21 Days of Prayer & Fasting

Prayer enlarges our vision.

Isaiah 54.2-3

"Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! 3 For your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting

God loves people! Many people view God as being distant and not caring about what happens to us, but that is not an accurate view of God. God has done everything necessary through Jesus Christ to reach out to mankind. His hope is that we will reach out to Him. God wants to hear from His people - His desire is to help us, protect us, guide us and care for us. If you view God as waiting to pounce on every mistake you make, know He loves you and that is not His nature. My prayer is that during this time of prayer and fasting. He will change your mind and help you see Him as a caring Father. If you are dealing with something that needs God's protection, carry it to God in prayer. Nothing is too great or small that He will not care for you. Have a great day knowing God cares for you.

Ezra 8.23

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and He heard our prayer.

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting - January 11-31, 2009

We're partnering with over 300 churches in 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. This is an exciting time in the life of ConnexionChurch.  Over the next 3 weeks I'll update this blog daily with and encouraging word and scripture.  If you have been unsure about participating and would like to, know that you can begin at anytime, even if its one day each week.  Participating in the entire 21 days is encouraged, but start where you can and see what God does in your life and the life of ConnexionChurch.  

If you would like to visit the Awakening blog you can do that at awake21.org.  God Bless and we're praying for you.

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Prayer Prepares Our Future

Philippians 3.13-14

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

The Power of Relationships

It's always hard to see fellow ministers fall. Not only the person that failed and the struggle they and their families go through, but the body of Christ suffers, too. One such pastor that inspired me and my desire to see a church grow in relationships is Ted Haggard, former Pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Its unfortunate what he has put himself through, but none-the-less, his insight into the power of relationships is life-changing.  Here's an excerpt from his book Dog Training, Fly-Fishing and Sharing Christ in the 21st Century:

"It has always interested me that all of the Old Testament prophets were unable to fully communicate the truth about God, so He had to come in person to demonstrate what He was like. He showed us His character through relationships with a few fisherman, a couple of tax collectors, some Pharisees, a harlot, and a thief on a cross. The revelation of the divine by means of His incarnation in the form of a man is an incredible concept, and I think it continues today as the principal role of the body of Christ. We can’t merely teach godliness; we have to embody godliness. I believe God so insists on this idea that He won’t allow His character to be ingrained into our lives without it being imparted and refined through relationships."

Never underestimate what God wants to do through you! He created you with passion, and abilities so that you can impact the life of someone else. Never underestimate where you are in life, if Jesus could use the disciples He can use any of us. Through relationships we will grow, alone we will always be who we are right now. I want to grow . . . let's grow together.