28 Day Prayer Journal

28-Day Prayer Journal Table of Contents Prayer and Fasting

Biblical Basis and Definition .......................................................3 Purpose and Purpose ............................................................................. 4

Devotions – Week 1 Day 1: Search Me O God ...........................................................7 Day 2:

Transformed, Not Conformed ................................................ 9

Day 3:

My Help................................................................................ 10

Day 4:

Getting in God’s Face........................................................... 11

Day 5:

From Denial to Acceptance .................................................. 12

Day 6:

Recalibrate ............................................................................ 13

Day 7:

A Time and Purpose for Every Work ................................... 14

Devotions – Week 2 Day 8: A Time and Purpose for Every Work ...........................15 Day 9: Spiritual Nourishment ........................................................... 16 Day 10: ADDICTED ......................................................................... 17 Day 11: Try Rebooting ...................................................................... 18 Day 12: New Life in Christ ................................................................ 19 1

Day 13: Growing to Serve.................................................................. 20

Day 14: Prayer for Choices ................................................................ 21

Devotions – Week 3

Day 15: Recalibrate in Christ ....................................................22 Day 16: On Board with Jesus ............................................................. 23 Day 17: Recalibrate in the Desert ...................................................... 24 Day 18: I Can Do All Things ............................................................. 25 Day 19: Prepare and Equip ................................................................ 26 Day 20: Grow to Serve....................................................................... 27 Day 21: Don’t Be Afraid, Just Believe .............................................. 28

Devotions – Week 4

Day 22: An Awesome God .......................................................29 Day 23: It’s Time to Grow ................................................................. 30 Day 24: Recalibration According to the Scriptures ........................... 31 Day 25: You can Call on God ............................................................ 32 Day 26: The Awesome Love of Our Heavenly Father....................... 33 Day 27: Family and Friends ............................................................... 34 Day 28: Prayer for Joy ...................................................................... 35

Notes Pages ....................................................................................36

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Prayer and Fasting 101 In over fifty references to fasting in the Old and New Testaments, there is no specific command to fast, with the exception of the Day of Atonement for the Jews. In the New Testament it was assumed that fasting would be a part of the normal devotional life of the believer.

Matthew 6:16, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full.”

Matthew 9:15, “Jesus answered, how can the guest of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, then they will fast.”

If these verses indicate that fasting should be a normal discipline in the church (and the numerous examples of fasting support the idea), then what does it mean to fast? What is the purpose of fasting? And how does one go about fasting?

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Definition of “Fasting” – going without food and sometimes water voluntarily, generally for religious purposes. There are four types of fasts referred to in the Bible. a. Normal fast, going without food for up to 40 days (Exodus 34:28; Ezra 8:21, 23; Daniel 6:18; Luke 2:37; Mark 2:18; Mathew. 4:2; Acts 13:2-3, 14:23 and others). b. Partial fast, abstaining from certain foods (Daniel 10:3). c. Absolute fast, going without food or water no more than 3 days (Esther 4:16, this is very rare in the Bible).

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d. Voluntary group fast, called for a specific reason for a specific group of people (1Samuel 7:6; 2 Chronicles 20:3; Jonah 3:5 and others).

2. Purpose of Fasting a. Worship—it must be God-centered, God-initiated, and God-ordained b. At times, fasting is an expression of distress, grief, or repentance. c. Fasting is a preparation for God to give guidance and renewal (Daniel 9; Exodus 24). d. Fasting reveals the things that control us and hinder our intimacy with God Prayer and Fasting 101 - Cont. e. Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “…by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” f. Fasting helps keep our balance in life (1 Corinthians 9:27; Psalms 35:13).

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Practice of Fasting a. For an occasional fast, eat a light meal (fruit, vegetables, yogurt, etc.) prior to beginning. Drink lots of water. Skip 2-3 meals and break the fast with fruit juices followed by a light meal. Avoid oils, dressings, and starch for a few meals. b. When starting a regular discipline of fasting, begin slowly with a partial 24-hour (2 meal) fast once a week for several weeks while drinking fruit juices. c. Monitor your inner attitudes and maintain a worshipful attitude.

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d. Break the fast with a light meal of fruits and vegetables. e. After a few weeks, try a normal fast, drinking lots of water only. f. Always be careful not to call attention to what you are doing. g. After succeeding with this for several weeks, more to a 36-hour (3 meal) fast. h. Seek the Lord regarding extended fasts. Get additional information on conducting extended fasts and clear the fast with your physician. (People with certain physical conditions should not fast food. They can fast activities.) i. Remember that the major work of scriptural fasting is in the realm of the spirit. j. If skipping meals is not possible, try fasting certain types of foods (e.g., sweet or soft drinks), or fast activities (e.g., television or sports). It is important to convert that time to devotional activities, not just to abstain from activities.

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Search Me O God “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” Psalm 139:23 (KJV) The theme chosen for our church this year, was that of recalibration. Recalibration has to do with measuring one’s self or one’s activities against the standard. As Christians, the Word of God is the standard by which every area of our lives should be measured.

It is necessary to recalibrate on periodic basis. Every organization or individual should take the time to evaluate its position in relationship to its goals, mission, and purpose. The rigor of everyday life and challenges can cause one to drift from his or her intended targets.

That’s what the Palmist recognizes in Psalm 139. It is clear that the writer of the Psalm acknowledged that God is like a light house, who knows the whereabouts of all of those who belong to him. He is aware when we drift off course or when we are sailing through life going in the wrong directions.

The writer of the Psalm employs God to search him and to test him followed by leading him to the place where he should be. This process, to which the Palmist was willing to submit himself, is the process of recalibration. The grace of God is such that God is always willing to examine us for the purpose of realigning us.

We should all follow the model that the writer of the Psalms has given us. Allow God to examine every area of our life and then submit to the realigning process that He deems necessary.

As our church embarks upon this latest Capital Stewardship Campaign, why not allow God to examine and guide us in serving, ministering and giving as He thinks we should.

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, I submit my life to You by asking that you would search me and test me to determine the areas of my life that are out of line with Your word. Please guide me and redirect my paths in such a way that I might be pleasing unto You. During this campaign, lead me and give me guidance in my support.

Amen Rev. Dr. D. Riddick

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Transformed not Conformed And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God Romans 12:1-2 The paradox that many Christians face is the paradox of “being in, but not of the world. We are pressured at work, in the neighborhood and at school. Our values are provoked. Our behavior is confronted. Our thoughts are challenged. The pressure to give in to cultural influence is a continuous struggle. If you have ever felt that struggle, then you know the struggle is real!!

The Apostle Paul understood the struggle and admonished believers to “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed…” To be conformed is when what is on the outside affects, directs and controls instead of what God has placed inside of you. So, what’s the alternative? “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” To be transformed means to change your outward behavior to be what is representative of who you are on the inside.

It is like the transformation of the caterpillar into the butterfly. It starts out as an egg that emerges as a caterpillar that spins a cocoon to begin the transformation process, and actually begins to die. In the cocoon old parts are salvaged for the transformation. God uses the old parts, fashions and transforms them into what He wants them to be. Are you willing to let God transform you? He won’t discard you. He’ll just remake you.

Prayer: God, I thank you for your presence in my life. Lord, please help me to not be influenced by the world around me. In this season of special giving, I pray that I am only influenced by the Holy Spirit. Make me, shape me, mold me and guide me. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Rev. Todd Smith 9

My Help Have you ever been lost while looking for a destination only to find that GPS took you to another place or longer route? What do you do? The Holy Spirit has access to all the wisdom and knowledge of God. Romans 8:14 tells us: “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” If you are a child of God, you have access to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we abide in Him, and the Holy Spirit continually leads us into truth causing us to grow and mature spiritually. He is our teacher (I John 2:27), and those who depend on Him will know where to go and what to do because they are following His heavenly directions.

Jesus told them in John 14:16–18: I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever….

After Jesus was raised from the dead, He showed them His pierced hands and the wounds in His side, and He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).

I have learned to especially appreciate the presence of the Helper when I go through difficult times of trials, discouragement, or struggle. The Spirit sustains me with supernatural strength and hope. When I experience grief, the Spirit cheers me; when I am mistreated or persecuted, He gives me miraculous grace to endure; when I am accused or misunderstood, He fights my battle for me; when I make a mistake and want to kick myself, He lifts my head and mixes gentle correction with encouragement; and when I am in despair, He reminds me of His promises. He wants to do the same for you.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for being our help. When we don’t know which way to turn, Guide us through this time of prayer and fasting to renew our commitment to You, and to fulfill the purpose You’ve set forth for our church. Lead us in what to do in the building of Your kingdom. This is our prayer. Amen.

Rev. Shawn Warren 10

One Shining Moment “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12 (KJV) One of my favorite times of the year is the NCAA basketball tournament in March. The crowning of the championship team ends with the song One Shining Moment which says “The ball is tipped and there you are, you’re running for your life, you’re a shooting star. And all the years no one knows just how hard you worked but now it shows….” That line “how hard you work, and now it shows” is Transformation. TRANSFORMA'TION is the act or operation of changing the form or external appearance. For the believer it’s a change of heart as in Romans 12:2 – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Psalms 51:10 says ‘Create in me a clean heart” (transformation) and v12 says “restore me to the joy of your salvation….” Are you ready to be transformed? If so whisper this little prayer.

Prayer: Our father, the creator and sustainer, the God who says I know the plans I have for you, to prosper you and not harm you, help us to carry out Your plans of salvation, spreading the gospel and transforming lives. Teach us to be the vessels for bringing hope and positive change to others who may have lost their way. I pray for families to be put back together; and that homes and communities in despair are restored. I pray that You bless all and meet all our needs. Hear my prayer Lord and I will be so careful to give you the praise, honor and glory. Amen

Deacon Glenn Savage 11

Getting In God's Face: Position Yourself for Revival Prayer “I sought for a man…that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me…but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30 (NLT) The original Hebrew text reads "...stand in the gap before my face." It was a phrase used to describe the call of the priests in the temple, to minister before God's face: in His presence, for His pleasure, at His call, to His glory. It was a call to intimacy--a call to prayer.

In 1 Peter 2:9 we are reminded that we are God's royal priesthood.

We represent His heart to the nation and are called to intercede on their behalf. This work of prayer is our only hope that the gap can be closed, that individually and as a nation can be revived, our enemies defeated, and the purposes of God in Christ fulfilled.

So, stand like this: ° Strategically positioned for whatever God wants to do. ° Aggressive and persistent. ° Alert and ready to move as answers come.

And do all this before God's face: ° Sanctify yourself by the cleansing power of the Word ° Decree and declare that God is the only hope for us, our nation and generation. ° Seek a greater revelation of His Person ° Worship Him face to face.

Prayer: Father keep us steadfast and unmovable seeking Your face and Your direction. Keep us focused on bringing the vision for our church to pass and remain steadfast in our commitment. That we would ‘stay in Your face, until revival comes.’

Rev. S. Griffith 12

From Denial to Acceptance John 18:10-26 and Act 2:14-41 On the night Jesus was taken by the Roman soldiers, Peter drew a sword, and stood in his flesh to defend Him. Jesus told the disciples that this must happen, but sometimes flesh tries to stop the move and plan of God. Peter could not accept that Jesus must be taken, that Jesus must be tried, and that Jesus must die.

Often when we talk about Peter's denial after the crucifixion, we talk about the three times he said he didn't know Him. That was not Peter’s worst moment. Jesus had already seen it and had warned Peter that it would happen. Jesus knows all of your failing and His blood has already covered it. Peter moved from denying the plan of God to being a part of the plan of God. After the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, after Pentecost, Peter’s life changed for the better. He went from Denial of the plan of God to Acceptance of the move of God. Peter preached and three thousand souls came to know the Lord. Peter went from trying to save Jesus from dying, to preach about His need to die.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive us for the time when we denied the plan of God, and help us to accept the move of God in and around us. As we accept the plan of God for this next move of Gethsemane, and we pray that You show us our part. We ask Your guidance in Jesus name. Amen Rev. Priscilla Clayton

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RECALIBRATION “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in. the Lord.” 1Cor.15:58 When we started out on this Christian journey, we quickly found that a “cake walk” it was not. Our way was often obstacle-strewn with pitfalls and tantalizing short cuts. . If we yielded to this temptation, and most of us eventually did, had to humble up and confess our sin, repent, and ask for forgiveness from God in order to reconnect with Him and get back onto Calvary Blvd. We were startled, however, to realize that we had actually lost ground and had to start over. Ugh! We vowed “never again!” But of course, several more falls from grace were in order.

The years went by and the journey became easier in that God’s Word had begun to take root in our hearts and we learned to skillfully dodge most of life’s pitfalls. We became complacent and relaxed with our Christian walk, we could spot the enemy a mile away – we were too “blessed to be stressed!” Wrong!

While it is true that God does not sleep or slumber, neither does Satan. First Peter 5:8 tells us to: “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy, he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him and be strong in your faith Let’s make this our “Winning Season” –RECALIBRATE! Prayer: Father, I pray 1 Peter 1:13, that we not slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. That we would glorify You in our living and as well as our giving. Amen Rev. Doris D. Hamilton 14

A Time and Purpose for Every Work "I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every purpose and for every work."

Ecclesiastes 3: l7 Most of us try to be dedicated as we serve in God's Kingdom but sometimes we fall short when we go through challenges. When we fall short we promise God that we will do better. We do not always remember that there is a time for every purpose and for every work and that all that we go through really is leading somewhere. We don't always realize that all of what we experience is a part of God's purpose for our lives. It is taking us through what we need to go through to complete the work He has for us to do.

Living a life of service and love is a special gift--not just for us to show that we are busy doing something because we are doing this for His glory, not for our own. Only God knows the reason for the challenges and where they will take us.

He knows what we need to experience challenges to get to where He wants us to be. I don't think it says anywhere in God's word that it would always be easy. We will sometimes be surprised by how much what we go through helps us mature along the way; and we will realize how much we are growing to serve the Lord and accomplish His purposes.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for another opportunity to call upon Your precious name. We also thank You for being the almighty God that You are. Speak to our hearts that we obey You in all we do. Guide us in our giving to help accomplish the vision and Your plans for our church, and to serve You and to help others. Thank You for helping us to realize our journey is all about service in Your Kingdom, and it is not about us. In Your precious name we pray. Amen.

Rev. Carol Powell 15

Spiritual Nourishment “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” 1 Peter 2:2 (ESV) The word of the Lord declares that God has a plan and purpose for our lives before we were formed in our mother’s womb. We discover that meaning and purpose only when we seek God and he becomes the center of our lives.

The growth of a new born baby is a process and when the infant enters the world there are certain things that must happen to ensure healthy growth and development. Some of these are love, guidance, nourishment, support, and trust. We also, are like new born babies in Christ until we accept him as our lord and savior and our lives are transformed for kingdom building. Every single person has been given spiritual gifts and a calling from God. As we grow and mature in Christ the “holy spirit” quickens us and enhances our growth and development. Spiritual growth is an ongoing process and we must be obedient, consistently engage in prayer, read and God’s word daily, show love and kindness, show self-control, fast and pray, and remain committed and faithful to God. Today, allow God to use and grow you for kingdom service.

Prayer: Father in the name of Jesus I pray that you will give me wisdom and a heart like Thine that I may serve You. I thank You in advance and see the expansion and growth of Your kingdom in this campaign. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Deaconess Rhonda Graves

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ADDICTED "...they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints."

1 Corinthians 16:15 (KJV) "Addicted" was not a word I expected to read in the old English language of the King James translation. It got my attention! At first glance, the idea of addiction brought up all kinds of negative images. And, although you can be addicted to any myriad number of things, all I thought of was being addicted to drugs or alcohol.

When I thought of people who were addicted, I thought of how some habit-forming substance (behavior or attitude) had taken over their lives, changed the way they think, the choices they made and even the people they gave importance and priority to in their lives.

In the text, Paul writes, these believers addicted themselves to spending their lives in service to God's people" (NLT). No one made them. They were not prodded or coerced. But, they were profoundly compelled by the transformation of their own lives to serve Christ by serving His Church.

Serving was a direct reflection of the Good News of the gospel that changed the way they thought, the choices they made and the lifestyle they lived. I had often heard addicts use the phrase (their) "drug of choice." It meant that they might indulge in other drugs but the one they loved above anything else was their choice above everything else. These believers had made a choice and they addicted (or devoted) themselves to serving (spiritually and physically) the needs of other believers because of it. And, they realized their own joy and fulfillment was dependent upon it.

Prayer: I pray that we get addicted to the Word of God, to prayer, to worship, to hope, to grace and mercy, to tithing and giving, and to serving God and the people of God in any way and every way the Holy Spirit leads. Amen.

Rev S. Griffith 17

Try Rebooting and Let Me Know What Happens “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.

But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:13-14 (MSG) You are sitting at your computer working and then...the screen freezes, your modem stops working, or your WIFI has gone down.

You call IT and their first response is, ‘try rebooting and let me know what happens.’

In our spiritual walk, we too may experience a life “freeze” and just as IT instructs us to reboot our computer, there are times when we need to reboot areas in our life: Prayer, Study time and Faith.

As we focus on these areas, this will allow us to see things not as they are but as they will be.

Also, during this Recalibration/Rebooting process, we are to believe God for who He is and wait on His timing. Many of us trust that IT will have the ability to resolve our technical issues with our computer, and so we ask you--how much more should we recalibrate our spiritual walk and believe that God will fix all things in our lives for our good!

Prayer: Father, I pray that You will draw nearer to you each day that I might submit to Your will and Your way and reboot and recalibrate. As we start this Capital Campaign, teach me to trust You that every sacrifice I make for the kingdom of God brings blessings pressed down, shaken together and running over into my life, the lives of my family members, our branch of Zion, our communities, and our nation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Rev. Mark Gillis and Deas. Shelli Gillis 18

New Life in Christ “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.”

Colossians 3:1, 7-8 (NLT) When I was a kid and the video games were just getting big and becoming more and more a part of daily life, the companies installed a button to help with issues. When the game would freeze or the game would not start right, or was caught in a loop this button would make a fresh start. The reset button was the button that would clear all the issues and problems of the game. With Nintendo we sometimes had to take that cartridge out and blow on it real hard to remove the dust before we could re-start.

HERE IT IS....with the new games you don't have to do all those things. You don't have to hit a reset button. Nor do you have to blow on the cartridge. Now that the games can be downloaded to the system, there is no reason to buy the actual game. Since we have become a new creature in Christ we don't have to, nor should we still try to do the things of old. Now that we’ve hit the rest button of life, by giving our life to Christ, we don't need to keep doing the things of old. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it may feel like life is stuck, or that your life is caught in a loop, but now we can set our sights on Him. Think of the things of heaven, and not of earth.

Prayer: Father, I pray that You blow on us and dust us off, motivate me to seek Your presence, and read Your word. Lord, direct our steps so that we walk in our new life in you in faith and obedience. Guide us to do what You would have us do to support the Capital Campaign. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Justin Berry

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Growing to Serve “…but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 (KJV) We love God --so we serve God. We come together as a body for the purpose of worshiping God with the expectancy of growing stronger for service. Paul says of our assembly “…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and do good deeds….” “…encouraging one another….” (Heb. 10:24-25).

We’ll never reach a point where we think we have all the strength we need, but by participating in the things of God we’ll grow stronger. In Hebrews 5:11-14 – Christians were rebuked for not growing as they should, because they had not studied. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word that you may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2) As you grow in the Lord you will soon develop a desire to want to serve and become great and faithful servants in Jesus Christ. Great servants are not perfect people, but they are people that want to serve the Lord, and more importantly they have a great desire and a yearning to grow and develop into Christian giants. God saved all of us to GROW and serve.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have called us to grow in grace, to increase our understanding of Jesus and to develop a close and intimate relationship with You. Lord, I pray that we come to know You more each day. I thank You Father for the Bible that was written to help us understand Your Word of truth. Thank You for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and Your promise to guide us in the way that we should go. I pray that we learn to walk in spirit and truth and mature in faith and become one in heart and mind, freely giving what we have. In Jesus name I pray. Amen Rev. LaVerne DuPree 20

Prayer for Choices If any of You lacks wisdom, You should ask God, who gives generously to all. James 1:5 Dear heavenly Father, You number our hairs and determine our days; You open doors no one can shut and shut doors no one can open. Surely, I can trust You when the time comes for making decisions.

Well, I’m in just such a season again, I will trust You for generous wisdom. Lord, I try to make good decisions. I desire to make good decisions. However, sometimes I am weak, I slip, I fail, and I am unwise. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. I am forever grateful. I pray for Your wisdom to guide me and that I will make good decisions for me and my family.

Thank You for giving me a lot of chances to think about things to gain the best prospective. Thank You so much for giving me choices. Bless my thoughts and help me to be wise in my choices. I have not always been wise in the direction I’ve taken, especially when I neglect to invite You into my decisions. Help me to always take my choices to You. In Jesus name, Amen

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Recalibrate I’ve been going through life expecting change Yielding the same results because I have remained the same Frustrated, discouraged and nearly defeated Running around in circles has left me depleted But Jesus has given me a new lease on life I’m reminded by His blood I don’t have to live in strife It’s time to stop procrastinating and complaining Time out for passing the buck and blaming Blaming the enemy for his attacks When in essence I am the reason I am off track It’s time to get uncomfortable with remaining the same Dust myself off and start to change As a believer, I have a charge to imitate In order to look like Christ, I have to recalibrate! ~Nicole L. Ellis, MBA

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On Board with Jesus “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.� Mark 4: 38-39

(KJV) In this scripture the disciples of Jesus were dealing with a physical storm, but we know from our own experiences that storms can appear in a variety of forms. If you have more debt than money, more pain than pleasure, more confusion than peace, more sorrow than joy, then there are some storms interfering with your livelihood. You can easily lose your focus when dealing with the tumultuous things that come into your life. He taught them to expect some trouble while transitioning through life. On their way transitioning to the other side of the Sea of Galilee a violent storm breaks out and yet they panicked not realizing who was on board with them. But what they learned from their trouble is that when Jesus is on board everything will be alright. On board means much more than being there in the physical, but also being connected to him spiritually and submitting to His holy and divine will.

If you are being overwhelmed by your circumstances then take the time to reassess, re-examine, rediscover and renew your relationship with Jesus. Your reaction to what is happening in your life may determine what God does next. He wants to cover you with His peace and protect you with His power. The most sure and prosperous way of recalibrating your life is being on board with Jesus.

Prayer: God, please forgive me for those moments when I seem to have forgotten that You are always with me no matter how hopeless things may appear. Help me to stay focused in my relationship with You. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen Rev. William Jackson 23

Recalibrate in the Desert In Numbers 2, God spoke to Moses and Aaron and told the Israelites to set up camp surrounding the Tent of Meeting.

Although God is everywhere at all times, God wanted a special dwelling place with the Israelites to remind them that He was with them, both physically and spiritually as they traveled through the desert on their way to the Promised Land.

Twelve leaders were selected to go and spy out the Promised Land and bring back a report to the rest of the Israelites. Ten of the twelve spies brought back an evil report (Numbers 13)--they only saw the challenges. But Joshua and Caleb saw fruitfulness and blessings. Even with God among them in the Tent of Meeting, most of the Israelites believed the wrong report and they wandered in the desert for 40 years. The 40 years was a time of recalibration--a time to get back to the basics.

When the word “desert” is mentioned in the Bible, it often represents a place of emptiness, barrenness, and wilderness. You may be going through a desert experience in your life. What is God trying to tell you that you have been too busy to hear? What changes does He want to make in your life? Use your desert experience to listen to God and prepare yourself. Get ready for your marching orders! Remember that God is with you, and with God all things are possible – if you believe.

Prayer: Lord thank you for recalibrating me in the desert. You cared enough about me to stop me, correct me, and then put me on the right path. Because You are with me, I am well able to face any challenge. I am Your child, made in Your image, and with You, I know that all things are possible. Not by my strength, but

by Your power. Thank You for the battle that is already won!

Thank You for the victory! Amen.

Rev Vikki Williams 24

I Can Do All Things “…can do all things through Christ who strengthens us” Philippians 4:13 (KJV) That not only means we can do ALL things, but we can do that ONE thing that we have been called to do. So often we get stagnant and paralyzed looking at all the things that others can do.

But, God has called you to do what He wants you to do and no one else is able to do complete your God given assignment.

He chose you for a reason. Sure, He could have chosen someone else, but He didn't. He chose you, and because He chose you and that means that you are more than capable, through Him, to perform the task that He has called you to do.

And be encouraged because God will not call you to a task and then not equip you. So don't let the enemy cause you to think that you don't have what you need to be successful; you do. And just when you think you can't take one more step, can't smile one more time, can't love one more time, can't be patient one more time, can't pray one more prayer or sing one more song, that's when He will give you the strength to go on.

That's when in your OWN ability you will be weakened so that HE will be made strong. There is someone waiting for what it is you have because you, and only you, have exactly what they need.

Prayer: Father, thank You for enabling me to complete the mission You assigned just to me. ‘Order my steps in Your word.... Lead me, guide me every day. Send Your anointing Father I pray that You…and You alone order my steps.’

Rev. Elaine M Calloway

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Prepare and Equip “All

Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

II Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) We can lose sight of the things of the spirit and find ourselves consumed with the things of the world. We can become rude, anxious, angry and upset. However, the scriptures help us to change our attitude on our job, in our family, and in the world.

The scriptures teach us right from wrong. And it is the scriptures that correct us, and cause us to recalibrate our focus in life towards God’s purpose for us. It is in the still quite times of seeking God that we hear His directions. It is in receiving the word, and the study and application of the scriptures to our life that transform us into the likeness of Jesus. If we want to know the purpose for our life, we can find the answer in the scriptures. “Seek and you will find, knock and a door will be open unto you.” It is God’s desire that we fulfill our purpose and it is the enemy’s desire that we abort the assignment. But it’s too late because the enemy has already lost, and we have victory in Jesus; and that affirmation is in the word. Now I believe that, what about you?

Prayer: Dear God almighty, great creator, full of grace and mercy towards us, we take this opportunity to pause with expressions of gratitude. We are grateful for your love that sent to us the Word in flesh to purchase our salvation. We are grateful for our helper, the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us. God we are grateful for the scriptures which are inspired by You to transform us into the likeness of our Savior that the world may fall in love with You. It is in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

By Rev. Phyllis L. Jones 26

Grow To Serve “Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24 (MSG) God has blessed each of us with special gifts and talents. Some of these gifts and talents we are willing to use in the kingdom, but there are others that we have not even tapped into. Can you even imagine how the church would be if everyone worked together towards one goal to do the work that God has called us to do and who He has called us to be?

Allow God to use us for his service and glory. When we think about how great God is, all that He has done for us and all the promises he still has in store for us, who wouldn’t serve Him! All He asks is that we serve, worship and give Him all the glory that He deserves.

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Savior, we thank You for being a loving, kind, awesome, and forgiving God. We thank You for Your grace and mercy. Lord God, help us to use the gifts You have given to us to grow more in serving You, and give us a willingness to make sacrifices to expand Your kingdom. Help us to learn to place all our trust and faith in You that as we give, it shall be given back to us. In Your precious name we pray. Amen Deaconess Charlene Savage

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Don’t Be Afraid, Just Believe In the Gospels we see that Jesus didn’t necessarily use the Jewish tradition as a foundation for his message or as an example to follow. Jesus didn’t hold the Sabbath in the customary ways Jewish tradition mandated. Jesus kept the company of people who no one else cared for, people who were outcasts. As time went on Jesus and his message became more difficult for synagogue leaders to manage.

Even though Jesus was becoming more and more worrisome to Jairus and his associates, when Jairus’ daughter was on her death bed, all of a sudden none of this mattered to Jairus. Who Jesus ate with, how his disciples washed their hands, and what Jesus did on the Sabbath became irrelevant to Jairus. Jairus was scared his daughter was dying. So, Jairus recalibrated his thoughts about Jesus. Look at what he says in Mark 5:23: “My daughter is dying.”

“Come lay your hands on her.” Jesus says, "Don't be afraid; just believe." Mark 5:36 Off they rushed to Jairus’ house, and on the way, there was a nameless woman who had suffered for 12 years from health condition that put her on the opposite side of religious order and public health. She had tried everything and spent all her money attempting to control her bleeding, but nothing worked. But here came Jesus; perhaps he was her last hope. She says “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.”

Prayer: Father, I pray that when we venture off course, that the Holy Spirit will “recalibrate” our thinking and commitment to put us back on track, and bring us closer to You. Amen Rev. Quintince Harper

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An Awesome God Our Creator is so amazing! One day, I stood outside and looked all around in utter amazement at the many different things and colors in God’s creation -- how everything, great and small has its own function.

The variety of people and the different gifts and talents He gives to each person serve as a testament of His majestic power. I realized in that moment that just as God has given to every man a ‘measure of faith’ (Romans 12:3 KJV), we also have been given a gift that allows us to impart to others, leaving the earth better than it was before we were born. So whether we have five talents, three or one talent, it is good to know that God honors our commitment to nourish and develop our gifts for His service.

Prayer: Dear Lord God, as I rise to give You Honor and Praise, I thank you for new mercies provided this morning. Help me to remember that since You made me in Your image, that You created me for divine purpose and achievement! Just as Your son, Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature; I too embrace the power of Your Word to grow up in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church. Father, help me to continue to lock arms with the Shepherd and Pastor, leaders, and teachers You have placed over this flock to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Help me to sacrificially give in this season of church growth in order to minister to a lost world. All the Glory of belongs to You. I ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Rev. Beverly Robinson

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It's Time to Grow “The Lord our God spoke to us in Ho'reb, saying, You have dwelled long enough in this mount.” Deuteronomy 1:6 It is easy to stay content in the space that you are in. There is a time to stay, but there is a time to go.

God speaks to areas in our lives corporately, as well as individually, when we become stuck. It is then when the Lord will give instructions to us.

Moses reminded the children of Israel, the words spoken by the Lord, "You have dwelled long enough in this mount” should make it plain for us today. You have stayed here long enough. It's time to step out and do the work of ministry. As we launch into the next phase of the Capital Stewardship Campaign, focus on what you can do, instead of what you cannot do.

We have to recalibrate our mindset, in order to do the greater works for the Lord. We have to make the move forward, so the Lord can make the works happen through us. He has already given the land. It is time to do more with it. It's Time to Grow--Make the Move Prayer: Our Father in heaven, allow your will to be done through us that we may accomplish the work of ministry for the up building of your kingdom. In Jesus name we pray!

Rev. Darlene Smith

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RECALIBRATION ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2 According to Webster’s dictionary, recalibration means to adjust, transform, revise, change, or Renew. In our physical world, things sometimes malfunction on a daily basis. It requires regular maintenance to keep material things in good running order. The same is true for our spiritual life. If we’re not consistently reviewing our progress and our priorities, it’s easy to become misaligned and stagnant in our relationship with Jesus.

God’s Word renews our mind! A simple but often difficult task for many of us is to consistently read God’s Word daily. We should not let disruptions hinder us because reading God’s Word every day renews our mind to a new way of thinking about life. It also replaces worldly ideas, ways, and attitudes with thoughts that conform to God’s way. Therefore, since we want to be transformed so that we can conform to God’s ways and His purpose, it is important to consistently recalibrate through His word.

Here are a few scriptures to reinforce these concepts of transformation and recalibration: Youth - Psalm 119:9 Adults - Deuteronomy 6:6-7 All - Joshua 4:6-7 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 Reverend Willie & Deaconess Irma Berry

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You Can Call On God "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house". Acts 16:31 Paul and Silas had been jailed for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While imprisoned they maintained a very prayerful and positive spirit, singing praises to God and glorifying Him. It was an unusual sight because jails were dark, isolated and dehumanizing at their best, but yet they chose to sing and pray. At about midnight the Lord responded to their prayers, caused a great earthquake and the jail doors were opened.

The jailer feared for his life because the prisoners would surely escape, but he heard the voice of Paul reassuring him that there was no reason to commit suicide because they had no plans to escape. There, in the night, illuminated only by the glow of the candle, the jailer accepted Jesus and pledged to witness to his entire family and bring them into the faith.

The jailer saw with his own eyes how God worked in lives of two believers and their confident faith in His power. The jailer and subsequently his entire household accepted Christ and were completely transformed from that day forward.

The recalibration came as a result of the godly actions. They chose the high ground and worked to bring about the salvation of their captor. That selfless act itself convinced the jailer that there was more to being a Christian than just a name, but a divine anointing and empowerment.

Prayer: Lord, I ask you to recalibrate my life so that like the New Testament saints, I am a living testimony of the power and anointing of a life in Christ. Lord, let the witness of my life enable others to recalibrate their lives. Amen Rev. Robert Spencer 32

The Amazing Love of Our Heavenly Father “…what man is there of you whom if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will give him a serpent? If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him.” Matthew 7: 9 – 11.

Several years ago I was listening to a call-in radio program on National Public Radio about homelessness. The topic was about how people “fall” into the situation. However, one caller’s story stood out, making a permanent impression on me. He explained that he worked every day, but was homeless by choice. He had lived this way for three years because it was the only way he could help his son with college. He gave up his apartment in order to invest in his son’s purpose and destiny.

Look at the great sacrifice this natural father made for his son. Romans 8:31-32 says that “What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him give us all things?”

This is a time of consecration to grow to a new place in our relationship with God, and a new place in our dedication to serve. The vision of the church and purpose of the Capital Campaign is that we ‘Grow in Service’ and invite people to “come over here where the table is spread, and the feast of the Lord is going on.”

Prayer: Help us to set our affections on things above. To see Your plan and purpose for our lives, our families, our church, our communities and our nation, and commit to accomplish Your will. Touch our hearts to trust and obey Your direction to give sacrificially. Teach us to abide in You, and to seek Your face and direction in all we do. We know that as we submit our daily decisions to Your Word and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, that our minds and lives will be changed and renewed in your likeness and image. We ask most of all that You make us a living testimony to win the lost to salvation. In Jesus name, amen.

Sister Deborah Cuffy 33

Family and Friends Iron sharpens iron, as one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) Most of us have been part of a friends and family day, whether it was at our place of worship or employment; but how many of us have ever taken the time to comprehend the responsibility that goes along with being a friend or part of a family. Most of us take those two words for granted and that is where we fail. If you haven’t shared enthusiastic hugs and joy with your family or your friends in a while, today is a great day to start. Family and friends are your connections to the wonderful life that God has waiting for you.

They are your answers to questions that are yet to be asked and sorrows that are yet to be comforted. David knew by experience the bitterness of division in families. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalms 133:1. Your family and friends keep you grounded, support your ideas, and life directions. They are the threads that help you stay bound to the good things that God wants for you. Honor them! “I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven”. Matthew 18:19 (NCV) In a world that gives us so many options for social networking, we can get lost keeping up with everyone on the fast pace of the internet. If you notice that the only means you are utilizing to talk with your family and friends is via Facebook, text, email, snap chat or any of the other countless ways social networking, perhaps it’s time to step away from your cyber relationships, and give them a call, visit them or even write them a letter . Let them hear your voice and see you. Hearing someone's voice allows people to get a better sense of one another. Be an ‘up close and personal’ kind of friend or family member. Too often people think communication is only through words, but our bodies communicate as well. They communicate how comfortable or uncomfortable we are discussing a matter, our level of passion for a subject, and our hopes and 34

fears. God loves the direct approach. He takes pride in the love that we show for one another.

All throughout the bible Jesus made many references about the importance of family and friends but none more profound than this verse â€Śâ€œThis is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you my friends, for all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that what ever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.â€? John 15:12-17 (ESV) Dear Lord, let the beauty of Jesus be seen in us all! May the love of Christ continually bind us all together. May we always be connected in the body of Christ. Lord, bless my friends and family today and help us take the time to truly connect with one another.

May our love for each other abound and overflow always to the glory of God. Happy friendship day today and always! Amen Brother Anthony Martin .

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Prayer for Joy “A glad heart makes a happy face.� Proverbs 15: 13 (NLT) Loving God, thank You for making it so easy for me to telegraph joy to others. Help me to keep my smile on all day long. Forgive me when I go around with a frown on my face. Remind me that everything around me brightens a little when I choose to smile. With each new day Your promise of hope is restored, in every sunrise we see Your face; in every sunset we rest in Your arms. Each day is like the first day You created with the same invitation for us to live in Your image, to work creatively, to practice random acts of kindness. Sprinkle us with Your love so our mustard-seed faith will grow like large elms whose leafy limbs stretch to the heavens, and arch in prayer.

Give us the faith of the rising sun, the trust of trees, and the hope that springs eternal from constant prayer. May God be with You every moment of everyday.

In Jesus name. Amen

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