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Partners and Friends of Isaiah:
In a little more than 30 days, we'll make the biggest transition in ministry and mission we've ever taken! Excitement, thanksgiving, commitment, expectation, are just some of the words that are buzzing among us during this seasons of change. Other words/phrases are: unity, love, "it's going to take a lot of hard work and commitment", "what do you need me to do Pastor?", and my favorite...THANK GOD! On June 28th, we begin our fusion relationship with the saints of Flat Rock UMC in Lithonia GA, and engage in full-time ministry (to be honest, I don't feel as though we were ever than anything less!) .
As I have prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed about all that is happening and will be required, I believe the Holy Spirit has given me some insight into our "PRE-PARING" prior to our engaging in that ministry location. Chief among these instructions is for the entire church to engage in a FAST. If you've never been a participant in one, or if you've done one but have forgotten why you did it or never understood it's purpose, here the reason and rationale for ours from a recent time of intense prayer I had before the Father:
- Lord, prepare us all for love, unity, prosperity, excellence and productivity in both Kingdom and everyday ways as we fuse our faiths together for the work of the Kingdom of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ! Make us Lord, in ways we have yet to imagine for your work as others consider following you as we have, and yield their lives and all within them to your heart and hand. As you have shown us now your promise of a place, now prepare us both here and there to prosper in all ways needed and many ways desired to achieve the levels of Kingdom business that bring you honor and glorify your name and will! Train our faith and our flesh to follow your will and way in this day of victory and divine wonder! Let your Word and your walk permeate our lives in such a way that the enemy of our souls and the enemy of your church would bow in total wonder to the ways you move in us-through us-with us-in spite of us in both tangible and transitional ways in our new setting and in our lives! Make us all Lord, pliable and powerful in our work for you, and may you grow our passion for your will and our work for your presence among us, for you God have been so incredibly faithful and kind to us! Send your anointing and increase, dear Jesus our King and Savior!"
And so, beginning May 26, 2009 @ 6:00 AM, I have the responsibility and privilege as your leader and fellow follower of Christ our Lord to call us into this season of Fast! Instructions, along with prayers, tips, and other information has already been posted on our website (link: http://www.isaiahchurch.org/Dot_Documents.asp) The uniqueness of this fast is that I have been instructed to invite others from around the entire fellowship of God's church. You too may desire to invite others to share in this season of fast; if so, please forward them a link or this direct page, as I will be providing both scripture, prayer and a brief reflection using this blog each day of this fast. I will also be posting this same information on our FACEBOOK page.
For some, the 7-Day Fast listed at the top of the unit you've received today will be what they will commit to. For others, they will choose one of the options to follow IN ADDITION to the 7-Day Fast listed...that's wonderful and appropriate! Whatever you choose beyond the 7-Day Fast we all will be engaged in beginning May 26th, here are some key points:
- ALL PERSONS are instructed to follow the 7-Day Basic fast outlined...unity on this is important for unified growth and grace that we are requesting from God.
- Remember to know your abilities and limits; persons with medical conditions should contact their doctor and ask for how best to adjust as needed to this fast for health concerns; better to be safe that sacrificial and in medical concern! Be wise!!!
- Please share your journey via responses to this blog, or by posting your insights on the journey using our Facebook page. Together, we'll celebrate the victories and encourage one another throughout.
- Don't forget to worship in the times of fasting from food: if you're not engaging God through praise, reading his Word, and times of solitude while in this fast, you will miss the point of God providing insight into your gifts and how you can be used in this season both personally and in the church. You cannot afford to forget this all is about "HIM"-GOD!!!
Today's word highlighted the impact of the gift and discipline of fasting:
16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." - Esther 4:16 (TNIV).
Bottom line: to move into into greatness while engaged in extreme situations sometimes requires an exceptional stance in sacrifice and servitude.
To assist even more, I have been instructed to prepare a sermon series entitled, "This Means War". I'll be feeding your faith in hopes of starving your doubts. Join us over these next several weeks as you get your armor cleaned up from the fight you'll be engaged in each week. As we win each week through this sacrifice, our praise team and myself have kicked up our game to another level, asking God to use us in "uncanny ways" for the progression of God's people. The first sermon next week is entitled, "This Wall's Got To Come Down!".
Knowing Isaiah Church and the others who share with us as I do know, I you'll do well and God will bless in amazing ways (Joshua 3:5) in this season. GET READY; the journey is going to blow your minds with wonder and victory! Have a good time today and tomorrow, and gear up; TUESDAY, WE BEGIN!
Passionately Pursuing Him,
Rev. Troy Benton, Lead Pastor - Isaiah Church
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