Special Edition Fall Feasts 2018 (Volume 2)

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4. Reflection Questions:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries. To share your musings in a public forum where
others can dialog and process with you, please go to http://tiny.cc/victoryn30 ).



1. How consistent and persistent is your prayer life?











2. If there could be improvement, what do you need to release or move aside in order to make more room
in your life for spending time with Jesus on a consistent basis?










5. Prayer for Today:


Loving Father, we thank You for knowing each of us intimately. Thank You for giving us the tool of prayer that
allows us, empowered by You, Holy Spirit, to see Your will done on earth as it is already done in Your immediate
presence. Thank You for blessing Your people socially, academically, relationally and emotionally. We will shout
joyfully to You, the living God. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how we praise You! We will praise
You as long as we live; we will lift up our hands to You in prayer. You satisfy us more than the richest feast. We
will praise You with songs of joy.


Sovereign King, we declare that we will give ourselves completely to You, body and soul, to live in holiness before
You. We declare that we stand strong in You and that we will not conform to the customs of this world, but we
will let You transform the foundational values upon which we make our decisions so that we will become more
formed by Your character and Your Word. We will never think that we know how to pray or study perfectly, but
will continually rely on You, Holy Spirit, to keep us humbly aware of our need for perpetual You, O God. Holy
Spirit, deliver us from arrogance, shame, fear, anger and perversion. Remind us also that there is no
condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus and that nothing can ever separate us from Your love that was
so beautifully revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Merciful Father, forgive us for not always setting aside time to consistently and persistently pray for our families,
our brothers and sisters in Christ, our pastors, our teachers, our civic leaders, and other persons and situations
in the world that You, Holy Spirit, put on our hearts. Also, please forgive us for the times when we may have
compromised our faith in You, and not been consistent witnesses of Your love and grace. Lord, forgive me for
(list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us of those we need to forgive and help us to be
quick to forgive. As for me, Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance those I need to forgive. (Take a moment and
ask the Holy Spirit to show you names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He shows you, say
aloud, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by
unforgiveness.)

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Holy Spirit, help us not to yield to temptation but deliver us from the evil one.


Almighty God, You are the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessing and
honor and glory and power belong to You Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb 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.

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Day 25





Victory through Service (Feast of Tabernacles)



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 will serve...
As you exhale whisper, “the Lord with joy...”

2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, give thanks, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)

Shout to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with joy, come before Him with praise.
Know that the Lord is God; He made us and we are His people and the flock of His pasture.
Come into His gates with thanksgiving, [into] His courtyards with praise; give thanks to Him, bless His Name.
For the Lord is good; His kindness is forever, and until generation after generation is His faith.
(Psalm 100, Rosenberg)



Two of the twelve—the sons of Zebedee as they were known—approached Jesus and pulled Him aside.

James and John: Teacher, will You do something for us if we ask it of You?
Jesus: What is it that you want?

James and John: Master, grant that we might sit on either side of You, one at Your right hand and one at Your
left, when You come into the glory of Your Kingdom.

Jesus: You don’t know what it is you’re asking. Can you drink from the cup I have to drink from or be ritually
washed in baptism with the baptism that awaits Me?
James and John: We can.

Jesus: You will indeed drink from the cup I drink from and be baptized with the baptism that awaits Me. But
to sit at My right or at My left is an honor I cannot grant. That will be given to those for whom it has been
prepared.
When the other ten heard about this request, they were angry with James and John; but Jesus stopped them.

Jesus: You know that among the nations of the world the great ones lord it over the little people and act like
tyrants. But that is not the way it will be among you. Whoever would be great among you must serve and
minister. Whoever wants to be great among you must be slave of all. Even the Son of Man came not to
be served but to be a servant—to offer His life as a ransom for others.


For further learning: Acts 2 and 1 Peter 4 (Observe “service” through the eyes of the Early Church.)
Videos: http://tiny.cc/ServeWithBoundaries; http://tiny.cc/laborer

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3. Concepts to Consider:

The Nobel Prize winning American poet and songwriter, Bob Dylan, once famously wrote,


You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride,
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side,
You may be working in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair,
You may be somebody's mistress, may be somebody's heir

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

(To hear Mavis Staples sing this classic: http://tiny.cc/MavisServe )


Dylan’s keen perspective on human nature isbased on a Biblical reality. By virtue of our creation, we are
designed to “serve somebody.” Ideally, in the Garden of Eden, we were meant to serve God and serve each
other in perfect, loving harmony and within healthy boundaries. Unfortunately, we know the rest of the story.
After Genesis 3, things go “off the rails” for humanity. Well-crafted inter-dependencies degraded into broken
family systems and destructive co-dependencies.


Yet, God never gave up on us, and He demonstrated in Jesus what healthy ministry and service could look like.
Jesus was redeeming our brokenness in how He conducted Himself as He served. We see Jesus in the Gospels
“getting away by Himself to pray,” and “leaving the crowd,” and “taking the disciples aside” to teach them “more
privately,” and teaching His followers to “enter into their closet” to pray. All of these instances of self-care
bracket Jesus’ ministry in healing, public service and teaching. Yes, sometimes the crowd pressed in on Him and
His disciples so much that “they couldn’t even eat,” and yet Jesus “had compassion” on the crowd and He drew
on the strength of His Spirit to get the job done when it needed to get done. Then, He’d find time to steal away
and get with His Father. There was a rhythm and flow to Jesus’ life that we would do well to adopt.


<< For those who love detail and history, please keep reading. Otherwise, please feel free to skip over to the
Reflection Question and Prayer on the next page. >>


[One of the things that often goes under-appreciated by modern Christians is our heritage of a daily liturgy in
prayer, Scripture reading, study and service/work that has been around since the inception of the Church. By
the Late Second Temple Period (63BC-70AD), patterns of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly cycles of prayers,
Biblical readings, and rites had been well established within Judaism. These cycles and rhythms of life are an
assumed part of the New Testament backdrop.


After Jesus’ ascension and the universal outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the earliest Church continued to worship
and serve God in much the same way it had always done. They continued to use the basic templates inherited
from Jewish liturgies and cycles, but now incorporated Jesus into the mix. As Christian history progressed, the
early monastics and other devout followers of Jesus began to create their own Trinity-focused adaptations of
older liturgies. One of the earliest cycles of daily prayer comes from the Didache (DEE-di-kay) (an early Church
teaching document, written about 60-80AD. Hear it read: http://tiny.cc/didachereading ), where it states in Section 8,

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"And do not pray as the hypocrites, but as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, pray thus: 'Our Father, who art
in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in Heaven so also upon earth;
give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debt as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into trial, but
deliver us from the evil one, for thine is the power and the glory for ever.' Pray thus three times a day.”

In the 300-400’s AD, a group of Christians known as the “Desert Fathers and Mothers” expanded these thrice-
daily prayers into seven canonical hours, following the declaration found in Psalm 119:164 (ESV), “seven times
a day I praise You for your righteous rules.” This dictate of praying seven times a day is still alive and well in
many monastic Christian communities around the world, regardless of denomination. Interwoven between
these set times of prayer is space for study and work.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you put your life on hold to become a monastic, but what I am alluding to is the
fact that we as followers of Jesus Christ have a rich heritage of an ordered day that for some of us, may offer a
means of regulating our days so that worship, prayer, study and SERVICE all come into focus and balance.
Indeed, by using this very Prayer and Study guide and participating in a covenant reflection group, you are
ordering your day and your week and walking in the traditions of our Faith. May you be blessed for taking
the time to do so!


One final thought. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement in 18th-century England, modeled a
life of structured prayer and ministry. He taught that the “People called Methodists” should pray and read
Scripture at least twice a day (morning and evening) and, if possible, four times per day (morning, midday,
evening, and before retiring at night). (See: Wesley’s The Sunday service of the Methodists in North America: with other
occasional services, 1784, http://tiny.cc/WesleyOrder ). He further believed passionately that our life in Christ was
best enhanced by meeting in small covenant groups to help us keep our daily lives on point.]


4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries. To share your musings in a public forum where
others can dialog and process with you, please go to http://tiny.cc/victoryn30 ).

1. If the “joy of the Lord is our strength” and we are to “serve the Lord with joy,” how would ordering your
day around times of prayer and Scripture reading help keep all you do in life for family, church, job, etc.,
in balance?

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5. Prayer for Today:


Heavenly Father, we thank You for calling us to serve You and serve others in Your Kingdom. Thank You, God,
for guiding our feet into the way of peace. Thank You, Lord, for helping us to be committed and dedicated to
the Kingdom work You are manifesting through our church. Lord, You are such a faithful God. You are our rock,
our deliverer, in Whom we trust. You are worthy to be praised.


Righteous Father, let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We declare that we
understand our gifts, roles and healthy boundaries in manifesting Your plans. We decree that we have the mind
of Christ. We will hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering; for You are faithful in fulfilling Your
promises. As we serve, our minds will stay on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report.
We are doers of the Word and not hearers only. We will work as if You are our direct supervisor. We decree
that we will serve in humility, harmony and unity with others on their teams. We will each serve with a spirit of
excellence and a garment of praise.


Holy Spirit, what area(s) of ministry are you calling me to serve?
__________________________________________________________________________________________


Loving Father, please fill each of Your servants with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding. Stir our hearts to hunger and thirst after You. Father, bless us physically, spiritually, relationally,
emotionally and financially. Lord, protect us and keep us safe. Help us not to get tired of doing good. Fill each
of us with joy and pour out Your love upon us.

Forgiving Father, forgive us, Your servants, for any acts of sinfulness. Forgive us for not setting healthy ministry
boundaries, for idolatry, dissension, strife, pride, rebellion, discord, jealousy, injustice, hatred and slander.
Forgive those of us who murmur and complain, or who may serve with impure motivations. Lord, forgive me
for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind our ministry volunteers of those they need to
forgive and help them to be quick to forgive. As for me, Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance those I need to
forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to show you names and faces of people that you may need
to forgive. As He shows you, say aloud, “I forgive names of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds
in your soul caused by unforgiveness.)


Holy Spirit, help our ministry volunteers not to yield to temptation but deliver them from the evil one.

Triumphant Lord, You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are worthy to receive glory
and honor and power. You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. 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.

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Day 26





Victory through our Future Hope

of the Resurrection of the Body (Feast of Tabernacles)




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 await… ” As
you exhale whisper, “the resurrection of the body…”


2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, give thanks, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)

[Job cried out,] Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! Oh that with an iron pen
and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last, He will
stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall
see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me! (Job 19:24-27, ESV)




John: After I heard about these who would be sealed, I looked and saw a huge crowd of people, which no one
could even begin to count, representing every nation and tribe, people and language, standing before the throne
and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and waving palm branches. They cried out with one loud voice,
“Salvation comes only from our God, who sits upon the throne, and from the Lamb.”

John: All the heavenly messengers stood up, encircling the throne and the elders and the four living creatures,
and they fell prostrate before the throne and worshiped God.

Heavenly Messengers, Elders, and Living Creatures: Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and
honor and power and might be to our God on and on throughout all the ages. Amen.

One of the Elders (to me, John): Who are these people clothed in white robes, and where have they come from?


John: Sir, surely you know the answer to your own questions.

One of the Elders: These are coming from the time of great suffering and affliction. They have washed their
robes in the blood of the Lamb, cleansing them pure white. Responding out of a heart filled with praise, they
congregate before the throne of God and constantly worship Him day and night in His temple. The One seated
on the throne will always live among them. They will never be hungry or thirsty again. The sun or blazing heat
will never scorch them, because the Lamb who stands at the center of the throne is their shepherd and they are
His sheep, and He will lead them to the water of life. And God will dry every tear from their eyes.
(Revelation 7:9-17, VOICE)

For further learning: Article: http://tiny.cc/BW3Rez ; Video: http://tiny.cc/NTRezbody

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3. Concepts to Consider:

As we discussed in Day 10, “Victory through the Resurrection of Jesus,” His bodily resurrection is a down
payment on our promised resurrection in the world to come. Death does not have the final say on our future.
God does. He created us to live in His presence forevermore and, through Jesus, we have the promise that “we
shall be like Him [resurrected in the body] because we shall see Him as He is [in His resurrected body]” (1 John
3:2). Our final destiny is not to live as an angel or as some disembodied spirit, but as a whole, living being, as
God created us, “nephesh” [NEH-fesh]. (Please watch this informative video from The Bible Project for a more
detailed explanation of what it means to be a “living being” made by God: http://tiny.cc/nephesh1 ).

Unfortunately, most Bibles translate “nephesh” as “soul,” which in our Greco-Roman-influenced western
society, somehow equates to believing that our bodies are mere shells for the “real us,” a “ghost in the
machine,” if you will. But this way of thinking is absolutely contrary to the Biblical understanding of how God
made us. In Genesis 2:7 (OJB) it says, “And Elohim [God] formed the adam of the [red dirt of the ground], and
breathed into his nostrils the nishmat [respiration] chayyim [of life]; and the adam became a nephesh chayyah
[living being]. Here, the “nephesh” is not some kind of non-physical component of our humanity, but rather a
way of describing our unique personhood, our “being-ness,” if you will. We don’t have a soul; we are soul, or
“living being.” (Again, please watch the BP video above for a more detailed explanation.)


The fact that Jesus was raised from the dead bodily, and He (in His resurrected body, a kind of Human 2.0) is
seated at the right hand of the Father and that we are made as “living beings” whose bodies and “being-ness”
are inter-related, means that we too have a fully “upgraded” and embodied future to look forward to in the
New Heaven and New Earth, as described in Revelation 21! Hallelujah!



4. Reflection Questions:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries. To share your musings in a public forum where
others can dialog and process with you, please go to http://tiny.cc/victoryn30 ).

1. How does it make you feel to realize that because of Jesus’ bodily resurrection, that you, as a follower
of Jesus, have a re-created, re-embodied existence to which to look forward?











2. If you watched the video on “Nephesh,” discuss one new thing that you learned. What did you think?

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5. Prayer for Today:


Holy Father, thank You for creating us as living beings in Your image. Thank You for putting breath in our bodies
and giving us life. Lord, Your Name is holy. You are our hiding place. It is You Who protects us from trouble and
surrounds us with songs of victory. With all of our hearts, we give thanks to You. We praise Your Name for Your
love and faithfulness.


Magnificent Father, we know that whatever is good and perfect comes to us from You, O God, Who created all
things, including us. You never change or cast a shifting shadow. Your Word tells us that if we have given our
lives to You, Lord Jesus, that in the New Heaven and New Earth, we shall be like You. Therefore, we declare that
we shall not view our bodies as disposable or inferior to our ability to our Image-bearing perception of You. We
declare that, like Jesus, we shall be raised again in the flesh when He returns.


Holy Spirit, help us not to become lazy and apathetic, unwilling to experience new things. Remove from us the
fear of learning new things, and help us to realize that we are called to be distinctive in our way of life. Remind
us that we are a chosen people: royal priests, a holy nation, God’s own possession. Teach us to carry ourselves
as kings, and queens and lords.


Awesome Father, forgive us for taking our bodies for granted and for not fully understanding how you made us.
Forgive us for allowing vain philosophies to undermine the Truths found in your Word. Lord, forgive me for (list
any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive and help us to be
quick to forgive. As for me, Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance those I need to forgive. (Take a moment and
ask the Holy Spirit to show you names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He shows you, say
aloud, “I forgive name of person(s).” Now, trust the Lord to heal any wounds in your soul caused by
unforgiveness.)


Holy Spirit, help us not to yield to temptation but deliver us all from the evil one.

Lord, You are great! You are robed in honor and majesty. You are dressed in a robe of light, and You are seated
on Your throne with the Resurrected Lamb, surrounded by the seven aspects of Your Spirit. You stretch out the
starry curtain of the heavens. Lord, what a variety of things You have made! In wisdom, You have made them
all. 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.

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59


Day 27





Victory through the Future Hope of Everlasting Life

(Feast of Tabernacles)




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, “In Jesus I
have...” As you exhale whisper, “everlasting life...”


2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, give thanks, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)

For this is how God loved the world: that He gave His only Son, that whoever trusts Him completely should not
perish, but have life now and in the world to come. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn
the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16-17, KO)



But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: “In the last
days there will be people who don’t take these things seriously anymore. They’ll treat them like a joke, and make
a religion of their own whims and lusts.” These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves.
There’s nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying
right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master,
Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but
not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.

And now to Him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in His bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to
our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength and rule before all
time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes. (Jude 1:17-25, MSG)






For further learning: 1 John 5

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3. Concepts to Consider:

Everlasting life begins here and now, and it has very little to do with our concept of infinity. During the time of
Jesus, observant Jews would have understood everlasting/eternal life as something that would be part of the
final resurrection of the dead in “The Day of the Lord” (Daniel 12:2). Those whose names were found in the
citizenship roles of God’s Kingdom (“the books,” Daniel 7:10; Revelation 20:12-15) would be given re-embodied
life (“the joy of your Lord,” Matthew 25:21, 23) in the presence of their Creator, forevermore. This idea was
relegated exclusively to a future hope (i.e., Martha says to Jesus, “I know that [my brother, Lazarus] will rise
again in the resurrection on the last day,” John 11:24).

However, Jesus steps onto the scene and shatters the status quo (His specialty!) when He states plainly, “I AM
the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives
and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26, ESV). From this point forward, those who follow Him begin
to realize that eternal life starts now, in Jesus! Eternal life is anchored in the Personhood of Jesus, not in an idea
or a vague hope.


So, what does that mean for us today? It means that we are not just waiting to die so we can begin to experience
eternal life; we are beginning now to attach ourselves more strongly to the vine of Jesus (John 15:5) Who is the
Source of our life-giving nutrition. In the above revolutionary statement of Jesus, “whoever believes in Me shall
never die.” In Greek, this phrase is better translated, “whoever believes INTO (εἰς) Me shall never die.”


What exactly does it mean to believe into Jesus? First, it is more than a simple intellectual acknowledgment
that “Jesus is the Son of God.” We know that even the demons “believe” (James 2:10; Mark 1:24) the observable
truth of Jesus’ identity, but they do not live and walk His Path of Truth (John 14:16-17). They do not know (have
a meaningful, personal relationship with) Him.


Secondly, to believe into Jesus means to follow Him by denying ourselves and taking up our cross every day
(Luke 9:23). And what does that look like, Pastor? Well… “it means we’d better get on with it. Strip down,
[lighten your load], start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on
Jesus, Who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where
He was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—He could put up with anything along the way: Cross,
shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves
flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That
will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Hebrews 12:1b-3, MSG)

(Supplemental article: https://www.seedbed.com/weve-gotten-eternal-life-wrong/)


4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries. To share your musings in a public forum where
others can dialog and process with you, please go to http://tiny.cc/victoryn30 ).

1. How has realizing (or being reminded) that eternal life in Jesus starts here and now reinvigorated your
perspective on how you will live today?

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5. Prayer for Today:


Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of eternal life available to us in Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, we thank You
for empowering us to run the race that is set before us. Lord, You are great and deserving of praise. All the
nations of the world will recognize You as Lord. You are glorious and strong. We come to give You the glory You
deserve. We worship You in all Your holy splendor and the earth trembles before You. We proclaim to all the
world the Lord reigns! The heavens proclaim Your righteousness and every nation sees Your glory.


Righteous Father, You loved the world so much that You gave Your one and only Son so that everyone who
believes into Him will not perish but have eternal life. Jesus, we declare that our eternal life starts right here
and right now! We cling to You, and by Your grace, we are empowered to stand up and begin each day to walk
in Your Way and in Your Truth. We will taste and see that You are good!


Glorious Father, we make intercession on behalf of all those who do not yet believe into Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Lord, surround them with the counsel of the Godly so that they may be washed in the water of Your Word −
putting away the old nature and putting on the new. Father, we ask You to save the unsaved. Remove the
darkness in their hearts so they may see Your light.


Redeeming Father, forgive us for any disobedience, laziness, fearfulness, arrogance and ambivalence we may
experience as we learn to walk in Your Truth. Lord, forgive me for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy
Spirit, remind us all of those we need to forgive and help us to be quick to forgive. As for me, Holy Spirit, bring
to my remembrance those I need to forgive. (Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to show you names or
faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He shows you, say aloud, “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.


Holy, holy, holy, are You, the Lord God Almighty. You are worthy, to receive glory, honor and power. To You, the
blessed and Sovereign of the universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Who alone has immortality, dwelling
in unapproachable light; to You be honor and everlasting power. 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.

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63


Day 28





Victory through our Future Hope in the New Heaven and

New Earth (Feast of Tabernacles/Block Party)




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, “The Lord will...”
As you exhale whisper, “make all things new...”


2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, give thanks, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)

[Thus saith the Lord,] For see, I am creating new heavens and a new earth—so wonderful that no one will even
think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in My creation. Look! I will re-create Jerusalem as a
place of happiness, and her people shall be a joy! And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and in My people, and the voice
of weeping and crying shall not be heard there anymore. (Isaiah 65:17-19, NLT)




I [John] saw Heaven and earth new-created. Gone the first Heaven, gone the first earth, gone the sea. I saw Holy
Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband. I
heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making His home
with men and women! They’re His people, He’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone
for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued,
“Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.”
(Revelation 21:1-5, MSG)


For further learning: Videos: http://tiny.cc/HeavenEarth; http://tiny.cc/NTHeavenEarth

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3. Concepts to Consider:


One of my favorite southern gospel hymns is, “This World Is Not My Home, I’m Just a-Passing Through” (Valerie
June’s version: http://tiny.cc/HeavenHomeJune ). And honestly, every time I hear it, I still tear up and sing along at
the top of my voice. But now, I sing this hymn more out of nostalgia rather than out of declaring a hope for my
future. I’ve learned through careful study of Scripture that the hope expressed in this song is misguided. My
destiny as a follower of Jesus is not some beatific state, escaping the horrors of earth and rising up to live in a
golden and peaceful “heaven” with Jesus and all His angels. No, rather my destiny is to live eternally in the New
Jerusalem on the New Earth, in my recreated human-ness, united around the Reality of the Triune God.

Wow! This idea may shatter some long-held beliefs, but it is time we work to move on from things that are more
rooted in Greco-Roman philosophical traditions than in Biblical Truths. Throughout Scripture, we see that our
ultimate hope is that things will be put back in order like it was meant to be in the Garden of Eden. In the Book
of Isaiah, in the Gospels and in the Book of Revelation, we see that the theme of things being put back in order
reigns supreme. Indeed, the reason things have gotten out of order is because of humanity’s rebellion. God does
not yet reign supreme in every corner of creation, and therefore, what we see in Revelation 21 is the final
vindication of God, the ultimate restoration of the created order, as it was always meant to be.


This re-creation and re-ordering began in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Since His
appearing on earth, heaven (the immediate realm of God where His reign is absolute) has been “descending” in
His Body (the Church) and through His Spirit, we continue to conquer cosmic disorder. Jesus began this “good
work,” and it is the continuing work of the Church to “go and do likewise.” Every day, we inch closer to the Day
when the New Heaven and New Earth will be fully and finally united. In a sense, this has already happened in
Jesus. He re-united the Realm of God and the Realm of Humanity in Himself, but the fullest expression of this
Reality is still in process. What I’ve just described is the principle of the “now and the not yet.”


In Jesus, the Kingdom of God is NOW here, but it has NOT YET fully manifested. There’s more to come. It’s
making its way! That's why we as His Church have work to do. Our job is not to just sit around and do the best
we can while we hunker down and wait for “the sweet by and by.” We are a part of His plan to continue to
bring heaven to earth. It’s why we continue to pray, “Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”


4. Reflection Questions:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries. To share your musings in a public forum where
others can dialog and process with you, please go to http://tiny.cc/victoryn30 ).

1. What’s something new you learned today?









2. How does changing my perspective of my ultimate destiny in the Kingdom of God change how I will live
my life today?

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5. Prayer for Today:




Our Father in heaven, may Your Name remain holy.


Bring about Your Kingdom by continuing the work begun in Jesus through Your People.


Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is already manifest in heaven.



Give us each day the bread we need.


And forgive us our deficit of sin, as we forgive those who we think owe us something.


Save us from ourselves, and deliver us from the schemes of the evil one.


Let Your Kingdom be made real, and let it be powerful and glorious forever. Amen.


(Adapted from Matthew 6:9-13, VOICE + KO)





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.

66 Notes:

67


Day 29





Victory as Maranatha People (Feast of Tabernacles)



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, “Jesus, my
Lord...” As you exhale whisper, “...has arrived.”

2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, give thanks, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the
descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come;
let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him
the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God
will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! [Marana-tha!]

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:16-21, ESV)




This closing greeting is written by my own hand—Paul’s: May those who have no love for the Lord be cursed.
Maran-atha, [“Our Lord has come!”] May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to you all in the name
of the Anointed One, Jesus. [Amen.] (1 Corinthians 16:21-23, VOICE + KO)



For further learning: Video: http://tiny.cc/maranatha

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3. Concepts to Consider:

We, the Body of Christ, are grafted into the ancient rootstock of God’s Chosen People because Maran-atha
( תא א - מרן ), “The Lord has arrived [on the scene]!” He has broken into human history and redeemed us to be
“His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). And we look forward to the Lord’s impending return, Marana-tha
( תא - רנא מ), “Lord, come [on back]!”


You may have noticed in the previous paragraph, that I divided Maranatha into two syllables, but in two
different ways. Why? Because no matter how you slice it, each way yields a slightly different emphasis that I
believe reveals a holistic truth about the work of Jesus and how we are called to live as His followers.


One side of the coin (maran-atha) puts an accent on the completed work of Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 16:22, it
makes more sense contextually and linguistically to divide the word so that it creates a statement of fact, a
credal or belief statement. This falls in line with other similar belief statements of Paul (e.g., Romans 10:9, 1
Corinthians 12:3, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 ) and other early Church accounts (e.g., John 6:68-69, Acts 8:36-37,
Hebrews 3:1, The Didache, The Apostle’s Creed, and St. Irenaeus’ “Rule of Faith”).


The other side of the same coin (marana-tha) accents the anticipation of Jesus’ return. In Revelation 22:20, it
seems more plausible to emphasize the future aspects of Jesus’ reign, since that’s the context of the last couple
of chapters in the book.

Together, these two aspects of Jesus’ work and identity inform our whole work and identity as His people.
Because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, resurrection and ascension, we have a firm foundation from which
to do Kingdom work in the here and now, and at the same time, we look forward to the final recapitulation of
history and creation in the world to come. We are truly Maranatha People, both now and forever, Amen!



4. Reflection Question:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries. To share your musings in a public forum where
others can dialog and process with you, please go to http://tiny.cc/victoryn30 ).

1. What does it look like for you to live as part of the Maranatha People? How does knowing this change
your perspective on what it means to live and work in the Kingdom of God?

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5. Prayer for Today:


O Lord, our God, Your majestic Name fills the earth. Your glory is higher than the heavens. Our souls bless You,
and we will remember the good things You have done for us. You are the One who forgives all our sins, heals
us from diseases, redeems us from death and crowns us with love and tender mercies. You fill our lives with
good things and renew our youth like the eagle’s! We honor You as our Lord and Savior. Thank You for the
completed work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for extending Your unfailing love towards us. We also
look forward to Your Son’s return at the time You set. You are great and deserving of all praise.


Father, it is Your will that prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people so that we can
live peaceful and quiet lives marked by Godliness and dignity. It is Your desire that all people would come to
understand the truth of Who You are; that You are the only God and that there is only one Mediator Who can
reconcile humanity back to You—the True Human Being, the Final Adam, Jesus, the Messiah. We, therefore,
confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe with all that we are that You have raised Jesus from the
dead.

Father, we ask You to clear the way so that Your Good News may be proclaimed with love in our families, our
cities, our country and throughout all the earth. May we be faithful labourers in the field that is ready for harvest.
Give us hearts of warmth and compassion. Replace our old hearts of stone. As Your Word goes forth, we know
it will not return empty but will accomplish what You sent it out to do.


Father, forgive us for not always living as Your Maranatha People. Forgive us for not loving people in the same
way that You continue to love us. We confess our disobedience, idolatry, sexual perversion, greed, racism,
injustice and violence. Please have mercy upon us and extend Your grace towards us. Lord, remind all of us of
those persons we need to forgive, and please help us to forgive.


Lead all of us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.

Now to You, Lord God Almighty, Who is able to keep us from stumbling and to present us blameless before the
presence of Your glory with great joy; You are the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory,
majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. 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.

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Notes:

71


Day 30





Victory through the Word of God

(Feast of Tabernacles/Celebrating the Word of God)




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,
Lord… ” As you exhale whisper, “for Your Word...”


2. Slowly read aloud the following Scriptures:
(Feel free to pause at any time during your reading to reflect on, give thanks, praise, or acknowledge God’s stirring in your thoughts and emotions.)



And this is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the children of Israel [just] before his death.
He said: "The Lord came from Sinai and shone forth from Seir to them; He appeared from Mount Paran and came
with some of the holy myriads; from His right hand was a fiery Law for them. Indeed, You showed love for
peoples; all His holy ones are in Your hand, for they let themselves be centered at Your feet, bearing Your
utterances. The Torah that Moses commanded us is a legacy for the congregation of Jacob. And He was King in
Jeshurun, whenever the sum total of the people was gathered, and the tribes of Israel were together…”
(Deuteronomy 33:1-5, JPS, Rosenberg)




And [Jesus] went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom
and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So His fame spread throughout all Syria, and
they brought Him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons,
epileptics, and paralytics, and He healed them. And great crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis,
and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain,
and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall
be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the
pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed
are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when
others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be
glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew
4:23-5:12, ESV)



For further learning: Psalm 119; Jeremiah 31; 2 Timothy 3

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3. Concepts to Consider:

Congratulations! You’ve run the race with endurance. You crossed the finish line! You made it through
celebrating the Fall Feasts and 30 days of reading, study, accountability and prayer! You are to be commended
in the Lord for your diligence! Hallelujah!


As we conclude our time together this month, we pause to rejoice in the Word of God, both the written and the
Incarnate Word. To be clear, the celebration of the giving of the Word of God is properly celebrated during the
Feast of Pentecost (May/June), but the celebration of the very existence of and the reading of the Word is
celebrated beginning at sundown tonight and into tomorrow. Traditionally, this day is devoted to having one
big party around the fact that the scroll in the synagogue is being rolled back from Deuteronomy to the front,
Genesis. Not coincidentally, starting next Sunday (October 7, 2018) we, as a Church Family, will begin reading
through the entire Bible in 90 days, Genesis-Revelation. (Fear not, you’ll only be reading 12 pages of the Bible a
day.) You are encouraged to continue to meet, as you have been, with your covenant groups and to discuss
what the Lord is saying and doing through His Word. You will have a guide similar to this one to assist you in
your personal and group reflections.


Now, back to today’s regularly scheduled lesson. When Jesus intersected the flow of human history, He did so
as the Enfleshed Word of God, meaning He completely and perfectly embodied all that was written in the Torah
[TOW-rah, רָה תוֹ meaning, “instruction or teaching”], the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Everything that
God was trying to do in setting out His “rules for living in relationship with Me,” Jesus demonstrated and lived
into flawlessly.


In Jesus’ Torah reclamation project, aka, “The Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew Chapters 5, 6, & 7), He was
setting out to bring back into alignment what had gotten out of order and been encrusted with centuries of
burdensome traditions. The Torah was never meant to be a heavy burden (Matthew 23:4), but rather a cause
for rejoicing (Psalm 119:74 and 162). Remember, Jesus’ “yoke is easy, and His burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).


In “The Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus is painting a series of pictures of what it looks like to be a person whose
life stays inside the Torah fence line. “All we like sheep,” have broken through the fence and “gone astray,” and
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through His teaching and His life has sought to bring us back into the fold, so that we
can lie down in green pastures and drink from still waters and have our very lives restored (Psalm 23).



4. Reflection Questions:
(You are encouraged to write, draw, or respond however the Lord leads to the following inquiries. To share your musings in a public forum where
others can dialog and process with you, please go to http://tiny.cc/victoryn30 ).

1. As you conclude these 30 days of reading, study, reflection prayer and accountability, what are some
things that you have learned? What has changed in your walk with Jesus?







2. How will you celebrate the Word today?

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5. Prayer for Today:


Our Father, we thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your love and compassion. Thank You for keeping Your
covenant with us throughout the ages. Thank You for making us Your people. Lord, what a joy it is to be one of
Your children. You are good, and Your faithful love endures forever. You are full of power and might; we bless
Your holy Name. We proclaim Your unfailing love in the morning and Your faithfulness in the evening. Lord, You
are compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Your unfailing love toward
those who fear You is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Let the whole world fear You, Lord.
Let everyone stand in awe of You. Almighty God, You are so awesome! Father, You are great and most worthy
of praise. We will praise You at all times and constantly speak of Your praises.

Righteous Father, with grateful hearts, we will obey Your commands, walk in Your ways and fear You. We are
thankful that Your instructions are perfect, reviving our souls. Your decrees are trustworthy, making wise the
simple. Your commandments are right, bringing joy to our hearts. Your commands are clear, giving insight for
living. Revering You is pure, lasting forever. Your laws are true, and each one is fair. Father, we acknowledge
with thanksgiving that Your Word is more desirable than gold, yes, even the finest gold. Your Word is sweeter
than honey dripping from the honeycomb. Your Word warns us, and we expect great reward as we obey it. We
declare that as we are willing and obedient to You, we will eat the good of the land. We will seek Your Kingdom
above all else, and live righteously, and we know that You will give us everything we need.


Omnipotent Father, please let Your ears be attentive to our prayer. Holy Spirit, show us individually and
collectively where we are consistently missing the mark. Help us to turn from our areas of disobedience and
fully release our whole hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Remind us to continue to encourage each other
and build each other up on a daily basis.


Compassionate Father, forgive us for sins of pride, rebellion, disobedience, selfishness, hatred and idolatry.
Lord, forgive us for half-hearted worship. Forgive us for disrespecting Your Word and treating You irreverently.
Forgive us where we have not glorified Your Name and Your Kingdom by our actions and lifestyles. Lord, forgive
me for (list any sins that you have committed). Holy Spirit, remind each of us of those we need to forgive and
help us to be quick to forgive. As for me, Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance those I need to forgive. (Take a
moment and ask the Holy Spirit to show you names or faces of people that you may need to forgive. As He
shows you, say aloud, “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 the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the God Who is, and Who
was, and Who is still to come – the Almighty One, El Shaddai. All honor and glory belong to You, God, forever
and ever! You are the eternal King, the unseen One who never dies; You alone are God. Yours is the Kingdom
and the power and the glory forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

74


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.

75



























FALL FEASTS 2018



GUIDE

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FALL FEASTS OVERVIEW

Reflect, Repent, Reconcile, Remember, Rejoice
And the Lord spoke to Moses saying, “Speak to the Children of Israel, and
say to them: The Feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy
convocations, these are My feasts.” Leviticus 23:1


The Fall Feasts consist of three festivals: The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, and The Feast of
Tabernacles. These feasts are extremely important because they teach us to honor God for who He is and for
what He has done for us. In addition, they teach us about God’s plan for humankind and how He powerfully
intervenes in human affairs! Revelation 21:3 says “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will
dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” During the
Fall Feast season we are expecting God to tabernacle with us.


THE FEAST OF TRUMPETS


The Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah, celebrates the new year in Christ. It is believed that God
created the world during this time. On this day, a shofar or trumpet is blown to mark the beginning of ten days
called the “High Holy Days” or “Days of Awe.” The blowing of the trumpet serves as a “wake-up” call to honor
God as King, to remember His goodness and His faithfulness to His people, and to reveal and awaken the
conscience and soul of His people. The High Holy Days consist of 10 days of repentance, reflection, and
restoration. This period ends on the Day of Atonement.


Things You Need to Know

• Begins sundown, Sunday, September 9th and ends sundown, Monday, September 10th.

• Feast of Trumpets Worship Celebration will be held Sunday, September 9th, 7:00 p.m. at The KBC.


• All believers are to bring a special sacrificial offering.

• Church Family Fast begins sundown, Monday, September 10th and ends sundown, Wednesday,
September 19th.

• Church Family Prayer Stations begin at noon, Tuesday, September 11th thru Wednesday, September
99th at The KBC and Downtown – Houston - City Hall Reflection Pond on Smith St. between Walker
and McKinney.


• “THE GATHERING: IF MY PEOPLE…” A WORSHIP & PRAYER EXPERIENCE begins at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday,
September 11th thru Friday, September 14th and Monday, September 17th thru Tuesday, September
18th at The KBC.

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THE DAY OF ATONEMENT



The Day of Atonement is considered the holiest day of the year. Known as the Day of Redemption, this is the
day that believers stand before Almighty God and confess their mistakes and sins. Participating in this day
helps the believer to recognize that sin has been forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ. As believers
confess their sins and recognize their dependence on God, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross frees them of all
unrighteousness. In Christ, we have a future and a hope!

Things You Need to Know


• Begins sundown, Tuesday, September 18th and ends sundown, Wednesday, September 19th.

• Day of Atonement Evening Worship Celebration will be held Tuesday, September 18th, 7:00 p.m. at
The KBC.

• Day of Atonement High Noon Worship Celebration, Wednesday, September 19th, 12:00 p.m. at The
KBC.


• Please plan to attend both Worship Celebrations.

• All believers are to bring a special sacrificial offering.

• Church Family Fast ends sundown, Wednesday, September 19th.


THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES


The Feast of Tabernacles is the climax of the Fall Feasts and the most celebrative. It is God’s appointed time
for believers to come into His presence and celebrate His glory, provision, protection, and deliverance through
Jesus Christ. Leviticus 23:40 says to “Rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.” Deuteronomy 16:14-15
says to “Be joyful at your Feast for the Lord your God will bless you and your joy will be complete.” We will
celebrate with singing, dancing, and great food. Mark your calendar to be a part of this exciting time.


Things You Need to Know


• Begins sundown, Sunday, September 23rd and ends sundown, Sunday, September 30th.

• Feast of Tabernacles Evening Worship Celebration will begin sundown, Sunday, September 23rd, 7:00
p.m. at The KBC. All members are asked to attend.


• Feast of Tabernacles Worship Celebration for Males Only will be held Monday, September 24th at 7:00
p.m. at The KBC. All males are asked to attend and bring a special offering according to Deuteronomy
16:16-17.

• Church Family Block Party, Friday, September 28th, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at The KBC.


• Church Family Party, Sunday, September 30th, 7:00 p.m. at The KBC.

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• All believers are to bring a sacrificial offering each day of this Feast. If you are unable to attend a
Worship Celebration, offerings may be submitted online, via the WIndsor phone app, or mailed to:

Windsor Village Church Family, Attention: Jean Gray, 6011 West Orem, Suite 2250, Houston, Texas 77085



God’s Days of Rest


As our Church Family prepares to celebrate the Fall Feasts, consider scheduling the following days off from work. In
Leviticus 23, God instructs the Israelites to “do no customary work” on specific days associated with the feasts. “No
customary work” basically means to take the day off from work. The Lord understands if you have to work, but if you
can, take the day off enjoy the Lord and your family.

“No Customary Work” Days

Remember all Holy days begin at sundown the evening before the calendar day listed.
(Example: The Feast of Trumpets begins at sundown on Sunday, September 9th).
Monday, September 10th Feast of Trumpets

Wednesday, September 19th Day of Atonement
Thursday, September 24th Feast of Tabernacles (Day 1)

Sunday, October 1st Feast of Tabernacles (Day 8)

References: A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays by Robin Sampson and Linda Pierce
The Messianic Church Arising by Dr. Robert Heidler
Hebrew4christians.com

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FALL FEASTS 2018


SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE



Feast of Trumpets
Sundown, Sunday, September 9, thru Sundown, Monday, September 10, 2018


Feast of Trumpets Worship Celebration
Sunday, September 9, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
The KBC



Church Family Fast Begins
Sundown, Monday, September 10, 2018


CHURCH FAMILY PRAYER STATIONS @ NOON
Tuesday, September 11th, 12:00 p.m. thru Friday, September 14th, 12:00 p.m.

Monday, September 17th, 12:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 18th,
The KBC

City Hall Reflection Pond on Smith St. between Walker and McKinney
Downtown – Houston




“THE GATHERING: IF MY PEOPLE…”
A WORSHIP & PRAYER EXPERIENCE


Group Evening Prayer Assignments


Tuesday, September 11th
Young Adults

7:00 p.m.
The KBC


Wednesday, September 12th
Victory Wednesday
Church Family
7:00 p.m.

The KBC

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Thursday, September 13th
Females

7:00 p.m.
The KBC


Friday, September 14th
Church Family
7:00 p.m.
The KBC



Monday, September 17th
Men
7:00 p.m.
The KBC


Tuesday, September 18th

Church Family
7:00 p.m.
The KBC


The Day of Atonement
Sundown, Tuesday, September 18, thru Sundown, Wednesday, September 19, 2018


Day of Atonement Evening Worship Celebration
Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 7:00 p.m.

The KBC


Day of Atonement High Noon Worship Celebration
Wednesday, September 19, 2018, 12:00 p.m.
The KBC



Church Family Fast Ends
Sundown, Wednesday, September 19, 2018


Feast of Tabernacles
Sundown, Sunday, September 23, thru Sundown, Sunday, September 30, 2018

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Feast of Tabernacles Opening Worship Celebration and Healing Service
Sunday, September 23, 2018, 7:00 p.m.

The KBC


Feast of Tabernacles Worship Celebration for Males Only
Monday, September 24, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
The KBC


Church Family Block Party
Friday, September 28, 2018, 6:00 p.m.

The KBC


Feast of Tabernacles Closing Worship and Celebration of the Word of God
Sunday, September 30, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
The KBC

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FASTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADULTS




I. What is a Fast?

The Hebrew word for fasting means “to cover the mouth.” The Greek word for fasting means “not to
eat.” Simply put, fasting means to abstain from food. Fasting involves turning away from foods that
the body craves in order for our spirit to concentrate on God in worship, service, and praise.

Fasting has been a part of Christianity through the ages. It is a form of spiritual and scriptural
sacrifice. Fasting does not change or impress God. Fasting changes us. Through fasting, Christians are
empowered to discipline their daily relationship with the Lord.

The fast will consist of abstaining from food. In other words, you are fasting if you are not eating food.
The primary method of fasting will be one (1) meal each day.

II. Why Should We Fast?

John Wesley, the original organizer of the Methodist Movement, fasted. In fact, he fasted twice a
week. More importantly, Jesus Christ fasted! We fast as a Church Family because God’s blessings reside
in our unity. This special time encourages us to be “like-minded, having the same love and being of one
accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-3).
III. Who Should Fast?

Prayerfully, each member will participate in the Church Family Spiritual Fast. Please consult your
physician about your fasting if: (1) you are pregnant; (2) you are on prescribed medication; (3) you are
under a doctor’s care; (4) you have experienced illness on a previous fast; (5) or, you do not normally
eat anyway.

YOUR PHYSICIAN’S ORDERS TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER THIS FAST! FOLLOW YOUR PHYSICIAN’S ORDERS!!!


IV. Why Fast?
The benefits include:

1. Having a closer relationship with God, our Father, who created us;
2. Focusing you on Jesus, the Supply, and Supplier of your benefits and blessings;

3. Becoming more sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit;
4. Presenting the opportunity for you to spend more time waiting on the Lord;
5. Intensifying your prayer life;

6. Aiding in removing unbelief and breaking yokes of bondage;
8. Sharpening your intellect, skill, discernment, and understanding;
9. Aiding in clarity of spiritual hearing when guidance or a decision is needed from the Holy

Spirit;
10. Hastening emotional, spiritual, financial, and physical healing for both individuals and the
community;

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11. Fostering personal discipline that will help to reduce impulsive fleshly urges that do not align with
Scripture; and,
12. Demonstrating (to yourself) an act of scriptural obedience.


V. How to Fast

The primary method of fasting for the Church Family Spiritual Fast will be one (1) meal each day
eaten after 6:00 p.m. Meals should be completed within 75 minutes from the moment you put food
into your mouth.


Fasting Options include:


1. “Veterans” - Veterans are those members who have participated in the Church Family Spiritual Fast
two or more times.
2. “First Round Draft Choices” - (First Rounders are those persons who have never fasted or have only
participated in a Church Spiritual Fast one time.) First Rounders will eat two (2) meals per day, one at
breakfast before 8:00 a.m. and one after 6:00 p.m. Be consistent; eat the breakfast meal at a routine
hour. Complete your meals within 75 minutes from the moment you put food into your mouth. Please
pray the daily prayer topic during the time of the skipped meal (lunch meal) and during your regular
prayer time for the day.
3. “Special Teams” consist of persons who are under a doctor’s care, pregnant, or unable to miss a meal
for health reasons. Special Teams should eat regularly scheduled meals. Participation in the Church
Family Spiritual Fast will consist of abstaining from foods such as sweets, carbonated beverages, breads,
meats, or any food that you feel “you must have at least a little of every day.”
4. It is important for the Church Family to be of one mind and heart. Please fast in
accordance with the above-listed instructions. Fasts such as a “cleansing fast,”
“grapefruit fast,” and others are not appropriate during this special time.

VI. Requirements for Fasting
1. No nibbling! If you feel hungry (that’s expected and normal), drink water and pray.
2. No sweets (including sweeteners), chips, candy, chewing gum, soft drinks, or any other junk food
should be eaten at any time during the fast by Veterans, First Rounders, or Special Teams.
3. If you experience headaches, fatigue or weakness, faint feelings, nausea, fever, and/or extreme
hunger, eat a piece of fruit, slice of bread, crackers, or vegetables (preferably raw). Consult your
physician if these feelings persist.
4. Water only! Please restrict your liquid intake to water. No sodas, juices, fruit juices, lemon water, or
flavored water. If you are fasting no food, please drink at least 64oz – 80oz of water each day. Raw
vegetable juices are permitted if you are fasting no food.
5. If you experience “blackouts” while exerting energy, please eat a light, nutritionally-balanced meal. If
you are eating once a day, it is recommended that you do not exercise during the fast.
6. As I Corinthians 7:5 tells us, no love-making for married folk! (Single Christians are already abstaining.)
Both spouses should agree to the fast as a sacrifice of consecration to the Lord. If one of the spouses is
not in agreement with I Corinthians 7:5, then do not abstain. There must be agreement between marital
partners.
7. Individual prayer times for each day are 6:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. If your schedule does not allow for
these hours, please adjust your schedule to include a morning prayer time and an evening prayer time.

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8. If you “fall off” the fast, get back on. Do not allow the devil to condemn you. Ask your covenant group
(see Covenant Groups on page 87) for help.

VII. What Are We Praying About During the Fast?
This Power Guide contains the prayers that we will pray during the fast and Fall Feasts. Please pray
each prayer on the appropriate day as designated by the Prayer Topic Calendar.

VIII. How Can We Be a Blessing While Fasting?
In Isaiah 58:6-2, the Lord explains that an acceptable fast to Him includes feeding and clothing those in
need. In addition to praying, you can bless others by using some of the money you would spend on
eating out or buying groceries to provide food and clothing for others. See details on the Promise of
Giving on page 88.

IX. Schedule of Fast

September 10, 2018, Fast Begins

September 19, 2018, Fast Ends
X. Church Family Prayer Stations @ Noon

Tuesday, September 11, 12:00 p.m. thru Friday, September 14, 12:00 p.m.
Monday, September 17, 12:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 18, 12:00 p.m. at The KBC

Tuesday, September 11, 12:00 p.m. thru Friday, September 14, 12:00 p.m.
Monday, September 17, 12:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 18, 12:00 p.m. at City Hall Reflection
Pond on Smith St. between Walker and McKinney Downtown – Houston

XI. Church Family Corporate Prayer

All church members (including children and youth) are asked to attend Corporate Prayer based on the
group assignments each day at 7:00 p.m., at The Kingdom Builders Center.




XII. Recommended Readings

1. God’s Chosen Fast: A Spiritual and Practical Guide to Fasting by Arthur Wallis
2. Prayer and Fasting by Dr. Kingsley Fletcher

3. Celebrating Biblical Feasts in Your Home or Church by Martha Zimmerman

4. A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays by Robin Sampson & Linda Pierce

5. The Messianic Church Arising by Dr. Robert D. Heidler


XIII. You Can Fast in Jesus’ Name!

While fasting, keep your countenance positive. Matthew 6:16-18 tells us not to “advertise our fasting.”
Keep your fasting a secret. Be sensible and do your best. God does not smile upon “super fasters.”
Expect God to be AWESOME and to do AWESOME things through you and the Church Family.

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Fasting Instructions for Children and Youth



God gives us pastors according to His heart who will feed us with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah
3:15). We must obey our pastors for they watch over our souls (Hebrews 13:17).
Parents should teach and guide by their example the importance of following the leadership of our pastors.
When Pastor Caldwell proclaims the fast, children and youth are capable of obeying and participating.

Parents, please prayerfully consider including your children and youth in the Church Family Spiritual Fast. It
will be a blessed experience for them and it will begin to lay a foundation for their future. Your support and
encouragement are recommended to maximize your child’s success.

I. What is a Fast?


The Hebrew word for fasting means “to cover the mouth.” Fasting has been a part of Christianity
through the ages. It is a form of spiritual and scriptural sacrifice. Fasting does not change or impress
God. Fasting changes us. Through fasting, Christians are empowered to discipline their daily
relationship with the Lord.

II. Why Should Children and Youth Fast?


● To have a closer relationship with God our Father and Jesus Christ;
● To become more sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit;
● To present the opportunity for you to spend more time waiting on the Lord; and
● To build your prayer life.


As children and youth fast, they, too, will receive the benefits and blessings of obedience and fasting.


III. How to Fast

● Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
● Eat healthy vegetables, fruits, meats, breads, milk, and cereal.
● Eat a healthy snack between meals such as fruit, vegetables, etc.
● Drink WATER, 100% JUICE, and MILK as the only beverages.

NO SWEETS, PIZZA, FRENCH FRIES, CHIPS, CANDY, CHEWING GUM, SOFT DRINKS,
OR ANY OTHER JUNK FOODS!

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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 our 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,
September 27, 2018 in order to be a part of the prize drawing.


LINK TO REGISTRATION:
http://tiny.cc/CovenantGroupForm


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.

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THE PROMISE OF GIVING



The Promise of Giving is designed to encourage giving while fasting. In Isaiah 58:6-12, the Lord explains that
an acceptable fast to Him includes feeding and clothing those who are in need, restoring broken relationships
with family, and sharing with strangers. During this fast, you are encouraged to use some of the money that
you would spend on groceries and eating out for providing food and clothing to others.

GUIDELINES FOR GIVING


The “Promise of Giving” list below illustrates the items you are encouraged to donate during the week of the
fast. Donate as many times as you choose during the week.

Please only donate: NEW items

Pick up a Promise of Giving bag at WVUMC Heatherbrook or The Kingdom Builders’ Center and bring your
donation items to the assigned drop-off locations during the week of the fast. For your convenience, drop-off
locations will be stationed at WVUMC Heatherbrook or The Kingdom Builders’ Center campuses throughout
the entire week.



Items



● 2 cans of green beans
● 2 cans of corn
● 2 cans of sweet potatoes/yams

● 2 cans of chicken broth
● 2 cans of cranberry sauce

● 2 packets/boxes of cornbread
● 2 boxes of macaroni & cheese
● 4 packs of Kool-Aid

● 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
● 1 box of stuffing





All donations must be received by Sunday, September 30, 2018

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the Bible in 90 days together








as a Church Family on Sunday, October 7, 2018.
We begin reading, studying, and praying through