40 DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING - Berean Church · 40 DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING In Developing A...

40 DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING In Developing A Deeper Relationship with Jesus

KEY TEXT

“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17: 21

40 Days of Fasting

God may be leading you to fast from additional things on top of the suggestions listed below. As our Pastor has been following the prompting of the Lord, he is encouraging us in this manner:

1. For the full 40 days, you are encouraged to fast from the following:

• Sweets (cakes, pastries, pies, cookies, sodas and sweet drinks.)

• All meats (chicken, fish, beef, etc.) • Coffee and caffeinated teas • Secular TV programming with the exception of the news • Theater movies and forms of similar entertainment • DVD/Blue-ray entertainment

Many of the things that you will sacrifice during the fast will allow your mind and body to be cleared and purified in order to give yourself more

fully to this season of intensely seeking the face of God.

ONCE PER WEEK 24-HOUR FOOD FAST Tuesday 6:00 a.m. - Wednesday 6:00 a.m.

2. Full 24-hour food fast from 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday until 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

• For 24 hours you are encouraged to abstain from food

• Water, juice, herbal teas and limited amounts of fruit may be partaken if you choose

• No sodas or pre-processed sweet fruit treats.

NOTE: If you are sick and/or under medical care, taking medications, have a diagnosed medical condition or disease, pregnant or lactating, or younger than 18 years of age, please consult with a medical authority or parental authority (as the case may be) before fasting.

Children’s Fast (With Parental Guidance) (Ages 6 – 12)

6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. No sodas, No sweets (desserts) 6: 00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. No TV (with the exceptions of school

assignments) no video games/secular music

Day One

February 8

Today�s Reflective Passage

�And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.�

Matthew 4:2-4 (KJV)

Desire of Ages Quotation

"When Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted, He was led by the Spirit of God. He did not invite temptation. He went to the wilderness to be alone, to contemplate His mission and work. By fasting and prayer He was to brace Himself for the bloodstained path He must travel."

Desire of Ages p. 114

Reflection

Prayer and fasting does not change God, they change us. For Jesus, prayer and fasting were tools to help him brace and prepare himself for the path He had to travel. They were not used to change God or to change the path. During this time of prayer and fasting allow God to change you.

Today's Action Step

Today, I will feed on the word of God. I will read it at least three times today just as I'll eat three meals.

RD

Day Two

February 9

Today's Reflective Passage

"When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean."

Matthew 8: 1-2 (KJV)


"In the region of Christ's ministry, there were many of these sufferers, and the news of his work reached them, kindling a gleam of hope."


Reflection

It is important to remember Jesus is not just a healer, He is our source of hope. In our suffering and pain it is easy to lose hope. Although we pray and ask of God that aspect of hope is not mingled into our prayers. Therefore, allowing whatever it is that causes our pain to have so much power over us. And it seems almost just as big as God himself. However, nothing seems too big when I acknowledge Jesus as my blessed hope!

Today's Action Step

I will spend time today just thinking on the fact that Jesus, not only can make me clean, he also wants to make me clean. And that thought will produce hope in me.

RD

Day Three

February 10


"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed."

Matthew 8:1 (KJV)


"As I represent the power of Rome, and my soldiers recognize my authority as supreme, so does Thou represent the power of the Infinite God, and all created things obey Thy word. Thou can command the disease to depart and it shall obey Thee. Thou can summon Thy heavenly messengers, and they shall impart healing virtue. Speak but the word, and my servant shall be healed."


Reflection

The word of God has authority over all created things. The beautiful word of God has power to heal, transform, deliver, create, and change our lives. When we read the bible we must acknowledge it as the authoritative word of God!

Today's Action Step

I will not make one move today without consulting the number one authority in my life, the word of God.

RD

Day Four

February 11


"And he saith unto them, why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."

Matthew 8: 26 (KJV)


"The storm ceases. The billows sink to rest. The clouds roll away, and the stars shine forth. The boat rests upon a quiet sea. Then turning to his disciples, Jesus asks sorrowfully, "Why are ye fearful? Have ye not yet faith?"


Reflection

We must never allow our fears to supersede our faith. No matter what situation or circumstance we may find ourselves in. Our relationship with Jesus and our trust in who He is must inform the hardest of trials. Our faith must speak to our fears by saying Jesus is in this boat and he has everything under control.

Today's Action Step

Fear will not control my life today. I will ask Jesus to be with me and to provide a great calm.

RD

Day Five

February 12


"And Simon Peter answered and said, thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Matthew 16: 16


"The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer's faith. It is that which Christ Himself has declared to be eternal life."


Reflection

It seems simple enough to believe and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of the living God. However, it was something that Peter himself could not declare on his own. The bible says that Jesus reveals to Peter that it was not flesh and blood that revealed that profound truth to him but His Father in heaven revealed it. I believe the Father wants to reveal this to us as well. He wants us to have a divine revelation not just a fleshly knowledge. This revelation must be the foundation of our belief.

Today's Action Step

Explore your belief in Jesus right now. Is it based off of what your parents believed or what you grew up hearing or have you experienced a divine revelation?

RD

Day Six

February 13


"Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? Bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour."

Matthew 17: 15-16 (KJV)


"Jesus looked about Him upon the awe-stricken multitude, the caviling scribes, the perplexed disciples. He read the unbelief in every heart; and in a voice filled with sorrow He exclaimed, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you?..."


Reflection

It's interesting that our unbelief literally brings sorrow to Jesus' heart. He asks the question, how long does he have to show himself and privet himself before we will believe? There is no lack in Jesus' power or his ability to do a thing. The lack is in our belief.

Today's Action Step

Talk to someone, a friend, today regarding the years you have walked with Jesus. Tell your friend all that you've seen Jesus do in your life. Tell your friend how Jesus has never failed you. Tell your friend, based off these things, you will believe Jesus today.

RD

Day Seven

February 14


"But Jesus said, suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 19:14 (KJV)


"He knew that these children would listen to him and accept him as their redeemer far more readily than would grown-up people...It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received."


Reflection

We should never brush our children off nor assume that they cannot conceptualize the love and things of God. Their hearts are open. Let's teach them that Jesus still forgives and pardons sin.

Today's Action Step

In addition to praying for your children and/or children that you come in contact with, take some time today to talk to a child about the love of God.

RD

Day Eight

February 15


"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."

Matthew 19:21 (KJV)


"Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self yield; his will must be given into Christ's control."


Reflection

Although many of us may not possess a great deal of worldly riches, sometimes inherent in our ambitions is the desire for greatness. There are times when our admiration turns into envy for those who do have riches. However, each of us are challenged to make a heart choice between heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. That choice is seen in our daily decision to follow Christ.

Today's Action Step

Self check each ambition today. Ask yourself if you're doing this to have your name in lights, to find favor with men, or is it because I am given completely to Christ's control?

RD

Day Nine

February 16


"And as they came out they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross."

Matthew 27:32 (KJV)


"Simon had heard of Jesus. His sons were believers in the Savior, but he himself was not a disciple. The bearing of the cross to Calvary was a blessing to Simon, and he was ever after grateful for this providence. It led him to take upon himself the cross of Christ from choice, and ever cheerfully stand beneath its burden."


Reflection

Jesus has called everyone who would follow him to take up the cross and to deny themselves. As we contemplate on Jesus carrying his cross it should move us to compassion and compel us to shoulder up our own crosses. There is no Christianity without a cross. The journey for a follower of Christ is not one of ease and without burden. However, for the true believer it is a privilege to fall under the burden of the cross and be co-carriers with Jesus.

Today's Action Step

Ask Jesus to help you today identify his cross in your life.

RD

Day Ten

February 17


"And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where The Lord lay."

Matthew 28:5-6 (KJV)


...Now was proved the truth of his words, "I lay down my life, that I might take it again..." Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Christ had proclaimed in triumph, "I am the resurrection, and the life." These words could spoken only by the Deity. In his divinity, Christ possessed the power to break the bonds of death."


Reflection

Christ possessed within himself the power to overcome death and the grave. He laid down his life and he brought himself back to life! This is amazing to think about. And what's just as amazing is the fact that the bible says we can and should live in the power of the resurrection. There is power behind the resurrection. There is power in the fact that God died so that we wouldn't have to. There is power in that now He lives victorious and we can too!

Today's Action Step

Set aside some time today to think on the resurrection of Jesus. Read Matthew 28 during your lunch break. Ask God to help you live in the power of his resurrection.

RD

DAY ELEVEN

February 18

Today’s Reflective Passage

“And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.”

Mark 1:16-17

(NKJV)


“The deeper lesson which the miracle conveyed for the disciples is a lesson for us also, that He whose word could gather the fishes from the sea could also impress human hearts, and draw them by the cords of His love, so that His servants might become "fishers of men.”

Desire of Ages, p. 249

Reflection

There is nothing more exciting then being called by Christ! Those, whom Christ calls, must leave all to follow him. By his grace he makes all things new.

Today’s Action Step

Consider the things in this life that are hindering you from surrendering completely to Christ. Pray for the Lord reveal these things to you, so that you may become “fishers of men”.

AH

DAY TWELVE

February 19


“Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

Mark 2:9-11

(NLV)


“Yet it was not physical restoration he desired so much as relief from the burden of sin. If he could see Jesus, and receive the assurance of forgiveness and peace with Heaven, he would be content to live or die, according to God's will. The cry of the dying man was, Oh that I might come into His Presence!”


Reflection

Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The only way to remove the effect is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Jesus shows his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sickness.


Today ask God to remove the thing in your life that causes you to struggle the most.

AH

DAY THIRTEEN

February 20


“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

Mark 3:25

(NIV)


"No man can serve two masters." We cannot serve God with a divided heart.


Reflection

The enemy wants nothing more then to cause division among God’s Children. In order to overcome this, our hearts must totally align with his!


I want my life to be in sync with God’s will every step of the way.

AH

DAY FOURTEEN

February 21


“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

Mark 4:9

(MSG)


Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence.


Reflection

As followers of Christ we cannot only be hears of His word, but also doers. He promises to grant us peace in doing so. In order for us to be like Him we must listen, hear, and correctly respond to Christ teachings. This can be done through prayer and supplication.


Today, I will be intentional about obeying the voice of the Lord. I will seek guidance, and walk in His light.

AH

DAY FIFTEEN

February 22


“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Mark 11:25

(ESV)


“The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents as His own desire in that soul's behalf. Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.”


Reflection

Because God is a God of love it is imperative that we learn to love our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a form of love. It not only frees us from the wrong doing of others and grants us peace, but it also allows our heavenly farther to bestow mercy upon us as we seek him daily for forgiveness.


I will take time today in prayer, with a sincere heart and ask God to forgive me of my sins and help me to forgive others.

AH

DAY SIXTEEN

February 23


You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Mark 12:30

(CEV)


“When God has His rightful place on the throne of the heart, the right place will be given to our neighbor. We shall love him as ourselves. And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love our neighbor impartially.”


Reflection

Christ has commanded us to love Him with our entire being. For most, this is difficult, because it requires total surrendering of our body's to Him. He first addresses us to love Him with our heart and soul (emotional) he wants us to be emotionally connected to him. Our feelings, desires, hopes, and dreams all matter to Him, but first we must love Him so that our thoughts may be in tune with His for our lives. Next, He calls us to love Him with our mind (intellectual). Christ created us in His likeness, which means He gave us a sound mind. It is important that we use the mind God gave us to think on the love that Christ has shown us as we interact and show love to others. Lastly, we are to love Him with our strength (physical). Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we must treat it with love and care so that we are an example to others.


Today set apart some time to show God how much you love him with all that you have.

AH

DAY SEVENTEEN

February 24


“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

Mark 8:34-35

(NASB)


“Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."


Reflection

Life is such a valuable thing, and it is human nature to want total control of it. God is looking for people who are willing to give up on self-preservation, and allow God to lead every step of their life. Taking your cross and following Christ is not some activity you do, it’s a life style.


Taking up your cross and following Jesus means you must die (to the flesh) daily. Ask God to remove the things in your life that are holding you back from giving him total control

AH

DAY EIGHTEEN

February 25


“He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”

Mark 4:39-40

(NRSV)


“As Jesus rested by faith in the Father's care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour. If the disciples had trusted in Him, they would have been kept in peace. Their fear in the time of danger revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and it was only when, in despair of self-dependence, they turned to Him that He could give them help.”


Reflection

Unlike the wind and waves, you are free to choose whether or not you will obey and follow Jesus. Will you choose to put your faith in Jesus? If you do, you will live in faith, not fear. You will know that Jesus is in control of everything that touches your life. You can relax and live in peace, depending on Jesus to calm your storms.


Storms arrive in our lives all the time; it’s what we do in the storm that matters most. Putting your faith and trust in Jesus is the only way to survive. Today don’t panic or be worried, God’s got this! Cast your cares on him.

AH

DAY NINETEEN

February 26


“But Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just trust me.”

Mark 5:36

(TLB)


“The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power.”


Reflection

Jesus feels every bit of the pain you feel. You should never be afraid to bring your needs to Jesus. He longs to help you. He has the power to help when no one else can and the perfect wisdom to always do exactly what is best for you!


There is no problem that you face that Jesus can’t fix. Whatever you have in your life that’s a burden to you, bring it to Him FIRST and he will handle the rest.

AH

DAY TWENTY

February 27


“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Mark 16:15

(NKJV)


“Christ commissioned His disciples to do the work He had left in their hands, beginning at Jerusalem. Jerusalem had been the scene of His amazing condescension for the human race.”


Reflection

Every believer’s duty is to receive the knowledge of the gospel, to preach it, to make it known to others. Go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature was not just given to the disciples, but to the whole church and all its members. Every member has the obligation to make known this great salvation to everyone.”


As you go throughout your day, take time out and share the good news with some that you either see at school, work or the gym. Everyone deserves the right to hear about the man that saved your life!

AH

DAY TWENTY ONE

February 28th


And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Luke 6:5 (ESV)


“(The Sabbath) was designed to bring men into communion with God; but when the mind was absorbed with wearisome rites, the object of the Sabbath was thwarted. It’s mere outward observance was a mockery.”


Reflection

God instituted the Sabbath at creation for the ultimate purpose of communion between himself and his creation. Rest from labor, and all other aspects of the Sabbath, merely serve the purpose of eliminating distraction, putting us in a mind of obedience, and allowing for supreme and purposeful communion with our God.


Jesus, on this Sabbath day I will commit myself fully to communion with you. I will not make it a day of empty ritual or give into secular distraction. I will give you my full attention and I am thankful I have yours.

JS

DAY TWENTY TWO

March 1st


And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

Luke 1:46-49 (ESV)


“We marvel at the Savior’s sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall.”


Reflection

It can be said that humility is God’s greatest tool. Throughout the Bible those of humble character are the one’s through whom God has chosen to do his greatest works. This is exemplified in the one through whom, and the setting in which, he would be born. Mary was likely between the age of 12-14, she was from the ghetto, and engaged but not yet married (essentially a single mother). When she birthed Jesus it was in the filthiest of places surrounded by the stench of dung and accompanied by livestock. Yet it would be her that would give birth to the Savior of humanity and the King of the universe. God truly places a premium on humility.


Jesus, I want to be filled with you and used by you, so I pray that you instill in me a genuine humility.

JS

DAY TWENTY THREE

March 2nd


And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

Luke 2:48-50 (ESV)


“Jesus was engaged in the work that He had come into the world to do; but Joseph and Mary had neglected theirs. God had shown them high honor in committing to them His Son… but for an entire day they had lost sight of Him whom they should not have forgotten for a moment.”


Reflection

From an early age it is clear that Jesus was singularly focused. He lived each moment to do the Father’s will. This often led to him being misunderstood, even by those closest to him. Nonetheless, his concern was not with the opinions of others, but with the business of the Father.


Today, just as Christ was, may I be singularly focused on God’s will. As long as I am, in obedience, seeking to please God, I cannot be concerned with pleasing others.

JS

DAY TWENTY FOUR

March 3


And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.

Luke 2:48-50 (ESV)


“Night was the only favorable time for fishing with nets in the clear waters of the lake… it seemed hopeless to cast the nets by day; but Jesus had given command, and love for their Master moved the disciples to obey.”

Desire of Ages, p. 245-246

Reflection

Just as for Peter, obedience to Christ will often run contrary to our natural inclinations. Truth be told, sometimes it just does not make sense to our limited human intellect. Yet when we live in obedience we will find that the reward is beyond what we could imagine.


Jesus, I understand that your will is beyond what I can fathom. Today I will do what you say regardless of whether it makes sense to me or not. I will do so awaiting the glory of your reward.

JS

DAY TWENTY FIVE

March 4


As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”

Luke 8:42b-46 (ESV)


“In that one touch she concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain and feebleness gave place to the vigor of perfect health… The Savior could distinguish the touch of faith from the casual contact of the careless throng.”

Desire of Ages, p. 343-344

Reflection

Just the same that the touch of the one whom you love is easily and instantly distinguished from that of a stranger, the touch of faith is easily distinguished by the Savior from that of shallow agenda. To the touch of faith Christ offers a healing from what ails you. The greatest of which is healing form the disease of sin.


Jesus, I want you to recognize my touch. Grant me the faith which will draw from the well of healing that is you.

JS

DAY TWENTY SIX

March 5th


Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hard of your head are all numbered. fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7 (ESV)


“Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of conduct as a sense of the pardoning love of Christ.”


Reflection

The pressures and temptations of this fallen world can cause one to easily give in to despair. The value one places on oneself can easily become minimal. If only we could understand that God values us so much that he gave up paradise for the cross, in order that he might do away with the sin which separates us from him.


Today I will see myself through your eyes Lord. I will see that to you I am valued beyond what my feeble mind can imagine. Leaving behind doubt and insecurity, I will live in a manner which represents that value.

JS

DAY TWENTY SEVEN

March 6


And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Luke 12:6-7 (ESV)

Desire of Ages Quotation9644861

“The tempter can never compel us to do evil. He cannot control minds unless they are yielded to his control. The will must consent, faith must let go its hold upon Christ, before Satan can exercise his power upon us.”


Reflection

As Christians we often give the devil too much credit. The truth is that if we abide in Christ, the devil is powerless against us. We ought not to focus on what the devil is doing, for he is defeated. Let us instead focus on Jesus Christ, the one who has given us victory over sin and death.


Jesus, today I will not be so easily defeated and discouraged. You are victorious and I am victorious through you! Today and from now on I will live in your victory.

JS

DAY TWENTY EIGHT

March 7


And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you will know that the kingdom of God is near.”

Luke 12:6-7 (ESV)


“Christ has given us signs of His coming. He declares that we may know when He is near, even at the doors… Now we know with surety that the Lord’s coming is at hand.”


Reflection

It is easy to get caught up in day to day responsibilities and lose focus of the times in which we live. Christ understands this and gives us daily reminders of his love and his soon return. Let us not forget that we are committed with an urgent message to tell the world of the imminent return of our Lord and Savior.


Jesus, as I see daily the signs of your soon return I will live with urgency. Everyday of my life will be recommitted to introducing others to the soon coming King.

JS

DAY TWENTY NINE

March 8


One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us! But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God… we are receiving the due reward of our deed; but this man has done nothing wrong” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “truly, I say unto you today, you will be with me in Paradise.

Luke 23:39-43 (ESV)


“To Jesus in His agony on the cross there came one gleam of comfort. It was the prayer of the penitent thief.”


Reflection

The two thieves who hung on either side of the Savior present to us two polarizing responses which accompany an encounter with Jesus Christ. On one hand are those who want to be next to Jesus because of what he might do for them; “Save yourself and us” cried the unrepentant criminal. On the other hand are those who simply desire to be remembered by the Savior. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” His desire was no deeper than to simply be on the mind of Christ.” To the humble repentant sinner Christ offers the peace of eternity with him. “Truly… you will be with me in paradise.”


Jesus, from this point on I will not seek you for what you can give me, but I will simply seek you.

JS

DAY THIRTY

March 9


As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” And when he had said this he showed them his hands and his feet.

Luke 24:36-38,40 (ESV)


“Christ’s first work on earth after His resurrection was to convince His disciples of His undiminished love and tender regard for them. To give them proof that He was their living Savior, that He had broken the fetters of the tomb, and could no longer be held by the enemy death.”


Reflection

He is risen! What a beautiful thought! Christ is risen with all power in his hand! As we begin the final stretch of these forty days of prayer and fasting let us pray that the risen king may fill our life with the promise of peace, both now and throughout eternity.


Today I rejoice that Christ is risen and now reigns! Because of his victory I too have eternal victory and eternal peace! Shaking off the dust of yesterday I rejoice in a better tomorrow through Jesus Christ.

JS

DAY THIRTY-ONE

March 10


“The Next day John was there again with two his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God! When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.” John 1: 35 – 38 (NIV)


“Moved by an irresistible impulse, they followed Jesus---anxious to speak with Him, yet awed and silent, lost in the overwhelming significance of the thought, “Is this the Messiah?”


Pastoral Reflection

The ultimate desire in our lives must be to seek for Jesus. And when we seek him with all of our hearts, he becomes irresistible! We seek him best by daily opening the Gospels and reading about him in the Word. He becomes real to us as we dwell in his Presence morning by morning, and throughout the day.


I will not make a move today until I’ve sought Jesus in his Word and in Prayer.

FAR

DAY THIRTY-TWO

March 11


“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee, Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’ ‘Woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’ “ John 2: 1 –4 (NIV)


“The words, ‘My hour is not yet come,’ point to the fact that every act of Christ’s life on earth was in fulfillment of the plan that had existed from the days of eternity. Before He came to earth, the plan lay out before Him, perfect in all its details.”

Pastoral Reflection

God’s plan for your life, and His timing in your life, is key to living successfully. It’s important to accept that you are not just haphazardly moving through life, but that there is a God-plan and God-purpose for you. As such, it is vital that you are willing to wait on His timing in all things pertaining to you. Act before His time, you’re in trouble, act after His time, you’re in trouble. Act with his timing, it all works out.



I will pray to stay in alignment with God’s plan, purpose and timing in all He will do in my life.

FAR

DAY THIRTY-THREE

March 12


“ Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.”

John 3: 3 (AMP)


“The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.” Desire of Ages, p. 172

Pastoral Reflection

I like how Jesus just “cut to the chase” with Nicodemus and said, you must be born again. Not behavior modification, but a full takeover of your life by Jesus. And when he comes in, everything, and I mean everything, changes!


Stop right now and ask Jesus to come into your life. You want Him to fully take over. Withholding nothing, give Him ALL of you today!

FAR

DAY THIRTY-FOUR

March 13


“Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman’s witness: ‘He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!’ ”

John 4: 39 (MSG)


“As the past of her life had been spread out before her, she had been made [sensitive] of her great want. She realized her soul thirst, which the waters of the well of Sychar could never satisfy. Nothing that had hitherto come in contact with her had so awakened her to a higher need. Jesus had convinced her that He had read the secrets of her life; yet she felt that He was her friend, pitying and loving her.”


Pastoral Reflection

What you see here in this story is an awesome example of Jesus’ total acceptance of us, no matter our past. Did you get that? Total and complete acceptance! No shame that He knows everything about us. And it is in his total acceptance of you, that you come to realize that you can trust Him, and as such, there is nothing you want more than to please this person who accepts you so fully and unconditionally!


Accept the fact that there is nothing that you can do to make Jesus love you more; and that there is nothing that you can do to make Him love you less. Let him have you just as you are, and then in full trust, permit Jesus to mold your life to make it pleasing to Him.

FAR

DAY THIRTY-FIVE

March 14


“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my Word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5: 24 (NIV)


“ . . .He tasted the very dregs of human affliction and temptation, and understands the frailties and sins of men; because in our behalf He has victoriously withstood the temptations of Satan . . .the Son of man is appointed to execute the judgment. But Christ mission was not for judgment, but for salvation.” Desire of Ages, p. 210

Pastoral Reflection

Jesus came not to Judge us, but to save us! Notice his priority: Salvation not Judgment. But saved out of our sins, not in our sins.


Go out today and share with someone this powerful reality: The main thing Jesus wants to do is to Save them. What a incredible message to the people in your world today.

FAR

DAY THIRTY-SIX

March 15


“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was gong to do.” John 6: 5, 6 (NIV)


“Often we hesitate, unwilling to give all that we have, fearing to spend and to be spent for others. But Jesus has bidden us, ‘Give ye them to eat.’ His command is a promise; and behind it is the same power that fed the multitude beside the sea.” Desire of Ages, p. 369

Pastoral Reflection

I so believe that God is constantly calling us out of our comfort zones to bless people around us. To pay attention to other’s needs, not just ours. But when called upon to meet the needs of others (I’m not just talking money and food) we retreat back into ourselves. There are needs all around us, and to test us, he will ask us to meet some need.


Ask God to open your heart today in coming along side of someone and being a blessing to them. Get prepared, it’s going to be great day, and it won’t be about you!

FAR

DAY THIRTY-SEVEN

March 16


“AS he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind. ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’ ”


“Whenever the message of truth comes home to souls . . .Satan stirs up his agents to start a dispute over some minor question. Whenever a good work is begun, there are cavilers ready to enter into dispute over forms or technicalities, to draw minds away for the living realities.”


Pastoral Reflection

Sometimes we can get so focused on what is happening around us, that we miss God in it all. Let us open the eyes of our hearts that we may see Jesus always at work around us in both obvious and subtle ways---staying away from disputing over the “small things.”


Ask Jesus to let you see him at work today all around you!

FAR

DAY THIRTY-EIGHT

March 17


“Right now I am storm-tossed. And what am I going to say? ‘Father, get me out of this’? No, this is why I came in the first place. I’ll say, ‘ Father, put your glory on display.’ “ John 12: 27 – 28a (MSG)


“Even before He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for [nothing]. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God.

Pastoral Reflection

Sometime God puts tough task in front of us, and tough times. If we can accept that with all we face, if the attention [glory] can be turned towards God, then it’s worth it. God never allows you to go through something without a bigger value and picture in mind.


Ask God to put His Glory on display in how you live your life today—both the good and the not so good parts of your day.

FAR

DAY THIRTY-NINE

March 18


“He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’ ‘Then Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well.’” John 13: 6 – 9 (NIV)


“Christ would have his disciples understand that although He had washed their feet, this did not in the least detract from His dignity.”


Pastoral Reflection

Jesus was secure in Himself and his mission, that to bend and wash his disciples feet was not beneath Him. Here he was, God, doing such an act. He gave himself fully to his followers, and whatever it took to connect with them, he would do it.


Who’s Feet do I need to wash today? In other words, with whom do I need to submit to today in humility? FAR

DAY FORTY

March 19

SPECIAL NOTE

Take sometime today to write out [journal] what has Jesus taught you most about Himself during these past 40 Days. Have you gone deeper in your walk

with Him?

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