21 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING FROM MONDAY MAY 31st TO 20th OF JUNE 2021
THEME “GROW HUNGER FOR GOD AND HIS WORD”
Praise God Precious Saints,
According to Scripture and by my personal experience I am convinced that when God’s people set aside time to pray and fast with a proper Biblical motive-seeking God’s face and not His hand-alone with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our families, our churches, our communities, our nation, and world. Prayer and fasting combined with deep hunger for God can bring about revival that will manifest change in the direction of our families, nations, the globe, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. The awesome power can be released through you, as you pray through the enabling of the Holy Spirit. God desires to bring revival to those who truly hunger and thirst for change and more of God. This specific prayer and fasting program is designed to bring an awaken to you and your homes mostly. Ephesians 5:14 “Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
The goal of that revival we are also praying for is for God’s glory to be revealed to a watching world that needs to know Him within this time of uncertainty. When large numbers or high percentages of people are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, spiritual awakening is the result. Families and Communities change. Cities change. And yes, nations can change. Revival however in this case has an opportunity of starting within your homes.
Spiritual awakening is what we need in our nations, but revival of God’s people is a spiritual prerequisite. Each day in this prayer guide, you will read one whole chapter of the Gospel of John and then reflect on that chapter as an individual, family, or church. Then you will read each day’s thoughts for revival for the day, and I pray they will challenge and encourage you to desire God more and more.
During the 21 days, we will believe God for revival, miracles, and breakthrough in our spiritual lives. Whether this is your first time fasting or you have done these many times, the result is always a closer connection with God and a stronger church family.
We are living at a time that the family unit is being under attack to the highest degree since the beginning of time. Satan knows that family is important to God, as it reflects the triune Godhead. In Genesis chapter three we see when satan deceived Eve in the garden, he caused mankind to fall in the home, as the garden of Eden was the home of Adam & Eve.
It is in the home that we sin more than perhaps anywhere else, and it is to the home that revival first needs to come. Revival is desperately needed in the church -- in the country -- in the world, but a revived church with unrevived homes would be sheer hypocrisy. It is the hardest place, the costliest, but the most necessary place to begin.
It is God’s desire for you to have strong families built up and grounded strong in faith, that will be separate from this world and all its trappings. When the Israelites were coming out of Egypt on their way to the promised land, they would camp and when they saw the glory cloud descend upon the tent of meeting, each family would stand at the door of their tent and worship God in one accord.
Exodus 33:9-10 “As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. 10 When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his tent.”
How much more does God desire for families to be unified by the bond of His Spirit, that they also may worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Therefore, I would like to encourage all those that are wanting to go to a deeper level in the Lord and that desire their families to be revived to join in this next three weeks praying for a revival of God’s presence and work in your own life’s, our families and church.
This is an event anybody can partake of anywhere around the world within your church groups and home, with the main purpose of getting families to repent and turn back to God with the help of prayer according to 2 Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
This time of fasting and prayer allows us as to prioritise our relationships with the Lord as individuals and families of those that wish to participate during these End-times. The 21 days of prayer consists of abstaining from food in a variety of four different options as outlines below. It also will include of abstaining from all forms of worldly TV, MUSIC, GAMES, MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA (NONE-CHRISTIAN) etc. Remember the five wise virgins kept their oil full by spending time with the Lord and preparing for the coming of the bridegroom. How much more should we also prepare as wise virgins, waiting for the rapture of the remnant church.
Now you may watch Christian materials during this time as an individual or family, but for those in families doing this with your children, then this is also to break many of the bad habits (I pad, Cartoons, Music etc) that are keeping them away from prayer that the Lord may open their spiritual eyes to be revived and see visions and dreams according to Joel 2:28.
Though we are on different timelines, I encourage you to just follow the dates for your respective countries along with your time.
Date: Monday 31st of May to Sunday 20th of June 2021
What am I required to fast from?
We want to leave this decision ultimately up to you. See we do not have any mandatory church-wide requirements for how you fast, but here are a few ideas to help you and your families and friends out with:
Prayer Type:
Prayer Instructions: Each Day you will be required to read one Chapter of the book of John and then discuss this chapter as a family according to “THINGS TO PONDER” for each day. You also will reflect on the Revival thoughts for the day and pray according to the Holy spirits leading.
Food Fast
When we choose not to eat or not to eat certain foods, we allow our physical bodies to hunger and to bring our desires into alignment with our spiritual need for God. There is a clarity in hearing from the Lord which comes when we fast and pray; making a small sacrifice to give up a “pleasure” or comfort to increase your spiritual sight and vision.
We are providing the following options for you to consider:
1. FOOD FAST
You fast from all foods from 6am-6pm each day with fluids allowed.
2. Partial Fast
You choose to eliminate certain things i.e. fizzy drinks; sweets/chocolates, bread, no red meat etc, but the rest of your diet remains mainly the same
3. Fruit and Veg
Eat fruit during the day, with liquids (tea/limited coffee, herbal drinks, and water) with a veg meal in the evenings
4. Liquids only during day and veg meal for dinner
Drink water and herbal drinks during the day with a veg meal in the evenings.
Please consult your doctor if there are any medical concerns before you commence the fast.
Media Fast
As already mentioned above during this time we encourage you to turn off the TV, Yes, I would encourage all to abstain from all forms of worldly TV, MUSIC, GAMES, MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA etc. Now you may watch Christian materials during this time as an individual or family, but for those in families doing this with your children this is a good opportunity to break many of the bad habits that are keeping them away from prayer that the Lord may open their spiritual eyes to be revived and see visions and dreams according to Joel 2:28. When we do this, we create more time when we can read our Bible, pray, worship and hear from God.
Search your heart in deciding what type of food fast you want to do. If you have never fasted, maybe start off with a partial fast and progress to a fruit and veg option for the last 14 days.
Remember, the most important consideration in fasting is your motive. Why are you fasting?
What will we be praying about?
We are placing the Lord as priority in our lives to bring about the breakthroughs, the new, the renewal and the revival; in us and the global body of Christ. It is time to move Forward into God destiny for each of our lives.
Check each day for the next day’s prayer themes & scriptures so you may follow together.
We are trusting the Lord that this time of fasting and prayer will release a passion for His name within us – to cut off what belongs to a past season, to receive renewed hope and vision for our lives/ministries, to be conduits for signs, wonders, and miracles and to fulfill the mandate of sharing the gospel to the ends of the earth!
During this time of fasting, be intentional about your priorities. Set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. The more time you spend with God, the more meaningful your fast will be.
If you need an overview or suggestions on what you can do to make the most of the fast in terms of having a daily routine, use the below points:
Morning:
Begin your day in praise and worship
Read and meditate on God’s Word
Invite Holy Spirit to work in you
Noon:
Take a short prayer walk
Spend time in intercessory prayer for the theme of the day
Evening:
Make time for an unhurried time of “seeking God’s face”
If others are fasting with you, meet for prayer and read one Chapter of the book of John and then discuss this chapter, as a family according to “THINGS TO PONDER” for each day. You also will reflect on the Revival thoughts for the day and pray according to the Holy spirits leading.
Avoid television or any other distraction that may affect your spiritual focus
When possible, begin and end each day with your spouse, family, or friend for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.
Please let us know you will be fasting & praying with us, by commenting on the blog. If you have not already downloaded the app to receive updated posts on our blog to stay up to date!
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR FASTING:
1. Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs. However, if you are under medication, these should only be withdrawn upon the advice of your doctor or you could try just skipping one meal a day allowing you to still take medication.
2. Limit your physical activity and exercise. If you have a workout routine, adjust it accordingly.
3. Rest as much as you can if needed be.
4. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Intercede for your family, pastors, church, nation, missionaries & world missions, etc.
5. Drink plenty of clean water if you are joining the water fast.
6. As your body adjusts, be prepared for temporary bouts of physical weakness as well as a greater likelihood of impatience, irritability, and anxiety.
FASTING BRINGS REVIVAL:
“. . . in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:2,3
Fasting helps us prevail in prayer and intercession. Daniel understood that Israel was headed for destruction. He also knew that in times like these, there is only one recourse—intercession through praying and fasting. Throughout human history, God has brought revival and delivered nations from destruction in response to prayer and fasting.
FASTING IS AN ACT OF HUMILITY AND CONSECRATION:
“. . . I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting . . .” Psalm 35:13
Humility results in the grace of God (James 4:6). When we humble ourselves in prayer, we have instant access to the heart of God. As we deny ourselves as an act of consecration, we are better able to exercise self-control over our emotions and desires.
SPIRITUAL CLEANSING & SPIRITUAL EYES OPENED:
Fasting can be done for one meal, one day, one month or for however long God leads. It depends on how the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Shorter fasts are easier to endure until we have built up our “spiritual muscles”. A three day fast is most beneficial as a spiritual cleansing. An example of this is Paul’s being thrust into his fast upon conversion. After the three days of cleansing, he received the Holy Spirit and his eyesight when Ananias laid hands on him (Acts 9:17-18). We also can be spiritually cleansed by fasting so that we receive more of the Lord’s Spirit and have our spiritual eyes opened to new dimensions. A three day fast is also especially helpful in breaking any addictive habits.
These then are two reasons for fasting: We receive spiritual cleansing, and our spiritual eyes are opened, and we also obtain victory over the devil. When Jesus encountered Satan, He was able to overcome Him because His fasting had given Him spiritual strength. Isaiah 58:6 also gives us light on this purpose of fasting: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” Many people believe that fasting is to move the hand of God, when, it is to make Satan turn loose of the things he is holding.
BREAKING STRONGHOLDS & BUILDING FAITH:
Fasting looses the bands of wickedness. When Jesus discussed the keys to the kingdom, He told us to bind and loose. When we fast, we loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, set the oppressed free, and break every yoke of the enemy. Fasting is an important key to getting the victory over hard situations that do not seem to respond to normal prayer.
Fasting builds our faith. In fact, this is what Jesus meant when he spoke to the disciples in Matthew 17:21 in answer to why they were not able to cast a demon out of a child. He said, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” He was telling them if they wanted their faith to be at such a level as to be able to cast out demons, then they must fast and pray for their faith to increase.
Fasting also makes it easier for us to hear the voice of the Lord. We find an account of this in Acts 13:2 “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
While fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to them and gave them direction. We too can be directed by the Lord if we seek Him through prayer and fasting.
When we deny our natural cravings, our spiritual antennas become more attuned. We become more sensitive to His voice as we divest ourselves of worldly distractions. We are better able to focus on God and submit to His will. This opens the door for more of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Fasting and mourning are strongly associated in the Bible. Two examples of this are found in Ezra and Nehemiah.
Ezra 10:6: “Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.”
Nehemiah 1:4: “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”
From these Scriptures, we see that fasting and travail (a prayer burden from the Lord that brings crying and tears) were combined. Both men were fasting for the repentance of God’s people. How we need this same kind of intercession today. Here were men so burdened for the sins of their people that they fasted, travailed, and prayed.
PRAYING FOR FORGIVENESS
“There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5)
Day 1 the 31st of May 2021: PLEASE FIRST READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 1
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss, as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
What's in a name? Sometimes quite a bit. In these different names for Jesus we see Him as a Lamb (What were lambs used for in Jewish tradition?) and a King. We also see Him as the Son of God and the Son of Man ("the Word became flesh"). He is our teacher, and He is our Savior.
Why not start a list of the names and descriptive words used for Jesus that you find in this chapter of John? We've given you some names here, but there are more you can add.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: The hopelessness of the prisoners led to unbridled violence. I heard of a testimony of a young man in bible college within South Africa that ministered in one of the worst youth prisons many years ago and He ministered despite of being very fearful of those that were forced to attend his ministerial visit. The hardest of criminal youth was there. See even the Warden of the prison realized the only lasting change would have to be a moral reformation that starts in the heart from the gospel, so that is why he asked the bible college dean to come to talk to the young people. After the young bible college student ministered the Prisoners came to Christ and soon began to share their faith with others. A reformation was underway. The young men began to grow spiritually and gain victory over sinful behaviours, by praying and ready scripture daily with all completely changing and being released back into society never to be the same. They began to reflect Christlikeness in their actions and behaviours. They shared this good news and hope, and new life began to spread, and a spiritual awakening took place. Do you believe the God who had transformed these young youth could transform your family, your community? That is what we are seeking and praying for.
Let us pray saints:
1. Pray that God will increase your faith to believe that the change He can bring to an Ephesus in Paul’s day and to a youth prison in our day will begin to transform your family and community as people come to faith in Christ.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do over the course of the next three weeks to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray for an alertness and an awakening from spiritual slumber, and a grafting in of the saints into the Body.
4. Declare readiness over God’s people for radical change!
5. Decree that lives are being characterised by an increasing hunger for a new move of God.
Day 2 the 1st of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 2
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Now here is a memorable story: Jesus turns water into wine. But has it ever struck you as kind of an odd miracle? I mean, Jesus is known for healing the sick and the lame and for driving out demons. But did He really get his start performing "social miracles" like this? It is a bit like watching a Before They Were Stars special.
So, why is this story important? That is a good question, but there is a danger to avoid in answering it. Be careful how much you read into the specifics of any Bible story. If you wanted to, you could launch an in-depth study of how the word "water," for instance, is used in the Bible. What was wine like in Jesus' day? The word "bridegroom" comes up elsewhere in Scripture--in Revelation Jesus is seen as the bridegroom of the Church. Is that important here?
These are interesting questions, but the Bible tells us quite plainly why this story is here. "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him" (John 2:11). This miracle was done for the disciple's benefit.
A lot of bad theology comes from reading too deeply into the words of the Bible. But God has not made the truth hard to find. You just must accept it when you see it.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: When churches conduct “revival” services, they frequently see many people place their faith in Christ. Consequently, many thinks of revival as evangelistic services. But revival is what God accomplishes with His people when they return to Him. Revival comes when God restores life and vitality to His people. Revival is evident when His power and presence is made know in an individual, family, and community. When genuine revival comes to God’s people, God’s activity becomes the talk of the individual, family and town. When John the Baptist preached a message of repentance, he required “fruits of repentance.” I asked, “What is the fruit of repentance for prayerlessness?” …Prayer!
So as an individual or family let us pray to surrender our Life and apathy for a revived heart set ablaze for the Lord, so that people will start to come to faith in Christ!
Let us pray saints:
1. Pray that God will reveal His requirements for genuine revival in your life, family, church and community. Ask God to start that revival in your own heart and life.
Extra Prayer Points:
That God would forgive our sins – recognising that every disaster reminds us of our need to repent.
That God would show mercy on us for our complacency – for believing in our own self-sufficiency and the ability to protect ourselves.
That God would forgive our carelessness – for when we have mistreated the bodies and gifts, he has given us and left ourselves vulnerable to illnesses.
That God would forgive us for when we have loved money or comfort more than loving God or our neighbours.
That God would forgive us for when we fear sickness or death more than him.
That God would show mercy on us when we lose perspective by failing to help all those who die daily worldwide through abortion, euthanasia, persecution, and other threats to human life.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
Day 3 the 2nd of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 3
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Two worlds. The world of God and the world of humans. At the beginning of this chapter, they seem utterly separate and unique. Nicodemus says that Jesus must be from God because of the things He does. Jesus counters by saying you cannot really know about God's Kingdom unless you've been born again. Impossible, right? The barrier between the worlds stands, but not if someone breaks through.
"No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man" (John 3:13). Jesus broke that barrier. Jesus, God the Son, became Jesus, God in the flesh, the Son of Man. But He did not come for a sightseeing trip. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (John 3:14-15).
There is a way for us with fleshly human bodies to live forever, to break through into the world of God. And that is by believing in Jesus. This is such an important concept that the next three verses state this truth in three different ways, and then once more in verse 36. The way to be born again, to be born into the Kingdom of God is clear: "whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (John 3:15).
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: is let us look at the steps and connection between revival and spiritual awakening. When God disciplines us and we repent and return to Him, He revives us. He then can work through us to draw others to faith in Jesus.
Step 1: God is on mission to redeem a lost world. God calls His people into a relationship with Himself and He accomplishes His work through them.
Step 2: God’s people tend to depart from Him, turning to substitutes for His presence, purposes, and ways.
Step 3: God disciplines His people out of His love for them.
Step 4: God’s people cry out to Him for help.
Step 5: God calls His people to repent and return to Him or perish.
Step 6: God revives His repentant people by restoring them to a right relationship with Himself.
Step 7: God exalts His Son Jesus in His people and draws the lost to saving faith in Him.
Let us Pray:
1. Ask God to reveal where you are and where your family and church is in this pattern. Have you departed? Are you being disciplined? Are you crying out for help? Do you need to repent and return to Him? Are you ready to be used by God to draw others to new life in Christ?
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take to be of maximum usefulness to His kingdom?
Day 4 the 3rd of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 4
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Chapter 4 of John contains the well-known and much-loved story of the woman at the well. But as you read the chapter today, do not skim it. Force yourself to take in every word. Ask God to help you see this amazing passage of Scripture with fresh eyes.
In the last chapter, we saw a theme begin--the theme of a new spiritual life, of being born again into an everlasting life through belief in Jesus. In this chapter, we find that spiritual lives, like physical lives, need nourishment.
Jesus begins by discussing spiritual thirsts. He says that a person only needs to ask Him, and He will give water that will drive away thirst forever. The woman asking for this water does not quite get it. So, Jesus drives the point home by asking that she go bring her husband to Him. The woman had a spiritual thirst for a relationship but after five husbands, she was still thirsty. That is the thirst Jesus wants to quench--the thirst for a deep, meaningful relationship.
Jesus talks later to His disciples about spiritual hunger that is satisfied through doing the will of God. There are many people who have yet to hear about God, many opportunities yet for the spiritually hungry to be filled. Is your spirit being nourished today?
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: This story about Jesus’ encounter with the Woman at the Well is a powerful story of the change Jesus can make in a community in a very short period of time. Think about this woman. How long had she known Jesus before she began to tell her whole town about Him? What training had she received? This woman got a taste of “Living Water” and her life was changed. The Living Water bubbled up out of her life and became evident to those who heard her story. Like Andrew and Philip (Day 14), she immediately had to go tell others and bring them to meet Jesus for themselves. When many in the town believed in Jesus Christ, they had an experience of their own not just the words of another.
What have you experienced in your encounter with Jesus Christ that has changed your life? What is your testimony? Today, I want you to think about your “town.” Who are the people who need to hear your testimony?
Let us pray saints:
1. Ask God to reveal the people in your “town” who may already be prepared to respond when they hear your story. Would they be people in your home, neighborhood, school, workplace, or gym? Or is your “town” the people who knew you in your “before Christ” days? Ask God for the boldness to share your story with your town. Describe or name the people God places on your mind and heart.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray today by name for a person who has yet to believe in Christ as Saviour.
Day 5 the 4th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 5
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
As you read through chapter 5 of John today, are you a little bit startled? Is your perception of Jesus shaken up a little bit? Do you see the stark contrast between who Jesus says He is and how people today describe Him?
Any unbiased historical scholar will admit that, yes, Jesus really did live 2,000 years ago; there is enough references to Him outside of the Bible to prove that. They will even admit that Jesus was an influential teacher. He had a lot of good ideas and at the very least, Jesus deserves a spot among the other great moral teachers’ humanity has seen. The scholars will say that Jesus was a wise, compassionate man who wanted to make the world a better place. But God? Not a chance!
That is why John chapter five is so startling. Read through and count the number of times Jesus identifies Himself with God the Father. "The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise" (John 5:19). The point is, when a person makes a claim like this, you either believe that person or you dismiss them as being crazy. You do not patronize them by saying, "Well, he has few good ideas, but he's a bit touched in the head, if you know what I mean!" Either Jesus was God, or He was a madman on the loose. Who do you say He is?
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Religious and church life had reached a low point in Wales in 1904. Church attendance was low and apathy and sinful behaviour were high. Many were praying for revival. A young man, Evan Roberts, had been praying for 13 years. Sensing God’s call to vocational ministry, he left working in the coal mines to go to school.
He sensed God gave him a message to share with his home church. On a Monday night, he shared a four-point message with 17 young people, and all responded with a desire to obey. They met the next night with more responding and attendance began to grow nightly. As Christians got right with God and others, God began to convict unbelievers of sin and many began turning to faith in Christ. In six months over 100,000 had professed faith in Christ.
Because so many people’s lives were being changed, the society changed as well. Crime decreased so much that judges and policemen had little to do. Taverns went out of business because of the decline in drinking alcohol. That affected family life for the good. Even the animals in the coal mines had to be retrained because of the clean language of the converted miners.
Read Evan’s four points and consider what changes you would need to make to apply these in your life.
1. You must put away any unconfessed sin.
2. You must put away any doubtful habit.
3. You must obey the Holy Spirit promptly.
4. You must confess Christ publicly.
Let us pray saints:
1. Pray for God to bring such conviction throughout your region that masses will put away sin and doubtful habits. Pray that God will guide and empower your witness and that of others.
2. Pray that so many people will come to faith in Christ that the society in your community will change for good as lives are changed for God’s glory.
3. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
Day 6 the 5th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 6
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
There are 71 verses in today's chapter, so make sure you set aside enough time to read through the whole thing. When you read through an entire passage of the Bible--even an entire book--in one setting, you will get a much clearer picture of what God is trying to teach you. In this chapter you will hear the familiar verse, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). By reading the rest of the chapter around that verse, you will find out exactly what Jesus meant.
Maybe you have read the chapter already and find yourself confused. You are not alone. Even those who heard Jesus that day had a hard time understanding what He meant. "When many of his disciples heard it, they said, 'This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?'" (John 6:60).
Use this opportunity to bring your questions to God. Ask Him, "What did you mean by this?" And then patiently wait for His reply. It may come as you read through the passage a second time or on your drive to the grocery store as you mull it over in your mind. More often than not though, your questions will be answered by God Himself in the pages of the Bible. And you will find them as you keep on reading.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: In 1904, when a revival was sweeping through Wales, two men from London visited Wales to witness the move of God. When they arrived at the railroad station in Wales, they asked the ticket agent where the revival was. The agent placed his hand over his heart and said, “Gentlemen, it is here, underneath my buttons.”
He was accurate. Revival begins personally when people are willing to confess their sins and repent of those specific sins.
Confession is agreeing with God, admitting it, calling sin what God calls it. Repentance is turning from the sin that you confessed. When a person is willing to do this, he/she is granted mercy and his/her fellowship with God is restored. A key to revival is to confess our sins and repent.
Let us pray saints:
1. Sometime during this day or night get alone with God and prayerfully seek Him.
2. Allow God to reveal any unconfessed sin. Confess, repent, and claim 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Day 7 the 6th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 7
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
An issue that was raised in chapter 5 comes back in today's chapter. In chapter 5 Jesus healed a lame man and told him to take up his mat and walk. But the Jews considered carrying a mat to be work, and since the healing happened on a Sabbath, this man who had not walked in 38 years was breaking the Law. Not only that, but because Jesus did the healing, and healing was considered work, Jesus also was breaking the Sabbath. It was this issue that the Jews in Jerusalem were raising.
The Jews who thought they were honouring God by condemning the act of healing on the Sabbath only showed how ignorant they really were of God. We make the same mistake today. We think we understand God and what He likes and does not like so we make a bunch of rules to keep people in line. Unfortunately, these rules can also keep people away from God. You can get to know what God really wants, though, by spending time in the Word. My prayer is that in this last week God has already shown you something you never knew about Him.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Missionaries in the Shantung Province of China in the late 1920’s began to wonder if many church members had only intellectually responded to Christ but had never repented and been transformed by Christ. An Evangelical Lutheran Missionary named Marie Monsen began asking people three questions:
1. Have you been born of the Spirit?
2. What evidence do you have of this new birth?
3. Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit?
When people began looking for the evidence in their lives that they had become new creations, many realized there was no evidence. Their lives were no different than all the people around them. Convicted by their lost condition, many repented of their sin and placed their trust in Christ. Even some church leaders and some missionaries realized they had never been changed by Christ.
Others knew they had faith in Christ, but they had no evidence of His power in their lives or in their witness for Christ. Many prayed, fasted, and cried out to God for the filling of His Spirit. They confessed and repented of the sins and impurities in their lives that quenched the Holy Spirit’s work in and through them. As God began to reveal His power to change lives, the gospel began to spread, and a revival and awakening began to spread rapidly through the province.
Let us pray saints:
1. Review those three questions and ask God to reveal to you the truth about your life. “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith” (2 Cor. 13:5). Examine the fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Are you a new creation? Have you been filled with His Spirit and power?
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray today by name for a person who has yet to believe in Christ as Saviour.
Day 8 the 7th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 8
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Do you ever read the Bible aloud? Try that with chapter 8. The Bible was written with the expectation that it would be read aloud to others. As a result, many old familiar passages will take on a new life when you hear them with your ears as well as your eyes.
As you read, try to imagine the people; try to picture Jesus and the Jews who believed in Him (John 8:31). Try to picture the Pharisees who confront Jesus. See if you cannot feel the emotion rising through this whole chapter up to Jesus' climactic statement, "'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am'" (John 8:58).
This statement looks like a mistake at first. Shouldn't Jesus have said, "before Abraham was, I was"? No, Jesus knew exactly what He was saying here--and the Pharisees did too. Jesus was declaring Himself to be the God of Abraham. And by using the phrase "I am," He was identifying Himself as the one who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. This made the Pharisees furious.
God said to Moses on that occasion, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). But the Pharisees and even some people today have been telling God, "You will be who I say you are." But it does not work that way. Only those willing to accept God on His terms will ever truly find Him.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Before Jesus returned to His throne in heaven, He told His followers to wait for the filling of the Holy Spirit. That filling occurred 40 days later on the Day of Pentecost. However, we also need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers our witness for Christ.
You can present yourself to the Lord for filling in one of two conditions. Imagine I’m holding in my hands two clear plastic containers. One is filled with dirt, rocks, and other things. The other container is clean and empty. Those containers can represent the two conditions you can present to the Lord for filling.
The container filled with stuff represents a life filled with selfish desires, impure thoughts and deeds, sinful behaviours, broken relationships, and “idols of the heart” that distract you from your first love. When you bring a life like that to the Lord for filling, He says, “I’m sorry but I cannot fill and use a life like that.”
The empty container represents a life that has been cleansed from sin and has learned to walk in victory over sin (see Rom. 6). It has reconciled broken relationships, put away idols of the heart, and been cleansed from impure thoughts. Self has been denied, crucified with Christ. When you bring a life like that to the Lord for filling, He says, “I’ve been looking for you!” Scripture says, “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His” (2 Chron. 16:9). A life emptied of all the junk can be filled by His Holy Spirit, and that’s where spiritual power comes from.
Let us pray saints:
1. Think about the two containers described. Ask the Lord which one best represents your life. If it is the first container, ask God to cleanse you and guide you to prepare your life to receive His fullness. If it is the second container, humbly present yourself fully to Christ for filling.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray today by name for a person who has yet to believe in Christ as Saviour.
Day 9 the 8th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 9
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
The disciples begin this chapter by raising a question a lot of us have asked. They see a man who was blind from birth, and they feel pity for him. It must have been terrible living in such a state, and such misery could only be the result of sin. Right? Jesus' answer to the disciples' question is understandably hard to swallow.
"'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him'" (John 9:3). In other words, this man was born blind and lived blind so that one day Jesus could heal him. It was not punishment for someone's sin or the result of someone's carelessness; he was blind so God could display His glory. Does that sound cruel of God?
The fact is all of us are born in an equally miserable state. We are all born blind to spiritual matters. We are all born with a sinful spirit and a rebellious nature awaiting the day we meet Jesus. The problem is, some people, like the Pharisees, do not recognize their own blindness.
It is easy to look at a physically challenged person and see his or her limitations and feel sorry for that person. But as Jesus pointed out time and again, it is possible to be physically whole yet spiritually disabled.
Do you know someone who hasn't yet meet Jesus? Maybe you are in his or her life to make the introduction. More than anything, Jesus wants to restore that person's sight and show him or her the glory of God.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Your life is like a PVC pipe (or any kind of pipe). It is a channel through which Jesus—the Living Water—flows. On one end of your “pipe,” you must be connected to God by a saving relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, your Saviour. On the other end of your pipe, you are connected to other people through relationships. God’s desire and mission is to work through your life in such a way that others will come to saving faith in His Son—that they would be reconciled to God.
However, if your pipe is clogged up, the Living Water cannot flow through it as intended. Sin can clog up your pipe. God’s holiness and righteousness cannot be revealed (flow) through a dirty life. If your pipe is clogged by sin, self, or the love of something that takes the place of your love for God (an “idol of the heart”), you need to get your pipe cleaned out. Clean out your “pipe” by confessing and repenting of your sin. Put away “idols of the heart” and return to your first love for God.
Another problem can exist with the flow of Living Water through your PVC-pipe life. If you have a broken relationship with a person, you have a cap on the end of your pipe that stops or limits the flow. The person may not be willing to listen to you or receive the Living Water from your life.
Two kinds of broken relationships may be present in your relationships with others. In one case you may have sinned against the other person or group. In that case Jesus commands you to go and be reconciled. Seek forgiveness and make restitution if necessary. The other kind of broken relationship is where you have been offended (or sinned against) by the other person. If you are withholding forgiveness, your pipe will be capped. In this case you must forgive, no matter how serious the offence.
I have heard and read many stories of people who reconciled a relationship and that very action created the opportunity to lead the person to faith in Christ. Uncap your pipe and let Christ’s living water flow!
Let us pray saints:
1. Ask God to reveal any relationships you may have that need reconciliation or forgiveness. Pray for those people today.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
Day 10 the 9th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 10
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
A common mistake people make in Bible reading is to assume that when a chapter ends, so does the story or lesson. Sometimes that is the case, but today it is not. So, take a moment to remind yourself of what happened in chapter 9: it involved a blind man and a confrontation.
For several chapters now we have seen Jesus' conflict with the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the Jews. It would seem the Pharisees would be delighted to have Jesus, the Son of God, among them. The Pharisees had devoted their lives to serving God and following His law and teaching others to do the same. But Jesus revealed the truth about them. They were not serving God with all their religious practices; they were serving themselves.
They were using religion to make themselves rich and influential. As a result, they were driving people away from God rather than drawing them near to Him. They were the thieves and the robbers of Jesus' parable.
The parable is also a warning for today. There are many religious leaders out there who claim to be serving God but are only serving themselves. How can you and I avoid them? "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). Become familiar with the voice of Jesus by spending time in His Word. And when you listen to the men and women claiming to be servants of God, listen to the Spirit's prompting in your heart. He knows the voice of God and will recognize those who speak for Him.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Our intimate relationship with Christ and our concern for those He loves are dependent on our love for Him. If we depart from our first love, we need to return. Our renewed love for Him could change our world. When you are deeply touched and aware of the sacrificial love of our Jesus Saviour. We will start to express our love for Christ we will start to win the souls that He died for. Your battle cry becomes “to win for the Lamb that was slain the reward of His suffering.”
Let us pray saints:
1. Thank God for His love shown through Christ’s sacrifice. Ask Him to reveal the quality of your love for Him and how to increase your love.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray today by name for a person who has yet to believe in Christ as Saviour.
Day 11 the 10th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 11
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
When we think about Jesus, it is easy to go to one of two extremes. One extreme emphasizes His humanity. People who do this will read the Gospels and especially notice where Jesus talks about His compassion for others, His tiredness, the pleasure He gets from being in the company of others. When they read John 11, they will be particularly moved by the verse, "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). Who would not weep at the tomb of a good friend?
Others will focus on the divine nature of Jesus. They will look at the miracles of turning water into wine or giving sight to the blind man and declare that only God can do such things. When they look at John 11, they will key in on verse 43 where Jesus "cried out with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out'".
It is not entirely wrong to lean toward one or the other view of Jesus, but it does become wrong when that view begins contradicting the rest of Scripture. When a person starts believing that the miracles of Jesus are just legends added to the Bible at a later date, they invalidate the entire Bible. And when a person says that Jesus was so much God that He did not experience life like we did, they contradict verses like Philippians 2:6-11 and Hebrews 4:15 (check them out and see what we mean.)
We pray that as you continue reading that you also continue to see the wonder and miracle of Jesus, completely human and yet totally God.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Paul explained that God’s mercy for us deserves the surrender of our lives and bodies to Christ as living sacrifices. Then John wrote that because of Christ’s love for us, we ought to lay down our lives for others. As did the Moravians who began to pray for missions needs, they were told about the significant need for the gospel among the slaves in the West Indies Islands. As they prayed for laborers, Leonard Dober and Tobias Leupold sensed God calling them to go. But they were told that the slave owners would not permit them to preach to the slaves. Leonard and Tobias came up with a plan. They would sell themselves as slaves so they could live and work among the slaves and lead them to faith in Christ. Many at the time said this was too high a price to pay and would not allow them to go. They however insisted that God called them, so the community held a prayer meeting to draw lots and seek the Lord’s will. The lot revealed that Leonard should go and Tobias should wait. They continued praying and sensed God wanted David Nitschmann to accompany Leonard. The love for Christ caused these men to be willing to lay down their lives for others. When they reached St. Thomas Island, they found that the slave owners would allow them to preach to the slaves without having to sell themselves. And thus began the missionary work that impacted the world.
Though God may not require you to lay down your physical life for His cause, His call to salvation is a call to lordship. Jesus is Lord. We are His servants. We need to be prepared to obey His every command because we love Him. And we love Him because He first love us and gave His life for our salvation.
Let us pray saints:
1. Thank God for all the mercy and grace He has shown to you. Now, I beg you to present yourself to the Lord as a servant who will obey His Lord’s commands.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray today by name for a person or group who has yet to believe in Christ as Savior.
Day 12 the 11th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 12
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
The story of Lazarus is a familiar one for many people. And in yesterday's reading, we looked at it again. We saw how he was sick, how his sisters sent for Jesus, how Jesus delayed and arrived four days after his death and how Jesus then raised Lazarus from the dead. But the story of Lazarus doesn't end there.
Probably more than any miracle before this, the raising of Lazarus convinced people that Jesus was the promised Messiah. (John 12:9) In fact, so many people were believing in Jesus because of this miracle that the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus "because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus" (John:12:11).
Like Lazarus, we who have believed in the name of Jesus have been raised into a new life. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17.) And just like Lazarus, we have the incredible opportunity to bring glory to God. Will you tell others your story?
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: When Andrew and Philip met Jesus, they immediately thought of others in their circles of relationships who needed to meet Him. They immediately brought Peter and Nathaniel to meet Jesus. Today, I want you to begin thinking about the people in your circles of relationships who need to meet Jesus as Saviour and Lord. List the names of people you know who need to be introduced to Jesus.
Let us pray saints:
1. Ask God to remind you about the time you were first introduced to Jesus. Reflect on the change that Jesus has worked in your own life.
2. Ask God to begin identifying people you know who are living without a faith relationship with Jesus Christ.
Day 13 the 12th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 13
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Imagine that you have been invited to an exclusive dinner at the White House. You and 11 others are to be the guests of honour of the President of the United States. You arrive at the White House and approach the door, and instead of being opened by a Secret Service agent, the President himself welcomes you. He takes your coat and hangs it up. When you sit down for dinner, instead of a team of servers carrying silver platters coming from the kitchen, the president gets up from the table and serves each one of you individually.
That is essentially what is happening in today's chapter of John. Jesus, at dinner, washing the feet of His disciples. Peter recognized the incongruity of this when he declared, "You shall never wash my feet" (John 13:8). He was embarrassed to see the Lord and Messiah performing the duties of a common servant.
That is exactly the point. Jesus explained a bit later, "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:15).
How often do you perform the duties of a servant for someone else? Too often we are quicker to demand that someone serve us than we are to volunteer to serve others. But service is at the heart of Jesus' message, and if we miss that part, have we understood anything?
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: The world will know we are followers of Jesus Christ by the love we demonstrate toward one another. What does your love for others reveal? Would people know you are a disciple of Jesus Christ because of the sacrificial way you love?
Let us pray saints:
1. Pray that God will so fill you with His love that it will overflow to those in your circles of relationships. Pray that God will draw people to Jesus because of the love they see in your life.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed What actions will you take? As you pray for people on your list, ask the Lord to show you ways to show love to them.
Day 14 the 13th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 14
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Jesus has mentioned it before, but the fact that He will soon be leaving is the main point of this chapter. And He makes a couple of promises regarding this.
1) He goes ahead to prepare a place for us (14:2-3). When people think of these verses, they often envision mansions lining the streets in heaven, each one with a different person's name on the front door. They imagine Jesus, again as a carpenter, lovingly framing the walls and carpeting the floor of an eternal home prepared especially for them. It's probably not exactly like that. But whatever it's like, it's a place where we'll be able to be with Christ, and He with us forever.
2) He promises to come again. (John 14:3,18,28). Though He has to go away for a time, it won't be forever. The disciples, and those of us who have come to love Jesus since, will see Him come again. So, does that mean we're alone now? Not at all.
3) He promises to send the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16-18,26). Just as Jesus came in God the Father's name, the Spirit comes in Jesus' name (John 14:26). The Spirit will continue to teach us and remind us of what Jesus taught. The Spirit will not be God in the Flesh; He will be God in the hearts of those who love Him.
Our job now is to continue living the way Jesus demonstrated, showing love for Him and compassion for others. And when you need help, the Spirit, the Divine Counsellor will be there to assist.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Hasn’t Jesus made some wonderful promises to us? He has promised the Holy Spirit as our Counsellor who will never leave us alone. He has promised us life in Him and in the Father. When we love Him and obey His commands, the Father will love us, and Christ will reveal Himself to us.
When we love and obey God, He takes up residence in our lives to live in us and with us! Did you notice the importance of obedience in all those promises? Those who do not obey, do not love Him. And their experience with God will be quite different.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the parable about the two builders. One built his house on a rock, and the other built his on sand. When the storms came, the house on the rock stood firm and the other was destroyed. He said our lives are like those two builders. Those who obey are wise like the man who built his house on the rock. When the storms of life come, we can remain strong through the tough times. Those who do not obey are foolish like the man who built his house on the sand. People like that cannot remain strong when the storms of life rage around them.
If God were to grade your obedience to His commands, what kind of grade would you receive from Him? Based on your obedience and what He has said in His Word, what can you expect from Him? Can you expect a strong life even during the storms? Can you expect Him to reveal Himself to you and take up residence in your life? Or can you expect to collapse when the storms of life come. Could you possibly hear Him say, “I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers” (Matt. 7:23)? Jesus said, “Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, that person is My brother and sister and mother” (Matt. 12:50). Though we are not saved by obedience and our good works, they are evidence that we share the family resemblance. They show others that we belong to His family.
Let us pray saints:
1. Ask God to evaluate your obedience. What does that reveal about your love for Him? Your relationship to Him?
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take to obey Him and experience His best?
3. Pray today by name for a person who has yet to believe in Christ as Savior. List the name in your prayer journal to pray.
Day 15 the 14th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 15
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). And later He says, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11).
Walking with Jesus, living the way He lives and loving the way He loves is impossible without the Bible. Though Jesus is now in heaven with the Father, do you remember how He promised to help us until His return? The Holy Spirit, as we learned yesterday, will "bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is accomplishing this mission every day by speaking to you through the Bible.
A life without Jesus is a life without joy and one full of spiritual frustration. That is why we need the Bible, not just for 21 days, but for a lifetime! Each day allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of God's love and Jesus' life. And then take those lessons into the world, and let others see.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6) over five hundred years ago, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, and set in motion a movement that rocked Europe. Though many other factors joined to launch the Protestant Reformation, God used a revival in Luther’s heart to start a revival of Christianity in his time.
Our Scripture today from Psalm 85 calls for a revival that begins with the Holy Spirit working in individual hearts, bringing a refreshing return to God with passion and zeal. Revival is not a random burst of energy and emotion but is based on truth found in the Bible. For Luther and other Reformers of the 16th century, the revival that came to be called the Protestant Reformation was based on five enduring principles.
True Christian faith is based on Scripture alone, on salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone and through faith alone—and all of this is for glory to God alone. These five points summarize the key principles of the Reformation.
Are these five lasting principles at work in our lives? As we ponder these teachings that were rediscovered long ago, may their truth work in our hearts to strengthen and revive us, making us agents of revival wherever God has placed us.
Let us pray saints:
1.Thank you, Lord, for the way you shape and discipline your church. As we reflect on your salvation this month, we pray with the psalmist: “Revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you.” In Jesus’ name, Amen
Day 16 the 15th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 16
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Have you ever been a bit mystified by Jesus' promise, "whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you"? (John 16:23). Can that really be true? Can you ask God for anything and you will get it? Is this really a "blank check" He's offering?
Instead of a blank cheque, think of it as a company credit card. With a blank cheque, you can walk into any store, find anything you like and bring it home. It is a gift you spend on yourself. A company card, on the other hand, can buy just as much, but the purchase is on behalf of the company you represent.
That is what the phrase, "in my name," means in the verse above. A constant theme of Jesus' ministry is that His work is on behalf of God the Father. And in these past couple of chapters, Jesus reminded His disciples that they will soon be doing the works of the Father too.
Jesus has promised us the help of the Holy Spirit to instruct us and to remind us of His teachings and actions. He also promises us the resources we need as to accomplish His work on earth. Will this mean fast cars and fine dining for the children of God? Rarely. What it does mean is that whenever our hearts are set on doing the will of God, we will have everything we need.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Jesus is coming again! Our redemption is drawing near. But people without the saving work of Jesus Christ are headed to horrible torment in hell. The Lord brought 1 Corinthians 7:29 to my attention: “The time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none” (KJV). Time is short and eternity is long. We have been warned what life without Christ will be like in eternity. The Lord wants none “to perish, but all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). On my way to New York City, I realized that “time is short” could mean the Lord knows other attacks are coming. But then I realized “time is short” could mean that Jesus’ second coming is near.
Finally, I realized that life is short. Whether the Lord returns soon, or I face a tragedy or disease that could take my life, or I just grow old—any way my life on earth concludes—time to trust Christ is short. Then I realized I need to live my life with urgency. I cannot afford to waste my time and life on trivial matters.
As you pray for those coming to your mind that are yet to believe, keep their eternal destiny on your heart.
Let us pray saints:
1. Ask God to reveal to you the people around you who are headed to torment without Christ. Ask Him to give you a view of the masses around the world who are yet to hear about Jesus. Ask Him to give you His compassion for those for whom He died and ask Him to stir up an urgency in your living for His sake.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray today by name for a person who has yet to believe in Christ as Saviour and pray for them.
Day 17 the 16th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 17
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Have you ever been in a tough situation and asked a friend to pray? It is comforting to know that someone cares about you and is willing to pray on your behalf. It is a uniquely Christian experience too. It draws us together knowing we have a Father in heaven who not only listens to our prayer but asks us to give them. Did you know that Jesus said a prayer for you?
In John 17 we see Jesus pray, first for Himself and for God's glory, then for His disciples and then He turns His eyes to the future. "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word" (John 17:20). Jesus knew that after He was gone, the message of Christ would spread like fire to the ends of the earth. That includes us today. Jesus went on to pray for us.
"That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21). Believers from all corners of the world, despite their differences, are united by their love of God and their desire to see His Kingdom spread on earth. And one of the best ways to maintain that unity is simply by praying for each other, which is exactly what Jesus demonstrated here.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: When Jesus “saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them” (Matthew 9:36). The closer you get to Jesus and the more time you spend with Him, the more your heart will begin to beat with love for those He loves. Think about the crowds Jesus may have seen in Israel 2,000 years ago. How large were they? Five, ten, or twenty thousand? Maybe more? Now think about the crowds you have seen live, in books or social media, on television, or in the movies. Have you seen some of those crowds with hundreds of thousands of people? Have you seen crowds in the cities where masses of people go by continually? In our world the numbers of people in the spiritual harvest field are multiplying rapidly. Who will tell them the good news? Who will go? Who will have the privilege of reaping the spiritual harvest among them?
When Jesus saw the crowds of His day, He asked His disciples to pray for workers in the harvest fields. If you still have your Bible open to Matthew, look at chapter 10. Just after the disciples prayed for workers, Jesus told them to go into the towns and cities to preach the good news about His kingdom.
Today, keep your eyes open to see the crowds around you, in newspapers or magazines, or on the Internet or television. When you see a crowd, pray that God will call and send out workers to that harvest field.
Let us pray saints:
1. Pray for the workers who are already working to bring in a spiritual harvest. Pray for their protection, wisdom, spiritual and physical health, and fruitfulness. Pray that God will call and send workers. Pray that He will call some from your church and even from your family.
2. Give God permission to call and direct you to work in the harvest. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray today by name for one person or even for a crowd or people group who have yet to believe in Christ as Saviour.
Day 18 the 17th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 18
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
It is a miracle that Jesus was ever killed. I do not say that to be glib or offensive. But when you read through this chapter, it is hard not to notice that all the events worked out in such a way as to lead Christ to His death. God was leading Jesus to the Cross despite the people involved.
Judas and the mob cowered when Jesus identified Himself (18:6). When Jesus was questioned by the high priests, it was clear they had no charges to bring against Him. He had hidden nothing of His actions, and they were the actions of a teacher, not a rebel (vv. 19-24). The high priests sent Him to Pilate, the Roman official in Jerusalem. When Pilate asked why the Jews brought Jesus to him, their answer was evasive: "If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you" (v. 30, ESV). When Pilate interviewed Jesus, he found nothing wrong with Him (vv. 28-40).
Jesus' death was a tragedy just as it is a tragedy when anyone dies under false accusations. But Jesus' death was also a miracle. His purpose in living was to die for us. And He lives now so that we might never die.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Final words of famous people are long remembered and often quoted. When a person knows he is on his death bed, he might even prepare a final statement of challenge to family and friends. Final words can have great significance for the next generation.
Jesus Christ came to provide salvation for all mankind. Following His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus spent forty days giving His disciples their final instructions to guide the church until His second coming. Not many of those words were recorded in the Scripture for us to read. But some were recorded, and they were perhaps His most important last words.
Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave one final command to His disciples. He didn’t want His disciples to miss this most important commission for the church. The future of His kingdom would depend on their obedience. Each of the Gospel writers records a variation of this command indicating that Jesus gave special attention to it during His final days on earth. You read those in the Scriptures above.
How faithful have you been to obey Christ’s final command? Are you making disciples as you go about your daily living? Have you preached the good news? Are you talking with others about repentance and forgiveness that is available through Jesus Christ? Since Jesus was sent to seek and save the lost, are you seeking to point lost people to Him for salvation?
Let us pray saints:
1. Talk to God about the status of your obedience to Christ’s final command. If your obedience is lacking, confess your sin. Ask Him to guide and enable your obedience.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
3. Pray today by name for a person who has yet to believe in Christ as Saviour.
Day 19 the 18th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 19
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
In today's chapter about the crucifixion of Jesus, we are told of four specific prophecies, or predictions, that came true about Him.
When soldiers gambled for Jesus' clothes, this was a fulfillment of Psalm 22:18. When Jesus says, "I thirst," in verse 28 and given sour wine, this is a fulfillment of Psalm 69:21. Verse 37 is a fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10: "They will look … on him whom they have pierced" (ESV), referring to the soldier who stabbed Jesus in the side with a spear.
But the most significant fulfillment of prophecy is in verse 36 where it mentions that none of Jesus' bones were broken. Exodus 12:46 says, "you shall not break any of its bones." At first, this does not sound like a prophecy at all. It is talking about how to prepare the Passover lamb. The lamb itself was to be a perfect one with no spots or blemishes. And when it was killed, its blood was to be spread on the doorposts of the house. On the original Passover, an angel from God went throughout Egypt. In any house that did not have blood on the doorposts, the firstborn was killed. The blood of the lamb was the symbol of God's redemption and protection.
Jesus was the Passover lamb for the world. His blood has redeemed us from hell and the consequences of our sins. All we need to do is believe.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Think about the story this formerly demon-possessed man had to tell back home. That surely was a powerful testimony! When Jesus said we would be His witnesses (Acts 1:8), this is what He was talking about. A witness is one who reports on what he knows and has personally experienced. None but you can tell your story as a personal testimony. And when you are filled with His Holy Spirit, you will have power in your witness to Him.
Today, I want you to reflect on all the good things God has done for you. What changes has Christ worked in your life? How is your life different because you have known Christ? Where do you think you would be had you not placed your faith in Him? You can make a few notes in your prayer journal. If you are meeting with others in your family for this daily prayer and devotional time, share your stories with one another. Tell about His wonderful works in your behalf. Praise and thank Him together.
Let us pray saints:
1. Thank God for all the good things He has done for you. Be specific.
2. Pray today by name for a person who has yet to believe in Christ as Savior. Pray also today for others you have listed down or recently prayed for.
3. Pray about when and how you will share your story with your people back home. Are there people who knew your “before Christ” story that you need to tell?
Day 20 the 19th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 20
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
Normally, when a person dies and is laid to rest, you expect the story to end. But this is not a normal story, and Jesus was not a normal man. One of the first descriptions of Jesus in the Book of John was, "In him was life" (1:4, ESV). Throughout His ministry, Jesus restored many people to health and even brought the dead back to life. It comes as no surprise then that Jesus, life incarnate, could not stay dead.
John ends this chapter by telling us why he wrote his Gospel in the first place. "These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31).
This is not the first time in the Book of John that life is offered to those who believe in Jesus. But if Jesus had not been raised from the dead, those earlier promises would have meant nothing. Any man can promise you life and salvation, but only one Man proved that He had the power to give life. That man was Jesus, and death could not hold on to Him. It is because of that we can believe that He truly has the power to give eternal life to those who believe in Him.
If you have not made that choice yet, would you today? We have only one more day to go in our 21-Day Challenge. See you tomorrow.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: Your life is a living testimony of the power of the gospel. A sinful lifestyle or behaviour can bring shame and discredit the cause of Christ. But Christlike living can demonstrate the power of Christ to change lives and make the gospel appealing to others. The bible says those that hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6) Isaiah 44:3 “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring;”
Therefore, as you pray and seek to reach out to those in your families and circles of influence, your life will be like a water jug. People who need Jesus Christ as Saviour are thirsting for the Living Water. When they look at Christ through your “glass-jug” life, will they be thirsty enough to drink? Will they see the pure, clean Water of Life and decide to drink deeply? Or will they see impurities and uncleanness that cause them to put off a decision for Jesus Christ? How clean is your water jug?
Let us Pray:
1. Ask God to reveal to you anything in your life that might hinder others from choosing to follow Him. Ask Him to enable you to live in such a way that others will want what they see in you—Living Water.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed. What actions will you take?
Day 21 the 20th of June 2021: READ THE WHOLE OF JOHN CHAPTER 21
(Read Either as an individual, family or church and then read the questions that you can reflect and discuss as well as read the Revival thoughts for each day)
THINGS TO PONDER:
OK, be honest. When you started this challenge, did you think you would make it to day 21? We are glad you stuck with it because you have taken a significant step toward making Bible reading a daily part of your life. Whether you feel it now or not, your time in the Word these last three weeks will prove in the future to have been time well spent.
We hope you have seen how the Word of God, the Book of John specifically, can apply to your life today. Here's a couple of those applications. First, Jesus is alive! That is something that is repeated every Easter, but let it sink in. Though Jesus is now in heaven with God, the Man that we read about who lived 2,000 years ago is still alive. He is still caring for those who love Him, and like we learned in chapter 17, He's still praying for us. (See Hebrews 7:25.)
Second, God has sent the Holy Spirit. We read in the Book of Acts about the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit arrived just as Jesus promised. That Spirit, in all of us who believe, is currently and daily carrying out the promises Jesus made, to teach us and to help us remember Jesus. Finally, Jesus has a promise waiting to be fulfilled. He promised He would come again so that we can be with Him where He is. (See John 14:3.) And that gives us hope.
It is our prayer that you will continue daily spending time in the Word and connecting with the God who was, who is and who is to come. God bless.
REVIVAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY: If you have been fasting from food to seek the Lord in prayer for revival and awakening, you can identify with Jesus. The disciples were trying to get Him to eat, but He was preparing to reap a spiritual harvest of a city.
His food was to obey the will of His Father. Sometimes a spiritual purpose will be far more important to us than taking time to eat. Jesus’ disciples were surprised when they found Him speaking to the woman. A Jewish man would not be caught in public talking to a Samaritan woman, especially a divorcee with five ex-husbands. What was He doing?
The disciples may have expected a spiritual harvest when Jesus established His kingdom. Jesus essentially said, “Why wait? It’s harvest time now!”
Let us hear His words for us. We could be saying something like this:
1 Maybe awakening will come when all the churches experience revival.
2 We can’t expect a harvest when the lost world is so cold and hardened.
3 He’s delayed 2,000 years to come back. We don’t need to rush now.
4 We have tried before (fished all night). This isn’t a good time.
One day Peter and his partners had been fishing all night. But Jesus told them to go into the deep water and drop their nets. They reluctantly obeyed and caught so many fish they nearly sank two boats! “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!’” (Luke 5:8). That is the day Jesus called him to fish for men. Did you notice the great harvest of fish came before Peter confessed his sin?
Sometimes God’s kindness brings repentance (Rom. 2:4). The harvest is the Lord’s work. He has chosen us to be workers together with Him in this great task. He is bringing in a harvest in many places around the world. He is fully able to do that where we live also. Let us pay attention to His final statement of His final command to us and be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. Jesus would say to us, “Open your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready for harvest” (John 4:35).
Let us pray saints:
1. Pledge your willingness to obey God and ask Him to bring in a great harvest for His glory. Continue to pray for workers for the harvest.
2. Ask God what He wants you to do today to apply what He has revealed.
Thank God for his amazing healing on my eyes. I had second surgery on right eye for cataracts and left eye earlier. I give God all the glory and honour. I also thank you Pastor Clancy for your prayers and support from your ministry team. It's two weeks post surgery on the right eye. Reading letters up close still challenging but I can see far away (nearsighted 😊
Started 21 day season of prayer and fasting on June 22,2021
Wonderful 21 days, I am revived. I am walking in victory
THANK you lord for this 21 days of looking to you; the things that you have brought to my attention have been mind blowing but I needed To know where I stand… now I know. Thank you for showing me. I still will never leave you nor let you go out of my life….Amen
Happy Daddy’s Day! God bless you!!