fasting - Central Assembly of God


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Going deeper in God sounds exciting but going deeper is always risky.
Losing ourselves, our comfort and our existing way of life could be a
dangerous proposition…but what if going deeper in God was the best
decision we ever made?
What if going deeper meant more peace, more joy and more of God’s
power and provision in my life? What if going deeper meant I could finally
be the person God wants and needs for me to be to accomplish His
purpose? What if going deeper means more people’s lives are changed
for the Kingdom of God…including my own! What if going deeper means
I’ll be a history maker and a world changer?!
I challenge us at Central Assembly to “go deeper” with Evangelist
Jonathan Shuttlesworth from January 4-7. Each time we hear from God’s
chosen servant, we have a decision to make. Will we be the same and
experience the same things? Or will we go deeper and possibly
experience God and His work in my life like never before?
1 Corinthians 2:9—10 (NKJV) says,
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things
which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us
through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”
Each week in January and February, we will focus on 8 specific areas of
revival, which are listed in the following calendar. As you will see, we, as a
church, are fasting each Wednesday in preparation for an evening of
prayer and worship. While fasting, there’s great benefit to limiting
distractions and entertainment helping to consecrate yourself to God.
All Adults will join in the sanctuary each Wednesday for 8 weeks while
Children & Youth will continue their regularly scheduled ministries.
I choose to go deeper and I ask you to join me!
Pastor Stephen R. Getchell
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week 1 : revival in my LIFE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
GOING DEEPER CONFERENCE
9/11am & 6pm 12pm & 7pm
12pm & 7pm
day of fasting
12pm & 7pm
week 2 : revival in my FAMILY –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
day of fasting
prayer & worship
@7pm
week 3 : revival in my CHURCH ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
day of fasting
prayer & worship
7pm
week 4 : revival in the NEXT GENERATION –––––––––––––––––––––––
day of fasting
prayer & worship
7pm
week 5 : revival in my COMMUNITY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––
day of fasting
prayer & worship
7pm
week 6 : revival in my COUNTY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
day of fasting
prayer & worship
7pm
week 7 : revival in my COUNTRY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
day of fasting
prayer & worship
7pm
week 8 : revival in the WORLD –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
day of fasting
prayer & worship
7pm
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TABLE of CONTENTS
5 - FASTING INSTRUCTIONS
6 - BIBLICAL REASONS FOR FASTING
9 - TYPES OF FAST
10 - HELPFUL TIPS FOR FASTING
12 - WEEK 1: REVIVAL IN MY LIFE
14 - WEEK 2: REVIVAL IN MY FAMILY
17 - WEEK 3: REVIVAL IN MY CHURCH
23 - WEEK 4: REVIVAL IN THE NEXT GENERATION
26 - WEEK 5: REVIVAL IN MY COMMUNITY
30 - WEEK 6: REVIVAL IN MY COUNTY
40 - WEEK 7: REVIVAL IN MY COUNTRY
42 - WEEK 8: REVIVAL IN THE WORLD
44 - NOTE PAGES
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FASTING INSTRUCTIONS
Simply stated, Biblical fasting
is refraining from food for
a spiritual purpose.
According to the Bible, there are 3 duties of every
Christian: give - pray - fast
Biblical fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength… strength
which you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will
bring you rewards in Heaven, says Matthew 6.
The root meaning of the noun “fast” is tsom in Hebrew, and
nesteia in Greek. It means voluntary abstinence from food. The
Hebrew word is a compound of the negative ne attached to the
verb esthio, “to eat,” hence “not to eat.” The Greek adjective
asitos is also a compound of the alpha-negative a attached to the
noun sitos “corn” or “food.”
When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving
at the beginning of the year, you set the course for the entire
year.
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Biblical Reasons & Benefits of Fasting
1. Your Heavenly Father sees it - Matt 6:18b says “Your Father
who sees in secret will repay you.”
2. Jesus commanded we fast - Matt 6:16 “WHEN you fast..”
3. Jesus gave us an example to follow - Matt 4:1-2 gives us the
account of Jesus fasting for forty days.
4. Fasting helps us fight temptation - In Matt 4:1-11 fasting
helped Jesus overcome the temptations of the devil. Fasting will
give you strength over temptation. Mark 9:29
5. Fasting brings the power of the Spirit - Luke 4:14 shows us
after Jesus fasted forty days he returned in the ‘power of the
Spirit.’
6. Fasting puts food in it’s rightful place - ‘Man shall not live by
bread alone.’ God’s Word and His Spirit should sustain us first,
then natural food. Luke 4:4
7. Fasting is denial of self - It is dying to the love of food.
Philippians 3:19
8. Fasting increases spiritual sensitivity - He rewards those who
diligently seek Him. Hebrews 6:11
9. Fasting brings revival - Jonah 3:5 tells us when the people
repented and fasted it brought spiritual renewal to Ninevah.
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10. Fasting leads to revelation - Daniel 9:20-23 tells us of Daniel
receiving great mysteries of the Kingdom of God during a time of
fasting and prayer.
11. Fasting brings favor - The first chapter of Daniel tells of
Daniel and his friends abstaining from the king’s meat and it
brought favor to the young men.
12. Fasting reveals God’s truths - Moses was in the mountain
fasting for forty days and God gave him the Law and it’s
precepts.
13. God’s glory comes when we fast - Moses went up the
mountain and fasted and after six days of waiting the glory of the
Lord appeared. Exodus 24
14. Fasting is a weapon - Fasting is used to fight against the
wiles of the devil. Mark 9:17-29, Eph. 6:12; Dan. 10:2-13; Job 1:6,
2:1; Zech. 3: 1; Matt. 4:1-11.
15. Fasting brings the promise to pass - Luke 2:36-38 tells of
Anna who fasted and prayed for the promise of the Messiah to
come.
16. Fasting brings answers to prayer - The angel came to
Daniel with an answer to his prayers after 21 days of fasting.
17. Fasting brings down satanic strongholds - In Daniel chapter
10 during Daniel’s fast the angel began warring against the prince
of the kingdom of Persia.
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18. Fasting puts fleshly desires aside - During a fast the Spirit
takes dominion over the carnal desires of the flesh. You will start
desiring more spiritual ambitions. II Cor. 5:15
19. Fasting results in humility - Fasting fights against the
temptation of pride and a large ego. Psalms 35:13, Deut. 8:2-3;
Ezra 8:21; Psalm 35:13, 69:10
20. Fasting produces the anointing - Anointing comes through
consecration and discipline.
21. The Apostle Paul fasted - Paul is recorded to have fasted
many times. If Paul did it, we should too.
22. Elijah fasted - Elijah was a man of much prayer and fasting.
His prophetic ministry was epic, and it was fueled by fasting and
prayer.
23. David fasted - David was a worshiper and a man after God’s
own heart and he is recorded as a man of fasting and seeking
after the Lord. Psalms 63, Psalms 109:22-25, 2 Samuel 16-23.
24. Fasting gives focus - Fasting gives a clear focus to our lives
and ministries.
25. Fasting is a heart’s cry for God to act - God acts when
people fast.
26. Fasting brings our bodies under subjection - I discipline my
body and make it my slave , so that, after I have preached to
others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Cor 9:27
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27. Fasting sets the captives free - Isaiah 58:6
28. Fasting brings guidance - If we need direction and guidance,
fasting can bring that to our lives. Jud. 20:26-28
29. Fasting shows God our sorrow and repentance for personal
sin - I Sam. 7:6; Matt. 5:4, 9:15, or the sins of the nation. Ezek.
9:4-6, Neh 1:4-6
30. Fasting allows more time to seek the Lord and for
prayer - 11 Sam. 12:16; Isa. 5 8:6-7; Matt. 4:1-11; I Cor. 7:5
Types of Fasts
Full Fast - No food, drink only liquids (Matthew 4:1-2; Matthew
11:18; Luke 4:1,2)
The Daniel Fast - Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink
water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables. (Daniel 10:2-3)
3-Day Fast - This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at
least one item of food. (1 Samuel 30:12; Esther 4:16; Acts 9:7-9)
Partial Fast - A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun
up to sundown. Many people select from three types of fasting - a
Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food during a
partial fast. (1 Samuel 14:24)
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Corporate Fasting - a unified body of people fasting at the same
time for the same reasons. 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
Helpful Tips
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 fasting you choose 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. **Consult your
doctor before abstaining from food if you have dietary or physical
restrictions.**
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What to Expect - When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating
toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as
headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and
sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your
activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings
about miraculous results. You are following Jesus' example when
you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often
as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal
distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind
set on seeking God's face. How to End - Don't overeat when the time comes to end your
fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or
snacks.
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WEEK 1 - REVIVAL IN MY LIFE
In order to experience personal revival, one has to live from the
fullness of that which our Lord Jesus Christ did for us on the
cross. We should ask the Father to open and enlighten our eyes
and minds through the Holy Spirit.
- Pray daily for a deeper relationship with Christ
- Pray for a deeper understanding of the complete redemption
and deliverance that Christ accomplished for us.
- Pray for a deeper understanding of the indwelling and workings
of the Holy Spirit - the Spirit of Christ in us.
Make an effort to live in greater dependence of God the Father.
Renewal is to live from the fullness of that which God the Father
gave us in Jesus Christ.
Repent of every known sin (Rev. 3:19)
Prayer for renewal and change (Psalm 85:7)
Pray for humility & brokenness(Is.57:15; 2 Chr. 7:14 & Jas.4:7)
Prayer for the Lord's daily guidance (John 4:34)
Prayer for the daily filling of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18)
Prayer for equipping to serve the Lord (Luke 4: 18-18)
Prayer for involvement in the expansion of God's Kingdom (Matt.
28:18-20)
Forsake all questionable habits and activities. (Rom.14:23 & 1
Peter 1:16)
Make right any wrongs between yourself and others. (Matt.
5:23-24)
Commune with God through prayer & the Word (Ps.119:107 & 1
Th.5:17)
Trust God to use you as His instrument in the lives of others (Jas.
5:19-20)
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WEEK 2 - REVIVAL IN MY FAMILY
Pray for the presence and power of God to increase in your
home. (Ps.145:3-7)
Confess faith in the power of our spiritual weaponry to destroy
strongholds. (2 Cor. 10:3-5)
Pray and believe for salvation for the whole family. (Josh.
24:14-15)
Declare the plans God has for you, your family, & your kids. (Jer.
29:11)
Pray for your marriage to be a true reflection of Christ and the
church. (Eph. 5:21-33 & Is. 54:13)
Pray for and claim victory over the world on behalf of our families,
kids, and relatives. (Gal. 3:13-14) Let forgiveness, restoration and reconciliation flow in your
relationships. (2 Cor. 5:19-21)
Build a hedge of protection and a wall of fire around your
household. (Job 1:10)
Pray the warfare prayers that will deliver from evil. (Matt. 6:9-13)
Command the blessing upon your home. (Num. 6:24)
The family is the first unit that God created right after He created
Adam and well before government or even church. It is logical
that revival must move from the personal to the family level. The
ones we live with on a daily basis know us best and will sense
what is happening in our lives. What a natural environment for
further development of revival!
HOW TO PRAY FOR OUR LOST FAMILY
1. CLAIM (*by specific name) as God’s rightful child and place (*)
under the Blood Covenant and BELIEVE for (*) in the name and
title of the Lord Jesus Christ on the basis of His blood which was
shed on the cross.(I Cor. 6:19-20, Ex. 12:3, Heb. 11:7, Lev. 16:6,
Acts 11:14, 2 Peter 3:9 & I John 5:14-15)
2. CLAIM a tearing down of all the lies and works of Satan that
have deceived (*) from the truth. (2 Cor. 4:4 & I John 3:8)
3. CLAIM a deliverance from the world, their flesh and the devil.
(I John 2:15-17 & Eph. 2)
4. PRAY for an awakening (convicting) of their conscience.
(2 Cor. 10:3-5, John 16:8)
5. PRAY for God’s preparing their heart to hear and RECEIVE
God’s Word. (Jas. 1:21)
6. PRAY for God to loose His word into their life and to send
someone to share the Gospel who has favor with them and to
loose angels to minister and bring them in. (Matt. 18:18, John
6:44-45, Rom. 10:13-15, I Cor. 9:14-23, I Cor. 10:23, Heb. 1:14,
Matt. 13:39, & Ps. 103:19-20)
7. PRAISE & THANK God for what He will do because He has
promised. (Eph. 5:20, I Thes. 5:16-18, & Acts 16:25-34)
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WEEK 3 - REVIVAL IN MY CHURCH
A mighty move of God in a person’s life, and within a family, can
be multiplied when these individuals and families come together
as the church to seek revival. When a body of believers joins to
seek God together, to worship together and to fast together, it
can result in a corporate anointing that will amplify the effect of
what God is doing.
Acts 2-5 shows the power that comes when the church is unified,
moving toward one vision; “Everyone was filled with awe, and
many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the
apostles” (Acts 2:43), “And the Lord added to their number daily
those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47), “Nevertheless, more
and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added
to their number” (Acts 5:14), “Crowds gathered also from the
towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented
by evil spirits, and all of them were healed” (Acts 5:16).
Let’s take this week to seek God for a revival in our church that
Central has yet to experience in our 61 years of existence.
Lord, give Central a fresh outpouring of
Your Spirit
• Psalm 51:2 - Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from
my sin.
• Psalm 51:7 - Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
• Mark 2:22 - And no one pours new wine into old wineskins.
Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine
and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into
new wineskins.
• Acts 2:16-18 - This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all
people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young
men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even
on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my
Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
Lord, give us a spirit of unity so we glorify
You with one heart and voice.
• 1 Peter 1: 22 - Now that you have purified yourselves by
obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each
other, love one another deeply, from the heart.
• Romans 15:5-7 - May the God who gives endurance and
encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward
each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and
one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ
accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Father, anoint and empower those who
lead us at Central.
• Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no revelation, people cast
off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s
instruction.
• Ephesians 4:11-13 - So Christ himself gave the apostles, the
prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip
his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ
may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the
knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining
to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 4:1-3 - This, then, is how you ought to regard
us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the
mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those
who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very
little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I
do not even judge myself.
God, lead us as the body to know and be the
ministers You have called us to be.
• Ephesians 4:2-7 - Be completely humble and gentle; be
patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort
to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to
one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one
baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and
through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been
given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he
ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to
his people.”
• Philippians 2:1-7 - Therefore if you have any encouragement
from being united with Christ, if any comfort -from his love, if
any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and
compassion, then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one
mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking
to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the
others. In your relationships with one another, have the same
mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did
not consider equality with God something to be used to his
own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking
the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
• 1 Corinthians12:12-14 - Just as a body, though one, has
many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with
Christ. For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form
one body–whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free–and we
were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not
made up of one part but of many.
Father, may this church be a habitation for
Your presence.
• Psalm 22:3 - But You are holy, You who inhabit the praises of
Israel.
• Psalm 100:3 - Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made
us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His
pasture.
• Psalm 95:7-8 - For He is our God and we are the people of
His pasture, the flock under His care. Today, if only you would
hear His voice, “Do not harden your hearts as you did at
Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness.”
God, send a revival that Central has yet to
experience.
• Psalm 86:6 - Will you not revive us again, that your people
may rejoice in you?
• Psalm 80:18-19 - Then we will not turn away from you; revive
us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, Lord God
Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.
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WEEK 4 - REVIVAL IN THE NEXT GENERATION
John Wesley said: “What one generation tolerates, the next
generation will embrace.”
Sadly we have tolerated a hell-less, eternity-less, sin-less gospel
and this next generation is aimed at accepting this as the genuine
apostolic original. The true Christian witness seems to be almost
overshadowed by false doctrines, false cults, and false prophets.
It is time for a holy desperation for revival to arise in God’s
people for the next generation!
We declare that the Spirit of God being poured out on the Next
Generation is stronger than any rebellion and will work to turn
this generation back to God. (Luke 1:17)
Raise up the sons and daughters of destiny to contend for the
cultural keys of our nation. (Is. 22:22)
We declare a great spiritual hunger , freedom and breakthrough
for the next generation(Is. 49:25)
Pray that God will raise a generation that will not compromise
(Dan. 1:8, Rev. 2:20)
God will pour out the promised rain of His spirit on our sons and
daughters. May they see dreams and visions and prophecy. (Joel
2:28)
We pray for the next generation in which great conviction of sin
and Holy cleansing takes place. (1 John 1:7)
Raise up the next generation that will not be ashamed of the
Gospel. (Rom. 1:16)
We declare God’s spirit of obedience will be mightily upon the
young. They will not waste their years, but tithe them to the Lord.
(Luke 2:49)
Raise up evangelists filled with the power of the spirit–doing
miracles and healing the sick. (Luke 4:19-19; Is. 61:1-2)
Raise up a generation who will proclaim Your gospel to every
people group in the earth. (Matt.24:14)
We declare this young generation will know the love of God in
such a way that they will break through religious and racial
barriers and reject territoriality, spiritual pride and selfish
ambition, so that the unity Jesus prayed for will be seen. (John
17:23)
We declare that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ will explode in
the next generation a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the true
knowledge of God. (Eph. 1:17)
There is a generation that is marked by spiritual violence, by
extreme passion, and by sacrifice and devotion. We pray this
generation will seize the moment and turn nations back to God.
(Matt. 11:12)
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WEEK 5 - REVIVAL IN MY COMMUNITY
Where you live is not by accident.
God has placed each one of us in a specific
community for a specific purpose.
Our communities are the places where:
…conversations are held with people across generational, social
and cultural lines.
…life’s struggles and victories can be seen and heard on front
porches and in backyards
…people bring home their newborns and sit by their passing
grandparents.
…decisions are made that will affect the residents’ quality of life.
…where the love, compassion and power of God can be
demonstrated by us, the church, in everyday life.
It is a privilege to be able to partner with God to see His glory
manifested in the homes and lives of those we live closest to.
Father, help me to be a light in my community
so the people will value integrity.
• 1 Samuel 16:7b - The Lord does not look at the things
people look at. People look at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.
• Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart. For
everything you do flows from it.
• Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they
will see God.
God, lead my community to be cleansed
of sin.
• Psalm 25:18 - Look on my affliction and my distress and take
away all my sins.
• Nehemiah 1:6b, 8-9 - I confess the sins we Israelites,
including myself and my father’s house, have committed
against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you.
Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses,
saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the
nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands,
then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I
will gather them from there and bring them to the place I
have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
God, be with our mayors, supervisors, councils,
judges and law enforcement officers as they
uphold righteousness and justice.
• Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and justice are the foundation
of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
• Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and His
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well.
Lord, let my community experience Your
presence & power through Your sovereign works
& through my acts of love.
• Psalm 43:3-4 - Send me your light and your faithful care, let
them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to
the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.
• 2 Corinthians 15:18-20 - All this is from God, who
reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the
ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world
to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.
And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
We’re therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were
making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s
behalf: Be reconciled to God.
God, fill my community with Your glory.
• Psalm 22:27-28 - All the ends of the earth will remember and
turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow
down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he
rules over the nations.
• Habakkuk 2:14 - For the earth will be filled with the
knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the
sea.
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WEEK 6 - REVIVAL IN MY COUNTY
Washington County has a rich history of faith in Jesus Christ,
including the revival of His saints. Knowing this history helps us
understand our destiny as citizens of Heaven and citizens of this
great county. Yet, with all the evidence of what God has done in
this region, there are still many more who need Jesus for
salvation, healing and deliverance. Let God expand your vision of
the impact you can have not only in your home, church and
community, but also this entire county.
God, may my county see an ever-increasing
reality of your kingship and peace.
• Isaiah 9:6-7 - For a child will be born to us, a son will be given
to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His
name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the
increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of
David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.
• Psalm 22:27-28 - All the ends of the earth will remember and
turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow
down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he
rules over the nations.
God, let my county be known as a region
where healthy marriages and families thrive.
• Mark 10:6-9 But at the beginning of creation God made
them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his
father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will
become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
• Ephesians 5:21-32 - Submit to one another out of reverence
for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as
you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife
as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is
the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives
should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands,
love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave
himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the
washing with water through the word, and to present her to
himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any
other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way,
husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He
who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated
their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as
Christ does the church - for we are members of his body.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and
be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
This is a profound mystery–but I am talking about Christ and
the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife
as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
• Ephesians 6: 1-4 - Children, obey your parents in the Lord,
for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” - which is
the first commandment with a promise -“so that it may go
well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them
up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Lord, may the businesses of my county
experience prosperity in order to improve our
local economy and to help those less fortunate.
• Proverbs 16:3 - Commit your work to the Lord, and then
your plans will succeed.
• Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your
heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
God, give vision and power to the churches of
my county in order to see all people saved.
• John 1:9-13 - The true light that gives light to everyone was
coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the
world was made through him, the world did not recognize
him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not
receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who
believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of
God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human
decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
• Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit
comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
• 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as
some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance.
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Below are excerpts from
“The Centennial Celebration of the Organization of Washington County,
Pennsylvania: The Religious History”
This county was brought into existence in the midst of revivals. It is
just one hundred years since God first poured out his spirit upon this
western county and made sacred the spot where we stand. In the fall of
1781, the churches of Chartiers and Pigeon Creek, under the care of Dr.
John McMillan, and Upper Buffalo and Cross Creek, under the care of Rev.
Joseph Smith, were simultaneously made glad with the divine presence,
and from that day to this the cloud of heavenly benediction has never
been lifted from this garden spot on earth. In this beyond everything else,
do we find, in my judgment, the most distinguishing feature of our history.
I have seen other communities in which the people were just as intelligent
and enterprising, as those with which I am surrounded and whose fertile
hills and well watered meadows were just as productive as those which
send back the voice of this centennial jubilee, but where is there a spot
rendered sacred by the repeated manifestations of the divine presence?
Not only do your watchmen see eye to eye, literally look into each other’s
faces, and the shadows of your church steeples touch each other, but for
a man not to have an outward respect for religion, in this community, is to
become a social and political outcast, a sort of religious Ishmaelite from
whom all turn with instinctive horror. That you are a loyal citizen of
Washington County carries with it the presumption that you are not only a
respecter of religion but in some formal way are connected with some
religious denomination. I therefore make no apology for magnifying my
office and saying that your Scotish-Irish blood and your fertile soil and
splendid educational institutions are all secondary matters. Washington
County would not be Washington County without her grand and sublime
religious history. (pg. 74)
We come now to speak of the type of piety, and the manner in which
the power of God was here manifested. In these respects we think it
altogether probable that nothing has surpassed it since the out pouring of
the Spirit in the day of Pentecost.
Without attempting a detailed history, allow me in the briefest
manner possible, to speak of some of the times and circumstances
connected with the display of God’s might power; desiring more
particularly to call your attention to some of the facts connected
therewith, as indicating the character and magnitude of the work for the
display of which these hills and valleys were God’s chosen theatre.
As already intimated, the first revival of religion ever witnessed west
of the Allegheny Mountains took place in the fall of the year 1781,
simultaneous with the organization of this county. What is remarkable
about this, is that the interest manifested commenced almost exactly at
the same time in four different congregations, somewhat remote from
each other and without any preconcerted effort, viz: Cross Creek and
Upper Buffalo, under the care of Rev. Joseph Smith, and Chartiers and
Pigeon Creek, under the care of Rev. John McMillan. This work seems to
have been preceded and ushered in, on the one hand, by deep groaning
on the part of God’s people over the very low state of religious feeling
among themselves, and the condition of the unthinking crowds who were
without any apparent concern for themselves, pressing on to the final
judgment; and on the other by the frequent Sabbath and week night
meetings held for preaching, prayer and exhortation. Not infrequently
these services were continued throughout the entire night, (pg. 83) even
before there were any wide spread demonstrations of the Spirit’s
presence. There was nothing remarkable about the work itself, except
the deep and genuine concern which seemed to take possession alike of
old and young, friends and foes of the gospel.
The most marked feature of those who were brought under concern
was the deep and overwhelming sense of the “absolute contrariety of
their hearts and lives to the law of God, the awful wages of sin and the
indisposition on their part, by reason of the hardness of their hearts, to
turn to God, love his law or embrace Jesus Christ as he is offered in the
gospel;” and when brought to peace, it seems to have sprung from a
discovery of sovereignty as well as the freeness, fullness and all sufficiency
of the grace of God as manifested in Jesus Christ. In many instances the
feeling was very deep, but only in a few were there those who seemed to
be wholly overcome, and these did not manifest their feelings as was
afterwards done in what was called the falling exercises.
This season of awakening continued in these and to some extent,
adjacent churches for some five or six years, (some say twelve years) with
almost unabated power, and when we call to mind that it commenced
very soon after the people had left their fortifications, and got out on
their farms, and in fact, before the country was free from incursions on the
part of the hostile Indians, we can in some measure appreciate the relative
importance and magnitude of the work itself.
Between this and 1800 there were several seasons of awakening of
greater or less power; notably those of 1796, in Chartiers, in which the
Canonsburg Academy largely shared; and that of 1798 and ’99, in which
nearly all the churches of the Presbytery, to a greater or less extent
participated. But as these awakenings were not very extensive and did
not differ materially from that already described, I pass on to speak of
that season in which this whole community was shaken as if by a moral
earthquake–a revival which in many of its aspects, we have no hesitation
in saying, was more remarkable than that experienced on the day of
Pentecost.
During the latter part of 1801 there seems to have been a
widespread feeling of distress at the low state of religion amongst God’s
people and the alarming increase in the boldness and out spoken
opposition of the enemies of Christ. Gradually the interest deepened.
Some special services, especially in connection with communion seasons,
were held. Many were awakened, some brought to Christ, and with
deeper earnestness and a more wrestling spirit did the people of God get
down before him beseeching him to come to their help. (pg. 84) So
intense was the feeling that, besides the general quarterly prayer meeting
which had been observed on the first Thursday of each quarter, by nearly
all the churches, for the last five or six years, and the special services held
on the Sabbath and in connection with their communion season, there had
been an agreement on the part of the people of Three Springs, a part of
Rev. Elisha McCurdy’s charge, to spend a portion of time, about sunsetting on each Thursday, in secret prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit
at their approaching communion season, to take place on the 4th Sabbath
of September 1802.
The time came. The windows of heaven opened. The Sabbath
preceding the communion was a season of great interest and no small
evidence of the presence and power of God; not a few tarried and spent
most of the night in prayer. Thursday being observed as a day of fasting
and prayer, gave increased evidence of the Spirit’s presence. Before the
sermon had been commenced, two young persons, who had retired to the
woods to pray, fell prostrate on the ground, completely overcome. It was
the commencement of the falling exercise. When these two young
persons were met by others, they were crying most piteously, and when
inquired of as to the cause of their distress, their only answer was: “We
are exposed to the wrath of God.” And when urged to look to Christ
they said: “We have so long rejected the offer of mercy and our hearts
have become so hard, that we fear God will not have mercy upon us.”
They were carried into the house and for five hours the services
continued. The place was literally a Bochim. The cries of distress were
heard in every part of the congregation. The services were kept up with
very little intermission until the forenoon of the following Monday, when
the congregation was dismissed, but not a movement was made by the
people. Hundreds remained all day and the next night on the grounds. It
was by far the most impressive scene ever witnessed west of the
mountains. Great numbers were prostrate on the ground utterly helpless,
and as the next day began to dawn, light began to break into many souls
which up to this time had been left in total darkness. And now the
audience began slowly and apparently with great reluctance, to separate.
The following two months will be forever memorable as a season (pg. 85)
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There is not a square foot within your territorial limits which would
be what it is today, had it not been for those mighty men of God, who
took possession of this land in the name of their ascended Redeemer.
There is not a man, woman or child, within your territory who is not in
some respects the better for having breathed the atmosphere yet
redolent with the fragrances for those revivals which, like the waves of the
sea swept across these hills and these valleys. I asked one of the
brightest of college graduates when uniting with my church, why he was
giving up the law and entering the Seminary. Said he, “I went to
Washington & Jefferson College and breathing the atmosphere, I caught
the infection and now feel, “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel.”(pg. 92)
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Brethren my task is done. I have led you over this field with an
enthusiasm which no other spot on earth could kindle, but I would have
you know that great privileges involve great responsibilities. We walk in
the shadow of great men; are we equal to the shadows in which we
stand? Are our footprints making such impressions as will gladden the
generations yet unborn, as theirs have gladdened us? If not, let us awake
to a fuller realization of life and the mission God has put in our hands.
Yonder is the judgment. Will it be for weal or for woe? Will you and I
stand with heads lifted above the clouds, in company with McMillan, and
Smith and McCurdy and Henderson and Ramsey; or shall it be said of us
that we knew not the time of God’s visitation and be driven away to the
blackness of darkness forever, with the thought forever reverberating in
our souls, “Ye knew your Master’s will and did it not.” (pg. 93) ____________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________ WEEK 7 - REVIVAL IN MY COUNTRY
“The only way to change our nation is by changing the individuals
who make up our nation by introducing them to Jesus Christ.”
This is the only workable and biblical formula that offers hope to
this dying land which is now on Spiritual, economic, and cultural
life support.
- Cal Thomas
1. It starts with Prayer - If my people who are called by my name
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from
their wicked ways. I will hear from heaven and will forgive their
sins and restore their land. (2 Ch. 7:14)
2. We can “Delay the Decay” - You are the salt of the earth; but
if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good to anything, except to be thrown out and
trampled underfoot by men. (Matt: 5:13)
3. The Stable Pillars are gone - If the foundations be destroyed
what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3)
• Abortion legalized, 50 million babies killed
• Homosexuality accepted along with gay marriage
• God removed from all public places
4. Bible reading is critical - My people are destroyed for lack of
knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge I will also
reject you from being my priest. (Hosea 4:6)
5. Pray For Those in Authority - I urge you first of all to pray for
all people. Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and
give thanks for them. Pray this way for Kings and all who are in
authority so that we will live peaceful and quiet lives marked by
Godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior,
who wants everyone to be saved and understand the truth.
(1 Tim. 2: 1-4)
6. Quotes to Remember • “We cannot condone what God condemns”
• “We must be vigilante and seek the truth”
• “Ultimately God is in control”
• “The heart of God is to have people saved”
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____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ WEEK 8 - REVIVAL IN MY WORLD
Psalm 2:8 gives us God’s vision for the nations. It says, “Ask of
Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the
ends of the earth for Your possession.”
Jesus has the right to inherit the nations.
He shed his blood for the sins of the whole
world and he was raised from the dead
as Lord over all the earth.
PRAY for the fulfillment of the Great Commission around the
world, according to His command and promise (Matt. 28:18-20
and 1 John 5:14-15)
RECOGNIZE the problem of the labor shortage in the spiritual
harvest (Matt. 9:37-38 and Rom. 10:13-15)
MOBILIZE and TEACH others to pray for laborers (2 Tim 2:2)
PRAY persistently for missionaries (Isa 6:8 and Matt. 9:37-38)
PRAY that God will prepare individuals’ hearts to understand and
respond to the gospel (John 6:44)
LET the nations be awakened (Joel 3:12)
SEND forth Your salvation to the ends of the earth (Isa. 49:6)
CAUSE them to repent and to turn from their idols (Eze. 14:6)
SHAKE the nations, so they will come to the Desire of All Nations
(Hag 2:7)
LET the earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory
(Hab. 2:14)
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