Anyone who knows me at all, can tell you how much I love this country. I think America is the best nation on the planet. I love our history. I especially love the ideals and principles upon which our great nation was founded upon.

The belief that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" still rings true in my heart and spirit.

Our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, still moves me every time I hear it or sing it aloud. The less familiar last verse says in part,

"Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land

Praise the Power that has made and preserved us as a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust";

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."

What's happening to our country? Our national values are being watered down by people who seemingly don't know the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution or our godly history; taking our freedoms with it. How can we sit idly by and watch these foundational virtues be destroyed?

There is still hope for America! As Christians we are called to action by God through His holy word. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 is says, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." As believers, we are called upon to...

1. Humble our selves before the Lord

2. Pray

3. Seek God's Face

4. Repent of our sins (individually and collectively)

Scripture reminds us that, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Pro. 14:34).

What can you do? Join with hundreds of thousands of others by being involved over the next thirty or so by praying and fasting for this great land of ours. Go to www.prayandact.org.

We are praying specifically in three areas:

• • Sanctity of life
• • Sacredness of marriage
• • Preservation of religious liberty

It's time to act. It's time to call upon the Lord. It's time to restore America's future and hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Pastor Brian

"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my HOPE is in you all day long."
Psalm 25:5

How does one possess a hope that last all day long? Many times we are challenged to hold on to hope for even an hour depending on the circumstances. There is one way to having and maintaining hope that last through out the day.

1. Position yourself to find hope- The best position is always on your knees. Recognizing that God is our source of comfort, strength and hope; you take your rightful and meek position under His care and watchful eye. By reaching the conclusion you need Him and turning to Him; you are now in a place to receive His grace and wisdom. This verse starts with the word "guide." It's an obvious prayer asking for God's help. To be hopeful, we all need God's help.

2. Purpose to know the truth- In this verse David is asking to be led in the truth. He was an intelligent man and a quite capable leader; however, he was also keening aware of man's own selfish desires and heart. So instead of relying on his own wisdom, he asks God to guide him in truth. We shouldn't trust in our own understanding, but "in all our ways acknowledge him and he will make our paths straight." He is the God of truth.

3. Patiently wait to be taught- The Lord imparts wisdom to those who wait patiently before Him. There is a wisdom of this world, but it is lacking compared to the ways of God. God reminds us of this in Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." If we learn God's ways and do things His way, there is always hope.

If you do these three things, you will find yourself on the roadway to hope that last all day and everyday.

My Way

Frank Sinatra use to sing, "I did it my way" to the applause of thousands. And who doesn't like doing things when and how you want to do them. The problem with this kind of thinking is that we are sinful people, and our way leads to separation from God.

Mankind is sinful and often wicked. And even when we come to this conclusion personally; we want reconciliation with God on our own terms. The story of the Tower of Babel is a great example. Humanity pridefully builds toward heaven in a vain attempt to bring restoration to God. They were attempting to do it their way. And this is man's answer to reconciliation with God.

However, God's answer is much different. Instead of man moving toward heaven, heaven came down to man; not once, but twice. The first time was Christ and the second was the promised Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

Pentecost did what Babel could not. The Holy Spirit brought reconciliation to the irreconcilable. Pentecost brought with it the church, not a building made with human hands. Pentecost brought understanding of languages, Babel brought confusion of language. Pentecost

united the nations, but Babel divided them.

I encourage you to search your heart thoroughly toady and see if you have been doing life your way or Gods. It could make all the difference in the world.

The Masters

This has been one of the most memorable weekends in Master's golf history. The course was pristine as it is each year. The weather was very good and provided picturesque images of this major event.

There were two golfers who had a similar story, but completely different outcomes. Both golfers were away from their sport for a number of months because of their wives. Much of the hype surrounding the 2010 Masters Tournament was focused on Tiger Woods' return to golf. His absence from golf is well documented. After his is multiple sexual affairs, he lost many of his sponsors, and it is still to be determined if he will keep his wife and family.

Another golfer missed many of the 2009 season tournaments. After finding out that his wife, Amy, had been diagnosed with breast cancer, Phil Mickelson decided to faithfully stand beside her and give his entire attention to his bride. After winning this year's Master's Championship, he walked over to his wife and they shared an intimate moment for all to see. It wasn't show for the cameras, it was a display of two lives shared. Amy has been there throughout Phil's career by being present at many of his tournaments. When she needed his support, he was there willingly with his presence. Their love for one another is obvious and refreshing given today's culture.

I admittedly have been a Tiger fan from the beginning. He rarely let his fans down when leading going into "red Sunday." And many times when I tried to cheer for Phil, he would find some way to let a lead slip away. And going into this year's Master's Tournament, I was hoping for another miraculous fist pumping win from Tiger. However, after learning of Phil and Amy's story I have can't help but cheer the both of them on. Not only this weekend, but in all of their endeavors. How beautiful it is to see a true champion in every sense of the word.

We might not all be able to compete in the world of professional sports. But we can all be champions in our own right. Being a champion is more about who you are then winning tournaments. Zig Ziglar said, “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” You can listen here to a message I recently preached called "Commitment Rocks."

?Good Friday?

Good Friday is coming up later during this Week of Passion. This morning I was prayerfully considering the events that unfolded on that night. What was unlocked that night, or course, carried over through the entire weekend and culminates in the Resurrection.

As I personalized Christ's suffering, I was brought to tears. My Savior and closest friend enduring the cross for my sin is overwhelming. I don't believe I will ever feel worthy enough to receive such an act of true love and forgiveness.

My thoughts turned to those of us who desire deeply to follow Christ. For those of us who sincerely desire and long to be a true believer and disciple of His. For us God seemingly leads us into a place of trial and testing. Our flesh resists these times, but Christ didn't.

These types of places are where we become thoroughly convinced in our heart that we can not accomplish His will in our own strength and intellect. A place that forces us to depend only upon Him. To look at His pierced hands and feet and realize that He is our only way. He is our only strength.

As we focus on the Passion Week, many of us can more easily identify with the crucifixion instead of the resurrection because of the trials we maybe currently encountering. We usually want a quick fix, such as three days (Good Friday till Easter). However, many times we have to endure for a longer period of time, because our flesh isn't so easily crucified.

Romans 6:6

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin."

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Galatians 5:24

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."

If you are struggling and feeling overwhelmed, turn to the cross. The cross is the centerpiece life and faith. Embrace the cross with all of its splintered afflictions with this one thought, "I am crucifying my flesh, so that Christ can life in me and through me." With this you will be able to echo the feelings of Paul, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. ¹⁶Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

¹⁷Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. ¹⁸For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

Clanging Cymbal

When I was in high school I was a percussionist. I wasn't just a drummer, but a percussionist. It wasn't a big deal, the job was mine because I was the only one who could read music. Playing in both the band and orchestra I had the opportunity to play all types of cymbals.

If the cymbals were miss hit or not struck correctly, they made an unpleasant sound. And the sound would stand alone and detract from the pleasant harmony and melodies of a musical score.

But when struck together properly, a crisp and sharp sound would emanate adding the proper emphasis to a note. It's interesting that the same instrument can both destroy a beautiful song, or enhance its beauty.

This must be what Paul meant when he said, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." With out true love in our lives we stand alone and take a way from the pleasant sounds of the entire orchestra. We become a "resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." But when we walk in love, we become a part of a full orchestra (the body of Christ) that produces a heavenly sound that attracts people to God.

The music of heaven is only produced through love. Let's make beautiful music together.

True Love Rocks

We are reading through 1 Corinthians 13 everyday for a month. Every one can join us at www.thirteen-thirty.com.

Today I was drawn to verse six, "rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." The fact that the word rejoiceth is used twice caught my attention. Love rejoices and celebrates. The word rejoice, by definition means, "to be glad; take delight: to rejoice in another's happiness." It's an action word that requires two people. The focus of that love on the other person.

So, find someone to share some love with today and rejoice with them!

In The Zone, Part 2 "Skittles"

Today was a truly amazing day at Faith Chapel. The Lord moved among us, and His presence was felt by everyone present. I feel this is a direct result of our hunger and thirst after Him. By beginning the new year with prayer and fasting, we have captured God's attention. Let us continue to seek after Him.

Part two in our "In the Zone" stewardship series is entitled, "Skittles." And everyone present received a package of Skittles. We looked at a man of God who definitely lived in the zone, Elijah (1 Kings 17:1-10;17-24). Here's the outline from today's message.

Elijah's In the Zone Life...

1. Through obedience, there are always resources- 1 Kings 17:2-6

2. There is always an ample supply- 1 Kings 17:6; 13,14

3. It takes faith to live above a poverty mentality- 1 Kings 17:7,8

4 The supply can come from unlikely sources- 1 Kings 17:4

5. When one source dries up, another comes- 1 Kings 17:7

First Things First Principle...

1. The First Day- Gen. 1:28

2. The First Fruits- Josh. 6:17

3. The First Born- Ex. 13:2

4. The First of the Firstfruits- Ex. 23:19; Gen. 4:3; Pro. 3:9,10

First Things First, Tithing...

1. The tithe belongs to God- Mal. 3:8,9

2. The tithe is brought, not given- Mal. 3:10

3. The tithe equals 10% of your earnings and increase-

4. The tithe is brought to the church- Mal. 3:10

5. The tithe allows the church to accomplish its mission- Mal. 3:10

6. The tithe is not only an Old Testament practice-

7. The tithe reveals your heart- Mt. 6:21

Resource: "In the Zone" by Ed Young Jr.

Step to a Successful Fast

**Read Daniel chapter 1

STEP #1- BE SPECIFIC

Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.

1. The king’s food was against dietary laws.

2. Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.

3. The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.

STEP #2 - FAST AS A SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT Dan. 1:8

STEP #3- REFLECT INNER DESIRE BY OUTER DISCIPLINE
Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health may be linked to any of the following factors:

1. Your food choices
2. The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
3. Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.
4. Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body. Faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.

STEP #4- PRAY TO PERCEIVE SIN’S ROLE IN POOR PHYSICAL & SPIRITUAL HEALTH

Read James 5:13-16

• Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
• Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
• Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
• Repentance is linked to health, according to James.
• Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
• Sick people must desire to be well.
• The anointing oil could mean:

1. medicine for healing,
2. symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
3. it could be baptism

• Prayer alone may not gain healing; faith is the major factor.
• In the Greek, there are several words for “sick”. James uses “kanino”, which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
• Attitude is important. James said, “are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

STEP #5- FAST AS A STATEMENT OF FAITH TO OTHERS Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king’s food.

STEP #6- LEARN THE EFFECTS OF THE FOODS YOU EAT
Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.

STEP #7- YIELD ALL RESULTS TO GOD
Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).

REMEMBER:

• The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual insight. “to those four young men God gave knowledge”.

• The Daniel Fast is longer than one day. These young men fasted for ten days.

• The Daniel Fast is a partial fast. They ate, but only vegetables, fruit and water.

• The Daniel Fast requires abstinence from party or junk foods.

• There is no indication that they ever began to eat the king’s food.


Resource- "Fasting For Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide To Nine Biblical Fasts" by Elmer L. Towns.

The Preparation Continues

The six a.m. prayer has been refreshing and the Lord is definitely moving in my life. This week of preparation is absolutely essential to insure a quality fast. Cleansing your temple through repentance opens the door to hear God's voice more clearly, to be changed by His presence, and to gain a new perspective for His vantage point.

Today I went back to Psalm 51. Remembering that David had looked over the ledge of lust and entertained the thought until sin was fully conceived; he looks to the only source of true redemption-God. In verses two and three David say, "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me."

What a reminder for us. If we are being honest, our transgressions and sin are always before us. Jeremiah says our "heart is desperately wicked above all things, who can know it." Every one of us fall short of the "glory of God." We can't meet the standard of God's holiness, and the only remedy for our sin is to repent. Turning to God and asking Him to "wash away all our iniquity." Only He can cleanse us from our shortcomings.

We can't take sin lightly in our lives. Today I was reminded of Hebrews 6:6 which tells us that once we have walked in the light of God's Word and continue to sin it's as though we are "crucifying the Lord all over again." Just the thought of me casually treating sin in my life and causing our Lord to be crucified all over again is heartbreaking and distressing. The Message version of this verse says, "Once people have seen the light, gotten a taste of heaven and been part of the work of the Holy Spirit, once they've personally experienced the sheer goodness of God's Word and the powers breaking in on us—if then they turn their backs on it, washing their hands of the whole thing, well, they can't start over as if nothing happened. That's impossible. Why, they've re-crucified Jesus! They've repudiated him in public!"

Let's be like David, a man after God's own heart, and take our sin to God in a serious manner. My prayer for all of us is, "Cleanse us, God, and wash away all our iniquity, Amen."

Daniel Fast Preparation

This is a week of preparation for our Daniel Fast starting next week. This is a time of prayerful reflection upon the Lord, and a time to be transparent and open before Him. I'm asking that each of you join with me in special times of prayer. The church will be open from 6:00am to 6:00pm for individual prayer. There will also be prayer requests scrolling up on the screens, including some missions requests.

For more information on our Daniel Fast, you can listen to my message from Sun., Jan. 3 entitled "Passageway to the Promise."

Spiritual preparation starts with repentance. I found myself in Psalm 51 today. I have read this passage many times, but today the first verse stood out to me. It states, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions." David wrote this psalm following the prophet Nathan's visit to him after committing adultery with Bathsheba. Reading the rest of the psalm, you feel and sense David's sorrow and grief. David knows where to turn after he has sinned. He knows the key to recovery from the depths of depravity and sin. David turns to God. But he doesn't just go to God, he acknowledges His "unfailing love," and "great compassion."

It hit me for the first time today. Repentance starts with going to God and then we begin to acknowledge His work of grace and loving conviction, bringing us to His love and compassion. Instead of being fearful, now we can enter into His presence knowing that His love and compassion toward us will always bring forgiveness. He was only waiting on us to come to Him and acknowledge our failures. With this confidence, we find ourselves free to confess everything the Lord brings to my mind. Walking in this truth today was liberating. Meditate on this passage for yourself and see what the Lord speaks to you.