"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the
river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a
safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed
to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the
enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good
on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake
him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our
entreaty (Ezra 8:21-23)
Ezra was too reluctant to ask the king for protection
because he had told the king that God is good to all who seek him. As a result,
he called for fasting and prayer.
The Lord is calling First Southern to fast and pray
corporately. We will be setting aside a 24-hour period starting October 18th at
6:00 p.m., and ending October 19th at 6:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. We are
asking members to commit to an hour of prayer during that time period. Prayer
stations will be set up in the Worship Center to guide participants in prayer
and worship. You can pray with a group, or you can pray individually.
If you choose to fast, you can design the fast to
fit your physical needs. You can fast from food the whole 24-hour period, or
choose to fast from a specific meal. However you design your fast, make sure
you spend that time in prayer.
We will focus on four specific areas: First, we
will be praying that God will enable us to finish strong this budget year. We
are in need for God to provide financially for our church. Second, we will pray
for the Lord to sell the North Campus. Third, we will pray for the ministries
of our church. Last, we will pray for the churches and the lost in our
community. We will be communicating more details in the future.
Let me make one more appeal. When the Lord was leading
the people of Israel to build the Tabernacle, he had Moses speak these words,
"Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a
contribution. From every man whose heart moves him; you shall receive the
contribution for me" (Exodus 25:2). If God moves you, would you
consider helping us finish strong in our budget giving?
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your pastor
the last four years!
I love you,
Patrick
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