Welcome to the month of February 2025 – I’m so grateful for each of you and give thanks to the Lord for knitting us together as a church family. We have a wonderful heavenly Father – He is faithful, dependable, merciful and just. He rules in truth and righteousness and His Kingdom is advancing in the earth today!
There is so much taking place right now, in the Body of Christ as a whole, in each of our personal lives and in our nation. We need not be overwhelmed though, for the Lord has promised to give us all that we need, and His Holy Spirit abides with us forever and leads us into all truth.
In January, the Lord laid it on my heart to call a time of prayer and fasting at MCC in the month of February – a time of renewal; a time dedicated to ministering before the Lord, as we seek Him for clear direction for this new year and season we’ve entered into, as a church body.
In obedience to His leading, I invite you to join me this month for this time of prayer and fasting.
Our theme will be: “Lord, Our Eyes Are on You! “
- Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. (Hebrews 12:2 TLB)
- We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. (Hebrews 12:2 TPT)
In the month of February, our aim will be to set our eyes on the Lord and keep them set on Him. As sons and daughters of God, we can come boldly to the throne of grace and mercy to find the help we need, at any time. There is no need to beg Him for anything or try to get Him to move. He wants to move on our behalf and He will not turn away one whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
I encourage you to view this time of prayer and fasting as a time for us, individually and corporately, to draw near to Him; to tune our hearts to His; to set aside the things of this world and to fall in love with Him more and more…to ask freely for His guidance and direction. Based on His Word and character, I know that He will respond and He will meet with us!
How you choose to fast is between you and the Lord. Whether you do a full or partial fast, walk in the grace the Lord provides as you follow His leading. Let His Spirit guide you in this. if 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). Disclaimer: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before fasting.
If you are fasting dinner, spend the time you’d be eating dinner to spend with Him in some way. Fasting may be a challenge to the body, especially the first few days, however, I encourage you to do the hard thing. Lean in to the Lord and ask Him to strengthen you and give you grace for each moment, and for each day. As you do this He will show up and He will help you!
One to two devotionals will be sent out, each week, along with a prayer focus for the church. Take some time to read these and meditate on them as well as the key scriptures that are shared. Keep a journal close by and journal what the Lord may be speaking to you, and/or what thoughts come to you during this time. Also, write down some specific things or people that you can also commit to pray for during this time.
Thank you for embarking on this spiritual assignment with us! We know that God still has great plans in store for MCC and none of them include defeat! I encourage you to make this month all about seeking the Lord. Lay aside everything else that may try to steal your attention and tell Him, “Lord, our eyes are on You!”
Here are some ways to fast
- 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 sunup to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
- Social Media Fast – Abstaining or refraining from social media for a specified period of time. Some people delete the apps on their phone altogether to avoid being tempted to check the app.
Join us for corporate prayer this month
All I’ve Ever Needed
“You’re all I want….You’re all I’ve ever needed…”
Those aren’t just beautiful lyrics, those are eternal truths and a commitment to Love the Lord our God with ALL our soul, mind & strength.
To fast is to do away with everything that is unnecessary. When we take the time to be fully surrendered and fully yielded, completely dependent on the Lord and recognize him as the source of everything that we are AND all that we are able to do, it changes the way we think. It changes the way we live. It changes the way we operate. It changes the outflow of the knowledge of God through us.
Eliminating distractions and blockages, removing any hindrance to our obedience, to our complete submission, is what we should desire all the time. And fasting helps us with that greatly.
“My nourishment is to do the Father’s Will, to do His work.” That’s what Jesus said. In other words, to do what the Father has for us to do is what will satisfy and sustain us in every season of life.
A statement I’ve made to the Father repeatedly as of recent has been, “Lord, I love You more than anything else. Lord, I desire to serve you more than anything else.” It’s in essence a commitment and one I’m asking Him to help me with. I want Him to bring those statements to my remembrance constantly until I am devoid of any self-interest and preference.
Declarations like those are important to habitually meditate on. And they open the door for the Holy Spirit, who is not only my Comforter and Helper, but my Master, to step in and speak to me and show me how I should live in this world in a way that shows I am not of this world; in a way that shows that there is veracity to what the Word says. We are the living testament of the Truth.
Fix your eyes on the One who perfectly carried out the Father’s Will & is His Living Testament—Jesus! In doing so, you will become fully engrossed with & absolutely surrendered to the One that gave up everything, holding nothing back and held back by nothing.
BONUS: Fasting & Vision
Fasting produces clear vision. It eliminates the unnecessary and directs our attention to what is vital.
It enables you to dream big, unimpeded by distraction or concern from asking who, what when where, why, how, etc., which produces a lack of confidence, distrust, and unbelief in a person who constantly meditates on those questions.
If faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, then a lack of faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word & suggestion of every situation, fact, & earthly circumstance.
“This kind of [unbelief] can only come out through prayer and fasting.” Thank God there’s a way to get out of unbelief, a new way forward!
If you are struggling to see what the next steps forward are, put your time & energy into receiving direction from the One Who orders your steps.
And remember why it matters – we are His ambassadors. There is work to be done; work that only you can do. Time is of the essence and we can’t afford to waste it. No more allowances for complacency or procrastination. Flow with the spirit at all times, in all places, and in all interactions with all people.
Be about the Father’s business.
- Tell the Lord what He means to you
- Ask the Lord to reveal more of Himself to you
- Ask the Lord to fill your life through and through
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The Essence of Fasting & Praying
When it comes to fasting as a believer, it’s something we are instructed in the Bible to do (Matthew 6:17–18). However, like many things God calls us to do, although to just not eat is a simple thing to do, it isn’t easy.
If you’re anything like me, I like to do my research before I invest or participate in anything, so I took the same approach with fasting!
There is wisdom in doing this though, because without a plan for anything we may attempt to take on in life, it’s likely we won’t be effective, or as effective as we could be, without prior preparation.
Even before starting this fast (or knowing about it), God led me to start reading a book that I’ve owned for over a year, but have never read. Within that book, a couple of the chapters had the main topic on fasting and praying.
There were many great insights on fasting I received from reading those specific chapters, and they encouraged and prepared me as I went into this time of fasting and praying with our church body.
Now, I will share seven of those insights in this devotional reading, and I hope they also encourage you as we finish up our time of fasting and praying for the month of February, and that by sharing these truths, they give you something to hold on to as you fast again in the future.
** NOTE : All excerpts below come from Chapters 8 and 9 of the book, “You Are Not What You Weigh” by Lisa Bevere. **
Insight #2 – “When we lay aside the daily routine of food, drink, pleasures, and leisure, we are able to reevaluate our priorities.
“Fasting creates a sensitivity to God.”
Her prayers and fasting gave her prophetic insight… Every believer should fast periodically. It is an act of separation to our Father.” (Bevere, 1998, p. 119-121, 125)
He wanted the Word of God more than necessary bread. He chose living bread over baked bread, and He became the Bread of Life. He denied Himself the immediate and waited upon the eternal.” (Bevere, 1998, p. 126-127)
Insight #6 – “Fasting increases our capacity.
‘Go, gather together all the Jews, who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’ ⁃ Esther 4:16
This fast prepared Esther to overcome the fear of man—and even greater, her fear of death. This fast increased her capacity for self-sacrifice while it imported wisdom. The survival of a nation depended on her willingness to lay down her life. She knew it was more than she could face in her present condition with her present information, so she drew on God’s strength.
God told me, ‘If you want more than what you’ve seen, you’ll need to be more than you’ve been.’ Fasting positions you for just such an increase.” (Bevere, 1998, p. 128-129)
This passage describes the open reward of the Lord. It is a feast of provision; it brings an assurance of His presence. Even in the midst of opposition, the believer who fasts as an act of separation from the world and unto God receives the rewards of God.” (Bevere, 1998, p. 133-134)
Closer (feat. Brandon Lake) – Maverick City Music
Gratitude – Brandon Lake, Essential Worship
Prayer Targets:
- Ask the Lord to help you finish this time of fasting and prayer strong!
- Ask Him to continually position you for all He has for you in this new year as you take the time to consecrate yourself unto Him.
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To everything there is a season…
Devotional: To everything there is a season…and the only constant is the love of God.
It’s a joy and also a challenge to maintain our walk of faith, both in natural and spiritual ways. I’ve suffered loss during this life…as most of us have, in one way or another. A baby, a parent, a close friend, an esteemed pastor. I’m not comfortable with grief. I’m sure that nobody likes it, but I have a very hard time “being with it” or allowing myself to express it…or even talk to God about it.
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” And then in verse 4, “A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance…”
I’m reminded of the great warrior and king, David, in 1 Samuel 30:3-8 when he and his men returned to their camp at Ziklag and found that everything was burnt up by fire, and all of their wives and children had been taken captive. David and the other men “lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep.” That’s a lot of crying from an army of men…it must have been awful. And to top it off, David “was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him because the soul of all the people was grieved…” but then David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. He found enough comfort and peace of mind to inquire of the Lord about pursuing the enemy and, as we know, he recovered all!
In the beatitudes, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
I sometimes fear that if I allow myself to feel the emotions of a particular loss, that I’ll be turning on a spigot of grief that I won’t be able to turn off. I also worry that if I don’t let some of that grief out that I might blow a cork, and that’s not good either. Grief is a tricky emotion as it can sneak up on you when you least expect it. When I get hit with it, the pain of many previous losses seems to all come flooding in, like it was stored up inside and it can become a tidal wave of despair.
Each time I’ve experienced a loss, my trust in the Lord was challenged. And then fear tried to wiggle its way in. We know that “fear” is the absence of trust, so it’s a battle of heart and mind, and I yearn for the peace of God.
Peace, I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (Psalm 27:1)Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
The scripture here teaches us to rely on God, not on our own mental acuity. And to be obedient, to praise Him and be grateful, even when we don’t feel like it.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)
Philippians 4:7 encourages us that it’s the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, and has the ability to guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.
I’ve experienced this as a deep peace that is beyond human comprehension and this is what brings me comfort and love in a palpable way. It’s beyond our rationale and it requires trust for the future which we cannot see.
So, it’s during my worship of the Lord that I am comforted and healed of my emotional hurts, and that’s the place where my mourning turns to joy and causes me to dance in the light of Abba’s love.
“You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” (Psalm 30:11-12 AMP)
Some of the lyrics are here:
I’m caught up in Your presence
I just want to sit here at Your feet
I’m caught up in this holy moment
I never wanna leave
Oh, I’m not here for blessings
Jesus, You don’t owe me anything
More than anything that You can do
I just want You
- Ask the Lord to reveal His truth to your heart
- Ask the Lord to heal you in whatever way you may need it today – physical, spiritual, emotional
- Ask the Lord to turn your mourning into dancing
- Pray for those around you who may be dealing with grief and need a touch from the Lord.
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Kingdom First
Written by: Brad Cole
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 3:9-10
Matthew 22:37
Seek First
- Ask the Lord to help you with your daily priorities
- Ask the Lord for grace to assist you in laying down things that distract you from Him
- Ask the Lord to give you a heart like His
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Love Like Jesus
Written by: Monty Harp
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV
“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15 NLT
- those we don’t know
- those who hate us
- those who treat us badly
- those who hurt us
- those random people we encounter (as in a grocery store clerk, restaurant server, customer service rep, etc.)
- as well as our family and friends
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 NIV“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.” Matthew 5:14, 16 NKJV
“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” 1 John 4:19-20 NIV
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 NIV
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NIV“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36 NLT“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT
- Ask the Lord to help you to change your heart and actions to love more like He does
- Grace to forgive others who may have hurt you in the past
- Ask the Father to give you a greater understanding of the Father’s love for you
- Pray for the success of the upcoming 321 Fest, an upcoming faith based community event in Viera, Florida
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Peace in Every Season
Devotional: Peace through Every Season
Written by: Carole Johnson
It’s OK to walk in peace, in the midst of your circumstances!
Sometimes we feel like we must be anxious because of circumstances, and if we aren’t, it may seem like we don’t care. On the contrary, that’s exactly what God calls us to do – walk in peace, IN THE MIDST of our circumstances! He wants us to give those circumstances to Him and then trust His love and faithfulness to keep His promises.
We know that all things work together for good for them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Consider solutions in prayer and leave the situation at His feet, then put the anxious thoughts behind you and fix your thoughts on the many blessings He has already provided you.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights. James 1:17
Not only does this bring peace (“resist the devil and he will flee” James 4:7) but it will build your faith! Anxiety has never done anything to improve anyone’s circumstances!
You have God’s permission to walk in peace despite your circumstances!
Romans 8:28
James 1:17
Philippians 4:6-7
- Knowledge of the Father’s love
- Walk in both spiritual and natural wisdom and understanding
- Health and well being
- Destinies fulfilled
- God to send more individuals/families to join us each week
- God ordained opportunities to share the Gospel for every Believer
- Salvations at upcoming 321 Fest, an upcoming faith based community event
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Fear Not, You Are His
Scripture: “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.’” – Isaiah 43:1 (NKJV)
Reflection
Life can often feel overwhelming, filled with uncertainties, struggles, and fears. In moments of doubt, it’s easy to question our worth or wonder if we are truly seen by God. But Isaiah 43:1 is a beautiful reminder of who we are in Him.
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A Heart that Pleases Him
Devotional: A Heart that Pleases Him
Written by: Colette Harp
Do you desire to have a heart that pleases the Lord? Do you feel that pleasing the Lord is truly attainable? What truly pleases the Lord? Today’s focus looks at what kind of heart the Lord desires for us to have.
“Now as for Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her in as his [own] daughter, when her turn came to go in to the king, she requested nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch [and attendant] who was in charge of the women, advised. And Esther found favor in the sight of all who saw her.” Esther 2:15 AMP
Wow! What an attitude to possess! Esther had a heart that simply wanted to please the king.
In the New Testament, the term “please God” conveys the idea of living in a way that aligns with God’s will and brings Him delight. It emphasizes the importance of a life that reflects obedience, faith, and devotion to God. The early Christians understood that true pleasing of God was not through external acts alone but through a sincere relationship with Him, characterized by faith and obedience. (Strong’s Lexicon)
Maranatha family, what would happen if we lived with this same attitude that Esther had? Rather than catering solely to our own likings and desires, we made time to seek after what would truly please the Lord, our King?
Scripture Readings:
Romans 8:8
Psalms 51:16-17
Hebrews 11:6
- Increase in Evangelism and Discipleship at MCC
- God ordained opportunities to share the Gospel for every Believer
- Salvations at upcoming 321 Fest, an upcoming faith based community event
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