Throughout your 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, begin by spending 15 minutes in prayer and worship before you start each day’s devotional.

“SO THAT IN THE COMING AGES HE MIGHT SHOW THE IMMEASURABLE RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN KINDNESS TOWARD US IN CHRIST JESUS. FOR BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH. AND THIS IS NOT YOUR OWN DOING; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD, NOT A RESULT OF WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE MAY BOAST. FOR WE ARE HIS WORK- MANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM.”

EPHESIANS 2:7-10

1 Day 1

VISION At Oakland Church, we exist so people far from God will follow Christ and fulfill their purpose.

Our prayer is for every person in the world to be awakened by the Holy Spirit to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference.

In order to see an awakening in our world, we must first invite the Holy Spirit to create an awakening in us. We can extend this invitation to the Lord through prayer and fasting.

PRAYER Prayer is simply a conversation between us and Jesus. It draws us close to Him and allows us to become more sensitive to His voice. Some say, “Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.” Jesus is the perfect friend. He has a future prepared for us that is filled with hope. The more time we spend with Him, the more we will become like Him.

FASTING Fasting separates us from the world. If we were to go into strict physical training, it would not be enough to just eat healthy food. We would also need to eliminate the junk food from our diet in order to see results. It is the same way in our faith. What we consume directly attributes to what we produce—the music we listen to, the time we spend on social media, the books we read, and the shows we watch. Draw close to Jesus and invite the Holy Spirit to show you what areas of your life you need to silence. As the Lord creates an awakening in us, we will see an awakening in our world.

2 ‘THUS SOLOMON FINISHED THE HOUSE OF THE LORD AND THE KING’S HOUSE. ALL THAT SOLOMON HAD PLANNED TO DO IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD AND IN HIS OWN HOUSE HE SUCCESSFULLY ACCOMPLISHED. THEN THE LORD APPEARED TO SOLOMON IN THE NIGHT AND SAID TO HIM: “I HAVE HEARD YOUR PRAYER AND HAVE CHOSEN THIS PLACE FOR MYSELF AS A HOUSE OF SACRIFICE. WHEN I SHUT UP THE HEAVENS SO THAT THERE IS NO RAIN, OR COMMAND THE LOCUST TO DEVOUR THE LAND, OR SEND PESTILENCE AMONG MY PEOPLE, IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY AND SEEK MY FACE AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND HEAL THEIR LAND. NOW MY EYES WILL BE OPEN AND MY EARS ATTENTIVE TO THE PRAYER THAT IS MADE IN THIS PLACE. FOR NOW I HAVE CHOSEN AND CONSECRATED THIS HOUSE THAT MY NAME MAY BE THERE FOREVER. MY EYES AND MY HEART WILL BE THERE FOR ALL TIME.’

2 CHRONICLES 7:11-16

3 Day 2

Losing something that matters to you can be frustrating, especially when you end up finding it in plain sight.

In John 17, Jesus prayed His final prayer before He died on the cross for the world that He loved so much. Jesus could have prayed for anything, yet He chose to pray for us.

This prayer was not that we would memorize more scripture or pray for hours on end. Instead, Jesus prayed that we would receive what He knew we needed the most—love.

The same love that God has for Jesus is the same love that He loves us with. God has the same love for us as he does for His perfect Son.

Often times, we get frustrated and angry because we are trying to earn a love that God has already given to us. We look for love like it’s lost, but the truth is that it has been there for us the entire time.

The Heavenly Father has not forgotten you or abandoned you. He loves you with the same love that He has for Jesus.

4 “FATHER, I DESIRE THAT THEY ALSO, WHOM YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, MAY BE WITH ME WHERE I AM, TO SEE MY GLORY THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. O RIGHTEOUS FATHER, EVEN THOUGH THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW YOU, I KNOW YOU, AND THESE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE SENT ME. I MADE KNOWN TO THEM YOUR NAME, AND I WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE IT KNOWN, THAT THE LOVE WITH WHICH YOU HAVE LOVED ME MAY BE IN THEM, AND I IN THEM.”

JOHN 17:24-26

5 Day 3

Our perspective on life can, many times, hold us back from experiencing all that God has for us. It is easy to fall subject to what other people believe about us. For instance, “I know how he or she used to be, and there is no way they can serve God.”

Our lives could also be limited by an inaccurate view of God and His perspective towards us. How we view God ultimately determines how we will experience God. If we think God is mad at us, then we will serve Him out of spite.

However, when we understand who God is and how He loves us, serving Him becomes our delight. God transforms our perspective and allows us to see the world through His eyes. We serve others not because of who we are, but because of what God did for us.

Today, don’t let your feelings stop you from seeing God’s perfect love. Even in the moments when life doesn’t feel good, it doesn’t change that fact that God is still good.

Don’t let your feelings and emotions stop you from showing God’s love to others. Speak truth and let God’s love move in your life and in the lives of those around you.

6 “ABOVE ALL, KEEP LOVING ONE ANOTHER EARNESTLY, SINCE LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS. SHOW HOSPITALITY TO ONE ANOTHER WITHOUT GRUMBLING. THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND; THEREFORE, BE SELF-CONTROLLED AND SOBER-MINDED FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR PRAYERS. AS EACH HAS RECEIVED A GIFT, USE IT TO SERVE ONE ANOTHER, AS GOOD STEWARDS OF GOD’S VARIED GRACE: WHOEVER SPEAKS, AS ONE WHO SPEAKS ORACLES OF GOD; WHOEVER SERVES, AS ONE WHO SERVES BY THE STRENGTH THAT GOD SUPPLIES— IN ORDER THAT IN EVERYTHING GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. TO HIM BELONG GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN. ‘

1 PETER 4:7-11

“DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND, THAT BY TESTING YOU MAY DISCERN WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD, WHAT IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT. ‘

ROMANS 12:2

7 Day 4

Have you ever had an expectation that was not met? Maybe you trusted someone, only to be betrayed. Maybe you thought your obedience would bring blessing, but all you are experiencing is pain. Maybe you had the expectation that this would be a one time thing, but it has turned into a vicious cycle you cannot escape?

Unmet expectations always result in disappointment. Often times, we have an expectation for God to respond to us in a certain way. We pray for healing, but we still have to bury our loved ones. We ask God to protect our families, but our parents still get a divorce.

Our unmet expectations tempt us to doubt God and believe that we have been deceived. In these moments, we must be careful not to limit God with our own understanding. We must choose to remember who He is. God is trustworthy and all of His promises are secure. He hears every prayer.

He may not answer or respond in the way we expect, but His way is always best. We may not receive healing on this earth, but our God has conquered the grave. What looked like death was actually complete healing. Our parents’ marriage may have ended in divorce, but God will use it to unite our families closer to Him.

The Lord does not cause bad things to happen. God will use our disappointments and turn them around for our good and His glory. Be expectant that God will move on your behalf, but be careful not to limit Him with your expectations of how.

8 “‘FOR MY THOUGHTS ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS, NEITHER ARE YOUR WAYS MY WAYS,’ DECLARES THE LORD. ‘FOR AS THE HEAVENS ARE HIGHER THAN THE EARTH, SO ARE MY WAYS HIGHER THAN YOUR WAYS AND MY THOUGHTS THAN YOUR THOUGHTS. FOR AS THE RAIN AND THE SNOW COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND DO NOT RETURN THERE BUT WATER THE EARTH, MAKING IT BRING FORTH AND SPROUT, GIVING SEED TO THE SOWER AND BREAD TO THE EATER, SO SHALL MY WORD BE THAT GOES OUT FROM MY MOUTH; IT SHALL NOT RETURN TO ME EMPTY, BUT IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH I PURPOSE, AND SHALL SUCCEED IN THE THING FOR WHICH I SENT IT.’”

ISAIAH 55:8-11

“THE LORD BUILDS UP JERUSALEM; HE GATHERS THE OUTCASTS OF ISRAEL. HE HEALS THE BROKEN- HEARTED AND BINDS UP THEIR WOUNDS. HE DETERMINES THE NUMBER OF THE STARS; HE GIVES TO ALL OF THEM THEIR NAMES. GREAT IS OUR LORD, AND ABUNDANT IN POWER; HIS UNDERSTANDING IS BEYOND MEASURE. THE LORD LIFTS UP THE HUMBLE; HE CASTS THE WICKED TO THE GROUND.’

PSALMS 147:2-6

9 Day 5

Have you ever heard someone say, “You just need to have more faith”? People often say this without ever giving any instruction on how to actually build our faith. We desire to grow. We want our faith to be strong. However, we are not equipped with the resources we need.

The good news is that faith is not something we have to muster up on our own. God wants to come alongside of us to give us the faith we need. No matter what is in front, surrounding, or behind us; God is willing to meet us where we are and give us everything that we need.

In order to strengthen our faith, we must recognize this: Faith is built on a foundation of trust.

God desires to be in relationship with us. He sees every detail of our lives and desires to be involved in all of it. In order to trust God, we first must be in relationship with Him.

We would never trust a stranger. However, we trust our friends because we have seen them to be consistently faithful over time. This is the same with our relationship with God. The more time that we spend with Him, the easier it is to trust Him. As we develop our trust in God, our faith is strengthened.

Living beyond ourselves means having faith beyond what we can see. This kind of faith can only come from God. Be faithful in spending time with Him through prayer, worship and reading His Word.

10 “NOW FAITH IS THE ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE CONVICTION OF THINGS NOT SEEN. FOR BY IT THE PEOPLE OF OLD RECEIVED THEIR COMMENDATION. BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE UNIVERSE WAS CREATED BY THE WORD OF GOD, SO THAT WHAT IS SEEN WAS NOT MADE OUT OF THINGS THAT ARE VISIBLE. ‘

HEBREWS 11:1-3

“HOW THEN WILL THEY CALL ON HIM IN WHOM THEY HAVE NOT BELIEVED? AND HOW ARE THEY TO BELIEVE IN HIM OF WHOM THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD? AND HOW ARE THEY TO HEAR WITHOUT SOMEONE PREACHING? AND HOW ARE THEY TO PREACH UNLESS THEY ARE SENT? AS IT IS WRITTEN, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS!” BUT THEY HAVE NOT ALL OBEYED THE GOSPEL. FOR ISAIAH SAYS, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED WHAT HE HAS HEARD FROM US?” SO FAITH COMES FROM HEARING, AND HEARING THROUGH THE WORD OF CHRIST. ‘

ROMANS 10:14-17

11 Day 6

Even as we walk out our calling with God, our life will not be perfect. If you are living and breathing right now, chances are you’ve experienced (or are currently experiencing): loss, hurt, or failure.

The truth is, we were never promised a life without these things. But God is faithful to see us through whatever we face. He is always there for us to lean on and find refuge in His victory.

God is powerful; He lacks nothing. God begins to change us and our perspective as we seek Him through His Word, prayer, and worship.

The Lord is faithful and will always use what the enemy intended to separate us to bring us even closer to Him. Jesus frees us from living a life led by our problems, and helps us live a life led by His promise.

No matter how chaotic our lives may become—we can choose to step into our homes, schools, and work places knowing that we are more than conquerors because of who Jesus is. He is always with us.

12 “WHO SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST? SHALL TRIBULATION, OR DISTRESS, OR PERSECUTION, OR FAMINE, OR NAKEDNESS, OR DANGER, OR SWORD? AS IT IS WRITTEN, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING KILLED ALL HE DAY LONG; WE ARE REGARDED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGH- TERED.” NO, IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVED US. ‘

ROMANS 8:35-37

“DO YOU NOW BELIEVE? BEHOLD, THE HOUR IS COMING, INDEED IT HAS COME, WHEN YOU WILL BE SCATTERED, EACH TO HIS OWN HOME, AND WILL LEAVE ME ALONE. YET I AM NOT ALONE, FOR THE FATHER IS WITH ME. I HAVE SAID THESE THINGS TO YOU, THAT IN ME YOU MAY HAVE PEACE. IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION. BUT TAKE HEART; I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.”

JOHN 16:31-33

“DRAW NEAR TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU. CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, YOU SINNERS, AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YOU DOUBLE-MINDED. SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. BE WRETCHED AND MOURN AND WEEP. LET YOUR LAUGHTER BE TURNED TO MOURNING AND YOUR JOY TO GLOOM. HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD, AND HE WILL EXALT YOU.”

JAMES 4:7-10

13 Day 7

You have received a new identity in God when you gave your life to Jesus. You not only became a Christian, but you became a child of God.

No matter what your relationship with your earthly father looks like, you now have a perfect father in God—a Father that understands you, cares for you, and loves you more than you could ever imagine.

When we find our identity in our Heavenly Father, we don’t have to accept who other people say we are. Our pasts, successes, failures or talents cannot define us.The only one that can name us is the One who created us.

We are more than followers of Christ. We are sons and daughters of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. We belong to a new family and have been made co-heirs with Jesus. The God who created us calls us His children.

Put this truth into practice. If you find yourself falling victim to any of these hindrances, stop and speak to your heart. Declare that you are a Child of God, and nothing can change your identity.

14 ‘FOR YOU DID NOT RECEIVE THE SPIRIT OF SLAVERY TO FALL BACK INTO FEAR, BUT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION AS SONS, BY WHOM WE CRY, “ABBA! FATHER!” THE SPIRIT HIMSELF BEARS WITNESS WITH OUR SPIRIT THAT WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD, AND IF CHILDREN, THEN HEIRS—HEIRS OF GOD AND FELLOW HEIRS WITH CHRIST, PROVIDED WE SUFFER WITH HIM IN ORDER THAT WE MAY ALSO BE GLORIFIED WITH HIM.”

ROMANS 8:15-17

“BUT TO ALL WHO DID RECEIVE HIM, WHO BELIEVED IN HIS NAME, HE GAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD.”

JOHN 1:12

15 Day 8

God put a very specific group of people in your life for a reason— so that you could impact and influence their lives.

God chose you to be His delivery system for the life changing message of the Gospel. Regardless of your age or how long you have been following Jesus, you have a voice.

When you accepted Jesus into your life, the Holy Spirit became your advocate—walking with you throughout the day. The Bible says the same exact spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. This means that you have the same access, power, and authority that Jesus did, to reach people.

God’s Word says that we have overcome by the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony. When we tell others about what Jesus has done in our lives, it invites the Holy Spirit to move in them as well.

16 “COMMAND AND TEACH THESE THINGS. LET NO ONE DESPISE YOU FOR YOUR YOUTH, BUT SET THE BELIEVERS AN EXAMPLE IN SPEECH, IN CONDUCT IN LOVE, IN FAITH, IN PURITY. UNTIL I COME, DEVOTE YOURSELF TO THE PUBLIC READING OF SCRIPTURE, TO EXHORTATION, TO TEACHING. DO NOT NEGLECT THE GIFT YOU HAVE, WHICH WAS GIVEN YOU BY PROPHECY WHEN THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS LAID THEIR HANDS ON YOU. ‘

1 TIMOTHY 4:11-14

“IF THE SPIRIT OF HIM WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD DWELLS IN YOU, HE WHO RAISED CHRIST JESUS FROM THE DEAD WILL ALSO GIVE LIFE TO YOUR MORTAL BODIES THROUGH HIS SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN YOU. BUT IF CHRIST IS IN YOU, ALTHOUGH THE BODY IS DEAD BECAUSE OF SIN, THE SPIRIT IS LIFE BECAUSE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. YOU, HOWEVER, ARE NOT IN THE FLESH BUT IN THE SPIRIT, IF IN FACT THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU. ANYONE WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST DOES NOT BELONG TO HIM.”

ROMANS 8:9-11

17 Day 9

The moment that we decide to make Jesus the Lord over our lives, we should expect resistance. Since the enemy cannot keep us out of heaven, he will do whatever he can to keep us from being effective on earth. He uses fear to keep us from living out our faith. Every time we allow fear to take root, it attempts to paralyze us.

Jesus himself experienced fear before He went to the cross. He knew what God had called Him to do, but it required a great amount of sacrifice. Jesus made the decision to trust God despite the circumstances He was facing.

Jesus’ relationship with God enabled Him to endure the agony of the cross, so that we could all have the gift of eternal life. God will always take our sacrifice and give back more than we could ever imagine.

When we feel overwhelmed, we must choose to follow the example of Jesus, humble ourselves, and remember every time that God has proven Himself faithful.

God’s presence is our refuge and a perfect place of safety. When we run to Him in our distress, His love casts out all fear. The more time we spend with Him, the more we will begin to trust Him.

What the enemy tries to paralyze us with, God will use to propel us into our purpose. Our God is forever faithful and His promises always stand true.

18 “AND HE CAME OUT AND WENT, AS WAS HIS CUSTOM, TO THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, AND THE DISCIPLES FOLLOWED HIM. AND WHEN HE CAME TO THE PLACE, HE SAID TO THEM, “PRAY THAT YOU MAY NOT ENTER INTO TEMPTATION.”

LUKE 22:39-40

“REMEMBER YOUR LEADERS, THOSE WHO SPOKE TO YOU THE WORD OF GOD. CONSIDER THE OUTCOME OF THEIR WAY OF LIFE, AND IMITATE THEIR FAITH. JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER.”

HEBREWS 13:7-8

19 Day 10

In 1519, Hernan Cortés landed in the New World with 600 soldiers. They traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to conquer the Americas. Immediately after his troops landed, he ordered his men to burn their boats. Though this request seemed radical, Cortés understood one important principle:

In order to continue to move forward, you have to forget what you are leaving behind.

The apostle Paul wrote about this same truth in Philippians 3. He openly admits that he is not perfect, but he does promise one thing: he is moving forward and not turning back. His focus was ahead of him and not behind him.

Each of us have sin, struggles, or past mistakes that will try to hold us back. Just like Paul, we have to forget what is behind us and focus on what is ahead. Going “all in” does not mean that you will always get it right, it means that you will always move forward.

Don’t try to read the entire Bible in a day, but instead, aim to spend more time with Him. Surround yourself with people who will push you closer to God and not pull you away from Him. Find one person in your life that you can share Jesus with.

Watch what God will do through you.

20 “NOT THAT I HAVE ALREADY OBTAINED THIS OR AM ALREADY PERFECT, BUT I PRESS ON TO MAKE IT MY OWN, BECAUSE CHRIST JESUS HAS MADE ME HIS OWN. BROTHERS, I DO NOT CONSIDER THAT I HAVE MADE IT MY OWN. BUT ONE THING I DO: FORGETTING WHAT LIES BEHIND AND STRAINING FORWARD TO WHAT LIES AHEAD, I PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL FOR THE PRIZE OF THE UPWARD CALL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.”

PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14

21 Day 11

We often equate our calling to what we do or accomplish for God. We measure ourselves based off our success or failure.

However, when we look at Scripture, we will see that God’s calling for our life is different than what we think. When God speaks to our calling, He chooses to address who we are before He ever acknowledges what we do.

Our desire to follow Jesus grows when we know in our heart that we are who He says we are. Think about it this way. If you were to adopt a puppy, it would take time for it to respond to its new name. You might call out for it to come and get no response. However, once the puppy learns its name, it will begin to follow your command.

It’s the same way in our relationship with Christ. When we know our name, we will hear when our He calls out to us. Obedience will no longer be a burden, but a delight because in it we will find protection and experience the fullness of His love.

Begin to ask God who He says you are. Instead of asking Him what He wants you to do today, ask Him who He wants you to be today. The more you learn to step into who He says you are, the more you’ll find yourself living the life that He has called you to.

22 “SO WHETHER WE ARE AT HOME OR AWAY, WE MAKE IT OUR AIM TO PLEASE HIM. FOR WE MUST ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, SO THAT EACH ONE MAY RECEIVE WHAT IS DUE FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE IN THE BODY, WHETHER GOOD OR EVIL.”

2 CORINTHIANS 5:9-10

GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TO YOU, SO THAT HAVING ALL SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS AT ALL TIMES, YOU MAY ABOUND IN EVERY GOOD WORK. AS IT IS WRITTEN, “HE HAS DISTRIBUTED FREELY, HE HAS GIVEN TO THE POOR; HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.” HE WHO SUPPLIES SEED TO THE SOWER AND BREAD FOR FOOD WILL SUPPLY AND MULTIPLY YOUR SEED FOR SOWING AND INCREASE THE HARVEST OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. YOU WILL BE ENRICHED IN EVERY WAY TO BE GENEROUS IN EVERY WAY, WHICH THROUGH US WILL PRODUCE THANKSGIVING TO GOD.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:8-11

23 Day 12

It is important to reflect and walk in who God says we are. Our faith in God is strengthened when we remember how perfect His love is for us.

Once we know who we are, we must choose to do something with it. God has equipped us to be a light and share His love with others. He continually stirs and strengthens our faith when we seek Him, so others can experience His love through us.

Throughout these 21 Days of Prayer, we have allowed God’s Word to reveal our identity to us. We began by looking at Ephesians 2:10, which identifies who we are created to be and what we were created for. God identifies us as His masterpiece created for good works.

The Bible says to be generous with our lives, so we are going to spend time learning why we serve so we can discover what our purpose really is.

You can start today. Tell someone about what God is doing in your life, and do something extra to serve someone who normally serves you.

24 “YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A CITY SET ON A HILL CANNOT BE HIDDEN. NOR DO PEOPLE LIGHT A LAMP AND PUT IT UNDER A BASKET, BUT ON A STAND, AND IT GIVES LIGHT TO ALL IN THE HOUSE. IN THE SAME WAY, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, SO THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GIVE GLORY TO YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.”

MATTHEW 5:14-16

“FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM.”

EPHESIANS 2:10

25 Day 13

When we look at the life of Jesus, there is no denying that He was a servant.

Whether it was washing His disciples’ feet or caring for people who needed help, Jesus focused on serving others.

God calls us to follow the example that Jesus modeled by serving the world around us. When we serve others, we open up the door for someone else to experience the love of Jesus and begin to serve the people around them. This domino effect will transform our families, schools, and cities. Serving not only represents Jesus, but invites people to receive Him.

Together, we will see the Kingdom of God expand in ways we never imagined.

26 “FOR EVEN THE SON OF MAN CAME NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY.”

MARK 10:45

‘WHEN HE HAD WASHED THEIR FEET AND PUT ON HIS OUTER GARMENTS AND RESUMED HIS PLACE, HE SAID TO THEM, “DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I HAVE DONE TO YOU? YOU CALL ME TEACHER AND LORD, AND YOU ARE RIGHT, FOR SO I AM. IF I THEN, YOUR LORD AND TEACHER, HAVE WASHED YOUR FEET, YOU ALSO OUGHT TO WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET. FOR I HAVE GIVEN YOU AN EXAMPLE, THAT YOU ALSO SHOULD DO JUST AS I HAVE DONE TO YOU. TRULY, TRULY, I SAY TO YOU, A SERVANT IS NOT GREATER THAN HIS MASTER, NOR IS A MESSENGER GREATER THAN THE ONE WHO SENT HIM. IF YOU KNOW THESE THINGS, BLESSED ARE YOU IF YOU DO THEM.”

JOHN 13:12-17

“I THANK HIM WHO HAS GIVEN ME STRENGTH, CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD, BECAUSE HE JUDGED ME FAITHFUL, APPOINTING ME TO HIS SERVICE.”

1 TIMOTHY 1:12

27 Day 14

We live in a world that is all about wanting more. More money. More followers. More time. More status.

More is always motivated by what people want but do not currently have. Their desire for more could come from a search for security, purpose or love. These things, however, can only be found through serving.

Serving and helping people is the most rewarding part of our Christian walk. Jesus was and is the greatest servant of all time. He served in every situation, even to the point of death. Jesus was motivated by love and did not expect anything in return.

God promises that if we serve, we will find our lives. Serving people is the key to discovering joy in our Christian walk.

It may seem backwards and contrary to what the world tells us, but true joy is on the other side of serving your neighbor. God promises that blessings will surround your life when you serve others.

28 “BUT LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, AND DO GOOD, AND LEND, EXPECTING NOTHING IN RETURN, AND YOUR REWARD WILL BE GREAT, AND YOU WILL BE SONS OF THE MOST HIGH, FOR HE IS KIND TO THE UNGRATEFUL AND THE EVIL. BE MERCIFUL, EVEN AS YOUR FATHER IS MERCIFUL. JUDGE NOT, AND YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED; CONDEMN NOT, AND YOU WILL NOT BE CONDEMNED; FORGIVE, AND YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN; BUT LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, AND DO GOOD, AND LEND, EXPECTING NOTHING IN RETURN, AND YOUR REWARD WILL BE GREAT, AND YOU WILL BE SONS OF THE MOST HIGH, FOR HE IS KIND TO THE UNGRATEFUL AND THE EVIL. ‘

LUKE 6:35-37

29 Day 15

We all love to see the highlights of life. These triumphant moments make our jaws drop: That sports highlight reel that left you amazed. That movie that brought you to tears. That play on Broadway that left you speechless.

We often overlook all the little moments that led up to that big moment. It is very similar to our faith. In order to see God bring an awakening in our community, we must choose to embrace the simple moments that no one sees.

What if we began praying every day for God to save our co-workers, families and friends? What if we began loving those around us with the love of Jesus, even when they do not deserve it? What if we began to serve in our local church, no matter our season of life?

God uses little moments to create an impact in our world. God does not need us to be God. He needs our obedience and faithfulness. Awakening comes when God’s people choose to honor Him with even the smallest and simplest things.

30 ‘JESUS LOOKED UP AND SAW THE RICH PUTTING THEIR GIFTS INTO THE OFFERING BOX, AND HE SAW A POOR WIDOW PUT IN TWO SMALL COPPER COINS. AND HE SAID, “TRULY, I TELL YOU, THIS POOR WIDOW HAS PUT IN MORE THAN ALL OF THEM. FOR THEY ALL CONTRIBUTED OUT OF THEIR ABUNDANCE, BUT SHE OUT OF HER POVERTY PUT IN ALL SHE HAD TO LIVE ON.”

LUKE 21:1-4

“ONE WHO IS FAITHFUL IN VERY LITTLE IS ALSO FAITHFUL IN MUCH, AND ONE WHO IS DISHONEST IN VERY LITTLE IS ALSO DISHONEST IN MUCH. IF THEN YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FAITHFUL IN THE UNRIGHTEOUS WEALTH, WHO WILL ENTRUST TO YOU THE TRUE RICHES? AND IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FAITHFUL IN THAT WHICH IS ANOTHER’S, WHO WILL GIVE YOU THAT WHICH IS YOUR OWN?”

LUKE 16:10-12

31 Day 16

Everyone has a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

God specifically designed us this way because He always intended for us to be a part of expanding His Kingdom on earth. God’s Word says that He made plans for us to make a difference in the world before we were even born. If He has taken the time to plan out good works for us, we can rest assured that He has given us everything we need to succeed.

We may feel as if we are not ready or that we have nothing to offer. When this feeling creeps up, it is important to remind ourselves of what God says.

In the book of Acts, Peter and John were walking into the temple and encountered a man who could not walk. When that man begged them for money, Peter replied, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have I give to you.”

Notice that Peter did not get discouraged that he did not have what the man asked for. Instead, Peter focused on what he did have. By doing so, he was able to impact that man’s life.

God has given each of us a gift. Maybe it is the ability to communicate, or to program computers, or to write and play music, or any number of things. Whatever your gift is, God wants to use it to make a difference in the world.

Remember, what we give is not dependent on what we have, it’s dependent on what God has given to us.

32 ‘BUT PETER SAID, “I HAVE NO SILVER AND GOLD, BUT WHAT I DO HAVE I GIVE TO YOU. IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, RISE UP AND WALK!” AND HE TOOK HIM BY THE RIGHT HAND AND RAISED HIM UP, AND IMMEDIATELY HIS FEET AND ANKLES WERE MADE STRONG. AND LEAPING UP, HE STOOD AND BEGAN TO WALK, AND ENTERED THE TEMPLE WITH THEM, WALKING AND LEAPING AND PRAISING GOD.’

ACTS 3:6-8

“FOR THUS SAYS THE LORD : WHEN SEVENTY YEARS ARE COMPLETED FOR BABYLON, I WILL VISIT YOU, AND I WILL FULFILL TO YOU MY PROMISE AND BRING YOU BACK TO THIS PLACE. FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DE- CLARES THE LORD, PLANS FOR WELFARE AND NOT FOR EVIL, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE.”

JEREMIAH 29:10-11

33 Day 17

Jesus exemplifies serving in John 13 when He washes the disciples’ feet. The greatest lesson we learn from Jesus is not His willingness to serve, but His awareness to notice the need.

He noticed the disciples’ need because he had a heart to serve people. Jesus taught us how to slow down long enough to see the needs of others, so that we can serve them with humility.

God changes our heart when we choose to put the people’s needs above our own desires. When we choose to live beyond ourselves, God will always give back to us more than what we gave.

It can be as simple as paying for someone’s coffee, opening the door for someone or inviting someone to lunch. Pray and ask Jesus to give us an aware and willing heart to serve others.

34 ‘JESUS, KNOWING THAT THE FATHER HAD GIVEN ALL THINGS INTO HIS HANDS, AND THAT HE HAD COME FROM GOD AND WAS GOING BACK TO GOD, ROSE FROM SUPPER. HE LAID ASIDE HIS OUTER GARMENTS, AND TAKING A TOWEL, TIED IT AROUND HIS WAIST. THEN HE POURED WATER INTO A BASIN AND BEGAN TO WASH THE DISC- IPLES’ FEET AND TO WIPE THEM WITH THE TOWEL THAT WAS WRAPPED AROUND HIM. HE CAME TO SIMON PETER, WHO SAID TO HIM, “LORD, DO YOU WASH MY FEET?” JESUS ANSWERED HIM, “WHAT I AM DOING YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND NOW, BUT AFTERWARD YOU WILL UNDERSTAND.”

JOHN 13:3-7

35 Day 18

It’s exciting to think about the fact that God chooses to use us to help change the world and make a difference. It can be hard to believe that though.

The greatest limit to the difference we can make and the way God uses our lives is ourselves. We know God created us to make a difference. He believes in us and equips us. However, we often measure our capability based on our own ability.

God uses a different standard of measurement. God does not see our lack as hindrance but instead, as an opportunity for His presence to increase in our lives.

When we choose to depend on God, He strengthens our faith and expands His glory on earth. People no longer see us. They see God moving through us.

We cannot do this on our own strength, God never intended us to. When we feel disqualified, we must choose to shift our perspective from our ability to His sufficiency.

God will empower us to live beyond ourselves as we trust in Him, and replace the lies in our mind with the truth of His Word.

36 “COMMAND AND TEACH THESE THINGS. LET NO ONE DESPISE YOU FOR YOUR YOUTH, BUT SET THE BELIEVERS AN EXAMPLE IN SPEECH, IN CONDUCT, IN LOVE, IN FAITH, IN PURITY. UNTIL I COME, DEVOTE YOURSELF TO THE PUBLIC READING OF SCRIPTURE, TO EXHORTATION, TO TEACHING. DO NOT NEGLECT THE GIFT YOU HAVE, WHICH WAS GIVEN YOU BY PROPHECY WHEN THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS LAID THEIR HANDS ON YOU. PRACTICE THESE THINGS, IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THEM, SO THAT ALL MAY SEE YOUR PROGRESS. KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON YOUR- SELF AND ON THE TEACHING. PERSIST IN THIS, FOR BY SO DOING YOU WILL SAVE BOTH YOURSELF AND YOUR HEARERS.”

1 TIMOTHY 4:11-16

37 Day 19

As we enter into these last three days, it is important see how we can practically live out our faith and love Jesus for a lifetime.

God never intended your faith to remain hidden or idle. Instead, God designed your faith to be lived out as an expression of His love for the world. We can live out our faith through several practical steps that serve as a foundation to our relationship with God.

These could be, but are not limited to: Becoming a member of a church Being water baptized to express your commitment to Jesus Talking to a leader about what God is doing in your life Joining a community group Committing to going through Growth Track Beginning to serve on the Dream Team in church

As you take these practical steps, you are following the example that Jesus set out for us and inviting God to do more in your life. You will be amazed by the way that your life will continue to get better and better. God always has more for your life than you could ever imagine.

38 ‘TO HIM THE GATEKEEPER OPENS. THE SHEEP HEAR HIS VOICE, AND HE CALLS HIS OWN SHEEP BY NAME AND LEADS THEM OUT. WHEN HE HAS BROUGHT OUT ALL HIS OWN, HE GOES BEFORE THEM, AND THE SHEEP FOLLOW HIM, FOR THEY KNOW HIS VOICE. A STRANGER THEY WILL NOT FOLLOW, BUT THEY WILL FLEE FROM HIM, FOR THE DO NOT KNOW THE VOICE OF STRANGERS.” THIS FIGURE OF SPEECH JESUS USED WITH THEM, BUT THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT HE WAS SAYING TO THEM. SO JESUS AGAIN SAID TO THEM, “TRULY, TRULY, I SAY TO YOU, I AM THE DOOR OF THE SHEEP. ALL WHO CAME BEFORE ME ARE THIEVES AND ROBBERS, BUT THE SHEEP DID NOT LISTEN TO THEM. I AM THE DOOR. IF ANYONE ENTERS BY ME, HE WILL BE SAVED AND WILL GO IN AND OUT AND FIND PASTURE. THE THIEF COMES ONLY TO STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY. I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT ABUNDANTLY.”

JOHN 10:3-10

39 Day 20

Over the last 21 days, we have focused on the message within Ephesians 2:10: “We belong to and know God, and have been created to live out our faith. The gracious love of God empowers us, compels us and strengthens us.”

As Christians, our salvation motivates us to live out our faith and l ove those around us. Our freedom from sin and acceptance from God moves us to tell others about Him. Our faith is activated as a natural response to the supernatural love of God. Even if God never gave another gift, we have been extremely blessed by Him through the blood of His Son, Jesus. That blessing should motivate us to live our faith out every day.

Out of the abundant blessings God has given you, bless, and help others. Be generous with your life. Live out your faith every day and watch what happens.

As you put your faith in action, your life will glorify God and you will see lives changed all around you.

40 “AND GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TO YOU, SO THAT HAVING ALL SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS AT ALL TIMES, YOU MAY ABOUND IN EVERY GOOD WORK. AS IT IS WRITTEN, “HE HAS DISTRIBUTED FREELY, HE HAS GIVEN TO THE POOR; HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.” HE WHO SUPPLIES SEED TO THE SOWER AND BREAD FOR FOOD WILL SUPPLY AND MULTIPLY YOUR SEED FOR SOW- ING AND INCREASE THE HARVEST OF YOUR RIGHTEOUS- NESS. YOU WILL BE ENRICHED IN EVERY WAY TO BE GENEROUS IN EVERY WAY, WHICH THROUGH US WILL PRODUCE THANKSGIVING TO GOD. FOR THE MINISTRY OF THIS SERVICE IS NOT ONLY SUPPLYING THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS BUT IS ALSO OVERFLOWING IN MANY THANKS- GIVINGS TO GOD. BY THEIR APPROVAL OF THIS SERVICE, THEY WILL GLORIFY GOD BECAUSE OF YOUR SUBMISSION THAT COMES FROM YOUR CONFESSION OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, AND THE GENEROSITY OF YOUR CONTRI- BUTION FOR THEM AND FOR ALL OTHERS, WHILE THEY LONG FOR YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU, BECAUSE OF THE SURPASSING GRACE OF GOD UPON YOU. THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INEXPRESSIBLE GIFT! ‘

2 CORINTHIANS 9:8-15

‘FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM. ‘

EPHESIANS 2:10

41 Day 21

Living life to make a difference takes daily dedication. It takes commitment to follow God with your time, energy, and every bit of your life, but the commitment is worth it.

Be fully committed to a lifetime of pursuing Jesus and who knows how big the impact could be. When you enjoy following and living for Jesus, you don’t have to worry about the results. You will get to the end of your life and see a lifetime of results.

Living on purpose is not just about you or even the people you come in contact with. It is bigger than that because your life will impact people, and then their lives will impact people.

Living to make a difference leads to more than you ever thought possible because God will multiply the results of your life. The past 21 days has been all about you and the impact that is possible through your life.

The small things that you do every day are not small, because the impact of each small step is so much bigger.

You can impact the world.

42 ‘AFTER SAYING THESE THINGS, HE SAID TO THEM, “OUR FRIEND LAZARUS HAS FALLEN ASLEEP, BUT I GO TO AWAKEN HIM.” THE DISCIPLES SAID TO HIM, “LORD, IF HE HAS FALLEN ASLEEP, HE WILL RECOVER.” NOW JESUS HAD SPOKEN OF HIS DEATH, BUT THEY THOUGHT THAT HE MEANT TAKING REST IN SLEEP. THEN JESUS TOLD THEM PLAINLY, “LAZARUS HAS DIED, AND FOR YOUR SAKE I AM GLAD THAT I WAS NOT THERE, SO THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE. BUT LET US GO TO HIM.” SO THOMAS, CALLED THE TWIN, SAID TO HIS FELLOW DISCIPLES, “LET US ALSO GO, THAT WE MAY DIE WITH HIM.” NOW WHEN JESUS CAME, HE FOUND THAT LAZARUS HAD ALREADY BEEN IN THE TOMB FOUR DAYS.’

JOHN 11:11-17

‘FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM. ‘

EPHESIANS 2:10

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