Monieca and I were glad to be home and worshiping with our FBC Family of Faith today after a restful and enjoyable vacation. We appreciate everyone’s prayers while we were away and are thankful for the opportunity to have some extended time off.
Today was a good day!
It was also a hot day. An electrical storm and power surge knocked out several of our systems this morning, including security, air conditioning and some lighting panels. Good news is the insurance will cover the repairs, minus the deductions.
Despite the warm temperatures inside the Holy Spirit was at work among us. Four people were baptized. Praise God! The altar was filled with people praying during the invitation in our 10:30 service. Attendance was good, even if there was a lot of fanning happening all over the worship center. We had several guests with us and I enjoyed meeting some of them.
I started a five week sermon series titled “Prayer and Fasting: Spiritual Disciplines that Change Lives.” Today we talked about fasting. You can watch the sermon from either service on our church web site by clicking this link.
In the message I asked all of us to participate in a five week challenge, the duration of this sermon series. The challenge involves:
- Fasting one day a week each week for the next five weeks. You choose the day of the week and type of fast. The purpose of this week’s fast is “submission to Jesus’ Lordship in our lives.” Ask the Lord to show you those “wants” or “desires” that get in the way of you obeying Him because they exert too much control in your life, and then submit those to His Lordship. Visit my blog on our church web site each day starting Monday for a Bible verse and encouragement in our fasting journey. Then share with us in the comments how it’s going, what God is saying to you or what you’re learning. Let’s have a conversation and encourage each other.
- Praying for two different FBC members each day during the next five weeks. That means you’ll pray for 70 people. Choose people for whom you don’t normally pray. Imagine what will happen if all of us do that.
Imagine how much you will grow and change over the next five weeks if you take part with the rest of us in the five week challenge. I’m praying that God does a great work in your life.
Pastor Steve Hogg
I’ve decided to take Mondays to fast, no food, just water and juice. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to us. James 4:8
Praying for deacons
Gene,
Thank you for praying for our deacons.
Thank you for giving us this five week challenge, helping us to be doers of the word and not hearers only! Appreciate you and your leadership Pastor Steve!
You’re welcome and thank you for you encouraging words. I pray this experience helps you become more and more like our Lord.
Steve – so glad to have you and Monieca back and safe. I knew your Sermon Series will include personal/corporate challenges. Since I’ve been retired a couple of years – I really appreciate action items from you!! I did fast Monday from FB and from my game on my phone! The actual fast from food only lasted til 3PM!! Will try again next Monday! Praying for you as you pray and lead FBC!
Debbie,
Thanks for the encouraging words. Glad the action items are helpful.