Acts 4:23-24  On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. (NIV)

Acts 4:31 - After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV)

1. What is fasting?

2. Why should we fast?

A. It’s a necessity, not a luxury.

Matthew 6:16 – And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. (NLT)

B. Spiritual leaders throughout scripture fasted.

Moses fasted – Deuteronomy 9 David fasted – 2 Samuel 12 Elijah fasted – 1 Kings 19 Ezra fasted – Ezra 10 Nehemiah fasted – Nehemiah 1 Esther fasted – Esther 4 Daniel fasted – Daniel 10 Paul – Acts 9 Jesus fasted - Matthew 4

C. Some things only happen as a result of prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17:21 - But this kind of demon won’t leave unless you have prayed and gone without food. (TLB)

3. How do you know what to fast?

Isaiah 58:3-5 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? (NIV)

4. What should you expect when you fast?

1. Jesus is King 

Matthew 2:1–2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV)

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)

Revelation 17:14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (NIV)

Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords. (NIV)

2. You should worship Jesus the King 

Matthew 2:2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV)

3. You should give to Jesus the king 

Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)

4. You should bow down to Jesus the King

Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)

Philippians 2:10- So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (ESV) 

Romans 14:11 It is written: As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”  (NIV)

Psalm 103:1–2 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— (NIV)

Psalms 78:11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. (NIV)

Psalm 106:7 When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. (NIV)

Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. (NIV)

Psalm 106:21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, (NIV)

Jeremiah 2:32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me. (NLT)

Isaiah 17:10 You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, (NIV)

Hosea 13:6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. (NIV)

1. Renews your youth like the eagle’s

Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)

Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (NIV)

Psalm 23:1–3 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (NKJV)

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)

2. Satisfies you with good things

Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)

3. Crowns you with steadfast love and mercy

Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV)

4. Redeems your life from the pit

Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV)

5. Heals all your diseases

Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)

6. Forgives all your sins

Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)

Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (NIV)

Psalm 103:2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits (NIV)

 1 Corinthians 12:12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (NLT)

  Every part of the body matters  

  1 Corinthians 12:14-17 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? (NLT)  

  1 Corinthians 12:22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. (NLT)

  1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  (NLT) 

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

1. Pray about everything

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

2. Combine thanksgiving with prayer

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

3 Benefits of Combining Thanksgiving with Prayer

1. The peace of God

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (NIV)

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (NIV)

2. Peace that transcends all understanding

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

3. Peace that guards your heart and mind

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

The 5 love languages 1. Words of affirmation 2. Physical touch 3. Receiving gifts 4. Quality time 5. Acts of service

Luke 17:12-19 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (NIV)

1. Show it by coming to church with thanksgiving

Psalm 111:1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. (ESV)

Psalm 100:4  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (NIV)

2. Show it by singing songs of worship

Ezra 3:11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. (NIV)

3. Show it with a shout

Ezra 3:11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. (NIV)

4. Show it by lifting your hands in worship 

Psalm 63:3–4 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (NIV)

5. Show it in your daily activities

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT)

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)

6. Show it by obeying God’s word

Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (ESV)

John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commands. (NIV)

1 John 5:3 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, (NIV)

6A. Show it by being water baptized

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)

Romans 6:3-5 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (NIV)

Colossians 2:12 If it’s an initiation ritual you’re after, you’ve already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. (MSG)

Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV)

Acts 8:36–38 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. (NLT)

Acts 10:47-48 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (NIV)

Acts 9:17–18 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, (NIV)

Acts 16:33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

2 Kings 5:5 - So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. (NLT)

2 Kings 5:9 - 9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house.  NIV

2 Kings 5:10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” (NIV)

2 Kings 5:11-12 - 11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage. (NIV)

2 Kings 5:13-14 - Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. (NIV)

1. Decide today to give God thanks no matter what.

Psalm 50:23 - But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. (NLT)

2. Trust God’s Word when you don’t understand His ways.

Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)

3. Ask God for His help.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV)

NUMBERS 13:17-20 “Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. (NKJV)

NUMBERS 13:26-28 “26 to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. 27 This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! (NLT)  

 7 WORLD CHANGING MINDSETS THAT WON’T ALLOW ME TO SETTLE     

#1 I’M FREE BUT NOT FINISHED    

EXODUS 16:3 And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” (NKJV)   

#2 I’M NOT GOING UNLESS I’M SENT    

NUMBERS 13:17-20 Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains. (NKJV)   

JEREMIAH 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I [ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (NKJV)   

#3 I’M GOING TO PUT A DATE ON IT    

NUMBERS 13:25 And they returned from spying out the land after forty days. (NKJV)   

JOSHUA 3:5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (NKJV)   

#4 THE FEAR IN MY HEART WILL NEVER BE GREATER THAN THE FRUIT IN MY HANDS    

NUMBERS 13:27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.  (NKJV)   

#5 I REFUSE TO ALLOW WHAT I’M LOOKING AT TO DETERMINE WHAT I SEE    

NUMBERS 13: 28 -29 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan. (NKJV)  

#6 NOTHING WILL STEAL MY VOICE    

NUMBERS 13:30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” (NKJV)   

#7 I WILL NEVER SEE MYSELF AS SMALL   

NUMBERS 13:33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (NKJV)

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (NIV)

Luke 6:37–38 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)

2 Corinthians 9:5-6 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

4 Laws Of Sowing And Reaping

1. You reap what you sow  

Genesis 1:11-12 Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. (NIV)  

2. You reap more than you sow

Proverbs 11:24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. (NIV)

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV) 

3. You reap after you sow

2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (NIV)

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)   

4. You reap based on how much you sow  

2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV)

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)

Ephesians 3:20 God is able to do far more exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what we could ever ask, think, or imagine. (NIRV)

Psalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (NIV)

1. It’s about my heart

Mark 12:41–44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (NIV)

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NIV)

1A. My heart of sacrifice

It’s not equal giving. It’s equal sacrifice.

1B My heart of faith

Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (NIV)

Luke 8:48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (NIV)

Luke 17:19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (NIV)

Luke 18:42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” (NIV)

1C. My heart for the house of God

Psalm 69:9 Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. (NLT)

Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. and meditating in his Temple. (NIV)

1 Chronicles 29:3 Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple: (NIV)

Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (NIV)

EROI: Eternal return on investment.

1D. My heart of obedience

Ephesians 3:20 says, God is able to do far more exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what we could ever ask, think, or imagine.

1. You have to have a need

Mark 6:35–36 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” (NIV)

2. You have to put what you have in Jesus’ hand

Mark 6:37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” (NIV)

4 Reasons People Don’t Put What They Have in Jesus’ Hands

2A. People don’t understand that God wants them to participate in the miracle

2B. People have more logic than faith

Mark 6:37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” (NIV)

Three Levels of Giving:

1. What can I afford?

2. What can I sacrifice?

3. What can I trust God to do through me?

2C. They overlook the God factor

2D. It’s hard to care for others when we are comfortable ourselves

3. God does miracles when we partner with him

Mark 6:41-42 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, (NIV)

3 Principles on Partnering with God So You Can Experience Miracles

1. Partnering with God begins by giving God what you have

2. Partnering with God requires steps of faith and obedience

3. Partnering with Jesus produces more changed lives

John 6:14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (NIV)

When we partner with Jesus it changes lives. We see it every week at People’s Church!