Friday, January 23, 2009

Choose the Blessing

It is an ongoing temptation to think of ourselves as living under a curse. The loss of a friend, an illness, an accident, a natural disaster, a war, or any failure can make us quickly think that we are no good and are being punished. This temptation to think of our lives as full of curses is even greater when all the media present us day after day with stories about human misery.
Jesus came to bless us, not to curse us. But we must choose to receive that blessing and hand it on to others. Blessings and curses are always placed in front of us. We are free to choose. God says, Choose the blessings!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

I Bless You

God has been impressing upon me today to guard my tongue, letting no corrupt communication come out of my mouth. The word of the Lord is burning in me today, 'with our words we have the power to strike down (death) or raise up (life). Let us speak life over everything and everyone that comes our way during this consecration. Get in the habit of "blessing" people. Speak prophetic declarations over things, situations, and people. Declare the blessing of the Lord over them. I bless you in Jesus Name.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Holy Hunger

Today has been a marvelous day. So many in our church community have called me with tremendous reports and testimonies of how God has been showing up in their day. My heart is overwhelmed with a hunger for HIs Glory. Col. 1:27 says, "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which* is Christ in you, the hope of glory." When we grow hungry for a deeper connection to Christ we come into contact with the deep river of glory that offers us hope. Pray for the glory of God to blow up (in a good way) in us.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Watch Daily Videos on Fasting with Jentezen Franklin

Click on the link below and watch a daily video of encouragement from Pastor Jentezen Franklin. Listen and be encouraged...apply and be changed:

http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/dailyvideos.php

FOOD GUIDELINES FOR A DANIEL FAST

Foods You May Eat:

Whole Grains:
Brown Rice, Oats, Barley

Legumes:
Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas

Fruits:
Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon

Vegetables:
Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you not allergic to soy.

Liquids:
Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices. You may also drink protein drinks.

Others:
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts


Foods to Avoid:

Meat
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products

FASTING FOCUS

1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

ROMANS 12:1
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service."

MATTHEW 6:33
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

ISAIAH 58:6
"[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?"

We want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Two specific areas we will be focusing on together are leadership and finances. The Bible instructs us to continually pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). When we lift up our leaders, here in the United States and around the world, we can expect God's peace in our lives and in our nation.

Another great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will "undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free." We are living in tough economic times and we know that so many people are under a financial burden. As we come together to fast and pray, we believe that your burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!

We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your fast come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. We believe that, as we pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year (Matthew 6:33)!