music that uplifts God is good music. After all the scripture says, "sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts." (1 Chronicles 16:9) It doesn't say, sing classical, sing contemporary, sing country, sing r&b; it's says sing praise. If it praises Him and tells of what He's done for the person singing it, then it pleases the Lord.

Weekends are the hardest for me to fast, but I pray that your fast is going well today. Remember to enter His gates tomorrow with thanksgiving! Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.