What a blast today…..I loved looking out and seeing new families and hands raised in worship…our first song was a fav of mine for a long time….i hide myself in Thee..notice all lower case until the word Thee…Tommy Walker wrote this and deeply loving tune which is such an encouragement as we sing it….it was just awesome to hear the congregation sing those words….. followed by the rest of the worship time that was filled with the Lord’s presence…..

then ATA Mass Defense came out with a Taekwondo demo after our lead in videos…1st video was a “Chick Flick” and the second was man-type movie…..

here’s the “chick” flick” – click on the link below:

Chickflick

here’s the 2nd flick we showed at church ( more guy like)

Manly Movie

Great time at Church at Harmony – Pastor Karl brought a solid and anointed message.. I’m looking forward to next week already!!!

- Pastor Keith

This Sunday at 10:30am we will begin our new  “Warrior” teaching series.

For years the church has taught men how to be nice guys when they have really been called to be Warriors. During The Warrior message series, men can learn how to prepare and win every battle that must be fought.

In every man’s and woman’s life, there is a cause worth fighting for and a victory worth claiming. What is yours? Discover how to not only prepare for the battles ahead, but more importantly, how to emerge victoriously. It’s time to stop playing the role of the nice one and instead live as The Warrior.

We will talk about our upcoming Warrior Covenant Ceremony which will be along the lines of what you may have seen in the recent movie “Courageous”. The church is going to challenged to step up & live out the values of a warrior and to be the Warriors God has created them to be.

I encourage you to NOT miss this Sunday…start learning about being a Warrior on the same day that the Superbowl is played…

- Pastor Keith

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15, NIV

One of the most familiar questions we hear as Christian leaders is: “will God give me anything I ask of Him? If not, why should I even pray?”

In my answer I encourage people, if they feel confident that what they want is a good thing, to pray boldly for it. But at the same time they should be willing to submit to God’s will if He says no. More than that, they should be glad about it, for God’s will is always best.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus provided an amazing model of prayer for us. He agonized with the Father over the suffering that lay ahead for Him. He wanted to be spared it. Nevertheless, He remained submitted and obedient to His Father. Jesus’ words “Not what I will, but what you will” should be a principle of the heart for all of us.

Unfortunately most of us are more like the disciples in the garden scene. These guys couldn’t keep their eyes open. They needed an awakening in their life- literally…. If prayer is getting hard for us, we should listen more to our willing spirit and less to our weak earthly nature.

Here’s a promise for you…The more you live in a passionate relationship with God, the more your desires will line up with His. And consequently, the more you will see God saying yes to your requests as the two of you work together in fulfilling His great plan. What could be more exciting than that!

If I throw out a boathook from the boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God. —E. Stanley Jones

Lord, whatever you want, wherever you want it, and whenever you want it, that’s what I want. —Richard Baxter

Today’s Fasting Video Encouragement:

Bible Reading Plan: Mark 14:32-42

Prayer Focus: What are the deepest concerns on your heart today? Pray for the Lord’s will to be done in them—and then give them up wholly to Him.

I fast, not because I enjoy self-denial in itself, but because going without something for a while can move me closer to the Savior I love. I fast to celebrate the goodness of God and experience Him more powerfully in my life.

I think Jesus loved to eat too. He went to a lot of dinner parties. He was accused—falsely—of being a glutton and a drunkard (Matthew 11:19).

Check out the day 6 Video!!

At the Last Supper, Jesus did foretell that His followers would fast during the period of His physical absence from them. Did you know that includes you and me? We’re living in the time between Jesus’ ascension to heaven and His return in glory, and so we fast to draw nearer to Him in a spiritual way.

But let me tell you something else: The beautifully symbolic Passover meal Jesus shared with His disciples will have its fulfillment at the end of time in the “wedding supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). You and I will be seated at that table, enjoying a greater feast than we’ve ever imagined. We’ll be reunited with Jesus as bride with Bridegroom.

Until that great feast day comes, we fast to know better the Lord who lived and died and rose again for us.

If we don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because we have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great. If we are full of what the world offers, then perhaps a fast might express, or even increase, our soul’s appetite for God. Between the dangers of self-denial and self-indulgence is the path of pleasant pain called fasting. —John Piper

Here’s a blog post from another Pastor who I believe will bless you today:

Have you ever been very uncomfortable? Maybe it was a situation you didn’t want to be in; or maybe you experienced something you’ve never before experienced and the newness forced you out of your comfort zone. Or maybe something or someone was removed from you or your life that you would rather not have removed?

Being uncomfortable is, well, uncomfortable! Understandably, the situations we encounter can feel almost unfair at times and so we might even ask God, “Don’t you see what’s going on?” and we can even begin to think God’s punishing us for something we did in the past. Friends, God’s not going to re-punish you for what He already punished Christ for on the cross.

The Bible refers to this process as pruning. Pruning involves cutting off the dead branches and cutting back the living branches, both to shape a tree or vine and to stimulate growth.

Pruning may be one of the most uncomfortable processes in a Christian’s life, but it is also one of the most vital processes. Jesus states in John 15 verse 2 that, “every branch that does bear fruit will be pruned, so that it may bear MORE fruit!” 

Christ’s desire is not to make us as uncomfortable and miserable as possible, He desires to see us prosper and bear fruit for His glory, but where we find it is in Him. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” Matthew 6:33.

Jesus goes on to say in John 15:7, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

You see, all that the vine possesses, belongs to, and is at the disposal of the branches. All of Christ’s fullness and riches are for you; for the vine does not live for itself but only exists for the branches. Every power of our being, every moment of our lives, every thought and feeling, belong to Jesus . . . that from Him and for Him, we may bear fruit.

Friends, God is for you; He’s not against you. He will never leave you, nor forsake you, and your greatest days are still ahead of you! Allow God to prune you during this fast and allow Jesus to indeed be your True Vine, bearing you, nourishing you, supplying you, using you and filling you to make you wholly and completely His, that you may bear more fruit than ever before, for His glory!

Here’s another link to a video from Jentezen Franklin.

Welcome to Day 4 of the fast. This is where I typically start to feel physically better and I start to really enjoy not being bonded to food, or whatever I might be fasting. I love the feeling of being less connected to what my flesh craves and more bonded to the Word and the very presence of God in my life.

 Matt. 6:33 says, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteous and all these other things will be added to you.” 

Make this a habit throughout the year to spend time with Him every day. The fast is just a beginning to a long year and we will need to be seeking the Lord in all we do – everyday! 

(Psalms 31:24) Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.

Stay filled with hope today and stay on the path you are on in your fasting. If you’ve had some bumps in your fast I encourage you to just pray and keep on believing you can do this! The Lord is with you and will bring you strength!

Click here to see the Day 4 video encouragement from Jentezen Franklin

Well here’s Day three of our fast and although you may be having a bit of cravings you should be feeling like you’re gaining ground on the fast. Whether you’re doing a partial fast, a full fast, or a Daniel fast Day, three seems to always be a big day for “gaining ground.” In 2012 I want to gain ground in my walk with God! I want to accomplish that above all this year and hope you think on that as well. You can achieve that and so much more this year if you seek Him and press into Him. In John 15:5: Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Well I want to remain in Him and I want to bear fruit this year….I encourage you to consider that as well. Let’s not try to do “it” without HIm this year… all too many of us, and churches, try to do it without Him and as it says, can do nothing.

I believe that we will see great things come from this fasting time and I applaud you for fasting, whatever your fast is this year. Stay strong – don’t give up. The Lord is with you and loves you!

Check out this video from Jentezen Franklin  - once again you’ll be filled with hope and encouragement from him!

Good Morning….here we are at Day 2 of the 2012 Fast…if you are just starting your fast today or preparing to begin your fast but are still not sure what type of fast you’ll be doing, it’s OK! The mere fact that you are seeking and investigating fasting is a good thing. I am sure if you ask the Lord to guide you in this fast you will find yourself in a life changing time very soon! Don’t feel because this is day 2 it’s too late to begin… not true….just jump in when you’re ready… and you can start today!

Reclaiming the ‘edge” in your life… your purpose, dream, and effectiveness is still there for you in your life! The blessing in your life is still possible…. and your walk with God and your passion still can be reignited through this fast.

I have attached an amazing teaching video today by Jentezen Frankin, the Senior Pastor of Free Chapel in Georgia. He is an awesome Pastor who is a great leader in the Fasting Movement and has been for years. I think you’ll see in this video a new understanding of what Fasting is and can be.

Click this video link: Fasting- Reclaim Your Edge

How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

Full Fast

Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

The Daniel Fast

Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

3-Day Fast

This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Partial Fast

A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Scripture References for Fasting:

Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:

1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting:

1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!