Calvary Chapel Breath of Life January Fasting
When you fast… Matthew 6:16-17 These verses in Matthew identify that fasting and prayer is an expectation in a believer’s life. This January 2015 join your CCBL family as we set aside Wednesdays for a time of prayer and fasting.
Our theme for 2015 is “Fulfilling Your Purpose: Giving knowledge to His people and light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Luke 1:77 & 79.
Wednesday, January 28
As we continue to fast and pray through the month of January, we invite you to join us. This Wednesday, January 28, from 12am until after Bible Study in the evening we will be abstaining from the television (TV) as we devote our time and prayers to seeking the Lord for Project Truth and Fulfilling His Purpose in 2015. Please follow the links below for more guidance and scripture on fasting and prayer.
http://www.cru.org/train-and-grow/devotional-life/7-steps-to-fasting.3.html
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Fasting-and-Prayer/
COMPELLED TO FAST AND PRAY
In the book of Nehemiah we see an example of God’s sovereign power in response to prayer and fasting.
“It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in
Shushan the citadel, that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from
Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had
survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, ‘The
survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great
distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its
gates are burned with fire.’ So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat
down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying
before the God of heaven.” –Nehemiah 1:1-4
Jerusalem lay in ruin when the Jewish people returned from their captivity. The city was full of rubble the walls torn down and the people overwhelmed by the task were unable to do the work necessary to fix it.
When Nehemiah who was living in Persia as a personal assistant to the king heard about the condition of his people, the Jews and the city of Jerusalem he was overwhelmed. He began to weep and mourn for this tragic condition. The people’s shame brought great reproach against their God.
Nehemiah’s automatic response was to begin fasting and praying for days.
Nehemiah was compelled to take personal action to correct the spiritual climate of Jerusalem and prove through prayer that God is great.
This time of fasting and prayer compelled him to take action to influence and encourage his fellow Jews and to remind them of God’s power and greatness. He did not stay in his place of comfort but took action under the direction of God. (read the rest of the story in Nehemiah)
Nehemiah’s life should be a great challenge to us all. Look around you. What is the Lord showing you?
Are you willing to be completely available to be used by God. Through prayer and fasting we, like Nehemiah, can do great things.
Some suggested areas for Prayer Focus:
Project Truth – The Lord has called us to build in Westphalia, to establish His church where truth can be shared. Many things have been accomplished toward breaking ground; planning, permits and appeals as we see the time for completion nearing prayers are needed for the following:
The funding through loans to be approved for the entire project (about 4.5 million dollars)
That our body continues to become prepared and equipped to minister to those in that community that the Lord has called us to.
Wisdom and encouragement for our leadership as they continue in the business aspect of preparing for a church build.
The right support professionals to come along side of us to help us complete the project.
Our Ministries– Pray for the leaders in each of our ministries as we do the work the Lord has called us to: for faithfulness to the task, a renewed sense of God’s calling and purpose. Pray as the Lord has shown you for each of these ministries.
• Men’s Ministry • Women’s Ministry •Children’s and Youth Ministry •Single’s Ministry
Needs of the body – Pray for specific physical needs for healing, emotional healing and spiritual restoration. Ask the Lord to show you those individuals that He would have you pray for even not knowing all the details, God is sovereign and He knows and will allow you to partner with Him in effective prayer.
Encouragement from Pastor Keith:
New year, new goals, new opportunities, and new challenges … but thank the Lord for the same spiritual truths. One of the staples of the early church and the apostle Paul ‘s ministry was fasting and prayer and in this time of social, economic and spiritual upheaval so it should be ours. Every Wednesday in January we will be fasting together as a body as we consecrate ourselves to be His vessels fit for His use. So join us as we seek to hear and receive direction from the Lord this New Year. Amen!
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