The Worship Arts Ministry invites you to join us in 40 days of prayer and fasting from Sunday, March 22nd to Friday, May 1st. We are setting aside this time to pray for our upcoming musical, Saving Samson, and to pray for our nation and those around the world as we walk through these uncertain times. We not only believe that this is the most important thing that we can do to prepare for our musical, but also that God strategically put this in our path when we planned this months ago knowing the season in which we would suddenly find ourselves. We encourage every student and their families to participate in some way, as well as invite all members of Celebration Church to stand with us in prayer for these 40 days.
During this fast, each day we will be posting on our social media a prayer point and scripture to pray into as a body of believers. You will also be able to find these below.
We pray that God will reveal to each of you what He wants you to lay aside or pick up during this time and that He will lead you as you pray.
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Daily Prayer Points
Day 1, March 22nd:
Though this is not the expected roll out of devotions for 40 days of prayer and fasting for “Saving Samson,” we hope you will join us during this “fluid” season in praying for our world and asking God to use our church to share the gospel and minister. We are all experiencing a fast of sorts in that our normal routines have been disrupted in just about every way possible, so fasting is up to you and the Lord as you decide if more might be necessary. Prayer is of the utmost importance, and now none of us can say we do not have time to pray whether alone, with our families, with friends God puts on our hearts, and corporately as we consider a word from the Lord each day. We are to lift one another up as brothers and sisters, and these devotions are an attempt to do that, as well as foster that action in each participant. For today, consider the following verses of promise given to Solomon as he was completing the temple: “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called, by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” 2 Chronicles 7:13-15.
Day 2, March 23rd:
As we fast today, we join in praying for hope for ourselves, our families and our nation. As children of God, we have a hope that no trial or disappointment can take away from us.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” -Ephesians 1:18-19a
Day 3, March 24th:
This is a season of uncertainty and questions. Many times, when we fast and pray, we want a statement from God. An answer. However, many times we get a question from him that causes us to examine our own hearts for an answer. We cannot predict what will come, but there is one question we have the answer to. Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Peters response was quick and sure. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Then when Jesus told Peter that suffering was coming, Peter was quick to want an escape and to take Jesus aside and rebuke him, saying “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Look what Jesus tells Peter. “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” Matt 16:15-23. If we believe Jesus is who we say He is, we need to ask that we be given spiritual eyes to see and process through this season of uncertainty. How can we shift our minds so that we have the concerns of God rather than the concerns of men?
Day 4, March 25th:
Our prayer point for today is forgiveness. We are praying that we would forgive those who need grace in this season of uncertainty and also those who have hurt us in the past so that the enemy wouldn’t be able to use any unforgiveness in our lives as a foothold in our hearts. We encourage you to take some time today to ask Holy Spirit if there is anyone in your life that you need to forgive or if there is anyone that you need to ask for forgiveness.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Day 5, March 26th:
As we pray and fast today we are seeking and asking for greater humility in our lives. That everything that we would do would point to Jesus and like Him, knowing the power and authority that we have been given as children of God, that we would choose to serve others instead of ourselves.
”Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” – John 13:3-5
“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Matthew 20:25-28
Day 6, March 27th:
Change is a hard word. Let’s go with the idea of adjustment. Little by little, and sometimes big by big, we are being asked to adjust as news rolls out and cancellations, delays, precautions, predictions, and information is given and not given to us. How do we adjust? If we look at this from the physical example of our bodies, it is painful when an injury or physical need forces us to adjust our normal movement. At the same time, if we never have to adjust anything in our bodies, we may not experience new openings, new ways to stretch, or new progressions toward healing or growth. The same is true for our spirits. No adjustment, no opportunity to experience opening, stretching, healing, and growth. As we adjust over the next days, weeks, even months, ask God to show you how opportunity could be on the other side of your submission to those adjustments. Are there blessings in this for you to take hold of because your perspective and position must shift? Instead of falling into the constant messages that may cause you worry or anxiety, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:2.
Day 7, March 28th:
Our prayer today is that God would fill our life with overflowing joy regardless of whatever season we are in. Galatians tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit and something that we always have access to as believers.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Day 8, March 29th:
While we go through our day, let us join together in praying for strength for our families as well as the body of Christ through this season. In our weakness, may we all depend on Him to be our strength!
“God is our refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not
fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the
heart of the sea,
though its waters
roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Day 9, March 30th:
We always have something to give. Whether it be time, money, encouragement or prayers, we have something that others need. Today as you pray, ask God for an opportunity to serve and bless someone.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-11
Day 10, March 31st:
Today, we are praying that the global body of Christ and ourselves individually would be able to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. When Peter fixed his eyes on Christ, he was able to walk on water, but when he chose to focus on the storm instead of Jesus he sank into what he feared.
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. 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!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” -Matthew 14:28-31
Day 11, April 1st:
Our days are not filled right now with the normal appointments, classes, work hours, meetings, or activities. We have a lot of choices on how to spend our time, within the confines of self-distancing. This sounds great, but it can be overwhelming as we are without the “normal” structure that tells us what to do when. For those of us who get some security and even self-worth from checking off the things on our daily lists or fulfilling the obligations on our calendars, we may start to feel anxiety over the lack of our “normal” productivity and busyness. While we did not ask to be put in evaluation mode regarding our focus of life around calendars, what fuels and drives us may come into sharp view. As individuals, as a nation, as a world, we are coming to terms with sitting still and being completely out of control regarding planning, predicting, and preparing to a great degree. But the Lord gives us much peace when we belong to him. He saw all this coming and has gone before each of us, which is hard to comprehend, but comfortingly true. Our worth does not depend on what events mark our calendar and neither does our purpose in His kingdom. Now is a good time to start daily practicing the laying of our plans before him and asking for His will in a moment-by- moment type of time frame and see what the Lord declares regarding our current day-to-day actions. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” Jeremiah 29:11-13
Day 12, April 2nd:
There are so many people around the world who are experiencing extreme pain and grieve as COVID-19 has robbed them of those that they love most. Today, let us pray for the families of those who have died and for those who are or have family members battling with this virus.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed inspirit.” Psalm 34:18
Day 13, April 3rd:
Anyone else having a hard time with the parameters we are currently having to self-enforce? Our flesh cries out for freedom to do as it pleases when any confines are put in place, but this season is unprecedented. Beyond what our President, experts, and leaders are asking, our God is asking us to obey him as well. While we must adhere to the healthy guidelines we have been given, is it possible God wants us crossing some boundaries we have been able to avoid due to busyness or inconvenience or simple thoughtlessness. Consider people you can reach out to via Facebook, text, zoom, or the antiquated and undervalued phone call, etc. who may need a word of encouragement, especially those who do not know the Lord or are not strong in their faith. What conversations can you have that may point to Christ during this season of isolation? Ask God to bring people to your mind whom you might have a special connection with and boundaries that this situation actually might give you permission to cross. Then go on a virtual hike with some people. “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” I Chronicles 4:10
Day 14, April 4th:
Today we are going to offer a prayer of thankfulness. I believe that being thankful is one of the most powerfully things that we can do, especially in seasons where it doesn’t feel like a natural response. I challenge you for the next 7 days to write down 5 things that you are thankful for each day.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
Day 15, April 5th:
All this quarantine can feel a bit like a prison. Joseph is the perfect example of a prisoner who made the most of his indefinite and unjustified incarceration. He could have pouted and complained. He could have laid back and accepted defeat, taking the opportunity to process how unfair his situation was while resting from his service to Potiphar. But Joseph does not sulk or place blame, even when he has no idea that he will ever be released. Instead, “While Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So, the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” (Gen 39:21-23) Joseph also helps other prisoners who were troubled by dreams and is not released until 2 full years pass after his help is forgotten by the butler. When Joseph is remembered, God brings his reputation and gifts before no less than the Pharaoh. And, of course, Joseph ends up delivering an entire nation from famine and reuniting his entire family, while standing second in command to Pharaoh, with authority only God could bestow. What are we doing with our prison time? We have opportunities all around us to share the Lord, to increases our reputation as faithful believers and to help others who are troubled around us. We can continue to grow in Him so that when this is all over, God can position us to lead others to salvation and unity. A worshipper is a worshipper no matter the environment, and a leader is a leader no matter the circumstances. We know, even as Joseph did not, that our prison is temporary, so “Be very careful, the, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-18
Day 16, April 6th:
So many people have experienced a lot of disappointment over the past few weeks. Trips of a lifetime cancelled, graduations postponed or cancelled, birthdays spent in quarantine instead of with friends, and the list can go on. I want to encourage you as you pray today to bring these disappointments and lay them before God. Tell Him how this has made you feel, He is strong enough to bear the weight of your pain. And as you lay them at His feet, ask Him how He feels about your pain and let His love wash over you.
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” Psalm 68:19-20
Day 17, April 7th:
Today, you will have homework, so get out a pen and paper or your laptop to be ready for your assignment. Paul, who spent lots of time in confinement, had a choice to either sit quietly and speak only to the guards and visitors he had contact with, or he could WRITE! Think of how he changed the world simply by writing letters. He meant for many of his letters to reach the churches he could no longer travel to, but he also wrote to individuals. Today, pray for God to bring to your mind an individual or individual(s) to whom you can write a note, a letter, an email, a text, a tweet, or post using whatever medium you choose. Consider what effect receiving such a letter might have on you, and be inspired that a direct, written word of encouragement can truly influence someone(s) in your life. Consider Paul’s attitude as he continued to write, “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of the body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—To this I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:24-28
Day 18, April 8th:
Today we are focusing on sharing with others what God has been using to bring hope into our lives. I encourage you to first, post below a scripture or song that God has been using in your life in this season, and second, send it to someone else that you now.
“Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” -Ephesians 5:18b-20
Day 19, April 9th:
We are all becoming aware of our preferred escapes this time. Some of us are escape addicts. We are the binge shoppers, eaters, watchers, players, etc. We don’t know when escape has become a problem and is keeping us from enjoying all things in a healthy way. Some of us are escape artists. We hide our escapes and run to them when no one is watching. We are the secret keepers, the sneakers, the ones with privacy codes on our phones who hope no one knows who we really are in the dark. We don’t know that some behaviors may take us farther into the darkness than we ever wanted to go. Whether escape addicts or escape artists, we all have some danger zones we need to be aware of. Today, as you try to find your “happy place” consider if any of your “escapes” might actually be “traps.” Ask God to help you find healthier escapes that lead to life. Paul gives this understanding precaution twice: “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything edifying.” I Corinthians 10:23
Day 20, April 10th:
We are not permitted right now to fellowship with one another. This can create a sense of longing in each of us for the faces of friends in real life, for hugs from family members who are far from us, or just for conversation and others coming around a dinner table, conference table, or coffee table. We all have a need for connection that the internet cannot sufficiently supply. It is not a terrible thing to learn that we long for others because it means we are capable of loving and genuinely needing other people. Our longings awaken us to what it is about significant others in our lives that we admire and benefit from. We discover what it is about them that allows us to better be who we are designed to be. We essentially miss faces and reactions of others that give us a better picture of ourselves than our own mirrors because their pictures are more forgiving, often reflecting to us what we cannot always see about ourselves. And the feeling is mutual, as we cast images of our loved ones onto their self-images and they realize they are beloved and valued in our eyes. Take down the names and images, more than just the outward, of those you long for before the Lord today. Thank God for them and who they are in your life, and ask that they may see themselves as He sees them. Pray this for yourself, too. May we all begin to realize how we reflect His glory to one another just by loving each other even when we cannot all come around a table. “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is that you and I might be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11
Day 21, April 11th:
This pandemic has touched every corner of this earth. So many nations have been affected and today we are going to pray for the nations. Ask Holy Spirit for one country that you can be praying for specifically as you go throughout your day. Pray for their leaders, doctors and economies as they walk through with season.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Day 22, April 12th:
This Easter Sunday, we celebrate that Jesus has won the victory and has defeated every power of darkness. Nothing is a threat to Him and nothing in the universe stands as a challenge to Him, including COVID-19. Today as we pray, let us pray with the confidence and authority that our God has already won the battle against this virus. As child of God and coheirs of Christ, we fight from victory, not for victory.
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” -Colossians 2:13-15
Day 23, April 13th:
Today we are praying for faith that is greater than sight. It is so easy to live by what we can see with our eyes rather than fighting to live from God’s perspective only. Choosing to see things from God’s point of view puts everything in its rightful place and is a place of peace and hope.
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” -2 Corinthians 5:7
Day 24, April 14th:
In this unprecedented time of not gathering, we realize how much we take for granted. One thing we probably all did not appreciate fully and cannot now enjoy, is corporate worship. Our church meeting houses are quiet on Sundays. We are watching our pastors and teachers via zoom or Facebook live. We have our families around us and can worship in our homes, but we do not get to do big church. What does this do to each of us regarding our desire to worship and how we do it as individuals? Consider where your heart is in terms of lifting worship to the Lord when no congregation stands with you and when your pastor cannot see whether you have shown up or not. Who are you as a worshiper when no one is watching? If private worship is a challenge for you, ask God how He would have you develop a better practice. And bonus, you can’t claim your worship was hindered by the chosen music, the passage read, the kid picking his nose beside you, the couple that sat too close in front of you, the teenagers giggling across the aisle, or the guy who cut you off in the parking lot. Now, your worship is up to you. What hinders it? What makes is genuine, allowing the spirit to evoke conviction, revelation, and inspiration? Take time (you have plenty of it now) to worship as we are commanded to. You can even stay in your pajamas, but know this, “Yet a time [some translations say “the hour”] is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24
Day 25, April 15th:
David made a mistake once in counting his people. He took a census during a time of peace and even Joab, his violent right-hand man (also his cousin) had reservations about this counting. Originally the numbering of the Israelites was commanded by God for the express purpose for each of them to give an accounting. Each person was required to pay the same amount of offering to honor the Lord, an atonement offering, reminding each person that they belonged to God to do with as He willed. This equal offering was odd because most offerings were based on the wealth a person had, but in this counting instance for atonement, each soul was valued equally. David ignored the offering part of the counting, which means he was counting the people as if they belonged to him. When all were counted, God sent Gad to tell David he had sinned and that he had a choice as his consequence: 3 years of famine, 3 years of war oppressed by enemies, or 3 days of famine. David left the choice to God, and God allowed his angel to kill 70,000 people through plague before God’s own heart cried, “Enough!” The angel stopped, and at that very place, David got the point. He bought the place and dedicated it for God’s future temple, claiming he would not offer to God that which costed him nothing. We are experiencing an indiscriminate plague in our world right now, and each of us must be accounted for. Who do we belong to? Have we started to think we belong to ourselves rather than to God? Or are we paying tribute to some other entity with our time, energy, and gifts? What do we owe to God in atonement to show our devotion and belonging to Him? We all have an equal choice to give Him Lordship over our soul. This season of accounting will cost each of us equally in one sense, but we also will pay individually in the sense that we will each experience and process very differently as we walk through all of this with the Lord. It seems necessary to reiterate David’s words in this moment of individual accounting, and to ask ourselves, “Is this my heart?”-- “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24
Day 26, April 16th:
“Exposure” has a terrifying connotation. No one wants to be exposed to the virus, and we are uber careful these days about whom we come in contact with and where we go, to prevent “exposure.” At the same time, we are experiencing another kind of “exposure” in that we no longer have our activities, our busyness, our identities within groups, teams, and organizations, etc. to hide behind. We are home with our families, with ourselves, and with God, the ones who know the real us without our usual hats and labels. The garden of Eden comes to mind when Adam and Eve tried to hide the parts that shamed them with fig leaves. How many of us are realizing we have done that a bit, doing our best to stay out of sight and away from strong gusts of wind? Has God been calling for you to come out and be seen? By your family, or by yourself as you deal with emotional and spiritual issues you can not push away with activity or pretense? Are you being called out by the One who made you and already knows your leaves are no match for the Lamb He ordained to cover you, before you ever even knew what shame was? Take a moment to embrace the “exposure” you are experiencing. What are you learning from those around you as they SEE you? What are you discovering about yourself that God can cover…not hide…but cover with healing and forgiveness? “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” Luke 8:17
Day 27, April 17th:
With the cloud of Covid-19, the slightest hardship can seem bigger than it might actually be. All the negatives are magnified. The stresses are multiplied until we miscalculate and become overwhelmed by imagined X factors that might actually be insignificant. In other words, our math right now is bad, regardless of the numbers flashing across our t.v. screens on an hourly basis. What if we decided to put our magnifying skills to work in a different direction, toward the positive? We can never overestimate the Lord’s power in and through all of this. Today, when the least aggravation starts to be magnified, concentrate on magnifying God’s power over it and your reactions to it. After all, Covid-19 is a temporary variable in our lives, while our God is a constant. “I will extol the Lord at ALL times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:1-4
Day 28, April 18th:
A friend—she shall rename nameless—but she knows who she is—described this circumstance as a “stripping away.” For such an action to take place, a tool is usually employed, and loss and pain typically result for the purpose of growth or the creation of something new. Whoever does the stripping away, does so with a vision of what needs to change and what beauty can be created. As painful as the tool that this virus seems to be and despite all we are having to endure, this “stripping away” has purpose for new growth. Old, harmful, or stubborn things are removed so new can be created. Looking ahead, will this “stripping away” allow you more room or generate motivation for changes toward healthier growth? Ask God to help you join in His vision of what He is trying to create in you through this painful process? Ask God to help you visualize what He wants to remove and what He wants to create in you, in your family, in your community, in the world. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2
Day 29, April 19th:
Imagine for a moment that you live in a world where there is no hand sanitizer, no toilet paper, no masks, and no ventilators, and no doctors with expertise to prevent or treat viruses. Now imagine, you have no way of knowing who around you might be infected, except for those who show outward signs and shout, “Unclean!” on their way through crowded areas. What a vulnerable setting! Getting the idea? Yes, imagine you live in the time Jesus did. How desperate the people must have been for his touch, his presence, and his healing and the Hope He became in their midst. We are lucky to have safeguards and medicine, but have those safeguards have diminished our need for Jesus? Have His touch, His presence, His healing become simply “an” option instead of THE HOPE we should be desperate for? Spend a moment considering what you are relying on most in this season….doctors, experts, hand sanitizer, Lysol, etc. How does you hope in Jesus rank among your safeguards? Maybe take a moment to call upon Him in worship as THE most dependable and miraculous HOPE in all things. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix out eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Day 30, April 20th:
We have a hard time leaving our clean homes of comfort to go to a potentially contaminated Wal-mart, yet Jesus left the holy of holies to walk among us on an earth full of the most dangerous health risks. While he may have been divinely protected, he was probably not divinely shielded from smells, filth, grossness, poverty, or worst of all, the stench of sin. Yet, he did not put on a mask or gloves to set himself apart from the rabble that was drawn often too close to him. In fact, Jesus was known for intimacy with His followers, sleeping in stranger’s houses (or mangers), and always offering His personal touch. Amazing to think, he did not avoid even the most infected leper. Further, he took on healing from individual to individual. Think about it. He could have simply shouted over each crowd, “All are now healed!” But he did not. He personally touched in unique ways individual after individual, lepers, blind, dead (super unclean), bleeding, and again those with the worst affliction, sin-sickness. Jesus healed so many, John says it would take all the ink in the sea to record his works. Interestingly, many of the healings recorded are of sick individuals who sought Jesus or others who solicited Him for the healing of loved ones. And His response was never a disgusted recoiling or hateful rebuke, but one of total restoration. What healing do you long for today? Do you know that you are never too dirty to be touched by the hands of the Master Healer? Whatever is plaguing you, He longs for you to reach out to Him and receive His merciful, restorative touch, especially if you are plagued by the worst of sin-sickness and affliction. Spend a moment in thankful worship for a Savior who longs to touch you when and where no one else could or would. “As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. ‘Who touched me?… Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me… Your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:42b-48
Day 31, April 21st:
Today, we will consider 3 guys who understood putting faith to the test. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Our health is certainly at risk during this time, but so are a lot of other dear things. We are literally going through the fire, not sure if some of what we went in with will come out unburned or lost. What is the key to walking through the fire, enduring it, and coming out without even the smell of smoke on us? The fourth man! And why did He show up for the 3 thrown into the furnace? Would He have been with these faithful worshipers regardless of their faith in order to show His glory? We do not know because their faith is a huge part of the story. When told they would be thrown into a fire 7x hotter than it had ever been heated, (one that would even kill the strongest soldiers assigned to throw them into it), this is their epic response: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). Whatever we stand to lose in this furnace, will others watching see the 4th man with us because we choose to trust in Him? Despite potential loss? Despite fear? Despite uncertainty? Despite what everyone else bows down to? These 3 challenge us to trust regardless of the outcome. Is it not better to be in the furnace with the 4th Man than outside of it in a sea of idolatry and worship of worldly powers? Ask God to help you speak of and live out such flame-resistant faith. “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God…. for no other god can save in this way!” (Daniel 3:28-29)
Day 32, April 22nd:
Many of us are becoming aware of how much we waste. We are a culture of excess, breeding entitlement and addiction. This season can be a time of washing away, as we let the excess be sluffed off our thinking and behavior. But not all things we waste are rubbish. Certainly, there are things we hold on to that are unnecessary, but there are also things we have taken for granted, things we have thrown away that should have been treasured. Is it possible God is giving us time for things to be weighed and measured against his standard regarding their worth? Are things in our trash that we need to retrieve? No one can tell each of us what we must forsake or treasure more dearly, except the Lord. Allow Him to look in the waste basket of your soul. Not the nicest image, but maybe an accurate description of what it is actually like to expose our hearts to Him. Then maybe allow Him access to your treasure chest to see if there is any fool’s gold or rhinestones that need to be tossed. “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, I have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge….Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me…. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” Psalm 51:1-11
Day 33, April 23rd:
While motivation is difficult right now, wisdom tells us this is a time of preparation. Whether the world ever goes back to “normal,” we are being prepared for kingdom work. Nothing we need to do to prepare is out of our reach. We have the word in multiple versions on multiple devices besides paper copies. We have prayer, access to the throne room at any moment, and acts of worship can flow from us continually if our spirits are attuned to the Lord. For some of us, being still and knowing is part of our preparation. For others, things we have put off or neglected are necessary components of our preparation. While all else is on delay, let us not delay in taking advantage of growth and pressing into the Lord to receive all we can to be prepared for what is next, “normal” or not. “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in the heaven, so that you have to ask, ’Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so that we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.“ (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) ”In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For a time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
Day 34, April 24th:
Grief is definitely an emotion we are having to press down. Our hearts desires, even for the Godliest purposes (if it is possible for us to have such purity of heart) are put on indefinite hold. Even as we try to plan, we grieve over time lost, opportunities slipping through our fingers, doors which are shut. We are trying to hold to hope without certainty. This fallen world is bucking up against all we feel called to do in a way we never expected and cannot fully process. Yet, our hearts desires were planted in us by a power that is much greater than the world. These verses have new meaning in today’s climate. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home…. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This truth is echoed in 1 John 4:4 as we have power in Christ over evil spirits in the world. Further, if God has ordained our involvement in works here, we do have security for our hope. Revelation 3:8-9 gives us words from Christ to the faithful church, “These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your works. Behold I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Revelation 3:7-8 (also in prophecy of Christ in Isaiah 22:22)
Day 35, April 25th:
Our word today is “Access.” We are denied access to some freedoms, but most of us also have incredible access to the world through the internet and access to information, maybe more than we want. The positives and negatives that come with such access require discernment. How much do we tap into? What is streaming in that we need to shut off? Access to a world of information does not necessarily breed wisdom. We watch, as each day new information causes new decisions, new judgements, revisions of past understanding, etc. Humans trying to use their knowledge to solve a global phenomenon. Access to all this can feel like we are in the middle of a whirlwind, like Dorothy, being carried in her house through a tornado that we hope is a dream from which we will wake up. How do we maintain a sense of grounding? Are we like Dorothy, clicking our heals together, closing our eyes, and repeating, “There’s no place like home!” God is certainly no false Wizard behind a curtain, as this worldly knowledge will turn out to be. There are still mysteries hidden that we cannot fathom. God will reveal as He deems best. While it is true we have access to the Holy of Holies through Jesus and we serve an Omnipotent, Omniscient God, we are still limited humans, unable to come up with the exact answers to the how, why, and how long questions. As frustrating as this may seem, God knows best how to reveal His plan in His timing. While we wait for access to that revelation, we must detach from the streaming flow of worldly jabber and cling to his unwavering true word DAILY, that which is true and good and right, which is far more effective than clicking our heals, though red shoes are always a good idea. Allow these words to sink in regarding our access to the Spirit that lives within us: “As it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things of God has prepared for those who love him— the things god has revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit searches all things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words…. The person with the Spirit makes judgements about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgements, for, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-16
Day 36 of fasting and prayer, April 26th:
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall
we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run
after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But
seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:31-33
So often we get so caught up in the small details of our needs that we forget that God is our caring Father that loves to take care of us. We are commanded to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness while He takes care of the rest. What are ways that we can better seek His kingdom?
Day 37 of fasting and prayer, April 27th:
“We can get through this together.” Commercials and authority figures keep telling us this, yet is this truly a comfort? Other humans with no control over circumstances trying to band together is of some value, but ultimately, we need more if we are to endure when hardship hits and when patience beyond our understanding is needed. We simply cannot continue to press on in these oppressive seasons well without crippling anxiety or being frustrated, trying to manipulate or understand uncontrollable circumstances. Our flesh longs for foundational assurances beyond ourselves and other humans, and as Christians, we have assurance that all is not random or happenstance. That assurance comes in the knowledge of God’s word. It has already told us where our future hope lies, God’s will, and the promises of our God, who is in control. We are commanded to meditate on the scriptures so we can have access to such knowledge which will fuel our endurance. We do need each other, but as Christians, we can say, “We can get through this together because we serve the One True God.” Rest assured today and strive to know Him more, so that we as Christians can glorify God and His word as we endure with patience. “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Col 1:9-12
Day 38 of fasting and prayer, April 28th:
Have you ever wondered why God was given so many names by his followers? Our world encourages us to trust in some “higher power” or the “universe” in seasons like we are in. Does anyone, who does not know our God, question the personalities of these unknown entities they are to trust in. Who and What is a “higher power”? Certainly, there are higher powers we cannot see in realms beyond this earth. How do we know? To quote a famous Christian lyric, “The Bible tells me so.” We are warned we battle against “authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12). It is very important then that we can name and understand the personality to which we submit and cry to which we cry out. God is so gracious to give us names for Him that define who He is so we can be assured of the power that is at work when we pray, submit, trust, and even when we don’t know what to do or what is to come. We know from his word that God is Love (1 John 4:7) and Light in whom there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). What a comfort that we do not have to abandon reason and intelligence by submitting to an unnamed, undefined higher power and that our God created the Universe and holds it in His control! Here a just a few names God has that define who we have the privilege to trust: Elohim—the strong creator, Jehovah—Lord, master and relational God, Adonai—Master over all, Elohim Chaseddi—The God of my mercy, El Elyon—The Most High God, El Emunah—The Faithful God, Elohim Chayim—The Living God, El Hayyay—God of my life, Elohei Ma’uzzi—God of my strength, Elohim Machase Lanu—God our refuge, Elohim Ozer Li—God, My Helper, El Rai—God Seest Me, El Sali—God, my Rock, Ehyeh asher Ehyeh—The eternal, all-sufficient God, Jehovah Goelekh—The lord thy redeemer, Jehovah El Elohim—The Lord God of gods, the Lord, mighty, powerful, strong One over all. “For since the creation of the world, his invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood by what has been made so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20
Day 39 of fasting and prayer April 29th:
Not only do we have names of God to define who He is, but we have names for our personal Savior as well. He is Jesus, Alpha and Omega, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, Deliverer, Great High Priest, Holy One, Emmanuel (God with Us), King of Kings, Lamb of God, The Way, the Truth and the Life, Lion of Judah, Lord of Lords, Mediator, Messiah, Morning Star, Prophet, Redeemer, Resurrection and the Life, True Vine, and Word of God. He longs for us to know Him in each of these capacities and more. Trial and suffering are unfortunately the ways we learn these qualities; unfortunate, only in that they are hard for the moment, but ultimately if we can know Him better because of them, our seasons of testing and trial are precious and incredibly powerful times in our lives. They are the times when we are weak, but He is strong. In this season, may we all learn the full definition of one of His names as we each seek after Him for each of our particular challenges. Make a promise to yourself that you will share what you have learned about him once social distancing is over. May your words about Jesus make social distancing from Him impossible and draw others into a fuller knowing. “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the mention of the name of Jesus every knee shall bow…and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
Day 40 of fasting and prayer April 30th:
David walked through many challenging seasons including war, isolation, plague, and uncertainty. He hid in caves, lived in a palace, hid in sin, and built up the stores for God’s temple. In all, he wrote Psalms filled with emotions, questions, praises, and confessions. Psalm 23 is probably the most popular because it seems to contain a verse for each type of season and to embody David’s prevailing attitude in the ups and downs of his walk with the Lord. It seems appropriate to let his words resonate with our own walks on this last day of our fast. “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of his righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23
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