Word from the Lord by Pastor Ricky Texada

The Spirit of the Lord is saying, “If you’ll lay the burden down, He’ll take them.  If you’ll lay the care down, He’ll take it.  If you’ll lay the challenge that’s before you down, He’ll take it.”

The Lord says, “There’s someone here who has such a burden that you don’t know what to do, where to turn."

The Lord says, "Release it to me, release it to me.  For I know the plans that I have for you.  I know the plans that I have for your family.  I know the plans that I have for your future and it’s a good plan.  Don’t stand in My way of perfecting the plan that I have for you, just lay it down.  Have I not said through My Word, 'cast your care upon me for I care for you, says the Lord.'"

"I care for you," says the Lord.  And though it seems like there’s been a season of silence, the Lord would say, "I’m speaking to you now, I’m speaking to you right now.  Hear My voice and obey My Word that I might establish My covenant with you.  I might do what I’ve intended to do for the present battle is not yours.  It is Mine," says the Lord. 

"For your present battle is not yours, it is Mine," says the Lord.  "For I AM the Lord of Hosts, the Lord God Almighty is My name.  Trust Me.  Trust Me and I will show you wondrous things,  marvelous things, precious things.  For I AM God.”

Devotion for Unity

Scripture:
John 17:20-21 (NKJV) “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

Think on These Things:
John 17 is Jesus’ prayer for unity. He prays for His close associates – His apostles. But He also looks down the corridors of time to our days and prays for us – those who have believed in Him through the ministries and writings of the apostles. His prayer is for all of us to be in unity – with God and with each other. When we are, the world will believe in Jesus.

Prayer for Unity - Through the Word:
Lord Jesus, we have received the testimony of the Apostles. Their New Testament letters lead us to believe in You. Help us to fully receive their testimony and pass it on to others. Help our words to always be in unity with Your Word. Your Word is truth. Help the world to see You in the truth that we speak.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Lord, that You are always true to Your Word. Thank You for Jesus, the Word made flesh. Thank You that we have the honor to speak Your Word in Jesus’ Name. Thank You that the world will see You when we are one with You.

Weekend Devotion - January 30/31

In January we have prayed and fasted contending for purpose. God has honored our time of consecration and brought many answers to prayer and great changes to our lives. Please take the time to write down testimonies of answered prayers and note the wonderful transformations underway. This week we will start February pressing into God’s purpose for the new month: Contending for Unity. Continue praying together knowing that our prayers are never in vain. His Word declared in our prayers will not return void.

Scripture:
Daniel 12:3 (Message) “Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.”

Think on These Things:
This month, we have focused on contending for God’s purpose for our lives. Jesus told us plainly that we are salt and light in the earth. We are to live in such a way that we create a thirst in others for God and shine the light of the truth of God. When we live according to that revealed purpose, He shines through us brightly with no cloudiness. We’re getting ourselves out of the way, not blocking Him from shining. Self will is yielded to His will.

Prayer for Purpose - Shining Brightly:
Jesus, You are the light of my life. Help me to yield to Your purpose daily. I pray that others will see Your light when they interact with me. Let me never cloud over Your life lived through me. “Less of me and more of You” is my prayer. Help me to live each day wisely and well.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Lord, for the wisdom that comes from Your Word. Thank You for illuminating Your Word to me so I know Your purpose and how to live it well. Thank You for the opportunites to share You with others that they might find the right path to life. And thank You for eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Today's Devotion - January 29

Scripture:
Psalm 75:6-7 (KJV) “For promotion [cometh] neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

Think on These Things:
In contending for purpose, we are desiring something better in life – God’s best. We desire to advance in His plan and purpose – a better job, improved or new relationships, better means in life. It’s easy to fall into seeking and striving after “the next thing” and become impatient. We can start looking for angles, advantages, ways to get things done. We can become self-promoting. Yet God is the one who will promote and elevate us. And faithfulness brings promotion.

Prayer for Purpose - Promotion:
Lord Jesus, You taught that being faithful in little things will qualify us for bigger things. Help us to be faithful in what You’ve given us and asked us to do. We want to be ready for whatever assignments You have for us this year. What You ask, we will do. We pray for increased faith and determination in obeying You in 2010.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You that we don’t have to struggle and strive to make everthing happen on our own. Thank You for helping us when we ask You. Thank You for helping our efforts to do Your will and be fruitful. And thank You for promotion in Your perfect time and season.

Today's Devotional - January 28

Scripture: 
Galatians 5:25 (Amplified) “If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]”

Think on These Things:
Walking in (or by) the Spirit is a choice. God’s Spirit surrounds us and gives us life. But allowing God to lead us and guide us each day is a decision we make. When we look in the mirror in the morning, do we think “I’m ready to take on the world today?” Or do we choose to pray and yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? If we yield, we come into alignment with God’s purpose for us for the day.

Prayer for Purpose - Walking In and By the Spirit:
Lord, I choose today to yield to the direction of Your Holy Spirit. I choose to walk in line with Your plan and purpose for me. Please set Divine appointments for me – set the people in my path that You have chosen for me to meet. And guide my conduct today by Your wisdom and understanding.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You,God, that I can continually live in Your Presence through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the promise that if I will yield to Your Spirit’s guidance, that I will be right in line with Your purpose for me and my actions will be pleasing and in accordance with Your will.

Today's Devotional - January 27

Scripture:
Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Think on These Things:
Having come through a dedicated time of prayer and fasting to draw closer to God, it is easy to develop a mindset focusing on what was eaten or what was avoided during the fast. The point wasn’t what foods were fasted, but our increased attention to communicating with God. Right relationship with Him brings peace we can’t get elsewhere. And the joy of our salvation is refreshed by our growing interaction with the Holy Spirit who is here in the earth to lead and guide us.

Prayer for Purpose - The Kingdom Is...
Lord, help me to stop worrying about the mundane issues of life and to build a more trusting relationship with You. I choose to follow Jesus’ instruction to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness knowing that You will take care of all my needs. I believe and trust You and choose to stop worrying.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Father, for putting me in right relationship with You. As the scripture declares, I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. And thank You, Jesus, for the peace that You bring to my life. And thank You, God, for joy in the Holy Spirit. I am strengthened by the joy You give me.

Continuing Devotional | Past the Fast - January 25

Scripture:
Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Think on These Things:
When a great goal is achieved, it’s a natural tendency to come to a resting point and breathe a sigh of relief. We have arrived. But we can’t stay there. God is calling us to come up higher with Him. When the Apostle Paul referred to forgetting those things that were behind, he wasn’t just thinking about his failures (when he was zealously persecuting Christians) he was also thinking about his successes (preaching, ministering, and building churches). We can enjoy the achievement of our most recent goal and then engage our faith as we press for God’s high calling for our life.

Prayer for Purpose - Pressing Toward the Mark:
Lord, I rejoice in having come to the end of this consecrated time of prayer and fasting. But Lord, I pray for Your help in not retreating back into my old ways. And I pray that I will not stay where I am at today. I want to go where You are leading me in 2010. I pray that You will help me to press on to all that You have prepared for me this year. I have decided to follow Jesus…all the way.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Lord, for helping me through this time of prayer and fasting. Thank You for all that has changed in me during this dedicated time. Thank You that You still have more for me. Thank You for the Holy Spirit that will lead and guide me as I press for the mark for the prize of Your high calling for my life.

Day 21 - January 24

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 “… thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.’

Think on These Things:
It is our Lord Jesus who gives us victory when we contend for purpose. We do our part praying and acting in faith and Jesus brings the results. The battle is the Lord’s. Knowing this, we are encouraged to not give up, back up or back down because what we have done in faith is never in vain. Victory is ours.

Prayer for Purpose - Victory:
Lord, help me to keep my mind fixed on You. Keep my faith firm on Your promises. I have committed my desires to You in prayer and I have aligned my focus on You through fasting. I believe you for victorious results. I trust You and I praise You.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, God, for the victory in Jesus. Thank You for strengthening me, firming my faith and my resolve, and multiplying the effects of what I pray and do for Your Kingdom. I know that nothing I do for You is fruitless or wasted, but will bear good fruit in its season. I rejoice in You and Your victory.

Day 20 - January 23

Scripture:
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Think on These Things:
As we contend for purpose, we need diligence to stay committed to our pursuit of God in prayer, fasting, worship and Bible study. We want to do the right things, but it’s all too easy to stop yielding to and depending on the Holy Spirit. When we slip into doing things in our own strength and understanding, stress builds and we become burdened. When we recognize what’s happening and cast our burdens on the Lord, we will find rest, peace and a renewed strength.

Prayer for Purpose - Lighten the Load:
Lord Jesus, I come to You at Your invitation and I give You my burdens: my cares, my worries, my struggles and my strivings. I choose to release my grip and stop trying to control everything in my life. I yield to You, trusting that Your way is best. You are my Lord.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Jesus, for caring for me. Thank You for lightening my load and taking it upon Yourself. And thank You for givng me just what I can handle. I thank You that I no longer have to depend on my own strength, but I depend on the help and the power of the Holy Spirit. I rest in You and thank You God that through Jesus, I can do all things.

Day 19 - January 22

Scripture:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Think on These Things:
As we discover the foundation of our purpose in God, we have to determine how we’ll build on that purpose. God has provided His Scripture as our blueprint for life so that we have all the instructions we need to finish what we are assigned. It gives us the framework of principles (doctrine) and the specifics to do things correctly (instruction in righteousness). It also provides the tools to help with changes and modifications to the plan (reproof and correction) so that we can complete our life’s assignment correctly.

Prayer for Purpose - The Blueprint:
Lord, help me to become diligent in making Bible Study a daily focus of my life. Help me to gain knowledge and wisdom from Your Word so that I’ll be equipped for any circumstance of life. When I open my Bible, help me to understand what I am reading and what You are saying to me today.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You for being a God that is not silent, but One who desires to communicate with me. Thank You that You are the Word and that I can always trust You to be true to Your Word. Thank You that I don’t have to wonder about how to live but can always depend on Your Scripture to instruct me.

Day 18 - January 21

Scripture:
2 Timothy 2:19:  “…the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and , “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Think on These Things:
The purpose of God for our life is not a vague, nebulous thing. It has form, order and structure. We work with the structure of God’s revealed purpose in building our life. Every structure has a foundation that is built upon. Our foundation is the assurance that God knows us and we belong to Him. Therefore, we turn away from evil and self-will and build according to His good purpose.

Prayer for Purpose - The Solid Foundation:
Lord God, I choose to stand on Your solid foundation, Jesus Christ. I pray that Jesus be the Lord of my life and because I do, I confess what Your Word says: You know me and I am Yours. Through Jesus, my sins have been forgiven and I choose to walk away from iniquity – my tendency to want my own way instead of Your way. I yield myself to You so that I can grow in Your purpose for my life.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, God, for making me Yours through Jesus Christ. Thank You for knowing me and loving me with my strengths and weaknesses, my faith, hope and fears. Thank You for the Holy Spirit’s help in leading me away from iniquity and into the good life in Christ.

Day 17 - January 20

Scripture:
2 Timothy 2:6-7 (Amplified) “[It is] the hard-working farmer [who labors to produce] who must be the first partaker of the fruits. Think over these things I am saying [understand them and grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything.”

Think on These Things:
Contending for purpose, we have been praying and fasting for over two weeks now. We have been purposeful in seeking God. And like the farmer, we have been laboring to produce. Our job has been to sow in prayer. It is time for us to start to anticipate the crop we will reap. We, who have sown in prayer, will be first partakers of the spiritual fruits God is bringing forth. Great things are coming…soon!

Prayer for Purpose - Partaking:
Lord, we have believed Your Word and the call to dedicated prayer and fasting. We have sown in faith and now we believe You for the harvest we have prayed for. We pray for timely answers to our prayers because we have been contending by Your declared prophetic purpose. Now we eagerly anticipate partaking of the changes You are bringing.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Lord, for giving us the prophetic directive to pray and fast to start off the New Year and new decade. Thank You for the good fruits coming for us to reap because we have sown in prayer in obedience to Your Word. Thank You for Your purpose revealed in our lives.

Day 16 - January 19

Scripture:
Matthew 10:7-8 “And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

Think on These Things:
Jesus sent the disciples out to preach in the villages and do the same works that He was doing. What He was and the anointing He had was imparted to them to impart to others. Jesus has sent us out into the world to give what we have received from Him. Are we believing to receive all He has for us? The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Prayer for Purpose - Giving What We Receive:
Lord, we are contending for all You have for us. We believe Your Word that signs will follow those that believe (Mark 16:17-18). Help us to believe to receive more of You because there are so many hurting people needing healing, cleansing, raising up, and freedom from bondage. Help us to communicate and manifest Your love through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, God, for who You are. Thank You for what You give to us. Thank You for who You’ve made us to be. And thank You for what You give others through us. We yield ourselves to Your plan and purpose.

Day 15 - January 18

Scripture:
Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”

Think on These Things:
Whether playing hide and seek, hiding easter eggs for small children, or wrapping up a Christmas gift, the delight in hiding something is in knowing the joy that will come in the finding of it. God conceals things from us hoping we’ll come searching for His hidden treasures. Jesus did say to knock and it would be opened, seek and we would find didn’t He?

Prayer for Purpose - Seeking His Treasure:
Lord, help us to not be complacent, but to go hunting for the treasures You have hidden in Christ for us. Because we are contending for purpose in prayer and fasting, we pray that You will help us find Your perfect will for our lives. We want to discover all that You have for us.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Lord, for preparing the way for us. Thank You for the blessings and surprises that You have hidden for us along our life’s journey. Thank You for making us kings and priests unto our God (Revelation 5:10). And thank You for the privilege of becoming Kingdom treasure hunters in Christ.

Day 14 - January 17

Scripture:
2 Timothy 2:15-17a (The Message) “Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they're not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul…”

Think on These Things:
Contending for purpose is more than just prayer and fasting. It is also acting in faith based on what God tells us to do. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-20). If we get involved in just praying with religious language (instead of plainly and simply), we might be so busy speaking beautiful words that we don’t hear God speaking back to us. If we hear, obey, and act in faith, we will live a godly life and do our best for God.

Prayer for Purpose - Prayer for All:
Dear God, help us to do our best for You; hearing, obeying and acting in faith on Your instructions. Help us to communicate truthfully and simply to You and to others. Help us to be real and relational not superficial and religious. Help us to live godly lives that are pleasing to You and appealing to others.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You for not being distant and unapproachable but a real and relational God. Thank You for Jesus who through His sacrifice on the cross reestablished our relationship with You that was lost by Adam and Eve. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. We want to live our best for You.

Day 13 - January 16

Scripture:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT) “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people, Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Think on These Things:
Intercession is a powerful force for change in the world. We are told to pray for all people and for all in authority. Some people and some in authority oppose us and oppose God, yet we are instructed to intercede for them so that we can live in peace; And so that they can be set free from the demonic influences that are the true enemies (Ephesians 6:12). If God could convert the terrorist Saul into the Apostle Paul, what could He do today if we pray?

Prayer for Purpose - Doing Our Best:
Lord, we come to You in prayer today for all the people of the world. We pray for help and healing for those in crisis and devastation. We pray for the light of the gospel to touch those in darkness, rebellion and bondage. We pray for those that are leaders. Let every government leader in the world have a Divine encounter with You. Give them the courage to choose what is right and to make wise decisions for their people.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Lord, for sending Jesus into the world. Thank You for giving us the privilege to use His name in prayer. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers for all men and all authorities that they may know and receive You and that we may all live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

Day 12 - January 15

Scripture:
Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”

Think on These Things:
The purpose of our liife (that we contend for) is to love God with our all our heart and to influence others to know and receive Him. Winning souls for the Lord is the wise activity of our life. It should be a natural result of living in right standing with God. When we live and abide in Him, we naturally bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). That fruit tastes sweet to others and plants the seeds of the tree of life in those that receive us (and thus Him). And it is the goodness of God that leads them to salvation.

Prayer for Purpose - Winning Souls:
Lord, help us to live and abide in You. Let Your love and the fruit of the Spirit show forth Your rigtheousness in our lives, attracting others to You. Please arrange Divine appointments for us with those that need to know You. Help us to wisely plant seeds of truth and life through our conversations and the fruit of righteousness.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Lord, for Jesus and the eternal life that He gives. Thank You for the privilege of being able to speak the truth of Him in love to those that need relationship with You and salvation through Jesus.

Day 11 - January 14

Scripture:
Psalm 103:2-3 (NLT) “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.”

Think on These Things:
Contending for purpose in faith involves a grateful attitude of praise. It also involves a conscious choice to remember all the good things that God does for us. It’s easy to forget; it takes effort to remember. Our God has forgiven our sins. He has also provided healing for us (past, present and future) through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Prayer of Purpose - Healing:
Jesus, You have provided forgiveness for our sins through Your death on the cross. Help us to remember the beating You took for us. The stripes You received in that beating made healing available. Help us to contend for the truth of Your healing power in our prayers, our fasting and our praise. Lord, please be the healing virtue for those of us fighting sicknesses and diseases. We pray that You will show Yourself to Your children and to the world as The Healer.

Thanksgiving:
Lord Jesus, thank You for salvation and for providing healing for us. Thank You for Your promise that if we will believe and lay hands on the sick that they will recover (Mark 16:18). Thank You for giving us the faith to believe and the opportunities to love and bless others through the laying on of hands. 

Day 10 - January 13

Scripture:
Jude 1:20-21 (The Message) “But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!”

Think on these things:
We take care to groom and dress ourselves appropriately each day. And we exercise and work out to build our physical strength and stamina. Likewise, we can build our faith by making a daily habit of attention to God’s Word (faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God) and by praying in the Holy Spirit with an openess to God’s mercy and love. 

Prayer for Purpose - Growing Faith:
Lord, keep us in the center of Your purpose. We want to abide in Your love. We open ourselves wide to embrace You and Your mercy. Strengthen and grow our faith in You as we pray in the Spirit and press into Your Presence daily.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Lord God, for the measure of faith You have given us to believe in You. Thank You that we have been given the capacity to grow in our faith. Thank You for Your Word that instructs us in wisdom and for Your Holy Spirit to guide us and help us grow in faith and abiding love.

Day 9 - January 12

Scripture:
Hebrews 4:9-11a (God’s Word) “Therefore, a time of rest and worship exists for God’s people. Those who entered His place of rest also rested from their work as God did from His. So we must make every effort to enter that place of rest…”

Think on These Things:
We live in a world that is fast-paced and stressful. There are many distractions that keep us from spending regular time with God. Many times we even turn to those distractions in an effort to relax from the stress. God has provided a place of rest and worship in His Presence that brings real peace. But we have to contend for that time with Him. It doesn’t happen automatically. We have to work at laying down our works and resting in Him.

Prayer for Purpose - Rest:
Lord, You said that You have a place of rest and peace for us. Help us to remember to put You first each day. We want to set aside distractions and take the time to worship, pray, and rest with You. Help us to draw near to You, knowing that You will draw near to us and bring us into that promised place of rest and peace.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, God, for Jesus. Thank You that in Him is rest, peace, freedom from burdens, and fullness of joy.

Day 8 - January 11

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 14:15 “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”

Think on these things:
I contend for God’s purpose in my life through spending time with Him in prayer and worship. But I do so not just by engaging the choice of my will and understanding, but by yielding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Speaking and singing in other tongues along with prayer and worship in his regular language was what the Apostle Paul did regularly. It’s a good recipe for my spiritual diet as well.

Prayer of Purpose - Personal:
Lord, fill me daily with the refreshing living water of the Holy Spirit. Help me to pray and sing in the spirit as my first focus and then to pray and sing in my understanding, declaring the things that You reveal to me in prayer. Help me to hear Your voice ever more clearly that I might truly worship You in spirit and truth.

Thanksgiving:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of salvation through Your death on the cross. And thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit available to me just as it was to the church on the day of Pentecost. I thank You that You give me the ability to pray and worship You in the spirit (in other tongues) as well as in my own understanding. I love You Lord. Hear my prayer and receive my worship this day.

Day 7 - January 10

Scripture:
Psalm 96:3,10a “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. Say among the nations, The Lord Reigns…”

Think on these things:
Jesus instructed His followers to go and make disciples of all the nations. As Christians, each of us has the privilege and responsibility to impact the nations of the world – declaring His glory and Kingship. Even if we don’t travel to the nations physically, we can go through prayer. And we can assist in sending missionaries and support churches and programs in other countries. We can also declare God’s glory and His wonders personally through correspondence and internet communications (e-mail, blogging, and social networking). Say among the nations that the Lord reigns!

Prayer of Purpose - Nations:
Lord, we pray for our missionaries, pastors and leaders as they travel and minister to the nations. Provide purpose, provision, power, and protection as they bring the Word of God to the peoples of the earth. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May the pastors and churches of each nation be blessed and strengthened by the love of Jesus, the prayers and service of the saints, and the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Jesus, for faithful men and women commited to serving You and Your people in the nations of the earth. Thank You for Your light, love and eternal life that changes the character of people and transforms communities, cultures, and nations. Jesus, You are the light of the world and the hope of nations everywhere.

Day 6 - January 9

Scripture:
Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.”

Think on these things:
In our times of prayer and fasting, we lift our eyes to focus on our nation, the United States of America. We are contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (JUDE 1:3). That faith in Jesus Christ and the freedom He brings was also the faith of our Founding Fathers. They believed that the ability to worship God according to one’s conscience is the foundation of freedom and the source of the unity that makes us the United States.

Prayer of Purpose - For the USA:
Lord Jesus, we pray for Your mercy and grace for our country. We contend through our fasting and prayers for a return to the faith of our Founding Fathers. Let the truth of our Christian heritage become known again to our fellow citizens. Let Your Name be exalted in the public arena and in our government. Please forgive our national sins and bring revival and reformation to our land.
 
Thanksgiving:
Thank You, Lord, for allowing us to live in a country where we are still free to declare the Name of Jesus Christ and to worship You openly. Thank You for protecting our country and helping us to live in peace and unity.

Day 5 - January 8

Scripture:
Matthew 5:13a, 14, 16 “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Think on these things:
Believers in Jesus are salt and light. Salt stimulates thirst for what only God can provide – living water. Light scatters darkness (ignorance and evil) and brings hope and understanding. By works of righteousness, we are to influence others so much that they will give God glory and desire to join with us in becoming a city of light.

Prayer of Purpose - Our City:
Lord, as we pray and fast in this season, we pray that You will speak to us and give us ears to hear. Increase the light of understanding in our lives so that we can shine with wisdom and love. Let us love those around us in our city with Your heart of compassion. May our loving service to others draw them to You and give glory to Your Name. Let it be more like heaven in our city and less like hell. We pray that our city will shine with the love and glory of God.

Thanksgiving:
Thank you, God, for placing us in this city to make a difference for Your Kingdom purpose. Thank You for making us salt and light. And thank You for increasing our saltiness and brightening Your light in our lives.

Day 4 - January 7

Scripture:
John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing."

Think on these things:
As we contend for purpose through prayer and fasting, it is important to recognize that everything good comes from our relationship with Jesus. If we are connecting to Him, we will find our life's purpose. In Jesus is life - an abundant life of peace and joy, health and strength, satisfying and productive work and growing relationships. What we cannot achieve in our own strength and understanding is possible in Him, for with God nothing is impossible.

Prayer of Purpose - Fruitful Living:
Jesus, help me to stay connected to You every day. I choose to make You not just my Savior but also my Lord. Lead me and guide me through the power of the Holy Spirit into a healthy lifestyle of fruitfulness. I desire to be all that You created me to be and to do what you want me to do. I declare that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Thanksgiving:
Jesus, thank You for being my Savior, my Lord, and my Friend. Thank You for loving me and for revealing my life's purpose to me. Thank You for helping me to be more like You each day.

Day 3 - January 6

Scripture:
ACTS 2:46-47a “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people...."

Think on these things:
Contending for God's purpose in our faith is a daily process. The early church made gathering for worship and prayer a continuing habit. They also made fellowship with each other in their households a habit (what we would call Life Team meetings today). This developed a unity (one accord) among the believers that brought joy, peace, and praise to God. It also resulted in a positive opinion of the believers (the church) in the community.

Prayer of Purpose - Church:
Lord God, our desire is to see Your Name glorified by Your Church. Help us to worship You in spirit and truth in our homes and in our times gathered together in church. Let us make worship and prayer a daily habit in our lives and let our church gatherings reflect the glory and love of God in such a way that others are attracted to Jesus.

Thanksgiving:
Thank You God for fellow believers in our lives. Thank You for the gift of freedom to worship You in our homes and churches. Thank You for the church (the body of Christ) gathered in unity. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. And thank You for favor in 2010.

Day 2 - January 5

Scripture
Philippians 1:27 "...let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ...stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."

Think on these things:
Jesus expressed his desire in prayer to His Father that we would be in unity as He and the Father are in unity (John 17:20-21). As we are striving together (contending) for the faith, we accomplish more and reflect the love of God better when we are in agreement in heart and mind - with God and with each other.

Prayer of Purpose - Family & Friends:
Lord, I pray that my conduct, may actions this day, would be pleasing to you and be a worthy display of the good news of Christ. Help me to see things from Your perspective, thinking your thoughts and being open to the leading of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be at peace and in agreement with my family and friends and with You, Lord, and with Your purpose for me.

Thanksgiving:
Thank you Jesus for the abundant life You give me. I rejoice in the Covenant friendships you give me and in the family members You have put in my life (past, present and future) so that I can learn the lessons of love, service, patience, forgiveness and the purpose of legacy.

Day 1 - January 4

Scripture
Jude 1:3b “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Think on these things:
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told His followers to wait in Jerusalem until they had received the promise God had for them. They gathered together in unity in an upper room contending for that promise in prayer. After more than a week in prayer, the Holy Spirit came upon them fulfilling God’s promised blessing and launching the Church with “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Prayer of Purpose - Personal Focus:
Lord, I make a commitment that during this 21 day period of prayer and fasting, I will conTENd in prayer in a spirit of unity with my Covenant brothers and sisters for all that you have for me in this new season, new year, and new decade. I choose to live like the saints of the early church in the book of Acts: trusting in Jesus Christ for life and salvation and led by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I want your ways God. Help me to walk in them.

Thanksgiving:
Thank you, Lord, for eternal life through Jesus Christ. Thank you for the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life. Thank you, Lord, for transforming me to be more like you during these 21 days of dedicated prayer and fasting.