Greater Mt Zion Baptist Church Gaylon Clark, Lead Pastor 1801 Pennsylvania Ave Austin, TX Phone:

Transcription

1 Greater Mt Zion Baptist Church Gaylon Clark, Lead Pastor 1801 Pennsylvania Ave Austin, TX Phone:

2 We praise God for 2013 and all that He showed us about His character. We also celebrate that He has allowed us to see 2014 and has allowed us to begin the year with new joy and greater focus on growing spiritually. God placed on my heart a desire to teach the Sermon on the Mount this entire year. In the Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew, Jesus shows us what it looks like to be a true follower of Christ. It s not religious rules or empty exercises that draw us into the presence of God, it s our hearts. So, to begin the year we are asking that you will participate in the Daniel fast and enjoy quiet time with God reading your Bible each day. Apply the S.O.A.P. method that we have learned. Enhance your bible reading time by (S. Studying, O. Observing, A Applying and P Praying). We believe that this method will help us to organize our time of prayer and equip us as we are purposefully seeking God to soften and transform our hearts as a unified body. Each day, we challenge you to write notes of the things that you have discovered in the Bible during your reading and to write out your observations, the way you feel led to apply them to your life and to close your time in prayer with God. Additionally, we invite you to pray for the specific prayer emphases that are provided in this resource guide each day. I m excited that at the end of Seek Week, we will be a greater church open to receive whatever God would desire of us in I am praying for you as we begin this wonderful journey. Building a Greater House Gaylon Clark, Lead Pastor 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Seek Week is a week that we set apart to pursue God. More than just a plea for clarity, we pursue Him together to declare to Him that He alone leads our community and that His presence sustains us in ways that power and position never could. The Details for Seek Week pg 4 Fasting 101 pg 6 Tips on Developing Your Prayer Life pg 8 The A.C.T.S. Method of Prayer pg 9 Bible Study Tools pg 12 S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method pg 13 S.O.A.P. Journal (selected scriptures) pg 15 3

4 The Details for Seek Week Saturday and Sunday Intercessory Prayer Stand Prayer intercessors will be stationed in Washington Chapel Saturday, January 11, before and after Saturday service. Saturday service starts at 5:30pm. Prayer intercessors will be stationed around the campus on Sunday, January 12, before and after 8am, 10am, 12pm services. Monday Friday Submit a prayer request or prayer on the GMZ Prayer Wall at Share your SOAP Journal reflections with GMZ members on our YouVersion Group created for Seek Week Read the Seek Week Daily Devotional written by GMZ staff Wednesday Corporate Fast 6am 8pm Corporate Prayer at GMZ 7pm 8pm We will meet in the GMZ sanctuary for an all church prayer meeting to end our time of fasting. 12 hr Church Wide Alpha Prayer during the day Locate the time that begins with your last name. Please pray at the time indicated. While praying for the church overall, please also choose something you are believing God for in your own life. We want to hear your stories! We encourage you to write them on our Facebook page. Prayer Requests Your eyes to be opened to the needs around you Ephesians 2:10 Workers for the harvest Luke 10:2 His presence and joy to fill every corner of Greater Mt Zion Acts 13:52 4

5 Alpha Prayer A B 7:00 AM C D 8:00 AM E F 9:00 AM G H 10:00 AM I J 11:00 AM K L NOON M N 1:00 PM O P 2:00 PM Q R 3:00 PM S T 4:00 PM U V 5:00 PM W Z 6:00 PM 5

6 FASTING 101 Fasting Fasting is to abstain from food, or to restrict your diet for spiritual purposes. Fasting does not have to be specifically food, but the denial of any genuine desire for spiritual purposes. Fasting is not to make an outward show of your religious commitment to God, but rather to make a personal commitment between you and God. Scripture describes the fasting of Jesus (Matthew 4:2), Daniel (Daniel 1:12), John the Baptist (Matthew 3:4) and Esther (Esther 4:16). The Daniel Fast The Daniel Fast is an expression of abstinence for the purposes of self discipline. During a Daniel Fast you give up things you enjoy eating and eat only what is necessary. Remember, God is not impressed just because you stop eating certain foods; he is primarily concerned with what comes out of your heart. Types of food included in the Daniel fast: Water: Drink 6 8 glasses of water daily throughout the fast. This is very important. Vegetables, such as potatoes, beans, and soybeans will help provide substance. Fresh or frozen vegetables are recommended. If canned vegetables are desired, use sodium free or drain and wash prior to cooking. Individuals who cannot tolerate beans should substitute with soy products. It is recommended to take a multi vitamin/mineral supplement during the fast (1 per day). You may also include various nuts to serve as a protein supplement. Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats (including Oatmeal), Barley and Pasta Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oranges, Grapefruit, Grapes, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon (Limit your intake to 2 citrus fruits per day i.e. lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges) Vegetables: Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Yams, Zucchini, Collard greens, Turnip greens Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts, Olive Oil, Seasonings and Spices Liquids: Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices (apple juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, etc.) No sweetened drinks or sweetened fruit. 6

7 Foods NOT included in the Daniel fast: Sugar, sugar substitutes and sugar products (desserts, soft drinks, etc.) Table or box salt Drinks including caffeine (coffee, tea, etc.) Bread, enriched grains, and rice Meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs Fried foods Margarine, shortening, high fat products Side effects and Cautions Side effects: You may experience moderate to severe headaches for the first day or two as your body rids itself of caffeine, salt, sugar, and various impurities. You may need to take Advil or aspirin. If your doctor has advised against Advil or aspirin, please contact your doctor for an alternative. Important exceptions: Use your discretion along with the advice of your physician and prayer to modify the Daniel Fast to adhere to your medical needs. Anyone with a medical condition related to eating or under the treatment of a physician must consult their doctor before proceeding. Also, if you have extreme difficulty with the fast, such as an impairment of your ability to work at your job, you will have to make adjustments. Utilize wisdom. Seek the Lord and discuss it with other Christians involved in the fast, to find alternatives. 7

8 PRAYER TIPS ON DEVELOPING YOUR PRAYER LIFE: Remember that prayer does not have to be intimidating or over extended. Prayer is simply communicating with God. Prayer is a conversation, not a monologue. Through prayer you are able to speak to God and allow him to speak back to you. Prayer allows you to grow in friendship with God. In moments of prayer you will receive wisdom for daily life; your heart will become sensitive to God s will for your life and you will gain peace to trust God s heart even when you cannot trace his hand. 8

9 THE A.C.T.S. METHOD OF PRAYER Use the A.C.T.S. method of prayer during your daily time with God. 1. Adoration: Give God praise and honor for who He is as Lord over all. 2. Confession: Honestly deal with the sin in your life. 3. Thanksgiving: Verbalize what you re grateful for in your life and in the world around you. 4. Supplication: Pray for the needs of others and yourself. A Guide for Prayer 1 Follow the prayer suggestions, reading the Scripture verses aloud and adding your own prayers as prompted. Adoration: Entering Holy Space Read one of these psalms of praise or another of your choosing (such as Psalms 8; 19; 23; 46; 100; 148; Luke 1:46 55, 68 79; Ephesians 1:3 14). You can also pray God s attributes and characteristics that especially move you today. Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. (Psalm 95:1 7) I worship you and praise you because you are 1 Parts taken from Too Busy Not to Pray, Bill Hybels pg 195 9

10 Confession: Naming Our Faults Specifically identify the sins that are on your conscience. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I confess that I I need your forgiveness for the sin of Please give me your strength to forsake that sin to make restitution by To accept your forgiveness and the new life you give me Thanksgiving: Expressing Gratitude Pray or list God s blessings you are most thankful for. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18) I praise you and I thank you for answered prayers for spiritual blessings for relational blessings for material blessings for Supplication: Asking For Help Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6). Here are my requests for other people family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, people in my church, people in the news for myself my work, my character, my health, my finances, my relationships for 10

11 BIBLE STUDY IN ADDITION TO YOUR DAILY BIBLE STUDY BELOW IS A LIST OF OTHER RECOMMENDED READINGS TO ENHANCE YOUR PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD: The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordeiro Living by the Book by Howard & William Hendricks Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren 11

12 BIBLE STUDY TOOLS Get the most from your time with God Give God your best you. Find an accountability partner who you can connect with daily. Journal about what God is speaking to you. Consider reading as a couple or family together. Aim for 20 minutes. Online Tools YouVersion is the leading online Bible website that offers various Bible versions and reading plans. You can access it from your phone or computer. Join the Greater Mt Zion group to connect with other members or create a group for your Circle of Greatness or Bible study group YouVersion will also allow you to listen to the Bible. This is an exceptional and free online study Bible that will greatly assist your study with explanations, illustration, maps and other support material. Tools to Help You in Your Study Bible Version Recommended: NIV or NLT (app also available) Study Bible Recommended: Life Application Study Bible, NIV (Or some comparable study bible); New Living Translation; The Message by Eugene Peterson Bible Dictionary Recommended: Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Generally, regarded as best but New Bible Dictionary and Nelson s Illustrated Bible Dictionary is also good.) English Dictionary 12

13 S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method Getting Started Identify a consistent time and place to meet with God. Turn off all distractions to focus on your time with God. Using a bible reading plan greatly assists your passage selection, is very helpful. SCRIPTURE Read the entire passage of scripture that you have identified. Pick one verse from the passage that speaks to you. Copy that verse at the top of your entry for that page. OBSERVATION Observe what the verse says. Think about who it was addressed to and why it was written. Reflect on its meaning, tone and purpose. Take several moments to meditate on it and let it soak into your heart. Write down your observations in a paragraph or a few sentences in your journal. APPLICATION Write out how you plan to put into practice the lesson from what you have read? How will you be different today as a result of what you ve just read? How does this verse apply to me? PRAYER Write out word for word your prayer to God based on your reading. Ask him to help you and thank him for his word. Name It Go back to the top and give your journal entry a name. 13

14 SAMPLE JOURNAL ENTRY Title All Things Through Christ Scripture: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ~Philippians 4:13 Observation: There is nothing that I can t do with Christ living in me, because He gives me strength for anything that comes my way. Application: Yesterday I was really doubting being able to accomplish the huge project I was working on, but I need to remember that the Word of God does not lie, and it says that I can do ALL things through Christ, and that means ALL things, even my project! Prayer: Lord please forgive me for relying on my own strength when trying to accomplish things. Ultimately I know that when I depend on myself I will be let down, and short circuit your strength and power working in me. Help me to remember this verse when I m tempted to doubt my abilities, and help me to rely upon your strength. Help me to remember that you promised that I can do anything with your help! In Jesus Name, Amen. THE CHALLENGE: Our daily Bible reading will come from selected passages of Scripture. We challenge you to write notes of the things that you have discovered and to write out your observations. Additionally, we invite you to pray for the specific emphasis provided for each day. 14

15 S.O.A.P. Journal Day 1: January 13, 2014 Luke 12:22-31 Title Scripture Observation Application Prayer A Greater Year Pray for a greater hunger for the presence of God. Pray for a year of spiritual growth for all believers and revival in our hearts. 15

16 S.O.A.P. Journal Day 2: January 14, 2014 Matthew 6:19-21 Title Scripture Observation Application Prayer Greater Leadership Pray for our Pastor Gaylon Clark and First Lady Kathy Clark and their family. Pray for Greater leaders, staff members and their families. 16

17 S.O.A.P. Journal Day 3: January 15, 2014 Matthew 4:2-4 Title Scripture Observation Application Prayer Greater Growth Pray for our church to be committed to study of the Word. Pray for our church to be committed to prayer. 17

18 S.O.A.P. Journal Day 4: January 16, Chronicles 29:1-9 Title Scripture Observation Application Prayer A Greater House Pray for all members to be committed to giving God the whole tithe. Pray for all members to share their faith, finances and gifts. 18

19 S.O.A.P. Journal Day 5: January 17, 2014 Acts 2:42-47 Title Scripture Observation Application Prayer Greater Men & Women Pray for Greater men to be servant leaders in their families and to lead authentically. Pray for all Greater women to be loving servant leaders of their church, home and communities. 19

20 Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church Gaylon Clark, Lead Pastor 1801 Pennsylvania Ave Austin, TX Phone: