Prayer & Fasting Devotional

------------“I Will Build My Church”

Day 1 --------------------August 17th

“And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it’” Matthew 16:17-18 Welcome to our 30 Days of Prayer and Fasting, which will focus on the church. Why the church? Because we’re at a very important point in our church’s history and we need to be praying about many aspects of the church. Let’s start at the beginning.

In the above verse, Jesus had just asked His disciples who they believed Him to be. Peter replied that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. In response to this wonderful statement of faith, Jesus revealed His plan: to build His church. That’s it. That’s what Jesus came to do. His whole life’s purpose was wrapped around the church. Those who repent and accept by faith Christ’s sacrifice on the cross as payment for their sins immediately become His followers, and as such, members of His church. What a glorious calling and legacy. There’s nothing more significant in life than joining Jesus in this holy endeavor.

Thank the Father today for sending His Son for the purpose of building His church. Can you imagine our world, country, state, or community without the church? Can you imagine your life without HHBC? Specifically, consider what a difference the church has made in your life, and the lives of your family members. Thank the Lord for those many blessings.

Day 2 -------------------August 18th

“Paul, an apostle - not sent from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead - and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen” Galatians 1:1-5 As we saw yesterday, Jesus’ primary purpose was to build the church. Scripture clearly teaches that the church is made up of people not buildings—people who, like Paul, have come to faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. As we saw yesterday, Jesus told Peter he was blessed because of his faith. You also are blessed if you believe in Jesus, have repented of your sins, and have by faith turned to Christ as your Lord and Savior. In fact, there’s no greater blessing than being a follower of Christ. In today’s verse, Paul says that two elements of His blessings to us are grace and peace.

What a wonderful truth, that we have grace and peace from God thanks to our acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice. Think of it, we have two of things most non-believers seek, but can’t find outside of a relationship with Jesus.

Thank God today for His great plan for the church and for you as part of His church. Thank Him for the grace and peace that are yours eternally. As you partner with Jesus, His church is being built on the grace and peace that now characterize you. What a privilege to be part of His plan!

Day 3 ------------------August 19th

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” Ephesians 1:22-23 Scripture teaches that Jesus’ church has two components. The first is the universal church, which is made up of all believers past, present, and future. That’s what today’s verse is referring to. The moment a person comes to saving faith in Jesus, he or she becomes a part of the universal church, adding to Jesus’ work of building His church. Sometimes the universal church is referred to as the “invisible church,” in contrast to the second component, the visible local church.

Father, what a blessing it is to be a co-member of the universal church with Peter, Paul, John, Timothy, and millions of others. What a humbling reality. Scripture tells how you used many of them to help build your Kingdom. I pray you’ll show me how I can serve you to that same end.

Day 4 ------------------August 20th

“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with gladness and generous hearts, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” Acts 2:46-47 Yesterday we learned there are two components to Jesus’ church: the universal church and the local church. Local churches are the visible expression of the universal church, and likewise they are made up of believers. Unlike the universal church, however, believers don’t automatically join the local church. They must choose to do so. The first local church was the Jerusalem church (described in the verses above), which was founded at Pentecost.

Like us, it was a big church – over 3000 members at that point.

And like us there was great unity and joy in purpose and worship, which God blessed immensely.

Father, thank You for Henderson Hills, my local church. Thank You for leading me here to be part of Your local plan to build Your church.

Thank You for my Christian brothers and sisters who make up HHBC; they are my friends and church family. I pray we will all be united around Your purpose.

Day 5 ------------------August 21st

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfast hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 Paul began his first letter to the church at Thessalonica by expressing his love and appreciation for the church there. He understood the incredible value of Christians who are committed to answering Christ’s call to a “work of faith and labor of love,” which is how Jesus works through followers to build His church. Paul’s choice of words such as work and labor indicate that it won’t be easy, but there’s no endeavor more important or rewarding.

Thank the Lord today for the privilege of being part of His “work of faith and labor or love” of building the church. If you aren’t currently involved in a church ministry, ask Him to lead you to one at the right time. If you are plugged into ministry, meditate on the many blessings which have come through serving, and then pray the Lord will give you the wisdom, knowledge, and drive to continue to serve. Thank you for serving.

Day 6 ------------------August 22nd

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” Matthew 28:19–20 These verses, often referred to as the Great Commission, broadly define the “work of faith and labor of love” Christians are called to undertake. In other words, they define the purpose of the church.

What are we supposed to do? Make disciples.

There are two elements to becoming a disciple. The first is accepting the gospel call to repent of our sins and place our faith in Christ as evidenced by baptism. The second is learning the biblical truths that Jesus taught. Everything we do as a church should contribute to those two goals.

Think back on your life. Who shared the gospel with you? Who led you in prayer to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Who baptized you? Do you remember when those events happened? Recall some of the people who invested in your life by teaching you scriptural truths—family members, small group leaders, preachers, worship leaders, and others. Thank God for them and their faithful participation in the “work of faith and labor of love” that impacted your life for God’s Kingdom.

Day 7 ------------------August 23rd

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” Romans 1:16 The gospel is the most important element to making disciples.

Somewhere along the line, every disciple of Jesus was told the gospel by some other disciple. Every disciple—Peter, John, you, me— turned to Christ as Lord and Savior in response to the gospel.

What is the gospel? Can you verbalize it from memory? It’s simply this: 1. God created everything, and therefore, we are accountable to Him. 2. We (mankind) have sinned against God and will be judged.

3. But God has acted in Jesus Christ to save us.

4. We take hold of that salvation with our response of repentance from sin and faith in Jesus.

(A simple way to remember the gospel is: God, Man, Christ, Response.)

Thank God today for His plan of salvation, the gospel, which is made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice. It is the foundation of the church.

Take a few minutes and review the four elements of the gospel message. Is there someone you know who needs to hear it? Begin a “work of faith” by asking God to orchestrate an opportunity to share the gospel with that person. Remember, our call is to share, but the person’s response is left up to God.

Day 8 ------------------August 24th

“Then Jesus came up from Galilee to the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming to rest on Him, and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” Matthew 3:13–15 Why do we require people to be scripturally baptized before they can join HHBC? Because Jesus commanded that believers be baptized (see Day 6). Although baptism doesn’t save, clearly Jesus ascribed great importance to it as the first and most visible testimony of a decision to repent from sin and follow Christ by faith as Lord and Savior. As we read above, Jesus Himself provided our example of the need for all believers to be baptized. Baptism is also the first opportunity for every believer to share his or her faith.

Think back on your baptism. When was it? Was it a joyous day?

Have you told others about it? What a great, non-threatening way to begin a spiritual conversation. Thank God for baptism and pray for those you observe being baptized in the future.

If you’ve accepted Christ, but have never been baptized, commit to resolving that issue as soon as possible.

Father, thank you for a church that values baptism. I pray you will continue to stir HHBC’s baptismal waters often in the years ahead.

Day 9 ---------------------August 25th

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” Matthew 28:19–20 The second part to making disciples is to teach them all that Jesus commanded. Right? Wrong. We are to teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded. Now the most important part of this is learning biblical truth, but Jesus knew that knowledge without application would accomplish little towards building His Kingdom. So we must not only learn Scripture, but we must also apply it–observe it. Jesus broke Scripture application down into two simple commands: (1) “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37), and (2) “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39).

Are you a student of Scripture? Do you study it regularly? Do you hear it taught in church, worship, and in your small group? Have you taken advantage of the many men’s and women’s Bible studies offered at HHBC? Have you considered going deeper by participating in HTI? Are you applying scriptural truth in your daily routine?

Today, pray God would increase your enthusiasm for Bible study.

Pray He would show you how you can better observe all that Jesus taught.

Day 10 ---------------------August 26th

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you many discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:2 We mentioned yesterday that learning God’s Word is absolutely essential in our development as disciples of Jesus. Romans 12:2 tells us why this is true. As our minds are renewed by the spiritual input of God’s Word, our lifestyles will be continually transformed to become more Christ-like. As such, we come to desire God’s will, not our own will, for our life. But only by being renewed spiritually in our minds can we ascertain, do, and enjoy the will of God for us and His church.

Father, you have provided so many opportunities for me to study the Bible. Give me a hunger to increasingly feed on your Word. I long to have my mind renewed through the input of scriptural truth. Motivate me to be a serious student of the Bible and to take advantage of additional opportunities to enjoy you through Bible studies at HHBC. I long to be transformed more and more so I can discern and do your good and acceptable and perfect will.

Day 11 ---------------------August 27th

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing” James 1:22–25 Hearing God’s Word taught and studying the Bible are absolutely essential. But we mustn’t stop there. We are called not only to learn Scripture but also to apply it to our lives. These verses tell us that hearing God’s Word without acting upon it is self-deceptive, but hearing that results in doing is a blessing. Indeed, the Great Commission can’t be accomplished unless we learn and apply Christ’s commands.

Father, I realize I have learned more Scripture than I’ve applied. Help me to be a more faithful doer of the Word. I pray you would open my eyes to specific areas of my life where I can better apply your Word.

Show me my shortcomings, and give me the courage to live in a more Christ-like manner.

Day 12 ---------------------August 28th

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37).

Yesterday we saw the importance of not just learning God’s Word but putting it into practice. Jesus provided us with two specific areas for our biblically based actions. The first (and we’ll cover the second in a few days) is we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind—a tall order indeed. What does that look like? What are some specific commands Jesus gave us in order to love God? At the heart of loving God is worship. Jesus said, “God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). This verse speaks to God’s essence (spirit) and His authority (truth). When we worship, we must recognize His essence and submit to His authority. Additionally, the verbs in this verse (worship, must worship) are all present tense, meaning worship should be a continual element of our lifestyle.

Worship Him now through prayer. Acknowledge Him for who He is, praying back to Him as many of His attributes as you can, and then submit to His authority in your life. What specifically will you do today to submit to His authority?

Day 13 ---------------------August 29th

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6 Yesterday we saw that we love God as we worship Him. We also express our love to God in an ongoing prayer life.

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of a robust prayer life: “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1); “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17); and “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14).

In today’s hectic world it’s often difficult to carve out time to pray.

But as we do so despite competing priorities, we express our love of God and His priority in our lives.

A wise man once gave this advice regarding prayer: “Begin your day with prayer, end your day with prayer, punctuate your day with prayer.”

Thank Him now for the wonder of prayer. What an expression of His love for us—that He hears and responds to our prayers. What are you anxious about today? Money? Job? Family? Friends? Whatever it might be, love God enough to lay that concern before Him through prayer, and be thankful that He can lift that burden from you.

Day 14 ---------------------August 30th

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” John 13:14–15 Today we’ll examine one more way we express our love for God. We express our love to the Lord as we do as Jesus commanded— humbly serve others.

In Matt. 20:26-28 Jesus said this: “’It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.’”

The key to Jesus’ teaching is not just that we are to serve others, but that we are to do so humbly. Paul said, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). This attitude is very much countercultural in today’s society. It requires a continual focus on loving God in this manner.

Pray that today, through the Holy Spirit’s power, you’d exhibit a consistent attitude of Christian humility. Make that part of your daily prayers. Ask the Father to show you areas of your life which need to migrate from pride to humility. Do this daily also. Then ask Him to lead you to works of humble service in the church. Remember, humility is a journey, not a destination.

Day 15 ---------------------August 31st

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:39 This is the second category of how Jesus said we are to be doers of the Word: loving others. We’re going to take a few days to look as some very specific ways Scripture tells us to do that.

First let’s return to the concept of worship. Obviously our weekly corporate gathering is to primarily worship God and study His Word. But there’s another extremely important dimension to it.

Jesus not only expects us to worship corporately every weekend, but also to be a motivator and encourager to others as they pursue an obedient Christian walk as defined in the Bible.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as your see the Day drawing near” Hebrews 10:24–25 Do you have a plan for encouraging someone this coming weekend? Consider making this part of your weekly preparations to worship at HHBC. Who in your church family needs to be stirred up? Who needs to be encouraged? Perhaps it’s a friend, family member, Small Group member, or ministry partner. Pray that God will bring their name to mind and then trust Him to give you an encouraging word to pass on to them this Lord’s day.

Day 16 ---------------------September 1st

“And when you fast…” (Matthew 6:16). “But when you fast…”

(Matthew 6:17).

Today marks the halfway point of our “30 Days of Prayer and Fasting.” Thank you for praying, but have you been fasting?

Did you know that fasting incorporates both elements of Jesus’ Great Commandment, to love God and others? You see, fasting is more than just not eating; it’s also about prayer (loving God). But it’s not just about prayer either; it’s about a heart of service (loving others). THE definitive Scripture about fasting is found in Isaiah 58:3–9. There God defines an acceptable fast as one where we live for others rather than ourselves (v. 3), make peace with those with whom issues exist (v. 4), humble ourselves (v. 5), treat others fairly (v. 6), and help the poor (v. 7).

If you haven’t fasted as part of these special 30 days, please consider doing so. Fasting over our concern for God’s work at HHBC is very biblical (see Nehemiah 1:1–4 where the prophet fasted out of concern for God’s work regarding the walls of Jerusalem) and is a deep expression of love and obedience to the Lord.

Ask God now to give you the strength to try fasting, and that you’ll have the right motives when you do.

Day 17 ---------------------September 2nd

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” Galatians 5:14 This Scripture quotation sounds so easy, yet it presents one of our greatest challenges as Christians. You see, Jesus taught that our “neighbor” includes our enemies. “’You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’” Matthew 5:43–44 The word Jesus used for “love” expresses an attitude of selfless giving towards another, irrespective of a grateful response. We are to live out this command all the time. Not only that, but Jesus taught in Matt. 18:15 that we are to actively pursue reconciliation with those who have wronged us. This is an incredibly countercultural concept and challenges us greatly.

So who is your enemy today? Who has done you wrong? Pray that God would reveal their names to you and lead you to a biblical attitude and action of loving them and resolving your differences.

Do you need to forgive them? Do you need to ask for their forgiveness? Seek God’s leadership on these important issues today.

Day 18 ---------------------September 3rd

“Then Peter came up and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven’” Matthew 18:21-22 Yesterday we mentioned the need to forgive others—even our enemies. At one point Peter asked Jesus how many times should he forgive someone who sins against him. As many as seven times? Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness when He said, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven” Matthew 18:22 What does it mean to truly forgive? It’s more than just saying those words. In fact, true forgiveness involves a commitment to do four things: (1) not to dwell on the incident, and when it comes to mind do something else to take your mind off of it; (2) to never bring it up again to use it against the person you’ve supposedly forgiven; (3) to never talk to others about it; and (4) not to allow it to hinder your relationship with that other person—in other words, to restore the relationship to what it was before the incident occurred.

So whom do you need to truly forgive today? Are there people you now realize you’ve never truly forgiven? Pray about this. If God convicts you, go to them and love them by expressing your new commitment to truly forgive. If you do, both of you will be blessed.

Thank God for those who have loved you enough to truly forgive you for past offenses you’ve committed.

Day 19 ---------------------September 4th

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you” 1 Thessalonians 3:12 Jesus had a marvelous ability of expressing deeply challenging truths in incredibly simple and brief statements. For example, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12 Most of us will often blithely quote this “golden rule” without remembering that it’s a command from Jesus for us to live this way all the time. If only we would remember it before we speak or act.

You’d think this would come naturally for believers, but it doesn’t.

What a great addition to your daily prayer—to pray for the wisdom to speak and act as Jesus commanded.

Do you look down on, ridicule, marginalize, or make fun of some people you come in contact with? Jesus said to put yourself in their shoes. Would you want to be treated that way? How would you want to be treated?

Ask Jesus today to provide, through the Holy Spirit’s power, the discernment to consider other’s feelings before you speak or act.

As you go through your day, pray before you go into that meeting, business lunch, or time with family, that all your words and actions would reflect Jesus.

Day 20 ---------------------September 5th

“’I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me’” Matthew 25:36 Jesus explains what loving your neighbor means by telling the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29–37). Please read it now.

The parable emphasizes seven points: 1. Your neighbor may include someone you don’t know personally.

2. It is their need that qualifies them as your neighbor, nothing else.

3. Loving others is often inconvenient.

4. Loving others often requires involvement and sacrifice.

5. Loving others validates our love for God, rather than our title.

6. Those who truly love others might surprise you.

7 Loving others should be motivated by a compassionate heart.

Are you a “good Samaritan?” If not, why not? Do any of the above seven points need shoring up in your life? Read them again. Carefully consider how each applies to your life now and what you many need to change. Please pray today for God to motivate you in that direction, and to perhaps even open a door of opportunity to love another.

Day 21 ---------------------September 6th

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” 1 John 5:1 Thus far we’ve seen that Jesus builds His church through us as we share the gospel, learn Scripture, and apply it by loving God and others. Now let’s take a glimpse at the difference it makes. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:34–35 Jesus truly loved His disciples while he walked the earth and continues to love them (us) today. The greatest expression of that love was His sacrifice on the cross, the gospel.

In these verses Jesus is telling us that by loving others as He did— by living out the gospel daily—others will notice. Our mutual love for one another is our nonverbal expression of the impact the gospel has had in our lives. Jesus is telling us that our love for one another is an important element of evangelism.

Through prayer today, commit to God to be a more serious lover of Christ’s church by reflecting His love for it (remember, the church is people). Begin today to preach the gospel to yourself daily (see Day 7), and then pray for God, through the Holy Sprit’s power, to guide you in living out the gospel as you love God and others.

Day 22 ---------------------September 7th

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” 1 Corinthians 12:12 Yesterday we discussed Jesus’ call for us to love the church (other believers at HHBC). Why? One reason is because others outside the church will notice. But there’s another reason, which Paul articulated in his letter to the Ephesians: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” Ephesians. 4:1–3 We are called to eagerly maintain unity and peace in the church through love, humility, gentleness, and patience towards one another. Is that your testimony? Do you look for opportunities to promote unity and peace in the church, or do you sometimes compromise them on the altar of pride? Remember that humility, patience, and gentleness promote both corporate unity and personal peace.

Those are great goals to strive for through the Holy Spirit’s power.

Pray for unity and peace in your life and in your church. Pray also that you’ll be strengthened in the areas of love, humility, gentleness, and patience. It’s what God’s Kingdom is built upon.

Day 23 ---------------------September 8th

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” Mark 16:15 Let’s return to Jesus’ basic marching order to his church: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). This is Jesus’ call to Henderson Hills—that at our heart we will be mission-minded. On October 30, 1994, eighteen HHBC members left on our first adult mission trip. They spent five days in Belize (Central America) as part of a medical mission trip, sharing the gospel and ministering in other ways as well. Through God’s power, we’ve grown from that humble beginning to a church which has sent out hundreds of missionary teams to every major continent. We’ve seen thousands of people come to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior, and we’ve planted many churches in these locations.

As wonderful as all that is, it doesn’t mean we’ve arrived, or that we should rest on those blessings. Rather it means we should continue to press on to be even more “missional” as the Lord leads.

Praise God today for His work through HHBC, which has transformed us into a seriously mission-minded church. This change has had a wonderful impact for His Kingdom, and at the same time has grown many of us spiritually as we’ve personally experienced the wonder of Jesus’ Great Commission—the glory of putting hands and feet to the gospel. Pray for God to continue this work at HHBC in ever-expanding ways. Have you asked God how you should support missions at HHBC?

Day 24 ---------------------September 9th

“’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor’” Luke 4:18-19 Yesterday we saw how God has changed HHBC in the ministry area of missions over the past 20 years. He’s changed us in other ministry areas as well. Let’s look at one.

On January 2, 2002, Henderson Hills took a huge step of faith when our first Ministries of Jesus (MOJ) Clinic opened. Based on a vision God gave Dennis years before, the clinic’s goal was to adopt Jesus’ ministries, as specified in Luke 4:18, as our ministries. As such, MOJ volunteers began ministering to the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. Today there are two MOJ clinics: the main one on our campus property and a new one which recently opened in Nicaragua. They provide literally millions of dollars of free spiritual, medical, dental, and counseling care every year to those in need.

Praise God today for this incredible change at HHBC. To minister as Jesus ministered is the heartbeat of Henderson Hills. What a privilege to witness this ministry transformation over time and to know the incredible difference it is making in so many lives. Thank you Jesus!

Day 25 ---------------------September 10th

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Henderson Hills Baptist Church was founded as a mission of First Baptist Church Edmond. On May 3, 1964, the first worship service was held, with 134 people attending. Today, on average over 2600 people attend worship. We’ve sure seen a lot of changes.

Prior to 1993, our church had no purpose statement, vision statement, or principles of ministry. That all changed following a staff retreat that spring when God defined our future direction by giving them to us. The first (of ten) principle of ministry best captures the overall direction of HHBC: “The Bible is our authority.”

Since 1993 we’ve had to make a lot of important decisions. Questions have come up about our form of church government, relationships with other churches, and church traditions. We’ve always opted to make our decisions based on Scripture. Period. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been right to do so.

Today, thank God that He has changed your church into one that puts the truth of His Word above all else. Thank Him that your church seeks to apply His Word in all situations. Thank Him that your church isn’t afraid to pursue biblically based change. And thank Him that your church isn’t afraid to make the difficult, right decisions instead of easy, wrong decisions.

Day 26 ---------------------September 11th

“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 The changes at HHBC in 1993 ushered in a new commitment to the Bible as our church’s sole authority. One of the biggest changes occurred in 1997 when we realized Scripture teaches that elders are to lead the church, and we installed five men as our initial Elder Council. Today we have twenty-one active elders who dearly love Henderson Hills. Each has undergone an extensive screening process, meets the biblical qualifications, and has been endorsed by the church. Their task is to lead, feed, care for, and protect the church.

They routinely deal with extremely weighty issues, and they, and their families, seem too often to be under spiritual attack.

Please pray for our elders today. Ask God to protect them and their families, guide them, and grant them wisdom as they pursue their leadership calling. Please pray for each man specifically: Aaron Ferguson, Allen Rice, Bill Muenker, Craig McClain, Chris Newkirk, Dennis Newkirk, George Carlton, Les Miller, Joe Williams, Kevin Nicolin, Kim Swyden, Mark Wood, Micah Kersh, Pete Hammett, Ramiro Rangel, Rick Johnson, Rob Hunt, Rod Castor, Steve Merrill, Tony Capucille, and Wally Weaver.

Please make it a habit to pray for them routinely in the future.

Day 27 ---------------------September 12th

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:1-2 The Bible prescribes two offices in the church. The first is elder.

The second is deacon. HHBC has a long history of having a dedicated deacon body. For decades our deacons have ministered faithfully, often behind the scenes, as true servants of Christ.

They serve individually in many ministries of the church, and corporately have active ministries of mercy which care for widows, help those who are less able to deal with many practical issues of life, and provide tangible benevolence assistance during times of need.

It is the deacons who prepare the Lord’s Supper elements for us to gratefully partake of during worship services, and who quietly visit church members and friends of HHBC who are hospitalized. They truly reflect the heart of Jesus within our local body of believers.

Thank God today for our deacons. They serve out of love for HHBC, and we should love them in return. Pray that God will give them great wisdom, spiritual and physical strength and compassion, and will protect them and their families as they faithfully follow Christ in response to their calling. We are indeed blessed to have such a godly group of deacons.

Day 28 ---------------------September 13th

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” Hebrews13:16 At the very heart of the church is sacrifice based on love. Jesus founded the church by His sacrifice on the cross. It was the ultimate expression of His love for us, the church. The early church spread because of the sacrifices of the apostles. Paul probably is the best example of how they sacrificed everything for the church.

Throughout history Christians have sacrificed for the church because they loved the church. Revelation teaches that sacrifice will continue until Jesus returns. So from beginning to end, sacrifice is integral to the fabric of the church.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” Romans 12:1. I n this verse, “bodies,” refers to the totality of who we are—our thoughts, priorities, and decisions regarding our money, time, and talents, to name a few. Are we called to sacrifice at HHBC? Absolutely!

As you pray today, consider your level of sacrificial support (priorities of time, talents, treasure, and others) to HHBC. Would they be considered sacrificial by others if they knew of them? Pray about it as you sense God’s leading.

Day 29 ---------------------September 14th

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Change is another constant we’ve seen through the history of Jesus’ church. The message of the gospel hasn’t changed, but the methods used to communicate it and reach people for Christ have, and they must continue to adapt as needed.

In the gospels Jesus used a wide variety of methods to communicate His message of repentance (parables, commands, miracles, direct confrontation, tender ministries of mercy, and personal example). And in 1 Cor. 9:19–23, Paul shares how he adjusted his methods so he could more effectively share the gospel.

The lesson is clear. We too must be willing to change and adapt for the sake of the gospel. This weekend some proposed changes to HHBC will be revealed. Pray that God would give us all open minds and hearts willing to embrace reasonable, biblically based change, for the sake of the gospel. We all must be willing to pursue change for the long-term good of our church.

Day 30 ---------------------September 15th

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:26 Today marks the final day of our “30 Days of Prayer and Fasting.”

Our focus has been on the church–specifically on Jesus building His church. He’s been building His church for 2000 years by working through imperfect people who’ve accepted His free gift of forgiveness and salvation. But He only works through us as we are willing to walk in obedience.

His calling has always been for us to serve Him by joining in His labor of love to build His church. In fact, there is no higher calling, no greater endeavor, and no more lasting legacy than partnering with Jesus to build His church. He’s equipped us with His Word and individual spiritual gifts to do that. All that remains is for us to yield to His leadership.

Today as we complete our “30 Days of Prayer and Fasting,” ask Jesus how He would have you join Him in this on-going vital work.

As the elders reveal their understanding of Christ’s leadership, be willing to step out and faith in activly support that vision.

Conclude your 30 days of prayer by thanking God today that you’re part of a local body of believers willing to risk for Christ for the sake of His church. Join in the journey. Pray for God to lead you personally in this holy endeavor. Amen.

Thank you for fasting and praying.

Henderson Hills Baptist Church 2013 30 Days of Prayer & Fasting Guide Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright Š 2000; 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.

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