3 Clear God Directives for FLC in 2012

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting has changed our church!

Since the beginning, even before our first official service, Family Life Church has spent the first 3 weeks of the year to seek God through a special time of fasting and prayer. Every year we exit the fast with a God-given strategy, that when implemented, has worked. This year is no different.

3 Things from our Fast to Change the World...

ONE...FLC is to GO in 2012!

We are to step into our neighborhoods with specific Servolution outreaches and share Jesus. We are to reach out into our nation through the ARC (Association of Related Churches) and plant more churches to share Jesus. We are to aggressively cross our nation's borders into the international world and partner with missionaries and churches to reach other cultures for Jesus. FLC is to GO like never before.

TWO...We are to Believe for a minimum of 365 Commitments to Christ!

Acts 2:47b says, "...And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." 80 people made commitments to Christ in 2011 during our weekend experiences and outreaches. Though I celebrate all that God has allowed us to witness, I am stirred to expect even more. I believe we are to see people turning to Jesus on a daily basis. Join with me in circling this vision in not only prayer, but in action through sharing your story and bringing people to church.

THREE...We are to Take the 90 Day Challenge!

For a year and a half, FLC has been working to secure a permanent location. We signed a lease in 2011 and have raised over $200,000 for our building project! That is amazing!!!

We now have 3 goals...

1. Raise an additional $60k to complete the build-out and get a Certificate of Occupancy.

2. Raise $100k for the C. of O. and to purchase chairs and some equipment.

3. Raise $200k to finish the build-out and completely furnish our dream with all the fixtures & equipment necessary.

Our challenge...from now through Sunday, April 29th, 2012?

* If you're not yet bringing God the first 10% of your income that you will test God in the tithe for 90 days. (Malachi 3:10 "...try Me now in this." God says.)

* If you're currently a tither, you will stretch and give above your tithe toward the building for the next 90 days.

1 Kings 17:13-16 is our promise from God that as we give Him the first we will always have enough.

Join with me and Stephanie as we take the steps God has so graciously given us to live out His vision and reach more and more for Jesus.

Day 21: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP 1 Samuel chapter 23

David was surrounded by opposition. Even though he knew he was about to be betrayed, he still prayed and worshipped God. In the end, God came through. David found himself separated from his enemies, delivered from danger and resting in the stronghold of En-gedi.

David’s life was filled with trials. At times, he was running for his life, at times he was hiding out in caves. It was a fight. But there were two things that remained throughout David’s entire life: worship and prayer. David knew that when it came down to it – regardless of what he went through – that was all he needed.

Over the last 21 days, we’ve established a consistency in prayer, worship and drawing closer to God. Remain consistent, recognizing that this is the lifeline to strength and the only way to overcome any adversity.

“Dear God, thank You for this time and all that You have done in and through my life over these last 21 days. I commit to keeping this space open to You and trust that You are all I need. I love you and thank you. Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 20: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP Mark chapter 9

The disciples found themselves unprepared to deal with this particular situation. Because Jesus led a lifestyle of prayer and fasting, He was prepared to deal with the issue when the time came. He didn’t wait until the problem arose to prepare – a lifestyle of prayer and fasting had prepared Him for it.

Prayer and fasting prepares us for what lies ahead. We don’t have to wait for an emergency to arise before we prepare. Let us prepare ahead of time so that when confronted with adversity or challenges, we can face them head on.

“Dear God, as I set time aside today to pray, fast and seek You, I ask that you strengthen me, prepare me, and fill me with Your Word. God, You see everything and hold all my days in Your hands. You know exactly what I have need of before I even ask for it. Thank You for Your grace that enables me to face whatever lies ahead. In Jesus name, Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 19: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP 1 Samuel chapter 22

David and Abiathar were Saul’s next target. While it would have made more sense for David to send Abiathar away, he instead drew him in and offered his protection. David took a risk to keep Abiathar safe. David acted in a lot of ways like Jesus - not turning a blind eye to someone in need, even amidst trials of his own.

No matter what the situation, when it seems all hope is lost Jesus’ response is the same: draw closer to Him. He will offer His unmatched and perfect protection every time.

“God, I pray that You strengthen my resolve to put my entire trust in You, knowing You will always protect me from harm. Help me to never turn away from other people in need just because I may be going through difficulty myself. Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 18: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP 1 Samuel chapter 21

David is running from Saul and for a moment, is overcome by fear. At this low point in his life, he acts like a crazy man before the king of Gath. David was beyond the point of simply experiencing fear. He let fear control him.

Any one of us can be subject to fear when we are tired, hurt, or emotionally low. In order to ensure we don’t start doing wrong things and going places we should avoid, we must remain deeply connected to God. His love will cast out any fear, no matter how great.

“Father, help us manage our lives to stay healthy - in body, soul, and spirit. Please fill us with Your spirit and give us boldness of faith in place of fear. In Jesus name, Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 17: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP Mark chapter 8

Jesus was clearly a man of power and action, not just words. The miracles he performed came from a motivation of love and a desire to draw people to God.

The more convinced we become that Jesus is God, the more we will see his power and love. His mighty works show us He is able to save anyone regardless of their past. The miracle of forgiveness brings healing, wholeness and powerful change to those who trust Him.

"Lord, I declare Your goodness and that You are the only true God. I thank You that you are still a God of action today. I wait with an expectant, hopeful heart as Your mighty hand touches my life, bringing healing and salvation. In Jesus name, Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)

Day 16: Prayer & Fasting

Read and SOAP 1 Samuel chapter 20

How fortunate David was to have a friend like Jonathan, someone who stuck by him through thick and thin. Jonathan was a friend that would even feel a righteous anger because of the shameful treatment that David received.

What kind of friends do you have? We must strive to have friends in our life like Jonathan – the ones who will encourage and support us, no matter what. In addition, we must always strive to be a “Jonathan” kind of friend to others.

“God, please help me to surround myself with people that will always point me towards Your best. Today as I fast and seek You, I ask you to reveal to me the people that You have placed in my life that will help me become the person You are calling me to be. Amen.”

(Blog reposted with permission from Awake21.org)