Gateway Blog Spot

Day 21 - Fast 2009

2009-01-27T15:54:00.004-05:00

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

2009-01-26T23:00:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-25T16:29:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-24T15:11:00.003-05:00

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.

Day 17 - Fast 2009

2009-01-23T12:52:00.007-05:00

Be encouraged, next week at this time we will be eating pizza, hamburgers, and chicken! I'll have to admit that it's been nice to clean all of those toxins out of my body. Last year when we fasted I actually continued with a lot of the eating habits that I got from the fast throughout the year, like drinking hot water instead of drinking coffee or tea. It sounds crazy, but psychologically speaking, it made me feel as if I was drinking coffee or tea, that cozy warm feeling of a hot mug. I get a lot more water these days than what I did before!

I was reading Isaiah 58 today, the fasting chapter. It reminds us that when we are fasting we should behave in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. Meaning, you can't fast and go around treating people badly. It's kind of like the scripture that states "out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be." - James 3:10

I know that we live a political era these days and everyone has an opinion but the arguing and bickering that so many continue to have, even us Christians, are we Christ-like when we do this? Are we truly showing God's love to the world? No wonder so many don't want it because they don't see love, they see condemnation and chastisement.

That could be a never-ending argument. I'm thankful that it won't be like that for long; Jesus is coming back and there's work to be done. Show people what the love of Christ looks like for all people, regardless of color or creed. Here's a thought to ponder, if you don't like your neighbor or don't feel comfortable around people who don't look or talk like you; what exactly is the Heaven that you're wanting to go to going to look like? Do you really think that Heaven is as segregated as we are on Sunday mornings? Just a thought. I'm glad at Gateway services we see all races, we are all God's people and we all worship together. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)

I pray that your fast is going well today. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 16 - Fast 2009

2009-01-22T15:27:00.004-05:00

Today I'm doing a sun up to sun down normal fast. It's been a good day and I'm hungry in the flesh, but in the spiritual realm God is my portion today. Just praying this morning there is this overwhelming sense of something turning. I wonder if that's what the children of Israel felt when they left the wilderness and made it to the promise land.

A few months back I wrote it on a piece of paper and it's tacked on my refrigerator; "thank you Lord for bringing me into my promised land". I have that kind of faith that I believe God's word, that the struggles that I've had in the past are over, today is a new day and God is taking me higher than what I've ever been before.

In the natural it doesn't make any sense, but that's usually when you know that it's God. Like Elder Ziegler said, "if it make sense, it's not God". To anyone who doesn't understand it, perhaps it's because you haven't come to know what this relationship is. It's not about religion, it's about a relationship. I can stand with confidence knowing that God is able to do the impossible. If you don't know God like that then I pray that you would seek Him today. In Jeremiah 9:13 it says "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." He's available to everyone who seeks Him, it's His gift to us.

It's funny, my daughter was playing a word game and it asked what does impossible mean. I told her that it's highly unlikely, but possible and it was the wrong answer. It kind of upset me and I told her that regardless of what the word means to them, we know that God can do the impossible; so impossible isn't impossible when you believe that God can do it. I shouldn't be alive today, but because God can do the impossible your reading my words today. I should be dead two times over, I had multiple blood clots in both lungs twice, but I'm still here, God is keeping me! The doctors told me that I was lucky to be alive, lucky to have had children, etc. I'm not lucky, I'm blessed and that's not arrogance, that's the confidence that I have in God.

I pray that your fast is going well today. After today we only have 5 more days to go. It seems like only yesterday that we started and look how far we've come!

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 15 - Fast 2009

2009-01-21T22:56:00.002-05:00

We're rounding the last days of the fast. Are you expecting God in your life?

Tonight's service was awesome; Pastor Rodney had a Word from God that was right on time! It's time for us to finish strong. I pray that these last days are your best days. We've come this far and God is faithful, there's no need to doubt that He's doing something in you and through you.

As we enter into to these last days, I pray that you have taken a day or two to do a complete fast. It brings us to a new level of worship. God is doing an awesome thing at Gateway, His Presence in our services is at times overwhelming. I can't wait till we get Heaven when we worship all day long and we bask in His Presence for as long as we live.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 14 - Fast 2009

2009-01-20T13:52:00.004-05:00

We've made it 2 weeks into this fast! Thank You Jesus! We feel the anticipation of what God is about to pour out on us; we believe that, with all that is in us, something big is coming!

God has moved in so many these past 14 days. I'm certain that by the time the fast is over, we will be an awe of what God has done.

Today marks a historical day in American history; we've come far as a nation, but we've still got further to go. We, as a nation, pray for our new President, that God's spirit would fall upon him and that the decisions that he makes in the coming years would be pleasing to God.

In viewing the events today I was struck by a thought that what if all of these people were coming together to praise and worship the living God? How awesome would that be! Sometimes I wonder what God thinks about all of this; they gather together to revere a man, but would they do the same to revere God? I was at the mall this past summer for the Call-DC. Myself and many others from our congregation gathered together to pray for our nation. We cried out to God for our families and our nation. The mall wasn't filled, but we were gathered together with a common cause, to reach out to God.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

I pray that your fast is going well, be strong and continue to pursue God, He'll take you higher than you could ever think or imagine.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 10/11 - Fast 2009

2009-01-17T11:05:00.002-05:00

We've reached the mid-way point! I would say that it's all downhill from here, but spiritually speaking, it's all up hill from here! God is going to take us higher than we've ever been before! I'm encouraged because God had brought us this far and He's going to take us even further!

Don't be discouraged if you haven't made it this far, if you've fallen, get back up and get back on board. God knows your heart, He sees your desire and He still loves you!

I've been reading Nehemiah lately and it seems like he's talking about the world now. In Nehemiah 6:13 it says: "Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest, everyone deals falsely." It's just like the world today, we want what everyone else has, even some of our children fall into the trap. How many of us got Wii's this year because everyone else had one? And please don't take offense because I'm preaching to myself as well.

Nehemiah's plea to the children of Israel was to "return to God". He cried out continuously, he endured physical pain and chastisement for the children of Israel. But they wouldn't listen, they turned the backs on him and on God.

Oh Lord help us to see that You are waiting for us to return to You. This nation, this world is crying out for You, the earth is groaning (earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes) for Your soon coming. Help us Lord to see You more clearly through this fast, renew our covenant Lord that we may serve You and live a life that is pleasing to You.

I pray that your fast is going well. Get to the house of the Lord tomorrow with great expectation, He's waiting there for you.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 9 - Fast 2009

2009-01-15T19:50:00.005-05:00

We have almost reached the half-way point! I'm with Pastor, I think it's easier to do a normal fast and harder to do a Daniel's fast. Is it me or does eating so many fruits and vegetables leave you filling a little bloated sometimes? I think today I'm at the point where I would just rather not eat than to eat the Daniel's fast food.

Service was good and I'll share the "Things to remember about Fasting":

Add extra time to your prayer life and your time in the Word.

Have a clear target for prayer focus.

If you fail, don't give in to condemnation - the Lord will give you fresh motivation to begin again strong.

Make your commitment and determine to finish your fast.

Prepare for some opposition

Expect to hear God's voice through the Word, dreams, visions and those over us in the Lord

Remember, fasting is sacrifice. It's not easy, but we can do it because we do it unto Him.

Do not listen to the lies that nothing is happening. God rewards every person who fasts in faith.

Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results, Many times breakthroughs come not only during a fast - but after and sometimes long after

Expect as you hunger in the flesh during fasting, that you enter into new levels of understanding, anointing and power as your spirit hungers for God

Remember, the purpose of fasting is to align our hearts with God's heart. We are not just trying to get something from God, but we are seeking to realign our heart's affection with His through prayer and fasting.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 8 - Fast 2009

2009-01-14T16:28:00.002-05:00

Happy Hump day! We've gotten half way through the week and now I'm trying to find creative ways to make vegetables and brown rice interesting. Mixing brown rice, black beans, and steamed veggies is very good, but after eating it for a couple of days I'm ready for something different. Tonight is salad night, but I was looking for something hot. If anyone has any good recipes, please feel free to share. I'm sure everyone would appreciate it.

I'm not allowed to eat a lot of green vegetables, so eating celery, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, and cucumbers as a salad can be pretty...uh, not so tasty. I want a big spinach salad with broccoli and cauliflower. I do eat a little bit of spinach and romaine lettuce, but a salad just isn't a salad if it doesn't have a lot of green vegetables!

I'm getting off track, sorry. Today I was in meetings most of the day so I didn't get much time to really get into the Word. I'm glad that church is tonight because I'm feeling like I'm missing out on God today. I'll make up for it later tonight.

I pray that your fast is going well today. I pray that you are hearing God more clearer than what you've heard Him before and that He is showing you things that you've never seen before. One of the things that I've thought about is that it's funny that there is so much buzz about eating organic and using olive oil, sea salt, oats, brown rice, pomegranates, etc., all of the foods that God intended for us to eat and foods that were written about thousands of years ago. Foods that were meant to help your body, foods that the Bible writes about. Thank God that we're waking up to realize that this stuff is good for us and it's what God intended all along. Thank you Lord for helping me see more clearer!

Continue to press on through your fast! Remember greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today!

Day 7 - Fast 2009

2009-01-13T12:10:00.007-05:00

Praise God! We made it through a week of fasting. Today I'm doing a normal fast, just me, water and God! I pray that you take a few days during this 21 days to do a normal fast. It's an awesome time of fellowship with God. I find that I hear God even clearer when I do without food and just seek God.

I've been listening to the revival services from October for the past couple of days while I work. I put my headphones on it's like I'm back there experiencing the worship all over again. If you were there, you know that something was happening during that service, it was so powerful. Some nights I couldn't even sleep, I just found my self staying up and praying through the night. We were so hungry for something more. It's awesome to be able to go back and revisit that atmosphere again. If you weren't there and didn't get an opportunity to hear the most powerful and anointed service, here's an episode from our Podcast that you can listen to.

Well I pray that your fast is going well. Be encouraged and of good cheer, there are only 14 days left! If you've made it this far, you can make it for another 14 days. And if you haven't started yet, what are you waiting for? What is God asking you to do? Aren't you hungry for more of this life than what you have now? Does it feel like something is missing in your life but you just can't put your finger on it? It's God, He's designed us to worship Him. Take a step today and start something big in your life! God will take you to places that you've only dreamed about. God loves you, He wants so much more for you if you would just let Him come into your life and change you forever! Ask Him to come into your life and change you because He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today!

Day 6 - Fast 2009

2009-01-12T20:25:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! It's the start of a new week and we are looking forward to the new heights that God is taking us on this fast. As the days go by it's comforting to know that God is doing a new thing in all of us.

Reading scripture today it's especially comforting to know that this life is not all that there is. In Isaiah 65 we are comforted by the Word that tells us of the "new heaven and new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind." This life is not all there is, there is so much more that God wants to give us if we would only let Him.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14). These words were written thousands of years ago but it's God's desire for us today, turn to Him and not to stuff; rely on Him and not ourselves. It's what this fast is about, humbling ourselves and turning to Him.

I pray that Monday was a great day for you. As we turn our hearts and affections toward God through prayer and fasting, He will turn adversity into victory! Let us desperately go after and hunger for the Presence of the Lord knowing that He will turn:

* Set backs into Triumphs
* Stumbling blocks into Stepping Stones
* Curses into Blessings

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 5 - Fast 2009

2009-01-11T23:44:00.002-05:00

Today was a great day! The anticipation and excitement in church was awesome. Service was filled with this expectancy. It's like were are all excited about what God is doing there. We don't know what it is and we don't know what is coming for us this year, but we know that He's up to something big.

It's the kind of expectation that women with the issue of blood had; we are there seeking God and we know that He's there, if we could just touch Him we know that things would change. We believe that something is changing, the water is being stirred up and God is about to do what He said He would.

Pastor said in service that this fast was about positioning ourselves. I pray that as you continue your fast you would continue to be strong in the Lord, continue to seek His face.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 4 - Fast 2009

2009-01-10T16:57:00.002-05:00

It's the weekend and I find that fasting is actually harder on the weekend because I'm home and there is more food available to me. I have prevailed though, it's just finding the right foods to eat to satisfy you.

I spent a lot of time in the car today so I was listening to the Revival Services from October 08. What an awesome time! There was so much prophecy spoken then and we are seeing a lot of it come to pass and the ones that haven't we are expectantly awaiting what God has spoken. I could spend all day listening to them, it was such a powerful time, God was so real, it was indescribable. I am in awe of God and so blessed to be in fellowship with like-minded people at Gateway; God is real to me there, He's not just some story.

Thank you Lord for all that you are doing, for all that you are going to do, but most of all thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your son to die on a cross for us. We don't deserve it, but we thank you for loving us!

I pray that your fast has gone well today. Go to the House of the Lord tomorrow expecting Him. The Bible says "..for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you..." (I Chronicles 28:9) Seek Him with your whole heart, He's waiting for you, there's so much that He has in store for you, you just have to take the first step.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today!

Day 3 - Fast 2009

2009-01-09T12:38:00.005-05:00

Day 3, only 18 more days to go! I find that as the day goes by the enemy seems to lurk and try to tempt you in every way. Today is the day that I actually started feeling hungry, but unlike a diet, I didn't want to cheat because if I do, I'm doing it to God and not myself. I love myself, but it's easy to cheat on a diet and go back to it later. It's doesn't feel right to cheat on God, maybe that's just me.

Fasting is unlike dieting because my heart's desire is to please God. I so want to be more faithful, more loving, more giving, more of everything that God wants me to be and the only way that I can do that is by fasting. I need this time of clarity to get focused on God and not on the things of life.

Life will mess you up. We spend more time watching things and listening to music that doesn't edify us; we spend our time trying to make more money to buy more stuff and impress more people but are we really happy? In the end what is our life if God is not the center of it and the most important thing on your to-do list?

I pray that if you have never fasted before that perhaps this year would be different, this year you would take time to put God first in your life. Are you in need of a miracle, do you desire a deeper relationship with God, if you have no peace in your life and your life is so chaotic that you find yourself repeating the days over and over again and you seem to go nowhere, then fast. Fast believing that something will change. The women with the issue of blood touched Jesus because she believed that something would change; believe that God is able to do it and then fast and believe that you will receive it. God knows what you need before you ask for it. And lets be clear, wants and needs are different, so don't think that God doesn't know the difference.

I pray that if you are fasting that your fast is going well. Remember this isn't about you, it's about God. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 2 - Fast 2009

2009-01-08T10:38:00.003-05:00

My headache is gone! Thank you Jesus! It really wasn't that bad, I started weaning myself off of the coffee early, so that it wouldn't be as bad. If you are a regular coffee drinker, more than 2 cups a day, I would recommend that if you are going to fast to try to wean yourself off of it over a couple of days. It will be less painful that way.

Last night, service was great! This fast is about positioning ourselves and preparing ourselves for God. We are expecting God to show up, we know that He is. This morning I was reading Isaiah 56 and I was comforted by the fact this salvation is available to everyone! It says "Keep justice, and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness to be revealed." (Isaiah 56:1)

Fasting brings clarity to our lives. I can honestly say that I wish that I would have found out about fasting a long time ago. So many churches in America never fast, none of the Churches that I used to attend did it as a body. I've told friends that I was fasting and it was like I was doing something drastic, they said that they could never do that, that it was too much. Have we become so complacent in America that giving up something for God seems strange or too radical? Giving up chocolate for Lent for 40 days is sacrifice to them. And I'm not putting down the practice, giving up something for God is good, it's just that it could be better. God gave up His son for us, so that we could live; is it too much to ask us to give up food for a few days and seek God? I can point out several references in the Bible where they call for a fast; and it was always before they were about to do something big; they knew to fast and seek God's will. As Americans we need to fast and pray and seek God's will for this country. So much is wrong in our country and in the world, is it any wonder why things are the way that they are? We knew that it was going to happen, it was written in the Bible thousands of years ago that it would. Jesus is coming soon, it's later than you think!

I pray that as you continue with the fast that you will continue to seek God, because "He rewards those who diligently seek Him". Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today.

Day 1 - Fast 2009

2009-01-07T13:48:00.002-05:00

Today is the start of something big, we are all expecting it! We are excited about what God has been doing at Gateway and in our lives and we know that the best is yet to come.

My fast today has gone well. I haven't thought much about the food that I can't eat, I'm more focused on eating the right foods and staying in the word. Pastor has directed us to pray and stay in the word morning, noon and night. Stay focused, remember what this is all about, it's all about God, finding His will for our lives. Seeking His direction and clarity. We can handle the headaches and losing a little weight, but can we honestly handle being without God? He should be the air that we breathe and the water that we thirst for, our cloud by day and fire by night, He's everything that we will ever need. Thank you Lord for loving us enough to send your son and save us all.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today!

The day before fast

2009-01-06T11:11:00.002-05:00

Well today is my last day before we begin the fast. Is it me or does it seem like everything that I'm going to deny myself for the next 21 days is the exact thing that I want to eat? Like I don't usually eat candy, and yet I find myself wanting to eat sugar. I know it's nothing but the enemy trying to make me eat that stuff so that I will have a headache and then want to quit. I try not to give in too much, because "greater is He that is in me than he that is in this world." I didn't drink coffee yesterday and had a slight headache yesterday, so I think that by the time that I start tomorrow, the headaches wont be an issue. Here's to a 2009 that is going to be bigger and better than 2008. I'm declaring that God is going to take us higher than we've ever been before and we will do great things for the Kingdom in 2009! Can I get an Amen to that anyone?

Fasting 2009 - The Year of Expectancy, Fulfillment & Completion

2009-01-04T16:30:00.002-05:00

More behind the scenes...

2008-12-21T23:33:00.011-05:00

These are just a few of the behind the scene pictures that I took from the production. I had planned to do more, but I came down with a case of strep so it slowed me down a bit.

It was actually funny, most of the more that 80+ people who were involved came down with something; the flu bug made it's rounds. I guess being in such close proximity to so many people it was inevitable. We had equipment brake, set off security alarms, sickness, malfunctioning mics, etc., etc. Despite all of that, we all prevailed and many of us still managed to perform, even when we didn't feel 100%. We were determined to not let the enemy get the best of us. The show was too important to us; someone was going to come to know the Good News this Christmas, their life would be changed.

This was my first year being involved in the production and it was great! We were excited about what God was doing and we were having fun fellowshiping. For the past 2 months we were all together and we laughed a lot. I think we may actually go through a period of withdrawal because since before Thanksgiving we were spending every Tuesday and Thursday at practice; add that to the Sundays and Wednesdays that we were there, and it meant that we spent 4 of the 7 days of the week together. We saw each other more than what we probably saw our extended families, but that was okay because we became like a family.

Brother Miguel, aka Scrooge, was excellent; he has this ability to grab every one's attention. I found myself listening for his ad lib's to see what he was going to say next. He truly has a gift! He has the ability to show light-hearted humor and then take it to a different level and become this serious individual and you see his desire to save the lost. I guess that's why he made the perfect Scrooge because he was real.

Then there was Brother Jim's vision for the entire production. God has blessed him with the ability to pull it all together, every aspect of the show. He had spreadsheets for everything, the lighting, the actors, the opening and closing of the scenes, the powerpoints, the music, you name it he had a spreadsheet with it all laid out. That is truly a gift and I'm thankful that Brother Jim had the vision and ability to do it. He is humble and he knows that his gift is from God and he uses it not to uplift himself, but to uplift the Holy One. Thank you Jim for your inspiration!

Pastor Jason and Pastor Shannon, thank you also for the many long hours and all of the "behind the scenes" things that you did. There are so many that I probably don't even know about, but God knows and He sees your hearts and we know that He will bless you for your work.

There are lots of things that all us did for the production, but what I love about Gateway is that it's not about the "who" it's about the "Son". We all do it because our desire is to please the Lord. We don't need to have our names shouted out to everyone to brag about what we've done. We know that God knows and because He knows we don't have to worry about whether or not man knows, because we are looking to our reward in heaven, not here on earth.

I am blessed to be a part of what God is doing at Gateway Ministries.

Please feel free to add your thoughts about the production, funny stories, inspirations, etc.

Behind the scenes of Scrooge

2008-12-15T12:19:00.003-05:00

This Christmas, Gateway Ministries is bringing to the 4-state area the dramatic production, "A modern twist to The Gospel According to Scrooge". We're offering four opportunities to see this message.

Friday, December 12th @ 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 14th @ 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 20th @ 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 21st @ 10:00 a.m.

Our blog is our way of letting you see a little of what happens behind the scenes. The production with cast and crew includes over 85 members who are committed to bringing this message to the area and believing that hearts would be changed and that souls would be saved through this message. Each night we pray for the people that we've invited and we spend time crying out the names of the people that we've invited and pray that their hearts would be open to receive the message.

We've spent countless hours preparing for the production and we pray that you get an opportunity to join us during this most joyous season.

We'll be posting behind the scene pictures, comments from the cast, testimonies and more. We pray that you will be blessed.

Day 21: Fasting

2008-01-29T13:04:00.000-05:00

I pray that these past 21 days have been encouraging for you and you have become more focused on God and His direction for your life.

I have to admit, that initially I was ready for some seafood or a nice juicy steak from somewhere, but now I'm not even hungry for anything. I guess that is good because we will be pressing on for another 21 days. Yes, that's right, if you didn't read my last post, our 21 day fast has been doubled. We are going to shake the foundations so that God can rain down on us.

I'm not sure about you, but it actually hasn't been that bad for me. My trick is to eat fruits and vegetables in the morning all morning and then by lunch time, I'm not hungry for anything. I'll just eat later when it's dinner time. And if you are finding it hard to find something to eat for dinner, I would recommend Green Giant's Simply Steam or Healthy Weight frozen vegetables. They are prepackaged and all you do is throw them in the microwave and viola, you have dinner. My favorites are the garden vegetable medley and the healthy weight. You have that with a sweet potato or maybe some beans and you are good to go. They are very inexpensive and easy to use.

Well, I pray that you are ready for the next 21 days, because God is going to do something big, expect it!

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today! God bless!

Day 19: Fasting

2008-01-27T19:46:00.000-05:00

WOW! What an awesome service today! The presence of God was so real, it was awesome. I pray for those who attend a dry, dead church where they go in on Sundays and leave the same way they came in, unchanged. I can't imagine going anywhere else but Gateway because God is so real to me there and that's not just hype. Come join us one Sunday and you will know what I mean.

So are you ready to press in and press on for a double portion from God? If you missed it, Pastor is calling for us to continue the fast past the 21 days. We are going to go after God and continue to seek Him during this time. If you were late getting started or if you didn't start yet, then I pray that you will jump in and go after God. It has been an awesome 19 days and I'm quite sure that in the next weeks God will show up and show off even more than before.

Well keep your head up and tighten your belt, we are in it for the long run! I pray that you will join us.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today. God bless! :o)

Day 17: Fasting

2008-01-25T11:13:00.000-05:00

It's the home stretch, can't you see the glory clouds? :o)

Is it just me or is eating fruits, vegetables and water getting easier to do? Don't get me wrong, I could still chomp down on a piece of chicken or a nice burger, but it's gotten easier to stay away from it now. I think I could make this a lifestyle change, but still indulge from time to time.

I have a lot of vegetarians where I work and even though I can understand the appeal, I know that God gave us dominion over animals, so it's okay to eat them, in the right way. The Bible says that the smell of animals cooking was pleasing to Him, so if it pleased God it's okay for us to enjoy it too!

Sorry, now that I've got you thinking about meat, just try to stay focused and continue the journey. If you are looking for a good worship CD, I would recommend Jentezen Franklin's worship leader, Ricardo Sanchez, and his new CD from Free Chapel in Gainsville, Georgia- Moving Forward. It's a great CD, it was recorded after they went through their 21-day fast last year. You can listen to it on his MySpace page or see the videos on Jentezen Franklin's Fasting page.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today. Be of good cheer, we only have 4 more days to go! God bless!

Day 15: Fasting

2008-01-23T23:10:00.001-05:00

We are less than a week away from the end of our journey! I pray that this time of fasting has brought change and blessings into your life.

This has been an awesome time and I've been encouraged; I am expectantly waiting for the good things that God has planned for my life and the lives of those around me.

During this time, one scripture that has been in my head for the past couple of weeks has been from Psalm 91. I've been reading it just about every day. It says that "He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways"; "because He loves me" says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him because he acknowledges my name." It's one of my favorite scriptures, because it lets us know that God is always with us, even during the struggles He's there, sending His angels to watch over us.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today. Be of good cheer, we only have 6 days left! :o) God bless you!

Day 13: Fasting

2008-01-21T22:30:00.000-05:00

What an awesome service this past Sunday! God is definitely moving in this fast and what's even more important, you can see that people are truly seeking Him in this fast.

Now that we are almost finished, I can honestly say that it's gone by very quickly. I'm almost starting to like eating fruits and vegetables more than before. I guess as a lifestyle change, it would be good for me to continue to eat more healthier than what I was before. I still like all the "junk" food, but now I know that given a reason, I can stay away from it more so than what I did before. I never had a good reason to do it, but this fast has motivated me and God has made me see the error in my ways.

I hope that your fasting journey has brought you some insight as to what God wants for you. I was speaking to my brother and he has a passion to serve God but has run into road blocks and is frustrated. I suggested he too do a 21 day fast so that he could get clear direction about what God wants for his life. Please agree with me in prayer that God would give him that direction.

It's evident throughout scripture that every time someone had a problem, they fasted and prayed and sought the Lord's direction. I pray that if there is some need in your life if you have never fasted before, that this would be the time to start. Even if it's only for a day or two, sacrifice your flesh to God and seek to find His will for your life. It will change your outlook on life!

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today. Be of good cheer, only 8 days left! God bless! :o)

Day 9: Fasting

2008-01-17T17:12:00.000-05:00

Wow! We've almost made it to the halfway point. It seems to have gone by so quickly. Yesterday I had nothing but water, it was a great day! For as many times as I was tempted to eat something, I was even more compelled to go after God because I knew that depriving myself was like telling God that I wanted more of Him than what I did of my flesh. I even decided to continue that this morning and afternoon before going back to the Daniel fast.

It's funny, I couldn't eat as much as I thought when I did finally eat, sometimes you deprive yourself and think that eating again will be good and then you end up eating a small amount and then you're stuffed. I never thought that steamed potatoes and green beans would taste so good, but boy were they good! :o)

Well I hope that you are doing well on your fast and if you haven't started, it's never too late to start. God rewards those who diligently seek Him, so why not start today! Be of good cheer, we've made it this far and we only have 12 more days to go!

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today!

Day 8: Fasting

2008-01-16T17:46:00.000-05:00

Today I did a normal fast, nothing but water. It's almost 6 pm and I can honestly say that I don't feel real hungry. I spent the day listening to the Bible, which if you are still struggling to read the bible all the way through, listening to it may help you to get motivated. I listen through Biblegateway.com the narrator sounds so profound when he speaks, it really grabs my attention.

One thing that I can say about reading the Bible through is that I learned that the children of Israel were, for lack of a better term, a "bunch of knuckleheads". It was like over and over, they disobeyed God and just did there own thing. But the thing that I learned was that despite their failures, God loved them and continues to love them. He's the God of second chances, actually more than seconds, he's given them chances over and over again because He never forsakes anyone, His love is everlasting.

Well, I'm getting ready for service, so be of good cheer, it's going on day 9, that means there are only 13 days to go. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today!

Day 7: Fasting

2008-01-15T21:25:00.000-05:00

It's been a great start to fasting, the first 7 days have gone by very quickly! I'm looking forward to the next 14 days and all that God has planned for all of us who have taken the challenge to sacrifice ourselves and go after God.

I'm going to go for a total fast tomorrow. I've been fasting through lunch and just going for a light dinner or sometimes no dinner at all. I usually feel kind of bloated sometimes eating all the fruits and vegetables, so I really can't eat much by the end of the day. Now that I'm older, I'm one of those people who likes vegetables, they just don't seem to like me! :o)

I'm also going to get my blood level checked tomorrow. I'm sure with all of the vegetables I've been eating my levels are probably too low, but oh well, I'm going after God and He's holding me in His hand and regardless of what the numbers say, I'm feeling better than I've felt in a long time. I really struggle with this up and down blood level thing, they told me before that it's almost impossible to eat healthy on blood thinners because of the limitations you have to adhere to with vegetables. I don't think that they know that "nothing is impossible with God"!

When my blood levels are high, or "within range", I'm fine, when they are low, I feel fine, but when they are really high, I feel really bad. It's crazy because I have to live with this "for the rest of my life". But, it's like my "thorn in the side" that keeps me close to God and I'm okay with that, but I'm still believing God to turn it around.

So, we made it through the first 7 days and we only have 14 more to go, so be of good cheer and continue to press on! Be blessed and be a blessing to someone! :o)

Day 6: Fasting

2008-01-15T09:40:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I didn't get on the blog yesterday, this is my post for Day 6.

Now that it's the start of another work week, I find that fasting is easier when I'm at work. I'm feeling better each day and surprising I'm not hungry for non-fasting type foods.

It's been relatively easy to do with God's help. My trick is to eat fruits and vegetables in the morning, about every hour and then by noon, I'm so stuffed, I can fast through lunch and not eat again until dinner time.

It seems like the 21 days will be over before I know it. It's been a good experience so far. I can honestly say that some of the physical alignments that I had before I started seemed to have disappeared with God's help, praise God! I think my focus has been more toward God and less toward the problem because I've already been healed by His stripes, I just have better eyesight to know that "greater is He that is in me that He that is in the world."

Be blessed and remember, that there are only 15 days to go! :o)

Day 4/5: Fasting

2008-01-13T17:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry I missed updating Day 4 this is day 4/5 combined.

I find that it gets easier as the days go by to fast. I don't wake up hungry or craving caffeine. But I do like to drink hot beverages, so I end up drinking hot work in place of coffee. It's a little strange, but it satisfies my need.

My times in the morning with God have been good and if I can make a suggestion if you don't already do this, make this the first thing you say before your feet touch the floor, "thank you Lord, for another day". It's giving thanks for the "little" things. It's like putting God first when you start your day and along with praying and reading the Bible, it will help get your day on the right start. Remember, we are to give thanks in all things!

Saturday I went to the mall and even though I had a hearty breakfast with fruits and vegetables, I thought that I would get something while I was there for lunch, but not surprising, the enemy was still looming. I went to McDonald's for the fruit and walnut salad and they were all out and then I went to the Steak and Potato for a plain potato and a small salad and they were out of potatoes and salad. How crazy is that, the Steak and Potato restaurant didn't have any baked potatoes! They had all the fried potatoes that I could want, but not bake potatoes.

The enemy was determined that I would be forced to eat what was there, so I just opted for OJ and sat and watched my daughter eat chicken nuggets and fries. It wasn't really that bad, I watched other people eat and it made me realize how overindulged we are as an "overweight" nation. Seeing people stuff themselves with fried, over processed salty food made me not want to eat it anymore. From young to old and white, black, Hispanic, you name it, they were all doing the same thing. I'm not saying that I'm perfect because had there not been a fast, I would have been one of them indulging. I guess fasting helps you to see clearer what you couldn't see before. Thank you Lord for better eyesight!

Sunday was an awesome service, the presence of God was so real today. God rewards those that diligently seek Him and there were many who are going after God, myself included.

As a final thought, if you haven't joined the fast, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and join in. God will move if you let Him, but you have to first seek Him. And if you've been on it for a few days and have stumbled, don't beat yourself up about it, just jump back in and try again. God will forgive you because He sees your heart and knows that you try. Remember He rewards those that diligently seek Him!

Be blessed and have an awesome Day 6! Only 16 more days to go!

God bless

Day 3: Fasting

2008-01-11T23:54:00.000-05:00

As the days go by it gets easier, but don't you find that the enemy is always lurking trying to tempt you at every corner?

My trip to the grocery store today and they are having their meat special, 20% off all of the meat you can stuff into a bag. It figures, right when I'm fasting, meat would go on sale! I bought some anyway and stuck it in the freezer for later.

Blogging is fun, but sometimes I think it's just me talking to myself and no one is listening. It's just the enemies way of trying to discourage what I do. I know that there are people all over the world that could be reading this and with all of the prayer requests we've received recently, there are "seekers" out there looking for something real and it's a relationship with the living God. So my fast continues and as I draw closer to God I know that somehow my words may uplift someone at just the right time. I'm cleansing myself of all the junk I've filled it with this past year and I'm feeling better and encouraged that I'll make it through...only 18 days to go!

One song that's been on my mind all day is Mercy Me's "Bring the Rain" . The chorus is: Bring me joy, bring me peace bring the chance to be free bring me anything that brings You glory And I know there'll be days when this life brings me pain but if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain. It's profound and really encourages me through this fast.

So if I had to leave a final thought, it's to press on and continue to fast even though it may be difficult to stay on track, it's this time that we'll draw closer to Him. And the best part is that God forgives us even when we get off track! Be blessed and continue to praise Him for the little things! :o)

Day 2: Fasting

2008-01-10T14:35:00.000-05:00

I woke up earlier than usual today. I didn't realize that I forgot to set my alarm, but the Holy Spirit woke me up anyway.

It's been a good day, the headache is gone and I'm feeling pretty good today! I'm proud of myself because today was our lunch day (every month we go out to celebrate someones birthday) and I skipped it. I spent the quiet time listening to Jentezen Franklin's podcast. If you ever need some spiritual encouragement for fasting, he's got a lot of resources.

One of the challenges that I have had fasting is trying to figure out what to eat. I'd like to eat a big spinach salad, but I'm limited to what I can and can't eat because I have to watch my Vitamin K intake. I know, that sounds crazy, but it's just something that I've come to accept. What foods are high in Vitamin K you ask....oh the good ones: spinach, broccoli, kale, lettuce, cabbage...even mayonnaise is high in Vitamin K! I'm allowed to eat "small portions" but I have to limit them which means that my primary vegetable intake consists of carrots, radishes, celery, beets, potatoes, and green beans. Doesn't exactly sound yummy, but it's about the end result, getting closer to God and I'm beliving God for miracles and wonders so I press on.

I hope that your Day 2 was good and be of good cheer, because we only have 19 days left! :o)

God bless!

Day 1: Fasting

2008-01-09T15:50:00.000-05:00

I started today out with prayer and reading Daniel 10. I've been reading through the Bible (Genesis to Revealtion) again and for the past 2 days I've been in Daniel. I guess it's totally God that I ended up in Daniel when I started the fast.

It was a good morning/afternoon but now the enemy is hard at work because the headache started already. I'm not quiting though, I'm determined to make it through with God's help.

I'm encouraged because 2008 seems to be a different kind of year and I'm looking forward to what God has planned for me this year.

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