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Deep – Day 27

Day 27 – Faith in spite of the ballot box

In whom do you place your trust? If you say God, then why do so many of us worry and fret over those in political office. To borrow a widely over used phrase of today, “It is what it is!”

Regardless of who is calling the shots in each level of government, we need to realize that God is still in control. All of our leaders need us to pray for them. We should ask God to give them wisdom, guidance and favor with those they encounter. Why? Because God said so! God can use what we perceive as bad for His kingdom purposes to be accomplished. We would all impact our leaders in a greater capacity if they knew we were praying for them on a regular basis. Do it today and allow God to use you to bless our government officials.

1 Timothy 2

 ¹I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Pray – Ask God to use you in a way that glorifies Him as you pray for our leaders of government at all levels. Ask Him to help you live a life of peace that reflects His love for the nation and world.

Reflect – Why do we feel it necessary to remind God of the evil that permeates our world, particularly in government? Have you been guilty of dishing out God’s wrath and judgment instead of letting Him be God? How can you shake the role of “the enforcer?”

Deep – Day 26

Day 26 – Don’t give up!

Have you ever though that you could not take one more step? Maybe there have been times when you have felt overwhelmed and loaded down. Maybe it’s the cares of the world, the stress of life, or just the fact that there appears to be no end in sight. It is hard to stay focused at times when we know that we are doing what is right and good. When we take a glance at the world it seems that those who don’t honor God continue to prosper. Maybe you know of a friend who repeatedly has rejected the truth of God’s word, yet still flourishes. Be encouraged! God has a special promise for you today! Just hang in there, do what God expects and at just the right time, the harvest will come. You see, the harvest is really more about timing than anything. So keep planting, watering and caring for your crop. At the right time, Gods time, you will reap a harvest.

     Galatians 6:9 

⁹Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Pray – Ask God to help you walk in patience. As well, ask Him to give you a heart that perseveres. God, help me to keep doing what you have called me to do regardless of what I may see or not see happening with my natural eyes. Help me to remember to complete the tasks you have called me to be a part of. I do not want to give up. Help me in the tough times to lean on you and walk in your strength, not my own.

Reflect – How has God allowed you to be used in the “harvest” previously? What has He recently planted in your life that He wants you to “see through” until the harvest? What might this entail?

Deep – Day 25

 Day 25 – Myth Busters!

We all have heard some say that the only thing that churches want is money! Maybe you were once there or are still propagating that myth. If so, shame on you! For those who may subscribe to this notion, hopefully today will challenge you to see what the bible truly says about giving. When we as believers are faithful to give, it says much about our character, as well as what we believe about God’s character. When we give, it models obedience, trust, and a belief that we are committed to receive the blessings of God. Blessing like every other promise in God’s word is predicated on a condition. God has promised that if we are faithful to give a tithe, then He in return will be committed to be faithful to His promises concerning giving. (See scripture below)

God is not some sort of Genie who can be manipulated to bless us. However, God will be faithful to bless us when we walk in obedience and trust His word. Not because we are “owed” something, but because He is a loving Father who desires to bless His children. We don’t give to get, but rather we should say Thank God I “get to give!” Giving to God is an honor, an act of love and it demonstrates our dependence on Him to meet our needs. So today, explore God’s word to see what it truly has to say about giving. Let’s truly separate fact from fiction!

Malachi 3:8-12

⁸ “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
      ”But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’
      ”In tithes and offerings. ⁹ You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. ¹⁰ Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. ¹¹ I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Almighty. ¹² “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.

Luke 11:42 

 ⁴²“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (New International Version)

⁷Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Many try to negate the responsibility of believers to give under the provision of the New Testament (Covenant). Was the responsibility to tithe and give done away with at this time? Absolutely not! According to biblical evidence and the actions of the first church in the book of Acts, believers not only gave, but gave sacrificially! This is what God has called us to model today.

Pray – Begin by thanking God, for his promise to bless us, as we are obedient to Him. God, help me to walk in obedience to your word in the area of giving. You own it all anyway, so help me to realize that you are my source of provision. Help me become not just a giver, but a “cheerful” giver. I recognize that you do not want me to give as if my arm is twisted, but rather with a willing heart. Help to have a spirit of “expectancy”, knowing that You will provide for my needs!

Reflect – How has God blessed you in the past as you have been obedient to give? What are the fears that hold you back from being the giver that God has called you to be? What do you need to do to counter those fears?

Deep -Day 24

Day 24 – Please make a U –Turn at the next safe intersection!

What did we do before GPS systems? How did we ever make it anywhere with out losing our sanity? In a world where traffic congestion and delays are inevitable, GPS often comes in handy! We have at our disposal the directions for taking the fastest, safest route to the destination of our choice. We can save ourselves plenty of hassle if we utilize this technology. God’s word is much like this. It can help us navigate the road of life successfully. If we apply the information contained within those pages, we can minimize the collisions of life that are all too frequent. Most of us could keep the spiritual “carsmetics” shop in business. From small dings and fender benders, to major collisions, we all have suffered from the inevitable road hazzards of life. Make a decision today to allow God’s word, not the opinions of man, to be your source of direction in every area of your life. Remember, God wants to keep you safe and moving in the right direction as you travel the down the highway of life.

Psalm 48:14 

 ¹⁴ For this God is our God for ever and ever;
       he will be our guide even to the end.

Psalm 31:3 

 ³ Since you are my rock and my fortress,
       for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Pray – Surrender the wheel to God today! Ask Him to guide you in every area of your life.

God, I ask that you would help me to remember to allow you to guide my thoughts, my decisions and my actions. Help me to seek out the answers to my questions from your word and through prayer. I thank you that you want me to accomplish great things through You. Help me to be led by You and your word, rather than the counsel of those who do not know You. Help me to recognize the guide posts that you have placed in my life in order to direct my path.

Reflect – How have you brought harm to yourself or loved ones in the past by allowing yourself to be led by things other than God? What area(s) of your life need the most guidance today?

Deep – Day 23

Day 23 – Rescue 911!

Many of us grew up listening to William Shatner narrate the stories of bravery and heroism on “Rescue 911!” Each week the stories of survival captivated the television audience of America. We all knew that each story would somehow work out because of the skilled response of the emergency personnel involved. Today’s challenge cuts to the heart of many of us. Are we passionate about seeing those around us rescued from their sin? While the sense of urgency may not be evident on the outside, a battle is raging on the inside of each lost person in our community. The eternal destiny of out city hangs in the balance. How will their stories play out? Will help arrive in time? Will the victim recover? It is up to you and I to make sure! We have been called and commissioned to rescue those who have not yet heard that Jesus loves them. You are on call. Today and each day for the rest of your life, you are expected to sound the alarm and love this community to faith in Christ!

   Psalm 68:20 

 ²⁰ Our God is a God who saves;
       from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

Psalm 91:14 (New International Version)

 ¹⁴ “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

Pray – Ask God to remind you of where you were when He found you! Ask God to give you a sense of urgency when it comes to sharing the gospel. God, may I be reminded again today that rescued people, rescue people!

Reflect – How can a person’s perspective shape how they share the gospel? How did your perspective change as you took today’s challenge?

Deep -Day 22

Day 22 – “Please step away from that burger!”

In the introduction, we talked about the value and importance of fasting. You are now ready to utilize this method of worship and surrender as you continue in this challenge. Fasting will allow you to better focus on your relationship with God. It is important to note that “fasting” doesn’t always equate to doing without food or nourishment. We all have things in our lives that monopolize our schedules and resources. When you fast, you briefly remove some of the things that blur your focus in an attempt to more effectively hear from God. Some may choose to forgo a meal, certain beverages, video games, or even a favorite hobby for a certain time. This is done to sharpen our spiritual hearing and to increase one’s ability to sense God’s direction.  Today as you do this, ask God to reveal to you how you can utilize this in times of intense spiritual conflict. This is a great time to do away with the “white noise” that permeates our daily lives.

Daniel 9:3 

³ So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

Matthew 4:2 

²After fasting forty days and forty nights, he (Jesus) was hungry.

Pray – God, help me to clearly hear from You today. I am removing ____________ from my life today for the sole purpose of hearing from heaven. I want to recognize your voice in my life. Help me to respond when I hear you call. Help me to walk in humility and submission just as you modeled while here on earth.

Reflect – How did today’s exercise help you better hear from God? What was it like to be completely focused on hearing from God? Did you miss what ever it was that you sacrificed today? Could you fast in the future?

Deep – Day 21

Day 21 – O.k., I give up!

For many this is a cry of desperation! Giving up is defined as surrender, throwing in the towel, or not seeing a task through to completion. But wait! It can also mean something positive! John Maxwell is quoted as saying “You must give up to go up!” What Maxwell is saying is this – In order to go to the next level of anything, one must evaluate what it is that is hindering that natural progress of advancement. To make it to the next rung on the ladder you must do several things.  You must lighten your load, build stronger leg muscles, or increase your climbing skills. Many times, only you know what is holding you back from “going up.” Today you will need to do a spiritual survey on your life. Evaluate everything objectively. What is it that you can readily identify that may be holding you back from becoming the man or woman of God that you could be? It is time to surrender. Some is not good enough, nor is most. We must be willing to surrender all in order to “go up” to where God has called us.  Throw up your hands today and tell God “I surrender, I give up!”

Romans 6:13 

¹³Do 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.

Pray – Ask God to help you give up the things that are hindering you from “going up.” God, today help me to have a heart like yours. Help me to despise the things that keep me from being just like your son Jesus. Give me holy discontent within my heart for the things that keep me from being closer to You. I cannot do this alone. Equip me to walk in victory today and every day. I know that when I am weak You will be strong in and through me. Help me to  surrender all that I am and ever hope to be, and lay it at your feet. Do with my life not as I will, but as you will!

Reflect – What is keeping you from advancing up the ladder? How can “letting go” of these things that hinder you actually help you in your relationship with God? Tell God how you feel right now! He’s listening!

Deep – Day 20

Day 20 – Look around, you’re half way there!

If you have ever been involved in any type of race, it is always encouraging to reach the half-way mark. Regardless of the previous performance in the race, you now realize that the end is in sight. Today, take a few minutes to celebrate and ponder your progress. Doesn’t it feel great to know the finish line is just around the corner? Or is it? We still have quite a way to go, but you probably have noticed a change in your level of spiritual fitness. If you have stayed on course, your desires have changed, your priorities have shifted, and you are becoming more like Jesus each and every day! The key now is to finish what you started! You must now stay focused and continue to allow God to transform your life in amazing ways!

Acts 20:24 

²⁴However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

   Pray– Ask God to continue to shape you into being all that He would have you to be. Thank Him for the progress you have made and the steps that you will continue to take in your faith journey. Ask God to help you fix your eyes on Him and not the distractions that satan will throw your way! God, today is a huge day for me. Thank you for helping me in this spiritual challenge. I know that I have a long way to go, so I ask that help me stay focused on the prize at the end. I know that You have big things in store for me. Help me press on and continue to run the race in a way that pleases You!

Reflect – How have things changed since you began this challenge? Are you progressing at the level that you had anticipated? How has God changed your life over the last twenty days?

Deep- Day 19

Day 19 – Welcome Home!

Each weekend we get to do something special as a family of believers. We get to worship together, hang out, and encourage each other. The truth is, it goes much deeper than that! We need the accountability and connection that comes from being with each other in corporate worship each weekend.  Each weekend should be like a huge family reunion, as we welcome each other. It is important to intentionally seek out new members of the family as well! Share the love! Think of yourself as one candle. Alone, you are bright, but with others around you (your church family), imagine how much brighter the flame becomes! Make attending church with your family a priority. It is often said that we show our level of commitment with our feet! So walk on in each weekend and join the party!

Hebrews 10:24-25 

²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Pray – Ask God to help you re-prioritize your commitments so that you can be faithful to attend church each week. Seek His will and ask God to help you choose the “best” instead of the “good!” God, I know that you want me to be faithful in attending church. Help me realize the importance of being in your house each week. I know I am in need of encouragement, accountability and fellowship. I know that this needs to be a priority and that the affirmation I need can and will be met by my commitment to You and fellowship with other believers. Help me establish a Godly heritage and legacy by modeling the importance of consistently attending worship.

Reflect – What is it (or was it) in your life that led to the pattern of attending worship that you currently model? What are several benefits that you have seen from being consistent in your church attendance? List a few things that will help you in this area.

______________________________________________________________________________

Deep – Day 18

Day 18 – Who’s Your Daddy?

In His word, God is described as many things. His character encompasses so many traits. Over the years, many of us may have developed “false beliefs” concerning the essence of God. It is important to realize who God is according to the scripture. The bible tells us that God is “a Father to orphan, the Great Provider, a Shelter in the storm” and the list goes on and on. All of the attributes that we desire from an earthly father are personified in perfection by God himself. He wants to be a Father to all of us and love us with an unfailing love! Today, be reminded that your heavenly father loves you and desires the very best for you!

  Romans 8:15

¹⁵For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba Father.”

You can rest in the promise that as a believer, you have entered into a spiritual adoption and are now a legitimate son/daughter of God. He now has full parental rights to you. This means He can and will bless you accordingly and exercise loving discipline when needed as well! God is  the best Dad we could ever have!

Pray – Spend some time thanking God for being a loving, righteous father. Ask God to help you walk in the provision that He as your heavenly father offers. Thank Him that because of this awesome relationship you have protection, love and the assurance that He will always be there.

Reflect – What does it mean to know you have a Father that will never let you down? What are some attributes that you value within this relationship?