I want to first say that there is a Holy God in Heaven! He is not only holy but He is pure, gracious, and He is full of love. God is the absolute definition of love and proved it by sending His only Son to die for the sin of mankind. He’s not only holy, pure, and love but He is Just and Truth. Our God showed by the removing of Lucifer when he kicked him like lightning out of Heaven how He handles dishonor and pride. He is not a weak God! He is a God to be loved but a God to be honored and feared (taken seriously).

SIN
Sin is an issue that every man and woman has dealt and deals with. We learn in God’s Word that because of Adam’s disobedience, sin entered into the world (Romans 5:12). Mankind has lived in a fallen world, a sinful world, a disobedient world since the sin of the first man. Realize that before the fall of Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden was a place of purity. It was a place of no sickness, no pain, no struggle, and no sin. There weren’t even thorns and thistles on Earth to bring pain to man by the pricking of his finger (Genesis 3:18). Man was “naked” and knew it not because He was covered with the Glory of God  (Genesis 2). When Adam and Eve sinned, we see that they took fig leaves to cover their nakedness because their disobedience lifted their covering (Genesis 3:7).

Jesus came to the Earth to pay the debt of sin. Sin separates us from God. Sin can quench and grieve the Holy Spirit in us. (1 Thess 5:19, Ephesians 4:30). Jesus has paid the sin debt with the offering of His life. You and I must come to Him in faith to be saved. Realize that because the sin debt is paid doesn’t mean that I’m automatically “saved”.  I must acknowledge my sinful ways and come to Christ for redemption. For example, I can go pay for you a new car at the dealership but you don’t own the car until you go sign the papers and pick up the keys. Salvation has been paid for and now we must pick up our salvation.

Although the sin debt has been paid, sin is still taking place today. Again, because of sin, we live in a fallen/cursed world until the day that Christ will redeem all things (which will take place soon). You and I have battled the nature to sin before surrendering to Christ and will after we come to Christ. Paul writes in Galatians 5:17, “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”  Every day we have the choice to sow to the spirit or the flesh (sin nature).  There is a battle but surrender to Christ and living in the Spirit will cause us to overcome (Galatians 6:8).

My Point:
Because Christ died for sin and paid for the sin debt does not mean that I can live however I desire. Because sin is paid for doesn’t mean that God accepts me the way that I am and I can live how I choose. We see that once saved, we can still “grieve” and “quench” the Spirit of God within us.  This proves that my actions and lifestyle are to be holy and line up with God’s Truth and that my lifestyle can either please or grieve our Lord.

Grace is not a license we receive that says,  “I asked Christ in my life or I was baptized, so now I God doesn’t care how I live.” No! Grace is actually the empowerment that God gives His children to overcome the sinful life and temptations of the enemy.

SO WHAT IS SIN?

• Sin according to Webster’s Dictionary is an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law.

• Sin according to the Bible is described as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18).

• James 4:17 says “to know to do good (what is right) and do it not, is sin”

LIST OF SIN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT (These are just a few passages)

• Galatians 5:19-21, “Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

• 1 Timothy 3, “unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers (gossips), Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

• Revelations 21:8, “⁸ But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death

Often, the Holy Spirit was speaking to believers in Christ about these sinful actions.

LET’S TACKLE THE ELEPHANT

I receive these questions quite often. “Does God and do you love homosexuals? Do you have friends that are homosexual? The answer to these questions is YES! Yes, God loves homosexuals. Yes, I do too. Yes, I have friends that are homosexual (co-workers, neighbors, people I’ve met in my life, etc)

I want to be very plain here:
Does God love homosexuals? Yes!
Is the homosexual lifestyle holy and acceptable before God? ..No!

Before anyone would get offended (which is not my heart), here are some scriptures in the Old and New Testaments that shares God’s heart on this lifestyle:

• Genesis 19:4-13, “⁴ But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: ⁵ And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them (know means to have sexual relations with). ⁶ And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, ⁷ And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
• Leviticus 20:13, “¹³ If a man also lie with man, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: “
• Leviticus 18:22, “Do not lie with a man as one would with a woman for this is detestable.”

New Testament Scriptures:

• Matthew 19:5, (Jesus’ Words) “And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
  • Jesus makes it clear that a man is to be with a woman
  • Romans 1:24-27, “²⁴ Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. ²⁶ For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; ²⁷ and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “⁹ Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men^{[a] 10} nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

• Jude 1:7, “⁷ In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. (Sodom referring to the sexual perversion of the men having sexual relations with other men)

Ok, I’ve layed out just a few scriptures in the Old Testament and New that speak on this issue. There are more scriptures but for the sake of time you can study those on your own.

I want to reemphasize why I’m writing this… First, to bring truth to any question on this topic. Secondly, because of the LOVE I have for all people; saved or sinner, homosexual or heterosexual, men, women, youth, etc.

We live in a culture where to oppose this lifestyle with God’s Word is deemed to be a “Hater, bigot or prejudice”. This is the furthest thing from my heart! To speak on this subject is birthed from a place of LOVE not hate! I love people just as God loves ALL people! He loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to give us an opportunity to be saved and turn from our sin. It is LOVE that causes a preacher to stand up and share the Truth of God’s Word.  It’s LOVE to stand in the face of criticism to bring those in error on any area of sin to the light to save their soul.  It’s not an attack; it’s a revealing of truth from the Word of God birthed from a place of Godly Love. Thirdly, I write to clarify for believers, new Christians and a generation being raised with questions what God’s Word says on this topic ( I am responsible to do so as a minister of the Gospel)

The Prophet Isaiah was commanded by God to “Cry loud and spare not. Lift up your voice like a trumpet and show my people their sin.” This isn’t a popular thing to do (show people their sin and error) but its love and obedience to God that would cause this preacher to do so. Example: If my child was thinking he could drive and jump a cliff with his vehicle with no harm but that would obviously kill him; I’d do everything in my power to stop him, talk him out of it, or hide his keys! I wouldn’t care that he’d be upset with me. I would do everything in my power to show him and stop him from harming himself.  I would know that I was saving his life and in time he would hopefully see that. I would hope that he’d recognize that love caused me to hide his keys (even when he didn’t appreciate it at the time). No difference here as we dive into this topic

Does God love homosexuals? Yes!
Does God love thieves? Yes!
Does God love adulterers? Yes!
Does God love liars? Yes!
Does God love those that aren’t perfect? Yes!
Does God love sinners? Yes!
Does God love everyone? Yes!

Are we to continue in sinful lifestyle? No!
Once saved can I do whatever and live however? No! Will He help us? Yes! Will we be perfect? No! Will we make mistakes or sin? Yes!

THE KEY:
Recognize that sin is sin and we must repent (turn, change our thinking) and follow God’s Word. Recognize that we can’t live however we desire and say “God accepts me the way I am”. He loves us but His love doesn’t qualify us to be saved! I love my own kids but that doesn’t mean they do whatever they want with no consequences. Our surrender and turning to Christ qualifies us for eternal life!

Are people born certain ways whatever that may be? No & Yes. No, God doesn’t make a mistake when he creates a man or a woman. He never makes mistakes!  Yes, WE ARE ALL BORN with a desire to sin! Not that God made us that way but it’s because of sin of Adam that produced sin and the nature to sin. Whether that’s stealing, lying, gossiping, being prideful, etc.. we ALL must accept Jesus and come under His authority and He will help us overcome sinful lifestyles with His grace.

ENDING

I want to reemphasize that it’s the Godly love for people that cause a preacher or believer to declare Truth ( I recognize that there are haters out there with a motivation that’s not driven by love).  I want to share that I strive to love everyone just as God loves every person. I want to help steer people from sinful  ways of life, “there is a way that seems right to a man but the end is destruction” (Proverbs 14:12). We must line up with God’s Word for He is the Word. Jesus said, “I am the Way, Truth, and Life..”

The question for believers is this? Do you believe the Word of God? Will you obey His Word? Jesus said, “if you love me, you will obey my commandments.”

We have a choice to make? Follow Culture or Follow the Word. The Truth will either set us free or it will be a stumbling block. I don’t want to trip over Truth even if it hurts or causes me to change my thinking. God will never lead you down the wrong path!

Many say, “You can’t judge me!” I understand that statement realizing God knows all things and He is the ultimate Judge (which He will judge us according to His Word). Consider these scriptures and realize that believers and ministers of the Gospel have a spiritual obligation to speak out on topics and situations.

• 1 Corinthians 2:15, “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things…”
• 1 Corinthians 6:2, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?”
• 1 Corinthians 6:3, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?”
• John 7:24, “Judge not according to the appearance but judge righteous judgment.” (Jesus’ Words)

Everything I wrote in this blog is from the scriptures, mostly the New Testament! I’m not giving you my opinion, but what the Word teaches; for the truth shall set us free!

If you are dealing, struggling, or have questions about sin or sinful lifestyles; know that God loves you and He is reaching for your heart! This preacher is here with love to help you through any sin or struggle you may be dealing with. For we all need Jesus and He helps us all come in alignment with His heart and Word.

Church of Jesus Christ; let’s love with all of our hearts! Let’s care with all of our hearts! Let’s follow God and His Word with all of our hearts!

With all the love in my heart,

Pastor Josh

DPC launched a 4 week Men’s Discipleship Group. We had a large group of men join us as we began our study “The Kingdom Man” by Pastor Tony Evans.

My heart is to simply highlight a few points that we study each week.

Part 1 in our Study was “The Cry for a Kingdom Man”…
“A kingdom man is the kind of man that when his feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, “Oh no, he’s up!” When a kingdom man steps out his door each day, heaven, earth, and hell take notice. When he protects the woman under his care, she can do little to resist him. His children look to him with confidence. Other men look to him as someone to emulate. His church calls on him for strength and leadership. He is a preserver of culture and a champion of society to keep out evil and usher in good. A kingdom man understands that God never said a “godly life” would be easy; He just said it would be worth it.” – Tony Evans

Exodus 34:23-24, “²³ Three times a year all your men are to appear before the Sovereign Lord, the God of Israel. ²⁴ I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your territory, and no one will covet (takeover) your land when you go up three times each year to appear before the Lord your God.

Points of Passion:
1. God told the men to appear before Him. Kingdom Men make it a priority to obey God and to “position” themselves before God.
2. God said if they will appear (position) before Him that He would (1) Drive Out the Enemy, (2) Enlarge their territory (3) Protect their land (stuff, business, family, etc)

Positioning yourself before God will open up God’s Power, Blessing, Protection

“A Kingdom man is one who not only believes in God, but has come up under the Lordship of God. He has allowed God to govern his life, family and all his affairs.” – Tony Evans

This weekend at Destiny Pointe Church, we truly experienced a “DESTINY POINTE!” We had the honor to have Dr. Mike Brown (Strength & Wisdom Ministries) as our guest for two services. Dr. Brown is a Spiritual Father/Mentor to Jennifer and I and Destiny Pointe Church. He has sowed wisdom, time, prayer, finances, and much more into our lives even before DPC launched. We are beyond thankful and humbled to have such a great man of God in our personal lives and a Spiritual Father speaking into DPC.

This is what I know took place in my personal life and the heart of our church this weekend…
Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:11-12, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

Dr. Brown not only preached incredible messages yesterday but there was an impartation that took place in our church. The anointing and prophetic flow was in the house. I literally felt that our church moved into a greater dimension of wisdom, faith, and revelation. I could see it on faces and feel it in my spirit.

Here are the points from Dr. Brown’s sermon on Sunday evening…
“ 7 Confessions While in a Cave” from Psalm 57

1. I Am Covered
2. This Trial is Not Termination But Only Intermission
3. God is Planning a Counter Attack
4. My God is Greater Than My Enemy
5. My Heart is Fixed
6. I Will Activate My Anointing
7. My Life Will Honor God

1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

This scripture has been on my heart the past few days. As believers in Christ, we must be aware of the spiritual warfare that takes place around us. The spirit world is more real than our present reality. For there is a kingdom of darkness that wages war against God’s Kingdom and His children. Paul says it this way, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). With this thought in mind let me encourage you to guard vital aspects of your life and spirit man within you. Let us cut the enemy off from reeking any havoc. Let us be sober and vigilant! Notice that the devil is “as a roaring lion”…. He is an imposter and fake. Our Jesus is the Real Lion of the Tribe of Judah!

Here are a few Power Points to think upon:

1. We have an Adversary
   Peter shares with us to be sober, be vigilant, for we have an adversary who is the devil. He walks around seeking who he can devour. The reality that there is a real devil must sink in. Just as there is a real God (and there is) there is a real devil named Satan. He desires to devour our lives. Jesus said in John 10:10, “the thief has come to steal, kill, and destroy.” Although I don’t believe that God intends for believers to be fearful of the enemy in anyway, we must be aware of him. I don’t wake up everyday desiring to go on a “devil hunt” but realize that as I walk with Christ I will draw adversity. The Bible says, “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial that comes to try you as some strange thing has happened to you.” Bottom line; the devil is real and hates you because of the potential inside of you. Be aware, be sober minded, be vigilant! Put the devil back in his place when he comes to fight you which is under your feet!
2. Guard Your Heart
   Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Your heart is really the essence of your being (it’s your soul). Your heart in the natural pumps blood and life throughout your body. In the spirit, it is the essence of your passion and walk with Christ. The writer says to “keep” your heart. This means to guard it. Beware of things of this world that will try to penetrate the heart to wound, distract, and battle the heart! Guard it as the most precious possession you have.
3. Guard Your Mind
   Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Our minds are precious! Often times the greatest battle a man fights is in between his ears. If not careful, our minds can wonder, think negativley, and stir confusion. The devil often attacks the mind with thoughts, lies, and doubt to see how you react and respond. For example, he may throw the thought “God doesn’t love you.” He will then see how you resond to that thought to see if he has an effect upon your mind. Paul says to “put on the helmet of salvation” which means to guard the mind. Paul also says in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whateve r is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
4. Guard Your Tongue
   Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Our words have the power to bring life or death! One preacher said, “you are either a window of heaven or a gate of hell.” Are we releasing heaven or hell with our words? Our words create our world. God spoke the world and everything into existence. He knows the power of words. Speak life over yourself! Speak health, love, purpose, strength, etc, over your family daily. Speak scripture over your kids and over trying situations. Overcome the tongue of doubt, discouragement, and disease. Speak the Word, speak Life!
5. Guard Your Eyes 2 Corinthians 5:17, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” If we aren’t careful, what we see can be discouraging to our faith. Often times the world and circumstance will look very dark and discouraging in times of pressing forward. We must walk by faith which is trusting in what God said. Not allowing what we see dictate our joy, hope, and purpose. Guard your eyes and see through the Word!

Good Evening DPC,

We pray this day has been filled with many blessings. Without a doubt the Lord loves you and is with you!

Reminder: On Friday, February 6^th, we will be hosting our first Water Baptism at 7 pm. Christian Fellowship has graciously opened their doors to allow us to baptize in their facilities.

This night is designed for our entire church to attend. We desire you to be there to either be baptized or celebrate with you brothers/sisters who are being baptized. This is going to be a beautiful and special moment for our church and those being baptized. Don’t Miss It!

Meeting:

Christian Fellowship
4600 Christian Fellowship Rd
Columbia, MO 65203

Common Questions:

1. What should I wear? It will be best to wear a pair of shorts and a t­-shirt. Be mindful to wear “dark” clothes that you won’t be embarrassed with see-through attire 🙂
2. Will I be able to change after I’m baptized? Yes, there are rooms located at Christian Fellowship near the Baptistry. There will be a Men’s Room and a Ladies Room
3. Should I wear my clothes that I’m being baptized in to the service? That is up to you. You will have time to change before if you desire.
4. What time should I arrive? If you are being baptized or any of your children, please arrive at 6:45pm so you will have time to change before the service begins
5. What will be the format of the service? Our congregation will be seated in the sanctuary and observe each person being baptized (which is at the back of the platform at Christian Fellowship. We will have music in the background and a time for those being baptized to share their story (if they desire).

Today, Destiny Pointe Church marks the first day of our 21 Day Fast. Fasting is spiritual, scriptural, and powerful tool to draw closer to God. In Matthew 6, Jesus lays out three things followers do. He said, “When you give…When you pray…When you fast…” He made it clear that FASTING was a normal part of the Christian life as much as giving and praying.

Here are a few quotes from Jentezen Franklin’s book, “Fasting”. Be encouraged today!

“Fasting has been the secret to obtaining open doors, miraculous provision, favor, and the tender touch of God upon my life.”

“Fasting releases the anointing, favor, and blessing upon the life of a Christian.”

“Fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.”

“Fasting has the power to unclutter the things of this world and brings a sensativity to the things of God.”

“Whenever you begin a fast, remember, if it doesn’t mean anything to you, it won’t mean anything to God. Without being combined with prayer and the Word, fasting is little more than dieting.” – Jentezen Franklin

DPC FAMILY,

I wanted to share with you that we are calling for a corporate 21 Day Fast for DPC beginning Monday, January 12^th . First, fasting is a powerful discipline found throughout the Word of God for breakthrough, spiritual strength, and way to draw closer to the Spirit of God. In Joel 1:14, the Bible declares, “Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring the leaders and all the people of the land into the Temple of the Lord your God.”

Those that desire to join us for the fast will be drawing near to God for themselves and for DPC. I believe it will be a time to deny our flesh and draw closer to the Spirit. FASTING is really FEASTING! It’s a discipline to deny the flesh and to grow the spirit within you. It will be a tremendous time for you and for our church.

DPC goals for fasting, seeking, and praying are:

• More salvations in our city
• Revelation and Truth
• Breakthroughs
• An even Greater Presence of God in our services

Below are some keys and types of fasts we picked up from Jentezen Franklin for you to lookover. Ask the Lord, “what will you desire for me to do?” You won’t regret joining in and seeing God touch your heart. I personally will be doing the 21 Day Daniel Fast. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Blessings,

Pastor Josh

TYPES & KEYS TO FASTING:

There are several types of fasting. The one you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.

Full Fast Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

The Daniel Fast Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

3-Day Fast This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Partial Fast A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Scripture References for Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word: 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30,Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8).

Simply stated, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.

According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray and fast.

Biblical fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength—strength which you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in Heaven, says Matthew 6.

When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, you set the course for the entire year.

Why should I fast?

1. Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
2. Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
3. Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
4. Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
5. Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
6. Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
7. Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
8. Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
9. Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?

BIBLICAL FASTING FOCUS 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

ROMANS 12:1

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.”

MATTHEW 6:33

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

ISAIAH 58:6

“[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”

A great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will “undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free.” We are living in tough economic times and spiritual times and we know that so many people are under a great burden. As we come together to fast and pray, we believe that your burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!

We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your biblical fasting come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. We believe that, as we pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year (Matthew 6:33)!

KEYS TO DANIEL’S FAST IN THE BIBLE

Step 1: Be Specific Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.

1. The king’s food was against dietary laws.
2. Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
3. The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.

Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).

Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:

1. Your food choices.
2. The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
3. Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.
4. Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.

Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin’s Role in Poor Health Notice James 5:13-16:

• Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
• Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
• Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake
• Repentance is linked to health according to James.Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.FOOD GUIDELINES FOR A DANIEL FASTDaniel 10:3 KJV “I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
• When going on a Daniel fast, or any type of fast, if you have questions outside of what Scripture says, prayerfully seek the Lord and be led by the Spirit for the specifics for your personal fast.
• Daniel 1:12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
• Step 7: Yield All Results to God Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).
• Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king’s food.

I am living a God birthed dream! My wife and I are three weeks into our first church plant, Destiny Pointe Church in Columbia, Missouri. We moved to our city over a year ago and didn’t know a single person in our town. Thus far, we have had 30 people make commitments to Christ in our three week existence! I’m blown away by God’s goodness.

 
After a few months of Launch Team meetings and three weeks of Sunday worship experiences, I realize a few things that make the dream come alive:

• You need people in love with the “bus” and not a particular “seat” on the bus
• You need people who will do little things
• Doing little things with great passion opens up doors for bigger things
• Your setup team are radical people
• Say “Thank You” as much as you can to your team. It’s never enough!
• Behind the scenes people will receive great rewards in Heaven
• Love your team/volunteers, they believed in your dream before they saw it manifest
• The “I will do anything you need people” deserve Gold Medals
• Vacumming floors and taking out the trash are portals of great anointing
• Those who minister to kids have the heart of Jesus
• Nursery work is ministry not babysitting. You are impacting their lives more than you know
• Enjoy the Journey. Have fun. Laugh and let God lead this thing!

Jennifer and I have been blessed with an amazing team that jump in there and get it done. I will never be able to share in words how much I love our DPC families and volunteers!

#wewinthiscitytogether #destinypointechurch  #columbia  #theZou

www.destinypointe.com  @Palmer_Joshua  @DestinyPointe

I have been reading a powerful book “I Am A Church Member” by Thomas S. Rainer. We actually purchased and gave each family in our church this book at our first Launch Team Gathering. I simply wanted to blog and bring out key points and quotes from each chapter over the next couple of weeks. These points and quotes can be challenging and almost sound negative. They are not intended to do so, but to challenge us to change and draw wisdom and knowledge to be what God called us to be.

The overall theme of this great book is to bring out that our churches will only be as healthy as our members! Membership in a church is not “paying dues” to receive “perks”. It’s about being a family and body of Christ, not a social club. It’s not about “me” and what I can “get”. Its about “us & them” and what I can “give, serve, & contribute.”

If we can renew our mind to the true power of church membership, we will be healthy, strong, lives will be impacted, and Jesus’ mission for the church will be accomplished.

Here are a few CHALLENGING points & quotes from the Introduction Chapter:

“Based on research of 557 churches from 2004-2010, nine out of ten churches in America are declining or growing at a rate that is slower than that of their communities. Simply stated, churches are losing ground in their own backyards.” – Thomas Rainer

“Only 15% of the Millennials are Christians in the US. The Millennials are the largest generation in American history with almost eighty million members. They were born between 1980-2000.” -Thomas Rainer

“I am suggesting that congregations across America are weak because many of us church members have lost the Biblical understanding of what it means to be part of the body of Christ.” – Thomas Rainer

“We join our churches expecting others to serve us, to feed us (Bible), and to care for us.” – Thomas Rainer

“God did not give us churches to become Country Clubs where membership means we have privileges and perks.” – Thomas Rainer

He placed us in churches to serve, to care for others, to pray for leaders, to learn, to teach, to give, and in some cases die for the sake of the Gospel” – Thomas Rainer

“Many churches are weak because we have members who have turned the meaning of membership upside down. It’s time to get it right. It’s time to become a church member as God intended. It’s time to give instead of being entitled.” – Thomas Rainer

This past weekend was DPC’s second Launch Team Gathering with a Cookout. 55 people joined us and we want to say thanks to everyone who came out. It was a blast connecting with one another, watching the kids play, eating, and the serious competition on the volleyball court!

Thanks to everyone who invited friends/family and those that helped us setup/take down!

These are “History Making Moments” for our church and we know God has so many incredible things in store for our DPC family. This is the time to plug in and run after Jesus with all of your heart!

Let’s share the greatest news on Earth to our city. News that “Jesus loves them, died for their sin, and desires to fulfill their life with great purpose”

Keep up with us on
Twitter: @Destiny Pointe  & @Palmer_Joshua
Facebook: Destiny Pointe Church
Website: www.destinypointe.com

The best is yet to come DPC!
#strongerthanyesterday