3 minutes in worship 6 minutes in the word 5 minutes in prayer
“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”
Matthew 6:33,
MSG
28-DAY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE Every year, the majority of us make a list of resolutions that seem to disappear by the third month of the year. Somehow, we loose the momentum to push forward with the many things we want to change in the New Year. This year, it will be different. Through this devotional, we want to move beyond resolutions into lifestyle. We are going to explore four lifestyle changes that will position us for 365 days of fulfillment, growth, and impact. The goal of the 365 Devotional is to kick start your year with a “God First” attitude. Allow God to be first in all of your actions, thoughts, decisions, and efforts. Let Him direct you, which in turn, will bring success to all you do. Let’s start the year this way consistently for 28 days; it will surely become a part of every day life. When we engage God through prayer and bible reading, we experience a continuation of His very presence. This action draws us closer to Him and positions us to live out a fulfilling year! What you read, pray, and do should be very personal to you; a personal devotion to God.
PERSONAL
DEVOTION -noun
1. The act of making room for God to speak to us through His Word.
2. Listening for God’s voice (vital to experiencing a God-first life.)
-verb
1. Reading the Word and discovering the character of God, then applying Scriptures in real-time.
LIVE 365 PRAYER@11am Thursday’s lunch hour from 11AM – 1PM at the i5 CHURCH Campus will be a time of prayer and worship. Join us on your lunch break as we make time to seek God.
WHAT IS A DANIEL FAST? In the book of Daniel, we find two different times where Daniel fasted. In Chapter 1, he only ate vegetables and drank water. In Chapter 10, while it doesn’t state what specific diet he was on, it does state he ate no rich (choice) foods, as well as no meat or wine. Based on these two scenarios, we can say that either of these, or combinations of them, constitutes a Daniel Fast. It is important to know that there is nothing inherently more spiritual about one type of fast over the other. It is an intentional decision to deny yourself of pleasure in order to concentrate and focus on God’s word, prayer and worship. Over the next 28 days, as a church, we are going to be fasting and praying for the areas of the world we have impact in. Currently we are in communities in South America, Asia, Africa and even here in the US. During this time we are going to restrict our diets to staple foods in these countries.
FASTING GUIDE Our food menu is going to be: ■ Rice ■ Beans ■ Vegetables ■ Fish This means, the following foods are discouraged: ■ All meat and animal products including, but not limited to, beef, lamb, pork, and poultry. ■ All dairy products including but not limited to, milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs. ■ All sweeteners including, but not limited to, sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
NOTE ■ If
you have a medical condition that restricts you, talk to your doctor and make sure you are cleared for this. ■ Should you decide you want a more intensive fast, feel free to adapt our recommendation to suite your needs. For example, you could decide to do a dry fast all day and end with just water, juice or a small meal.
■ All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods. ■ All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives. ■ All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips. ■ All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat. ■ Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
HELPFUL FASTING TIPS: ■ Keep your fridge and pantry stocked with the items you need. ■ Keep tempting foods out of sight and out of reach. ■ If you are fasting with friends and family, you may want to discuss the devotional, Sunday messages or what God showed you as a group. ■ Don’t get discouraged if you mess up. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23). God wants you to finish, and He will give you the grace to.
Daniel Fast Sample Menu: Fruits, Vegetables, Juices and Water
Modified Daniel Fast
Breakfast
1-2 servings whole grains with fresh fruit juice
Fruit smoothie with whey protein
Mid-morning Snack Fresh fruit or fresh vegetables
Lunch
Raw vegetable salad with light, organic dressing and vegetable broth soup
Mid-afternoon Snack Fresh fruit or fresh vegetables
Dinner
Fresh salad with light, organic dressing and steamed or grilled vegetables
Water Drink plenty of water - at least 100 ounces No meat
Breakfast
Mid-morning Snack
Fresh fruit or fresh chopped vegetables
Lunch
1-2 servings whole grains, fresh salad with legumes and light organic dressing
Mid-afternoon Snack Fresh fruit juice or fruit smoothie with whey protein
Dinner
1-2 whole grains: fresh salad with legumes & light, organic dressing
Water Drink plenty of water - at least 100 ounces Fish or chicken, grilled or baked
SHARE YOUR
STORY LIVE YOUR DREAMS
PARTNER WITH US During this series, your 365 story can inspire others. Share your story with us and let’s partner to come alive in 365. Tag your post and pictures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with #LIVE365 You can also send them to us at i5church.com/365
#LIVE365
Prayer O
ur prayer for you over the next 28 days is that your passion for God and His word will be ignited, and that you will develop a heart that captures and lives God’s dreams for you. As you read these daily devotionals, keep in mind the following three things: ■ Read daily ■ Read prayerfully ■ Read expectantly
A great, simple way to journal your devotions is to use the SOAP method.*
SOAP stands for:
S O A P
Scripture Read the daily passage and then identify a scripture from the passage that stands out to you. Observation Focus on that scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what God is saying. Application How does this apply to your life right now? Prayer Thank God for revealing His truths to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so listen for what God wants to say to you. *Author Wayne Cordeiro
We encourage you to read the passages and prepare your own SOAP in addition to what has been provided. God will definitely reveal himself and his purposes to you—He is eager to.
WEEK ONE PRAYER FOCUS
UNITED STATES
Pray for our missions to the Native American reservations. Pray for churches we partner with across the United States.
If you are interested please sign up for Native American reservation missions trip. For more information on weekly volunteer opportunities visit BeThe5.com
DAY 1 ❏ SEE IT FOR YOURSELF “Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
friend’s meal with your senses and then they ask. “Do you want to try it?” You will not truly get the full experience of what they ordered unless you try it.
You’ve heard the popular saying, “The proof is in the pudding.” It means in order to experience something really; you have to try it for yourself. So, imagine that you are out to eat with a friend and they order something you have never heard of from the menu, but they assure you it is incredibly tasty. When the food arrives, you immediately investigate your
That’s how it is with your relationship with God. No matter where you are in your relationship with Him, there are always new things to “taste” and “see”. You may be acclimated to praying the same prayer, reading the same Bible verse, or listening to the same worship song. However, God desires true relationship with YOU; a relationship that is ever growing, ever discovering, and always fulfilling. So, are you ready to experience the proof in the God-pudding?
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER: “Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
In your prayer time, invite God into to speak, to move in your heart and mind. Ask Him to rekindle the passion inside of you for His presence.
NOTES
DAY 2 ❏ WHAT IS PRAYER AND HOW DO I DO IT? “Prayer is beyond any question the highest activity of the human soul. Man is at his greatest and highest when, upon his knees, he comes face to face with God.” Dr. Martyn Loyd Jones Prayer is where we communicate, worship, and sincerely seek God, knowing that He hears us, loves us, and will respond. What a privilege we have been given, to be able to communicate with the God of the universe! In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches His followers what true prayer is and what it is not. You will see that He is not interested in routine, cold, detached demands, but rather heartfelt and faith-filled prayers. You can use this as a guide for when you pray. “When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles (non-believers) do. They think that by saying many words
they’ll be heard. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask. Pray like this: Our Father, who is in heaven, – Adoration (deep love and respect) Uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in Your kingdom so that Your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven. – Worship (expression of reverence and adoration) Give us the bread we need for today. – Provision (supplying all needs) Forgive us for the ways we have wronged You – Confession (admitting of your sin) Just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. – Intercession (praying for others) And don’t lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Protection (keep from harm or danger)” Matthew 6:7-13 (CEB)
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER: Now that you have more understanding of prayer put into practice what you read today. Read out loud Matthew 6:9-13. Make it personal by saying, “me” and “I”. As you become more familiar with this prayer, you can add specifics to your life and needs.
Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven.
MY Father, who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name.
And don’t lead ME into temptation, but rescue ME from the evil one.
NOTES
Give ME the bread I need for today. Forgive ME for the ways I have wronged you, just as I also forgive those who have wronged ME.
DAY 3 ❏ PURSUING GOD “As the deer pants for the water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. Where can I find him to come and stand before him?” Psalm 42:1,2 You likely have your own ideas of what comes to mind when you hear the word ROMANCE: Flowers, dates, butterflies, excitement, setting “the mood”, etc. Dare we consider our relationship with God to be somewhat of a divine romance? Jesus, Lord of all, chose us first (John 15:16), loved us first (1 John 4:19), and now, like in a romantic relationship, He desires to be chosen and loved in return.
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “As the deer pants for the water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. Where can I find him to come and stand before him?” Psalm 42:1,
NOTES
This is where a deep, true, and lasting love is developed. As a thirsty and weary dear is searching for refreshing water, so it is with our soul. We long to be refreshed by the one who loves us most and best. Like a childhood game of “hide and seek” the Lord found us in our sin and desperate need for Him. Now that we are in a relationship with Him, He desires to be sought. There is a thrill in being found by the one you love. In a relationship with Jesus, it’s a mutual finding, chasing and pursuing, every moment of every day.
“Proof of desire is in the pursuit.” A.W. Tozier
Lord Jesus, I want my pursuit of you to prove my desire to know you more. As I seek you, I pray to find you. As I ask to know you, I pray you will answer me. As I knock on the door to access you, I pray you will open that door to me. Make me a God-chaser, who longs for you and your presence.
DAY 4 ❏ WHAT DOES PRAYER DO? It’s very easy to be discouraged when all it seems like you can do about the situation in your life is to pray. It sounds passive, ineffective, and a lazy person’s way of handling life. You’re supposed to DO something and prayer is the “just in case this doesn’t work, I’ll talk to God real quick too” method. They’re rarely said out of faith, but more out of formality; because we are “supposed” to do it. But it is clear in God’s Word that prayer is a gift for you to connect to God and the spirit realm. 1 John 5:14,15 guarantees that since we believe in Jesus, “We are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.” Now that you KNOW He hears you and desires to move on your behalf, be encouraged and empowered! Take the time to read and meditate on these truths as it relates to your prayers:
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” 1 John 5:14, 15 The Word of God is a great tool to use to fuel your prayer time. Choose one of the verses
NOTES
☐ Prayer draws God closer to you – Psalm 145:18 ☐ It partners with the Holy Spirit that lives in us – Romans 8:26 ☐ It activates our faith – Luke 11:9 ☐ Gives you wisdom – James 1:5 ☐ It defeats the enemy and his strongholds – 2 Corinthians 10:4 ☐ Brings healing – Psalm 30:2 ☐ God hears and rescues – Psalm 34:15,17 ☐ Protects you from harm – Proverbs 30: 5 ☐ Activates freedom and deliverance – Acts 16:25,26 ☐ God forgives our sins and cleanses us – 1 John 1:9 ☐ Ushers in God’s peace – Philippians 4:6,7
above and begin to pray it over your life. Ask God to activate His truth as you pray and have faith that He hears you because that which you are asking comes from His Word. There is a time of prayer during the lunch hours of 11AM-1PM at the church each Thursday.
DAY 5 ❏ NEVER STOP PRAYING. EVER. Yesterday, you read through many verses that proved what happens when you pray. So imagine now, what would happen if you stopped:
☐ You will remain sick and broken ☐ You will be in danger ☐ You will be bound and oppressed ☐ You will not receive God’s forgiveness ☐ You will lack peace
The list above is just a small glimpse of what you will miss if your prayer life ceases to exist. ☐ The Holy Spirit would lay dormant in you God designed prayer to be a continual daily, hourly, by the minute, moment-by-moment ☐ Your faith will be inactive conversation, never to cease. Re-read verse 16, “Never stop praying.” God knows our ☐ You will lack wisdom unending need to stay in communication with ☐ The enemy will remain victorious in your life Him, so He made it plain and simple… Never. Stop. Praying. ☐ You would be far from God
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
NOTES
Ask the Lord to heighten your awareness today of Him and the need to be in continual communication with Him today. As you think of what may come up in your day, give those things over to God right now in your prayer. Ask Him to condition your heart and mind for unending conversation with Him today.
DAY 6 ❏
strong warning to not enter again. By the time you get back on the road, you are clear never to use that exit again. NSA’s main value says, PROTECT “We will protect national security interests by adhering to the highest standards of behavior.” Fort Meade, Maryland houses our country’s In other words, they don’t play games when it National Security Agency (NSA). If you have comes to securing our safety. ever driven on Route 32 near there, you will notice clear signs indicating the exit for NSA How much more important is it to protect what and that it is for authorized personnel only. is most valuable in all of eternity and time? However, in the event that you mistakenly take That is what your relationship with God is. the exit, you will soon know within a matter There is a real enemy who would love nothing of second and yards that you made a serious more than to breech security so he can wreak error. Without warning, you are being pulled havoc and ultimately destroy your relationship over; you and your vehicle searched and with God. Decide in your heart today that you face a harsh investigation of your intentions will protect your relationship with the Lord, no of entering, and then released, only after a matter what.
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Above all else, guard your affections. For they influence everything else in your life.” Proverbs 4:24 (TLB) Lord Jesus, reveal to me the areas in our relationship that I need to begin protecting.
NOTES
I ask that you would teach me how to guard what matters most to me, which is what I have found in You. Forgive me for being too relaxed in this area of my life. I trust that You know what is best for me, so I give you permission to remove anything in my life that will deplete my spirit and hinder my relationship with You.
DAY 7 ❏ LOVE IS THE BEST PROTECTION “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:36-38
your thoughts). This love, the one that is commanded of you to have towards God, will be your greatest protection against anything or anyone that may harm your relationship with the Lord. Loving God is the motivation but here are some practical things you can do: 1. Watch what relationships you give energy to
2. Pay attention to what you listen to and You protect what is important to you. That’s watch why you secure your money in the bank, install security systems in your home and car, wear 3. Monitor how you spend your time seat belts when you drive, etc. 4. Tell those to whom you are close to, to The best way to protect your relationship hold you accountable with God is LOVE. Love must come from the HEART (your inward affections), the SOUL 5. Beware of things that may steal your (all your consciousness) and your MIND (all affection for God
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 Lord Jesus, I want to love you the way Your word commands me to: with all my heart, with
NOTES
all my soul, and with all my mind. Continue to shape my desires to they align with yours. I confess right now that these things have diluted my love for you (confess these areas, specific to your life). I am sorry. With the help of Your Holy Spirit, I commit to loving you, wholeheartedly. Let this love be the driving force in protecting my relationship with you.
WEEK TWO PRAYER FOCUS
SOUTH AMERICA
Pray for our missions to Honduras. Pray for our partner One Child Matters.
If you are interested please sign up for the Honduras Trip, which will happen in May.
DAY 8 ❏ GIVE THANKS
1 Thessalonians 5 which has a powerful key to fulfilling God’s will for your life, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you…”
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Right now at this moment, God’s will is for you to be thankful. You may have been looking for something more profound, but there is power in the simplicity of being thankful. No matter Have you ever asked the question, “God, what what your circumstance may be, God makes in is your will for my life?” We often ask that when plain that what pleases Him is to be thankful. we are searching for what it is He wants us to Gratitude is an act of worship, flowing out of a heart that sees God in all things. do or where He wants to lead us. Let’s revisit
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
NOTES
Be thankful in ALL circumstances. Tell the Lord what you are thankful for today and be sure to include those things that are difficult, less than desirable, and maybe even painful. Ask Him to work ALL things for your good because He loves you.
DAY 9 ❏ GIVE THANKS Back in week one you discovered thanksgiving is a form a prayer, which is a tool to grow your relationship with The Lord. Growth, includes not just verbally thanking Him for what He has done, but also for His blessings. Think about it – the poorest in the US are richer than 70% of those living anywhere else in the world.* Now, are you one of our countries poorest? Maybe, maybe not. Consider how tremendously blessed you are. Do you have all your limbs? Are you able to breath without a machine? Will you eat today? Do you have a bed, pillows, and sheets? Can
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (MSG) Lord Jesus, Forgive me. I am often so absorbed in my world that I do not take time
NOTES
you wash your clothes? Do you have clothes? Are you safe and dry in your home? Do you have shoes to wear? Do you have access to clean water? Can read these words? It is easy to be distracted in what you may not have or what you are not able to do, but when you stop to think about your life, you are blessed. The blessing is that your name exists in God’s book of those who belong to Him. Angels keep the blessed because the Spirit of the Living God, lives inside of you. You have victory over the enemy in Christ Jesus. Created in the magnificent image of God, you are beautiful. Now that is something to express gratitude about! May gratitude spill over in every conversation you have and in everything that you do today.
to be truly thankful for all that you have done for me and provided for me. But most of all, you have given me Yourself. I am guilty of complaining and ignoring your consistent blessings in my life. Thank you for forgiving me and opening my eyes so that I can now begin living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving. *www.forbes.com
DAY 10 ❏
gratitude. Be prepared to let go of anything I take from you, but never let go of my hand.”
GIVE AN ACCOUNT
All you have is from God. Nothing truly belongs to you. For the time you are on this “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they earth, you are trusted to be managers or are found trustworthy.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 stewards of time, resources, relationships, money, etc. There will be times when the Lord Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” is an incredible devotional resource when it comes to growing will see fit to remove things from your life and also times to add to your life. God’s concern in your relationship with Jesus. Each day has been scripted as if Jesus Himself was sharing is that you operate in faithfulness to Him and be a good steward of what He gives you, with you in personal conversation. knowing that all you have is His. He is good “Remember that all good things – your (Psalm 100:5) and operates out of His good possessions, your family, and friends, your nature. Knowing this frees you to trust Him and health and abilities, your time – are gifts steward what He gives you with excellence from Me (Jesus). Instead of feeling entitled and care. to all these blessings, respond to them with
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they are found trustworthy.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 Take a look at what you have, and ask yourself, “Am I found to be trustworthy?”
NOTES
Answer honestly. If your answer is no, ask the Lord to forgive you and for His help to become a more trustworthy steward. If your answer is yes, continue on that path and thank Him for his constant help.
DAY 11 ❏
will confess that Jesus is Lord, you will have to give an account for what you did while you lived. This account will have many GIVE AN ACCOUNT transactions: words spoken, deposits made into people, actions taken, investments made “Yes, each of us will give a personal account into God’s Kingdom, deficits in your character, to God.” Romans 14:12 etc. How did you manage what God gave you How many bank accounts do you have? Do to make an eternal impact in the world? Did you have a checking account? A savings? A you budget your money, so you knew what “you better not touch until Christmas” account? was available to spend and give? Did you live The average account holding adult in America within your means? Did you earn your money has at least two bank accounts and sometimes honestly? Did you pay your debts? Did you at different banks and credit unions. Money leave a legacy for those after you? Did you is constantly being added and subtracted, obediently give according to God’s Word? given and received, and several transactions These are all questions to consider. You may are being made on a daily basis: deposits, not have gotten off to a good start, but you withdrawals, transfers, wires, etc. can start today. Create a budget and stick Yesterday you read how everything you have to it. Talk to someone about holding you belongs to God, even the money in your accountable with your finances. Start a 401K various accounts. But there is another account for retirement. Start saving. Give your tithes you have, a spiritual one. This account is the and your offerings cheerfully. Invite God into one you will present to the Lord when your these plans and ask Him to lead you in every life here on earth is over. One day when all decision. done, every knee will bow, and every mouth
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.” Romans 14:12
of my time, my talents, and my treasure. Forgive me for being wasteful and mishandling these things and allow me to start fresh today. I commit to using who I am and what I have to make an eternal impact.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for every resource you have given me. I acknowledge nothing truly There is a time of prayer during the lunch belongs to me, but was supplied by You. I ask hours of 11AM-1PM at the church each that you would help me to be the best steward Thursday.
NOTES
DAY 12 ❏
“WHO” He is in you. That is what giving is, that is what giving does.
GIVE GENEROUSLY
You also know that according to the measure you give, you will receive. If you give lavishly, Over the next three days, you are going to you will reap in that same manner. God is not read through 2 Corinthians 9, which teaches looking to twist your arm or guilt-trip you into about biblical generosity. giving because that is not His nature. He gives You are most like God when you give because freely, cheerfully, and without measure. It’s His joy to give, and He wants you to have that giving is a direct by-product of love, which same nature. God gives His absolute best, is the very essence of who God is. Imagine proven in the giving of His son Jesus. being “like God”. You look like Him because you are created in His image. You belong to Decide in your heart today to be a cheerful, Him because of your restored relationship generous giver; knowing that doing so, you through Jesus. You connect to Him through will not only be like God, but you will please prayer, worship, and reading His word. But Him, bringing a smile to His face. being generous “like God” activates the
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Thank you for giving of your very best for me. Your best was your life given so “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a I may be restored to a right relationship with few seeds will get a small crop. But the one God, our Father. Now I ask that you would who plants generously will get a generous show me what MY best is. As you show me, crop. You must each decide in your heart how may I begin to give freely and cheerfully, much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in knowing that when I do, I am most like You. response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person Help me to let go of anything that may rob me who gives cheerfully.’ ” 2 Corinthians 9:6,7 of being the kind of giver you want me to be because you are my greatest reward.
NOTES
DAY 13 ❏ GIVE GENEROUSLY “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, ‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.’” 2 Corinthians 9:8,9 God specializes in “more than enough”. In Him we have everything we need and could ever want. He is peace. He is joy. He is strength. He is hope. He is unfailing love. He is_________ (feel free to fill in the blank). He is your unending source! Because of His generosity towards you, you can be confident you will not only have your needs met, but you will have extra to share
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER
with others. That is a promise if we take on His generous and cheerful heart towards giving to others. Don’t believe it, take a look at Jesus in action in John 6 – “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” (vs 11). Jesus took a young boy’s lunch of 2 fish and 5 loaves and fed more than 10 people. AND there were leftovers—12 baskets full! Talk about more than enough! When you give cheerfully and generously to those in need, God promises it will be remembered forever. Forever is not just in the earthly sense of people remembering, but HE will remember forever your generosity, even into eternity. It will stay remembered in His mind and heart, long after you gave. Your momentary giving will carry into eternity!
Today, meditate on ways that God has been more than enough in our life. Thank Him for “And God will generously provide all you need. His abundance in those areas. Now think Then you will always have everything you about those areas where there may be a need and plenty left over to share with others. lack (finances, peace, health in relationships, As the Scriptures say, ‘They share freely and etc.) and begin to ask God to be “more than give generously to the poor. Their good deeds enough” in those areas. Thank Him now, in will be remembered forever.’” faith, that He will supply your every need and 2 Corinthians 9:8,9 bring His abundance.
NOTES
DAY 14 ❏ GIVE GENEROUSLY “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity] in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous… two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers… will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 At the end of the day, generosity is never about us and it is never just about a need being met. God supplies all you need to be
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity] in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous… two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the
NOTES
generous so those who receive will ultimately praise Him! Giving to others unlocks gratitude in others! Imagine as you give cheerfully, the receiver will receive with joyful expression and give thanks to God, who supplies all things. All the glory, all the credit, and all the honor goes back to Him, where it rightly belongs. You become an instrument of enthusiastic gratitude and thanksgiving. Thanksgiving honors God and deepens your relationship with Him. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You can’t out give God!” It’s true. The more you cheerfully and generously give, the more He is praised and honored and the more He gives back to you. The glorious blessing cycle never ends.
believers… will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 Today, ask God what can you give and prepare your heart to give what He requests. He knows your needs and is ready to supply for them. He simply asks that cheerfully give, as He has given to you.
WEEK THREE PRAYER FOCUS
ASIA
Pray for our missions to the Philippines. Pray for our partner One Child Matters.
If you are interested please sign up for the Philippines Trip which will happen in October.
DAY 15 ❏ STAY To quiet the hunger of temporarily; to stand firm; to take up residence; capacity for endurance. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Today is Monday. Mondays have such a bad rap. They are the most detested day of the week. The weekend is over. Vacation time ended. You have the rest of the week to dredge through, and you may not even have had your coffee yet. BUT today is a new day and for the chaos of what life brings on any day of the week, peace is available to you right now. “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
NOTES
This verse has an important word to pay attention to; it is the key to peace – STAYED. This week, you are going to be encouraged and challenged every day to STAY. STAY in God’s Word, STAY in God’s presence, and STAY focused. God is a promise maker, but even better, He is a promise keeper. He is true to His word and will always keep His promises. One incredible promise He makes to those who keep their mind focused on Him and trusting Him is that He will keep them in perfect peace. God is perfect, lacking nothing and having no flaw. He alone can keep the promise give you lasting peace; peace that endures, peace that is consistent, peace that is real, authentic, and life changing.
Be intentional today to keep your mind in a staying position on God. Ask Him to bring the above verse to your mind throughout the day. You may want to write it down in a place where you will see it all day, as a reminder to continually focus your thoughts on the Lord.
DAY 16 ❏
Your spirit has an essential for survival as well – the Word of God. Just as your body needs food to remain nourished, your spirit needs STAY IN GOD’S WORD the very words from God’s mouth to replenish and strengthen it every day. If you need three “People do not live by bread alone, but by meals a day to be at your physical best, you every word that comes from the mouth of need the truth of God’s Word to be at your God.” Deuteronomy 8:3 & Matthew 4:4 spiritual best. God knows what you need, The essentials anyone needs to survive are and He has mapped it out in a beautiful letter. pretty simple: Food to eat, water to drink, How else will you know that God created clothes for your body, a roof over your head, you and loves you? Or how to manage your and relationships with others. Without these, relationships? Or how to stand firm against you will starve, with away, be exposed to the Satan? Or what kind of employee/student outside elements and harm, and live life alone. you can be? All truth and your very spiritual Everything beyond these essentials is more for livelihood will be active in staying in God’s your comfort and enjoyment: cell phone, bed, Word. coffee, car, even your toothbrush!
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Thank you for Your Word. You generously give my spirit nourishment when “Keep putting into practice all you learned and I daily read and “eat” of your word. I ask that received from me—everything you heard from what I read and meditate on would become me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace part of my spiritual DNA. May it build me up will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 (NLT) and draw me closer to you.
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DAY 17 ❏
Holy Bible. Throughout all time, the Bible remains timeless because it is God’s actual words. God’s Word is the only thing written STAY IN GOD’S WORD that is still ALIVE. It lives, it breathes, and it “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is is directly connected to how God speaks to you today. Every word is out of God’s heart sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, and has the power to separate what is true cutting between soul and spirit, between and what is false. It is sharper than a sword to joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost divide between spirit and flesh. It reveals to thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 you what is going on in your heart and mind. What do these three titles have in common? It’s a reflection of God’s love and His ultimate purpose for all things, including you. “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” To access true peace, reading the bible and “Harry Potter & The Sorcerers Stone” praying what it says is crucial. Taking a verse like Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all “The Davinci Code” your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” becomes even more powerful “A Tale of Two Cities” when you read it and THEN pray it over your All of them are top selling books; selling tens life. You declare over your life to trust God of millions of copies each. and not yourself. There is no other book, past, present or future, that has the power to If these are top sellers, then what is the transform you as you read it and pray it. number one selling book of all time? The
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
NOTES
You are continuing to learn that combining prayer and the Word of God is a powerful tool in growing your faith. Keep practicing this as you read aloud and pray Philippians 4:7 over yourself, your loved ones, and for those who you regularly pray. What other verses can you apply this method too?
DAY 18 ❏
smell, and feel. Stay there for a moment. Do you notice that you are calm, maybe even tranquil in the moment? You have quieted STAY IN GOD’S PRESENCE yourself. Now imagine that Jesus there with “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God...’” you. He looks you in the eyes with deep love Psalm 46:10 and anticipation. He knows He now has your undivided, quieted attention because you are You are going to use your imagination today. still. In this stillness, He can begin to talk with Imagine that you are on a walk in the forest. you and share His heart for you. It is in this It’s a beautiful and quiet morning. You hear stillness that you can know God. the waking of birds as they sing. You smell the fresh air of dew on the leaves. You see the sun In order for God’s peace to infiltrate your life, you have to allow times of quiet and stillness peaking through the tree ahead. You feel a where it is just you and Him. No music, no warm breeze pass you by, comforting you as you go. And just up ahead, you see the forest noise, no one else. It is in these moments that open up to a beautiful lake. Just at the edge of God heals you, refreshes you, changes your perspective, and gives you new life. These the lake is a tree stump when you decided to sit and bask in the beauty of all you see, hear, moments allow you to KNOW God.
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (NLT) Lord Jesus, you have given me a mind that can imagine, picture, and meditate on You and
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your Word. Activate my mind to connect to Your Presence every day. I know that in your presence, I have access to all I need and am truly free. May I carry your presence with me everywhere I go today. There is a time of prayer during the lunch hours of 11AM-1PM at the church each Thursday.
DAY 19 ❏ STAY IN GOD’S PRESENCE It’s not too common these days; there was a time when it was normal when at a restaurant for the hostess would ask you if you wanted seats in the smoking or non-smoking section. A side was reserved for smokers and the other side for non-smokers. Often, no matter what side you sat on, smoke would eventually waft its way into the entire restaurant. There was no real way to for the two sections to remain completely separate. For non-smokers, second-hand smoke would be inevitable. Upon departure, everyone would smell of smoke in his or her clothes and hair. The nature of smoke lingers in the air and affects anyone who is near it.
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
NOTES
In the Old Testament, priests would burn incense at the temple as an act of worship. The incense represented the holiness of God’s presence (Leviticus 16). People knew when a priest had been in the presence of God because the aroma of the smoke from the incense would be in their clothes, their hair, and skin. It was undeniable. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you now have unlimited access to God’s presence. He welcomes you freely and desires for you spend time with Him. Imagine what your spiritual aroma would be if you spent daily times with God, allowing His holiness and glory to fragrance you. Everywhere you would go; His aroma would be an undeniable reminder of His presence and where His presence is, there is perfect peace.
Take some time, sit and meditate on the Lord. Ask Him to lead you into His presence and just sit. Stay. Allow Him to soak you in His presence. Thank Him for giving you access to the gift of being with Him. As He refreshes you in His presence, ask for His aroma to be about you all day and for others to be able to benefit from His presence in and about you today.
DAY 20 ❏ STAY FOCUSED Have you ever looked a photograph and noticed that even though you see the entire picture, there is a certain part that is more in focus? A skilled photographer has the ability to adjust the camera’s focus so that part of the picture is slightly blurry, and another part is clear. It’s called a depth of field. The area within the depth of field appears sharp, while the areas in front of and beyond the depth of field appear blurry. This allows you to see the focal object immediately and not what is in front of it or behind it. Focusing on God is like putting Him in your
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER
depth of field, where you see Him and everything else seems to blur or not have as sharp of an image. You may notice other things, but your focus is sharply and intently on Him. A trick that some photographers use to increase the sharpness of an object is a “zoom” feature. The more they zoom in on the object, the less they see the background and other objects. One way to ensure that God is your main focus and everything else become less noticeable is to zoom, or narrow, our focus on Him. When you do that, you don’t notice your problems, issues, and circumstances as much, but you see God more clearly. You are more able to rest in the peace of knowing Him.
You know what troubles me, consumes my mind, and tries to hinder my relationship with “Casting the whole of your care [all your you. So today, I cast all of my cares on you. anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, I give you all of my fears, my worries, my once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you concerns, everything, knowing that you will affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” take care of me because you love me and are 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP) completely able to handle every part of my life. As you take my cares, I choose to “zoom” my Lord Jesus, I decide today to focus on You. focus on you, allowing everything else to fade.
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DAY 21 ❏ STAY FOCUSED “…Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:29,30 Remember the lake you imagined a few days ago? It was such a peaceful moment, being still before the Lord. Now imagine the same lake is now raging from massive gusts of wind and rain. And you are no longer on the shore but are in the middle of the lake, without a boat or life raft. Even if you can swim, this storm is incredibly strong, and each wave threatens to take you under and wipe you out. You are gasping for air and crying out for help. Does this sound familiar? Wasn’t this Peter’s
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
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story? He had been on the lake most of his life as a fisherman and knew it when it was calm and when storms raged. Peter’s entire scope of reality changed when Jesus invited him to walk out onto the swelling waves and come towards Him. Peter, overcome with faith in Jesus, stepped out of the boat and headed for the Lord. He soon noticed the chaos around him, and Peter’s peace dissipated. As long as he focused on the LORD, Peter was at peace and confident on Jesus, but as soon as his focused shifted, he began to sink. Maintaining peace is a consistent and intentionally daily discipline. There are going to be countless things in your life trying to distract you and draw you deeper into panic and stress. BUT YOU HAVE JESUS, who defies the natural and supernatural. Your daily decision to stay focused on Jesus will keep you from clamoring for safety and resting in His care.
You may have already found it difficult to focus on God. In that difficulty, ask Him to help you. His Holy Spirit lives WITHIN you and is ready to help. Ask Him to mute the loud noise of fear and worry and turn up His voice in your spirit. Remind God of what He said in Isaiah 40:31, that He will help you and uphold you in victory.
WEEK FOUR PRAYER FOCUS
AFRICA
Pray for our missions to Kenya. Pray for our partner, One Child Matters.
If you are interested please sign up for the Kenya Trip, which will happen in February 2016.
DAY 22 ❏ SERVE DEFINED When you hear the word serve, many things may come to mind. You are served when eating at a restaurant. Those who are in the military honorably serve our country. A volleyball player will serve the play for the game to begin. The word has many meanings and fits many settings. In Philippians 2, Paul shares that to truly serve, is to have the attitude of Jesus Christ. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Philippians 2:3-5
NOTES
interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (vs 3-5). It is his attitude and posture that separates how the world serves from how Christ wants you to serve your church, your friends, and your world. You must have the same attitude as Christ Jesus- He was fully God, yet “He gave up his divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave,” (vs 7) and “humbled himself in obedience to God.” (vs 8). Jesus’ obedience led Him to death on the cross to bear our punishment. Our obedience to serve with His attitude will lead others to Him. How Jesus served with His death and how we serve in life ultimately fulfills God’s purpose to redeem His children back to Him.
Ask the Lord to give you the attitude of Jesus as demonstrated in Philippians 2. It is not an easy prayer to pray and even harder one to live out; however, being available for God to use you in this way the greatest life you can lead. Keep this posture as you read each day’s devotional this week.
DAY 23 ❏ SERVE YOUR CHURCH
where I would fit… Or the reason you will not. I don’t feel like it, it’s too hard, I have tried it already and did not like it…
Take a moment to think about the WHY you “Therefore, as we have an opportunity, let us serve – to draw people closer to God. What do good to all people, especially to those who greater purpose is there? When you decide belong to the family of believers.” to serve in the local church, you partner with a Galatians 6:10 body of believers who are all about the same mission – drawing people closer to God. But Yesterday, you prayed a courageous prayer it takes someone just like you. It takes your for God to give you the attitude of Jesus as gifts, your talents, your personality, your story, it relates to serving others. One way you can serve that has a large and immediate influence and your experiences. There are people who walk through your church’s doors every week is serving in your church. Now wait, before that you can impact just by being accessible you think of all the reasons why you can not. through serving. There is room for you to I have no time, I don’t like being in front of serve, and the need for you to serve. people, I don’t know anyone, I don’t know
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER
Are you ready to walk out that courageous Philippians 2 prayer? Ask the Lord today to “Therefore, as we have an opportunity, let us show you how you can get involved and serve do good to all people, especially to those who your church. belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10
NOTES
DAY 24 ❏ SERVE YOUR CHURCH Mark was a youth pastor, passionate about seeing teenagers come to know Jesus. Eric, a young man who recently made the decision to follow Jesus in that same church, started volunteering in Mark’s youth group. During Eric’s time of serving, he led many young people to Jesus as well. One of those young people was Jackie. Jackie was full of life and decided that she wanted to serve in youth group by leading the drama ministry. Jackie had a gift for making stories come to life through skits, music, and dancing. Many teens joined her team, but she was in need of more people, so she started scouting out new attendees in youth group. One night she noticed a teenage girl hanging out by herself and later found out it was only her second time to youth group. Jackie invited this young lady to join her drama team, and after much
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we
NOTES
reluctance, the young lady joined. A couple months passed and the new young lady attended a youth retreat where she would be performing with the drama team. During that retreat, she gave her life to Christ at 17 years old. From there, she attended a youth conference where God spoke to her about being called to serve in full-time ministry. That night she said, “yes” to God’s call. After attending bible college, she interned at a church; serving there for eight years until she was given the opportunity to work full time as the Kid’s Director. Mark lead to Eric. Eric led to Jackie. Jackie lead to Ericka. Erika, the new teen at youth group who joined the drama team. She gave her life to Jesus. Said yes to being in full-time ministry, served as a volunteer for eight years, and now is the NextGen Pastor at i5CHURCH. Say “yes” to serve today. Your life has a ripple effect that brings people to Jesus. Just ask Pastor Ericka.
get a chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10 MSG Lord Jesus, Thank you for designing me to serve others. I want to harvest “a crop of real life, eternal life” so I ask that You would lead me, by Your Spirit, to serve others, specifically within the local church. I have gift, talents, and passions; all given by you to share who You are with the world. May I activate these things by serving. May I serve “every time I get a chance”, working to “benefit all”.
DAY 25 ❏ SERVE YOUR FRIENDS “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:8-10 Have you ever thought about how many friends you have? Not necessarily Facebook friends or Instagram follower or those you faithfully re-tweet, but those who you are in a relationship with and have access to on a regular basis. When was the last time you had the servant attitude of Christ towards them?
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:8-10
NOTES
These friends are in your life for a purpose; to enjoy a relationship with, but also to serve them in a way that draws them closer to Jesus. The verse above (1 Peter 4:1-8-10) says to love deeply and to offer hospitality without grumbling. It also encourages us to serve them with whatever gift you have. What needs do your friends have that you can readily meet? Are they hurting and need quality time with someone who loves them? Are they heading in a dangerous direction and need encouragement to draw closer to God? Are they stressed and could just use a good meal and a laugh? God has given you these relationships to care for and nurture – to serve. There are unlimited ways to do this in a practical, yet very personal way.
Today, pray for your friends and ask God to show you ways that you can serve them with what you have. Before the day is over, make a plan to serve one of your friends this week. There is a time of prayer during the lunch hours of 11AM-1PM at the church each Thursday.
DAY 26 ❏ SERVE YOUR FRIENDS Let’s get hands on today. Write down five people who you know God has for you to serve. Husbands and wives, please include your spouse. Parents, be sure to include your children. This list can have neighbors, co-workers, gym buddies, those you attend church with... you know your list. Now, next to each name, write down one way that you can serve them this week. Below are some suggestions to use as a guide, but get creative. ☐ Find out their Love Language (gifts, quality time; affection, words of affirmation, and acts of service) and cater what you do towards that
☐ Take them out to lunch or cook them a meal ☐ Watch their kids so they can have some down time ☐ Ask them how you can pray for them and do it right then, with them ☐ Tell them how much they mean to you ☐ Offer to clean their home ☐ Buy them something they may not be able to afford Ask God to give you His heart and attitude as serve them. Ask Him to reveal their needs to you, pray for them, and then serve them in a practical way. It may be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but you are sowing seeds of love and care that will reap in good fruit in their lives. Let Christ’s love motivate you as you serve them.
☐ Wash their car
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don’t need me to tell you what to do. You’re God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! You’re already good at it …Keep it up; get better and better at it.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 10 (MSG)
NOTES
Lord Jesus, I pray now for the people on my list. I ask that you would show me what I can do to love them by serving them. Give me a heart that loves; a heart like Yours. A heart motivated to serve others. Just as you came to serve, allow that to be my posture with those in my world.
DAY 27 ❏ SERVE YOUR WORLD “In our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do” Ephesians 2:10b (TEV) Thinking about serving the WORLD can be overwhelming. The world consists of over 7 billion people in 196 countries, seven continents, and one giant planet. How in the world (no pun intended) are you, one person, supposed to serve the world?
Your world consists of people with whom you work or go to school. These maybe friends and family, your church family, those who live in your neighborhood, people who you see every week at the grocery store and coffee shop, people in your community. THAT is your world, and where God has you is where God wants to use you. He knew when H created the universe that you would be living in your neighborhood, working you’re at your job, attending your school, and doing life in your community. He arranged it all in advance for you to make a God impact in the lives of those around you.
You are not responsible for the 7.1 billion Don’t worry. God is not asking you to serve the people on planet earth, but do have a world; He is asking you to serve your world. responsibility to tangibly serve your world.
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “In our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do” Ephesians 2:10b (TEV)
NOTES
Talk to God about your world today. Ask Him to give you eyes to see and ears to hear what needs you can meet. Ask Him to open doors for you to serve and to serve with His heart.
DAY 28 ❏
friends, co-workers, church family, teachers, coaches, neighbors, and community.
SERVE. YOUR. WORLD.
Jesus’ last words to all of His followers before He departed for heaven was clear: to continue SERVE – Meet the needs of others with the His mission of making more disciples, with a attitude of Christ, by obediently humbling reminder that He would be with us forever. yourself, taking an interest in others, knowing it That is why you… will draw them closer to Jesus. Serve. Give. Stay. Pursue. Pray. Protect. YOUR – With your talents, time, abilities, treasures. All that matters during your time here on earth is bringing people into a relationship with WORLD – Those who God has placed in Jesus. Period. your sphere of influence and impact – family,
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION & PRAYER “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19,20 The above verse is your life’s purpose. Write it somewhere you will see it every day as a reminder of why you are here and who you live. Lord Jesus, thank you for being an example of love, forgiveness, and redemption. I ask that you will help me every day to live a God-first life that is fueled by your Holy Spirit. Continue to activate your word in my heart so that I am
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ready to GO and share your love to others. Use my story, my talents, my personality— everything about me to bring others to you. I recommit to your purpose for my life! Lord Jesus, Thank you for the person reading this prayer. We ask that you would bless them with the richness of an authentic relationship with you. As they have fasted and prayed these 28 days, may you demonstrate your supernatural power in their lives. We ask that you would activate them for your purposes so that everyone they come in contact with will be impacted by your tangible love. May you bless them, and keep them. May they be daily lead by and filled with your Holy Spirit. Use them to fulfill their greatest responsibility: bringing people into a relationship with you. It is all for your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
The Next 365 Days
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e want to encourage you to be just as intentional about the next threehundred and sixty-five days…and three-hundred and sixty-five days after that… and so on. Remember, keeping the fire and zeal for God burning in your heart is what will keep your relationship with Him fresh and new. It will allow you to continue serving and obeying Him as you experience the joy of your salvation everyday— regardless of what life brings your way. The principles you have practiced in these three-hundred and sixty-five days are very easy to sustain long-term. Prayer, fasting, and personal devotion are all quite simple to incorporate into your everyday life. You’ve
created space for God to fill. The best way to continue in these same practices is to keep that space open indefinitely. Don’t allow it to close up! Protect that time and space with God and make it your priority each day. Just like reading your Bible, praying, and attending church, fasting is also a lifestyle. We encourage you to establish a frequency and consistency of fasting in your life. Remember, this is not a legalistic thing. This is an “I get to experience God” thing. It is like going into heaven for a tune up, so we can keep our passion for God at a high level. We encourage you to do the same. Figure out what works for you, commit to it, and make it a part of your life.
NEXT STEPS: 365 Bible Sessions; Starting February 2, Mondays at 7PM, i5 CHURCH
8262 Lokus Rd. Odenton, MD 21113 410.672.4260 www.i5church.com/live365