FASTING & PRAYER
WelcometotheBethelRestorationChurch40-DayLentenFast&Prayer Guide. Lentisasacredseasonofspiritualdiscipline,renewal,and deepeningourrelationshipwithChrist.ItmirrorsJesus’40daysoffasting andprayerinthewilderness,whereHeresistedSatan’stemptationsand remainedsteadfastinGod’swill(Matthew4:1-11).Hisfastwasatimeof preparation,strengtheningHimforHisministryandultimatesacrificeon thecross.
JustasJesusfastedtoalignwithGod’spurpose,Lentinvitesustodothe same—tosurrenderdistractions,seekGodwholeheartedly,andwalkin obedience.Fastingisnotjustaboutwhatwegiveup;it’saboutwhatwe gain greaterclarity,spiritualbreakthroughs,andadeeperdependence onGod.
TheUrgencyofThisMoment
Wearelivinginuncertaintimes.Ourcountryisfacingmultiplecrisesthat demandbothspiritualandpracticalresponses.Politicaldivision, economicinstability,racialtensions,drugs,andrisingcrimerateshaveleft communitiesfracturedandindesperateneedofhealing.
Familiesarestrugglingtomakeendsmeet,thecostoflivingisrising,and financialstress,healthdisparities,andmentalhealthchallengesburden many.Violencehasincreasedinourneighborhoods,andcommunities oncethrivinginunityarenowdividedbypartisanship,fear,and uncertainty.
EvenwithinthebodyofChrist,discordanddivisionhavecreptin, distractingusfromourmissiontolove,serve,andbringhope.Thevoices ofthepoor,themarginalized,andthesufferingcryoutlouderthanever. ButLentdoesnotcallustoretreatinfear itcallsustostandinfaith.
FASTING & PRAYER
WhyLentMatters
Lentisaseasonofreckoning atimetoconfronttherealitiesofourbroken worldwhileanchoringourselvesinGod’sunshakabletruth.I
Lentisacalltorepentance,renewal,andrefocusingonGod.Itchallenges ustoexamineourhearts,strengthenourfaith,andgrowinChrist.In today’sworld facingracialandeconomicdivides,healthdisparities,food insecurity,risingcrime,andfinancialinstability weneedthistimeof spiritualrecalibrationmorethanever. Wecannotaffordtobepassive. Nowisthetimeforthechurchtoriseinprayer,fasting,andaction.
Aswefastandpray,letusmovebeyondpersonalreflectioninto transformation.LetusseekGodwithexpectation,knowingthatprayer changesthingsandfastingpositionsusforbreakthroughs.Through collectiveintercession,westandagainststrongholds,trustinginGod’s powertoheal,restore,andrenew.
ScripturalEncouragement:
"FortheweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnalbutmightyinGodfor pullingdownstrongholds." 2Corinthians10:4(NKJV) "Iftwoofyouagreeonearthconcerninganythingthattheyask,itwillbe doneforthembyMyFatherinheaven."—Matthew18:19(NKJV)
OurCalltoAction
Asweturndownourplates,letusopenourheartstoGod’svoice,workfor justice,andservewithlove.Mayourprayersriselikeincense,ourfasting leadtobreakthroughs,andourfaithdeepensaswereflectGod’skingdom onearth.
Letusfast.Letuspray.Letusbelieve.
MayGodmeetusonthisjourney,grantingwisdom,strength,andrenewal.
A LENTEN PRAYER
Dr.ZinaC.Pierre,SeniorPastor,BethelRestortionChurch
HeavenlyFather,
AsweenterthissacredseasonofLent,wecomebeforeYourthroneofgracewith humblehearts,seekingtodrawclosertoYouthroughfasting,prayer,and reflection.WeacknowledgeourneedforYourgrace,mercy,andpresence.
Lord,asweembarkonthis40-dayjourney,helpustosetasidedistractionsand focusourheartsandmindsonYou.Teachustodenyourselves,takeupour cross,andfollowYou(Matthew16:24-26)withunwaveringfaith.Master, strengthenustoresisttemptation,embracediscipline,andseekYoudiligently.
Mayweberenewedinourspirit,restoredinourfaith,andrealignedwithYour willduringthisfast.Wherethereisweakness,grantusstrength.Wherethereis doubt,filluswithconfidenceinYourpromises.Wherethereisfear,remindus thatYouareourrefugeandfortress.Wherethereistemptation,setoureyeson youandnotwhatweseeandfeelinthenatural.
Father,letthistimeoffastingforBethelRestorationChurchbemorethanjust abstainingfromfoodorhabits—mayitbeaseasonofprofoundtransformation, allowingustoPIVOTinareaswherewehavebeenstuck.Searchourheartsand removeanythingthathindersourwalkwithYou.FilluswithYourHolySpiritso thatwemaygrowinwisdom,love,patience,andobedience.
Aswepray,letourwordsbefilledwithgratitudeandexpectation.Letour intercessionsbeasweetaromabeforeYourthrone.Maythistimeof consecrationbringhealingtoourbodies,claritytoourminds,andrevivaltoour souls,andmayitstrengthenthefoundationofhowwetreatoneanother.Lord, prepareusforthebreakthroughthatawaitsusindividuallyandcorporately.
TeachustorestinYourpresence,reclaimourpurpose,reimagineourfuture throughfaith,andrestoreourheartstoYourdivinewill.MayBethelRestoration Church,ourmembers,andfamilyemergefromthese40daysrenewed, empowered,andreadytowalkboldlyinourcalling Letthebloodprevailforus
WegiveYouallthehonor,glory,andpraise,nowandforevermore.
InJesus’name,Amen.
A LENTEN PRAYER: RETURNING TO JESUS
Dr.BarbaraWilliams-Skinner,President,SkinnerLeadershipInstitute (AdaptedbytheFaithTableLetter:ReturningtoJesus:InOurTime)
HolyandrighteousGod,inhumilityandthankfulness,wereflectonJesus’40 daysinthewilderness,resistingSatan’stemptationstoturnhimawayfromGod andtowardshumandesiresofworldlywealth,power,anddomination.
Lord,ourheartsbreakaswewitnessthegrowingcrisisofAmericanobsession withaccumulatingwealth,power,andcontrolandtheabandonmentofthe peopleJesuscalledustoserveandprotect.Inthisseason,OGod,giveusthe moralcouragetodefendthevulnerableandopposethosewillingtoignorethe constitutionalguardrailsofourfragiledemocracy.
DuringHolyWeek,guideus,OrighteousGod,tohonestlyreflectonour temptationstoworldlymattersandtocenteroursoleloyaltyonourGodwho savesandredeemsratherthanonanyworldlypower.Weprayforarenewed commitmenttoreturntoJesusasweengageintraditionalspiritualpracticesof reflection,fasting,prayer,repentance,sacrifice,andservice.Weaskforaneven greaterresolvetoprotectthosewhoJesuscommandsustoserve.
Helpus,LordGod,inthissacredseason,tocenterourheartsandmindson Jesus’finalteachinginMatthew25, “Iwashungry,andyougavemefood,Iwas thirsty,andyougavemesomethingtodrink,Iwasastranger,andyou welcomedme,Iwasnaked,andyougavemeclothing,Iwassick,andyoutook careofme,Iwasinprison,andyouvisitedme.”
Giveusneweyestoseethehungry,thethirsty,thenakedbothinourcountry andtheworld’spoorestcountrieswhoareingreatdangerofbeingcutofffrom aidandsupport.Enableustoseethoselosingvitalfoodandhealthcare, especiallyourBlackandBrownbrothersandsisters,disproportionatelyharmed bybudgetcutsandtheeliminationofanti-discriminationpoliciesbyexecutive orders. Inthisholyseasonofhopeandrenewal,mayweliftourcollectivevoices intotalpraisetoalovingGodwhoremindsthatweareallchildrenofthesame God.
A LENTEN PRAYER
BishopVashtiMurphyMckenzie PresidentGeneralSecretary NationalCouncilofChurches(NCC)
AlmightyandEverlastingGod,thesourceofalllifeandlove,wecometo youinthisLentenseasongratefulforyourmerciesthatarenewevery morning.Forgiveus,OGod,forthewayswehavefallenshortofyour gloryandweconfessoursinsofomissionandcommission,andthe transgressionsthatsoeasilybesetus.
Thankyouforthequietwhispersofyourpresencethatguidesusthrough seasonsoftriumphsandtrials. Thankyouforthebeautyofdiversitythat colorsourworld.Inthevariedhuesofourexperiences,wegivethanksfor therichtapestryofoursharedhumanity.Maywealwaysapproachevery encounterwithanopenheartreadytolearnandlove.
Weprayforthosecaughtinthecrosshairsofchange,thosewhosuffer throughnofaultoftheirownbutbythedecisionsofothers.Weprayfor thosewhoareburdenedwithasenseofhelplessnessinthefaceof adversity.Weprayforyourpeace,thatsurpassesallunderstandingto overcomeourfears;andyourredemptivelovetoovercomehate.
Equipus,Lord,tomeetthisseasonwithgrace.Helpustodowhatisright andnotgrowweary.Empowerustoembraceeventheunknown, transformingitintogatewaysofopportunitiesgrantingus“…wisdomand courageforthefacingofthishour,forthefacingofthishour.”*InJesus name,Amen.
*Hymn,GodGraceandGodofGlorybyHarryEmersonFosdick(1930)
GUIDING SCRIPTURES
2Chronicles7:14
IfMypeoplewhoarecalledbyMynamewillhumblethemselves,and prayandseekMyface,andturnfromtheirwickedways,thenIwill hearfromheavenandwillforgivetheirsinandhealtheirland.
Mark9:29
Andhesaiduntothem,Thiskindcancomeforthbynothing, butbyprayerandfasting.
Acts14:23
Andwhentheyhadappointedeldersforthemineverychurch,with prayerandfasting,theycommittedthemtotheLordinwhomthey hadbelieved.
1Corinthians10:13
Notemptationhasovertakenyouexceptwhatiscommonto mankind.AndGodisfaithful;hewillnotletyoubetemptedbeyond whatyoucanbear.
Ephesians4:32
Bekindandcompassionatetooneanother,forgivingeachother,just asinChrist,Godforgaveyou.
1John3:17
Ifsomeonewhohasworldlymeansseesabrotherinneedand refuseshimcompassion,theloveofGodcannotremaininhim.
Matthew7:7-8
Ask,anditwillbegiventoyou;seek,andyouwillfind;knock,andthe doorwillbeopenedtoyou.Foreveryonewhoasksreceives;theone whoseeksfinds;andtotheonewhoknocks,thedoorwillbeopened.
Fasting & Prayer: A Spiritual Lifestyle
Fasting and prayer are not just religious practices but a spiritual lifestyle. They provide divine access to God, spiritual advantage over the enemy, and proper positioning for a breakthrough. Fasting also produces excellent spiritual results, strengthening your faith and deepening your relationship with God.
During these 40 days of fasting and prayer, take time daily to:
✅ Meditate on the suggested focus theme and scripture.
✅ Go before the Lord in prayer, believing by faith that He hears you.
✅ Journal your thoughts, reflections, and revelations.
✅ Acts of Service – Look for ways to serve your church and bless others
Choosing Your Fast:
We understand that some individuals may be under medical supervision, so we encourage you to consult your physician before beginning. Choose a fast that works best for you and commit to it. Avoid changing your fast on a day-to-day basis.
Types of Fasts: SUNDAYS ARE FREEDOM DAY FROM FASTING
Normal Fast – Water or juice only; no food.
Daniel Fast – Water, fruits, grains, legumes, and vegetables.
Financial Fast – Avoid shopping for fast foods and all other non-essential spending. Media/TV Fast – Reduce or eliminate TV, internet, and radio consumption
As you commit to this time of fasting and prayer, expect spiritual renewal, breakthroughs, and a deeper connection with God. Stay focused, be disciplined, and trust that God will move these mountains of distraction.
Fasting & Prayer: A Spiritual Lifestyle
Daniel Fast Guide
The Daniel Fast is a biblically-based partial fast inspired by the book of Daniel. It focuses on consuming simple, whole foods while eliminating processed and animalbased products. This fast is not about limiting the amount of food but rather about making intentional choices that honor God with what you eat.
Foods to Include in Your Diet During the Daniel Fast:
✅ Fruits – Fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned (without added sugars or preservatives). Examples: apples, oranges, bananas, berries, mangoes, pears, and grapes.
✅ Vegetables – Fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned (without additives) Examples: spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers.
✅ Whole Grains – Whole, unprocessed grains such as barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa, millet, and whole wheat.
✅ Nuts & Seeds – Raw, unsalted, and unprocessed varieties such as almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds.
✅ Legumes – Canned or dried, including black beans, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, and split peas.
✅ Quality Oils – Natural oils include avocado, coconut, grapeseed, olive, peanut, sesame, and walnut oil
✅ Beverages – Distilled water, filtered water, spring water, fresh fruit or vegetable juices (without added sugars), unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, or soy milk.
✅ Other Acceptable Foods – Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs, and spices (without artificial additives or preservatives).
Fasting & Prayer: A Spiritual Lifestyle
Foods to Avoid During the Daniel Fast:
❌ Meat and animal products (beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, etc.)
❌ Processed and refined foods (white flour, white rice, artificial additives, preservatives)
❌ Fried foods
❌ Sweeteners (sugar, honey, syrups, artificial sweeteners)
❌ Leavened bread (bread made with yeast, baking powder, etc.)
❌ Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc.)
❌ Alcoholic beverages
Final Thoughts As You Embark on this Fast
Remember that this journey is about spiritual growth, discipline, and drawing nearer to God Stay committed, remain prayerful, and trust that God will honor your sacrifice.
"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine..." (Daniel 1:8, NIV)
May your fast be a time of breakthrough, renewal, and divine transformation!
Join us each morning for prayer at 7:00 AM via Free Conference Call at (319) 527-2233.
LET US PRAY!
“God delights in revealing Himself to those who are bold enough to bother Him.”
CORPORATE PRAYER FOCUS
Bethel Restoration Church and Members
Protection of Federal Agencies
Federal Government Employees and Contractors
Economic Stability
The White House
U.S. Congress
Supreme Court
U.S. Foreign Relations
U.S. Elected Officials (federal, state, county, city, school board)
Inter-faith Leaders
Break the Religious and Racial Divide
Justice for Fair Immigration Practices
Overturn Disproportionate Health Disparities
Break the Cycle of Poverty
All Viral diseases, Bodily Organs, All Cancers, Lupus, Diabetes, Arthritis, Gout, Hypertension, Depression, Anxiety, Sickle Cell, All Vision Issues, Memory, Inflammatory Diseases, COVID, RSV, Shingles, and more.
Daily Prayer Call at 7:00 AM (319) 527-2233
Personal PrayerFocus
Week1:Repentance&Humility
1Lord,cleansemyheartandmakemenew(Psalm51:10). .
2HelpmetoturnawayfromsinanddrawclosertoYou(James4:8). .
4.
3TeachmetowalkinhumilitybeforeYouandothers(Micah6:8). . GivemethestrengthtosurrendercompletelytoYourwill(Luke 22:42).
5HelpmetoforgiveothersasYouhaveforgivenme(Ephesians4:32). .
6Breakanystrongholdthatkeepsmebound(2Corinthians10:4). .
7FillmewiththepoweroftheHolySpirit(Acts1:8). .
Week2:SeekingGod’sPresence
8.Lord,drawmeintodeeperintimacywithYou(Jeremiah29:13).
9.Teachmetohungerandthirstforrighteousness(Matthew5:6).
10.LetmyworshipbepureandpleasingtoYou(John4:24).
11.OpenmyeyestoseeYourglory(Isaiah6:1-3).
12.RemovedistractionsthatkeepmefromseekingYou(Hebrews 12:1-2).
13.Renewmymindandtransformmythoughts(Romans12:2).
14.CreateinmeaheartthatdesiresYourpresencedaily(Psalm 27:4).
Week3:SpiritualGrowth&Strength
15.Lord,increasemyfaithtotrustYoumore(Mark9:24).
16.Helpmetoremainsteadfastduringtrials(James1:2-4).
17.FillmewithYourwisdomanddiscernment(Proverbs2:6).
18.Givemepatienceandenduranceforthisjourney(Isaiah40:31).
19.Strengthenmyprayerlifeandintercession(1Thessalonians5:17).
20.TeachmetolovelikeYoulove(John13:34).
21.Makemealighttothosearoundme(Matthew5:16).
Personal PrayerFocus
Week4:BreakingThrough&Overcoming
22.Lord,breakeverychainholdingmeback(Acts16:26).
23.Givemethecouragetostepintomypurpose(Joshua1:9).
24.Restoreanythingtheenemyhasstolen(Joel2:25).
25.Helpmeovercomefearandanxiety(Philippians4:6-7).
26.Strengthenmetoresisttemptation(1Corinthians10:13).
27.Teachmetowalkinboldnessandauthority(Luke10:19).
28.Letmyfaithmovemountains(Mark11:23).
Week5:IntercessionforOthers
29.Lord,blessandprotectmyfamily(Joshua24:15).
30.Bringhealingtothosewhoaresick(James5:15).
31Strengthenandrestoremarriages(Ephesians5:25).
32RevivetheChurchandawakenanewhungerforYou(2 Chronicles7:14).
33.Provideforthoseinneedandsuffering(Psalm34:10).
34.Guideandgivewisdomtoourleaders(1Timothy2:1-2).
35Bringpeaceandjusticetoourcommunities(Isaiah1:17).
Week6:Renewal&Restoration
36.Lord,renewmyspiritandrevivemypassionforYou(Psalm85:6).
37.Givemefreshvisionformycalling(Habakkuk2:2-3).
37.HelpmetorestinYourpresenceandtrustYourtiming(Psalm 38:7).
39RestoremyjoyandconfidenceinYou(Nehemiah8:10).
40.Letmefinishthisfast,strong,andwalkinlastingtransformation (2Corinthians5:17).
March5
God Lifts the Humble
1PETER5:6-7
SohumbleyourselvesunderthemightypowerofGod,andatthe righttimehewillliftyouupinhonor.Giveallyourworriesand carestoGod,forhecaresaboutyou.
Reflections
3
March7
Prioritize Obedience Over Ritual
1SAMUEL15:22
ButSamuelreplied,“WhatismorepleasingtotheLORD:your burntofferingsandsacrificesoryourobediencetohisvoice?
Listen!Obedienceisbetterthansacrifice,andsubmissionis betterthanofferingthefatoframs.
Reflections
Strength Through Testing
MATTHEW4:1-2
ThenJesuswasledbytheSpiritintothewildernesstobetempted therebythedevil.Forfortydaysandfortynightshefastedand becameveryhungry.
Reflections
Seek God ' s Approval
MATTHEW6:1
Watchout!Don’tdoyourgooddeedspublicly,tobeadmiredby others,foryouwilllosetherewardfromyourFatherinheaven.
Reflections
His Strength is Enough
2CORINTHIANS12:9-10
Eachtimehesaid,“Mygraceisallyouneed.Mypowerworksbestin weakness.”SonowIamgladtoboastaboutmyweaknesses,sothat thepowerofChristcanworkthroughme.
That’swhyItakepleasureinmyweaknesses,andintheinsults, hardships,persecutions,andtroublesthatIsufferforChrist. ForwhenIamweak,thenIamstrong.
Reflections
March14
God Honors a Contrite Heart
PSALM35:13
Yetwhentheywereill,Igrievedforthem.Ideniedmyselfby fastingforthem,butmyprayersreturnedunanswered.
Reflections
Find Refreshment in Him
PSALM42:1
Asthedeerlongsforstreamsofwater,soIlongforyou,OGod.
Reflections
March17
Yearning for Divine Presence
COLOSSIANS3:1-5
SinceyouhavebeenraisedtonewlifewithChrist,setyoursights ontherealitiesofheaven,whereChristsitsintheplaceofhonor atGod’srighthand.Thinkaboutthethingsofheaven,notthe thingsofearth.Foryoudiedtothislife,andyourreallifeishidden withChristinGod.AndwhenChrist,whoisyourlife,isrevealedto thewholeworld,youwillshareinallhisglory.Soputtodeaththe sinful,earthlythingslurkingwithinyou.
Reflections
Reflections
2CORINTHIANS5:17
March19
God Desires Sincere Devotion
MARK7:7-9
Theirworshipisafarce,fortheyteachman-madeideasas commandsfromGod.’ForyouignoreGod’slawandsubstitute yourowntradition.”9Thenhesaid,“YouskillfullysidestepGod’s lawinordertoholdontoyourowntradition.
Reflections
God Rewards Secret Devotion
MATTHEW6:16
Andwhenyoufast,don’tmakeitobvious,asthehypocritesdo,for theytrytolookmiserableanddisheveledsopeoplewilladmire themfortheirfasting. Itellyouthetruth,thatistheonlyrewardtheywilleverget.
Reflections
Hope That Never Fades
COLOSSIANS1:27
JOHN20:17
“Don’tclingtome,”Jesussaid,“forIhaven’tyetascendedtothe Father.Butgofindmybrothersandtellthem,‘Iamascendingtomy FatherandyourFather,tomyGodandyourGod.’”
Reflections
March24
Faithful in Seeking God
ACTS10:2
Hewasadevout,God-fearingman,aswaseveryoneinhis household.Hegavegenerouslytothepoorandprayed regularlytoGod.
Reflections
His Presence Yields Power
PSALM110:1
TheLORDsaidtomyLord,*“Sitintheplaceofhonoratmyright handuntilIhumbleyourenemies,makingthemafootstool underyourfeet.”
Reflections
March28
Let Faith Speak Truth
ROMANS10:6-7
Butfaith’swayofgettingrightwithGodsays,“Don’tsayinyour heart,‘Whowillgouptoheaven?’(tobringChristdowntoearth).
Anddon’tsay,‘Whowillgodowntotheplaceofthedead?’ (tobringChristbacktolifeagain).”
Reflections
DAY 23
March31
Tears Turn to Joy
JOHN20:11-18
Marywasstandingoutsidethetombcrying,andasshewept,she stoopedandlookedin.Shesawtwowhite-robedangels,onesittingat theheadandtheotheratthefootoftheplacewherethebodyof Jesushadbeenlying.“Dearwoman,whyareyoucrying?”theangels askedher.“BecausetheyhavetakenawaymyLord,”shereplied,“and Idon’tknowwheretheyhaveputhim.”Sheturnedtoleaveandsaw someonestandingthere.ItwasJesus,butshedidn’trecognizehim. “Dearwoman,whyareyoucrying?”Jesusaskedher.“Whoareyou lookingfor?”Shethoughthewasthegardener.“Sir,”shesaid,“ifyou havetakenhimaway,tellmewhereyouhaveputhim,andIwillgo andgethim.”“Mary!”Jesussaid.Sheturnedtohimandcriedout, “Rabboni!”(whichisHebrewfor“Teacher”).“Don’tclingtome,”Jesus said,“forIhaven’tyetascendedtotheFather.Butgofindmybrothers andtellthem,‘IamascendingtomyFatherandyourFather,tomy GodandyourGod.’”MaryMagdalenefoundthedisciplesandtold them,“IhaveseentheLord!”Thenshegavethemhismessage.
Reflections
Serving Above Self
JOHN13:12-16
Afterwashingtheirfeet,heputonhisrobeagainandsatdownand asked,“DoyouunderstandwhatIwasdoing?Youcallme‘Teacher’ and‘Lord,’andyouareright,becausethat’swhatIam.AndsinceI, yourLordandTeacher,havewashedyourfeet,yououghttowash eachother’sfeet.Ihavegivenyouanexampletofollow.DoasIhave donetoyou.Itellyouthetruth,slavesarenotgreaterthantheir master.Noristhemessengermoreimportantthantheonewho sendsthemessage.
Reflections
DAY 25
April2
Victory Through Humility
ZECHARIAH9:9
Rejoice,OpeopleofZion!Shoutintriumph,Opeopleof Jerusalem!Look,yourkingiscomingtoyou.Heisrighteousand victorious,yetheishumble,ridingonadonkey ridingona donkey’scolt.
Reflections
1CORINTHIANS11:24
andgavethankstoGodforit.Thenhebrokeitinpiecesandsaid, “Thisismybody,whichisgivenforyou.*Dothisinremembranceof me.”
Reflections
Victory Through the Cross
LUKE22:24
Thentheybegantoargueamongthemselvesaboutwhowould bethegreatestamongthem.
JEREMIAH8:20-22
20Theharvestispast,thesummerisended,andwearenotsaved. 21ForthehurtofthedaughterofmypeopleamIhurt;Iamblack; astonishmenthathtakenholdonme.22IstherenobalminGilead;is therenophysicianthere?Whythenisnotthehealthofthedaughterof mypeoplerecovered?
Reflections
Lord, Prepare My Heart
MATTHEW26:17-30
OnthefirstdayoftheFestivalofUnleavenedBread,thedisciplescameto Jesusandasked,“WheredoyouwantustopreparethePassovermeal foryou?”“Asyougointothecity,”hetoldthem,“youwillseeacertain man.Tellhim,‘TheTeachersays:Mytimehascome,andIwilleatthe Passovermealwithmydisciplesatyourhouse.’”Sothedisciplesdidas JesustoldthemandpreparedthePassovermealthere.Whenitwas evening,Jesussatdownatthetable*withtheTwelve.Whiletheywere eating,hesaid,“Itellyouthetruth,oneofyouwillbetrayme.”Greatly distressed,eachoneaskedinturn,“AmItheone,Lord?”Hereplied,“One ofyouwhohasjusteatenfromthisbowlwithmewillbetrayme.Forthe SonofManmustdie,astheScripturesdeclaredlongago.Buthowterrible itwillbefortheonewhobetrayshim.Itwouldbefarbetterforthatmanif hehadneverbeenborn!”Judas,theonewhowouldbetrayhim,also asked,“Rabbi,amItheone?”AndJesustoldhim,“Youhavesaidit.”As theywereeating,Jesustooksomebreadandblessedit.Thenhebrokeit inpiecesandgaveittothedisciples,saying,“Takethisandeatit,forthis ismybody.”AndhetookacupofwineandgavethankstoGodforit.He gaveittothemandsaid,“Eachofyoudrinkfromit,forthisismyblood, whichconfirmsthecovenant*betweenGodandhispeople.Itispoured outasasacrificetoforgivethesinsofmany.Markmywords Iwillnot drinkwineagainuntilthedayIdrinkitnewwithyouinmyFather’s Kingdom.”ThentheysangahymnandwentouttotheMountofOlives.
Reflections
Heeding the Master ' s Plan
MARK14:16
Sothetwodiscipleswentintothecityandfoundeverythingjust asJesushadsaid,andtheypreparedthePassovermealthere.
Reflections
Embracing the Prince of Peace
MATTHEW21:1-11
AsJesusandthedisciplesapproachedJerusalem,theycametothe townofBethphageontheMountofOlives.Jesussenttwoofthemon ahead.“Gointothevillageoverthere,”hesaid.“Assoonasyouenter it,youwillseeadonkeytiedthere,withitscoltbesideit.Untiethem andbringthemtome.Ifanyoneaskswhatyouaredoing,justsay, ‘TheLordneedsthem,’andhewillimmediatelyletyoutakethem.”
Thistookplacetofulfilltheprophecythatsaid,“Tellthepeopleof Jerusalem,*‘Look,yourKingiscomingtoyou.Heishumble,ridingon adonkey ridingonadonkey’scolt.’”ThetwodisciplesdidasJesus commanded.Theybroughtthedonkeyandthecolttohimandthrew theirgarmentsoverthecolt,andhesatonit.Mostofthecrowd spreadtheirgarmentsontheroadaheadofhim,andotherscut branchesfromthetreesandspreadthemontheroad.Jesuswasin thecenteroftheprocession,andthepeopleallaroundhimwere shouting,“PraiseGod*fortheSonofDavid!Blessingsontheonewho comesinthenameoftheLORD!PraiseGodinhighestheaven!”The entirecityofJerusalemwasinanuproarasheentered.“Whoisthis?” theyasked.Andthecrowdsreplied,“It’sJesus,theprophetfrom NazarethinGalilee.”
Reflections
April11
His Love Never Ends
PSALM118:1-2
GivethankstotheLORD,forheisgood!Hisfaithfulloveendures forever. LetallIsraelrepeat:“Hisfaithfulloveenduresforever.”
Reflections
God, Teach Me Your Ways
PSALM119:19-29
Iamonlyaforeignerintheland.Don’thideyourcommandsfromme!I amalwaysoverwhelmedwithadesireforyourregulations.Yourebuke thearrogant;thosewhowanderfromyourcommandsarecursed. Don’tletthemscornandinsultme,forIhaveobeyedyourlaws.Even princessitandspeakagainstme,butIwillmeditateonyourdecrees. Yourlawspleaseme;theygivemewiseadvice.Ilieinthedust;revive mebyyourword.Itoldyoumyplans,andyouanswered.Nowteach meyourdecrees.Helpmeunderstandthemeaningofyour commandments,andIwillmeditateonyourwonderfuldeeds.Iweep withsorrow;encouragemebyyourword. Keepmefromlyingto myself;givemetheprivilegeofknowingyourinstructions.
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35
April14
Pouring Out Our Best For Christ
JOHN12:1-8
SixdaysbeforethePassovercelebrationbegan,Jesusarrivedin Bethany,thehomeofLazarus—themanhehadraisedfromthe dead.AdinnerwaspreparedinJesus’honor.Marthaserved,and Lazaruswasamongthosewhoatewithhim.ThenMarytooka twelve-ouncejar*ofexpensiveperfumemadefromessenceofnard, andsheanointedJesus’feetwithit,wipinghisfeetwithherhair. Thehousewasfilledwiththefragrance.ButJudasIscariot,the disciplewhowouldsoonbetrayhim,said,“Thatperfumewaswortha year’swages.Itshouldhavebeensoldandthemoneygiventothe poor.”Notthathecaredforthepoor—hewasathief,andsincehe wasinchargeofthedisciples’money,heoftenstolesomefor himself.Jesusreplied,“Leaveheralone.Shedidthisinpreparation formyburial.Youwillalwayshavethepooramongyou,butyouwill notalwayshaveme.”
Reflections
God is Always With Me
TheLORDhimselfgoesbeforeyouandwillbewithyou;hewillnever leaveyounorforsakeyou.Donotbeafraid;donotbediscouraged.
Reflections
Embrace Life ' s Opportunities
ECCLESIASTES9:10
Whateveryourhandfindstodo,doitwithallyourmight,forinthe realmofthedead,whereyouaregoing,thereisneitherworking norplanningnorknowledgenorwisdom.
Embracing a Life of Gentleness and Patience
EPHESIANS4:1-3
Therefore,I,theprisoneroftheLord,imploreyoutowalkina mannerworthyofthecallingwithwhichyouhavebeencalled,with allhumilityandgentleness,withpatience,showingtolerancefor oneanotherinlove,beingdiligenttopreservetheunityoftheSpirit inthebondofpeace.
Reflections
April18
God ' s Promise to Provide
PHILIPPIANS4:19
AndmyGodwillmeetallyourneedsaccordingtotherichesof hisgloryinChristJesus.
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God ' s Right Hand Prevails
PSALM20:6-9
NowthisIknow:TheLordgivesvictorytohisanointed.Heanswershim fromhisheavenlysanctuarywiththevictoriouspowerofhisright hand.Sometrustinchariotsandsomeinhorses,butwetrustinthe nameoftheLordourGod.Theyarebroughttotheirkneesandfall,but weriseupandstandfirm.Lord,givevictorytotheking!Answerus whenwecall!
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