40 DAYS OF
Prayer & Fasting
Prayer Focus: Week of February 16, 2014
Relationships
• Personally – Lord, I pray this week that You will begin to work in my heart so that I may see and fear You when it comes to my relationships with others. I pray I will set aside my own designs and desires when it comes to others -- my spouse, my children, my parents, my co-workers, my neighbors, my fellow-church members, my friends -- and instead may I seek Your designs and desire for them. I pray I will hear from You specific steps that will lead me to honor You: to repent and to reconcile, to forgive and give generously so that others may experience the grace You have given me. • Corporately – I pray for unity among the body and for the ability to see my fellow believers at Taylors as part of a family that is established and energized by the Spirit of God, rather than by a particular minister, leader, group or person. I pray I will not judge but serve as Christ has served me. I pray my heart, words and actions would be reflective of a heart that looks beyond myself and desires all men and women here at Taylors to grow in Christ. • Globally – Lord, help me to see all people as those for whom Christ died. I pray I will be sensitive to the lost this week in a fresh, compassionate way. I pray that I will be willing to sacrifice to share the gospel in word or deed, here at home or on mission for You. I pray my heart is enlarged beyond myself for hurting people apart from Christ.
Sermon Notes Message by Paul Jimenez
Relationships
Nehemiah 5:1-19
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Journaling
A Tool To Draw Closer to God
When to Journal
• When you feel God is communicating with you. The physical act of writing God’s Word and what He has revealed to you through His Word is powerful and brings a new level of awareness and accountability. Sometimes as God reveals Himself and His message to you, He will prompt your heart to take action. • When you experience answers seeking God. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and
find me when you seek me with all your heart.” As you seek God through His Word, prayer, or fasting, record what He reveals to you. • The best time is when reading God’s Word. Consider starting your day listening for God’s message to you. He will often strengthen or encourage you, giving you what you need for today.
How to Use What You Have Written in Your Journal • Share - God’s truth is for all people. As you journal ask God to give you a sensitive spirit as to what part of His message and with whom He would have you share.
• Reread - Review what you have learned, how you have grown, what you have asked God to do in your life.
Reasons to Journal
• It is a way to listen and respond to God’s Word. It is different from a diary which is a method of expressing feelings and recording events. “Biblical” journaling is not about what you feel, but rather what you understand. • It is a way to recognize God’s truth. We do not determine truth. We have a responsibility to recognize God’s truth, which is found in His Word, and live by it. • It helps you to remember what He says. Distractions are all around us. Journaling
How to Journal
• Date your entries, being sure to include the year. It is a valuable tool in measuring spiritual growth. • Use it in partnership with reading God’s Word. God has a message for you in His Word. • Take time to write the Scripture and reference, as it is helpful when you review
• Draw confidence from direct revelations This represents a level of intimacy and love between you and God. He loves you enough to draw you to Himself and reveal His character and will to you.
helps us remember what God’s Word says in order to help us navigate through our busy world. • To document His commands. God’s Word is full of instructions to help us to become more like Christ. • Entries can be used as a witness to others. God’s message is for you first. He will direct you if you are to share. • To find and claim truth over your own life and the lives of people you love.
entries at a later time. • Record your thoughts on Scripture and write responsive prayers. Sometimes you may do one or both. • List your needs. • Record God’s promises. They are always true and often all we have to stand on.
EXAMPLE: February 2 - Psalm 44:5 “Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies.” Prayer: God, I claim this truth today for my children. Please help them to push back the enemy (the world) with the power of the Holy Spirit. PLEASE give them victory. Help them not to rely on human methods, but in YOUR strength alone. Make them warriors who are ready to “trample the foe.”