Evangelical Bible Church

Rev. Eugene Carey

Rt. 2 Box 80

Philippi, WV. 26416

304-457-5862

 

 

 

God has given you the power to experience blessings and provision in 2008 like never before!  He wants you successful…He wants you healed…He wants you blessed!

 

But you have to make the choice now and act in the first days of the New Year to set a course of expectancy for the next twelve months.

 

That is why at E.B.C. we dedicate the New Year to the Lord with a season of FASTING, PRAYER AND GIVING.

 

Let me quickly tell you why I believe these three principles will help you unleash a YEAR OF BLESSINGS in every area of your life for 2008.  In Matthew chapter 6, during the Sermon on the Mount, Christ names three things that Christians do.

 

“...when you fast...” (Matthew 6:16).

                     “...when you pray...” (Matthew 6:5).

                                          “...when you do a charitable deed (give)...” (Matthew 6:2).

 

Jesus didn’t say “if” you fast, pray or give.  He said “when.”  These are Christian duties that God expects of us.  They are not optional.  They are the first fruits He requires of us.  But the good news is that when we follow His guidelines on fasting, prayer and giving, He is released to bless us abundantly.

 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

 

What are blessings of offering our first fruits of fasting, praying and giving?  Provision, eternal rewards, physical healing, anointing and so much more!

 

According to God’s Word, He delights in rewarding His children when they seek Him through fasting, praying and giving.  When you follow these simple commands, you will break through into a higher realm of spiritual living... that’s the good life God has for you in 2008!

 

FASTING...

 

I’ve shared about fasting before, but a new revelation exploded in my spirit when I read Mark 2:18-20.  Jesus was asked why His disciples did not fast as John’s disciples and others did.  This was his response:

 

“Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?  ...But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and they will fast in those days” (Mark 2:19-20).

 

The Lord spoke to my heart, saying, “There are many people in the Church and in the Body of Christ who at one time had a close intimate touch with Jesus.  The Bridegroom was close.”

 

But there will come a season in your life when it feels like the Bridegroom is taken.  You don’t feel His presence anymore.  You don’t feel worship anymore.  You don’t feel enthusiasm and excitement for spiritual things.  You know what happened?  You’ve entered into a season where the Bridegroom has been taken from the children of the Bridegroom. 

 

God said, “When that happens, then shall they fast.”  If you want God’s presence back, without measure, shaken down, running together... if you have felt like His presence has left and you don’t see God moving in you life, enter into this fast and His presence will come back with great power and authority in your life.

 

The discipline of fasting not only brings greater intimacy with Him, but also healing, financial breakthroughs, deliverance, and power in your daily walk.  When you eliminate food from your diet for a period of time, your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God.

 

There are many types and lengths of fasts.  We participate in a 21-day fast at the beginning of each year at E.B.C.  Not everyone goes a full 21 days, some may fast one meal or item, some may fast three of the 21 days, etc...

 

But all participate on some level, and I encourage you to seek the Lord to determine what’s best for you and participate with us. 

 

PRAYING...

 

We serve a mighty God who is ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think.  With God, ALL things are possible!

 

Reality may say, “You ought to give up, you’re never going to get out of that pit”- - but divine possibility says, “lift up your head.  God is a restorer!  Here comes Jesus with healing in His wings!”

 

We will end our corporate fast with special prayer.  I want to invite you to be a part of this tremendous service.

 

 

 

 

 

GIVING...

 

Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with all the first fruits of all thine increase:  So shall they barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

 

In this passage, the substance refers to your tithe, which every Christian is instructed to give – but first fruits refers to a specific type of offering that is mentioned often in the Old Testament.

 

It was an offering of gratitude, saying to the Lord, “I thank You for You’ve blessed me and I trust You for the increase.”

 

There have been times when my wife and I have prayed and felt led to give as a first fruits offering, and we have seen God’s abundant blessing as a result.

 

Today, I’m writing to invite you to participate with us as we set the course for ABUNDANT BLESSINGS AND PROVISION IN 2008!

 

Take a step of faith today by joining me and the members of E.B.C. in this powerful season of FASTING, PRAYER AND GIVING!

 

¨     Fast whatever you are physically able to do in January.  Maybe you can fast half days, three days, a week or more.  Do your best as unto God and He will bless your efforts.

¨     Spend time in prayer and God’s Word.  Pray for your family... for your career... for your personal spiritual growth... and for our ministry together.  Pray that we can extend our reach to share the Good News with more people than ever through the Evangelical Bible Church outreaches.

¨     Commit to giving God your financial first fruits not only this month, but the entire year.  Remember, it is only through the faithful support of friends like you that we can continue ministering to you and others.

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Steve and Linda Vines wrote after fasting:  Pastor told us to write down things that we believed God to do because of our obedience to fast and pray.  At the top of our list, we were claiming and believing for the salvation and unity of our family members.  (This) and many other requests we have already seen fulfilled.  The greatest gifts He has given us is the way He is answering prayer concerning our children...replacing resentment and jealousy with love.  He has shown His favor in financial matters and turned around situations that only God could do.  Praise God!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 When you give God your first fruits through fasting, praying and giving, He will bless!

 

 

 

So let me hear from you today and empower yourself for success, healing and victory in 2008!

 

                                                             

                                                                                      In His Presence,

 

 

                                                                                      Pastors Gene and Patty Carey

 

 

PS:  Join us in fasting, praying and giving as we begin the New Year.  And be sure to let us now how we can pray with you during our special prayer service.