While in pursuit of The Presence...

Beginning again...

2010-11-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

BEGINNING AGAIN...

2 Chronicles 6:26
When the skies shrivel up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, but then they pray at this place, acknowledging your rule and quit their sins because you have scourged them, Listen from your home in heaven, forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Then start over with them; train them to live right and well; Send rain on the land you gave as inheritance to your people.
2 Chronicles 6:25-27

It's been awhile...and boy has it been a journey! The blessings and the burdens have all been for the purpose of building me up, and in the midst of it, God has been teaching tools and tasks at levels that I would have never learned. Many of these gifts and graces are just in the incubation stage, awaiting future moment for God's miraculous grace to make evident the maker's work in my life through a manifestation that will encourage and engage others in a life of living that will lift the Savior! I am grateful, but I am glad to have this season to move forward.

A few days ago, I was driving and I heard the spirit confirm to me what I had heard and confirm for weeks in works and deeds through myself and others...."begin again". These words came as comfort and joyous instructions to a soul that is amazed that God knows just when to provide assignment for the good of both others and for servant. This is also true of what Solomon heard and exclaimed to our God Elohim in the text..."Listen from your home in heaven, forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Then start over with them; train them to live right and well; Send rain on the land you gave as inheritance to your people." (2 Chronicles 6:25-27).

Let's take the invitation provided us by the breaking and building up of the prophet of old provided by our God...begin again. Start now, right now, making up in your mind the following:

Tough times are over for the immediate future regardless of standing...because God is good and has good for me as I follow his will.
My commitment to faithful living and fruitful living begins with me focused on my Father and the relationship I hold and nurture frequently.
I will seek the goodness of the Lord in the land of living (Psalm 27:13); the seeking is worth living and loving.
The end of everything I touch and live in will be better than how I begin within its function and purpose (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

For me, beginning this devotional and transcriptive work requires openness and a carefulness to seek simplicity and passion; two keys to a offering worthy of God that is rewarded and multiplied. As I pray this for you, I believe it also for me. Be it unto you...

Preparing To Propser Fast - Day 26 (June 20, 2009)

2009-06-20T06:06:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.
Scripture Verse for June 20, 2009 (day 26):

Christ Crucified Is God's Power and Wisdom
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." [c]
20 Where are the wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let those who boast boast in the Lord." [d]
-- I Corinthians 1:18-31 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 25 (June 19, 2009)

2009-06-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for June 19, 2009 (day 25):

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
8His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man."

10"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.
11He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." 12"Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said. – John 9:1-12 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 24 (June 18)

2009-06-17T22:36:00.001-07:00

Unity and Diversity in the Body

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by [c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
15 Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues [d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire [e] the greater gifts.

– I Corinthians 12:12-31 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:

•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.

•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)

•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.

•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!

•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing To Prosper Fast - Day 23

2009-06-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.
Scripture Verse for June 17, 2009 (day 23) :

Concerning Spiritual Gifts
1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, [a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

– I Corinthians 12:-12 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 15

2009-06-09T04:25:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for June 9, 2009 (day 15):
Invitation to the Thirsty
1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;

and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.

I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.
4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples.
5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel,

for he has endowed you with splendor."
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.

Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,"

declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever." .” – Isaiah 55 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 14

2009-06-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for June 8, 2009 (day 14):

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David. [a]

1 Listen to my words, LORD,
consider my lament.

2 Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.

3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.” – Psalm 5:1-3 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:

•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.

•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)

•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.

•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!

*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

***Just a note: as we are a focused community in this season of fasting, Pastor Benton has opted to allow Saturdays as a Sabbath from our fast, and the scripture for preaching on Sundays will be the focus of our reflection as initiate our fasting and prayer time each Sunday evening.

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 11

2009-06-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for June 5, 2009 (day 11):
“3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
– 2 Timothy 1:3-7 (NKJV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 10

2009-06-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for June 4, 2009 (day 10):
“16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

– 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE).
•MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 9

2009-06-03T04:19:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for June 3, 2009 (day 9):

"5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:

•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.

•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)

•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.

•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!

•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).FOR MORE

DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 8

2009-06-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for June 2, 2009 (day 8):
1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c] and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:

7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! - Psalm 8 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE).

•MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Prepare to Prosper - Day 7

2009-06-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for June 1, 2009 (day 7):

Isaiah's Commission
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."
6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" - Isaiah 6:1-8 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:

•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).FOR MORE

DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 6

2009-06-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for May 31, 2009 (day 6):
15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted [a] to the LORD. Only Rahab the prostitute [b] and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the LORD and must go into his treasury."
20 When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. 21 They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys." - Joshua 6:15-21 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:

•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.

•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)

•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.

•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!

•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).FOR MORE

DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 5

2009-05-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congregation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for May 30, 2009 (day 5):

2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thanksgiving

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.' - 2 Timothy 1:2-4 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE). •MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 4

2009-05-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congreation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for May 29, 2009 (day 4):

"33 They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking."
34 Jesus answered, "Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? 35 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast."

36 He told them this parable: "No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. If they do, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. 37 And people do not pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. 39 And none of you, after drinking old wine, wants the new, for you say, 'The old is better.' " - Luke 5:33-39 (TNIV)

PROCESS FOR FAST:

•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE).

•MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.

•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)

•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.

•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!

•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAST, IT'S PURPOSE, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 3

2009-05-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congreation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for May 28, 2009 (day 3):
"2 The people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek, together with their men, to entreat the LORD 3 by asking the priests of the house of the LORD Almighty and the prophets, "Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month, as I have done for so many years?"
4 Then the word of the LORD Almighty came to me: 5 "Ask all the people of the land and the priests, 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? 6 And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves? ." -- (Zechariah 7:2-6)

PROCESS FOR FAST:
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE).
•MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).
FOR MORE DETAILS, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Prosper Fast - Day 2

2009-05-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congreation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings.

Scripture Verse for May 27, 2009 (day 2):

9 "This, then, is how you should pray:

" 'Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one." -- (Matthew 6:9-13)

PROCESS FOR FAST

•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE).

•MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.

•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)

•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.

•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!

•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).

FOR MORE DETAILS, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

Preparing to Promise Fast - Day 1

2009-05-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

During this season of fast for our congreation, scripture(s) will be placed in this area for all to use as we focus our hearts and minds during our time of prayer, praise, and readings

Scripture Verse for May 26, 2009 (day 1):
16 'When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. -- (Matthew 6:16-18)

PROCESS FOR FAST
•REPLACE ONE MEAL A DAY (LUNCH OR DINNER WITH TIME OF PRAYER, READING, AND PRAISE).
•MISSED MEAL: EITHER LUNCH OR DINNER.
•ALL PERSONS STOP FOR PRAYER AT 12 NOON AND 7:00 P.M. (5/15/30 minutes)
•NO EXCESSIVE SNACKS AFTER 7:00 P.M.
•TAKE FUNDS FOR LUNCH AND SAVE FOR “FUSION FUND”!
•*some may choose to employ one of the other types of fast provided (extra).

FOR MORE DETAILS, HELPS AND FULL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE:

"PREPARING TO PROSPSER IN THE PROMISE"-the Preamble

2009-05-24T02:37:00.000-07:00

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

Reminded Once More...

2009-04-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

I'm preparing for tomorrow...I'm writing, reviewing, walking through what has become a regular rountine for me. On this day, as I work through my gifting of leadership preparing for others, I am shhifting through the various situations, challenges, and blessings currently active in my life. I'm like others at times: if not careful, my mind can wander and be overly concerned with what's going wrong to under value the blessings of God. I almost did this very thing...AND THEN (remember the Easter message?)....I was reminded once more of just how good God is!

One of my three favorite psalmist has a new project out; Smokie Norful. His new project, "LIVE", has a track on it named, "Mighty God". The words are wonderful, the sound is uplifting, but the spirit behind it is what arrrested within my the fears-doubts-concerns of my soul, and has brought me back to the truth the God can handle ANYTHING!!!! I've posted the song for our church and especially for our Music Director, Worship Leaders and Praise Team for future use (as I believe God will prompt your hearts like mine to want to use it in worship).Be reminded once more...that God can do ANYTHING, because God has done it before time after time after time!!! Tomorrow, we'll focus on Acts 3:12-19:

12When Peter saw this, he said to them: "People of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.17 "Now, brothers and sisters, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

What a perfect time, the Sunday after we celebrated his ressurection that God has not abandoned us after performing one miracle, but that God remains with us (like he did with the paralyzed man in Acts 3) to deliver us and do ANYTHING required to bless the believer for divine purpose and order.

Be reminded once more! Bring your best praise tomorrow; see you...at Isaiah!

Five Smooth Stones of Faith - A Devotional

2008-09-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

First Read: I Samuel 17: 31-36, 40, 48-51

SCRIPTURE FOCUS:

1 Samuel 17:31-36
When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul; and he sent for him. 32David said to Saul, "Let no one's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." 33Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth." 34But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, 35I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. 36Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God."

1 Samuel 17:40
Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd's bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:48-51
When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
50So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking down the Philistine and killing him; there was no sword in David's hand. 51Then David ran and stood over the Philistine; he grasped his sword, drew it out of its sheath, and killed him; then he cut off his head with it.
When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

REFLECTION:

For most of us, life has presented a tremendous time of challenge and learning. Whether we wish it, want it, will it or not, God has opened this door for us to be faithful, expand our hope and families, and stretch to become stronger. The areas of our lives are multiple, and for the many receiving this devotional, it is the matter of working to establish a new and vibrant faith community. What a challenge and trust: God’s call to establish a new and living branch of His body that allows persons to experience the manifest presence of the Living Savior, and grow in their role as disciples of the one true God! There is still not a day when I don’t marvel at the confidence God has placed in myself and those who are a part of the team performing this work to be Levites in building this earthly tabernacle. For this we are grateful, and to be very honest . . . very nervous in desiring to do whatever it is to do this right. May God have Her way! May God have His hand on the walk, work, and worship of you as well!

In continuing this faith journey, the central challenge is maintaining a holistic sense of purpose and refracting fear at the un-readiness to accomplish that which you and I are moving towards. In our text, David experiences some of the same feelings and issues as his challenge came in the face of a physical giant. Whether physical, financial, psychological, etc., the resource to win over the giant in our life is the same answer that David provides: just five smooth stones!

For the sake of time, the story condensed is that David’s stones represent the following:
Exhorting doubters that God is bigger than their doubt (v. 32)
Remembering what you’ve done before in the Lord’s power and grace (v. 34)
Take on the fight (Don’t shirk back from the cause of Christ (v. 40)
Always carry a “bag” with something in it (v. 49)
Finish the job with something left over (v. 49)

Five stones that you should always carry when walking in life to accomplish the work God has called you to. I suggest this gift that a friend has given to me. If possible, carry in your pocket or somewhere with you each day five small stones or some other remembrances that will assist you mark off each day or week the critical tasks you have before you. For me, it’s sharing the work of I.S.A.I.A.H., and more importantly giving persons an opportunity to be a part of God’s family five times daily. While I love doing it, the five stones I carry serve as a remembrance the grace of discipleship God has afforded me, and responsibility such love compels me to live within. For our Advance Team, the five stones are markers for them to offer materials to five persons every week as we attempt to grow the Kingdom of God through this work. For you, the opportunities are limitless, but ignoring them will mean you will always have a giant in your life!

Pick up the stones, throw some, and carry one or two . . . just in case. May God be praised!

MEN BEING MADE INTO THE IMAGE OF GOD!

2007-06-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was FATHER'S DAY! I must confess to you, it was one of the best days I've ever had in my entire life. I was treated like a king by my wife and kids...it helped, but that's not why it was a great day. Church as exciting, engaging, and energetic...it helped, but that not why it was a great day. I had not one negative experience all day...it helped, but that's not why it was a great day. The day was beautiful and warm...it helped, but that not why it was a great day.

It was a great day because God continued to make me better to and for others as a person, leader, friend, lover and servant! As I experienced the blessing of yesterday, orchestrated by God and managed with careful and excellent detail by my wife and best friend Emma, the scripture that I had spent the last three weeks laying before God kept coming to me:

36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36, Today's New International Version)

Here my point: can you share with me in the celebration of God's action and grace in your life as we have been the recipients of mercy that has showed us with favor and blessings in spite of our often failure to be as good to God and/or to others? If not, I commend these actions to you: breath, walk, talk, work, live...it is these elements that should give your evidence of the truth that you have been persons who know what I know. GOD HAS BEEN GOOD!

This is particularly true for men, young men (freinds don't laugh!). I recently went to a men's conference in Texas. 10,000 men from around the world spent several days learning how to be in relationship with each other, empower each other, and nurture each other to be the best men we can be. Above all the lessons, this one remains the element that is lifted for me: GIVE MERCY TO ONE ANOTHER IN A WORLD THAT WILL NOT!

The men who you see me standing with on both sides are only two of several examples of these persons in my life! Thank you Brian and Chris! Who are the men in your lives who need mercy and who give mercy? It is also important to celebrate the mercy you've received from the Great Father-our God who has done all so that we can have all! Take time today to briefly, but sincerely celebrate their gifts of increase to you. Go, receive, and then do likewise!

Back on the pursuit,