Have you sown your 58:7 seed? 

No, I am not going to hype up some super exaggerated formula to get your money! But I want to challenge you to consider this verse: 

Isaiah 58:7 (NIV)
"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"

In the fast that God chooses, we are challenged to look beyond ourselves and see the needs around us. People are in need, hungry, homeless, and hurting. You don’t have to look very far to know this is true. Those needs are no longer in the far reaches of the world.  They are all around us!

At the conclusion of our Daniel Fast, Anita and I always try to sow a 58:7 seed to a ministry that is helping to meet the needs of hurting, needy people. This is not our tithe being redirected, but a separate financial seed beyond our regular giving. The tithe (10% of our increase) belongs to God and He asks that we return that to the local church where we are committed.

But an offering is an amount of money that you give over and above your tithe to meet a need. I have found that when I ask God what He wants me to do, I always receive an impression of where and what I am to sow. Sometimes that amount is a faith stretch but I have never sown a seed in good soil but that it eventually returns a harvest in my life. Sometimes it is a financial harvest and other times it's a spiritual harvest. My responsibility is to give, my Father decides the the increase. That’s all right by me!

On Sunday, I gave several suggestions of good soil in which to sow:

Open Door Ministries –
Barry & Penny Compton ministering to girls in Honduras

Involved Group –
Daran & Tera Hinnant helping missionaries around the globe

Emerge Family Ministries Building –
reaching the next Generation

TFH Benevolence –
meeting practical needs

(You can send your seed to TFH or go to www.thefathershouse.com/giving and we will be sure to send the money to the proper place)

I know there are many other great places, but these are areas that are impactful and caring.

So Here’ What I Am Thinking… 

Together we can make a difference in people’s lives - so let’s sow a 58:7 seed today!

You are blessed to be a blessing!

PT

DAY TWENTY ONE

Congratulations you did it! – 21 Days of seeking God in prayer and fasting. I would like to share  a blog with you from Jentzen Franklin that really says what I am sensing:

“As Christians, we love the Old Testament story of the Joshua and the battle of Jericho because God teaches us so much through that miracle. The soldiers marched around the walls for seven days, then blew the Shofar horn, screamed and walls came tumbling down… just like God said it would.

As we’ve been going through the Fast 2012, I have strongly felt that many of you are at a crossroads or transition. And when God is going to do something powerful in your life, He will always challenge your comfort zone just as He did Joshua and the Israelites.

Even though the children of Israel were already in the Promised Land, they still had to fight the enemy to keep it. When you get close to your place of promise, the resistance gets greater. You can count on it!

Here’s what has been on my mind for you during this fast… inside those walls of Jericho was a “power relationship” for the nation of Israel that they didn’t even understand at the time. Inside those walls was the great, great grandmother of Jesus Christ. A harlot named Rahab whose destiny was tied up with the Jews, and she was a gentile. What if they had disobeyed? What if they decided the resistance was too hard? What if they had taken the easy route and walked away from their Jericho?

What miracles wait inside your wall of Jericho in 2012? For your business? Your marriage? Your family? Your health? Don’t give up! You’ve met walls of resistance, but during this fast those walls are already cracking. Trust Him. Praise Him in your personal time of worship today.”

Let’s expect Miracles in 2012. This fast has not been ordinary; it has encouraged and empowered us. I am hearing of reports on blessings, healings, breakthroughs, and miracles. This 21 Day Journey is not an event that we check off – done, it is the first step in putting God first in our life for all of 2012. 

If your miracle hasn’t already happened, don’t give up. Believe that 2012 will be a year of growing closer to God than ever before and bringing answers to your best year ever. I will continue to pray for you. 

Thanks for joining me on this Journey,

PT

 

DAY TWENTY

DAY 20!!!!!! Can you believe it!! We’re almost there… congratulations!!  I am so thankful to have joined with you on this 21 Day Journey. I want to encourage you today to stay focused on finishing strong and remaining strong for 2012. 

This fast is not a religious event that we “check off – done”, it is a seed sown for a harvest during the rest of the year!
 

I love the encouragement that Paul writes about in

Galatians 6:9 (MSG)
"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit."

Fasting is not a tool for manipulating God to doing what you want when you want. If you view it that way and “It” doesn’t occur at your appointed time, you might give up and miss what God planned for you.

To get a harvest, there has to be a time of sowing. Don’t get fatigued in the season of sowing, miracles and breakthrough happen by your persistent sowing.

You reap what you sow. The Bible says that whatever your hands find to DO, DO it solely as unto God. I simply want to encourage everyone to continue serving the Lord, and to stay strong in your fast until the very end.  

God rewards those who diligently seek Him. To seek something requires action.
 

During these past 20 days you have been sowing some incredible seeds of faith and prayer. It will be at the RIGHT TIME that your GOOD crop will come in, but the key is to remember that God’s time is always the right time.  

Don’t be discouraged if prayers aren’t answered when you think they should be. You must trust that God has everything under control and that He will release the good crop when it is time. Don’t allow yourself to get fatigued and tired while waiting for the answer.

I believe many answers will be experienced Sunday during  our time of breaking bread together – don’t miss it, prepare for it, and EXPECT great things from God!

Anticipating a harvest!

PT

DAY NINETEEN

Yesterday we examined Isaiah 58:8 and discovered some of the great benefits to those who fast and seek God. Today I want to continue to look at this chapter and discover additional blessings coming your way.

Isaiah 58:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.'

“The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard” 

We often focus on the Lord leading us, but in this verse He is our rearguard or as someone said “The Backer-upper”. His favor goes before us and the glory of the Lord comes behind us as our protector. Nothing outside of His will can sneak up on us – He has your back!

“Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer”. 

Because you have spent time in fasting and seeking God, He says that your prayers will be answered speedily. Fasting is one way to add persistence to our petitions. I love the power in this benefit – You call and He answers. During the fast, your will has been surrendered to His will so you are in agreement and alignment and you can walk out your assignment.

Isaiah 58:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you continually...

“Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday”. 

No matter how dark the day, your light will shine. If you have felt “lost” and unsure of your direction, God promises to shine the light on your pathway, the darkness fades away with the noonday brilliance.

“The LORD will guide you continually”. 

After the season of fasting, guidance and direction become clear. I think that for the rest of the year you will walk in divine guidance. It will be clear to you exactly where God is leading you.

Begin to confess these promise in your daily prayer time. Draw your promise circle around these promises and don’t let these benefits slip from your focus.

Expecting GREAT things,

PT 

DAY EIGHTEEN

Isaiah 58 is the chapter in the Bible that tells about the type of fast that pleases God and lists specific results to expect.  

Isaiah 58:8 (NIV)
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard."

The first promise: “your light will break forth like the dawn”.
 

I think this speaks of the dawning of a new day, a reawakening of spiritual insights and fresh revelation. I have been hearing many testimonies of this happening. As you read the Word, you see with revelation insight the things that you never realized before.

The second promise: “your healing will quickly appear”. 

I think it includes spiritual as well as physical healing. I anticipate miracles that will occur during and after this fast for the glory of God. I like the part "quickly appear". I know many who have prayed and waited, but get ready for a quick appearing of your healing.

The third promise: “your righteousness will go before you”. 

I believe this speaks of the life of influence you will have as a result of fasting and praying. If there ever was a time the world needed to see godly examples to follow, it is today. There have been too many inconsistencies among believers.

We will examine the other promises in tomorrow’s blog. But take time now to pray for the rewards we see listed here. Not only pray, but begin to expect the unexpected to occur in your life and at TFH. 

I am sensing an unusual expectation for our Sunday Worship Experience as we break this fast together with communion.

Enjoying the journey,

PT
 

DAY SEVENTEEN

Someone recently told me, “this week I have faced such temptation to quit.” 

Day 17 is NOT the day to quit, we want to make it to the end and finish Sunday during communion.

Quitting is not an option for us. When you begin to think about quitting, you start talking about quitting and usually it won’t take long before you actually quit.

I’m here to encourage you today that you don’t have to quit. Let God give you “Finishing Strength” today. 

Hebrews 10:39 says,
“But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way”.

It starts with focus. We need to get our eyes off the immediate and see the reward ahead. It is possible to be so focused on what we aren’t eating that we spend the day looking down instead of up.

 I love what Colossians 3:2 says,
“Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.”

No matter what it is in life, if the option to give up and quit is available, you entertain the option of quitting when things get tough and challenging. We need to understand that we are in a spiritual battle and the enemy will throw everything he can at you because he doesn’t want you to pursue a greater knowledge of Jesus.

Today I remind you that you are more than a conqueror in Jesus Christ.

The writer of Hebrews gives us some encouraging thoughts, 

Hebrews 10:35-39"So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion… But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way."

Blessings,

PT

DAY SIXTEEN

I am so thankful that you are continuing on this 21 Day Journey of fasting and prayer. I think I need to remind you that not every day will be filled with extreme spiritual encounters, some days you just do what you have committed to do.

Today was a day like that for me. My prayers weren’t filled with great emotional feelings or new revelations. It was one of those days I sowed the seed of prayer and commitment knowing that one day I will reap a harvest from this day.

Maturity as a believer in Christ is when I consistently make the decision to be obedient to what God’s Word says, rather than the way that I feel.  There are going to be times when obedience isn’t the easy thing or the fun thing… but it’s always the right thing.

Our feelings often change based on what we eat or DON’T EAT. But God’s Word DOES NOT CHANGE… it is both constant and consistent… and when we place ourselves in submission to HIS WORD rather than our world of feelings, greater things are in store.

I may not feel like forgiving someone because of what they have done to me. However, God’s Word commands me to love and forgive others.

Ephesians 4:32

'Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.'

Matthew 6:14,15

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

I may not feel like sharing Christ with someone or inviting them to church; however, Jesus gave us command to obey regardless of our feelings. 

Matthew 28:18-20

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 16:15

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Those are just a couple of examples to remind us that we can’t be dictated by our feelings.

So, let's just choose to fix our eyes and thoughts on Jesus and His Word and always make the right decision.

Staying the course,

PT

DAY FIFTEEN

Yesterday @ TFH we were reminded that we are responsible to prepare our hearts for the reception of God’s Word. It really is our task, but many times it is an all out battle against things that try to crowd out God’s Word.

Thank God that He has more than equipped us with weapons to fight the conflict that we are in, and fasting is one of the most powerful weapons that you can use. 

We are in an “all out” battle! Satan wants nothing more than to destroy you and me. 

He has three objectives; 

• to kill
• to steal
• to destroy

He wants to steal the Word, limit it, or choke it out. The enemy wants to keep us from believing God for Big things!

I think it's time for us to seek God like never before, and believe God like never before! Let’s stop limiting God in what we think He can do and start asking Him for the big things we aren’t sure He can do! If Satan can convince us to not ask for the things we want God to do, then he has already won the battle. 

Ephesians 3:20
says that God is able to do, “exceedingly, abundantly, above all we ask or imagine.”

I have determined in my heart to ask God for big things this year! I know that when I have big requests, He is going to bless me with massive answers. If I bring miniature prayers, then I am going to get small results! He will do more than I ask or even imagine! 

This year I am proclaiming 

Habakkuk 1:5, “I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

Along with fasting, the weapon of expectancy can shatter the Devil’s schemes for your life! Rather than doubting that you will receive that miracle, change your perspective and believe you will receive it. Rather than talk about how bad things are, talk about how good your God is. 

Take away the enemy’s ammunition with a “spirit of expectancy.” Expectancy is knowing that God is going to show up in your life in 2012 and work miracles!

Thank Him that this time next year you will not be in the same place that you are now.
 

What big things do you need to declare war over?  What battles do you need victory in? What unanswered prayers do you have that can only be answered through fasting and prayer?  

2012 is going to be a year of miracles. It will be a year where we see God do more than He has ever done before.

Believing with you,

PT

DAY FOURTEEN

We have been on this Journey for two weeks. I know there have been some good days and some in which you felt like you couldn’t go on – but you did! Maybe you haven’t been as successful to your commitment as you intended, but remember this is not a competition. 

Don’t allow guilt feelings to cause you to give up – this last week can be a special time for you. You may be saying, “If only” – but you don’t live there, you can pick yourself up and get back on the Journey. Today is a good day to recommit to this last week and we will break the fast next Sunday together during our Sunday Service.
 

When I think about the word “IF”, I think about the choices that I have to make. I remember when my mother would tell me when I was a little boy that if I would finish my music practice... then I could go out to play.

God proclaims another “IF” that we should focus on today: 

2 Chronicles 7:14.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

We all need this REAWAKEN EXPERIENCE, where revival comes into the hearts of the people, and then it will come to our church as well. 

Counting it all joy!

PT
 

DAY THIRTEEN

Fasting is a time of emptying – a time of washing and cleansing. The body is emptied of food and cleansed of toxins and poisons. Our lives are emptied of entertainment and normal routine. Fasting is also a time of preparation for new anointing. It is one way to make room for God’s blessings.

But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face… and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Matthew 6:17-18

Cleansing and Emptying
Part of preparing ourselves spiritually for a fast involves allowing God to wash our hearts. As we participate in this 21 Day Journey of fasting and prayer let’s make sure we are dealing with any personal sins.
 

Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your mind.
Accept God’s forgiveness. (I John 1:9)
 

Ask forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17;3,4)
 

Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to Ephesians 5:18 (and expect Him to answer, according to His promise in 1 John 5:14-15).
 

Surrender fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master, refusing to yield to your worldly nature.
 

In 1 Kings 17, Elijah came to a woman during a time of famine. He asked her to bring him water and a piece of bread. (She was gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for herself and her son, that they might eat it and die.) Elijah assured her not to fear – to go home and do as she had said, but first to make a cake of bread for him, and then something for herself and her son.
 

When she emptied her barrel and gave away what she had, God supernaturally filled her barrel with food for next three and a half years. Fasting is giving away something you love o God can fill your life with Himself.
 

Fasting is a time for emptying ourselves of soda, junk food, time in front of the television – basically, the things we love.  But we must also be careful to rid ourselves of things we hate: pride, ego, flesh, unforgiveness, idolatry, carnality – anything unlike God – so that He might supernaturally inhabit our lives in the coming year.
 

As we are over half way through with our 21 days, here  are several things that are happening:

Experiencing surrender
Experiencing reawakening spiritually
Creating space for God to fill

Nothing is impossible with God – so let’s give Him some room to do His thing in our life!

PT

DAY TWELVE

We are now at Day 12 – this is a significant day. 12 represents divine order. It’s the number that shows God is in control and actively ruling over something as King. When God wants to show us that He is ruling and that there is a perfect plan, He likes to use the number twelve in his language.

During this time of seeking God, we have been praying for His Kingdom and Will to be done in our life, that means His divine order. I love this passage of scripture: 

Revelation 12:10-11 (NLT)

10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.

Too many believers have been held captive in the enemy’s cell of accusation. He accuses them saying, “you don’t deserve… you will never… your situation is too far gone… you have tried before.”

Take another look at the passage, it says your accuser has been thrown down, he has no legal access to accuse you because you have been set free by the blood of the Lamb.

Testimonies are one way we overcome the enemy.  If we don't share the way God is at work in our lives, then we're tempted to think God isn't working at all. But when we begin to share testimonies of grace, testimonies of healing, testimonies of answered prayer, we are reminded that God is still on the throne!  

One of the joys of writing this blog has been receiving testimonies of answered prayer. Each one is like a shot of adrenaline to my faith. They stretch me. They convict me.

Those testimonies remind me that "He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world".  They remind me that God is able to do immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine.  They remind me that God wins, Satan loses, and I'm more than a conqueror through Christ. 

I would to love to hear about your breakthrough, journey, healing, etc. It would be awesome to share some of the testimonies with others!  

To share your prayer testimony, please click on the word comment below this entry and then enter your comment.  If you don't have any of the listed profiles, you can submit as anonymous - if you want to add your name, you can put it at the end of your comment before you hit publish.

Step out with your words of testimony today!

PT

DAY ELEVEN

Join us at noon @TFH if you can for a teaching on prayer. I will be posting the video later today for you to watch if you can't make it...

In case you are running out of ideas for meals... check out www.ultimatedanielfast.com and click on the recipes tab.  There are other great resources there too.

PT

DAY TEN

Yesterday we focused on “being available to our families”, today I would like to focus our attention on another important area and that is marriages. Every day in my prayers, I ask God to touch and heal marriages at The Father's House. I am tired of seeing broken hearts and upset lives because of marriages in crisis.  Even if you are not married, please join me in praying for all of the married couples in our church. 

I believe that marriage is the foundation of a strong family and a strong family is the foundation of a strong church. We believe that what God joins together, let no one pull apart. We believe in one man and one woman joined together in covenant under God for life. We know that marriage is not a contract between two people, it is a covenant between two people before God.

During this fast, let’s pray for God to bring healing into marriages and homes as never before. I want the next generation to see models of committed couples. I know the divorce rate in our culture and in the Kingdom of God is at an all time high but wouldn’t it be marvelous to see 0% divorce rate in our church. Why not, according to Mark 9:23, “with God, all things are possible”.

Remember the glue that keeps your marriage together is His mercy and grace. Another thing that strengthens marriages is getting plugged in to the church, being part of classes and serving in areas where there is a need.

Let’s stand together as we fast and pray and believe God for the spirit of divorce to be defeated.  God hates divorce!  And as Christians, so should we!

As we fast, we pray God’s richest blessings on your marriages and homes for 2012.  We believe that every family and marriage has a specific mission together. We pray that God will reveal and make His divine assignment for your marriage and family clear.  He brought you together for a reason and He is ready to use you to bring salvation, healing and deliverance to homes all over the world.

We stand together for happy marriages and against the plight of divorce in Jesus' Name.

 

We are at the half way point of this fast, and you are doing great!  Don't forget to drink plenty of water every day (your goal should be 1 gallon!) and get enough protein by eating nuts, beans, tofu, etc.

Enjoy the journey,

PT

DAY NINE

On day 9 of our Reawaken Journey, I am reminded of a phrase that can easily be overlooked in the fasting passage of Isaiah. Here it is - “... being available to your own families.” Isaiah 58:7 (MSG)

If we don’t stay sensitive to God’s direction we can get so involved trying to reach, and help others (which we are to do) that we neglect our own families. In this passage the Lord gives us detailed instructions of what we are to focus on during this time of fasting. He says be available to your family.

This is a great time to allow God to sensitize our hearts toward our family. Sometimes you begin to take those you are with the most for granted. They see you concerned and caring for others, but with your own family you are irritated, negative, fault-finding, always pointing out mistakes and neglect their mission. But consider this, everyone in your family has a God given purpose to fulfill – are you encouraging them?

As you fast and pray today, I am praying that you hear the words spoken to Queen Esther – that for such a serious and urgent time as this - you are living.

Who is it that while reading this blog God brought to your heart? That person you can focus on in prayer today?

When Nehemiah undertook the challenge to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem he spent many days fasting, praying, weeping and repenting over his sins and then the sins of the people before the reconstruction (REAWAKENING) began.

You may be thinking, I just don’t know if this really works. Listen to this conditional promise from God – If we... then He will.

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (NLT)

14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 15 My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.

We need to fast for early discoveries of the destiny's of our kids, their salvation, direction for their life, wise decisions, right friends, for future spouses, and right teachers to speak into the lives of our sons and daughters.

During this fast we will fight spiritually by prayer and fasting. God promises to hear and answer, so begin to look for and expect great and mighty miracles and victories as a result of our seeking God on this 21 Day Journey.

Praying with you and for you, 

PT

DAY EIGHT

We are entering week 2 of our Reawaken Journey.  Sometimes during a fast we become focused on the physical hardship we are facing or feel overwhelmed with the needs we are bringing to God in prayer. And if we are not careful, we become more focused on the fast than the One we are surrendering to.

Today, let's spend time praising Him for who He is and giving thanks for things He has already done and will do. Why not use one of the Psalms and read it out loud as your praise to Him. Try singing a song of praise to Him, or turn on some praise music and get lost in the atmosphere of worship. Take some time and write down in your Journey Journal some things that God has already done in your life.

Here is a Psalm that might help you enter God’s presence with a thankful heart.
 

Psalm 100:1-5 (MSG)

A song of praise for the Lord's faithfulness to His people, a psalm of thanksgiving:

1 On your feet now - applaud GOD!
2 Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into His presence.
3 Know this: GOD is God, and God, GOD.
He made us; we didn't make Him.
We're His people, His well-tended sheep.
4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank Him. Worship Him.
5 For GOD is sheer beauty, all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.

To help you on this Reawaken Journey, there are several resources on our website www.thefathershouse.com. Why not join us @TFH on Thursday at noon for the teaching on Prayer, you can catch up by watching last Thursday’s teaching by scrolling down to DAY FOUR.

Let's keep building God's Kingdom together!

PT

DAY SEVEN

I love the Sunday Celebration! There is always something amazing that happens when we gather together on Sundays to Experience the Presence of Jesus.

Today is the first day of a brand new week–
it's never been used.

Today is first day of another week
of our 21 Day Spiritual Journey.

Today is the day to celebrate
what has happened and will happen!

Today is the day to realize
that together we are better!

One of the most important ingredients in our Journey of Faith is to be a committed partner with a local church. In spite of many who devalue the local church, we at TFH realize the local church is the hope of the world.

The Church is not to be an entertainment center, in competition with other churches to see who has the best “show”. The church is a body of people called out from among the world, for the distinct and unique purpose of glorifying their Savior and Lord, JESUS CHRIST.

Christ has declared that He will build His church, and nothing, not even the powers of hell can stop Him. In truth, the battle has already been won. Christ will be triumphant in the end, and those of us who stand with Him and love Him will be victorious. That’s Good News!

So get involved, stay committed; be faithful where God has planted you. It’s really not about what you want, having all your needs met or being entertained every Sunday. It is all about Him –  

Find Your Place and Help Make a Difference in the World!

“What the church needs today is not more of better machinery, not new organizations or more novel methods. She needs men whom the Holy Spirit can use – men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Spirit does not flow through methods, but through men… He does not anoint plans, but men – men of prayer!

- E.M. Bounds

Church, I'll see you at church!

PT

DAY SIX

In my 21 day fast daily reading from YouVersion.com, I was reminded about staying clear on our focus for the fast.  In Isaiah 58, God responds to His people who were complaining that He was not answering their fast the way they wanted.

Remember, fasting is not a hunger strike to get God to do what you want, but our coming into AGREEMENT with His Word, to be in ALIGNMENT with His will, to receive our ASSIGNMENT in His Kingdom. 

In chapter 58 we discover what He wants for you during this fast.  Pray that God will empty you of all that is you and fill you with all that is Him.

Isaiah 58:4-8 (MSG)
4 You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight. You fast, but you swing a mean fist. The kind of fasting you do won't get your prayers off the ground.
5 Do you think this is the kind of fast day I'm after: a day to show off humility? To put on a pious long face and parade around solemnly in black? Do you call that fasting, a fast day that I, GOD, would like?
6 "This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts.
7 What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.
8 Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The GOD of glory will secure your passage.

Isaiah 58:9 (MSG)
9 Then when you pray, GOD will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.' "If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins.

Take a few minutes to read chapter 58 in its entirety and let God show you promises that you need to claim.  Write them in your journal and BRING THEM WITH YOU TO OUR SUNDAY CELEBRATION  tomorrow – I will be talking about those promises. 

As you prayerfully prepare for tomorrow why not be a BRINGER, and bring someone with you. 

Blessings, 

PT

DAY FIVE

What has Father been saying to you during the last 5 days? What scripture has He highlighted for you? I really have enjoyed reading your comments at the bottom of this blog, they have been very encouraging.

Maybe you are thinking all I am hearing right now is my stomach growling saying “feed me, feed me” or as I heard someone today yell, “I need a cheeseburger.”

Hang in there, turn that hunger toward a hunger to know Jesus better. At times like this we learn just how much our bodies try to dictate to us.

I promise you, as you continue on this journey, you WILL hear His voice with a reawakened awareness. I would recommend that you use a personal journal which will help you capture and record all the incredible things God is speaking into your life.

A great, simple way to journal your devotional time is to use the SOAP method. (Wayne Cordeiro has some great material about this in his book, Divine Mentor. Look to the banner at the right to order.) 

SOAP stands for:

Scripture

Observation

Application

Prayer

It works like this:

S for Scripture. 
Read prayerfully. Take notice of which scripture(s) catches your attention and circle it in your Bible. When you’re done, reread the verse you circled and rewrite it in your journal.

O for Observation. 
Focusing on that scripture, then tune in and listen to what God is saying to you through His Word. What is it about this verse that especially stands out? What does God want to reveal to you or teach you? Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide and show you what God is saying.

A for Application. 
Think of how this verse applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or correction for a particular area of your life. Use your journal to write how this verse applies to you today.

P for Prayer.  
Wrap up your time in prayer. Talk to God about what you have just read. This can be as simple as thanking him for revealing a truth from the scripture, or it may be asking Him for greater insight or how to apply this to your life. Remember prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue.

This is the method I use daily, it’s as simple or deep as you want it to be. But you are able to record and cherish what God is saying to you. Many times I re-read the insights in my journal to bring encouragement by remembering His Words.

You are doing great! I know God is sharing things with you because His word tells us if we abide in Him and He abides in us, we can ask anything and it will be done according to His will.

Blessings on you!

PT

DAY FOUR

You made it to day four!  That's awesome... the first three days are usually the hardest because of all of the changes you've made.  

Now you can really start to focus more on God and less on the things you are giving up.

Check this blog again later today for a video on intercessory prayer.  I will be teaching it live today at noon at the church, and then I will post it here.

I am praying for you,

PT

DAY THREE

Wow! Can you believe it; you have already experienced 2 life-changing days of our 21 Day Journey of seeking to draw closer to God. I am already receiving many testimonies of people hearing some awesome things from God. Why not take time to share with us what  God is saying or doing in your life as we make this 21 Day Journey together by adding a comment below.

Sometimes people ask why 21 days? I guess there is nothing sacred or magical about this number, but many say it takes 21 days to establish a daily habit. That is what we are trying to do, establish a daily pattern of putting the Lord first in our life. 21 Days is also how long Daniel spent praying for his breakthrough. There is no greater habit that needs developing than this one.

Whatever “Fasting Zone” (see yesterday’s blog) you have committed to, I pray that you stay strong and finish the challenge. Maybe you made a commitment to participate in the Daniel fast (you will find information at our website www.thefathershouse.com). 

Whatever level you have chosen, remember it is to be joined with prayer. Fasting without reading the Word is just a diet. As you subtract physical food, add in spiritual food.

I really think it’s less about your “Fasting Zone" Plan and more about your motivation. I believe that if you are passionate to know God more, He will honor whatever plan  you are on.

I am praying for you today and want to help you complete your commitment. Remember these helpful resources:

• This daily blog. (share the link with someone)
• Resources and suggested links on our website.
• Thursday Noon intercessory prayer training @ TFH.
• First 10 days of noon prayer @ TFH.
• Corporate Sunday Celebration, where you will hear testimonies of breakthrough.

During this season of prayer and fasting, let’s continue  to focus on these areas:

• Believing God for answered prayer to our specific needs.
• Declaring our dependence on God in every area of our lives.
• Asking for forgiveness for our sins and the sins of our land.
• Praying for the completion of the Great Commission.

• Inviting the Presence of God in our church and our lives. 

• Crying out to God for revival in our generation.

Keep up the good work!

DAY TWO

Well here it is – day 2 of our 21 day Daniel Fast. I am really sensing the desire of God that we would be passionate in our pursuit of Him. I really think He wants us to remember to keep the main thing the main thing and that is using these 21 days to draw closer to Him in surrendering our all.

My hope is that you will not be legalistic by focusing more on the event than the process. The fast is a process to help us draw near to the Lord. Remember the goal of fasting is not just to do without food. The goal is to draw nearer to God.

In his book Awakening (order from our website), Stovall Weems suggests that we find Our Fast Zone. It is important that you learn to fast in a way that works for you.

I personally drink smoothies, juices and even some coffee. (Stovall jokingly says “chill out- coffee is bean juice. Have a cappuccino and draw close to Jesus”) I have discovered that different seasons require different fasts.

Here is short list of different types of fasts, remember to find your Fast Zone.

• Specific Food or Activity Fast 
  You will omit a specific items from your meal plans (sweets, junk food, etc). You may also find it extremely beneficial to fast from a regular activity or habit (television, social media).

• Daniel Fast
  In Daniel chapter 1, we find that he only ate vegetables and water - and in chapter 10, although is there is no specific list of foods of what Daniel ate, it does state that he ate no rich foods, as well as no meat or wine. Check TFH website for more info – www.thefathershouse.com

• Juice Fast 
  During this fast, you only drink juices and water.

• Total Fast
  This is no liquid or solid food, although I would recommend you drink water. This is only for a very short amount of time. Attempting to go without water for any period of time can be extremely harmful to the body.

Sometimes I do a combination of these. The goal to having a successful fast is all about finding your Fast Zone. There should never be a spirit of legalism attached to this 21 Days. I think God is more concerned with what is in your heart than what is in your stomach. Keep the main thing the main thing, to know Jesus more and experience Him. Don’t overcomplicate this time. Disconnect to Connect!

DAY ONE

What are your deep longings for 2012 — things you want God to do in your life, your family, and church? It is not enough to just long for things, it is time to DO something about it.

There is no better way to begin the year than with a Biblical fast. Just as beginning our day with prayer sets the course for the rest of the day and affects anything that might happen, so beginning the year with a fast affects our inner relationship with God and sets the course for the rest of the year.

Giving God the First

We give God the first of our day, the first of our week and the first of our income.  Why not the first of the year? “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt. 6:33).

When we give God the first of our year in prayer and fasting… He gives to us all year long. During April, May, June… and even into December, we receive blessings that wouldn’t be ours if we hadn’t dedicated the first to God in January with a fast.

The Reward

The theme of Matthew chapter 6 is three main Christian duties: giving, praying and fasting.

Most Christians would accept without question that it’s our responsibility to give and pray. But it is equally our responsibility to fast. And just as God promised to reward those who give and pray, He has guaranteed a reward to those who fast!

”When you fast… your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:17-18).

The Invitation

I would like to personally invite you to join me to experience REAWAKEN 21 – a 21-day fast January 9 through January 29.  Beginning and maintaining a fast is much easier when we join with others and fast with friends.

Next Steps:

• Prayerfully determine the type and length of fast to which you will commit.

• Prayerfully determine your objective.
  (Why will you be fasting? For spiritual renewal, healing or financial provision, to regain your edge? For freedom from bondage and addiction?)

• Spend time daily in prayer,  meditating in the Word and journaling what you sense God saying to you. (Join us M-Sat @noon in the sanctuary)

• Join me daily in this blog, and don't forget to check the fasting resources at thefathershouse.com

Be Blessed, I am praying for you!

PT