Today as we begin Day 1, our time of fasting and prayer, we take an introspective look at ourselves. Ring, Ring, Ring! Is somebody going to get that? Your purpose is calling, will you answer the call? We begin by recognizing that a call to purpose is a call to intentional living. It's time to set aside excuses and live with wisdom in a world full of distractions. How are you living? These 21 days are an opportunity to position ourselves, to have a purpose-filled 2024. What are you doing with the time that you have been given? Will you decide to do what is necessary to take back your life and purpose by force, with intentionality, without hesitation?
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17
It is that we are to not just be mouth professors that we are Christians but to live a life that shows others that the Kingdom of God is here, and we are its citizens, our behavior and conduct are different and in is in alignment with what the Lord has said to and about you. Commit to disrupt and uproot any and everything that tries to hinder the pathway that God has laid out for you.
Point of Commitment: Reflect on the questions in today’s devotion and examine the areas in your life where you've made excuses. Write out your commitment to being intentional in making changes in those areas for 2024.
It’s Day 2 of our 2024ORCE Relentless Fast and we are disrupting stagnation in our lives TODAY! We will not waste another moment of the precious time that we have been given by the Lord to do His good works. What is stagnation? It is the state of not flowing or moving, a lack of activity, growth, or development. "Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation...even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind." said Leonardo da Vinci. We know that stagnation can hinder our purpose. When something is stagnant it can stink and be discolored and no longer able to go forward but often it can cause a thing to be inoperable.
In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses spoke to the people of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him in commandment to them, 4 after he had defeated Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth and in Edrei. 5 Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to explain this law, saying, 6 “The Lord our God said to us in Horeb, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Turn and take your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all their neighbors in the Arabah, in the hill country and in the lowland and in the Negeb and by the seacoast, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates. 8 See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them.’ Deuteronomy 1: 3-8
After circling and circling in the desert with the children of Israel for FORTY years getting to nowhere on what should have taken less than two weeks Moses was reminding the children of Israel all that they had endured being stuck in their mindset versus having had been obedient and going. What have you been circling, just spinning like you are on a hamster wheel? You are moving a whole lot of nowhere. It’s time to disrupt whatever has been holding you hostage and get to embrace His promise of making "a way in the wilderness" and trust in His ability to disrupt stagnation and get you to your NEXT.
Point of Commitment: Identify an area of your life where you’ve felt stagnant, write it down then identify what you can do differently and take a step, then initiate positive change.
Welcome back, it’s Day three! Excuses can hold us back from fulfilling our purpose. Excuses are expressions of regret for failures or what we deem as shortcomings in our lives that disqualify or make us "unfit" to fulfill the duties or tasks that we have been assigned. It's time to remove them from our minds and our lives and move forward with unwavering determination. What’s holding you back from completing or accomplishing God’s request of you? What is in your heart that needs to be uprooted?
But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. Exodus 4:10-14
God knew everything about you when He created you. He predestined you before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). He formed you in your mother's womb and assigned a purpose for your life. You have to see yourself as God sees you, it’s time to remove the excuses TODAY! '
Point of Commitment: Grab your notebook, take a seat, and think long and hard, then list the excuses you have been making as to why you cannot complete what God has called you to. Commit to not picking them back up this year and leaving them at the feet of Jesus.
Good morning Relentless Family, it’s day 4 of the 2024ORCE Relentless Fast, yesterday we removed excuses. We understand that “excuses” can be a broad topic so today let us be a little more specific and overcome fear! Fear can be paralyzing, it arises with the threat of harm, either physical, emotional, or psychological, whether real or imagined. Fear is experienced in your mind, but it triggers strong physical reactions in your body. As soon as you recognize fear, your brain goes to work. It alerts your nervous system, stress hormones are released, your blood pressure and heart rate increase, you start breathing faster, and your blood flow changes. Your body is preparing for fight-or-flight. Who knew that one little emotion could have such a large response?
There are so many times and examples in the Bible where fear ran the lives of our brothers and sisters in the faith until they had an encounter with God. We see scripture throughout encouraging us around this topic. Take for instance the story of Gideon (Judges 6), he was riddled with fear of being worthy of the calling as he was from the weakest tribe and the least in His father's house to fearing the army of the Midianites, he was full of fear and excuses. In verse 23
23 Then the Lord said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” He had reassurance that the Lord was with him to accomplish the work.
You may be asking yourself, why are we spending so much time today talking about fear? The truth of the matter is that fear is one of the leading factors preventing people from accomplishing their goals. As well, overcoming fear or fears can be intimidating. But in 2 Timothy 1:7, the Apostle Paul says...
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
God has called you to a great work. He has put something on the inside of you and this year is all about taking by force every area of your life and bringing it into subjection to the perfect will of God! No excuses. Fear can paralyze us and hinder our commitment to purpose. Recognize that God empowers us to overcome fear with His love and a sound mind.
Point of Commitment: Grab a mirror, go to the bathroom, the rearview mirror in your car, the camera on your phone, and take a look at yourself, commit to prayer and make a conscious effort to remove it from your life by repeating the affirmations below. Then read Psalm 56 and pen your song to encourage yourself when fear tries to present itself.
You are the sons and daughters of God.
You are a chosen people.
You are the head and not the tail.
You are above and not beneath.
You are the righteousness of God.
Everything that you need to do what God has called you to do is found in Him, so you already have everything that you need!
Psalm 56 and pen your song to encourage yourself when fear tries to present itself. You are the sons and daughters of God. You are a chosen people. You are the head and not the tail. You are above and not beneath. You are the righteousness of God. Everything that you need to do what God has called you to do is found in Him, so you already have everything that you need!
Hello Family, it is Day 5. As we continue to get our lives into alignment with where God desires for us to be this year, today we are taking accountability. Accountability is vital in fulfilling our purpose. We must acknowledge that we are at this particular place in our lives because of the actions we did or did not take. We allow excuses and fear to get in the way of our purpose and we are taking accountability (Romans 14:12) and taking responsibility as they go hand in hand. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, let us take responsibility for our actions and journey.
13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:13-16
Accountability and acknowledgment are for US! It is the truth of our situation as we see in the verse, we all must give account, but the fact of the matter is that God already knows exactly where we are. If you continue reading (Hebrews 4:14-16) He knows, He cares, He understands, and we can boldly come to His throne and receive His compassion towards us. Taking accountability can help you to identify areas of sin and slack in your life, where you need to repair and or replace relationships, and what’s needful for you to set and or accomplish goals. Time to get out of your own way!
Point of Commitment: Identify an area where you need to take more accountability in your life and commit yourself to making positive changes. What does this look like? How will you make changes? Write these things out then take them to God in prayer.(Hebrews 4:14-16) He knows, He cares, He understands, and we can boldly come to His throne and receive His compassion towards us. Taking accountability can help you to identify areas of sin and slack in your life, where you need to repair and or replace relationships, and what’s needful for you to set and or accomplish goals. Time to get out of your own way! Point of Commitment: Identify an area where you need to take more accountability in your life and commit yourself to making positive changes. What does this look like? How will you make changes? Write these things out then take them to God in prayer.
It is Day 6 and today is about coming face to face with hindrances. What is a hindrance? According to Merriam-Webster it is the state of being interfered with, held back, or slowed down: the state of being hindered. hindrance of speech. 2.: a person or thing that interferes with or slows the progress of someone or something: impediment. We all face hindrances in our journey of faith. It's essential to face them head-on, lay them aside, and run with endurance toward the purpose God has for us.
"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
Are there obstacles to you maturing as a Christian? What is blocking or stopping you from reaching the goals that God has put inside of you? A lot of the areas we have looked at so far this week were introspective (Sins). However, there may be additional factors, (Wounds) people, or situations (Weights) that are impeding your progress toward God's perfect will that you have allowed to take up residence that you need to rid yourself of in this season.
Point of Commitment: Take proper action and identify the hindrances in your life, whether it's a habit, a relationship, or a mindset, and take steps to confront and overcome them. Pray and repent of your sins, ask God to heal your wounds, lift the burden of the weights, and bind and remove any demonic influences that are interfering with His plan for your life.
Welcome back, it’s Day 7 of this 21-day journey focused on intentionality and purpose, and congratulations on completing week one. Today, we begin by understanding the importance of committing our plans to the Lord. We have spent the last 6 days attempting to clear our lives of the things that we have allowed to get in the way of our assignment. We are praying that by today you have a renewed sense of purpose. Purpose is the force that drives us forward in life. When we commit our intentions to God, He helps us navigate the path of purpose.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16: 3
This text tells us to turn over to the Lord, as a man rolls to another a burden, which is too heavy for himself, making a desperate appeal for his help. When was the last time that you got desperate before the Lord? Then the scripture goes on to say refer all thy actions and concerns to God, and his glory, as the end of them; and, in the discharge of thy duty, that is to say, that if a person discharges their duties, they do everything that needs to be done to complete them, so depend upon God's providence (the protective care of God) and grace for assistance and success. And thy thoughts shall be established — Thy honest desires and designs shall be brought to a happy issue one way or other.
When we commit to the Lord by faith in prayer our day, week. Lives and all of our plans to His perfect will then our mind can be at ease, the will of the Lord be done; he knows that he causes all things to work together for good; and whatever is for his good and God's glory shall be brought to pass; and this makes him calm, sedate, and easy; and he is in a fair way of having his designs, desires, and endeavors accomplished;
Point of Commitment: Commit your plans to the Lord, write out how you will approach planning with what you now know and take it to the Lord in prayer today.
Welcome to Day 8. As we begin this week, we are turning all things towards the will of God and getting in alignment with His will. On day 1 of the fast we prayed “Lord direct everything in my life to your will and anything that hinders me from completing the assignment show me, uproot and plant something in its place.” We continue to push towards this goal in our effort to move into position with God’s design and order.
What does it mean to be in alignment with something? Alignment for a car has to deal with adjusting the vehicle’s suspension, the part that is connected to the wheels. In actuality, it is not the adjustment of the wheels themselves, but proper alignment is adjusting the angles of the tires which directly affects how they make contact with the road. So in the life of the believer getting into alignment is adjusting your suspension, your springs and shock absorbers that cushion you from the road conditions, so adjusting the level of your faith and trust and belief in God when life’s situations appear to be a little rocky and difficult you must adjust them and refocus your attention on Him and His will for your life.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.131 I opened my mouth and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. Psalm 119:130-135
We know that the only way to be sure that we are in alignment with God’s will is to be in His presence in prayer and get in the word so that we can hear from Him. This portion of scripture found in the 119th Psalm is but a small portion of a much larger chapter that goes on to express David’s love for the Word of God. May the words found be the prayer of your heart that God look graciously upon you and take notice, may He order your steps and deliver you from anything that stands in the way of His will. Get into alignment, (Romans 12: 2) Transform your mind, renew your thinking, and seek His perfect will.
Point of Commitment: Dedicate time to reflect on how you can align your thoughts and actions with God's will throughout your day today.
Welcome to Day 9. Last week we focused our attention on being intentional, and then we began to strip away excuses and hindrances last there was a call to accountability for where we have led ourselves up until this point. Today it is time to get out of our comfort zone and start maturing. Comfort is an excuse to avoid pursuing your purpose. There are dangers associated with becoming too comfortable. When you settle into a routine that feels cozy and secure, you're less likely to push your boundaries, challenge yourself, or strive for improvement. Success rarely resides in the comfort zone. Comfort breeds complacency, and complacency kills progress. When you become complacent, you stop seeking growth and innovation. The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about us maturing as Christians in the New Testament, let us look at this passage of scripture found in Philippians.
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Philippians 3:12-15
To know the full extent of Christ and to operate where and how He has destined for us, we have to grow up to the goal which is to become more like Christ and accomplish the mission, which is the great commission. How we accomplish it is God’s intended purpose for our lives from ministry, media, and marketplace. We prepare by becoming more like Christ each day and pressing into the new and next level which requires us not to get comfortable in the place that we are in. Paul did not look back, nor was lazy, but did follow hard, with an eager pursuit, after the perfection, Christ that was in his view; he realized he had not yet arrived, what he had received was but in part, he did still press for more.
God's purpose for your life although it is coupled with His favor to accomplish the tasks the road often tends to have a few bumps or thorns on it which can cause us to want to shrink back to the background or the level we were own before the realization of the word that God has spoken over our life. STOP THAT! God has placed something on the inside of you and there is a work that the world is waiting on to come from you, it’s time to do the not-so-comfortable thing and PRESS! Choose to press on toward God's calling even when it is not so comfortable.
Point of Commitment: Identify an area where you've chosen comfort over purpose, and commit to pressing forward in that area.
Welcome back, it’s Day 10, and today our focus is on Spiritual Disciplines and how they aid us in pursuing our purpose. Many of us have heard the call of God and know that He has a purpose for our lives. You may have begun the journey eager and ready to go after all that God said but as we discussed last week along the way you became stagnant or veered off the path due to the cares of life. Perhaps you allowed excuses to stop you, or you merely did not prepare for what He showed you, so you got stuck or you just stopped going. We all have areas in our lives that we need to grow in and increase in the knowledge of Christ and we must nurture them and be sure that we are receiving the proper nourishment that is essential for development for it is time to prioritize our purpose.
7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8
In this passage of scripture 1 Timothy 4:6-16 (we encourage you to read the entire passage) "A Good Servant of Christ Jesus" the Apostle Paul was providing instructions to Timothy to impart to the Christians of his day how to properly conduct himself and in turn be an example of how they should be. We find him strongly encouraging Timothy in these verses in the way of exercising himself or training himself for godliness for which we also are encouraging each of you.
Train - to teach (a person or animal) a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time.
Godliness – the whole of practical piety (The proper exercise of true wisdom consists in directing and conducting us to the chiefest happiness which human nature is capable of) It supposes knowledge, veneration, affection, dependence, submission, gratitude, and obedience.
To lead such a life involves growing pains and ceaseless efforts, for true goodliness is ever a progressive state. God is not looking for perfection but progression. Practical piety influences good, which influences all classes of society, and all life. Intentionality in your spiritual life is essential. Spiritual disciplines, like prayer, reading and studying the Word, and fasting, fellowshipping with the Saints help us grow in godliness and align with God’s purpose for us.
Point of Commitment: Begin or strengthen one of the spiritual disciplines above in your life and make it a daily habit for the next 21 days.
It’s Day 11 and today we are talking about the power of prayer. This week we are honing in on strengthening our spiritual disciplines and prayer is a major key! If you have spent any amount of time in church or been around church folks then you have heard “There is power in prayer!”, “Prayer changes things!” and a host of other quotes about prayer. There is SO much that can be said about the importance of having a prayer life and what that means.
Prayer is simply our communication with God and everyone’s prayer life and prayers do not and do not have to look like or sound like anyone else's, what is important is that we DO IT! The word says in Luke 18:1 that we should always pray and not lose heart. Throughout the book of Psalm are so many instances where David and the other authors poured out their hearts and prayed to God. The Bible is riddled with prayers for health and healing, help amid trouble, strategy for the day or the fight, thanksgiving for what God had done, and so much more. There is NOT a situation where prayer is not appropriate, NOT one!
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
As we take 2024 by force and put on the full armor of God in preparation to pursue purpose with intention (we encourage you to read Ephesians 6:10-18) covers us in this battle of everyday living. Spiritual strength and fortitude start with. In this familiar passage of scripture this address of exhortation employs Christians to be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might, then to get dressed in the armor and detail each item, but when he (Paul) gets to prayer it is the only offensive weapon and is a powerful tool in aligning your life with God's purpose. Commit to a life of prayer in 2024, seeking His guidance in all you do for you.
Point of Commitment: Establish or strengthen a regular prayer routine, if you’re stumped about how to start, just begin having a conversation with God and speak from your heart. Be intentional by dedicating time to seek God's will in your daily life. If you wish for more structure, see the fasting guide with the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication) prayer model instructions.
Welcome to Day 12! We are continuing to sharpen our toolbelt of Spiritual disciplines and today we want to add Wisdom. Solomon was the son of David; David was the man who was after God's own heart. Pause, what a lineage to be a part of. Un pause, Solomon loved the Lord just like his daddy, and in 1 Kings 3 the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him "What shall I give you?". Solomon goes on to talk about David and all the mercy God had shown him and says he is but a mere lad and has rule over all of these people, then he says the famous words in verse 9 give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
Proverbs 4:7
Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; 11 For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. Proverbs 8:10-11
Just as prayer is essential, so are wisdom and discernment. Seeking wisdom is an intentional choice that aligns us with God’s purpose for our lives. Commit to a lifelong journey of gaining wisdom, understanding, and discernment. The best way to do this is...
Study God’s word and meditate on it – It's the instructions He left us. We know that God is wise, so what better place and person to glean from?
Spend time in prayer.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you.
Application - apply His precepts (rules to regulate behavior) and practice all that you have learned in the other steps.
Put these steps into practice then watch your life drastically change. When you plant something expect to see a harvest and the seeds above will begin to produce self-discipline, and good decision-making for your household, job, and kids, it will spill over into every aspect of your life.
Point of Commitment: Make a plan to seek wisdom. Write your prayer to God about where and how you need wisdom (refer to 1 Kings 3) What methods can you incorporate into your daily life (Read a proverb a day and ask God to reveal it to you)? Write them out then begin to track them over time.
It is day 13 of the 2024ORCE Relentless Fast. Life is better when we do it together. Have you ever gone through a tough time in your life and did not have anyone to talk to, there was no one to share what you were going through. Community can enrich your life in many ways, in Proverbs 27:17 it says that iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” We all need community! Being surrounded by others of like-minded faith makes one another wiser and better. Friends are good for your physical health, and your mental health, and can provide you with emotional support and build confidence. They also can help you in difficult times, provide a mirror and correction when you are drifting astray and help you to get back on course.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Concluding an examination of the sacrifice of Christ for all, next the writer instructs us on how we put this into practice. We are to consider how we can be of service to each other, especially stirring up each other to be more vigorous exercise love, and practice good works. Community plays a vital role in our journey of intentionality and purpose. Everyone must play their part, encourage and uplift one another in pursuit of God's plan for your life.
Point of Commitment: Reach out to a friend or fellow believer and spend time encouraging and praying for each other.
Welcome, it is Day 14! Today We are strengthening our Spiritual disciplines and growing in our faith and relationship with God. Today we are taking a look at the discipline of LISTENING. Did you know that it is one thing to hear a thing, but it is something different to listen to something someone is saying, and you take it a step further when you practice active listening? You hear with your ears, you listen with your heart and actively listen because you seek understanding.
Hear – to perceive with the ear the sound made by someone or something.
Listen – to give one’s attention to
Active listening – being deeply engaged in and attentive to what the speaker is saying. The goal of an active listener is to truly understand the speaker’s perspective and to communicate that understanding back.
27 And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” 28 But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:27-28
Jesus in the previous verses had been teaching about prayer and Christian responsibility among other things. Of course, the Pharisees were in objection but there was the woman in verse 27 speaking praises to Him. Then Jesus responds in verse 28 outlining that though it is a great privilege to hear the word of God, we are only truly blessed, that is, when we hear it, keep it in memory, and move accordingly. This year let's not just hear His words and the declarations or even just listen to them. Let us be the people who actively listen to God's guidance and acknowledge His presence in every aspect of our lives allow Him to lead us in the right direction.
Active Listening Practices:
Face the speaker (in prayer and again reading the word, humble yourself)
Don’t interrupt (Give God time to speak)
Listen without jumping to conclusions.
Paraphrase and ask for clarity.
Stay focused and go do it.
Point of Commitment: Practice listening to God's voice through prayer and meditation on His Word. What is He instructing you to do or to stop doing? Write the vision and make it plain.
Welcome to Day 15! Today's Spiritual Discipline is Obedience. Obedience requires discipline and is primary to Purpose. Everyone wants to live in their purpose and all the glitz and glamour that perception would say comes with it but what happens when purpose and God’s will put you in the “fire"? The prophet Elijah is one of the most well-known of the prophets. He lived through a tumultuous time and God used Him in many a regard. Elijah’s mission was during a time when Israel was on their rollercoaster of Kings and at the time, we find ourselves taking a peek Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord (1 Kings 16:29). He built altars and shrines to and for Baal. The word says he had done more to provoke the Lord God to anger than all the kings before him.
This next chapter goes on to illustrate Elijah speaking to Ahab and telling him that there was going to be a drought and neither dew nor rain would occur but according to his word. God in verse 3 instructs Elijah to hide himself in Cherith. There God provided water and sent ravens with food to feed him during the drought. Fast forward to 1 Kings 18: 20-40, 19:1-3 where our focus scripture excerpts for today come from.
21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
27 And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry [d]aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with [e]knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. 36 And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. 37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let one of them escape!” So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the Brook Kishon and executed them there. 1 Kings 18:21-22, 27-28, 36-37 and 40
God’s call for Elijah was to deliver His people from their corruption and suffering. Evil was rampant and God was not pleased. Elijah had the king Ahab chorale all the prophets of Baal and Elijah came in the name of the Lord, and they had a challenge of sorts to assert who was the supreme and true God. You see the results, there is only one true living God, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! Elijah was obedient to his calling and proclaimed the Lord and the result is evident. What does this have to do with obedience are you asking? So here obedience brings about victory for Elijah and God shows himself strong but let’s go a few verses further in 1 Kings 19:1-3
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
Do you trust God enough to be obedient to your call in the difficulty? Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) We are but a few weeks into this New Year and while we have been uprooting is a fundamental aspect of living out our purpose. Seek to obey God’s voice and guidance in all things. Before we can reset.
Point of Commitment: Reflect on areas where you may have been disobedient and commit to aligning with God’s will, ask the Lord to increase your trust in Him to aid your obedience.
Welcome to Day 16! In week one we spoke briefly about “Purpose is Calling” and who would answer the call on Day 1. Today we will go further into the idea of Intentionally Pursuing Purpose. To intentionally pursue requires being deliberate and purposeful, as you move into the place that God has established for you. Being intentional involves trusting the Lord’s guidance and provision. Being intentional requires courage. Living Intentionally will have your feet rooted in the assurance that God works all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
In 2024 we are taking it by force and setting our intention to be in God's will and pursue His purpose for our lives. God is an intentional God, He does nothing by happenstance, so we too must be a people that intentionally seek to do His will and allow Him to establish our way. Stop waiting until something “sneaks” up on you. Take time to sit down with your family or if you’re single by yourself, with the Lord and find out what His plans are for you. We can make steps to have schedules, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. You can do a little research on a subject or a business venture, the new project at work.
When we do something deliberately it means to do it consciously, aware. That is for us to set in order what is to be accomplished but allow God to take the reins. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you. Emotional Intelligence in Christ is the activation of the Holy Spirit within us to discern and manage our emotions and behaviors in a way that honors God and it is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.
Identifying God’s Will for your life, allows you to shape your approach. As we plan, let us remember that God establishes our steps and purposes. Sometime God’s direction is the least of what we may have expected of a thing to have been but know and understand that His ways are better than ours could ever be. Point of
Commitment: Commit to being intentional in seeking God’s guidance as you plan your life and make decisions.
We are back and it is Day 17! Responsibility is a weighty word. Loosely, this is the state of being accountable or having a duty to deal with a thing. We have already taken ownership of aligning our lives with God's Will for us and making the tweaks of ridding ourselves of excuses, hindrances, and anything that resembles something that might get in the way.
Now, that all of that is gone do we truly understand that we have a responsibility or mandate to live out God’s perfect plan for us? God took His time to create us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) and after His likeness and gave us dominion. There are actually people in the world waiting and in need of what is inside of us. Most importantly, as a result of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for us and our acceptance of the free gift of salvation, we have a responsibility to Him to go and do!
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Since we have been created by God and established in Christ, we are to live as Christ lived. We are to do good work. Works in and for the Kingdom of God that are useful, good, pleasant, and beneficial to and for others. These works are not works for salvation. These works come from our identity in Christ. We do good works out of Agape Love and not working for salvation. God has given each of us a unique purpose. It is our responsibility to discover and live out the good works He has prepared for us.
Point of Commitment: Spend time in prayer and reflection to discern your responsibility of purpose in your area of influence and commit to living it out.
Welcome to Day 18, Lord we are available to YOU! The Oxford English Dictionary defines availability as the quality of being able to be used or obtained. Did that make anyone else want to take off running?! When you apply for a new job, they will ask you to fill out your availability and what they are requesting at that moment is how much time and when can you make a commitment to be present for the tasks or duties that you desire to assign to you.
Isaiah 6:1-8 (we encourage you to read the entire passage) God calls Isaiah and this chapter opens with a vision of the Lord seated high on the throne showing the way to the most Holy of places. To see such perfection, beauty, and excellence overwhelm in the best way possible, Isaiah becomes aware of his sin and inadequacies then in verse 7, we see Isaiah's sins purged when the angel flew to him with a live coal in his hand and laid it on his mouth. Then we find ourselves in verse 8.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8
Being available to God is key to fulfilling His purpose. Like Isaiah, let us respond with an open heart, saying, “Here am I. Send me!” Availability means submitting our time, talents, and resources to God. Early in the fast, we spoke about obedience even in difficult times and availability is marked by obedience. Our availability to God is our surrender to His need for us.
Point of Commitment: Today pray for a heart that is willing and available to serve God in whatever way He calls you. How can you avail your time to the Lord? What can you implement in your week?Point of Commitment: Spend time in prayer and reflection to discern your responsibility of purpose in your area of influence and commit to living it out.
Welcome to day 19 of the 2024ORCE Relentless Fast, Trusting God’s Timing. There is nothing worse than arriving too late to an event and all of the food is gone, they have already handed out all of the prizes and you missed the special performance by your favorite person. Well, almost nothing worse, it is not exactly the most enjoyable to arrive too early and you are the only person there and you see the behind-the-scenes effects that take away from the remarkability of an amazing production. The bottom line is that timing is important. We prayed about discernment earlier in the fast and the ability to discern God’s timing about a matter nestles itself in your level of trust in Him and your ability to hear the Holy Spirit.
Trust is described as the belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. To trust God means to have every confidence in Him and know that if He said a thing that it will come to pass. In addition, trusting His timing is to know that the appointed time is the correct time. He sees all, knows all and well, truthfully it is a blessing to be us. We are being asked to trust the creator of time, the one who holds the world in the palm of His hand. The God that knows the beginning from the end and even in the middle. The one who predestined and ordained your very existence. He knows when you are prepared or equipped to handle/have/or hold a thing as well as when it is prepared or equipped for you!
For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
Here Solomon illustrates the imperfection of human wisdom, which is restricted or restrained to a season, a definite amount of time, something that our finite mind can wrap itself around. There is a predetermined set of time that is assigned to everything on this earth. The responsibility of Christians is to understand that God's timing is not ours, however. God stands outside of time and understands where we are, what we have, and the things we can handle as well when the earth is ready for what He desires to do through us and when the time and we are prepared to accomplish His work. God’s timing is perfect. Trust in His timing for your life, knowing that every season has a purpose.
Point of Commitment: Clear your mind, set your focus on God, and pray for patience and understanding of timing. Ask the Lord for the anointing to discern the time and trust in God's timing, that His timing is the best time for your life.
It is Day 20 and today we are talking about After That Comes the Favor. After what you may ask, truthfully there are so many things that we have discussed over the past three weeks that could fit into the "that" category after we have taken hold of spiritual disciplines, after we trust God's timing, after we have made ourselves available comes the favor of God.
Everything that you need to accomplish what God has for you to do He has already put in the minds of people who will provide infrastructure, systems, and even people (workers) to push it forward. The Israelites and their hills and valleys of obeying and disobeying God, being free, and then being in captivity is the story of their existence in the Old Testament. Ezra the priest was on the scene at the fall of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jews he led the returned captives to make a new commitment to God’s law. Artaxerxes was the king of Persia and Ezra had found favor with Him to do what God had already ordained him to do. We encourage you to read Ezra 7:11-28 today when you have time but let’s read today’s focus scriptures below.
This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave Ezra the priest, the scribe, expert in the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of His statutes to Israel: 12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, a scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Perfect peace, and so forth. 13 I issue a decree that all those of the people of Israel and the priests and Levites in my realm, who volunteer to go up to Jerusalem, may go with you.
21 And I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the region beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, let it be done diligently,
26 Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily on him, whether it be death, or banishment, or confiscation of goods, or imprisonment. 27 Blessed[i] be the Lord God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem, 28 and has extended mercy to me before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. Ezra 7:11-13, 21, and 26-28
God’s plan for your life is filled with hope and purpose. He will put your name in the minds and mouths of people with the authority to decree a thing in your favor to accomplish the assignment that He has given you. This letter permitted for Ezra to take Jewish volunteers, silver and gold, and temple vessels back to Jerusalem. The king also made provision for temple supplies and ministers and this letter gave Ezra the authority to appoint officers. Embrace His perfect plan with trust and faith and do what God has said.
Point of Commitment: Seek God’s guidance in understanding His specific plan for your life thank Him for the favor to complete because of your obedience and availability.
Welcome to Day 21 and the conclusion of the 2024ORCE Relentless Fast! Over the past three weeks, we have intentionally pursued God for our lives, and purpose, and got free from the things and people that may have been distractions or stumbling blocks. We are refocused on the things that God has set before us. We pray that your eyes have been open during this time and that you have taken hold of the daily points of commitment and throughout this year take time to review them periodically and remind yourself what you said that you would do or stop doing to make a significant impact on your life to take 2024 by FORCE!
7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written:
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 11
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:7-12
Jesus was describing what John’s contributions looked like that He was a great man and his veracity had given good success to his ministry. “John the Baptist understood the assignment!” He was not soft, or timid, he didn’t shy away when people were opposed to the message he carried. He knew that people needed what He had, and His resolve burned the passion in others to take hold. The “violent” were men of eager, impetuous zeal, who grasp the kingdom of heaven. Jesus taught that His Kingdom come, and His will be done on earth, these men understood that the Kingdom was peace, and pardon, and blessedness. It was with this understanding and much eagerness that men would snatch up the truth and carry it off as their own, like the spoils of war.
Our prayer for you for 2024 is that you walk in purpose and obedience, fulfilling all that God has established for you with a boldness, don’t stand on the sidelines of your own story. We declare what the word has said about us in Deuteronomy 28: 1-14, we encourage you to read the entire passage, but here’s an excerpt.
“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: Deuteronomy 28:1-2
We hope that you will join us tomorrow in person and online to seal this time with our First Fruits Service a Night of Prayer, Praise and Worship.
Point of Commitment: Choose an area of your life, whether at work, home, finances, fitness, or in relationships, and commit to pursuing excellence in it this quarter and each quarter choose a different one to perfect.