Bethel Apostolic Temple New Year’s Consecration Guide 2013
What is Consecration? Consecration is the sanctification of something by setting it apart as dedicated to God; a solemn commitment of your life or your time to some cherished purpose (to a service or a goal). Consecration is usually observed through the use of spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, reading the scriptures, journaling, worship and service. Why do we consecrate at the beginning of the year? 1. To get clear direction for the year.
2. For spiritual growth in our lives. 3. To obtain personal breakthroughs.
4. To see the supernatural hand of God released in our lives and in the life of the church. 5. To cover our children in the educational system & society.
6. For financial breakthroughs.
7. Enrichment in the covenant relation of marriages. 8. For our city, county and country’s leaders to do God’s will.
How we will observe consecration? Corporate and Personal Prayer, Praise and Worship Searching the Scriptures Journaling what we’ve learned Fasting
Points of Action for this Consecration Avoid conversation about the lives of others. Avoid forms of conversations about past hurts, fears, disappointments. Whatever you focus on grows. Avoid people who are loud, controlling and negative Avoid people who have the potential to influence you toward habits you’re trying to break in this consecration
Avoid people who have the potential to influence you toward habits you’re trying to break in this consecration Every day, do something to build what you’re trying to build, or stretch what you’re trying to stretch Journal what you're learning
What are the scriptural benefits of fasting during consecration? • Fasting enables us to humble ourselves before God. Psalm 38:13, Ps 69:10, 2 Chronicles 7:14. • Fasting is a means by which a believer brings his/her body into subjection. 1 Corinthians 9:27. • Fasting changes man, not God. God is omnipotent and unchanging. Mal. 3:6 • Fasting breaks down the barriers in man’s carnal nature that stand in the way of the Holy Spirits omnipotence. Ephesians 3:20 • Fasting intensifies prayer and enables the believer to become more effective spiritually. Daniel 9:2, 3; Daniel 10:1-14 • Fasting empowers the believer to obtain deliverance, spiritual breakthroughs, answered prayers and victory. Isaiah 58:6, 2Chronicles 7:14, 15, 2Chronicles 20:1-30 • Fasting prepares the believer to receive a fresh outpouring of the Spirit and the blessings of God. Joel 2:12-29 • Fasting has medical benefits. Isaiah 58:8. • Fasting will bring peace to our land. 1 Timothy 2:1-2. The majority of fasts mentioned in the Bible were public and initiated by the priest. The Bible gives the model for corporate fast in Isaiah 58, 1 Samuel 7:5-7, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, and Acts 27:33-37.
How do we prepare to fast? 1) Prepare spiritually.
Confess your sins and ask God to reveal any areas of weakness you may have. Most importantly, forgive all that have offended you and ask for forgiveness from those you have offended. Surrender totally to Jesus and reject any desires that may try to hinder you in your fast. Take advantage of every possible worship and study opportunity.
2) Prepare physically. If you plan to follow our customary fasting guidelines, consult your physician, if you take any prescription medication or have a chronic illness. 3)Prepare emotionally. Be mindful of what and who you watch and listen to, during this time of consecration. Avoid negative, imposing people and influences that are not godly. This refers to our social/leisure/entertainment, what we read, etc. Surround yourself with that which is positive, godly, and in alignment with your goal for this consecration period.
4) How to begin: Be specific with your goal. Are you in need of direction or are you facing financial challenges? Are you in need of healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Determine what you what God to do for and through you, during this time of consecration
HELPFUL HINTS FOR FASTING 1. FOCUS on the Word of God and increase prayer during a fast. 2. Fasting will increase your faith and your relationship with God.
3. During a fast, prayers must be specific. It is wise to keep a journal of your prayers and how God answers them. 4. Avoid eating a large meal before you begin to fast. This will make you even hungrier when you start your fast. Continue to eat fruit and vegetables for at least three days before you begin to fast. 5. Drink lots of water and fluids: bottled, distilled, or purified water should be warm at room temperature. Do not drink tap water. 6. Day one will be the hardest day of the fast, each day actually gets easier as you pray and press your way into God. 7. Fasting strengthens your inner will. You will not starve to death by fasting. Fast until God has dealt with you or you feel a release. 8. Fasting will not impair your health; however, consult with your physician if you have any concerns. It is not recommended that a pregnant woman should fast. 9. Headaches, bad breath, nausea and rundown feelings are signs that the fast is working. These symptoms should cease after the 3rd day. Wisdom should be used when breaking a fast. Do not eat food, like meats, that are hard to digest when breaking a fast. Eat fruits or vegetables and drink plenty of water before, during and after fasting.
Our Consecration Prayer Father, I give You thanks and praise, for this is the day that You have made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. I thank You for Your provision, Your protection and Your power. I thank You for Your presence that surrounds me by night and by day. I thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my pathway. I thank You that by it, I receive guidance, wisdom and abundant life. I thank You God, that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment, I condemn, for that is Your heritage unto me. I thank You, Lord, for increase is my portion. I thank You, that because I seek to be like Jesus, that I shall increase in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man. I thank You that the years of I thank You, Lord, for increase is my portion. I thank You, that because I seek to be like Jesus, that I shall increase in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man. I thank You that the years of my life are increased.
I thank You, Father, for this, my set time for favor. I thank You, Lord, that I am blessed in the city and in the country, blessed in my going out and coming in; I thank You, that my relationships are blessed, that my children are blessed, my home is blessed, my investments are blessed. I thank You, Father, that although my enemies step to me one way, they shall flee from me seven ways. I praise You, Father, for the table you have set before me in the presence of my enemies. I thank You, God, for You have commanded blessings to come upon me and overtake me, as I diligently pursue Your Word, Your Work and Your Way. I thank You that no evil will befall me; neither shall any plague come near my dwelling, for You have given Your angels charge over me. They keep me in all my ways. In my pathway is life, healing and health. Forgive me, Lord, for allowing any fear, guilt, self-rejection, self-hatred, unforgiveness, bitterness, envy, sin, pride, or rebellion to open the door to any sickness or infirmity. I renounce these things and cast out all spirits of infirmity that would attack my body in the name of Jesus. Lord, You heal all of my diseases. You are the health of my countenance. I decree and declare that I am loosed from diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, all cancers, high cholesterol, arthritis, blood diseases and physical pain. I command all hereditary spirits of sickness to come out of me, along with any other assignment that was sent to attack my body, for by the stripes of the Lord I am healed. I thank You that, by the blood of the Lamb I am delivered, and by the power of God I am set free indeed, for you have redeemed my soul from destruction. I thank You that I prosper and am in health, even as my soul prospers. Father, I sever all ungodly soul ties, immoral and unproductive relationships in the name of Jesus. •
I forgive any person who has ever hurt me, disappointed me, abandoned me, mistreated me, or rejected me.
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I renounce all envy, jealousy, and covetousness in the name of Jesus.
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I renounce all selfishness, self-will, self-pity, self-rejections, self-hatred, and self-promotion in the name of Jesus.
Lord, bless my latter end more than my beginning. Thank You, for restoring to me the years that the devourers have eaten. I pray Your blessing upon the Body of Christ today. May Your peace surround us. May Your power strengthen us. May Your wisdom instruct us. May Your presence protect us.
I pray that You order our steps, guide our feet and salt our speech in ways that glorify you and edify our brothers and sisters. I pray that discernment would increase, that we may see opportunities to be a blessing to others. I pray that the souls that we touch today will see You shining through us. We decree and declare that victory is ours today, in the name of Jesus. Goodness and mercy shall follow us. Favor goes before us. The joy of the Lord strengthens us. Through You, we are complete. Through You, we are more than conquerors, this day. We commit this day to You, in the matchless name of Jesus, we pray. Amen DAY 1
DATE 1/7
SCRIPTURE Psalms 32:8
2
1/8
2 Timothy 4:7
3
1/9
Proverbs 3:5-8 (ERV)
4
1/10
Psalm 37:37
FAITH CONFESSION God helps me to make wise decisions. [James 1:5]
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY A problem is a chance for you to do your best. – Duke Ellington
CONSECRATION CHALLENGE Make it a point to pray today for someone who has hurt or offended you.
This is my set time of favor! Psalm 102:13
“Begin with the end in mind.” ~ Stephen Covey
I guard my heart because it determines the course of my life. Proverbs 4:23
There are seven things that will destroy us: Wealth without work; Pleasure without conscience; Knowledge without character; Religion without sacrifice; Politics without principle; Science without humanity; Business without ethics.” ~Mahatma Gandhi “If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” – Unknown
Develop a list, folder or journal of your favorite scriptures. Use them to feed you when your spirit is hungry. Today, go a “Speed Communications” Fast. Unplug from electronic modes communication (e.g. Email, Texting, Facebook, Twitter, Cell Phone etc.) you may want to let friends and family know in advance what you’re doing and when they can expect to hear from you.
God is faithful. He’ll complete the good work that he has begun in me. Philippians 1:6
Giants do fall! The bigger they are, the harder they fall! Identify which giants you’re going to slay this year with God’s help. Write them down in your journal, along with a plan of
DAY
DATE
SCRIPTURE
FAITH CONFESSION
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
5
1/11
1 Samuel 18: 1, 3-4 (MSG)
The Lord is my Shepherd. He provides for all of my needs. Psalm 23:1
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
6
1/12
1 John 4:1 (MSG)
God is love and He is in me, so I am love. 1 John 4:16
“The best proof of love is trust.” ~ Joyce Brothers
7
1/13
Genesis 14:40
8
1/14
1 Cor. 9:1923 MSG
As I give up control, release my life to God and allow Jesus to live through me, God-sized things happen. - Galatians 2:20 I don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants me to do. Ephesians 5:17
9
1/15
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Because I seek the Lord with all my heart, I lack no good thing Psalm 34:10
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." - Maya Angelou The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them. – Unknown If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living. ~ Anatole France
10
1/16
Colossians 3:22b-25 (MSG)
The fruit I produce brings great joy to God, my Father in Heaven. John 15:8
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
CONSECRATION CHALLENGE attack. Add to your “personal development” library. It may be an audio book, paperback, e-book or reference material that stretches your mind and challenges you to take your life to the next level. Schedule time to make use of the resources in your ever-expanding library. Find an accountability partner. This person should be someone what you can trust to tell you the truth and keep you on point. Make it a point to check in with them regularly. Do something you’ve putting off doing today. Do “random acts of kindness” for people you don’t know. Develop a system (Saving You Stress, Time, Energy and Money)* for moving out of your last season, and into the next. What support systems will you need? Write a thank you note to three people who have been a blessing to you.
DAY
DATE
SCRIPTURE
FAITH CONFESSION
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -Antonio Smith “You is good. You is kind. You is important.” “The Help” (Movie)
11
1/17
Proverbs 22:29 MSG
In God I live and move and exist. Acts 17:28
12
1/18
Genesis 1:28 (AMP)
I’m like a tree, planted by streams of water. My life bears fruit and prospers because I meditate on God’s Word. Psalm 1:1-2
13
1/19
John 16:33 NLT
As I cast my cares and burdens to God, He sustains me and I have peace. Psalm 55:22
14
1/20
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
I cast my cares on You Lord (right now!). [I Peter 5:7]
VISION is not the ability to see the future. It's the ability to see an opportunity in your current situation & jump on it. – Rick Warren
Just try to do something you thought was too hard for you.
15
1/21
Psalm 34:14
God blesses me with peace and gives me strength. Psalm 29:11
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. — Albert Einstein
Employ John Maxwell’s Rule of Five: Write down, “What are the five things I need to do every day to achieve my goal?”
16
1/22
Exodus 14:13-14 (MSG)
I live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 12:7
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” ~Harold R. McAlindon
17
1/23
Psalm 27:14
I think and speak positively. I focus on
“Act the way you want to be
Visualize yourself walking into your new season. Set the stage to make it so. If the season includes living healthy, change your grocery list; make your appointments for your annual physical; go to the dentist. Decide to be comfortable with
All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine. ~ Jim Rohn You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.
CONSECRATION CHALLENGE Write the vision and make it plain (Hab. 2:2). Write down what you want your life to look like one year from today. Make a commitment to learn something new today.
Start your “personal ministry fund,” to be able to bless someone when God directs you to do so.
DAY
DATE
SCRIPTURE (NKJV)
FAITH CONFESSION what is good. I refuse to fear or dwell on the negative. [Phil. 4:8; Eph. 3:20,21]
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY and soon you’ll be the way you act.” ~ Les Brown
CONSECRATION CHALLENGE being uncomfortable.
18
1/24
Isaiah 41:1013 (ERV)
God gives me success and favor with people. [Psalm 1:2,3; Proverbs 12:2]
Make it a point to pray for everyone who has hurt or offended you.
19
1/25
Ecclesiastes 7:8 AMP
Because I place my hope in the Lord, my strength is renewed. Isaiah 40:31
“Your decisions to live offense-free and leave emotional baggage behind will grant you the agility to maneuver towards your future.” ~ Bishop I.V. Hilliard “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” ~ Dean Karnazes
20
1/26
John 19:30
I think and speak positive. I focus on what is good. I refuse to fear or dwell on the negative. [Phil. 4:8; Eph. 3:20,21]
“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” - Ferdinand Foch
21
1/27
John 4:31 – 34
I am anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, I let my requests be known to You Lord; and the peace that surpasses all understanding guards my heart and mind through Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6,7]
“You cannot be yourself if you are busy being what others want you to be.” ~ Philip Arnold
Write a letter to yourself, detailing who and where you want to be by this time next year or in the years ahead. Put today’s date on that letter. At the appointed time, open the letter and; a) determine if you reached your goal; b) discover where you need to tighten up. Simplify and unclutter your life. Start with purging your closets of things that no longer fit, along with things that are of no use to you. Give away those things that would be a good use to others. Make it a point to speak positively to everyone who crosses your path today.