21 Days of Prayer & Fasting Devotionals
River of Life’s 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer Devotional is designed to encourage and strengthen you as you devote this time to walking closer with the Lord. The plan consists of short devotionals and a Scripture reading plan for each day. We know that as you spend time fasting and praying, you will see God move mountains in your life! We love you and are cheering you on!
Day 1: Meditate on God’s Might
Pastor Dale Donadio
I am excited to begin our 21 days of fasting and prayer with you. Today we set our sights on seeing God’s supernatural power collide with the natural world as the Lord responds to our prayers! Today we begin believing for mountains to move! The foundation for this kind of confident expectation comes straight out of God’s Word and from the mouth of Jesus when he said in Matthew 21:21-22, “Even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” That’s an extraordinary promise. Yet too often we can find ourselves obsessing over the size of the mountain instead of reflecting on the magnitude of God’s might. Max Lucado gives us insight in writing, “Don’t measure the size of the mountain; talk to the One who can move it.” Instead of giving our time and energy to rehashing how huge our problems are, let's take God at His Word and ask Him to supernaturally show up and show off in our situations. Whatever you need God to do, start this time of fasting and prayer by meditating on God’s miraculous power. Nothing is too hard for Him!
Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV)
17 ‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
Matthew 21:21-22 (ESV)
21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Day 2: Depending on God through Prayer and Fasting
Pastor Jacob Al’Hassan
"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
— Mark 9:24 NIV
A father brought his son to Jesus to be healed. He said, "If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "'If you can'?"' said Jesus. '"Everything is possible for one who believes" (Mark 9:22-23). The father responded with the words of our verse for today. There is a spiritual struggle going on within the soul of every Christian. It is the struggle between the sinful self and the Spirit of God. The Apostle Paul, using his metaphor "flesh" for the sinful self, described the battle this way: "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They conflict with each other" (Galatians 5:17). Given that everything we do flows from the soul (Proverbs 4:23), it follows that the spiritual struggle manifests itself in every area of life.
Since the struggle cuts across every area of life, it's not surprising that it shows up in our faith life as well. Every Christian has been saved by faith. Faith is given to us by the grace of God. It is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). Although we have this faith in God, there is a human component as well. We must exercise the faith we have been given. We must put it into practice (Mark 11:22). The sinful self, however, struggles against putting faith into practice.
Through the faith we have been given by the Spirit of God, we believe God's word and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe everything the word says and everything it entails. We believe that we "can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). We believe God "can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). We believe that "in all things, God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28). And we believe many other things from the word as well.
The sinful self, however, does not believe. The sinful self struggles against faith. We need help. Like the father of our verse for today, we need Jesus to help us. We need Him to send the Spirit to fill us fully so that we can overcome the unbelief of our sinful selves.
Lord, we do believe; help us overcome our unbelief! When He helps our unbelief, we need to always stay in Him to enable us to bear fruit of the Spirit. Jesus emphasized, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." We must continue to abide in Him because Jesus declared, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5).
Mark 9:14-29 (ESV)
14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
John 15:4-5 (ESV)
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Day 3: Doing Spiritual Battle
Pastor Bob Dickens
During this time of Prayer and Fasting, our hearts are humbled as we call upon the Lord. We realize that we are finite and unable to, without God’s help, meet many of the challenges we face. So, we call upon our God; just as the children of Israel did during the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Israel. In 2 Chron 20, a great multitude was coming against Israel. Jehoshaphat, though afraid, set his face to seek the Lord. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
While fear gripped their hearts, Israel called upon the Lord. Their future was uncertain. The enemy was near the gates. A battle was inevitable. In his prayer, Jehoshaphat said, “For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you,” verse 12. God sent the prophet, Jahaziel with this message, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s,” 2 Chron 20:15,16.
It is important to remember that we are engaged in battle against God’s enemy. God is not standing by the sidelines watching the enemy work. God is involved! God is engaged in this fight. We are fighting against God’s enemy. The enemy is an entity that has decided to fight against God - against God’s will - against God’s reign.
Those involved in spiritual battle must fight as God fights. God conquers the lies of the devil with the truth of His word. He shines light upon darkness to reveal evil deeds. He conquers fear with steadfast faith.
The battle is not ours. The battle belongs to God! We don’t fight in our own ability or strength. We array ourselves with God’s battle equipment: the breastplate of righteousness; the helmet of salvation; the belt of truth. We are prepared for peace. We carry the shield of faith. And we wield the sword of the Spirit – the word of God.
Though you may seem powerless or helpless against the problems you may face; fight the good fight of faith. Though you may not know what to do; keep your eyes on Jesus. He will lead and guide you by his Spirit. Remember, the battle is not your but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:2-3 (ESV)
2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). 3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
2 Chronicles 20:15-17 (ESV)
15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
Day 4: Fasting and the Power of Praise
Pastor Amanda Serpas
As believers, we have been given powerful tools directly from the heart of God to sustain and empower us as we journey through this life with the Lord. There is power in fasting and praise and when we get a hold of God‘s heart for us, we can live lives of unspeakable joy and purpose. In Psalm 68:1-10, we see the example of a God who is a constant refuge, father to the fatherless, and protector of widows. When we offer up the parched land of our lives and the desert places of our hearts, we are met with a God who lavishes us with underserved blessings.
One of the key things we see in Psalm 68:1-10 is that when we are righteous, obedient, and honorable to God, not only does He protect and defend He overwhelms us with joy. When we allow ourselves to take the next bold step of righteousness and we prioritize fasting, prayer, and praise, those blessings from the Lord are amplified and God’s character is further revealed to us in ways we often don’t experience otherwise. God sacrificed everything on the cross and when we honor Him with personal sacrifice, we are met with wisdom, supernatural strength, and knowledge that transcends earthly understanding. We also see in 2 Chronicles 20:20-21 how a corporate fast brings a deeper sense of community and an unstoppable unity that reveals supernatural breakthrough. When we, the body, are in one accord and committed to offering our sacrifice through humble prayer and fasting, our faith, trust, and hope in God grows as a people and inspires us with boldness and certainty from the Lord.
When we strip away earthly comforts, it heightens our sensitivity to the Spirit and allows us to hone in on God‘s voice. As the body of Christ, we desperately need this deeper connection with the Spirit as we move into 2021. After a year of hardship, now more than ever praise should be our first line of defense. Praise pushes us to exalt the name of the Lord and centers our focus on who He is instead of focusing on everything else around us. Praise reminds us of who God is; His power, His glory, His might, and His steadfast love. Praise is the most direct avenue of demonstrating your total dependence on God and trust in Him alone. Praise is a weapon and when we wield it before the enemy, we conquer fear, anxiety, oppression, and complacency. While God truly delights in our praise, it is oftentimes more for our benefit than we even realize. It transforms us into bold, joyful warriors of God with a Kingdom perspective that can’t be shaken. Praise should be a constant theme in our daily lives just as it is in the Psalms. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” When we start our days with praise, we live lives full of jubilant joy, even in times of hardship.
Church, let’s march boldly this year with the weapons of praise and fasting and see the glory of God revealed in our lives and in unimaginable ways.
2 Chronicles 20:20-21(ESV)
20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say,
“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 68:1-10 (ESV)
1 God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;
and those who hate him shall flee before him!
2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away;
as wax melts before fire,
so the wicked shall perish before God!
3 But the righteous shall be glad;
they shall exult before God;
they shall be jubilant with joy!
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the Lord;
exult before him!
5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
6 God settles the solitary in a home;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai,
before God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;
you restored your inheritance as it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
Day 5: Empowered for the Impossible
Pastor Dale Donadio
Someone once said, “Faith sees the invisible, faith hears the inaudible, faith does the impossible.” But what pathway does faith travel to see the impossible realized? In 1 Kings 17, the nation of Israel is no longer experiencing the blessing of God in their lives and on their land. The people have followed their King, Ahab, into paganism and idolatry. But, in the midst of their rebellion, God sends a prophet named Elijah to King Ahab. In 1 Kings 17:1 it says, “1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”” And for three and a half years it didn’t rain a drop. Finally, Elijah presents himself to King Ahab and challenges him and his fake prophets to a showdown in order to prove that there is one true God. After God demonstrates His power by sending fire down from heaven, there is national repentance and Elijah tells King Ahab that the miracle of no rain is about to become a miracle of rain. After three and a half years of no rain, it seemed impossible that rain would ever fall again. So, what did Elijah do? What path did his faith take him? 1 Kings 18:42 we read, “42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees.”
It seems clear that Elijah knows what God’s will is, but he also recognizes the necessity of praying God’s will into existence. He does that by fasting. Notice that he sends Ahab to eat and drink but he climbs Mount Carmel to pray. Verse 45 says, “45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.” This story reminds us that simply knowing God’s will is not enough. God’s desire is that we would pray His will into existence in our lives. Whether you are believing for God to do the impossible in your life, your marriage, your family, or your job; fasting and prayer is often the God-ordained pathway that faith travels to put your miracle in motion.
1 Kings 17:1(ESV)
1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
1 Kings 18:41-45 (ESV)
41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. 43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. 44 And at the seventh time he said, “Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’” 45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.
Day 6: Just Like Us
Pastor Bob Dickens
Prayer is such an important element in the life of the believer. It is our direct connection with God. Whose prayers will God answer? Ours, if we trust in Jesus as Savior. James tells us that Elijah was a man with a nature just like ours. He was just like us. He had similar passions as we do. In God’s eyes, the great prophet Elijah was just like any other righteous person. James tells us that the primary qualification for answered prayer is that we are righteous – we trust in Jesus as Savior. So, what did this ordinary servant of God do. He prayed! And God answered his prayer. God will answer the prayers of His people.
We are told to confess our sins one to another and pray for one another, that we may be healed. How ordinary are we? We are so ordinary that we may even sin. But by confessing our sins we remain in good standing before God. Then, when we pray for healing, God will answer that prayer.
Your prayers matter to God! Your prayer has great power as it is working! Elijah’s power was in the fact that he trusted in God and he prayed. Our power is that we trust in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we pray - things happen!
Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne of God. Why should we approach God in prayer? We pray because our prayers releases God’s great power. Let us pray for one another! Let us bring our concerns to God. No concern is insignificant! Just bring it to God! It is not that we are praying with power. The great working of power is manifested as God answers our prayers. Don’t stop praying!
James 5:16–18 (ESV)
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Day 7: All About the Appetite
Pastor Jeff Fulford
Esau was a man of appetites. The Old Testament is clear, in this passage and others, that Esau wanted what he wanted; and he did whatever he needed to get it, regardless of the consequences. Esau let his appetites rule him and cause him to suffer loss through his own actions. There is nothing inherently sinful about eating when you are hungry. Esau is called unholy, or profane in other translations, not because he wanted to eat. It is because he was willing to throw away the spiritual heritage of the birthright for something to satisfy his flesh. His focus was on filling his immediate need and showed disdain for the things of God. The Old Testament shows us in Deuteronomy 21:17 and 1 Chronicles 5:1-that the birthright involved both a material and a spiritual dynamic. The son of the birthright received a double portion of the inheritance, and he also became the head of the family and the spiritual leader upon the passing of the father. In the case of this particular family, the birthright determined who would inherit the covenant God made with Abraham; the covenant of a land, a nation, and the Messiah.
Let us not lose sight of God and what He desires for us when we are facing the pressures of our own wants and desires. Jesus tells us if we truly want to be His disciple we must take up our cross and follow Him. Paul says in Galatians 5:24, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Instead of surrendering to our own wants and desires, we must bring them to the cross, daily. As believers, our birthright is Christ himself and it is safe in His hands.
Genesis 25:19-34 (ESV)
“These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-Aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom. ) Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
Hebrews 12:16 (ESV)
“that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.”
Day 8: Daily Direction
Pastor Tony Nunez
We are a people that should be marked with gratitude and thankfulness. We always keep in remembrance not only what God has done for us, but what He has promised us. Our joy, peace, and sanity are entirely dependent on His faithfulness. And it’s His faithfulness that provides us with the confidence to trust Him.
As God’s people, we understand how desperate we are for Him. Desperate for wisdom, desperate for direction, desperate for provision, desperate for strength, desperate for understanding, desperate for answers. Although we are desperate in every way, we are to be thankful because our God is not distant. He is the God who draws near to us when we draw near to Him. He is the only God who cares and the only God who can truly provide all that’s needed. We can be sure as we faithfully seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and acknowledge Him in all of our ways that He will be, and will forever remain, faithful to direct our paths for His name’s sake. Let us continue to trust Him because He who has promised is faithful. May we learn to delight in the Lord of our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Proverbs 3:6
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 37:23
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
Day 9: Honor
Pastor Luis Aparicio
Galatians 1:10
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Who are we honoring every day? Are we fasting of our inner drives and desires, or are we recognizing the sovereignty of The Father and the internal work of the Holy Spirit unto our lives?
We easily honor a sport hero, show him high respect, and give him great esteem. Yet, we wimp when it comes to honor the only One that deserves worship. Time and again the Lord asks us what we honor: man or God?
“I must be willing to go through God’s winepress where the grapes are crushed,” warns O. Chambers.
Anyone who does not produce the graceful goods is worthless in the kingdom. What an honor we would give the Almighty if we would get rid of all the emptiness outside of Him.
“So, we make it our goal to please him” (2 Cor 5:9), “not with somber look as the hypocrites do” (Matthew 6:16-18). Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?” Simple. To honor Him or to honor man? That’s is the question.
Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)
16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
2 Corinthians 5:9 (ESV)
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Day 10 – Nearness
Pastor Dale Donadio
Fasting is about nearness. Stop for a minute and consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 9. Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the bridegroom? Of course not, but someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15) Jesus’ analogy was all about nearness. He referred to Himself as the groom in a wedding party. At the moment Jesus spoke these words, His disciples were expressing in-person communion with the Son of God, but Jesus knew there was coming a day when that nearness would be interrupted; and that day started the moment Jesus ascended into Heaven after His resurrection and continues into the present. Though Jesus is present with us through the person of the Holy Spirit. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” In other words, every Christian experiences a kind of homesickness for the Savior. John Piper writes, “In this age, there is an ache and longing inside every Christian that Jesus is not here as fully, intimately, powerfully, and gloriously as we want Him to be. That is why we fast.” When we long to draw closer to God and experience His empowering presence more fully, then we are fasting in the right response. During this time of fasting and prayer, we are acknowledging with our hunger that we want to be closer and that is a cry God will honor.
Matthew 9:14-15 (ESV)
14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
James 4:8 (ESV)
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Day 11: The Certainty of Change
Pastor Jacob Al’Hassan
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
-Acts 13:2.
There is no doubt that every act of obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-19) must be preceded by fasting and prayer. Moses fasted as we read in Exodus 34:28, "And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread nor drink water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments." Jesus as well gave the church the example when He preceded the beginning of His public ministry with fasting and prayer, "And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward and hungered" (Matthew 4:2).
The Antioch Church was the most diverse, multi-racial and multicultural New Testament church. It set an example of how an NT church should look like in the 21st century. Little wonder we read that "As they ministered to the Lord" - It is probable that this took place on someday set apart for fasting and prayer. This move is in line with what ROLC has embarked on as we start this new year. The expression "ministered to the Lord" means they were engaged in prayer to the Lord, or as they were engaged in divine service. The Syriac thus renders the passage. "The Holy Spirit said - Evidently by direct revelation. "Separate me" – "Set apart to me, or for my service." It does not mean to ordain, but to designate or appoint to this specific work.
“For the work whereunto I have called them. ”The "work" to which they were now set apart was preaching the gospel in the regions around Antioch. It was not a permanent office in the church but a temporary designation to a missionary enterprise extending the gospel, primarily through Asia Minor and the adjacent regions. Accordingly, when, in the fulfillment of this appointment, they had traveled through Seleucia, Cyprus, Paphos, Pamphylia, Pisidia, etc., they returned to Antioch fulfilled the work to which they were separated. See Acts 14:26-27. "Whereunto, I have called them." This proves that they received their commission to this work directly from God the Holy Spirit. The Spirit had influenced Paul and Barnabas to engage in this work, but they were to be sent forth by the church's concurrence and designation.
Similarly, ROLC must be ready for any change the Holy Spirit might recommend to the current status quo after the 21-day fasting and prayer because change is inevitable when the Holy Spirit moves. The church as a whole must be ready for change, just as every individual member of the congregation must be ready to change as the Holy Spirit directs.
Acts 13:2 (ESV)
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Exodus 34:28 (ESV)
28 So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights. He neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.
Matthew 4:2 (ESV)
2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Day 12: It’s Coming
Pastor Angela Donadio
We are more than halfway through our 21 days of corporate fasting and prayer. Perhaps you’re waiting on God’s answers to your prayers or wondering what’s happening in the spiritual realm as a result of your faithful obedience in this season. Daniel Chapter 10 peels back the curtain of spiritual warfare to offer us encouragement, strength, and the promise of what is to come. We find Daniel three weeks into his own fast following the last in a series of intense revelations concerning future events. Praying, mourning, and meditating on the vision, Daniel is met by an angelic messenger near the banks of the Tigris River. He is completely overwhelmed by the man dressed in fine linen, a gold belt, a body resembling emeralds, eyes of flaming fire, and arms and legs of bronze. As Daniel trembles in awe, the angel encourages him that he is highly esteemed by God and not to fear.
Verse 12 shares, “Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” Although Daniel’s prayer and posture of obedience were observed on Day 1, help didn’t come until Day 21. The warrior angel was delayed in responding because he was fighting an unseen spiritual battle in heavenly realms. He strengthens Daniel and begins to share truth of what is to come: The arrival of the Messiah, and the events of the end times before Jesus comes again.
As we fast and pray, we, too, want to “set our mind to gain understanding and humble ourselves before God.” He gives us the strength and supernatural help we need to fight a very real enemy in a very real, but unseen, war. Let the words of Verse 19, “Peace! Be strong, now!” Resonate deeply in our troubled hearts. We can stay faithful through difficult delays and fix our eyes on the promise of a soon-coming King. God hears us and honors us when we choose a posture of prayer and a heart of devotion. Be strong! The answer – and Jesus – are coming!
Daniel 10: 1-21 (ESV)
1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.
2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.
10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, 14 and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”
15 When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. 16 And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. 17 How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
18 Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.
Day 13: Since Day One
Pastor Gary Eadie
Beloved child of God are you going through overwhelming struggles, which cause you to draw back and isolate yourself from the world? Is your faith shaken and you wonder why you don’t feel God’s presence? Does Satan seem to be winning the battle? Do not fear or lose hope, but turn your eyes towards Jesus. Psalms 16:8 says, “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” In all things turn to God in prayer. We overcome the adversary on our knees. Remember Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” The battle is not in the physical but the spiritual realm. If we try to fight the enemy under our own power we will be at a disadvantage and our efforts will be in vain. But in prayer, we are calling upon the resources of heaven and Our Heavenly Father, the God of angel armies, will do the fighting on our behalf.
Since day one of your prayers, God is dispatching angels. We see an example of this in Daniel Chapter 10 where Daniel was in mourning and prayer for 3 weeks. He ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered his mouth. He didn’t even bathe! He was in serious prayer mode. At the end of the 3 weeks, an angel came to Daniel and gave us a glimpse into the spiritual realm. He said to Daniel, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” When you pray angels are doing battle with demonic forces and influencing the hearts and minds of those around you. In Revelation 12 the bible says that 1/3 of the angels fell with Satan. This is encouraging news as that means that we outnumber Satan’s forces at least by 2 to 1. Hebrews 7:25 tells us that Jesus is always interceding for us. Speaking about the Holy Spirit, Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
The apostle Paul’s declaration in Romans 8:31 gives us hope as we come to realize that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Stand strong beloved, and continue to keep the faith. Fight your battles on your knees and victory will be yours through the power of our savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Daniel 10:1-21 (ESV)
1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision.
2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.
10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, 14 and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”
15 When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. 16 And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. 17 How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”
18 Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.
Day 14: Supernatural Strength
Pastor Amanda Serpas
Of all the abundant gifts that God has bestowed upon us, one of the very greatest gifts is supernatural strength. We live in a world that is not only challenging but oftentimes draining and heartbreaking. We are faced daily with division, social injustice, poverty, illness, political unrest, and financial hardships...
How many times do you find yourself weary, feeling aimless, and distraught? Do you wrestle with anxious thoughts, self-doubt, temptation? Are weaknesses of the flesh that for some, have laid dormant for so many years, rearing their ugly heads once again?
In this fallen and broken world, where does our help come from? Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives strength to the weary and power to the weak.” This verse alone could have been enough to sustain us in 2020.
Ephesians 3:16 tells us that, “He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power by His Spirit in the inner man." That excites me! This means that we have a deep spiritual strength through the Holy Spirit. A power that comes not by mere emotions but rather through humble prayer.
What amazes me about our loving God is that He is no stranger to the battles we face. He too has experienced each of our struggles. He chose the cloak of humanity, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh has endured our weaknesses. He not only defeated all weakness, death, and pain, He poured out abundant, supernatural strength upon us which allows us to truly soar even in the most trying periods of our lives. The Bible says in Isaiah 40:29 “He increases power to the weak.” Church, there is power in our deficiencies! Actual GOD-breathed power is available to those who are weak. So, can we all be vulnerable for a moment? Can we admit that we don’t have it all together, we don’t have all the answers? Can we rejoice in our weakness because we know power is promised....God’s perfect power, what a gift!
When God created you for this world, He had special and unique plans designed just for you. Psalm 33:11 says, “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” God longs to see each of us flourish to our full potential, for the glory of His name. So, what’s stopping us? Philippians 4:14 says, “We can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength”. Let’s do it!! Let’s dream bigger, let’s take off limitations, let’s stop boxing ourselves and God in, and let’s start living the life God created us for.
God gives us strength and power but it’s not ours to hoard and stow away as a shield to protect ourselves. It’s been given to us as a tool to release. He’s ready to strengthen you in your weak areas like never before. Ephesians 6:10 tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Church, let’s allow this to be the year where we fully let Him in. Let’s allow Him to be THE Lord over our lives.
Psalm 28:7(ESV)
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Isaiah 40:29 (ESV)
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Day 15: Great Expectations!
Pastor Dale Donadio
Expectation is defined as “a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.” One of the results of the time we spend in prayer and fasting is an increase in our expectation of God’s working in our lives. In other words, our faith grows! Spending time in God’s presence has a way of strengthening and recharging these expectations. In fact, it’s God’s will that we would live with great expectations that we are going to experience His miraculous power. His word is full of promise that declares how God always has our best interest in mind. This is the testimony throughout scripture.
Jeremiah 29:11(ESV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalm 27:13 (ESV)
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)
9 But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
Day 16: I Believe
Pastor Heather Ross
Almost all of us have heard the phrase “Make the most of every opportunity,” sometimes to our great annoyance. But this phrase isn’t just a trendy buzz-worthy phrase used by famous leadership gurus or business tycoons. It’s the very phrase used by Paul to call the Ephesians and Colossians to account for their beliefs in action. He challenges them to wisely consider the way of the Lord, honor God’s will in the present time of evil, pour into others speaking life from a prepared heart, and instruct others in God’s ways. This is belief acted upon in an unbelieving world. What actions are you taking today to show, prepare, and instruct others in your belief?
Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV)
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Day 17: Such A Time As This!
Matthew Meadows
Imagine suddenly, in one day, without any warning or indication. that not only would your life and the lives of your family and loved ones be in danger but sought after. Imagine that people would be offered money to take your life and possessions.
What it, in a moment, you have to go from living comfortably day to day, to preparing to defend, protect it, or run for your lives. This is how it was in the days of Esther for God's people. Haman, the prime minister of Persia, served under King Xerxes over the Jews in exile. He got mad at a Jew named Mordecai because Mordecai wouldn’t acknowledge him in the way that was commanded but more so the way Haman desired. Haman plotted against Mordecai and his fellow Jewish nation to have them destroyed. (Esther 3) He wrote a decree in the name of the King for all people in all the provinces under Persian rule to destroy, kill, annihilate, and seize the possessions of all the Jews, even women and children, and that they would receive a reward of 10,000 talents of silver if they did.
Can you imagine!? The fear, the despair, the anguish!? The scriptures say that “in every province there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing.”(Esther 4:1-3)
However, despite all this, Mordecai says these words to Esther, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)
See no matter how dark it was getting, no matter how bad it looked, Esther was positioned, in a perfect place TO DO SOMETHING, “For such a time as this”. Esther was elevated, I’d say by divine grace, through divine appointment, from an adopted girl exiled in a foreign land to the FAVORED Queen (Esther 4:8, 5:2-3) of that foreign land. I have good news for you! You were once an orphan in regards to the faith and eternal life BUT GOD the Father has adopted you as His very own children through the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:15-17) and has divinely positioned you, where you are now seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:4-6). You are favored by the King of Kings (Psalm 5:12)! So, no matter how dark things get and may already be, no matter what happens in this life, no matter how you feel; you were born, called, positioned, and favored for “such a time as this’!
In Ephesians 5:16, Paul says these words: “Making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (NASB). I like how the KJV reads when it uses the word “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil”. That word Redeem means more than to just “make the most of” it means to “FULLY buy back, get back”. There’s so much that tries to take our time away from our mission, we need to take it back! As Mordecai told Esther, if you don't go, if you don't rise up, if you don't open your mouth, God will raise another for His mission, for His deliverance. But WHO KNOWS if you were born for “such a time as this.” We can choose to remain seated and quiet in our comfort zone but I’m here to tell you. NOW is the time! Today is the day of salvation! (2 Corinthians 6:2)
The whole earth is waiting for the revealing of the children of God (Romans 8:19). They’re waiting for us to show them the glorious truth of our God, for us to give them the living hope in a world of hopelessness. They’re waiting for us to rise up and be a city set on a hill, they need the light we have to offer in the midst of darkness. ALL CREATION IS GROANING! “For such a time as this.” Rise, church of the Living God. Rise, sons and daughters. Rise and shine. John 9:4: “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.”
Esther 4:1-17 (ESV)
1 When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth. 3 And in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.
4 When Esther's young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. 6 Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate, 7 and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him[b] on behalf of her people. 9 And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, 11 “All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.”
12 And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
Day 18: You Got This
Pastor Alex Rossie
We’re 18 days into our 21 days of fasting and prayer!
Do you feel it yet? The emotions, temptations, moments of regret, maybe unnecessary feelings of shame or pressure? Or, perhaps a closeness to God more so than ever before, and the full range of experiences that accompany true fasting and prayer? All of that is normal when we are truly pressing into Jesus and denying ourselves daily. Real moments arrive placing us on top of peaks or in the valleys. Regardless of how you quantify success, there is breakthrough in the grind and daily push through. The truth is that we can’t trust our emotions and feelings.
Fasting allows us to battle the wide range of flesh that we all have, and to discern the true voice of God. Perhaps like me, you had some compromises during the fast. Let me encourage you not to count them but to count the days remaining and the opportunities to encounter God’s presence.
We have this promise from Jesus: if we draw near to Him then He will draw near to us. Wherever you are in the fast I just want to encourage you to press in and pray forward. Take this moment to ask Jesus how to engage. There are still 3 days left and it will be worth it!
James 4:8a Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Psalm 107:1(ESV)
1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 143:5 (ESV)
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
Psalm 77:11 (ESV)
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
Day 19: Don’t Quit!
Pastor Lisa Evans
Today we focus our hearts and thoughts on what matters most, God!
He reminds us that when we seek Him above all things, putting Him first; He supplies the courage and perseverance to forge ahead!
“Don’t give up.” “Keep pushing on.” “Stay strong.” “Stay the course.” We have all either heard these phrases before or have muttered them to ourselves. They are great words of encouragement, but how do we put them to practice? How do we persevere in the middle of the race?
The words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 sum up the answer very clearly, when He states “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. “
By placing the righteousness of He who so willingly gave up His Son for us above our own needs, distractions, and sins, we receive a peaceful assuredness of what is to come. Depending fully on the work of the cross and not our own works ensures us that whatever is to follow is in His hands!
Jennifer Rothschild makes an impactful statement when speaking about perseverance. She states, “The beginning of a race is exciting, and the finish line is glorious. But what happens in-between?”
This is so true in our lives as we embark on whatever God has called us to do from loving our spouse, raising kids, or maintaining our jobs. We start out with wonderful anticipation on our wedding day and shine with joy when our babies are born, but as time goes by, the struggles of daily life become difficult and we find ourselves wanting to give up. Thankfully, as we focus on the Kingdom of God, we know that the finish line will be glorious! One day, we will rejoice with Him in Heaven!
Whatever you are seeking in your life, trust as you seek Him and His righteousness, keeping your mind focused on His Kingdom, that He is equipping you and supplying all that you need to accomplish what you are faced with today! Keep knocking, keep asking, keep seeking Him and keep on moving!
Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Romans 8:32 (ESV)
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Day 20: God Will Do More
Pastor Angela Donadio
We are nearing the end of our corporate time set apart to fast and pray. We trust God continues to meet you in personal and profound ways as you honor Him with your obedience. Throughout Scripture, we see patterns of powerful prayers by men and women who wanted to see change in their culture. Two such passages are Nehemiah 1 and Ephesians 3, prayers offered by Nehemiah and Paul on behalf of the people they loved and served. Nearly 100 years after the Jewish people could return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity and exile, the walls still sat in ruins. When Nehemiah, cupbearer to the King, discovered this news, he was devastated. He sat and wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed for many days. What could he possibly do to help rebuild the city and gather his people?
Paul wrote the book of Ephesians to the church in Ephesus, the most important city in Asia Minor. He resolved to turn the city famed for the pagan temple of the goddess Diana (Artemis) into a leading center of evangelism. How could he possibly reach the Gentiles in this city with the message of God’s saving grace?
Both knew one of the answers: prayer.
We look at our fractured culture and see broken places…ruined lives…powerful demonic strongholds and overwhelming odds. Where do we begin? How do we make a difference? Nehemiah and Paul refused to accept the status quo. They looked at the daunting tasks in front of them and asked God for more. They were motivated by an authentic love for others and for God. They wanted to see people redeemed and God’s name honored. Nehemiah humbled himself before God, confessed his sin and the sins of his people, reminded Him of His promises and power, and asked Him for favor – and God granted his request. We, too, can believe God will do more. We can also pray the words Paul penned in Ephesians 3:14-21 over those we love and the culture we are called to reach with the Gospel.
“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Nehemiah 1:1-11 (ESV)
1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.
Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”
4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
Now I was cupbearer to the king.
Ephesians 3:20-21(ESV)
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Day 21: Mountains Will Move
Pastor Dale Donadio
In Exodus 33 we find a fascinating story of the people of Israel who were camped out in the desert, waiting to go into the promised land. During that waiting period, Moses would pitch a tent outside the camp, which he called “the tent of meeting.” It was here he would spend time seeking the Lord. Each time Moses left the camp to go to the tent of meeting, the people would stand at the entrance of their tents to watch him as he passed by. Now, this was a guy who was facing some major mountains. He had enemies to fight, battles to win, and a nation to lead. As he walked out of the camp, there had to be a million things on his mind. He would have passed by people awaiting his decisions, people who needed wisdom. There would have been as many complex problems as there were people in the crowd. Despite all the responsibility, Moses left all these distractions behind to go to the tent of meeting and spend time in the presence of the Lord.
Scripture says, “Inside the tent of meeting the Lord would speak to Moses' face to face as one speaks to a friend.” In Hebrew, the word used for “face” symbolizes not just someone's appearance but also the very essence of who that person is. It identifies who they truly are. Moses did not simply seek the hand of God, he sought to know God. Our time of fasting hasn’t been about just getting an answer but about drawing closer to God than ever before. If we are going to see battles won and mountains moved it will be our nearness to God that makes all the difference. As we finish these 21 days, if we have made it our goal to get closer to Him, then we will see mountains moved!
Exodus 33:7-10 (ESV)
7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. 8 Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. 9 When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. 10 And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door.
