As the week was unfolding there was a growing sense in me that the best way to present this was not by me preaching it. Sometimes we take these "leadings" too lightly, but I couldn't shake it. We are so ready to preach something into others and less prepared to throw out our preconceived plans and let the Holy Spirit do it Himself.  In this case, there was also a deep sense of conviction through my prayer and fasting that I needed to give God some room to deal with me.        

Still battling....Sunday morning I was up early finishing preparations for the day. As I wrestled for a sense of direction I decided to put my notes aside and just worship. I asked Cyndi to put a Worship CD on.  I began to listen to the words of a CD that I had never heard before. They grabbed my spirit. They ushered me into the very sense of what I was to be preaching on a few hours later. I knew I had to be open to setting the stage for a direct connect not another Chip Block sermon.

As the service unfolded later that morning I was prepared to step aside after reading the text and let the Holy Spirit be the teacher of the day. I challenged the attendees to take the sermon note page and fill it with a prayer or words they sensed God was speaking to them. As we moved through that portion of the service there was a strong sense of God's presence.....a Holy hush. We gave God time to drive his agenda. It was fresh, spontaneous, and meaningful.

I have received several notes, emails or direct comments coming out of our Sunday worship experience:  All positive (although I know the other are out there). Most of the comments have reflected the fresh, spontaneous, and meaningful aspects of the time spent. What about you. Any thoughts? In this case there is some validity to the statement: I guess you had to be there. But, I would love to hear from you.

We finish the actual 40 days today. I did some extended fasting two different times during the 40 days and then some shorter fasting exercises in between. I come out of this affirming again that prayer with fasting is powerful!!!! The battle with the flesh is no stronger that when we are fighting it in seasons of fasting and prayer. I experienced that first hand. BUT, the spiritual awareness, sensitivity and rewards of breakthrough far out-weight.

Let's keep pressing on to all that God has for us!!!!

Hope to see you Sunday,

Chip

We are into our second week of the 40 day emphasis, “ the Power in ONE.” I am excited about the spirit of prayer that has been evident already as we have set aside these days for prayer and fasting. Last Sunday morning was evidence of that! We have encouraged participation in fasting on a personal level through these days as well.  Fasting is a spiritual discipline that brings a scattering of responses: it’s legalism….I don’t need to do that….that was for back then….we don’t do that in our church….never heard of that…..me, give up food?...can’t do that….on and on the list could go. Most times fasting is seen as negative, hard or undoable. 

A few days ago I received an email that spoke to the other side of the fasting issue. These few lines grabbed me: “I have a quick question..does the "sacrifice of spiritual fasting for prayer, praise and listening to the Spirit "count" if I just LOVE to do it??!! I am just having the best time with Jesus today that this can't REALLY be called a discipline!” Now there is the other side. 

In my message on Sunday I said, “I have learned that it takes an extended fast for me to quiet my sprit and experience the benefits of fasting.” I am walking in this even  as I write this.  It is true: when I put down my flesh (EATING) and feed my spirit great things happen.  I too am experiencing the joy of the fast…..today.  

How about you? Are you trying fasting for the first time? Are you experiencing the joy that can come? Are you struggling, yet persevering? Any thoughts to share…. 

May the Lord work in each of our lives and in the OBCC body as we set aside these special days of prayer and FASTING.  

Have a great day!!! 

Chip