21 Days of Prayer and Fasting- 2021

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Day 16- Generosity

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Author: Cain Hall

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.  Truly I tell you, He said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others.  All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on. Luke 21: 1-4

I remember the first time I served at church on the worship team.  I was so honored to get to help set the stage for the congregation to encounter God.  At that time in my life, I really didn't have much to show, and giving my time and talents was basically the only way I could contribute in my mind. 

As I grew in the church, I had a desire to contribute more, but wasn't sure how.  One area I had not been consistent on was tithing.  I felt God nudging me to sacrifice and challenge myself.  Making this adjustment was not easy as it required faith.  Faith that even when you can't see a way, trusting that God will make a way.  It's not about the amount, or being excited that you are giving ac certain percent of your income.  It's pleasing to God when you are joyous to sacrificially give.  When you give out of habit, without emotion, or with regret, you miss the blessing.  The blessing comes when you give out of faith and with a joyful heart. That's when God really moves and you get to see the big picture. 

PRAY: Lord, help us to listen when you speak. To hear your voice, to feel Your nudge, to listen to your instruction. Help us to develop the right heart posture - to give our time, money, and talents with sacrifice and great joy! Lord, the glory is all yours. We love you.

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Day 15- Joy

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Author: Will Holliday

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ​because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

“Joy is not a natural response... it is a choice.” -Pastor Ron

This quote is a true statement, especially when someone you love dies. The natural response of someone dying is sadness or sorrow– not joy. That is the response that I had when my grandmother died two days before her birthday. When I first found out the news, my first reaction was blank. Then, I began to think about all the events that were coming up in which I would not be able to see her: her birthday, the holidays, and my wedding. You can imagine what my reaction would be after those thoughts– sadness not joy. I had two choices: live in sadness or begin to lean on God for joy. Because of my grandmother’s example through tough times, I was able to have joy in my heart. My grandmother was always leaning towards joyful thoughts when I talked to her. Joy became her response and Jesus brought peace within her.

Although joy is not our natural response through tough times, we can lean on God to bless us with joyful thoughts and bring peace in the progress. Those who receive Jesus and believe that He is the Lord of their life will receive the Holy Spirit.

In John 14:18 Jesus says “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” When Jesus said, “I will come to you”, he meant it. Although Jesus ascended to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to live in believers, and to have the Holy Spirit is to have Jesus himself. The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is lasting joy and peace.

We all want peace throughout our lives, but the world’s definition of peace is the absence of conflict. The Holy Spirit’s Peace gives us confidence in any circumstance that everything will be alright. With this kind of peace, we have joy and we do not need to fear what’s here or what’s to come. Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The Peace of God moves into our hearts and joy lives to keep away the other forces while offering comfort in place of conflict.

PRAY: Father we pray Philippians 4:6-7. We pray that in any conflict or stress, we would have a joyful peace of mind as we offer up to you, with thanksgiving, things that concern us or weigh us down. Thank you for creating in us a joyful heart of gratitude and a mind of peace. We declare anxiousness will cease and joy and hope would abound.

Posted by Will Holliday with

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