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GODS HOUSE 2016 FAST (JANUARY 4-24, 2016) Join us this Monday, January 4, 2015, as we begin a 21-Day Prayer and Fast. We believe that praying and fasting is an essential key to growth in our walk with God, and although God does not explicitly command us to fast, He does tell us that our relationship with Him will be deepened when we spend time in prayer and fasting. Prayer Guide DREAM BIG DREAM GOD Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 WEEKLY PRAYER FOCUS: Monday: Reaching for greater DISCERNMENT & DIRECTION for 2016 • • • • • Ephesians 1:17-20 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 Pray for a spirit of wisdom and revelation Pray for prepared things to be revealed by the Spirit Pray for the pastors & leaders of God’s House Tuesday: Reaching for greater PROVISION • • • • Philippians 4:19 Luke 6:38 2 Corinthians 9:8 Pray for jobs, businesses to flourish, divine appointments & connections, promotions, etc. Wednesday: Reaching people – SALVATIONS and prodigals return, and reach out of our comfort zone to share Jesus • • 1 Peter 3:15 Pray for people to know Christ & mature in Him in unprecedented ways Thursday: Reaching for GOD’S KINGDOM in our city, island, and surrounding local areas • Matthew 6:10 • • Pray God’s kingdom comes on earth as in heaven, in government, schools, universities, etc. Pray for continued growth and multiplication in Life Circles Friday: Reaching for greater MINISTRY • • Matthew 28:19-20 Pray for all the ministries of God’s House Saturday: Reaching NATIONS • • • • • Isaiah 49:6 Pray for 2016 Missions Trips Pray for protection, provision, and covering for all God’s House missionaries going on trip Pray for people groups affected by ISIS in the Middle East Pray for God’s Kingdom to come in the nations of the earth Sunday: RISE & BUILD • Nehemiah 2:18-20 (Reaching our potential with property and building) Fasting Guide Why should I fast? The Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God. What can I fast from? Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example). Everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God. What does fasting do for my spiritual life? By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting changes us, not God. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” “Fasting is an announcement the soul makes that the body will not rule over it, and it declares there will be no relief until the issues set before God are resolved in spirit. Fasting does not signal sincerity but rather humbles the soul with dependence upon God.” – Pastor Jack Hayford THE DANIEL FAST The Daniel Fast is a spiritual discipline to help us connect with God. During these next 21 days we as a Church leadership and Church body are committing to a time of prayer and fasting. We make no false pretenses - this will be a difficult process. The fast will be challenging, but we look forward in faith to what God will do in our lives and in the life of our Church. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that we will eliminate a few common dietary ‘staples’; however there are plenty other options available. Our focus will be on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure and simple. We have included lists of food that are acceptable. *Note: If you have any known medical conditions, or suspect such conditions, consult your doctor before beginning the fast* The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat! Most health professionals will support this eating plan, but might suggest a few modifications if you have health issues that need special attention. For example, pregnant and nursing mothers might get instructions to add fish, chicken and cheese into the Daniel Fast, but otherwise stay the course. Diabetics may need to add more carbohydrates or include chicken and fish. Also, those who are especially active either through sports, bodybuilding or vocation may need to slightly alter the eating plan. I encourage you to check with your doctor. If (and ONLY if) medical conditions or others issues prevent you from committing to the strict diet of the Daniel Fast for the full 21 days; we urge you to fast in some way shape or form for this time. Give up something that satisfies the physical body to meet a greater need of spiritual body. We strongly urge all those who are able to follow the example of the leadership and commit to the complete Daniel Fast; however if you are not physically able there are alternatives. Decide what it is that you are going to fast from; and commit it whole-heartedly to God. Make it a sacrifice, make it tough, make it hard. This is our challenge to you during this time: decide to not gratify a desire of the physical nature for the greater good and eternal glory of the spiritual nature. Remember, “...Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23 We pray these next 21 days drastically increases your prayer life. This time is designed for you to draw closer to Him and into a deeper relationship with him. Increase your normal prayer time by substantial amounts these next three weeks, and we encourage you to pray throughout the day. HELPFUL TIPS PASTA Make sure the label says whole grain pasta. Watch for added sugar and added dairy products. BREAD & RICE You may eat non-white or enriched bread & rice, such as wheat, multi-grain, brown rice, etc. Stay away from white bread or rice. We are recommending Ezekiel bread which can be found in the freezer section of your grocery or health food store. NUTS Nuts are allowed and even encouraged on the fast; however watch the labels to see how they are prepared and roasted. Raw, unsalted nuts are the best; however they can be difficult to find. Just make sure they are not honey-roasted or any other ‘sweet’ nut that would contain sugar. PROTEIN The following are protein-rich foods that we encourage: almonds, sunflower seeds, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, split peas, whole grains and tofu. BEVERAGES We are saying no caffeine and no carbonated beverages. Drink plenty of water and help yourself to fruit and vegetable juices. Read your labels and make sure there is no added sugar. PEANUT BUTTER & OTHER NUT BUTTERS Make sure that they are All Natural with no additives or added sugars or sweeteners. Watch for ‘high fructose corn syrup’ and ‘Molasses’ which are added sweeteners. Read the label. It should only contain nuts and salt (or no salt, depending on the type you choose). Usually, these need to be stirred once opened and then stored in the refrigerator. EATING OUT If you find yourself eating out during this fast, just keep in mind you’re most likely going to need to alter your ‘usual’ a bit. Order cautiously, ask lots of questions of the wait staff and know that you’re probably going to be ordering a salad with a plain baked potato. Just be informed - and maybe it can be a witnessing tool and an opportunity for you to share your testimony. PORTION CONTROL As long as you are eating the appropriate foods there are no limits as to how much you can eat. Eat until you are satisfied and have plenty of options for snacks. FOOD LIST VEGETABLES Fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (with no additives) Artichokes Asparagus Beets Broccoli Brussel Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Chili Peppers Collard Greens Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Garlic Ginger Root Kale Leeks Lettuce Mushrooms Mustard Greens Okra Parsley Peppers Potatoes Radishes Scallions Spinach Sprouts Sweet Potato Tomatoes Watercress Yams Zucchini *and any vegetable not listed FRUITS Fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (with no added sugar) Apples Apricots Avocados Bananas Berries Blackberries Blueberries Cantaloupe Cherries Coconuts Cranberries Dates Figs Grapefruit Grapes Guava Honeydew Kiwi Lemons Limes Mangoes Melons Nectarines Olives Oranges Papayas Peaches Pears Pineapples Plums Prunes Raisins Raspberries Strawberries Tangerines Watermelon *and any fruit not listed WHOLE GRAINS Whole Wheat Brown Rice Millet Quinoa Oats Rolled Oats Plain Oatmeal Barley Grits Whole Wheat Pasta Ezekiel Bread Ezekiel Tortillas Tofu Soy products HERBS & SPICES Herbs Honey Sea Salt Salt Pepper Spices OIL Olive Oil Coconut Oil NUTS & LEGUMES Nuts of all kinds Peanut Butter/Nut Butters Other Dried Beans Black Beans Pinto Beans Split Peas Black Eyed Peas Green Beans Green Peas Kidney Beans Peanuts Beans Lupines White Peas Legumes Almonds Sunflower Seeds Lentils LIQUIDS Water Unsweetened Soy Milk Herbal Tea (caffeine free) 100% Fruit/Vegetable Juice