Apostle Keith Wesley CONSECRATION 2017

Joel 2:12-18...“Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.” KJV

Joel 2:12-17 “Yet even now,” the LORD says, “return to me with all your heart – with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your garments!” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and boundless in loyal love – often relenting from calamitous punishment. Who knows? Perhaps he will be compassionate and grant a reprieve, and leave blessing in his wake – a meal offering and a drink offering for you to offer to the LORD your God! Blow the trumpet in Zion. Announce a holy fast; proclaim a sacred assembly! Gather the people; sanctify an assembly! Gather the elders; gather the children and the nursing infants. Let the bridegroom come out from his bedroom and the bride from her private quarters. Let the priests, those who serve the LORD, weep from the vestibule all the way back to the altar. Let them say, “Have pity, O LORD, on your people; please do not turn over your inheritance to be mocked, to become a proverb among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, “Where is their God?” NET

For the last 20+ years, we have had a time of consecration here at New Life in Christ. For those of you who are new members, a consecration is a solemn commitment of your life and your time to the cherished purpose of loving God, it is the sanctification of our lives by setting it apart as dedicated to God...it is a time to rededicate ourselves to God, to His will, and to His work!

We do this by prayer, fasting, getting back to God's word, and coming together to fellowship as a church.

God is so merciful, meaning that He is moved with pity and compassion for His people more than the judgements they deserve for the sinful actions they have done. However, He wants us to come to Him, acknowledging our sins and that we need His mercy and grace to restore us.

Psalms 103:8-14...“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” KJV

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Psalm 103:8-14...“The Lord is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love. He does not keep on rebuking; he is not angry forever. He does not punish us as we deserve or repay us according to our sins and wrongs. As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him. As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us. As a father is kind to his children, so the Lord is kind to those who honor him. He knows what we are made of; he remembers that we are dust.” GNT

Psalms 117:1-2...“Praise the LORD, all you nations! Worship him, all you peoples! Because God’s faithful love,(merciful kindness), toward us is strong, the LORD’s faithfulness lasts forever! Praise the LORD!” CEB

Now like anything else, we can make consecration a ritual that does not change us, but if we love God and we're wanting to be closer to Him, we will use this time of fasting to restore and refresh our relationship on our part to him. The scripture says draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you...

Js 4:8-10...“Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].” AMPC

We will be doing a corporate fast, which means we will do this as a church family. Now it takes determination and commitment on your part and God's grace to enable us to pray and obey this.

How we begin and conduct our fast will largely determine our success.

It's not just what do but how we do it... 1. The attitude of heart...prayerful 2. The practical application of how to fast 3. The focus, personal, family, church family

By following these basic steps to fasting and prayer, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.

STEP 1: Set Your Objective

Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal and revival, for guidance, for healing, for finances, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.

Through fasting and prayer, we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our church, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.

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STEP 2: Make Your Commitment

Understand the kind of fast we are undertaking. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it.

Before we fast, we have corporately decided the following:

1. How long you will fast.

Two weeks of full fast and Daniel fast. (Those with medical issues might need to adjust to a Daniel fast; building up to longer full fasts as health permits.)

The first type of fast God has given us to do is a full fast water only. The Daniel fast will include a list of what we can eat and what kind of we can drink.

2. What physical or social activities you will restrict.

3. How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God's Word.

Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.

STEP 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually

The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

 Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.

 Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

 Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3, 4).

 Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.

 Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14, 15.

 Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1, 2).

 Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).

 Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).

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 Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16, 17).

STEP 4: Prepare Yourself Physically

Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision.

Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.

Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:

 Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies.

 Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.

 Limit your online and cell phone activity...

 Turn off all secular television and movies...

 Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.

 Rest as much as your schedule will permit...

 Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety...

 Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the “blahs.” Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.

The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.

STEP 5: Put Yourself on a Schedule

For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.

Morning

 Begin your day in praise and worship.

 Read and meditate on God's Word, preferably on your knees. 4

 Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.

 Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond.

 Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.

Noon

 Return to prayer and God's Word.

 Take a short prayer walk.

 Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community's and nation's leaders, for the world's unreached millions, for your family or special needs.

Evening

 Get alone for an unhurried time of “seeking His face.”

 If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.

 Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.

 When possible, begin and end each day on your knees with your spouse for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.

A dietary routine is vital as well. Dr. Julio C. Ruibal – a nutritionist, pastor, and specialist in fasting and prayer – suggests a daily schedule and list of you may find useful and satisfying. Modify this schedule and the you take to suit your circumstances and tastes.

5 a.m. - 8 a.m.

Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended and diluted in 50 percent distilled water if the is acid. Apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, or other fruit juices are generally preferred. If you cannot do your own , buy juices without sugar or additives.

10:30 a.m. - noon

Fresh juice made from lettuce, celery, and carrots in three equal parts.

2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Herb tea with a drop of honey. Avoid black tea or any tea with caffeine.

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 5

Broth made from boiling potatoes, celery, and carrots with no salt. After boiling about half an hour, pour the water into a container and drink it.

Tips on

Drinking fruit juice will decrease your hunger pains and give you some natural sugar energy. The taste and lift will motivate and strengthen you to continue.

The best juices are made from fresh watermelon, , , apples, cabbage, beets, carrots, celery, or leafy green . In cold weather, you may enjoy a warm vegetable broth.

Mix acidic juices (orange and tomato) with water for your stomach's sake. Avoid caffeinated drinks. And avoid chewing gum or mints, even if your breath is bad. They stimulate digestive action in your stomach.

Do not rush into your fast.

Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.

Eat more raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.

The results can be instant and will manifest as we go through the year!

Obadiah 1:17...“But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.” KJV

Luke 4:17-19...“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” KJV

Fasting is for:

1. Breaking the strength of besetting sin...The disciples fast for personal deliverance from addictive sinful behaviors. Joel 2:32...“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” KJV

2. The Ezra fast, when we are facing dilemmas that only the answers God will give in the direction of the church whether financial or otherwise. Ezra 8:21-23...“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power

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and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.”

3. The Samuel fast, after Eli fell Samuel called a fast to change atmosphere for revival. A return to the presence of God is what we are standing in need of.

Mk 2:18-20...“And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.”

4. The Elijah fast...breaking negative emotions off our lives...1 Kings 19:1-5...Elijah was despondent because of the threat of Jezebel. “And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer–sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.” KJV

5. The JESUS fast...for increased anointing for service. Luke. 4:1-14...“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. KJV

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