Ct 21 day devotional

C H R I S T

T A B E R N A C L E

Faith+ hope+ love 2 1

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Declaration D A I LY

R E A D I N G

O u r chu rch wi l l be a chu rch of f ai t h.

O u r chu rch wi l l be a chu rch of hope .

O u r chu rch w i l l be a chu rch of l ove .

Fai t h to se e l i ve s t r ansfor me d by Je su s.

Hope t hat ou r be st days are ahe ad of us.

Love for al l pe opl e ‌No mat te r who t hey are , whe re t hey have be e n, or what t hey have done .

O ur c h urch wi l l l ove t he wor l d u ncondi t i onal ly, rel ent l essly, and cou r ag e ou sly - j u st l i ke Je su s!

(Please pray our Christ Tabernacle declaration every day after each devotional reading.)

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I N T R O

FAITH HO P E L O V E “ T H R E E T H I N G S W I L L L A S T F O R E V E R - FA I T H , H O P E , A N D L O V E . . .”

- 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)

I Corinthians 13:13 represents our spiritual theme and prayer initiative for 2016. It talks about the 3 most important graces of the Spirit and it’s our focus for our corporate fast.

I’m excited about the journey we’re about to take as we join together in fasting and prayer for the next 21 days. Anytime we purpose to consecrate ourselves and seek God for His leading and direction we can be sure He will answer.

Join with us each morning in reading the daily devotionals. They’re designed to help us focus on one area a day as we unite in prayer during our time of fasting. There’s also a declaration that will follow each devotional – every day we will affirm our desire for our church. For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Prov. 23:7).

It’s helpful to be reminded of some guidelines. In Daniel chapter 10, it's recorded that Daniel fasted for 3 weeks (21 days) and he abstained from sweets, meat, bread, and wine, or simply put, all pleasant foods.

Remember, if it means something to you, it will mean something to God. However, if it doesn't mean anything to you, it won't mean anything to God. Fasting that consists of just not eating is dieting. We need to combine our fast with prayer and the Word of God. Drink plenty of water. Juice, broth, and Gatorade are helpful as well. Make sure you check with your doctor if you’re on medication. It's wise to begin tapering off your food intake the day before.

Expect to experience some side effects the first few days. You may feel sluggish, have a headache and be hungry! But, drink plenty of fluids and you will find the strength and grace to do this!

Get ready – our God is able to do even more than we can imagine.

Fasting with you, Ps. Michael Durso

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FA I T H

Have f aith in God T H E N J E S U S S A I D T O T H E D I S C I P L E S , “ H A V E FA I T H I N G O D .”

- Mark 11:22 (NLT)

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It’s the first day of our 21 Day fast and what better way for us to begin

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this journey than talking about faith. Faith is the confident obedience to God’s word in spite of circumstances or consequences. It does not require understanding, only trust.

In the book of Hebrews, chapter 11 there is a list of men and women who believed God at His word regardless of what they saw or understood. It has been said that we need a kind of blind faith, but that’s not true, because godly faith really sees through the lenses of God’s word. Without faith we cannot please God (Heb. 11:6).

Jesus helps us by teaching that faith, even if it’s the size of a mustard seed, is more than enough for us to see the impossible become possible (Matt. 17:20).

God permits events in our lives so that we can exercise our faith and develop into mature men and women of God. It may be that the situation you find yourself in at this season is a God appointed assignment to mature your faith in Him. It's been said that a faith not tested is a faith not trusted. Take heart. God is working in you. Jesus’ encouragement to His team of workers, then and for us now, is Mark 11:22 "HAVE FAITH IN GOD."

- MICHAEL DURSO Sr. Pastor

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H O P E

A L ivin g Hop e IN HIS GREAT MERCY HE HAS GIVEN US NEW BIRTH INTO A LIVING HOPE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD...

- 1 Peter 1:3

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I’ve always associated hope with wishing and waiting. I remember as a

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kid at Christmas thinking, “I hope I get this one gift”. Okay, maybe not just as kid, but you get the picture. I would wish and wait with uncertainty thinking, “Did I give enough hints this year?”

Some serve the Lord that way too, wishing and waiting. Hoping God hears their prayers, hoping He is what the Bible says, hoping they measure up, hoping there is more than this life; they live day by day waiting in uncertainty.

Others serve knowing that what they hope for will come to pass because they know God’s word is true. And so, they serve God and wait, and wait, and wait.

But this is not the type of hope that the Bible teaches. For the believer, hope is never wishing, and certainly not just waiting.

Our hope is a living hope, meaning it’s active.

It changes your perspective (1 Cor 15:19 NIV), It changes what you value (Lam. 3:24 NKJ), It changes how you serve (2 Cor 3:12 NIV, 1 Thess.1:3 NIV and 1 Tim. 4:10 NIV) Are you serving God just waiting for the things you hope for to come to pass?

Or, are you living out your hope?

- BARBIE ACEVEDO Multi Campus Director of Discipleship N OT E S

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LO V E

How's Your Love Life?

D O E V E RY T H I N G I N LOV E .

- 1 Corinthians 13 (NCV)

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It's the time of year that many of us go for an annual check-up to see how our physical health and well-being stands. Now imagine going into the "Great Physician's" office for a spiritual check-up and we are handed a

questionnaire entitled: "How's Your Love Life"? Initially we would think of romance and the feeling of being swept off our feet! But that's not what the questions are about at all. They seem to be directing our attention to the real meaning of love minus the goosebumps. They are referring to our daily relationships with one another.

As we carefully read the questions one by one we start to take inventory. Have you seen an improvement in the last year with: being patient...being kind...not being jealous, nor boastful... not being rude or demanding. Am I less irritable? Have I kept a record of wrongs? The examination room gets real quiet and my pressure seems to increase.

Now I don't know how you did, but I didn't exactly ace this test. I might have done a little better than last year but certainly not as good as I plan to do in 2016. I definitely could use some improvement. I need a fresh touch from "The Great Physician" because Gods love is the prescription for all our shortcomings and it never fails.

So let's continue in our exercise of faith, hope and love. But remember, the greatest of these is love...Doctors Orders!

- MARIA DURSO Sr. Pastor N OT E S

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FA I T H

What Do You Want?

THE NEXT DAY JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS WITH TWO OF HIS DISCIPLES. AS JESUS WALKED BY, JOHN SAID, “LOOK, THE LAMB OF GOD!”...

- John 1:35-39 (NLT)

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John’s disciples heard that the Lamb of God was passing by them and their immediate reaction was to follow after him. As they followed, they did not bombard him with “what if” questions. They did not attack him with “why is this happening to me?” Instead, when Jesus noticed they had

been following, he asked them, “What do you want?” and they responded,” to know where you stay.”

What an insane request! Two complete strangers, stalkers almost - asked to be with Jesus in the most intimate of settings and Jesus’ response is YES! Why would Jesus grant such an absurd request? I believe it’s because the men had faith to believe in whom they followed. They undoubtedly trusted that Jesus was the Messiah, their helper and their savior.

Jesus is the Messiah - your helper and your savior.

This upcoming year, challenge yourself to follow Jesus like never before. Follow after the one you undoubtedly know as Savior. Let this be a time when your faith is stretched and you relentlessly seek after the Lamb of God until he takes notice and asks you, “What do you want?” You have been seeking, knocking, “What do you want?”

Do not be intimidated! You are not a stranger! You are His child! Believe that Jesus can answer insane requests! Ask the Lord for more. Ask for more healing, ask for more faith, ask for more favor, ask for more wisdom, ask for more of His presence and believe that Jesus will answer the same way “Come and see.”

- AMANDA RODRIGUEZ Misfit Teaching Ministries Overseer N OT E S

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H O P E

A n cho r o f Hop e FA I T H I S C O N F I D E N C E I N W H A T W E H O P E D F O R A N D A S S U R A N C E A B O U T W H AT W E D O N O T S E E - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) D AY

One of the most important pieces of equipment on a ship is its anchor.

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The purpose of an anchor is to keep a ship safe and secure at a desired location or to help control the ship during bad weather. It is never stored

on the ship, ready to be lowered only if a storm should approach. No, a vessel is anchored as a preventive measure and protects the ship from moving into unsafe waters or slowly drifting aground putting the passengers at risk. Anchors serve a specific role and one never doubts that it won’t serve its purpose. The same can be said of a tool God has equipped all of us with – an anchor of Hope!

Individuals and families also need anchors. Describing hope as an anchor in the biblical sense is much different than what society has defined it.

The hope we

believe is not “hoping your sports team wins” or “hope I hit the lottery”. A believer’s definition of hope is far superior to that of the world. Instead of wishing or hoping for something to happen, a believer knows that their hope is solid, concrete evidence because it is grounded in the Word of God and we know that God cannot lie.

Knowing that it is in the nature of all things to drift, we must firmly set our anchors of hope on the bedrock of gospel truth. Hope serves to also ‘keep us safe and secured at a desired location’ – which is close to God. We live in a society that is constantly pulling at us from so many directions – hope for the believer serves as a ‘preventive measure from drifting into unsafe waters.’

- GIL HERNANDEZ Marriage Ministry Leader

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LO V E

Unconditional love A N D N O W T H E S E T H R E E R E M A I N : FA I T H , H O P E A N D L O V E B U T T H E G R E AT E S T O F T H E S E I S L O V E .

- 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV) D AY

Love is established by accepting people in an active manner. Love does

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not happen when we distance ourselves, but when we move closer. Love is finding ways to engage and connect with those who are hurting. People

need to be embraced through their seasons of loneliness and times of need. Love is not self-seeking, it is about sacrifice and not easily angered.

Love is kind, and to be kind is to serve generously. To love is to give constantly and selflessly. Love is unconditional and surpasses any disagreement or misunderstanding that may come our way. To love kindly is to love like Jesus. We're most like Him when we love and show compassion to others despite how we feel about their way of living. Regardless of our opinions we should always remember that God loves them too!

Love does not envy or boast; it is not jealous. Love shows support for someone else's success, without allowing jealousy to get in the way. When love is present, the achievements of others do not change the way you treat them.

Love sees people through God's eyes. Love is looking beyond a person’s “lows” and seeing a future of greatness. Love will never fail.

My prayer today is that everyday we will go out into the world and dare to love! That we will give to others the same love that God gives us everyday. Love covers all, and we must be bold and love wholeheartedly!

- ANGEL REYES Brooklyn Campus N OT E S

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FA I T H

G o i ng the Di s ta nce K E E P YO U R E Y ES O N J ES U S , W H O B OT H B EG A N A N D F I N I S H E D T H I S R A C E W E ’ R E I N . S T U D Y H O W H E D I D I T. B E C A U S E H E N E V E R LO S T S I G H T O F W H E R E H E WA S H E A D E D . . .

- Hebrews 12:1-3 (MSG) D AY

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As I look back on 2015 I've had many challenges and new experiences some good and some... not so good. Places where I had experienced great victory over the past 15 years were challenged and my faith tested.

Months ago arriving at the church to lead my Thursday night Prayer Band Team, I crawled upstairs to the 3rd floor conference room. Out of breath and grateful to finally sit, I was impressed with these words, "For you have need of endurance."

Not that my day hadn't had prayer and a time of looking to the Lord for his direction, but, I still needed "Endurance." I felt the Lord break it down in simple language.

Endurance is like a muscle. If you go the gym (I don't, but I have), you know you can only go as far as your muscles will take you. Stepping up your routine will grow those muscles helping you accomplish and tolerate more.

I felt the Lord say, “I am preparing my people for the future” – a future where our discipline, strength, and endurance will need to be greater. Let's apply this truth to our daily lives in spite of life's difficulties.

WE NEED THE LORD NOW LIKE NEVER BEFORE. - BRENDA FINN Prayerband Leader

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H O P E

The Hope Of The World R E T U R N H O M E , M Y D AU G H T E R S ; I A M TO O O L D TO H AV E A N OT H E R H U S B A N D . E V E N I F I T H O U G H T T H E R E WA S S T I L L H O P E F O R M E E V E N I F I H A D A H U S B A N D TO N I G H T A N DT H E N G AV E B I R T H T O S O N S . . . -Ruth 1:12 (NIV)

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I once heard Pastor Bill Hybels say “The local church is the hope of the

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world”. I couldn’t agree with this statement more, but this statement is only true if the local church does not stop putting their hope in Jesus;

non-believing believers? I know this sounds like an oxymoron but it is very possible for us as believers to lose hope. Naomi is the perfect example of this.

Here is a follower of God that was in a position of influence to her two daughters-in-law, but in a moment when she should have trusted His miraculous ways she doubted His power. Naomi in this moment shows us what we, the Church, can turn into if we lose hope, missing the opportunity to be a beacon of hope to those around us. From the world’s standards Naomi had every right to become bitter, angry and hopeless - she’s dealt with some stuff. She lost her two sons and husband all at the same time. We all can empathize with Naomi. We have all dealt with tragedies to some extent, whether it has been in our home, definitely in our country, but we must always remember that God is in control and can do the impossible. Had Naomi remembered that her God was capable of the impossible she would have realized that her response was unacceptable. God could have impregnated her and allowed her son to grow at an exponential rate if he wanted to. Obviously that’s not what happened, but it could have. Let’s never forget that nothing is impossible for God and ensure that this is the message we’re spreading to the world.

- CHRIS DURSO Pastor of Misfit NYC

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LO V E

True L o ve “ T H E R E I S N O G R E AT E R L O V E T H A N T O L AY D O W N O N E ’ S L I F E F O R O N E ’ S F R I E N D S .” - John 15:13 (NLT)

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In our society and culture the meaning of love is limited to an emotion for

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someone or something. Statements such as “I love my wife” or “I love my car” do not clearly describe the meaning of love. At least not the meaning

given by Jesus in the following two verses. In the first verse (Jn 10:11) Jesus gives us an example of the love that characterized His ministry. In the second (Jn 15:13) Jesus describes how we are to love others. In case you have not noticed the common thread in both verses is the sacrificial nature of love. Love is not just a word of affection. It is not just a passionate declaration. It is, however, a sacrificial act that lets someone else know “how much” they are loved. Our words of love are best understood when others can “see” them in our actions. Jesus said “that when others see our good works they will glorify our Father in heaven”(Matt 5:16). I may say to my kids “I love you”, but if the time I spend with them is limited or if my schedule dictates their access to me then how much weight do my words really carry? Our “acts” of love always speak louder than our “words” of love. Our world is seeking models of true love, but in return they get portrayals of passion and lust.

They get songs that bring love to some base level and call it romance. These are cheap imitations and are usually self serving. When was the last time you saw a movie where someone gave themselves for the sake of others? That is true love!!

This year let’s commit ourselves to a love that seeks the betterment of others even if the cost is high for us. Then we will be truly loving like God loves us.

God is Love.

- A N DY M A L D O N A D O Pastor of Leadership Devlopment N OT E S

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FA I T H

Consider faith C O N S I D E R I T P U R E J O Y, M Y B R O T H E R S A N D S I S T E R S ,W H E N E V E R Y O U FA C E T R I A L S O F M A N Y K I N D S . . . - James 1:2-4 (NIV)

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When it comes to faith, James 1:2-4 are some of my favorite verses.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you

from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely.

Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 (MSG) I love this verse because it gives me the right perspective when it comes to the testing of my faith. Many times I’m tempted to think the wrong way about the challenges in life.

James reminds us that God uses the things we go through to grow and mature us.

The message translation says, "well developed, not deficient in any way.” This is the only way I can consider my tests of faith a sheer gift because I know God is working all things for my good and my growth.

In the midst of trials I have come to know God and his grace in in a deeper way – that is my prayer for you.

- L I SA CAS T I L LO Brooklyn Campus

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H O P E

Go d g ive s ho p e B U T G O D W I L L N E V E R FO R G E T T H E N E E DY; T H E H O P E O F T H E A F F L I C T E D W I L L N E V E R P E R I S H . - Psalm 9:18 (NLT)

Definition of hope: To look forward to; to believe, desire or trust.

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We’ve all heard this phrase; "Hope against hope" meaning we should still hope, even when the outlook does not warrant it. As a follower of Jesus Christ our hope is in Him, in His word, and in His promises.

God gives hope to the needy (Ps 9:18)

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Hope gives us confidence (Ps 25:3)

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The Bible give us hope (Ps 119:43)

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Believers always have hope. (Rom. 8:28)

Proverbs 13:12 says "Hope deferred (postponed, delayed) makes the heart sick." If we're not conscious of God’s word, we can fall into a hopeless frame of mind. Acts 27 records a violent storm the Apostle Paul and his team faced for 14 days when all of the 276 men on board felt that “all hope of being saved was abandoned."

In life there are seasons that seem to go on with no end in sight. Those around you declare that all hope is lost, saying; “What's the use; give up; give in; there's nothing to look forward to…” Yet Jesus says in those times, "Trust, hope, believe in God and believe, hope, trust in me." (John 14:1) In the strong winds or the violent waves of life we have a hope in Jesus and His promises. It’s been calculated that there are 365 "Do not be afraid" in the Bible, one for each day of the year. These are recorded as well as the storms, for the divine purpose that no matter what we face God is our HOPE. - MICHAEL DURSO Sr. Pastor N OT E S

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LO V E

The g re ate st L OV E sto ry e ve r t o ld T H I S I S H OW M U C H G O D LOV E D T H E WO R L D. . .

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The greatest LOVE story ever told, reaches from heaven to earth, eternity to eternity. It’s the beautiful and extravagant story of God’s great and never ending love for us. This love story dates back from ancient days and is still relevant and powerful today and will be forevermore.It’s the love

story of relentless pursuit and passion - a love that would go to the ends of the earth to reconcile a sinner to God. Our debt was paid in full!

Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, all of these well known romances end with a wedding. Why do we love watching these stories? Why does the fairest of them all always get the prince? Maybe, just maybe deep down inside we long for someone to love us just the way we are, imperfect and all. There is a book (the bible) that tells stories of imperfect men and women being used by a perfect God. Even in our short comings He still wants to use us!

Jesus is the shining star in this book. He is the perfect Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Bright and Morning Star, He is the Great I AM. His love reflects the love of the father, and He holds no grudges towards us. No guilt or condemnation is found in this love.

The best part is that the greatest love story is still being written. My prayer is that families and co-workers would hear of this perfect love, that it wouldn’t just end with us but we would share our stories until everyone we come in contact with can have a chapter in the greatest love story ever told.

- YA H R I S D U R S O Misfit NYC N OT E S

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FA I T H

Fa ith M atte r s !

W H I L E PA U L WA S WA I T I N G F O R T H E M I N AT H E N S , H E WA S G R E A T LY D I S T R E S S E D T O S E E T H A T T H E C I T Y W A S F U L L O F I D O L S . . . - Acts 17:16-36 (NIV) D AY

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Imagine that you were invited to a conference, where the theme was “All Faiths Matter!” You are the last speaker on the agenda. There in the green room are your fellow participants: A Rabbi, an Iman, a Buddhist, a Hindu, a Satanist, and an atheist.

The moderator opens the talk by giving various definitions of the word faith. They include: a strong belief in supernatural power(s) that control human destiny; trust, complete confidence in a person or plan; organized religion; loyalty or allegiance to a cause or person. Now each speaker must defend and articulate the reasons for their faith. As you listen to each speaker you find that you are labeled a fundamentalist. You are scorned because you believe an outdated book called the Bible. Each person speaks passionately and is very persuasive. How would you feel as you listen to them? What would be your honest thoughts towards them?

In Acts chapter 17:16-36, we find Paul waiting in Athens and he sees “the city is full of idols.” The Bible records that Paul was very distressed by what he saw. Are you disturbed and distressed as you see the spiritual bankruptcy in the lives of those around you? Notice what Paul did: He went into the synagogue and “reasoned” with Jews and God fearing Greeks.”

Paul’s faith propelled him to share the Good news. He was rooted in his faith, and knew the Scriptures. How about you?

As a Christ follower, it is up to you to join in the ministry of reconciliation. What would you say while you are in the green room, when those of other faiths ask you about your Unknown God? You are a witness of faith. What is your story? Tell it. Live it! Give your faith away!! The world is looking for the Unknown God who made Himself known to you!! Have Faith in God!! May God bless us as we journey together through the days and months ahead in 2016!!

- M I LT O N J A M E S Associate Pastor

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H O P E

Humanity's hope … ”A LW AY S B E P R E P A R E D T O G I V E A N A N S W E R T O E V E R Y O N E W H O A S K S YO U T O G I V E T H E R E A S O N F O R T H E H O P E T H AT Y O U H A V E … ” - 1 Peter 3:15

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Approximately 2000 years ago, the hope of humanity was born in the person of Jesus. He was not born in a palace, or in a cathedral, but in a manger. He was not a product of the great educational institutions, or the

powerful corridors of government of His day, but of Mary. He entered the world through a humble servant of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit. That hope grew and walked among men. That hope was crucified, buried, and left for dead. But hope would not and could not die. Hope rose on the third day. He sits at the right hand of the father and His rule is established for eternity. That hope is alive today.

Hope for a world looking for answers to its many problems. He is the hope for the hopeless - hope for families, communities, and societies in despair. He is hope for the marginalized and those whom the world thinks nothing of. Our hope is for the world to see the work that Christ has done in us.

If you’ve been feeling hopeless, I want to let you in on a secret. The same hope that I just described is, and will always available to us. Jesus is our hope. I pray that today, and everyday we will remember Jesus as our hope. Let us now go out into the world as witnesses of that hope. What he has done for us he can still do through us.

- JUAN CARRION Brooklyn Campus

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LO V E

Love Hurts M Y S O N , D O N OT D ES P I S E T H E LO R D ’ S D I S C I P L I N E , A N D D O N OT R ES E N T H I S R E B U K E , B ECAU S E T H E LO R D D I S C I P L I N ES T H O S E H E L O V E S , A S A FAT H E R T H E S O N H E D E L I G H T S I N .

- Prov. 3:11 (NIV)

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I just so happen to be the proud father of three of the most beautiful, gorgeous little ladies that all just so happen to look like their dad. I love them more than anyone can imagine. There is nothing they can do that

would make me love them less. Sure they do the wrong thing from time to time and I have to discipline them, but it’s because I love them so much that I don’t want to see them go down the wrong path. Of course when I was younger and in their position, I didn’t see this. A few years ago, in the days of my youth, my parents use to discipline me and my brothers when we misbehaved - my brothers way more than me, of course. We would cry, begging them not to discipline us. Their famous response would be “We do this because we love you.” Our reply would be, “…then don’t love us so much.” Looking back I am so glad that my parents loved us so much they disciplined and shaped us into the men we are today. It was their unconditional love that was the perfect picture of God’s love. This was a love that rooted for us no matter what, disciplining us so that we would learn to be better and we wouldn’t make the wrong choices. I don’t want to do the wrong thing or go down the wrong path, so I am encouraged by the Lord’s discipline. First, I am encouraged because he sees me as a son and loves me so much that he would discipline me. Secondly, because of his discipline I will be better in every aspect of my life.

- JORDAN DURSO Exec. Director at The Legacy Center

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FA I T H

W itho ut F ai t h T H E L O R D W I L L R A I S E T H E M U P. I F T H E Y H A V E S I N N E D , T H E Y W I L L B E F O R G I V E N … T H E P R AY E R O F A R I G H T E O U S P E R S O N I S P O W E R F U L A N D E F F E C T I V E - James 5:15-16 (NIV)

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Do you know that you have a powerful weapon lying inside of you? Yes, you. It is called faith. Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) is, “the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see”. The key word is confidence. Faith

breeds confidence! Confidence to go before the Lord, ask anything according to His will and know in your heart that it will be done. In today’s verse, James speaks of a specific type of faith, the prayer of faith. The prayer of faith is so powerful, and it yields definite results. Faith always produces fruit. However, prayer has no power without faith.

Here are two faith filled stories. The Bible tells us about a Centurion who approached Jesus asking for healing for his servant. He had such great faith that he said to Jesus, “just say the word and my servant will be healed”. This type of faith amazed Jesus and the servant was healed. Another story is the one about the woman with the issue of blood. She had been sick for many years but said to herself “if I only touch his cloak, I will be healed”. Jesus’ response? “your faith has healed you”.

The enemy attacks your faith, because faith filled confident prayers are powerful! It’s the gateway to answered prayer. What is your need? Are you sick? Have you received a bad report? Are you awaiting salvation for loved ones? Are you believing for your marriage? Today, I encourage you to grab ahold of the weapon of faith and move the heart of God. - JESSICA RODRIGUEZ Worship Leader N OT E S

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H O P E

hope in the va l ley I W I L L G I V E … A N D M A K E T H E VA L L E Y O F A C H O R A D O O R O F H O P E A N D E X P E C TA T I O N - Hosea 2:15 (AMP) D AY

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Have you ever tried to make sense out of the things that seem hopeless?

Ever wondered what good could possibly come from painful situations, or losses that were suffered?

Logically, it may never make sense. But then again, hope isn’t about what makes sense; hope is about the God who supersedes logic and does the impossible.

The Valley of Achor was a place marked by pain, hopelessness and destruction, devoid of any pleasant memories. Not a place to be re-visited or that could ever be thought of in the future as fruitful.

Yet God had a plan, the same way He has plans for us, despite the troubles, failures and losses we’ve experienced. Don’t listen to the enemy when he says your valley is too deep. Corrie Ten Boom used to say, “There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still.”

Hope is about the God who gives. It doesn’t matter how bad it looks or how long the wait has been. God says; “I will...”

He’s the only One who can take those painful situations that may even reek of death, and speak life by creating a gateway filled with possibilities. We can open the door of hope with the key of trust if we are willing to walk through it in obedience. Our vineyards – our lives, our ministries will be fruitful, giving hope and sustenance to others. We will not be disappointed (Rom. 5:5)...

Believing with you, - MEG HOLLEY Staff N OT E S

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LO V E

the LOVE LIST I F I S P E A K I N T H E TO N G U E S O F M E N O R O F A N G E L S , B U T D O N OT H AV E LOV E . . . - 1 Corinthians 13 (NLT)

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What would I do without “lists?" I can’t imagine my life without lists.

I have a list for everything. I can’t do groceries without a “shopping list." I can’t work without a "to do list.” I even have a list of things to do before I die called a “bucket list.”

The obvious goal of each list is simply to help me remember and not to forget.

Since we’re covering the topic of LOVE this week. I leave you with the “LOVE LIST” to help us remember and not forget the high calling of biblical love.

Love is patient

Love keeps no record of wrongs.

Love is kind.

Love does not delight in evil.

Love does not envy.

Love rejoices in the truth.

Love does not boast.

Love always protects.

Love is not proud.

Love always trusts.

Love does not dishonor others.

Love always hopes.

Love is not self-seeking.

Love always perseveres.

Love is not easily angered.

Love never fails.

- RA L P H CAS T I L LO Teaching Pastor

N OT E S

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FA I T H

When f aith p re v a i ls JUST THEN BARAK CAME BY IN PURSUIT OF SISERA, AND JAEL WENT OUT TO MEET HIM. “COME,” SHE SAID, “I WILL SHOW YOU THE MAN YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.” SO HE WENT IN WITH HER, AND THERE LAY SISERA WITH THE TENT PEG THROUGH HIS TEMPLE—DEAD. - Judges 4:22 (NLT)

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Jael spoke these words with confidence for she knew the enemy had been

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defeated. Originally the Lord had spoken through the prophetess Deborah with specific instructions on how Barak should defeat Sisera’s vast army.

Nevertheless, Barak refused to go without Deborah. It was then that Deborah informed Barak that he would fight the battle; however, the victory would go to a woman. Now Jael’s husband had an alliance with Sisera. Due to this alliance, Sisera felt comfortable entering Jael’s tent. Little did he know that while asleep Jael would drive a stake through his temple. In other versions, Jael does not stop hammering the spike into Sisera’s temple until the spike touches the ground.

Each one of us faces our own type of enemy. Those enemies constantly speak. They are ever-present in taunting us. Yet, like Jael with her spike of faith, we also must not stop hammering the spike until our faith touches the ground we must conquer. Every blow of the hammer drives faith deeper into enemy territory. When faith has prevailed, the voices of all our enemies are silenced.

- E V E T H LO R E N ZO Brooklyn Campus

N OT E S

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H O P E

A Stance of Hope A N D N O W, O L O R D , F O R W H AT D O I W A I T ?

M Y H O P E I S I N Y O U . - Psalm 39:7 (NLT)

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I've had the amazing opportunity to write music with some of the MisďŹ t team and in one song there's a phrase that says "Hope Stands".

When I was assigned the topic of hope, that phrase immediately came

to mind but for a second I had forgotten what that meant exactly. Then I remembered that a

friend of mine studying Chinese told me once that the

original meaning for hope in ancient Chinese came from the anticipation of a messenger. It was the word for looking into the distance with expectation. When I thought about it that way it made total sense - hope is a stance! Hope is our spiritual position of expectancy and trust in the Lord. It doesn't mean blindly believing for something nor is it dictated by our timing. As the Psalm indicates hope is usually coupled with waiting - but the psalmist also makes a declaration that even in waiting, his hope is in God. Let's pray today that we would actively wait on the Lord, not from a position of apathy but standing with full assurance in our never-failing, always-on-time God. Let us enter this new year in joyful expectation! Let us look into the distance standing conďŹ dently, knowing that in Christ we will never be put to shame.

- JAMIE LAMMERING Worship Leader

N OT E S

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LO V E

What’s my motivation?

D O E V E RY T H I N G I N LOV E .

- 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NCV)

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tion of some kind will oftentimes ask themselves this question in order to fulfill their task.

It helps guide them to best exemplify the character

they’re portraying.

As Christians we too have a “role” to play, except we’re not acting. It’s real life. But the question comes in handy with regard to what God is asking of us. What is my motivation - to do, to give, to sacrifice, to change? What will inspire me to fulfill my role?

I submit to you that love is a powerful motivator. It gets parents motivated to pursue the absolute best for their children. It causes a man and a woman to commit to each other in marriage for the rest of their lives. It can drive us to accomplish the tasks that are before us. Love moves us to do those things that perhaps we would not have done otherwise. It gets us to fulfill roles and expectations that go along with His character. God himself was motivated by love when He chose to send His only Son to redeem us. To take it even further, the Bible declares that He IS love.

As we endeavor to now live for Him, let love be your motivation. With every action, decision and step that needs to be taken, may love be that force that flows through you and enables you to fulfill your “role”.

- F RA N K LO R E N ZO Brooklyn Campus Pastor N OT E S

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21 Day Fast B I B L I C A L FA S T I N G I S R E F R A I N I N G F R O M FOOD FOR A SPIRITUAL PURPOSE.

We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your

responds with a blessing.

H E L P F U L FA S T I N G T I P S :

like for the 21 Days (Monday, Jan. 6 to Sunday, Jan. 31)

• Keep your fridge and pantry stocked with the items you need. Being

kitchen.

difficult.

reading.

• If you mess up, don’t get discouraged. Just get right back on track and 3:22-23). He wants you to finish, and He will give you the grace and strength to do it.

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DANIEL FAST G U I D E L I N E S F O R A D A N I E L FA S T

F O O D S W E M AY E AT Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley

Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon

Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts Liquids: Water

F O O D S TO AV O I D Meat, White Rice, Fried Foods, Caffeine, Carbonated Beverages Foods Containing Products Using It Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products

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