I’ve noticed recently that I’m hearing more about people’s “secret sauce.” It’s a phrase that will be used like this, “What’s your secret sauce for success?” When people see a company, an organization or an individual gain advantage, success or prosperity, people want to know what is unique about them, and what sets them apart. The Bible is full of examples of men and women who had a “secret sauce.” If one were to ‘boil Read more…
As I sat in the barbershop today waiting 4th in line for a haircut, the place went quiet as on the television President Donald Trump addressed the annual gathering of the March for Life in Washington, D.C. The theme this year is “Love Saves Lives.” The significance of him being the 45th president and first ever to address from the White House the March for Life on their 45th gathering is not lost on many of Read more…
As we continue to focus in prayer at the beginning of 2018, it would be good if we spent a day like today praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted around the world. Though the idea of fasting might look foolish to the world, the Christian understands that during a brief time of entering into the discomfort of a fast, he or she also enters into an empathy and compassion for those who Read more…
It’s another early morning and looking at the headlines is disturbing. As America careens forward into an unknown vision of the future of our nation, the rhetoric seems to get hotter every day. Jesus said, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand (Mark 3:24-25). These same words were used by Abraham Lincoln to address the division Read more…
In light of the recent events of America officially declaring Jerusalem to be the capitol of Israel, now is an important time to pray for this great city. Israel bore a shame that no other nation on the earth bore. It had a capitol city that all the other nations of the earth refused to officially recognize. Finally, Donald Trump made the courageous move to recognize Israel’s ancient capitol and restored King David’s right and passion back Read more…
During a fast you often wake up much sooner than you would plan, but you wake up feeling invigorated and ready to go. So it’s all good! It’s 5:00am, and I’ve already been up a couple hours, but my heart is burning this morning to invite us all to pray that the Lord would bring a great move of His Spirit that would result in the salvation of many. What is this that stirs Read more…
During our fast we will have opportunities as a church to focus on America. When a nation becomes a prodigal nation and forgets its godly heritage, it is incumbent on those who fear the Lord to cry out to Him for a spiritual awakening and a revival of our lost spiritual fortunes. A humble group of people can appeal to heaven and oppose the powerful obstructing forces greater than themselves, and they can believe in a promise that Read more…
Isaiah 58 is a great chapter on fasting. It reminds us that fasting in and of itself is of little benefit unless we remember why we’re doing it. Isaiah ties these special seasons of prayer to desiring to see that people would be set free from burdens that bind them and weigh them down, both physical and spiritual. It is a time to allow our minds and consciences to be moved by injustices, addictions and oppressions that Read more…
As we are setting aside 21 days to focus on prayer and fasting, it’s good to position our hearts to receive the most benefit and blessing. I’ve had occasions where I was doing the right thing, but my attitude and mindsets were wrong. In spite of our outward obedience, our inward attitudes can be robbing us of all that God wants to do. Others will be looking at our outward appearance of discipline and dedication, Read more…
This last Sunday I shared about an opportunity here at CCC to join together in a 21 day prayer focus. After all the fun, distractions and chaos of the holiday season, it’s good to refocus once again on our personal priorities. Joining together with other members of our church family helps us to stay committed and focused, knowing there are others standing faithful and strong in community. Our new prayer area in the youth building Read more…