January 21 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

• Genesis 42:18-38
• Genesis 43
• Matthew 13:47-58
• Psalms 18:16-36
• Proverbs 4:7-10

And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.  – Matthew 13:58

“Anything is possible if a person believes.”  – Jesus   – Mark 9:23

Unbelief has been the downfall of many! In today’s Bible reading, we see that Jesus was among some who needed a miracle, who needed a healing, but they refused to believe in Him. Unbelief will keep people from being saved, keep people from miracles, and keep people sick. Unbelief is a silent killer of dreams, hopes, and potential.

As we come to the close of 21 days of prayer and fasting, I want to encourage you! As you have been reading God’s Word every day, hiding the Word as a treasure in your heart, and meditating on the Word throughout the day—faith has come, your faith has grown, and it’s time to release that faith for miracles in your life! Here is the thing about faith, it will always prompt you to do something! It’s an action word.

May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.
– 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Faith will prompt you to pray for the sick, to write a kind note to a neighbor, to take some form of action. Faith prompted Abraham to leave his father’s house and believe for the impossible. Faith prompted Moses to stretch his staff over the Red Sea. Faith prompted Joshua to walk around the walls of Jericho. Faith prompted Peter to grab a lame man by the hands and pull him up to his feet; then the miracle happened. There is some action that your faith is calling you to take this year. When you take action in faith—when you dare to believe—that’s when the supernatural happens!

What is it that the Lord has put in your heart? What action step is He asking you to take? Take courage, my friend, anything is possible if a person believes! I dare you to believe God for something so big that it requires supernatural activity in your life this year!

The Lord has taken notice of your fasting and your prayers. Every day and every meal you fasted has been a significant part of pulling you back in the giant slingshot the Lord has you in! Yes, He has strategically positioned you and is preparing you for a launch… it’s time!

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as I share what the Lord has put in my heart this year for Mount Hope Church and for you! I have such a strong sense of urgency and expectation for what is going to happen this Sunday—the first day that the fast is over.  Also, remember, the first three days of every month we’ll be praying and fasting together this year. I look forward to sending you a devotional for each of those days.

Now I bless you in the name of Jesus. I call for this to be a year of encounter for you—a year of greater intimacy with the Lord! I decree this to be a year of expansion, taking territory, a year of bearing much fruit, and a year of rapid growth. I speak this as a blessing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Your Pastor and Friend,

Kevin

January 20 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

• Genesis 41:17-57
• Genesis 42:1-17
• Matthew 13:24-46
• Psalms 18:1-15
• Proverbs 4:1-6

But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. – Psalm 18:6-7

We only have one more day of the 21-day fast! It’s hard to believe how quickly this time has gone by. I want to encourage you that as you have taken time to fast and pray with me during this season, God has been watching! Your prayers, your cries, have reached His ears. This is what we discover in our Bible reading today. Here we see the pattern for prayer. It goes like this: we pray, God hears, and then… the earth quakes! Your prayers are meant to be earth-shaking! Let’s take a closer look at this.

In my distress I cried out to the Lord.

What has been distressing to you? What has been overwhelming to you? A certain amount of stress is good for you. If a guitar string doesn’t have enough stress, it sounds horrible. If it has too much stress, it snaps. And, if you have too much stress, it will eventually turn into distress. When that happens, instead of freaking out, try crying out to God. Pour out your heart to Him, asking Him for help.

My cry has reached His ears!

What gives power to your prayers is the fact that they reach God’s ears. The King of Kings has heard the cry of your heart. He has seen your distress and heard your prayers asking for help. You have an invitation to daily come before God’s throne of grace, and there, receive the mercy, grace, and help you need.

Then the earth quaked and trembled.

Take heart, my friend, the Lord has seen your fasting and has heard your prayers. What comes next is this word – “Then!” Then the Lord does something earth-shaking. Then all of Heaven breaks loose on the earth. And, then God takes what the enemy meant for bad and turns it around for your good. Then suddenly what looked impossible becomes a reality. Then healing collides with your sickness and healing wins every time!

I pray for you, my friend. I pray that you will be filled with hope today. And, I pray that the joy of the Lord fills your heart as you know that your cry has reached His ears. It’s now time for the Lord to come and do all the good things that He has promised to do for you!

Your Pastor and Friend,

Kevin

January 19 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

• Genesis 39
• Genesis 40
• Genesis 41:1-16
• Matthew 12:46-50
• Matthew 13:1-23
• Psalms 17:1-15
• Proverbs 3:33-35

And they replied, “We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean.”
“Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.” – Genesis 40:8

I was recently called to jury duty and while sitting in the jury box, the attorney started asking each of us what we did for a living. He wanted to know what business we were involved in, and I was going to be the last one to answer the question. As I sat there, I was thinking about the different answers I could give. I could just say, “I’m a pastor.” But I also could say, “I change people’s lives.” “I heal the sick.” “I save people.” “I’m in the restoration business.” The list goes on and on. I ended up going with, “I’m a pastor.” But the deeper reality is, what I do really depends on what God is doing that day, because His business is my business… and what He does is supernatural!

Joseph understood that. Take a second look at what he said in today’s Bible reading: “Interpreting dreams is God’s business… so go ahead and tell me your dreams.” Wait a minute! He just said that interpreting dreams is God’s business, so why not just leave that to God? Oh, what a wonderful truth we see in God’s Word today. As followers of Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, we get to spend our lives doing God’s business! Regardless of what you do to earn an income, every day you have the opportunity to be part of a supernatural business – God’s business! This is what we see in the life of Jesus when He said,

“Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” – Luke 2:49

So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished.” – John 5:19-20

Will you take time to ask the Lord what He is doing today, and how you can be part of it? Then slow down enough to notice the compassion He puts in your heart, the people He brings to your path—from giving a hug, showing kindness, caring for the poor, filling someone with hope, to healing the sick. Every day of your life this year can be a supernatural adventure when you live like Jesus—doing the Father’s business!

Father, I thank you that in the midst of all the natural things I will do today, you give me a holy invitation to do something supernatural. I don’t want to just be busy today, I want to be busy about your business. Will you share your heart with me today and direct my steps into the supernatural adventure you have for me?

Happy Fasting,

Pastor Kev

January 18 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

• Genesis 37
• Genesis 38
• Matthew 12:22-45
• Psalms 16:1-11
• Proverbs 3:27-32

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. – Psalm 16:7-8

The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. – Exodus 13:21 

Before long, we’ll be reading together in Exodus about how God guided the children of Israel when they didn’t know what way to go. Have you ever been there before? They had been slaves in Egypt for 430 years. How would they know where to go outside of Egypt unless God would guide them? The guidance God provided was unmistakable. How can you miss a huge pillar of cloud by day? How can you miss a pillar of fire at night? They didn’t have to think, “I wonder if this is the Lord?” or “Maybe that’s just my own thoughts?” No, they could look up in the sky and see clearly where they were supposed to go. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

You actually have it better than the Israelites traveling through the wilderness. As a follower of Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you. That means you come with a built-in supernatural guidance system. It is the Lord’s delight to guide you and even at night to instruct your heart. That means even when you are sleeping, God is putting into your heart what you should do and where you should go. And because you can be confident that He is directing your steps, that He is in you and with you, you have no need to be shaken. Take heart, my friend, He is right beside you, taking you by the hand and leading you into a glorious future!

If you are looking for some direction this year, go ahead and pray through the scriptures below and fully expect that God will give you clear direction!

This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” – Isaiah 48:17

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. – John 16:13

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. – Psalm 23:3

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die. – Psalm 48:14

You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. – Psalm 73:23-24

The Lord will guide you continually. – Isaiah 58:11

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. – Galatians 5:16

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. – Psalm 25:4

I pray that during this time of prayer and fasting, you will receive supernatural direction, insight, and revelation.

Blessings,

Pastor Kevin

January 17 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

• Genesis 35
• Genesis 36
• Matthew 12:1-21
• Psalms 15:1-5
• Proverbs 3:21-26

And his name will be the hope of all the world. – Matthew 12:21

The central event in the history of the earth is the birth of Jesus! His name has been the cause of great joy and celebration around the world. Andrew Murray said, “When His name means everything to you, it will obtain everything for you.” Oh, that we would live in the wonder and awe of His great name.

This past Christmas was different for me in some ways since it was on a Sunday, but it was still a day all about Jesus! Here are my thoughts from my journal early Christmas morning.

Lord, here I am sitting in the sanctuary on Christmas morning. It’s different in that I’m not at home, I’ll be preaching in a while, but it’s the same in that I’m with you! You are my heart’s desire.

Oh, Lord… Christmas. As a young child, Christmas for me was more about presents, eating Aunt Betty’s green stuff, seeing my grandfather dressed up as Santa, seeing family I would only see once a year, playing with new toys. But there is something I still have in common with those days – wonder, excitement, and celebration.

Back in the day, I would wonder who I would see that day, what toys I might receive, if there would be enough snow for snowmobile rides at Grandpa’s house. Today, I sit here in wonder at what You have done, Jesus – stepping out of Heaven as the Prince of Heaven coming to the earth, leaving a throne room for a manger. I’m in awe and wonder not at what I’m going to get… but at what I have received – Jesus!

Back in the day, I was excited – excited to get presents, excited to give something, excited about the food and family visits. I was going to have something NEW to play with. Today, I’m excited to see family, to be with You… but also because I’ve got something new today. I’m on the verge of a whole new year! With 2016 almost behind me, the sky is the limit as to all the new and good that this next year can be filled with. I have new hopes, new dreams, new goals, new desires, new opportunities, new friendships. I’m going to learn something new about Jesus. I’m going to walk in a new sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

Back in the day, Christmas day was always about celebration as we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s son! It’s like everything was special. The food – there would be lots of it! Grandma would make sure that there were all kinds of fudge and yummy treats… health food of sorts. There was a festive atmosphere. Today, it’s still festive for me, it’s still filled with an atmosphere of celebration. There is nothing normal or common about this day! Before, I would celebrate over gifts under a tree… now I celebrate because Jesus came as a baby and died on a tree.

I pray that the name of Jesus will fill you with hope today. May you celebrate His name all year long!

Happy Fasting

Pastor Kevin

January 16 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

• Genesis 32:13-32
• Genesis 33
• Genesis 34
• Matthew 11:7-30
• Psalms 14:1-7
• Proverbs 3:19-20

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  – Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all…

The promise of rest is for ALL… so that includes you, too! It’s not for just a select few that are thought to be God’s favorites, but to all! Notice that all we have to do is come to Jesus. Jesus didn’t say, “Come work for me, come do this and that and I will give you rest. Come and get over all your bad habits.” No, He simply and powerfully says, “Come!” Come to Jesus just as you are! Broken, tired of trying, striving, walking in sin, totally not perfect, entangled, with all your baggage and issues—come to Jesus and He will give you rest! That, my friend, is amazing grace!

…Who are weary and carrying heavy burdens

“Weary” refers to those who are actively trying and striving to do what is right… and it’s exhausting. Those “carrying heavy burdens” refers to those who are carrying burdens others have put on them. It’s more passive; it’s the burden of all the things you are told you have to do to please God, the burden of legalism, rules, spiritual to-do lists, the burden of trying to measure up, the burden of relying on your own self-righteousness. These are the ones that Jesus invites to come to Him – not those who are perfect in their eyes; those who think they are holier than others; those who are proud of how awesome they are; those who are singing, “Everything is Awesome.”

…I will give you rest

It’s not, “you will earn rest.” It can’t be earned; it can only be given. Jesus is always in the posture of giving, not taking. He is always giving to those who can’t earn what is given to them. This rest is deep and beyond physical sleep. Rest means to cease from labor in order to recover and collect strength; to be quiet; to live in patient expectation; to be in the midst (of God’s presence), ceasing from work. It’s a rest from all striving and trying to measure up; it’s a place of stillness. In this rest is a level of peace and joy that is intimidating to the enemy! There is a confidence in God that makes you worry-free and unmovable. There is a cleansing that takes place in this place of rest that will never take place in a frenzy of activity. Just as the brain is cleansed only when we rest physically, so our spirit man is cleansed in this place of rest. Here is where He washes us with His words. He sweeps over us like a beachcombing machine. He works out of us all the junk that is not like Him.

I pray for you, my friend, that this year you will experience the rest that God has for you… that your year will be filled with less frenzy and more supernatural peace!

Happy Fasting,

Pastor Kevin

January 15 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

• Genesis 31:17-55
• Genesis 32:1-12
• Matthew 10:24-42
• Matthew 11:1-6
• Psalms 13:1-6
• Proverbs 3:16-18

O Lord, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children. But you promised me, “I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore – too many to count.” – Genesis 32:11-12

Years ago, I noticed something in Renee’s Bible. It was a 3×5 card that said, “Have an encounter with God today.” I loved it – what a thought that every time we open up the pages of our Bibles, every time we come before God’s throne of grace, we are going after an encounter with the One who created the world, the One who would rather die for you than live without you!

Oh, that we would read our Bibles more, that we would be diligent students of God’s Word! What could happen to you this year if, instead of reading through a One Year Bible plan, instead of being able to check off the box, you actually encountered God every day? You became more aware of His nature and His thoughts toward you? You encountered the way He forgives, the way He loves, the way He is relentless at working in you? What could happen if every day you began to experience God more? I think it would change everything for you.

“One moment in His grace wipes away years of disgrace.” – Dave Williams

If we know our Bibles, we know what God has promised to us! This allows us to stand in the midst of the greatest of trials and say, like Jacob, “But you promised me…”

I pray for you, my friend, that with every day you are joining me in reading through the One Year Bible, you will have an encounter with God! With every day, you will see the Prince of Peace in the pages of your Bible. You will see His heart toward you and you will hear His voice. And may the result be a year of extraordinary fruitfulness for you!

Your Friend and Pastor,

Pastor Kevin

January 14 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

• Genesis 30
• Genesis 31:1-16
• Matthew 10:1-23
• Psalms 12:1-8
• Proverbs 3:13-15

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received.” – Jesus
– Matthew 10:8 

You’ll notice something about the nature of God in our Bible reading that you will see all year long – He delights to tell you to do what you can’t do on your own! We are meant to live with the need for supernatural assistance. We are meant to go after things that are so big they require angelic activity, a divine “suddenly,” and supernatural power.

Earlier we saw that God told Noah to build a boat to save the lives of the human race and all animal life. Okay, I can’t always get my dog to come to me! Seriously, gather up all the animals on the planet and get them in a boat together?

Today we see Jesus issue a command for the disciples to heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons! He didn’t say pray for the sick, because they could do that. He said heal them!

Watch this. God told Moses to tell Aaron to turn all the water in the Nile into blood. Jesus told the servants to put water in a jar and serve wine to the master of ceremonies. Jesus told Philip to feed thousands when he had no food. Jesus told Peter to go fishing and find money in the mouth of the fish to pay their taxes. Jesus told Lazarus to come forth; only one problem with that – he was dead – “was” being the key word.

Throughout this year, don’t be surprised when the Lord tells you to do something that looks impossible. When He does, simply obey, believe, take action, and leave the rest to Him. Then will come the suddenly moments!

So Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded them… Aaron raised his staff and struck the water of the Nile. SUDDENLY, the whole river turned to blood! – Exodus 7:20

I pray that this new year will be filled with divine adventures, supernatural provision, and suddenly moments as you become increasingly sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings on your fast,

Pastor Kevin

January 13 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

• Genesis 28
• Genesis 29
• Matthew 9:18-38
• Psalms 11:1-7
• Proverbs 3:11-12

Two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” – Matthew 9:27

That was the day that a healing service spontaneously took place. It wasn’t planned; flyers weren’t handed out; there wasn’t an announcement made at the Temple that week. This healing service was the result of somebody who simply would not take “no” for an answer!

In our Bible reading today, we learn about these two nameless guys who cry out to Jesus for mercy. It appears Jesus said nothing back to them, but they would not take “no” for an answer, so they followed Jesus into the house! There is something about a desperate heart that always gets the attention of the King.

It wasn’t until they walked into the house without an invitation—because they were desperate for a miracle—that Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?” Maybe that was His way of saying, “Why are you following me? Is it because I can make you see?” That’s when the healing service started!

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! – Matthew 9:29-30

Are you in need of a healing? Have you given up on your miracle? Here’s the good news – Jesus is still in the healing business! It’s not so much about the size of your faith as it is the size of God’s heart for you. It’s your cry for mercy and your refusal to give up that moves His heart.

If you’ve lived for years with sickness, if pain has become just a normal part of life, I pray for you, my friend, joining my faith with yours. I pray that the power of the Holy Spirit settles down over you right now. May God stretch forth His hand with healing power over your life. May the healing that Jesus purchased for you be yours! May you, like our two nameless blind guys, be a walking healing service just waiting to happen!

Blessings on your fast,

Pastor Kevin