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Introduction Because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we have been blessed. When he died on that cross for us, he did the impossible and mended the relationship between us and God. We went from God s enemies to being his people. Because of this momentous act of Jesus, we know that God will look after us, both in this life and in the life to come. We look forward to the ultimate blessing we have been promised life in the new creation where all the evil of this life has been destroyed and we get unhindered access to God. That s a blessing that I can get behind! So when we re talking about how God has blessed us, what we re saying is that God has accepted us and has welcomed us into a relationship with him. And that he has expressed that relationship by giving us good things. It doesn t mean that everything will always be perfect in this life, but we know that we are on God s side. At the end of days, we know where we will be standing. This 40-day journey will invite you into a more intimate space with God. Seven (7) times each day we will pause from our schedules and itineraries, whether we are at home, work, travel, or at play, and consider and ponder God s plan for us for the week. Set your alarms, phones, reminders and, calendars for the seven (7) times that will work for you during this 40-day journey. We have six (6) themes that will carry us for these 40 days. These things will bring spiritual, emotional, mental, and practical renewal in our lives. With fresh eyes, we will see a change in ourselves, our faith, our righteous living, our finances, our families, our churches, and in our praise. Yes, we seek the blessings of God, but more importantly, we will focus on God! Indeed, all blessings come from Him! Each day will have the following components: Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading The focus for this 40 Day Journey will primarily be prayer. Although we will not be inviting a portion of fasting during this journey, if you are led to do so, we will invite God s Blessing on your sacrifice. We are in this together. If we can assist with anything, please let us know. We are anticipating that God will honor our commitment and do more than we even ask or think. Pastor Charles Jenkins http://fellowshipchicago.com/40days/ 2
Week #1: BLESSING FROM FAITH Day #1 Prayer Time #1 Declaration / Confession: I Believe God I Trust God With All of My Heart, My Mind, and My Soul! Prayer Time #2 Scripture: (Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) Am I All In With My Faith? If not, why not? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Genesis 22: 1-19, NLT) Day #2 According to 2 Corinthians 5: 17, I Live and Walk By Faith, Not By Sight Nor By My Feelings. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (1 Peter 1: 6-7, 13-25, NLT) In What Ways Are You Tempted To Dismiss Your Faith Because of What's Happening Around You, That You Physically See? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Philippians 4: 10-20, NLT) 3
Day #3 I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength! (Philippians 4: 13) Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (1 Corinthians 15:57, NLT) What Have You Written Off As Impossible That God May Want You To Resurrect Your Faith On? Review your annual goals - are they big enough? Are they good goals or God goals? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Jeremiah 1: 4-10, NLT) Day #4 Today, and beyond, I am committed to growing my faith by hearing God s Word and God s Voice! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Romans 10: 17, NLT) Is God the loudest voice in your ears? If not, how can you turn His volume up and turn other voices down? Rather than a brief devotional, today intentionally listen to a sermon that will charge your faith, Review a set of sermon notes that you already have and see how God may want to speak to you in a fresh way. Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (1 Samuel 3: 1-11, NLT) 4
Day #5 Father, Thank You That My Needs Will Never Exceed Your Supply! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Ephesians. 3: 20, NKJV) In What Ways Have You Been Praying Small Prayers? How can you pray BIG, BOLD prayers for yourself, your family, and co-workers? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Joshua 10: 1-15, NLT) Day #6 Today, and beyond, my FAITH is NOT dead, but ALIVE and working for me! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Luke 17: 5-6, NLT) When stuff happens, how does your faith respond? Do you immediately respond in fear? How long does it take for your faith to kick into gear? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Mathew 8: 5-13, NLT) Day #7 My Faith IS Alive And I Am Working My Faith With My Actions! 5
Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (James 2: 14, NLT) What Sacrifice(s) As God Invited You To Make In Your Daily Life That You've Resisted? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Luke 10: 25-37, NLT) 6
Week #2: The Blessing of Righteousness Day #1 I declare today that I will make my relationship with God a priority. Prayer Time #2: Scripture: (Matthew 6:33, NIV) : How can I pursue right living in my walk with God daily? At home? At work? At church? Prayer Time #4: Devotion: Prayer Time #6: Scripture: (Joshua 3: 1-17, NLT) Day #2 Lord, THANK YOU that I can bring all of my hearts desires to you! Prayer: Thank you father for hearing my prayer and delivering me out of my troubles. I know you are near me and you are healing me. Praise the name of Jesus Christ. I receive your promise that every tear will be wiped away in Jesus name. Prayer Time #2: Scripture: (Psalm 34:1-17, NKJV) Prayer Time #3: Devotional & Worship Time Prayer Time #4: Silent Time With God (5-10 minutes) Prayer Time #5: Question: What keeps me from believing that God hears me when I cry out in prayer? Prayer Time #6: Scripture: Re-read Psalm 34-1-17 from earlier today. 7
Day #3 I have the power and grace to walk in integrity each and every day of my life. Prayer: Lord God, I come to you in the name of Jesus, and I ask you to deliver me anything that is false. I want to walk in what is right and true in your sight I want to speak truth always and please forgive me for telling lies and being deceitful in Jesus name. Prayer Time #2: Scripture: (Proverbs 13:5, NLT) Prayer Time #3: Devotional & Worship Time Prayer Time #4: Question To Ponder: What keeps you from living a life of integrity? Prayer Time #6: Scripture: (Daniel 1: 8-16, NLT) Day #4 Today I will commit to doing good for others. Prayer: My Heavenly Father, I come to you in the wonderful name of Jesus my Lord. I thank you that you are creating in me a heart that wants to do good for others. You are the strength of my life and I depend on you to help me to do good for even those who mistreat me. I ask that you help me bless them that don t have my best interest at heart. God grant me the heart to serve your people. I thank you for the spiritual gifts I need to serve your people. I can get ahead of myself doing good, so God help me to know what I should or should not be doing as I serve in Jesus name. Prayer Time #2: Scripture: (Galatians 6:9, NLT) Prayer Time #3: Devotional & Worship Time Prayer Time #4: Question To Ponder What keeps me from doing good for others? 8
Prayer Time #6: Scripture (Romans 12: 1-21, NLT) Day #5 Lord, while I run from evil speaking and divisive actions, I will be known as a peacemaker! Prayer: God of peace, by the might of your spirit help me to be a peace maker in every situation. Lord I thank you for giving me peace in difficult situations, and where there is no peace use me to create it in Jesus name. Prayer #2: Scripture: (James 3:18, NLT) Prayer #3: Devotion Prayer Time #4: Silent Time With God (5-10 minutes) Prayer Time #5: Scripture: (Matthew 5: 1-16, NLT) Prayer Time #6: Question To Ponder In what situations should I be a peace maker? At home? In my family? At work? In my community? Day #6 Prayer Time: #1 Declaration / Confession I declare today I will let the Lord lead me in righteousness living Prayer: Lord, I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ; you know how hard it is sometimes for me to know which way I should go. Today I ask that you be my guide and order my footsteps. Show me the clean path and way you want me to follow. Remind me of the promise of your word, in Jesus name. Prayer Time #2: Scripture: (Psalms 5:8, NLT) Prayer Time #3: Devotional & Worship Time 9
Prayer Time #4: Question To Ponder: What hinders me from living a righteous life? Prayer Time #6: Scripture: (Psalm 119: 1-18, NKJV) Day #7 God, I will thank you every day for sending the gift of Jesus. Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of Jesus and the righteousness that is given to me through my faith in Jesus Christ. I appreciate the sacrifice you made when you let your son die for me on the cross. God help me to always remember that I am righteous because of Jesus Christ and not of my own good works. Receive my prayer in Jesus name. Prayer Time #2: Scripture: (Ephesians 2: 8-10, NKJV) : How can continue to live righteously knowing that Jesus is ONLY reason I am righteous? In what ways do you attempt to earn brownie points with God? Prayer Time #6: Scripture: (Matthew 18; 21-35, NLT) 10
Day #1 Week #3: Finances Money is not my god! Money serves me as I serve God! Prayer Time #2: Scripture: (Matthew 6: 21, NLT; Ecclesiastes 5:10, NLT) Prayer Time #3: Devotion & Worship Time Prayer Time #4: Question To Ponder Did you do a heart check today to confirm that money and possessions is your servant and not the other way around? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Matthew 19: 16-22, NLT) Day #2 I Declare That I have the Power to Get Wealth From Multiple Streams of Income! Prayer Time #2: Scripture (Deuteronomy 8: 18, NLT) What gifts, talents, and passions do you have that could be God s way of providing additional revenue and opportunities for you? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you those creative and innovative means. Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Matthew 25: 14-30, NKJV) 11
Day #3 As I honor God first with my finances and resources, I declare that I Live Debt Free! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Proverbs22: 7, NKJV; Romans 12: 8, NKJV) In what ways can you create a strategy to move towards being totally debt free and remaining debt free? What sacrifices are needed? Whose help might you need to arrive at that point? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (2 Kings 4: 1-7, NLT) Day #4 According to Proverbs 10:4, My Focus and Faithfulness bring Godly opportunities into my life! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Isaiah 1: 19, NKJV; Deuteronomy 30:9, NKJV) What is already in your hand that God has blessed and wants you to maximize? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Exodus 4: 1-17, NKJV) 12
Day #5 God is releasing human angels to be a blessing to me, carry my increase, and possibilities for promotion. People are speaking positive on my behalf and favor orders opportunities for me. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Luke 6: 38, KJV) Are You As Prepared As Possible By Being Friendly and Pleasant To Everyone? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Ruth 2: 1-23, NLT) Day #6 God is (Re)Positioning me to see and understand creative ways to live abundantly! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Deuteronomy. 28: 1-6, NLT) When was the last time you looked with fresh eyes on your life & opportunities that you may have before you? Who else could you invite to engage in healthy dialogue and have fresh eyes to see great possibilities in your life? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (John 6: 1-13, NLT) 13
Day #7 I Declare That I Am Blessed To Be A Blessing Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Acts 20: 35, NLT; Proverbs 11: 24, NLT) Are You Open To Hearing the Holy Spirit's Leading You In Opportunities To Be Generous? Meditate on this thought: You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving. Author: Amy Carmichael Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Luke 19: 1-9 Notice in Verse 8 how Zaccheus responds after having been with Jesus.) 14
Week 4: Family Day #1 I declare that my family is restored. I declare that our hearts are knit closely together and we don t allow anything to come in between us that might division or confusion. Father, I come to You knowing that You are a God Who hears and answers prayers. I ask Lord that You would visit each member of my family, restore the joy of Your salvation in all of our hearts. May Your Spirit of peace and hope fill each of our hearts as we recognize that our hope is in You alone. In Jesus name, Amen Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Psalm 51:1, NLT) Have you ever told God that your husband, your wife, your children are not like they were before? That you just wanted things back the way they used to be? Did you also change? Is it all them or are there some areas where you might also need to adjust? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Genesis 50: 14-21, NLT) Day #2 I declare that my entire family is blessed. I declare that each member will live life to their full potential and that you will use my family to be light to others. Father, I thank You for being the God of every blessing and the source of everything good. I know it is in Your heart to bless the lives of Your children, and as Your child, I desire Your blessing upon my family. Thank You that Your Blessing enrich our lives, leave us without sorrow, bring us the treasures of Your grace, and express all the kindness of Your favor. In Jesus name, Amen Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Psalm 20:4, NLT) 15
How can you help encourage another family member in an area that is their passion and potential life purpose? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Galatians 6: 1-10, ESV) Day #3 I declare that my family, as our hearts are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, will show compassion to one another. Father, I pray that You would fill the hearts of each member of my family with compassion. I pray You would open our eyes to the needs we can meet and stir our hearts to action. You ve given each one of us different talents, gifts, and interests, may You show us how to use those things to help each other in order to show Your love. In Jesus name, Amen Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (1 Peter 3:8, NLT) How can you be an example in showing compassion? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Colossians 3: 12-17, NLT) Day #4 I declare that I will have love in my heart, attitude, and speech. I will treat those closest to me with the same, if not more, respect than I treat strangers. Heavenly Father, please shine Your light upon my family. Give us strength to overcome all of the difficulties that we are dealing with now and protect us against any and all problems we may 16
encounter in the future. O Lord, please bring us together as we are meant to be. May the love that binds us only grow stronger as we fulfill the destiny you have laid out for us. In Jesus name, Amen Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Philippians 2: 1-8, NLT) How can you show love for someone in your family who is difficult to love? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Genesis 13: 1-8, NLT) Day #5 I declare that my family has authority over sickness and disease. I declare that we are good stewards over our bodies and we live in perfect health and walk in healing. Father, in the Name of Jesus, I confess Your Word concerning health and healing for my family. Isaiah 53:5 says that You was wounded for our transgressions, You was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon You, and by Your stripes we are healed. I hold fast to my confession of Your Word and on behalf of my family I stand immovable, knowing that health and healing are ours, in Jesus' Name. Amen Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Isaiah 41:10, NLT) Who in your family needs your assistance to get back on track with their health? What research, insight, accountability, and support can you offer? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Luke 7: 1-10, ESV) 17
Day #6 I declare that I will forgive whomever it is that hurt me. Lord Jesus, be with my family. Grant us Your peace and harmony, an end to conflict and division. Teach us to forgive, as you have forgiven us. Help us to have compassion for one another and to let go of any anger we might have. In Jesus name, Amen Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading: (Ephesians 4:32, NLT) What makes it so hard to forgive? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Matthew 6: 9-15, NIV) Day #7 I declare that my family will walk in victory. I declare that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Isaiah 54: 17, KJV) What areas in your life do you need to see victory? Do you realize that NOTHING is too hard for God? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Joshua 6: 1-20, NKJV) 18
Week #5: The Blessing of The Church Day #1 Lord, Bless Your Church. Lord, Bless Our Church. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Matthew 16: 18, NKJV) Have You Become Passive In Your Love for the Global Church and the Local Church? Are you able to consistently remember that you apart of a centuries old, but still relevant movement that Jesus himself created? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Acts 2: 37-47, NKJV) Day #2 I Declare That Revival and Renewal Will Hit The Church Like Never Before! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Acts 2: 16-17, NLT / Malachi 1: 11, NIV) What Would It Look Like For Everyone That You Know Personally To Be Radically On Fire To Pursue God's Plan for Evangelism & Discipleship? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Acts 19: 1-11, NIV) 19
Day #3 My Pastor and Church Leaders Are Covered, Blessed, and Fruitful in Every Good Work. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (1 Timothy 2: 1-4, NKJV) Have You Ever Paused to Consider the Spiritual, Mental, and Emotional Weight and Responsibility That Pastors, Ministers, and Ministry Leaders Are Expected To Work Under? No Devotional Today. Take time to write the names of Pastors, Ministers, and Ministry Leaders and Workers who you d like to cover in prayer today. Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Isaiah 11: 2, NLT) Day #4 I Declare That the Local and Global Church Is United Of One Faith, One Mission, and One Focus. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (1 Corinthians 1: 10, NLT / Ephesians 4: 3-7, NLT) What are the possible solutions that could be reached when God s church(es) are united? Make a list and then pray for God s will to be done. Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (John 17: 1-26, NLT) 20
Day #5 Today, I Declare that The Enemies of God s Church Are Defeated! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Psalm 2: 1-11, NIV) Rather than having a heart filled with hate, what would it look like if the Global Church were to authentically pray for the enemies of God's Church and Work? Are we prepared to forgive and work with those who once opposed God and may become converted? (Consider the work of the Apostle Paul...) Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Acts 9: 1-31, NIV) Day #6 I Thank you God That You Are Sending Workers That Have the Right Heart and Right Spirit To Support The Church And Your Work. They are both faithful and fruitful. Thank you Lord that I am committed to being a part of these workers. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Luke 10: 2, ESV) What Gifts, Talents, and Passions Do You Have That Your Church Doesn't Know About? Have You Offered Yourself Fully To Your Church? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Acts 8: 26-40, NIV) 21
Day #7 I Declare That The Church Has A Voice That The World Listens To and An Influence That Culture Respects! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Acts 1: 8, NIV) Are You Willing To Offer Yourself To Share The Gospel? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (John 4: 39-42, NIV) 22
Day #1 Week #6 PRAISE Today, Lord, thank you for the freedom to praise you with my whole heart! God, I humbly fall to my knees and praise YOU TODAY. Show me where I am resisting Your Freedom. Do not let me take advantage of your mercy by resting in sin. I want to be Holy and pleasing in your sight. In Jesus name Amen. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:17 When was the last time that you let loose of any restraints to praise God with your whole self? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (2 Samuel 6: 12-16, ESV) Day #2 I Declare That I Will Praise More Than Complain! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (I Corinthians 4:20, NLT) What ways do you need to slow down enough to ensure that there is more praise that comes from your mouth than unfruitful talk? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Psalm 150: 1-6, NKJV) 23
Day #3 Praise will be my priority! I will start every day with a song of praise. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT) Have you ever found yourself more excited about something tangible and non-spiritual than for the mere opportunity to offer God praise and thanksgiving? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Psalm 100: 1-5, NKJV) Day #4 I will worship God, in truth, with ALL of my heart and mind! Father cleanse our hearts and our lives with your Holy Word and make our praise pleasing to your ears in Jesus name AMEN Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Psalm 9:1-2, NLT) Is there anything in your heart or mind that could limit the authenticity of your praise and gratitude to God? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Psalm 92: 1-15, NKJV) 24
Day #5 I will offer a Pre-Praise Before God Answers My Prayer! Lord, teach me the value of praying in advance. Remind me often that my prayers are never wasted or cast aside, and that you tenderly treasure them in heaven. Give me the faith I need to praise you in advance for the things you put on my heart. Thank You that as I partnership with you in prayer, your blessings will be there to meet me in the days to come In Jesus name Amen. Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Psalm 24:8-10, NLT) Have you grown in your relationship with God enough that your praise is unconditional? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10, NKJV) Day #6 My praise brings PROTECTION! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Psalm 5:11, NLT) In what areas have you been afraid, that should praise God for his protection and provision? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Psalm 91: 1-16, NKJV) 25
Day #7 Praise is now my lifestyle! Prayer Time #2: Scripture Reading (Romans 12: 1-2, NIV) How can you build time in your schedule to intentionally reflect on areas that you should be celebrating (not complaining) and offering thanksgiving? Prayer Time #6: Scripture Reading (Acts 16: 16-40, NIV) 26
1 Thessalonians 5: 17 (NIV) pray continually, 27