Discouraged

Have you ever been beaten down so many times that you feel like you can't get back up one more time?

Fasting & Prayer

Here are the answers to the blanks on your worksheets. Who all is going to complete it?! Comment and let me know!!

2 Samuel 12:13-20 – David’s sin was exposed, and he fasted to beg God’s mercy. The end result was that his child died. Through fasting, David’s will was aligned with God’s will.

2 Chronicles 20:1-21 – Jehoshaphat and all the people of Judah were facing a desperate situation. All of the people fasted, and God chose to deliver them in a miraculous way.

Ezra 8:21-23 – Ezra was seeking God’s direction. Fasting was not pleasant, but they were willing to endure fasting in order to find the right way to go.

Nehemiah 1:1-11 – Nehemiah fasted out of grief over the results of sin, and to express repentance for their sin.

Psalm 69:5 & 10 – David chastised himself before God had to. This was a result of true repentance of sin.

Joel 1:10-15 – Joel called the people to fast to ask God to reverse His punishment. The picture found here (wasted, dry, withered) describes much of Christianity today.

Jonah 3:5 – The people of Nineveh fasted after they believed in God. This was a sign of true repentance and God withheld His judgment.

Zachariah 7:4-5 – The people fasted out of routine. Fasting should be need-driven, more than something that’s scheduled.

Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus fasted, and was hungry after. At this point of physical weakness Satan tempted Him. Jesus used scripture to fight back.

Matthew 6:16-18 – fasting is a private thing. You shouldn’t tell everyone that you’re fasting. Only tell the people who need to know (your parents need to know).

Matthew 9:14-15 – Jesus compared fasting with mourning. Fasting is a serious matter, and one that should be approached with the right heart attitude.

Matthew 17:14-21 – Fasting aligns our will with God’s will, and causes us to realize that He is the one that does mighty things, not us.

Acts 13:2-3 – If these men had not taken the time to pray with fasting, God might not have spoken to them. There are some things God will only tell us during a time of fasting.

Acts 14:23 – Some things are so serious that fasting is the only proper response.

Homesick

To my precious friends who are hurting right now, I dedicate this song to you...

Homesick

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again, to see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now.

Talent & Sleep Deprivation Contest!

Is everyone else wiped out from this weekend? ...it was sooo worth it! I really am so proud of our entire youth group...whether or not you performed. For those of you who weren't able to come with us to Dayton, please don't feel left out - I realize not everybody was able to come.

One of the highlights for me was getting together with you guys at midnight and praying. How cool is that - talking with the One who brought us together in the first place! Keep praying for the people in your prayer group that night, along with the special request for the $77k that we need to purchase our Youth Center. God answers prayer, and I want your faith to be strengthened by seeing this specific answer to prayer.

Also, remember what Bro. Kenny Baldwin preached on. He summarized so much of what we've been trying to teach you over the past couple years. Especially remember, 1) Don't fight the preparation, and 2) Be 10 times better...

Last night was an awesome conclusion to the dynamite weekend. Thanks, Jay, for leading a time of reflection - I really appreciate you!