Hello to all you lovely people.
As Daystar is rebranding, I wanted to bring to your attention that 24/7 has it's own section on Daystar's new website. Go to "Ministries" and then follow the links to 24/7. The new website has a lot of information on who Daystar really is as a church. Feel free to browse the website to have a better understanding to see deeper into Daystar's mission & vision. You can visit the website by clicking the link below, or by going to URL www.daystargso.com
Daystar Church
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Fasting & Prayer
Well, the 21 days of fasting has concluded as of Saturday, and it would be an understatement to say that God has revealed things to me through it. I'd love to share a couple things with you that I have learned through this time.
First off, if you are a believer and have not gone through a period of fasting before, I highly urge you to take part in it because of the spiritual renewal that it can bring. The idea behind fasting is to starve our bodies and our minds of something that we normally crave, and to replace it with God (reading His word, prayer, etc.) The perspectives that I have gained through the fast will be a big part of my faith story.
One of the things I have learned is that our God is a god who keeps His promises. Through many experiences during this fast, the Lord has consistently reminded me that He has uniquely brought me to the place that I am in my life and He wouldn't have brought me here unless He was going to sustain me through it. An example of this started January 15th when some people met at DayStar for a prayer meeting:
I took that time to pray through the Lord's prayer, and I began to present my requests to the Lord when I reached "Give us this day our daily bread". I prayed for financial provision, as I was at the end of my rope as far as money went, and proclaiming my faith that He would provide. After the prayer meeting, 24/7 took part in an outreach project. I had gotten a ride with one of the other students. When we returned, our day was over and I was beginning to get in my car when I noticed a piece of paper sitting on my driver's seat. That piece of paper was a check for a substantial amount of money that would provide for my transportation cost for several months. HOW INCREDIBLE! I was extremely humbled by this act of generosity from one of my friends at church, who had also been fasting and present at the prayer meeting. When I confronted him to thank him, he said that he had been praying for Kayla and I that morning and that God laid it fully on his heart to write that check. He had no clue of my financial situation, and he was sensitive to the Spirit, listening from his heart. I'm honored by that man's obedience, and I'm even more amazed by the grace and provision of our Lord. And even when I got home later that night, I had received some mail. One of the pieces of mail was yet ANOTHER check from one of my cousins, intended to go towards the honeymoon fund that Kayla and I have been trying to build up. Yet another thing I was praying and fasting for provision over. What an amazing God we serve! I know that story sounds fake, but I can assure you that's what happened. Even though I sometimes have to double check (no pun intended) to make sure I wasn't just having vivid hopeful thoughts.
Another thing that the Lord has revealed to me is to constantly keep a mindset of fasting; being aware of our surrounding, what we are feeding our bodies & minds, and if it's the best thing for us. The fast has disciplined me to the point of realizing that television, movies, and Facebook are hardly necessary, and can consume much more time than we normally intend; that it's so easy to get enslaved by the craving of food to where we almost get to the point of worshipping food itself without realizing it. I've noticed that even some things that are considered healthy for us can consume our time to the point of neglecting what God has for us. Moderation is a fresh concept to me, and to most of us due to the culture we live in, but it's something I want to pursue so I don't overwhelm myself with what the world says, and that I can fully live into the will that God has for my life, in hopes that I may affect others.
I could go on and on, but I like to keep my posts semi-managable. If you take something away from this post, take away these three things:
-God keeps His promises to us.
-God is more than worthy of our attention and love, but we are not worthy of His. But it's by His grace that He can look upon us as His sons and daughters, our sins covered by Jesus' sacrifice. So be aware of where you spend your time, and ask yourself how much you actually spend with Him.
-Entering into a season of fasting will bring a lot of perspective into your life. God will use that time to reveal new things to you if you are intentional about focusing on Him within it.
As I wrap this up, I'd like to grace you with a promotional video for 24/7 Greensboro. It will give you a brief view into what it is that I have been so blessed to be a part of these past 5 months, and 4 months to come. Created by our very own...Trevor Brock!
First off, if you are a believer and have not gone through a period of fasting before, I highly urge you to take part in it because of the spiritual renewal that it can bring. The idea behind fasting is to starve our bodies and our minds of something that we normally crave, and to replace it with God (reading His word, prayer, etc.) The perspectives that I have gained through the fast will be a big part of my faith story.
One of the things I have learned is that our God is a god who keeps His promises. Through many experiences during this fast, the Lord has consistently reminded me that He has uniquely brought me to the place that I am in my life and He wouldn't have brought me here unless He was going to sustain me through it. An example of this started January 15th when some people met at DayStar for a prayer meeting:
I took that time to pray through the Lord's prayer, and I began to present my requests to the Lord when I reached "Give us this day our daily bread". I prayed for financial provision, as I was at the end of my rope as far as money went, and proclaiming my faith that He would provide. After the prayer meeting, 24/7 took part in an outreach project. I had gotten a ride with one of the other students. When we returned, our day was over and I was beginning to get in my car when I noticed a piece of paper sitting on my driver's seat. That piece of paper was a check for a substantial amount of money that would provide for my transportation cost for several months. HOW INCREDIBLE! I was extremely humbled by this act of generosity from one of my friends at church, who had also been fasting and present at the prayer meeting. When I confronted him to thank him, he said that he had been praying for Kayla and I that morning and that God laid it fully on his heart to write that check. He had no clue of my financial situation, and he was sensitive to the Spirit, listening from his heart. I'm honored by that man's obedience, and I'm even more amazed by the grace and provision of our Lord. And even when I got home later that night, I had received some mail. One of the pieces of mail was yet ANOTHER check from one of my cousins, intended to go towards the honeymoon fund that Kayla and I have been trying to build up. Yet another thing I was praying and fasting for provision over. What an amazing God we serve! I know that story sounds fake, but I can assure you that's what happened. Even though I sometimes have to double check (no pun intended) to make sure I wasn't just having vivid hopeful thoughts.
Another thing that the Lord has revealed to me is to constantly keep a mindset of fasting; being aware of our surrounding, what we are feeding our bodies & minds, and if it's the best thing for us. The fast has disciplined me to the point of realizing that television, movies, and Facebook are hardly necessary, and can consume much more time than we normally intend; that it's so easy to get enslaved by the craving of food to where we almost get to the point of worshipping food itself without realizing it. I've noticed that even some things that are considered healthy for us can consume our time to the point of neglecting what God has for us. Moderation is a fresh concept to me, and to most of us due to the culture we live in, but it's something I want to pursue so I don't overwhelm myself with what the world says, and that I can fully live into the will that God has for my life, in hopes that I may affect others.
I could go on and on, but I like to keep my posts semi-managable. If you take something away from this post, take away these three things:
-God keeps His promises to us.
-God is more than worthy of our attention and love, but we are not worthy of His. But it's by His grace that He can look upon us as His sons and daughters, our sins covered by Jesus' sacrifice. So be aware of where you spend your time, and ask yourself how much you actually spend with Him.
-Entering into a season of fasting will bring a lot of perspective into your life. God will use that time to reveal new things to you if you are intentional about focusing on Him within it.
As I wrap this up, I'd like to grace you with a promotional video for 24/7 Greensboro. It will give you a brief view into what it is that I have been so blessed to be a part of these past 5 months, and 4 months to come. Created by our very own...Trevor Brock!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Routine!!!
I don't feel very intricate today so if I am very to the point, at least you all know why. I'm glad to say that after a couple weeks of a much needed break, I'm actually glad to be back in a routine.
Before I left for Christmas break, the 24/7 leadership arranged for us to participate in The AMAZING RACE! 24/7 style, of course. Granted it was exclusive to everyone involved in this internship, it was fantastic to be a part of, and extremely fun! To describe it quickly, it was basically a glorified scavenger hunt, riding bikes all around the city of Greensboro looking for clues and hints, working together as a team, and troubleshooting when difficult decisions needed to be made or when conflict arose. We concluded with a meal back at the director's house where we debriefed, and were given some (WARM) 24/7 apparel!
Made the trip back home with Kayla to Columbus, and it was wonderful to be back home with my Ohio people! Kayla and her brother left the morning after we got in to spend time with her mom in Florida, and flew back on Christmas evening. I had the privilege of leading worship at my friend Beth Braaksma's church, Old First Presbyterian, for the Christmas Eve service that they held. It was a wonderful atmosphere and environment to spend Christmas Eve in! Thanks Beth for that great opportunity! Also I was grateful to have the opportunity to worship at Bethel Presbyterian on the 26th and to see a good amount of my friends that I have missed so much! Lots of missed conversations though, of which I am regretful.
New Years Eve was a lovely time spent with my future wife. We had dinner with Bryce, Billy, and Nicole from The Promise Church, and then headed over to The Promise for New Years silent communion/prayer hour. It felt so great to join them at their new location to see where they have been meeting, and pray for the coming year with them. From there, Kayla and I headed to The Cheesecake Factory at Polaris for dessert and coffee, and went to Dave & Buster's afterwards. After loading up a gameplay card and playing ONE game, we decided that this location was too crowded, so we left and went to the Hilliard location. GREAT IDEA! We brought the New Year in playing skee ball, Crazy Taxi, and Daytona. What a fun night! Best New Years Eve celebration as far as I can remember!
After a lot of great times back home, Kayla and I headed back to Greensboro on the 2nd of the year (Dave's birthday) so I could be back in time to lead at VERT (high school ministry service). DayStar, as a church, is going through a 21-day fasting period, in order to rid us of ourselves, and cry out for more of God, and to really see some miraculous things happen in the church (specifically to see 100 people per month to come to Christ in our services). To me, it seems very bold for Pastor Allen to lead the church in this fasting time, and asking God so confidently to ask for such a miracle. But that boldness shows so much of his audacious faith, and it gives God so much more glory in the end when this miracle takes place. Since January 2nd, I've been on a media fast, and a "Daniel fast" which means I eat only fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans, and only drink water & 100% juice. Michelle and Emma Sahol (part of the family that hosts me) are also doing a Daniel fast, which makes eating much easier because the right foods are always available. I'll be doing that particular fast for the full 21 days. January 6th through the 8th, I was on a water fast (a complete food fast, where I only drink water). Not easy! But God was working some things in my heart as I was going through it.
Today is our first normal day back on a routine at 24/7. I'm actually glad for it. I have realized over this break that, as much as I have disliked it in the past, a routine keeps me on track and gives me less room to "take my time," and helps me to be more punctual and remember more. It sounds strange as I read back over that, but somehow it's true for me! Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and support as I've been here. It's been an amazing growth opportunity for me and I am looking forwards greatly to next semester.
As my prayer requests, I am going to be listing the things that I am fasting/praying for during these 21 days. If you would pray for these things also, I would be so grateful.
-For continued spiritual renewal in DayStar and in myself.
-For 100 people per month to come to Christ through DayStar's ministry this year.
-For Kayla and I to grow spiritually together as we come near to marriage.
-That our spiritual leaders would pour into Kayla and I in wisdom and support as our wedding date nears.
-That God would clearly reveal to me His direction, before the month closes, with a certain ministry position that has been opened to me after the wedding.
Before I left for Christmas break, the 24/7 leadership arranged for us to participate in The AMAZING RACE! 24/7 style, of course. Granted it was exclusive to everyone involved in this internship, it was fantastic to be a part of, and extremely fun! To describe it quickly, it was basically a glorified scavenger hunt, riding bikes all around the city of Greensboro looking for clues and hints, working together as a team, and troubleshooting when difficult decisions needed to be made or when conflict arose. We concluded with a meal back at the director's house where we debriefed, and were given some (WARM) 24/7 apparel!
Made the trip back home with Kayla to Columbus, and it was wonderful to be back home with my Ohio people! Kayla and her brother left the morning after we got in to spend time with her mom in Florida, and flew back on Christmas evening. I had the privilege of leading worship at my friend Beth Braaksma's church, Old First Presbyterian, for the Christmas Eve service that they held. It was a wonderful atmosphere and environment to spend Christmas Eve in! Thanks Beth for that great opportunity! Also I was grateful to have the opportunity to worship at Bethel Presbyterian on the 26th and to see a good amount of my friends that I have missed so much! Lots of missed conversations though, of which I am regretful.
New Years Eve was a lovely time spent with my future wife. We had dinner with Bryce, Billy, and Nicole from The Promise Church, and then headed over to The Promise for New Years silent communion/prayer hour. It felt so great to join them at their new location to see where they have been meeting, and pray for the coming year with them. From there, Kayla and I headed to The Cheesecake Factory at Polaris for dessert and coffee, and went to Dave & Buster's afterwards. After loading up a gameplay card and playing ONE game, we decided that this location was too crowded, so we left and went to the Hilliard location. GREAT IDEA! We brought the New Year in playing skee ball, Crazy Taxi, and Daytona. What a fun night! Best New Years Eve celebration as far as I can remember!
After a lot of great times back home, Kayla and I headed back to Greensboro on the 2nd of the year (Dave's birthday) so I could be back in time to lead at VERT (high school ministry service). DayStar, as a church, is going through a 21-day fasting period, in order to rid us of ourselves, and cry out for more of God, and to really see some miraculous things happen in the church (specifically to see 100 people per month to come to Christ in our services). To me, it seems very bold for Pastor Allen to lead the church in this fasting time, and asking God so confidently to ask for such a miracle. But that boldness shows so much of his audacious faith, and it gives God so much more glory in the end when this miracle takes place. Since January 2nd, I've been on a media fast, and a "Daniel fast" which means I eat only fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans, and only drink water & 100% juice. Michelle and Emma Sahol (part of the family that hosts me) are also doing a Daniel fast, which makes eating much easier because the right foods are always available. I'll be doing that particular fast for the full 21 days. January 6th through the 8th, I was on a water fast (a complete food fast, where I only drink water). Not easy! But God was working some things in my heart as I was going through it.
Today is our first normal day back on a routine at 24/7. I'm actually glad for it. I have realized over this break that, as much as I have disliked it in the past, a routine keeps me on track and gives me less room to "take my time," and helps me to be more punctual and remember more. It sounds strange as I read back over that, but somehow it's true for me! Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and support as I've been here. It's been an amazing growth opportunity for me and I am looking forwards greatly to next semester.
As my prayer requests, I am going to be listing the things that I am fasting/praying for during these 21 days. If you would pray for these things also, I would be so grateful.
-For continued spiritual renewal in DayStar and in myself.
-For 100 people per month to come to Christ through DayStar's ministry this year.
-For Kayla and I to grow spiritually together as we come near to marriage.
-That our spiritual leaders would pour into Kayla and I in wisdom and support as our wedding date nears.
-That God would clearly reveal to me His direction, before the month closes, with a certain ministry position that has been opened to me after the wedding.
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