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When Anxiety Attacks
9 years ago
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Vision 2009
Wow. That's what yesterday was. It was a Wow moment. I just have to say that I am so incredibly encouraged by the people I have already talked to since Life Church yesterday.
Taking a few moment before we heard an amazing message from Steven Furtick, I wanted to cast vision for Life Church Franklin in '09. In speaking yesterday I encouraged us to to remember that all are welcome at Life Church. I mean that. I really do. I realize it's not easy. It's not our human nature. We like comfort. We like people like us. The reality is that Jesus accepted everyone, so why don't we?
This journey to meet and build relationships with the hurting and broken will not be easy. It's a risk, but it's also an adventure. It's an adventure that can be so rewarding and fulfilling. I repeat...It won't be easy. Be it's what I am compelled to do with the love and hope I have in Jesus. I hope you will find the heart and place to do the same.
I encouraged that many of you are beginning to see the call Jesus has for you to be a shining light of His grace and mercy. I am encouraged by the willingness of many of you to stretch yourselves to see God move in a mighty way in your life.
We are fasting for 21 days starting today. I would love to hear what some of you are doing for you fast so I can pray for you.
Remember...
LOVE GOD
LOVE PEOPLE
SERVE THE WORLD
Patrick
Taking a few moment before we heard an amazing message from Steven Furtick, I wanted to cast vision for Life Church Franklin in '09. In speaking yesterday I encouraged us to to remember that all are welcome at Life Church. I mean that. I really do. I realize it's not easy. It's not our human nature. We like comfort. We like people like us. The reality is that Jesus accepted everyone, so why don't we?
This journey to meet and build relationships with the hurting and broken will not be easy. It's a risk, but it's also an adventure. It's an adventure that can be so rewarding and fulfilling. I repeat...It won't be easy. Be it's what I am compelled to do with the love and hope I have in Jesus. I hope you will find the heart and place to do the same.
I encouraged that many of you are beginning to see the call Jesus has for you to be a shining light of His grace and mercy. I am encouraged by the willingness of many of you to stretch yourselves to see God move in a mighty way in your life.
We are fasting for 21 days starting today. I would love to hear what some of you are doing for you fast so I can pray for you.
Remember...
LOVE GOD
LOVE PEOPLE
SERVE THE WORLD
Patrick
Fasting for 2009...Join us?
Join us as we corporately seek God and His will for our lives and Life Church Franklin in 2009.
We will fast for 21 days from Monday, January 5th through Sunday, January 25th.
How To Fast
How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fast you go on is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Fasting Basics
The type of fast you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.
Types of fasts:
* Full Fast Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
* The Daniel Fast Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
* Partial Fast A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
* Other Fasting Options If for health reasons or to just ease into fasting, choose a specific food to give up. Consider giving up soft/sugar drinks, all sweets, bread, etc...
Scripture References for Fasting:
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12,
Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
Corporate Fasting:
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16,
Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
We will fast for 21 days from Monday, January 5th through Sunday, January 25th.
How To Fast
How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Deciding What to Fast
The type of fast you go on is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
Fasting Basics
The type of fast you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.
Types of fasts:
* Full Fast Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
* The Daniel Fast Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
* Partial Fast A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
* Other Fasting Options If for health reasons or to just ease into fasting, choose a specific food to give up. Consider giving up soft/sugar drinks, all sweets, bread, etc...
Scripture References for Fasting:
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12,
Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
Corporate Fasting:
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16,
Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
Thursday, January 1, 2009
What will 2009 be for you?
2009 is here. 2008 is no longer. The past is the past. It's gone. It's sad...but really it's good. We can't live in yesterday. It's time to move on. The moment is here and "poof" it's gone.
What has happened at Life Church Franklin the last 11 months has been nothing short of amazing for me. Despite my shortcomings, God has done so much. We have seen people come back to God...other come to Him for the first times...marriages restored...people excited about serving others...very generous giving...and lots more.
As I looked back on 2008 I am so thankful, but I realize it's time to move on. Many people are hurting and broken. They need the loving gift of Jesus in their life. We have to bring it to them. Not the shove it down the throat and scare them from hell way, but build relationships with them and point them to Jesus. It's not us who saves them anyways. It's God. He is the one.
I hope and pray 2009 is another incredible year of building strong and more influential community here in Franklin that leads people to Christ. He is the whole reason we do what we do at Life Church.
Let's go do it and make Jesus famous!
Happy New year.
Patrick
What has happened at Life Church Franklin the last 11 months has been nothing short of amazing for me. Despite my shortcomings, God has done so much. We have seen people come back to God...other come to Him for the first times...marriages restored...people excited about serving others...very generous giving...and lots more.
As I looked back on 2008 I am so thankful, but I realize it's time to move on. Many people are hurting and broken. They need the loving gift of Jesus in their life. We have to bring it to them. Not the shove it down the throat and scare them from hell way, but build relationships with them and point them to Jesus. It's not us who saves them anyways. It's God. He is the one.
I hope and pray 2009 is another incredible year of building strong and more influential community here in Franklin that leads people to Christ. He is the whole reason we do what we do at Life Church.
Let's go do it and make Jesus famous!
Happy New year.
Patrick
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