Day 7: The Greatest Day in History.

”He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”“ Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Sunday is here! Today not only marks the culmination of our week of prayer and fasting but a celebration of the fact that Jesus is not in the grave! Today is the day we set aside every year to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus!

Today is also the day we have been fasting and praying for. Tonight at our service we know God is going to move. People are going to have a radical encounter with Jesus! Their lives will NEVER be the same.

Follow up with the person you’ve been praying and fasting for. Tonight is the night that everything changes for them. Can you feel it?

Reflective questions

1. What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you personally? How does it impact your life? This question invites personal reflection on the core of the Christian faith and its influence on an individual's daily living and beliefs.

2. The text ends with encouragement to follow up with someone you've been supporting through prayer and fasting. Why do you think personal connections and shared spiritual journeys are important in faith communities? This question emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, encouraging reflection on the importance of support and shared experiences within a spiritual community.

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant change or turning point in your faith journey. What led to that moment, and how did it transform you? This question invites introspection on personal growth and transformation, encouraging individuals to consider how pivotal moments have shaped their faith and life path.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the revelation of You that I have received this week. Help me not to forget that just because my time of fasting has come to an end, it does not mean that I have to stop leaning on You for my sustenance. I ask You to continue to fill me and reveal Yourself to me. I ask that You would encounter people tonight during our Easter service and that they would enter a deep and intimate relationship with You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Day Six: Wake up with Expectation

O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning, I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. - Psalm 5:3 ESV

Tomorrow marks the culmination of our prayers, fasting, and belief. Can you sense the anticipation? God has prepared something special for His people. People are going to encounter Jesus in a profound way. All of the devotion and prayer time dedicated this week serves a purpose beyond ourselves—it's for others to experience Jesus.

David writes,

O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning, I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. - Psalm 5:3 ESV

Here's the thought for today: God has heard you. He has witnessed the sacrifices you've made this week. Rest assured, these efforts will not go unnoticed; they will not be in vain. Tomorrow night, God is set to transform someone's life, leaving them forever changed. Let's finish strong and with unwavering faith!

Reflective Questions

1. In what ways have I seen my faith and devotion impact others around me, and how has this motivated me to continue my spiritual journey?

2. How have my sacrifices and prayers during this period of fasting and believing deepened my relationship with God and my understanding of His plans for me and those I pray for?

3. Looking back on this week, what moments or experiences stood out as evidence of God's presence and action in my life and the lives of others?

Prayer

Father, help me to finish this time of prayer and fasting strong. I pray that you would move in a powerful way in our service tomorrow night. Let people come to know you and enter into a relationship with you.

Day Five: Are You Eating?

Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." But He said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." So the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought Him something to eat?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work." John 4:31-34 ESV

Something that most modern-day Christians are missing is work. Now, I'm not talking about working a job or a profession. We all do that (at least I hope you do; go get a job if you don't!). What I am referring to is spiritual work.The Apostle Paul writes these profound and, quite honestly, uncomfortable words in 2 Thessalonians 3:

"For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." 2 Thessalonians 3:7-15 ESV

Notice he starts off talking about physical work and food: "If you don’t work, you don’t eat." However, take note of the shift that takes place in verse 13:

"As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3:7-15 ESV

Paul begins to shift it into an act of "doing good." What is "doing good"? Is it being nice? Sure. Is it loving your neighbor? Yes. Is it doing nice things for people? Absolutely. But even deeper than that, it's ministering to people. It's sharing the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul feels so convicted and strong about this that he instructs us not to associate with people who don't do "good." He instructs us not to treat them as an enemy but to warn them. Spreading the gospel is not just something we have the privilege of doing but also an obligation. That's the will of the Father that Jesus is referring to in John 4. You will be amazed at how ministering to someone will fill you. Here is my challenge for today: Minister to one person today. Share with them the hope of Jesus. And watch how God will fill and sustain you. You will have food that others do not know about.

Reflection Questions

1. How does understanding the distinction between physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment challenge or reinforce your daily priorities and actions?

2. In what ways can you integrate the act of "doing good" into your routine, ensuring that it becomes a natural extension of your faith and not just an occasional gesture?

3. Reflect on a time when sharing your faith or ministering to someone else led to a deeper sense of fulfillment. What did this experience teach you about the nature of spiritual "food" and its importance in your life?

Prayer

Father, help me to do Your will today. Help me to identify the person You want me to share the gospel with today. Open up the door to conversation so that it is clear and obvious that You're calling me to speak to them. Help me to see that You're the one who sustains me. Help me to do Your will. In Jesus' name, amen.

Welcome to Day 4: How Are You Doing?

How are you? Seriously, I want to know. Text me at (512)-574-2561 and let me know how I can pray for you and encourage you.

Today, I just want to offer you encouragement. You’re doing amazing and I’m proud of you! I understand this journey hasn't been easy, but I am so proud of you for embracing this spiritual journey alongside me. My hope and prayer are that you will witness the fruits of your fast. Remember, on the other side of this fast is someone else's breakthrough. God is utilizing your time of prayer and fasting to prepare the heart of someone else.

In addition to our reflection questions and prayer today, I want to share some scriptures with you to provide encouragement. Write them down. Meditate on them. Pray over them.

Scriptures

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." - Proverbs 12:25 ESV

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." - Romans 15:13 ESV

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1 ESV

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10 ESV 

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." - Psalm 73:26 ESV

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Reflective Questions

1. In what ways have you experienced growth or noticed changes in your spiritual life since beginning this fast? Reflect on any moments of insight, increased faith, or deepened connection with God.

2. How can the scriptures shared today inspire you to act in love and good works towards others? Consider specific actions or attitudes you might adopt to reflect God's love more fully in your life.

3. Reflecting on the scripture from Romans 15:13, in what areas of your life do you need the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit the most? How can you open your heart more fully to receive God's hope and encouragement?

Prayer

Father, today help me to be encouraged. And through my own encouragement, help me also to encourage others. I pray that you would use my fasting to impact the person I've been praying for. Would you speak to their heart and prepare them for the encounter with you this Easter? In Jesus' name, Amen.

Welcome to Day 3: True Dominion

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:26-27 ESV

The word for today is "Submit." Admittedly, upon reading Genesis 1:26-27, the idea of submission is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, let’s dig deeper today. As we enter day three of our fast, I want you to think about what you're doing. You are forcing your body to submit to not eating. You're forcing your physical hunger to submit to your spiritual desire to seek God in a deeper way.

Yesterday, we read Matthew 4:3-4, which is where Jesus is tempted during His fast. What did He do again? He quoted scripture. Why was that effective? Why was that sufficient to sustain Him? It's simple: submission. Jesus submitted Himself to the word of God.

Now, let’s go back to Genesis 1:26-27. I want you to re-read it.

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:26-27 ESV

Do you see it? Dominion. That’s what we’re talking about. Pastor Kyle, no, you said submission. You're right, I did. However, what if I told you that, in this case, dominion is submission?

See, in order to have dominion over creation, man has to have dominion over himself. How do you have dominion over yourself? By submitting to God’s word. We have to learn to submit to God’s word.

Today, I want you to meditate and reflect on the fact that you were made in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, His word is the only way for you to have dominion over your flesh.

Reflective Questions

1. In what ways can practicing self-discipline and submission to God’s Word empower you to exercise dominion over your own life and the responsibilities God has entrusted to you?

2. Reflect on the idea that being made in the image of God means having the capability for dominion and submission simultaneously. How does this dual capability influence your understanding of spiritual leadership and stewardship?

3. How does the act of fasting and denying physical desires to seek a deeper connection with God illustrate the principle of dominion through submission? What personal insights or revelations have you experienced during times of fasting or intentional sacrifice?

Prayer

Father, today, would you help me take dominion over my flesh? Help me to take dominion over my own desires. I know that what you have for me is better than anything I can want on my own. Help me to meditate on Your word. Remind me that I'm made in Your image and help me to be convicted and submitted to Your word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Welcome to day 2: Stand on The Word.

 And he brought you low, made you feel the pang of hunger, then nourished you with manna, an unfamiliar sustenance neither you nor your ancestors knew, to teach you that life isn't sustained by bread alone but by every word that flows from the Lord's mouth. Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV

Here we are at day two. The urge to end your fast might feel a bit more pressing today and likely tomorrow compared to yesterday. Let's draw attention to what Jesus endured during His 40-day fast (and aren't we thankful we've committed to just 7 days, haha). Over in Matthew 4:"

The tempter approached and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.' But He replied, 'It is written, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."'" Matthew 4:3-4 ESV

What stands out? Jesus stood on Scripture. He didn't try to brush off the temptation. He didn't look for a distraction. He didn't just hum his favorite worship song. He quoted Scripture. As we proceed with our fast, be aware that temptation won't let up. But stand firm, knowing the Word of God is both our defense and sustenance. In those challenging moments, when temptation looms large, reach for your Bible and read aloud from the Word of God. Let it fulfill you. Let it spiritually sustain you. You'll be astonished at how the unfailing, steadfast, always-true Word of God will nourish you. Let's persevere, praying and believing for those we hope will meet Jesus this Easter.

Refection Questions

1. When have you felt most nourished by the Word of God, and how did it transform your approach to a difficult situation?

2. How does the practice of reading Scripture out loud during times of temptation or weakness affect your spiritual resilience?

3. As you contemplate the purpose of your fast, what insights or revelations have you received about the role of sacrifice and discipline in deepening your relationship with God?

Prayer

Father, thank you for the strength you have given me and will continue to give me through Your Word. Help me to be fed spiritually and emotionally through Your Word. Help me to see the Bible as a source of sustenance and not just merely words. Continue to lead and guide me through this fast. In Jesus' name, amen.

Today marks the beginning of our dedicated week of prayer and fasting in anticipation of Easter. As we set out on this spiritual venture, I'm here to offer both encouragement and guidance. Each day, I'll provide a devotional for your reflection, along with Scriptures to pray over and contemplate.

Welcome to Day 1: Fasting From Position, Not For Position.

16 “And when you fast, do not make a show of your discomfort, like the hypocrites who alter their appearance so their fasting is noticeable to others. Truly, I tell you, they have already gained their reward. 17 Instead, when you fast, prepare yourself by anointing your head and washing your face, 18 so that your fasting remains a matter between you and your Father in the hidden place. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18 ESV

Fasting often brings our physical needs and desires to the forefront. It's not uncommon for our physical cravings to manifest in our demeanor and actions during a fast. Yet, Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, instructs us otherwise. He urges us not to let our physical needs and desires be outwardly visible.

Beyond the immediate message, this passage serves as a profound reminder that we don’t fast for position; we fast from position. There's a prevalent misconception that fasting somehow bridges the gap between us and God, drawing us closer to Him. This, however, is not the case. Fasting doesn't bring us closer to God; instead, it heightens our awareness of Him and His desires for us. That's why we say I said we fast from position not for position. We are already chosen, redeemed, and called by God. If Jesus is Lord in your life, you are a child of God - that is the ultimate position, unparalleled by any other. (John 1:12-13)

So, as we proceed with our prayer and fasting journey towards Easter, take comfort in knowing that you are fasting from a place of divine appointment, not in pursuit of one. Our focus is on interceding for both those we've personally invited and those who will come to encounter the message and hope of Jesus, praying earnestly that they will experience God.

Refection Questions

1. In what ways can I ensure that my fasting remains a private matter between me and God, rather than a display for others to see?

2. How can the understanding that I fast from a position of being chosen, redeemed, and called by God change my perspective and approach to fasting?

3. During this time of fasting and prayer, what specific aspects of God’s will and desires for my life am I seeking to become more aware of?

Prayer:

Father, during this time of prayer and fasting, I ask for strength and grace. Please help me keep my prayer and fasting focused on You and Your desires, not on mine. Help me stay focused and grounded in the knowledge that I am Your child. I pray as I set aside time this week to pray and fast for the person I've invited for Easter, as well as for those coming whom I do not know who will also come. Would You begin to work within them? Prepare their hearts and minds to receive Your word. Please start planting seeds in their hearts so they might encounter You this Easter. In Jesus' name, amen.