Our Fasting and Praying Guide
lets do it together =)
Day 1: It’s not about you.
Col 1:16
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
Eph 1:11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
Ø We are born by His purpose, for His purpose
Ø Are you living for YOUR ambitions, YOUR goals, YOUR dreams for YOUR future? Will these be able to fulfill us?
Ø Do we always start with self centered questions about our purposes?
Ø Life = Letting God use us for His purpose.
Question: How do we remind ourselves that we are living for God and not for ourselves?
Day 2: What drives your life?
That man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder – a waif, a nothing, a no man. Thomas Carlyle
Isaiah 26:3 (TEV)
You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you
Jer 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Isaiah 493 He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor." 4 But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God."
Job 716 I despise my life; I would not live forever. Let me alone; my days have no meaning.
Ø Everyone’s life is driven by something. What’s your driving force?
Many people are driven by
1. Guilt
Regret, shame, allowing their past to control their future, letting their past experiences and memories to manipulate the way they live their life.
2. Resentment/anger
They hold on to hurts and never get over them. This group of people tend to bottle their anguish up, or the other extreme would tend to ‘explode’ onto others. Both are unhealthy and unhelpful ways of dealing with their pain.
3. Fear
Afraid to venture out, avoiding risks, prefers to maintain status quo and play safe.
4. Materialism
Misconceptions of having more will make ‘me’ happy, more important and more secure. Determining life’s values by possessions.
5. Need for approval
Allowing the expectations of parents, teachers or friends to override their lives. This can also stem from a constant worry over what others might think of him/her.
Ø There are many forces that can drive your life but all lead to the same dead end; an unfulfilled life. (Isaiah 49, job 7)
Ø Do you know God’s purpose for YOUR life? (jer 29:11)
Ø It is impossible to do everything people want us to do, please everyone or to guarantee success in all areas of our lives. However, what we can take delight in is that all of us just have enough time to do God’s will.
Ø If we are always living in fear, we miss out on being what God wants us to be.
Ø Our time, talents; are we investing these things in the kingdom of God?
Questions: Am I being focused? Am I keeping the main thing the main thing?
Purpose always produce passion. What is that driving force behind your life? Is it a searing passion to do His will? Or is it……) (let’s pray and open our hearts to God for evaluation!)
Heb 12:2
2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Day 3: Seeing life from God’s perspectives (test)
James 1:12
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
1 Cor 10:13
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Life =is a test and a trust
Ø How do you see your life? How you define life determines your destiny as your perspective will eventually influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents and value your relationships.
Ø God allows challenges in our lives for a purpose.
Ø God tests our faith through problems, tests our hope through how we handle possessions, and tests our love through people.
Ø One very important test is how you act when you can’t feel God‘s presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back so that we don’t feel His closeness. It’s at this crucial point in time that we are left alone to be tested on our character, to be revealed a weakness or to be prepared for more responsibility.
Ø When we realize that life is a test, nothing can become insignificant in our lives. Everyday is an important, and every smallest incident is significant for the development of our character. J
Question: What has happened to me recently that I know realize was a test from God?
Day 4: Seeing life from God’s perspective (trust)
1 Cor 4:2
2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
1 Cor 4:7b (NLT)
7What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?
Luke 16:10a (NLT)
Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.
Ø Our time on earth, along with our resources, opportunities, relationships, energy and intelligence are all gifts from God that He has entrusted to our care and management.
Ø We are stewards of whatever God gives us!
Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it
Ø Everything we enjoy today is a trust that God has placed in our hands
Ø Because God owns it, let’s take care of what we have to the best that we can!
Ø At the end of our lives on earth we will be evaluated and rewarded according to how well we handled what God has entrusted to us. That means everything we do, even the simple daily chores, bears eternal implications!
Ø There is a direct relationship between how we use our money and the quality of our spiritual lives. How we manage our money determines how much god can trust us with spiritual blessing (true riches).
Questions: Is the way I manage my money preventing God from doing more in my life?
What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
What are some areas which God has entrusted to me and I need to be more faithful in?
Day 5: The smile of God
Numbers 6:25
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
Psalm 119:135
Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees.
Ø God smiles when we love him extravagantly.
Ø God wants a relationship with us!
Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Genesis 6:9b
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God
Ø Learning to love God deeply and be loved by him should be the greatest objective of our lives! Nothing else comes close to importance. Jesus called it the greatest commandment
Matthew 22:27-28
37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[1] 38This is the first and greatest commandment.
Ø In love, we trust.
Heb 11:7 (MSG)
7By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
Ø Noah trusted God completely without a single complain or making excuses. This made God smile.
Ø Trusting god completely means having faith that he knows what is beat for your life.
Ø Trusting is an act of worship.
Heb 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him
Question: In which areas of your life do you need to trust God completely?
Ø God smiles when we obey Him wholeheartedly
Ø Doing it without delay, without reservation or hesitation.
Ø God may not give us an explanation or reason for everything He asks us to do. However understanding can wait, but obedience cant.
Ø Instant obedience can teach us more about God than a lifetime of bible discussions.
Ø Obedience unlocks understanding.
Question: Do we offer God “partial’ obedience? Do we pick and choose the commands we obey?
Day 6: Heart of worship
Romans 6:13
Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ø The heart of worship comes when we surrender everything that we have in response to God’s love and mercy. It is natural and we give ourselves to Him not out of fear or duty, but rather, love.
Ø Surrendering ourselves to Him brings about freedom.
Ø Giving our lives calls for us to change what needs to be changed. Many a times, this is the same call for a battle within us.
Ø Surrendering is best demonstrated in obedience.
Questions: What are some of the things inside of us that we need to surrender to God? What are some of the barriers barring us from the heart of worship? (eg, pride, mistrust..?)
Day 7: Jesus is my best friend!
Romans 5:10 (NLT)
10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Psalm 25:14a
The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
Ø The word friend does not mean a casual acquaintance but a close trusted relationship.
Ø We will never grow close to God by just attending church once a week or even having a daily quiet time. Friendship with God is built by sharing al your life experiences with Him.
Ø Everything that we do can be ‘spending time with god’ if we invite god to be part of it and stay aware of his presence.
Ø A second way to establish a relationship is to know God through his word. Meditate on the WOG. When we know God, we can love Him more.
Psalm 119:97
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long
Psalm 77:12
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Question: What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to Him more often throughout the day?
lets do it together =)
Day 1: It’s not about you.
Col 1:16
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
Eph 1:11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
Ø We are born by His purpose, for His purpose
Ø Are you living for YOUR ambitions, YOUR goals, YOUR dreams for YOUR future? Will these be able to fulfill us?
Ø Do we always start with self centered questions about our purposes?
Ø Life = Letting God use us for His purpose.
Question: How do we remind ourselves that we are living for God and not for ourselves?
Day 2: What drives your life?
That man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder – a waif, a nothing, a no man. Thomas Carlyle
Isaiah 26:3 (TEV)
You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you
Jer 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Isaiah 493 He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor." 4 But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God."
Job 716 I despise my life; I would not live forever. Let me alone; my days have no meaning.
Ø Everyone’s life is driven by something. What’s your driving force?
Many people are driven by
1. Guilt
Regret, shame, allowing their past to control their future, letting their past experiences and memories to manipulate the way they live their life.
2. Resentment/anger
They hold on to hurts and never get over them. This group of people tend to bottle their anguish up, or the other extreme would tend to ‘explode’ onto others. Both are unhealthy and unhelpful ways of dealing with their pain.
3. Fear
Afraid to venture out, avoiding risks, prefers to maintain status quo and play safe.
4. Materialism
Misconceptions of having more will make ‘me’ happy, more important and more secure. Determining life’s values by possessions.
5. Need for approval
Allowing the expectations of parents, teachers or friends to override their lives. This can also stem from a constant worry over what others might think of him/her.
Ø There are many forces that can drive your life but all lead to the same dead end; an unfulfilled life. (Isaiah 49, job 7)
Ø Do you know God’s purpose for YOUR life? (jer 29:11)
Ø It is impossible to do everything people want us to do, please everyone or to guarantee success in all areas of our lives. However, what we can take delight in is that all of us just have enough time to do God’s will.
Ø If we are always living in fear, we miss out on being what God wants us to be.
Ø Our time, talents; are we investing these things in the kingdom of God?
Questions: Am I being focused? Am I keeping the main thing the main thing?
Purpose always produce passion. What is that driving force behind your life? Is it a searing passion to do His will? Or is it……) (let’s pray and open our hearts to God for evaluation!)
Heb 12:2
2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Day 3: Seeing life from God’s perspectives (test)
James 1:12
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
1 Cor 10:13
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Life =is a test and a trust
Ø How do you see your life? How you define life determines your destiny as your perspective will eventually influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents and value your relationships.
Ø God allows challenges in our lives for a purpose.
Ø God tests our faith through problems, tests our hope through how we handle possessions, and tests our love through people.
Ø One very important test is how you act when you can’t feel God‘s presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back so that we don’t feel His closeness. It’s at this crucial point in time that we are left alone to be tested on our character, to be revealed a weakness or to be prepared for more responsibility.
Ø When we realize that life is a test, nothing can become insignificant in our lives. Everyday is an important, and every smallest incident is significant for the development of our character. J
Question: What has happened to me recently that I know realize was a test from God?
Day 4: Seeing life from God’s perspective (trust)
1 Cor 4:2
2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
1 Cor 4:7b (NLT)
7What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?
Luke 16:10a (NLT)
Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.
Ø Our time on earth, along with our resources, opportunities, relationships, energy and intelligence are all gifts from God that He has entrusted to our care and management.
Ø We are stewards of whatever God gives us!
Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it
Ø Everything we enjoy today is a trust that God has placed in our hands
Ø Because God owns it, let’s take care of what we have to the best that we can!
Ø At the end of our lives on earth we will be evaluated and rewarded according to how well we handled what God has entrusted to us. That means everything we do, even the simple daily chores, bears eternal implications!
Ø There is a direct relationship between how we use our money and the quality of our spiritual lives. How we manage our money determines how much god can trust us with spiritual blessing (true riches).
Questions: Is the way I manage my money preventing God from doing more in my life?
What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
What are some areas which God has entrusted to me and I need to be more faithful in?
Day 5: The smile of God
Numbers 6:25
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
Psalm 119:135
Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees.
Ø God smiles when we love him extravagantly.
Ø God wants a relationship with us!
Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Genesis 6:9b
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God
Ø Learning to love God deeply and be loved by him should be the greatest objective of our lives! Nothing else comes close to importance. Jesus called it the greatest commandment
Matthew 22:27-28
37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[1] 38This is the first and greatest commandment.
Ø In love, we trust.
Heb 11:7 (MSG)
7By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
Ø Noah trusted God completely without a single complain or making excuses. This made God smile.
Ø Trusting god completely means having faith that he knows what is beat for your life.
Ø Trusting is an act of worship.
Heb 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him
Question: In which areas of your life do you need to trust God completely?
Ø God smiles when we obey Him wholeheartedly
Ø Doing it without delay, without reservation or hesitation.
Ø God may not give us an explanation or reason for everything He asks us to do. However understanding can wait, but obedience cant.
Ø Instant obedience can teach us more about God than a lifetime of bible discussions.
Ø Obedience unlocks understanding.
Question: Do we offer God “partial’ obedience? Do we pick and choose the commands we obey?
Day 6: Heart of worship
Romans 6:13
Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ø The heart of worship comes when we surrender everything that we have in response to God’s love and mercy. It is natural and we give ourselves to Him not out of fear or duty, but rather, love.
Ø Surrendering ourselves to Him brings about freedom.
Ø Giving our lives calls for us to change what needs to be changed. Many a times, this is the same call for a battle within us.
Ø Surrendering is best demonstrated in obedience.
Questions: What are some of the things inside of us that we need to surrender to God? What are some of the barriers barring us from the heart of worship? (eg, pride, mistrust..?)
Day 7: Jesus is my best friend!
Romans 5:10 (NLT)
10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Psalm 25:14a
The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
Ø The word friend does not mean a casual acquaintance but a close trusted relationship.
Ø We will never grow close to God by just attending church once a week or even having a daily quiet time. Friendship with God is built by sharing al your life experiences with Him.
Ø Everything that we do can be ‘spending time with god’ if we invite god to be part of it and stay aware of his presence.
Ø A second way to establish a relationship is to know God through his word. Meditate on the WOG. When we know God, we can love Him more.
Psalm 119:97
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long
Psalm 77:12
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Question: What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to Him more often throughout the day?
Reference: Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren
Phew... have not have such a lengthy entry for a long time ;)
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