Elevation starts its 14 days of prayer and fasting next Monday but there are some who want to get a kick start tomorrow. Below is a guideline on fasting. Remember the key isn't going without! The key is being filled with the right things.
1/ 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.
2/ 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).
3/ DECIDING WHAT
The type of fast you go on is between you and God. 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. Giving up T.V, Facebook, Alcohol, XBox are other things that can be incorporated into the fast.
4/ DECIDING HOW LONG
Most people can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 3-14 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.
5/ 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. 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 often 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.
6/ HOW TO END
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Sunday, July 25, 2010
On our way to speak at the pursuit conference in Brighton, England we made a mad 2 day dash to Paris, the city of love. I am not a great tourist so long lines and pushy tourists dont go down way. The same people that were lighting candles, crossing themselves and saying their prayers at the famous churches that you can tour are the same people that push you out of the way so that they can get a better view.
Climbed the Eiffel tower, what an amazing structure, and went up the Arc de Triomphe to view the tower at evening, now that was brilliant.
Napoleon said "Impossible is a word found only in the dictionary of fools" and when you look at the buildings and structures and consider the history of France you understand why.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Birthday wish
I was born this day exactly 45 years ago. My mother called me Ross because she said that if she had another boy then she would throw him in Ross River. So I am named after a river that snakes its way through a city in Nth Queensland called Townsville.
I was recently back there and drove past my old primary school, I was sure that it used to be bigger. In fact the fig tree out the front that we used to climb (before extreme safety concerns) didn't seem that intimidating at all. But that's the way it should be. If we are still intimidated by the challenges that we faced when were are younger than chances are we haven't grown. Edmond Hilary after failing to scale Everest was doing a lecture one day when he turned to a picture of the great mountain and said, You defeated me! But you won't defeat me again! Because you have grown all you can grow ... but I am still growing!
This should be the attitude of every follower of Christ!
I was recently back there and drove past my old primary school, I was sure that it used to be bigger. In fact the fig tree out the front that we used to climb (before extreme safety concerns) didn't seem that intimidating at all. But that's the way it should be. If we are still intimidated by the challenges that we faced when were are younger than chances are we haven't grown. Edmond Hilary after failing to scale Everest was doing a lecture one day when he turned to a picture of the great mountain and said, You defeated me! But you won't defeat me again! Because you have grown all you can grow ... but I am still growing!
This should be the attitude of every follower of Christ!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Leadership
Of the leaders I've connected with that are on mission, and getting the job done, there seems to be a few characteristics that run similar. Let me share them with you.
1.The Energy to Drive Passion.
This one runs 100% true. I've seen no exceptions. I know of no leader in a local church who is successfully on mission who does not have the energy to drive his or her passion. Don't miss the connection between energy and passion. There are many leaders who have passion, but like those who dream big but do little, their passion is inconsequential. It takes energy to translate your passion to reality.
Energy isn't about personality - you can be a relatively quiet and even somewhat introverted leader, but if you have drive, if you have energy within your soul to accomplish the mission before you, no one can extinguish the passion.
2.The Humility That Recognizes an Utter Dependence Upon God.
Of all five characteristics, this one will receive the quickest acknowledgment and support. The reason I say humility in action is because it's when we take action that often our humility fades, and we actually believe that we are capable of doing things (that matter for eternity) ourselves.
The best test of your humility is how often you run to God and declare how desperately dependent you are upon His grace and guidance. Leaders on mission understand that it's impossible to do it themselves. The very nature of a partnership with God insists that you seek His help.
3.The Courage to Say No.
The key to this characteristic is focus. Leaders on mission recognize that they personally can't do everything, and neither can the church they serve, as an organization, accomplish everything. Since this is true, a few ministry options will receive a yes, but many will receive a no. Leaders who can't say no to the good options will forfeit the great options (dare I say - the God options).
You and I both know that there is a great deal of politics as well as a number of other complicated pressures contained within church leadership. Your ability to navigate those pressures - rather than giving in and becoming distracted - will help you stay on mission. How courageous are you feeling these days?
4.The Security to be Honest.
Boasting salvations for your church but then being unable to tell their spiritual status six months later lacks integrity. Whether it's the number of people in small groups or in new believer's class, be honest about what you really have. What is your mission? How do you measure it? How are you doing?
5.The Maturity to Stick With the Plan.
Immature leaders panic quicker than mature leaders. And when they panic they jump to the next sure bet to bring success. Immature leaders are driven for quick results to look good and will therefore abandon the long-term, more disciplined approach. Immature leaders don't understand that once they have identified a sound (not perfect) plan, their potential of success (achieving mission) is 80% dependent upon leadership and following God's prompting, not on the plan itself. Don't use this fact as an excuse to bag the plan or the discipline to design the plan in the first place. This formula is true only when a plan exists!!
1.The Energy to Drive Passion.
This one runs 100% true. I've seen no exceptions. I know of no leader in a local church who is successfully on mission who does not have the energy to drive his or her passion. Don't miss the connection between energy and passion. There are many leaders who have passion, but like those who dream big but do little, their passion is inconsequential. It takes energy to translate your passion to reality.
Energy isn't about personality - you can be a relatively quiet and even somewhat introverted leader, but if you have drive, if you have energy within your soul to accomplish the mission before you, no one can extinguish the passion.
2.The Humility That Recognizes an Utter Dependence Upon God.
Of all five characteristics, this one will receive the quickest acknowledgment and support. The reason I say humility in action is because it's when we take action that often our humility fades, and we actually believe that we are capable of doing things (that matter for eternity) ourselves.
The best test of your humility is how often you run to God and declare how desperately dependent you are upon His grace and guidance. Leaders on mission understand that it's impossible to do it themselves. The very nature of a partnership with God insists that you seek His help.
3.The Courage to Say No.
The key to this characteristic is focus. Leaders on mission recognize that they personally can't do everything, and neither can the church they serve, as an organization, accomplish everything. Since this is true, a few ministry options will receive a yes, but many will receive a no. Leaders who can't say no to the good options will forfeit the great options (dare I say - the God options).
You and I both know that there is a great deal of politics as well as a number of other complicated pressures contained within church leadership. Your ability to navigate those pressures - rather than giving in and becoming distracted - will help you stay on mission. How courageous are you feeling these days?
4.The Security to be Honest.
Boasting salvations for your church but then being unable to tell their spiritual status six months later lacks integrity. Whether it's the number of people in small groups or in new believer's class, be honest about what you really have. What is your mission? How do you measure it? How are you doing?
5.The Maturity to Stick With the Plan.
Immature leaders panic quicker than mature leaders. And when they panic they jump to the next sure bet to bring success. Immature leaders are driven for quick results to look good and will therefore abandon the long-term, more disciplined approach. Immature leaders don't understand that once they have identified a sound (not perfect) plan, their potential of success (achieving mission) is 80% dependent upon leadership and following God's prompting, not on the plan itself. Don't use this fact as an excuse to bag the plan or the discipline to design the plan in the first place. This formula is true only when a plan exists!!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Loss of a champion
There are many challenges that face men and women who have committed their lives to building the church. These are the hidden curriculum that you never learn at bible college or at a ministry training college. This week @ Elevation we lost a great man that we had been praying for over an extended period of time. We had special prayer meetings, days of fasting, anointing with oil and yet our good friend still went home to be with Jesus. How do people reconcile this?
I am reminded in Jn 11:1-44 that when Jesus heard about his friend Lazarus being gravely ill the bible tells us that Jesus loved him so much that he waited an extra two days, by then Lazarus was dead, before he went to him.
“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” John says that Jesus delayed because he loved them. He loved them all: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed.” It was his love that let Lazarus die. In these last 16 months, Jesus has not ceased to love this family.
Its easy to feel unloved at moments like these, where is God? But we cant bring God down to our level of experience. He is Lord, He is sovereign and He is in control.
I am reminded in Jn 11:1-44 that when Jesus heard about his friend Lazarus being gravely ill the bible tells us that Jesus loved him so much that he waited an extra two days, by then Lazarus was dead, before he went to him.
“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” John says that Jesus delayed because he loved them. He loved them all: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed.” It was his love that let Lazarus die. In these last 16 months, Jesus has not ceased to love this family.
Its easy to feel unloved at moments like these, where is God? But we cant bring God down to our level of experience. He is Lord, He is sovereign and He is in control.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Move toward your goliath
1 Sam 17:32 And David said to Saul, "Let no mans heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine".
That thing you see as an obstacle God is seeing as an opportunity...bigger problems mean more glory for Him...face that giant today!
That thing you see as an obstacle God is seeing as an opportunity...bigger problems mean more glory for Him...face that giant today!
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