A Call to Prayer and Fasting

In the month of February, our church is committing to fast for Spiritual Breakthrough not only individually, but as a church. Many times we gather together and worship on Sundays, enjoy Bible Study throughout the week, and fellowship on occasion, without even knowing the day-to-day struggles that try to overcome each other. This month will be a month of letting go of some things that have hindered us from going all out for Christ.

This morning as the “Front Row Ministry” met to pray, I read Isaiah 58. Verse 6 says, “Is not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Obviously they were approaching their fast with a wrong heart attitude. According to previous verses, they were doing what was pleasing to themselves instead of God. They were oppressing, exploiting, and fighting with each other and just letting things get out of hand. This is all after it was said that they seek out the Lord day after day. They are even eager to know the ways of the Lord and put them into practice. What cut in on them and changed their focus?

When the people of God decide to get serious, discipline themselves, and get in spiritual shape, our spiritual enemy begins to bring resistance. The devil will not give up territory he has conquered. We still fight to resist the devil as before, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

When we fast, God does not only want the denial of food for the body — He wants to free those who are unjustly enslaved by us or anyone in authority through our words or conversations, feed the hungry, set the financially strapped free, and clothe the naked. There is so much more that God wants to do in our lives. He wants the natural in your day to become supernatural encounters. It is exciting to think about what God will do when we intentionally seek His face.

I will be preaching a series of messages on fasting. It will give us a better grasp on what the Bible says and how we can engage in this much-needed discipline.

There are a few opportunities for us to come together and pray during the month of February. Everyone is invited to join the “Front Row Ministry” every Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. It is keeping God in the center of our church. Every Sunday we pray at 8:00 a.m. in room 202 across from the office. On Ash Wednesday, February 10, we will open the Worship Center from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. before Boost for prayer.

Friday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m., we will be showing the movie, “War Room.” Whether you have seen it or not, you will want to come and invite your friends. It is a good reminder of how powerful prayer is and how making it a priority will change our marriages, our lives, and our focus. There is no cost involved in the movie and it will take place in our Worship Center.

May God show you unsearchable things as you fast and pray. May you know Him more as you recall his provision and protection over your life.

Looking forward to a great day in the Lord on Sunday and the celebration of the Chinese New Year on Sunday evening. It’s another great day to be in the House of the Lord.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike