OCTOBER 2019 WEEK 3: PRAYER

2


CELEBRATING LIFE: GENESIS 1-11
FALL FEASTS 2019
PRAYER & STUDY GUIDE
“Make Room 4 God’s New Year Celebrating Life Together....With Him”
WEEK 3 (October 13-19, 2019)
The Bible for Everyone: Scripture quotations [marked BfE] are reproduced from The Bible for Everyone, copyright © John Goldingay and Nicholas
Thomas Wright 2018. Used by permission of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, London, UK.
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked JPS are taken from The Jewish Publication Society, JPS HOLY SCRIPTURES 1917 (English). The Bible text designated JPS 1917 is from The Holy Scriptures (Old Testament), originally published by the Jewish Publication Society in 1917. Electronic text Copyright © 1995- 98 by Larry Nelson (Box 1681, Cathedral City, CA 92235). All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Noncommercial duplication of the JPS text is permitted.
©2019 Caldwell Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved--No reproduction of the material is permitted without the expressed permission of CMI
The Orthodox Jewish Bible fourth edition, OJB. ©
All rights reserved.
2002,2003,2008,2010,2011 by Artists for Israel International, Inc. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.
3


4


● ●
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to Our Special Edition Prayer & Study Guide..................................................................6
Prayer & Study Guide, WEEK 3: October 13-19, 2019:
Day 14: Finally, Some Relief: Genesis 5:25-32....................................................................................7 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 1)
(Prayer Topic: A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Feast of Tabernacles)
Day 15: Integrity Keeps Moving: Genesis 6:1-10................................................................................11 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 2)
(Prayer Topic: A Prayer for Men)
Day 16: Violence Begets Violence: Genesis 6:11-22..........................................................................15 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 3)
(Prayer Topic: A Prayer for Hope and Healing in America)
Day 17: Showers of Destruction or Blessing? Genesis 7:1-12............................................................19 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 4)
Prayer Topic: A Prayer of Blessings for Our Church Family)
Day 18: Remaining: Genesis 7:13-24.................................................................................................23 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 5)
(Prayer Topic: A Prayer for Peace in Jerusalem)
Day 19: Remembering: Genesis 8:1-12..............................................................................................27 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 6)
(Prayer Topic: A Feast of Tabernacles Home Celebration Prayer)
Day 20: Inclinations: Genesis 8:13-22................................................................................................31 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 7)
(Prayer Topic: A Declaration of Joy)
Fall Feasts Schedule-at-a-glance......................................................................................................35 Covenant Groups............................................................................................................................39 Promise of Giving............................................................................................................................40 Concert of Praise.............................................................................................................................41
• • • •
5


INTRODUCTION
We continue over the next few weeks to make room for God to do His re-creating work in our lives. We will take time to study and pray through the first eleven chapters of the Book of Genesis. Many of the themes that are introduced here get worked out throughout the rest of Scripture, including the story of Jesus and the Church. As we walk through each set of daily exercises, you will be drawn into a deeper understanding of God’s ways and priorities through scripture, prayer, and reflection.
In order to enhance your experience, you are strongly encouraged to gather a Covenant Group of spiritually encouraging friends and/or family to journey with you through these days. Find times to meet together (at least) weekly in person, online, or on a conference call to share how the Lord is working in your lives throughout this time of intentional study, prayer and reflection.
(Please register your group here: http://b.link/CovenantGroupReg and follow the guidelines found on page 39. (DEADLINE for registration to be a part of our participants’ prize drawing is 11:59pm, Friday October 18, 2019.)
The equipment you will need for this spiritual expedition are:
● This guide;
● A Bible;
● A pen or pencil;
● Approximately 30 minutes of your time;
● Map colors/markers (optional);
● A Covenant Group of 3 or more Jesus Followers to meet with weekly; and
● An open heart and mind to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Ready? Set? Continue Upwards and Onwards!
6


Day 14 (October 13)
Finally, Some Relief: Genesis 5:25-32
(Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 1)
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “I seek...” As you exhale whisper, “...your comfort, Lord!”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
When Metushalah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lemek. Metushalah lived 782 years after fathering Lemek, and he fathered sons and daughters. So all the days of Metushalah came to 969 years. Then he died. When Lemek had lived 182 years, he fathered a son, and named him Noah [‘Settling Down’], saying: ‘This man: he’ll relieve us [niham] from our work, from the pain of our hands, from the ground that Yahweh cursed.’ Lemek lived 595 years after fathering Noah, and he fathered sons and daughters. So all the days of Lemek came to 777 years. Then he died. When Noah had lived 500 years, Noah fathered Shem, Ham and Yephet. (Genesis 5:25-32, BfE)
For further exploration: Video: http://b.link/NoahIntro 3. Concepts to Consider:
After Hanok (Enoch) walked with God “and was not, because God took him,” a new hopeful character arrives on the scene: Noah. His name in Hebrew generally means “being settled,” “to console,” or “to bring relief.” The good earth that God had created was now in shambles, marred by the arrogant, unbridled, and irresponsible behaviors of humanity. Noah’s father, Lemek (not the malevolent descendent of Qayin/Cain, but of Seth) spoke prophetically into his son’s life. Perhaps Noah would be a man who, like Hanok, would also walk with Yahweh and would be the catalyst for turning back the curses and consequences of humanity’s falling-out with God.
It is essential to notice that just because the world is broken and “going to hell in a handbasket” does not mean humanity is without hope or a future. Always, God’s desire is re-creation. He’s just “looking for hearts that are whole (in shalom) toward Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
At a basic level, Lemek’s words foreshadow Mary’s (the mother of Jesus) song of hope (Luke 1:50) and the angels’ tidings of shalom and good will for all people (Luke 2:15). They are all declarations of good news! Finally... some relief from oppression and fear--the curse of the ground rescinded! God’s good earth restored through... a son.
Tonight, as we open our celebration of Sukkot/Feast of Tabernacles—which is at its heart a harvest festival rejoicing in the provision of God--let us remember that through Jesus we can experience ultimate freedom and relief. He is the final Adam and Noah who has the power to turn our lives into a garden of fruitfulness and joy.
7


4. Reflection Questions:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. If you have children in your life, how will speak hope and a future into their lives? How will you help them see that God’s grace and love are always active in their lives?
5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Feast of Tabernacles
Abba Father, we thank You for calling us to worship You and bring You gifts during the Feast of Tabernacles. Thank You, Jesus, for teaching us God’s Word as You taught the Israelites at the Temple in Jerusalem during the Festival of Tabernacles. HolySpirit,wethankYouforbringingGod’sWordtoourremembrancewhichtellsustocelebratethisspecial Feast each year from generation to generation. O God, You are our God; we earnestly search for You. Your unfailing love isbetterthanlifeitself;howwepraiseYou! WewillpraiseYouaslongaswelive,liftingupourhandstoYouinprayer. You
satisfy us more than the richest feast. We will praise You with songs of joy.
Glorious Father, the Feast of Tabernacles belongs to You, and we will all appear before You, O Lord our God, at the place You choose. We commit to appearing before You with special gifts. Lord, we will come before You joyfully declaring that this festival will be a happy time of celebrating with our sons and daughters, pastors, neighbors, orphans and widows from ourtowns. Forsevendays,wewillcelebratethisfestivaltohonorYou,Lord,attheplaceYouchoose,forYouhaveblessed us with bountiful harvests and have given us success in all our work. We declare that this festival will be a time of great joy for all. While we remember that You brought the children of Israel out of Egypt and had them live in temporary shelters, we will remember that Jesus Christ has become our permanent shelter. We anticipate Your glory “tabernacling” among
us during this exciting feast. We are expecting your presence, anointing, healing, power, joy, peace, and love.
Heavenly Father, we pray for Your provision of both the time and the resources to celebrate this festival in a way that will be pleasing to You. Grant us favor with our employers during the festival. Holy Spirit, bring to our minds the special gifts we should bring to the Lord on each of the seven days of the festival. Help us to be grateful for God’s bountiful provision ofallthatweneedsowemaybegenerousinourgiving. Aswebuildourshelters(tents),helpustosharewithourfamilies, so that everyone understands that each shelter, regardless of its size or placement, is built in remembrance of God’s
blessings in our lives.
Holy Father, when You brought Your people out of Egypt, they refused to obey and did not remember the miracles You had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt! But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them. In Your mercy, Father, forgive those of us for being slow or reluctant to be grateful for the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. Forgive those who are disobedient to Your Word and fail to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with joy and gratitude. Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord
to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
8


Lord, You are King! Let the nations tremble! You sit on Your throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake! You sit in majesty in Jerusalem, exalted above all the nations. Let them praise Your great and awesome Name. Your Name is holy! Mighty King, lover of justice, You have established fairness. You have acted with justice and righteousness
throughout Israel. We exalt You, Lord our God! We bow low before Your feet, for You are holy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
9


10


Day 15 (October 14)
Integrity Keeps Moving: Genesis 6:1-10
(Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 2)
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “I desire...” As you exhale whisper, “...to find grace in Your eyes.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
When humanity started to be numerous on the face of the ground and daughters were born to them, the sons of the divine beings saw that the daughters of the human beings were good-looking and they took women for themselves, anyone that they chose. Yahweh said, ‘My Spirit will not dwell in humanity permanently, because it’s flesh. Its time will be 120 years.’ Now the Nephilim [‘Fallen’] were on the earth at that time, and also afterwards, when the sons of the divine beings had sex with the daughters of human beings, and they gave birth for them. These were the strong men that were of old, famous men.
Yahweh saw that humanity’s bad state on the earth was great. The entire inclination of its mind’s intentions was simply bad, all day. Yahweh regretted that he had made humanity on the earth. It pained his heart. Yahweh said, ‘I shall wipe out the humanity that I created from the face of the ground, from humanity to animals to moving things to birds in
the heavens, because I regret that I made them.’ But Noah found grace in Yahweh’s eyes.
These are Noah’s lines of descent. Now Noah was someone who was faithful and a person of integrity among his generations. It was with God that Noah walked about. Noah fathered three sons, Shem, Ham and Yephet.
(Genesis 6:1-10, BfE)
For further exploration: Video: http://b.link/nephilimGen6 3. Concepts to Consider:
As we continue our celebration of the feast of Tabernacles today we zero in on the character trait of integrity. For the People called Israel, those with integrity kept moving in the barren wilderness, following the Pillars of Cloud and Fire (the Presence of God) and learning to survive and trust the sustenance God provided. Those without integrity, literally perished.
Noah is the first person in the Bible recorded to exhibit integrity. Hanok/Enoch was considered pious, certainly, but Noah ,nacham, nah-KAM) meaning “rest, cessation ַנ ַחם( Noach, NO-ak)--whose very name is derived from the Hebrew root ֹנ ַח( or comfort”—goes “another further.” He is considered to be faithful AND a man of integrity.
In Hebrew the word translated here as “integrity” is “tamim” ( 11
tah-MEEM), which in this context contrasts Noah( ) ָתּ ִמים
with the general depravity, faithlessness, and unsoundness of his generation. “Tamim” indicates one who is blameless,

guileless, and has an open, innocent trust in Yahweh. And notice that like Hanok/Enoch (his great-grandfather), Noah also “walked along with God.” Faithfulness and integrity are not “sit around, bar the doors, and worry” traits, but rather they are “get up and move with God” characteristics. Integrity has feet. It keeps moving forward despite surrounding challenges. It clings to its honesty, openness, and trust despite any growing clouds of deception, hiddenness, or dishonor.
In 2 Peter 2:5, Noah is declared to be a “kerux, (KAY-roox)” a royal herald or authoritative proclaimer/preacher of
righteousness (
or “integrity”). His preaching was done not just through vocal declaration, but also in action.
dikaiosynē
While he verbally gave a call to integrity—"let’s get back in step with God’s original design for humanity and the earth!”—he persisted plank by plank in methodically building the ark, no matter how others around him ridiculed his
sdtevaodtfiaosntto God.
(NOTE: For more information about the strange passage in Genesis 6:1-4 referencing “the sons of the divine beings” [aka “The Watchers”] having sex with human women and producing clans of giants (the Nephilim), please listen to and one or all of these podcasts: http://context.support/genesis6;
http://b.link/WatchersGalatians; http://b.link/EnochWatchersJesus.
Basically, this passage demonstrates that there was depravity not only on earth but also among some of the supernatural beings [the generic order of “elohim”/ angels] that Yahweh had created to serve Him. These rebellious angels sought to corrupt humanity even further. 2 Peter 2:4 alludes to this understanding. Other scholars conclude that the “sons of the divine beings” may refer to earthly kings who were corrupt and arrogant and thought of themselves as partly divine and could therefore have any woman they wanted. [There are also, sadly, many other ancient mythological
parallels to “the ‘gods’ taking human women.”])
4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. As you reflect on the character of Noah, in what ways can you preach the good news of God more through actions than words? How can “your light so shine before others that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven?” (Matthew:16)
5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer for Men
Heavenly Father, Your majestic Name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. May Your glorious Name be praised! May it be exalted above all blessing and praise! You are great and most worthy of praise! No one can measure Your greatness. Thank You, Father, for our men. Lord, we thank You for equipping our men to take their rightful place in You. Thank You for the men and boys who will join the body of Christ and glorify Your Name. Thank You, God, for restoration, reconciliation and healing in our families and communities. Thank You, for giving us everything we need to live a godly life.
12


Father, let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in the lives of our men on earth as it is in heaven. By faith, we call our men saved, sanctified, and filled with Your Spirit. Your Word instructs that faith without works is dead and useless, so we confess that our men will work to develop and demonstrate their Christian faith, daily. We declare that they will be priestly providers and protectors of their families. We confess that as they submit to Your Word, they will be transformed into new people by changing the way they think. Lord, we decree that their belief systems and behavior patterns will reflect Your righteousness in their personal and professional lives. We declare that the light of Jesus will be reflectedbytheiractions. Astheyfellowshipwithoneanother;otherswillseetheirgoodworksandpraiseYou,ourFather in heaven. Lord, we confess that Your favor surrounds them like a shield. We confess that they will earn, save, spend and invest money in obedience to Your perfect plan for their lives and families. We declare that their finances are blessed and they are lenders, not borrowers. Lord, because we realize that the food we put in our bodies can impact our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual capabilities, we declare that our men will practice healthy eating practices. Above all, we confess that they are victorious in everything they do, because Your future for them is filled with hope, good and not evil.
Lord, we ask that You touch the hearts of our congregation to pray for the men and boys of this local assembly. Holy Spirit, please empower us all to stand against society’s systems and structures that result in ten percent of all pre-school boys being suspended. Holy Spirit, studies show that ninety percent of all “behavioral problems” in public schools are linked to boys. Please touch the hearts of fathers (and mothers) to teach their children Your godly principles.
Father, forgive our men for sins of disobedience, selfishness, lying, pornography, fornication, adultery and for not accepting the responsibility for leadership within their families and the church. Forgive our boys for rebellion, selfishness and for accepting the negative labels placed on them by the world. Forgive our wives and mothers for being complacent. Lord, please help the men, women, boys and girls in our congregation to forgive past hurts caused by family members and loved ones. Father, heal emotional wounds caused by these hurts.
committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name
Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have
of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, we praise Your Name. Your Name is very great; Your glory towers over the earth and heaven. You are worthy, Lord, to receive glory, honor and power. You created all things and they exist because You created what You pleased. You are Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
13


14


Day 16 (October 15)
Violence Begets Violence: Genesis 6:11-22
(Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 3)
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “O Lord...” As you exhale whisper, “...do not hide your face from me.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
So the earth had become devastated before God; the earth was full of violence. God looked at the earth: there, it had become devastated, because all flesh had devastated its way on the earth. So God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before me, because the earth is full of violence through them. Here, I’m going to devastate them, with the earth. Make for yourself [an ark] of gopher wood. With rooms you’re to make the [ark], and cover it inside and outside with pitch. This is how you’re to make it: the length of the [ark] 150 metres, its width 25 metres and its height 15 metres. You’re to make a skylight for the [ark], to finish it to half a metre above, and to put the entrance of the [ark] in its side. You’re to make it with bottom, second and third levels.
And [God said,]: here, I’m bringing a deluge, water on the earth, to devastate all flesh in which there is living breath, from under the heavens. Everything on the earth will breathe its last. But I shall implement my pact with you. You’re to come into the [ark], you, your sons, your wife and your sons’ wives with you. And of everything living, of all flesh, bring two of each into the [ark] to keep them alive with you. They’re to be a male and a female. Of the birds of each species, of the animals of each species and of everything that moves on the ground of each species, two of each are to come to you to keep them alive. And you: get yourself some of all food that’s eaten and gather it for yourself. It will be food for you and for them.’ Noah acted in accordance with all that God ordered him. So he did. (Genesis 5:11-22, BfE)
3. Concepts to Consider:
Humanity’s violent and ruinous choices have devastating consequences. In Hebrew, the words translated above as “devastated”and“violence”arederivedfromtheroots“ָשַׁחת—sha-KAHT”and“ָחָמס–ha-MAHS.” Thescene described here is one of utter devastation and something that is ruined, seemingly beyond repair. Humanity has gone completely wild with no boundaries or any desire to acknowledge or honor the earth or their Creator. The word “violence” used here carries with it not only the connotation of physical cruelty, but also includes economic violence and injustice, as well.
Over and over throughout Scripture, marring humanity’s inherent image of God through violence (toward self or others) and/or injustice is viewed as legal grounds by God to allow the natural consequences of human’s destructive intentions and actions to take place. This action in Jewish understanding is known as God “concealing His face” (see: Deuteronomy 31:18). When we plant the seeds of violence, violence is sure to grow and bear rotten fruit.
For further exploration: Article: http://b.link/ConcealedFaceGod
15

Yes, Yahweh is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin...”(Exodus 34:6-7, ESV). However, God’s mercy, grace, love, and faithfulness cannot be used as excuses for allowing violence and injustice to flourish.
God gave the people around Noah 120 years to “get their act together,” repent and turn back to Him. Every day for 120 years, Noah worked on the ark. Every day his work was a witness to God’s grace. But one day, the rain did finally fall, the waters of chaos were released, and the earth was unmade as a consequence of humanity’s rebellion.
Jesus is the personification of God’s patience. We hear Jesus crying out in the Gospel of John 14:9: “
4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. Where have you missed God’s grace and provision in your life because you are/were distracted by “the cares of this world?”
so long, and you still do not know me...? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Every day for three years Jesus walked, taught, healed, and just lived among the people, yet it was difficult for some to
Have I been with you
see Who was literally right in front of them, the Light and Life of the world, the Hope of their salvation!
5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer for Hope and Healing in America
Our Father, we thank You for Your loving care for the citizens of our nation during this time of grief and despair. Thank You, Father, for blessing those who trust in You, who have made You their hope and confidence. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ to redeem us from a life of despair and hopelessness. Gracious Father, we praise You with all of our hearts. You merely spoke and the heavens were created. You breathed the word and all of the
stars were born. Your plans stand firm forever and Your intentions can never be shaken. You are an awesome God.
Loving Father, our country is experiencing the aftermath of too many tragic shootings. Lives have been destroyed. Today, we cry out for the families of the people who have died and those who have been injured. We declare that You, alone, are their refuge and place of safety. You are their God and they can trust in You. Lord, Your Name is a strong fortress and those who run to You will find spiritual, emotional, and psychological healing. We confess that even though the families of the victims and those wounded may feel pressure on every side by this tragedy, but they will not be crushed and broken. They may feel perplexed, but they will not give up and quit. They may feel like life is about to run them over, but they will not be abandoned by You. We recognize that their lives have been knocked down by this crime, but we decree that they will get up and keep going. In Jesus’ Name, we cancel the assignments of the spirits of terrorism, racism, anger, violence,
16


murder and rage. As Kingdom citizens, we render these spirits powerless. We declare that no weapon formed against the
citizens of our nation will succeed, and we silence every voice that rises against us all.
As God brings them to your remembrance, list the names of those who died in recent years through senseless shootings
in America:
Holy Spirit, help the families of all shoot victims. Help them to get through the upcoming days, weeks, months, and years. Let Your love and presence saturate their hearts, souls and spirits. Please send people who will love, support, and comfort them. God, our Healer, heal the wounds that have been inflicted in their souls. Holy Spirit, comfort all citizens of America. Guide parents of every ethnicity on how to talk with their children in a way that will not instill hatred, fear,
anger, and unforgiveness. Let Your Truth prevail over prejudice, bias, tradition, and misunderstanding.
Forgiving Father, forgive our nation for all acts of racism, injustice, and insensitivity. Forgive those who know the truth, butremainsilent. Father,pleasehavemercyonourcountry. Lord,forgivemefor(listanysinsthatyouhavecommitted). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).”
Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Magnificent Lord, when You spoke, the world began! It appeared at Your command. You look down from heaven and see the whole human race. From Your throne, You observe all who live on the earth. O Lord, our Lord, Your majestic Name
fills the earth! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
17


18


Day 17 (October 16)
Showers of Destruction or Blessing? Genesis 7:1-12
(Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 4)
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “Help me to be...” As you exhale whisper, “...faithful in this generation!”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
Yahweh said to Noah, ‘Go into the [ark], you and your entire household, because I’ve seen that you’re a person who is faithful before me in this generation. Of every pure animal take with you seven of each, a male and its mate, and of an animal that’s not pure, two, a male and its mate, also of the birds in the heavens seven of each, male and female, to keep offspring alive on the face of the entire earth. Because in seven more days I’m going to make it rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights and wipe out everything that exists that I made, from on the face of the ground.’ Noah acted in accordance with all that God ordered him.
Noah was a man of 600 years when the deluge happened, as water on the earth. Noah, his sons, his wife and his sons’ wives with him came into the [ark] because of the water of the deluge. Of the pure animals, of the animals that are not pure, of the birds and of everything that moves on the ground, two of each came to Noah into the [ark], male and female, as God ordered Noah; and after the seven days the water of the deluge came on the earth. In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the springs in the great deep broke out and the apertures in the heavens opened. The rain came on the earth forty days and forty nights.
(Genesis 7:1-12, BfE)
For further exploration: Video: http://b.link/ReasonsFloodExplainer; http://b.link/ReasonsFloodModels
3. Concepts to Consider:
In some of our readings from Genesis last week we discussed that chaos (tohu va vohu—Genesis 1:2) had begun to crawl back into creation through the hubris of humanity. In this passage from Genesis 7 we observe that chaos is now released in torrents. As alluded to yesterday, in the flood God essentially unmakes the world He created.
The “windows/apertures of heaven” imagery appears elsewhere in Scripture. In Malachi 3:10, the “windows of heaven” are seen to pour out blessings, not destruction, if only the priests would stop doing economic violence—stealing—the people’s tithes from the temple offerings, which were meant to be distributed to the poor. In Isaiah 24:18, however, the prophet commandeers the “windows of heaven” idea to describe “The Day of the Lord” (aka The Day of Final Judgement). As it was in the beginning, so shall it be at the end of all things.
19


But, even in the midst of all these dramatic descriptions of dissolution, God’s grace still shines through. He always keeps a remnant of hope alive. The ark--with all its animals, Noah and his family--is the tangible and narrative symbol of God’s enduring, covenantal love (hesed). Having once decided to create this universe and this earth, and these beings, Yahweh persists in demonstrating His desire to live in covenantal relationship with humanity, no matter what. (What amazing grace and love this is! How precious we must be to Him!)
4. Reflection Questions:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. One of the hardest things for us to realize is that we are the beloved of God. He not only loves us, he likes us, too. We are precious in his sight. If you’re truly honest, is your view of God overly harsh? If so, why? How can the persistent covenant love of God found in the Genesis account help give you a better understanding of God’s love?
2. One of the points of the Noah story is to take account of our own lives. It’s our choice whether we experience God’s grace and presence as joy and blessing or as dis-ease and dis-comfort. How can you reposition yourself to begin to live life on God’s terms rather than your own?
5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer of Blessings for Our Church Family
FaithfulFather,wethankYouforthePastorsandmembersinourChurchFamily. ThankYou,Lord,forYourblessingsupon our church, homes, and jobs. Thank You for Your amazing presence in our lives, both corporately and individually. Father, may Your glorious Name be praised! We exalt Your Name above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord; You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship You. We will give to You, Lord, the glory You deserve. We will bring our offering as we come into Your presence. We will worship You in all of Your holy splendor.
Exalted Father, let it be unto us according to Your Word. As a Church Family, we confess that as we come close to You, You will come close to us. We expect that all Your blessings will come upon us and overtake us because we are committed to obeying Your voice. We confess that our towns and our fields are blessed. Our children and the works of our hands are blessed. Wherever we go and whatever we do, we are blessed. We are refreshed by the autumn rains as well as the rains of spring. Lord, we decree in our lives that which was lost is restored and we will eat plenty and be satisfied. According to Your Word, we will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches. Instead of shame and dishonor, we will possess a double portion of honor. We will possess a double portion of prosperity in the land and everlasting joy will be ours. Lord, we always expect You to pour out Your Spirit upon us and show wonders in the heavens
20


and on the earth. We declare that our marriages are blessed and holy, our families are whole and vibrant, and our bodies are healthy and strong.
What areas of your life appear to be lacking? Find God’s promises concerning those issues and declare them over your situations:
Holy Spirit, as blessings begin to overtake us, remind us to be a blessing to others. Flood our hearts with light so that we can understand the confident hope that the Father has given us, His holy people, who are His rich and glorious inheritance. Help us to continue to grow spiritually as a Church Family. Remind us to always be thankful to God, our Father, and Jesus, our Brother. Help us understand that it is God who gives us the power to be successful so that the covenant He made with our ancestors will be confirmed. Lord, please help us to be faithful to the vision of our church and the steadfastness of Your Word.
Generous Father, please forgive us for the sins of disobedience, hypocrisy, selfish-ambitions, pride, gossip, and perversion. Forgive us where we have misappropriated Your blessings in the past. Forgive us for not studying Your Word like we should and neglecting our prayer life. Forgive us for depending on our own strength and intellect instead of Your supernatural power and authority. Forgive us for not operating in the fruit and gifts of Your Spirit.
Lord, forgive me for
(list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Triumphant Lord, You are our stronghold. The heavens declare Your glory and the skies display Your craftsmanship. You are the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth. Lord, You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. You created all things and they exist because You created what You pleased. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
21


22


Day 18 (October 17) Remaining: Genesis 7:13-24
(Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 5)
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “I desire... ” As you exhale whisper, “...to remain with You, Lord.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
On this particular day Noah, with Shem, Ham and Yephet, Noah’s sons, and Noah’s wife and his sons’ three wives, came into the [ark], they and every living thing by its species, every animal by its species, everything that moves on the earth by its species and everything that flies by its species, every bird and every winged creature. They came to Noah into the [ark], two each of all flesh in which was living breath. So the ones who came, male and female from all flesh, came as God ordered him. And Yahweh shut him in. The deluge went on for forty days on the earth, and the water increased and lifted the [ark], and it rose up from on the earth. The water grew strong and increased greatly on the earth, and the [ark] moved on the face of the water. When the water grew very, very strong on the earth, all the lofty mountains under the entire heavens were covered. Seven metres higher the water grew strong; the mountains were covered. All flesh moving on the earth breathed its last: birds, animals, living things, all the things teeming on the earth, and all humanity. Everything that had living breath in its nostrils, everything that was on the dry land, died. It wiped out everything that existed that was on the face of the ground, from human beings to animals to moving things to birds in the heavens. They were wiped out from the earth. Only Noah and those with him in the [ark] remained. And the water grew strong on the earth for 150 days.
For further exploration:
3. Concepts to Consider:
Like a sukkah (which represents the temporary shelters of Israel’s 40-year desert sojourn), the ark is a sign of God’s provision and protection. Noah may indeed have been an able shipbuilder and tender of animals, but a relatively small vessel bobbing about in a vast deluge for over a year without loss of life is nothing short of miraculous.
The key word of this somber passage is “remained.” Those who were with Noah in the ark remained, i.e., they “were preserved and escaped.” The Hebrew here
In Isaiah chapter 4, the prophet pulls on these common flood, preservation, and (re)creation images, and envisions God’s restoration of Zion in a New Jerusalem—an “ark” of safety for “everyone who remains.” God’s ultimate desire is not annihilation but cleansing and restoration. (Note: we also see these Genesis/Isaiah concepts linked to Revelation 21 and the vision of the New Jerusalem.)
is ָשׁאַר (sha-ARE) and this word is often found in contexts associated with
twhhoose“were left over” or “escaped” from a battle.
23

On that day [the Day of the Lord; a day of final vindication]
The Branch of the Lord [Messianic imagery] will be beauty and glory, [Garden of Eden imagery]
and the fruit of the land will be honor and splendor
for the survivors of Israel
Everyone who remains (ָשׁ ַאר ) in Zion,
everyone left in Jerusalem
Will be called holy:
everyone inscribed for life in Jerusalem [in the Book of Life, Exodus 32:32].
When the Lord washes away [flood imagery!]
the filth of the daughters of Zion,
And purges Jerusalem’s blood from her midst
with a blast of judgment, a searing blast,
Then will the Lord create [ָבּ ָרא ,Genesis 1:1 imagery]
over the whole site of Mount Zion
and over her place of assembly,
A smoking cloud by day
and a light of flaming fire by night [Exodus 13:21-22]
For over all, his glory will be shelter [a sukkah,ֻסכּ&ָה ] and protection:
shade from the parching heat of day,
refuge and cover from storm and rain [flood imagery!] .
(Isaiah 4:2-6, NABRE)
4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. First of all, it’s ok to struggle with the distressing scenes of all of the known earth’s human and animal population being utterly annihilated. They’re meant to be dramatic and distressing, as a point of literary style. It’s helpful to realize that the backdrop to the Biblical flood story is a tapestry other ancient, Near-Eastern narratives.
(see: http://b.link/AncientFloodMyths ).
By comparison, Yahweh--the God of the Bible--is portrayed as less capricious than the surrounding deities, and one that is not self-absorbed. He actually pays attend to humanity. In these Biblical passages God is anthropomorphized (given human-like qualities) so that we can better relate. In the narrative, God is seen to be genuinely hurt by humanity’s violence and depravity, and he seeks a way to restore rather than to destroy utterly. That “way” is through Noah and his family. So, as you’ve read and studied this story of Noah afresh, what new things have you discovered about God? What does this story also tell us about humanity?
24

5. Prayer for Today:
A Prayer for Peace in Jerusalem
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Lord, You are great and mighty in power; Your understanding is infinite. We exalt You Lord, our God, and worship at Your holy hill. You are Holy. We give You thanks, O God. Your wondrous works declare that Your Name is near. Father, thank You for Jerusalem and for re-establishing the Nation of Israel. Thank You for remaining faithful and steadfast to the covenant You made with Abraham. Thank You for including us as children in Your covenant and for giving us a rich heritage. Lord, You are good. Your mercy endures forever. You are a faithful, loving and compassionate God.
Loving Father, in the Name of Jesus, we pray for peace to return to Jerusalem. We stand on Your Word that all who love this city shall prosper. We unite and declare that peace be within the walls of Jerusalem and prosperity in her palaces. For the sake of our families and friends, peace be unto you, Jerusalem. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, we will seek what is best for you, Jerusalem. Father God, we, Your peacemakers, sow Your Word, in the Name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The seeds of Your Word of peace will reap a harvest of righteousness and peace in Jerusalem and in Your Kingdom here on earth. Your Kingdom is of people who have right-standing before You and who embrace Your peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. We are obedient to Your Word, Father, and know that You, Father, the God of Peace, crush satan under Your feet. Your grace and peace are with us, Your ambassadors of peace to the city of Jerusalem, through the knowledge of You, Father, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. We claim all spiritual prosperity, all necessary good, and freedom from fear, agitating passions and moral conflict for the envoys of Your good will and intentions for Jerusalem.
Father God, we pray Your shalom, Your peace – comprising Your health, prosperity, rest, safety and welfare – be administered to the people of Jerusalem. We covet that Your ambassadors from around the world will unite in prayer to You, to hear and obey Your voice to receive the blessing of Your peace plan for Jerusalem. Father, we lift up to You faithful American and world leaders who are still working to achieve peace in the Middle East. We pray that these leaders will act to influence the minds and spirits of Israeli leaders. We covet that the Holy Spirit be used to influence the decisions of the representatives of the Palestinian state. May Your will be done to bring peace to Jerusalem, Israel, Palestine, the wider Middle East, and the world as a whole. Holy Spirit, remind our Christian leaders that peacemakers who plant seeds of peace reap a harvest of righteousness in the development of God’s Kingdom here on earth.
What can you do to support bringing peace to Jerusalem?
Lord God, forgive us in the body of Christ when we fail to be concerned about Your holy city, Jerusalem, and Your people, the Jews, both those who inhabit Israel and those of the Diaspora around the world. Forgive us when we are mindful only of the desire for peace in our country and not for peace in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world, for You love all the world and desire that all people come into Your Kingdom.
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
AlmightyGod,YoualoneareourGod,theOnewhoisabletodomightymiracles. AsYourNamedeserves,Youarepraised in Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory! O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may Your name be praised forever and ever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed).
Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).”
Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
25


Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
26


Day 19 (October 18) Remembering: Genesis 8:1-12
(Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 6)
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “Thank You...” As you exhale whisper, “...for remembering us.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
But God was mindful of Noah and all the living things and the animals that were with him in the [ark], and God made a wind [Spirit] pass over the earth, and the water abated. The springs in the deep and the apertures in the heavens were blocked up, the rain from the heavens held back and the water gradually withdrew from on the earth. The water decreased at the end of 150 days, and the [ark] came to a stop in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the Ararat mountains. As the water gradually decreased until the tenth month, in the tenth month on the first day of the month the tops of the mountains appeared.
At the end of forty days, Noah opened the window in the [ark] that he had made and sent out a raven. It continued to go out and come back until the water dried up from on the earth. He sent out a dove from being with him to see if the water had diminished from on the face of the ground, but the dove didn’t find a place to alight for the sole of its foot and it came back to him to the [ark], because there was water on the face of the entire earth. So he put out his hand and took it and brought it to him into the [ark].
He waited again seven more days and once more sent out the dove from the [ark]. The dove came to him at evening time, and there, in its mouth a plucked-off olive leaf. So Noah knew that the water had diminished from on the earth. He waited again seven more days and sent out the dove, and it didn’t come back to him again. (Genesis 8:1-12, BfE)
For further exploration: Video: http://b.link/GodRemembersYou 3. Concepts to Consider:
Psalm 8:5 famously states, “what are human beings that You are mindful of them?” Here in Genesis 8, after all the catastrophe of the flood, it’s as if the clouds part and the light breaks through. Yahweh notices the ark floating on the water, and he thinks about Noah, this loyal guy and his family, who—I’m sure--have been enduring many hardships on their boat. “It’s time,” He thinks, “to start again.”
“Tobemindfulof,”or“toremember”(זַכָרzah-KAHR)isacommonBiblicalidea(232occurrencesintheHebrewScripture/ OT alone). We see God “remembering” his covenants and various people (e.g., Genesis 19:29; Genesis 30:22; Exodus 2:24; Leviticus 26:42; etc.), and there are often calls for people to “remember” God’s actions, commands, or covenants, as well. Biblical “remembering” is more than simply thinking about someone or something from the past, it has an added element of purpose or catalyst.
27

Often we see God or others “remembering because...” or “remember so that....” In other words, God remembers
Noah because of his faithfulness and integrity. God also remembers Noah so that new life can begin. Additionally, Biblical “remembering” is not “obsession.” If the Biblical model is “catalytic remembering,” rather than “stewing” or “obsessing,” then our “remembering” should lead to restoration not destruction: Re-membering.
4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. In what areas of your life have you been guilty of “stewing” or “obsessing” rather than “re-membering” as God has re-membered, reformed, and restored us?
5. Prayer for Today:
A Feast of Tabernacles Home Celebration Prayer
AbbaFather,wecelebrateYourindwellingpresenceinourlives. WethankYoutoday,forcallingusasafamilytocelebrate life together. Thank You for righteous fellowship in our homes. We thank You for ordering our steps in Your Word. Thank You for the events, activities and programs during the Feast of Tabernacles. We are grateful for our fellowship which we have with You, our Father; Jesus, our Savior; and the Holy Spirit, our Sustainer. Lord, You are an awesome God. Your deeds are so amazing; all who delight in You should ponder them. Everything You do reveals Your glory and majesty. Your righteousness never fails. You are wonderful and Your Name is highly exalted. You are worthy of all our praise. You are worthy of the glory, honor and power. Lord, the heavens declare Your glory and the skies display Your craftsmanship.
Mighty Father, as Your children, Your will is for us to dwell together in unity. So as the Body of Christ, we will continue to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. We will not neglect our meeting together, but we will encourage oneanotherinthefaith.Wewillnotgettiredofdoingwhatisgoodforeachother. Asaresult,weexpecttoreapaharvest of blessing at the right time. We will not give up and at every opportunity, we will do good to everyone—especially to those in our family of faith. Iron sharpens iron, so we will surround ourselves with those who have like minds so that we are positioned to glorify You in our public and private lives. We will engage in righteous fellowship and forsake all that will deter us from fulfilling Your will. Father, by faith, we will be doers of Your Word and not hearers only.
Righteous Father, we ask that You align our relationships with Your will in our homes, church, jobs and communities. Holy Spirit, show each of us how to organize our calendars and schedules so that our fellowship with You and our family and friends is more of a priority. Help us to set the example of what righteousness looks like. Knit our hearts closer together. Lord, help us to be obedient as You order our steps. Give us the power to crucify our flesh and walk in Your light. As we yield to the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify You, our Heavenly Father.
28


Merciful Father, forgive us for our sins. Forgive those for the unrighteous relationships that keep them from Your best for their lives. Forgive those of us for putting our work in front of family and friends. Forgive us for having fellowship or relationship with anything that is not of You.
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, You are to be praised forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, power, glory, victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is Yours. This is Your Kingdom, Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from You alone, for You rule over everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is at Your discretion that people are made great and given strength. O Lord our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit,
remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now,
trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
29


30


Day 20 (October 19) Inclinations: Genesis 8:13-22
(Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, Day 6)
1. Center Down
Before you begin today’s spiritual excursion, please take a few moments to breathe! Take three slow, deep breaths, expanding from your abdomen; try not to raise your shoulders. As you inhale, whisper, “Holy Spirit...” As you exhale whisper, “...subdue my evil inclination.”
2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, thank, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, on the first of the month, the water dried up from on the earth. Noah removed the [ark]’s cover and looked: there, the face of the ground was dry. In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dried out. God spoke to Noah: ‘Get out of the [ark], you, your wife, your sons and your sons’ wives with you. Every living thing that’s with you from all flesh, birds, animals and everything that moves on the earth: get them out with you, so they may teem on the earth and be fruitful and be numerous on the earth.’
So Noah got out, he, his sons, his wife and his sons’ wives with him. Every living thing, everything that moves and every bird, everything that moves on the earth got out of the [ark] by their families. Noah built an altar for Yahweh, took some of every pure animal and of every pure bird, and offered up burnt offerings on the altar, and Yahweh smelled the nice smell. Yahweh said to himself, ‘I won’t ever again slight the ground on account of humanity, because the inclination of the human mind is bad from its youth. I won’t ever again strike down everything living, as I did. Never again, for all earth’s days, will seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, stop.’ (Genesis 8:13-22, BfE)
For further exploration: Video: http://b.link/DoesGodCreateEvil 3. Concepts to Consider:
God’s driving inclination is holy love. Humanity’s inclination “is bad from the its youth.” So why does God continue to put up with us and believe something better can emerge? The Hebrew sages talk of humanity’s “evil inclination,” our “yetzer hara” (Genesis 6:5; 8:21). Of course, if there is a “yetzer hara,” then there must also be some remnant of a “yetzer tov,”
or “good inclination” that we saw dominant in the Garden of Eden before humanity’s “falling out” with our Creator.
Combating the “yetzer hara” begins with not allowing it to define who we truly are. We are—at our core—made in the image of God, meaning that anything or anyone that may diminish, mar, or impede us from doing our job of reflecting God’s character and design into the cosmos is not for us. Yes, “all those things” are indeed tempting. Yes, that second bowl of ice cream is tempting, yes that scintillating image is tempting to pull up on my phone, yes I can take a little money and they won’t notice. But here’s what “image bearing” helps us remember. That 1. we are not our wrongdoings. 2. We are not our choices. 3. And we are not our emotions. In other words, our true identity is not what we do or feel, but we must stop and remember who we are and Whose we are. Don’t just seek miracles (quick fixes) to overcome your evil
31


inclination. Dare to do the hard work and seek God’s shalom (wholeness) available through steadily growing our
relationship with Christ Jesus empowered by His Spirit. “Overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries).
1. If there are areas of your life where the “yetzer hara” hold sway, now is the time to tell it, “yes, this thing/person/action/idea is tempting... but I bear the image of Almighty God, who loves me, and that thing/person/action/idea is not for me because it/they do(es) not reflect God’s holy, loving character.”
Take time to list these things/persons/actions/ideas that have been allowed to come under the control of our “evil inclination,” then lift each to Lord, repent, and seek the help you need to get them under control by the power of His Spirit.
5. Prayer for Today:
A Declaration of Joy
Omniscient Father, as the Body of Christ, we thank You for being our God. We thank You for saving us through the sacrifice of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. We thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to instruct, guide, teach and comfort us. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for empowering us and filling our lives with joy. Hallel YAH! Awesome Father, You are great and greatly to be praised. You are to be feared above all gods. The earth is Yours and everything in it; the world and all its people belong to You. You laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Lord, Your works are wonderful. You are our help and shield. In You, do our hearts rejoice because we trust in Your holy Name. Let Your unfailing love
continue to surround us Lord, for our hope is in You alone.
Wonderful Father, we declare as the Body of Christ, that as we keep the Your commands and abide in Your love; Your joy will remain in us and our joy will overflow. Today, we confess that we will count it all joy when we fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. We will let patience have its perfect work in us so that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Lord, we confess that instead of shame and dishonor; we will enjoy a double
share of honor. We boldly declare that in this land we possess a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy is ours.
These are the three things that I am joyful for:
Righteous Father, we ask You to bless all members of the Body of Christ. Holy Spirit, please instruct us in our relationships, ministries, careers and finances. Make our hearts strong, blameless, and holy as we stand before God, our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His holy people. Remind us daily of the Word which tells us that a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Holy Spirit, please help each of us to develop a joyful
disposition. Help us all to enjoy life and laugh more.
32


Loving Father, forgive us for any acts of sinfulness, including strife, discord, jealousy, rivalries, gossip and any abuse of power. Forgive us for at times not being joyful, being that Your joy is our strength. Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive; and we will be quick to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He reveals, say, “I
forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)
Holy Spirit, help us all not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
.
Immortal Lord, You are the blessed and only Almighty God. You are the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. You alone can never die. You live in light so brilliant that no human can approach You. No human eye has ever seen You, nor ever will.
To You belongs all honor and power forever and ever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Optional Time of Centering/Soaking:
If possible, take some time, perhaps 5 to 15 minutes, to get into a comfortable position and simply allow the Lord to minister to you at a deep level (Psalm 42:7). Turn off or put down all distractions. Close your eyes. Hold in your thoughts a meaningful word, phrase, or image from the Scripture passages you read today. Release all other thoughts and concerns into the Presence of the Lord. If your thoughts wander, that’s okay, just gently return to your Scriptural word, phrase, or image. You may want to set a timer.
33


34


35


36


37


38


COVENANT GROUPS
Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “Though one may be empowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not easily broken.”
It is highly recommended that during this Fall Feast Season you gather a group of spiritually encouraging friends/family of 3 or more persons. This group should gather at least once a week throughout the month of September to pray, encourage, and reflect on the daily study topics together. You may choose to focus on one day out of the week during your time together, or you may choose to reflect on God’s work in your life from the entire week’s study and prayer topics.
IMPORTANT: Please register your Covenant Group with Pastor Kim and Incite! so that we can send you weekly reminders and encouragement. Please register by 11:59pm, Friday, October 18, 2019 in order to be a part of the prize drawing.
LINK TO REGISTRATION:
http://b.link/CovenantGroupReg
Remember, your most important Covenant Partners are God our Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. As One, trust them to help and strengthen you and your Covenant Partner(s) during the Church Family Fast, times of study, and reflection.
Guidelines for Covenant Groups
· General Guidelines for choosing Covenant Groups are as follows:
●If you are already participating a regular study or prayer group, you may want to rely on them to be your Covenant Partners throughout this Fall Feast Season.
If you are NOT already in a group, then we offer the following recommended guidelines in order to maintain Christian integrity in the Body of Christ:
● Married couples should generally gather with other married couples;
● Single women should generally gather with other single women; and
● Single men should generally gather with other single men.
39


40


1) Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness. The power and the glory, the victory and the majesty, for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours. Yours is the Kingdom, O Lord and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might. In Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name.
I Chronicles 29:10-13 (NKJ)
2) You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve and give life to everything, and all the angels of heaven worship You. Nehemiah 9:6 (NLT)
3) All heaven will praise Your miracles, Lord. Myriads of angels will praise You for Your faithfulness. Who
in all of heaven can compare with You, Lord? What mightiest angel is anything like You? The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. You are far more awesome than those who surround Your throne. O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as You, Lord? Faithfulness is Your very character. Psalm 89:5-8 (NLT)
4) You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 (NLT)
5) Great and marvelous are Your actions, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the nations. Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are Holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous deeds have been revealed. Revelation 15:3-4 (NLT)
6) Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with His glory! Isaiah 6:3 (NLT)
41
©2012, Caldwell Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved -
No reproduction of this material is permitted without expressed written permission of CMI


Concert of Praise...
(Cont’d)
7) Lord, You are King! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest islands be glad. Clouds and darkness surround You. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Fire goes forth before You and burns up all Your foes. Your lightning flashes out across the world. The earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before You; before You, the Lord of all the earth. The heavens declare Your righteousness; every nation sees Your glory. Those who worship idols are disgraced—all who brag about their worthless gods—for every god must bow to You. Jerusalem has heard and rejoiced, and all the cities of Judah are glad because of Your justice, Lord! For You, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. Psalm 97:1-9 (NLT)
8) Lord, You are King! Let the nations tremble! Lord, You sit on Your throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake! Lord, You sit in majesty in Jerusalem, supreme above all the nations. Let them praise Your great and awesome name. Your Name is holy! Psalm 99:1-3 (NLT)
9) Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, invincible in battle. Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord Almighty, He is the King of glory. Psalm 24:7-10 (NLT)
10)Praise the Lord! I will thank You, Lord, with all my heart as I meet with Your godly people. How amazing are Your deeds! All who delight in You should ponder them. Everything You do reveals Your glory and majesty. Your righteousness never fails. Who can forget the wonders You perform? How gracious and merciful are You, Lord! You give food to those who trust You; You always remember Your covenant. You have shown Your great power to Your people by giving them the lands of other nations. All You do is just and good, and all Your commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. You have paid a full ransom for Your people. You have guaranteed Your covenant with us forever. What a holy, awe- inspiring Name You have! Psalm 111:1-9 (NLT)
11) To You, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. I Timothy 6:15-16 (NKJ)
12)The Lord is a great God, the great King above all gods. He owns the depths of the earth, and even the mightiest mountains are His. The sea belongs to Him, for He made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Psalm 95:2-6 (NLT)
42
©2012, Caldwell Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved -
No reproduction of this material is permitted without expressed written permission of CMI


Notes:
43