February 2019
From the Board
“Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer, in every situation (no matter what the circumstances) be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench (subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of) the (Holy) Spirit.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, AMP)
Can you rejoice and give thanks to the Lord for how He has blessed you in our church-wide Fasting & Prayer in the month of January? Here are some reflections from members of our board:
SCFBC board member
“I gave up meat for breakfast and lunch for the month. One plus to doing that is that at every lunch I automatically think of why I'm limited in my menu options. It keeps the purpose front and center. Also, I have to explain why I'm skipping meat to my co-workers, which is a form of outreach.”
SCFBC board member
“Two quotes helped and encouraged me during this month of prayer and fasting as I continued my journey to be more like Jesus. John 17:3 – "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God" – reminded me that the emphasis of my Bible study and prayer life should be to know God. The second quote, from Max Lucado's book, Let the Journey Begin, reminded me of the necessity of self-control and of the futility of giving into the desire from which I had been fasting: I choose self-control.
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal... I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control. How blessed we are to know we do not walk alone in this journey toward being like Jesus. We have the power of the Holy Spirit within us to help, guide and teach us.”
SCFBC board member
“The Bible verse that helped me this month was Romans 12:2. It says, “Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful (God-honoring) life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes.”
As someone who often struggles with worrying about not being good enough ( a “good enough” Christian, mother, sister, friend, etc.), the Holy Spirit led me to prayerfully stop feeding on negative self-talk, and start filling myself instead with God-honoring truths about my value and worth.
This year I did not fast from food, but instead attempted “fasting” from junky thoughts. These unhealthy opinions and ideas coming from the culture and the world I live in were influencing my sense of identity and my goals in life. Worldly values can be so subtle and easily ignored if we don’t pause to examine our hearts. So I rejoice and give thanks that I did pause to examine my heart daily this month. I then prayerfully repented of undervaluing God’s truth about being “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Then I received peace as the Holy Spirit washed me again in truth, freedom, and victory, and as his Word guarded my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”
SCFBC Board member
Whatever your experience was in prayer and fasting during the month of January, I hope that you enjoyed FEASTING on the goodness of the Lord. Let us continue to rejoice always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God daily, because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus! Happy New Year & God Bless.