We Serve a Powerful God
Psalms 19:1-2 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
Just a few days into 2024, and I just have to say, “WOW!”
God is amazing! He has been answering prayers, working in lives, healing, encouraging, and transforming so much, and it is only January 5! I can’t wait to see what He will do next!
Sometimes, if we are not careful, we fail to notice the things He does. When that happens, we can get complacent and lose our excitement or even our joy in the Christian life. I write this from my own personal experience.
One thing I have found that helps me is to expect God to do something.
When I am expecting Him to work, I find that I am more alert to what He is doing. I notice His power, comfort, grace, and love.
Are you expecting God to work?
This Monday, as a church family, we start 21 days of prayer and fasting. As we agree together and corporately discipline ourselves to abstain from our own habits, cravings, and appetites and instead lean into Jesus and spend time prayerfully expressing our dependence upon Him, I believe we will see even greater blessings from the Lord.
Now, fasting is not to get God to do our will.
It is not an attempt to earn greater favor with God. Jesus already obtained that for us when He saved us from our sins.
Fasting helps us renew our focus, dependence, and faith in the only One Who can make a real difference.
We align our heart with God’s and pray, “Your will be done.”
Here are some tips and suggestions for how you can join in the 21 days of prayer and fasting.
Welcome to 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting!
We encourage everyone from our church family to participate in this in some way from January 8-28. Here are some ideas to get you going.
While fasting is typically associated with abstaining from food, there are other ways to fast as well. We have compiled a list of things for you to consider and implement during our 21 days of fasting and prayer.
Pick at least one of these each day or choose to switch things around from week to week based on God’s leading in your life. The goal is to bring our bodies into subjection to the Spirit of God and to realize our dependence upon Him by saying no to certain things and focusing on prayer. Tell your flesh “no.”
Ways to Fast
1. No food (if it’s okay with your doctor). definitely drink plenty of water during that time important This type of fast is not recommended for more than three days at a time if you have not fasted recently.
2. “Daniel” Fast (basically plant products)
• No meat, fish, or other animal products, including dairy and eggs
• No bread, pastries, chips, cookies, or anything that contains yeast or other leavening agents
• No fried foods
• Do not drink any beverages other than water. No coffee, tea, or alcohol. Some say fruit juice is okay as long as it is free from preservatives and added sugar, but those should be limited as well.
3. No social media
4. No video games
5. No media of any kind including movies/news
6. No sugar
7. No coffee
8. Spend money only on true needs
If you feel a craving coming on, start praying and spending time with God. He will give you strength! We want to grow through this discipline to the point that we will be naturally spending time with Jesus and focus so much on Him that temporary pleasures are not attractive or desirable to us.
Since we are doing this together, feel free to call on a brother or sister to pray with you and to help you stay encouraged and focused on Jesus as we deny ourselves for the glory of God. Remember, we are praying for you!
Daniel 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Mark your calendar! 🗓
Exciting things are coming to Crosspoint! See below for several of these opportunities to serve and grow together. Be sure to save the dates and be a part.
January 8
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
We are kicking off the year by connecting with our Lord and Savior in a powerful way - demonstrating (and being reminded of) our dependence on Him through prayer and fasting. See the fasting recommendations (above) for help and encouragement through these important, spiritually sharpening days.
Also, I would love for you to join with me in this Bible plan on the YouVersion Bible app. We can share how God is working in our lives through the fast and how He speaks to us through His Word and the devotional each day.
You could also gather a group of friends to join you in this plan. Copy and share this link.
As always, if we can be a help to you, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here for you!
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January 11
Prayer Team Gathering - 7:30 PM
Let's kick off the first week of Prayer and Fasting with a Prayer team gathering! Anyone is welcome to attend.
Location: Chertikian's Home
1619 N Hill AvenuePasadena, CA 91104
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January 12
Men's Growth Group Fellowship - 7:30 PM
Calling all men! As we launch into a new year of growth groups, let's get together for a time of good, clean, Christian fellowship. We all need the encouragement from our brothers, the support in prayer, and accountability that we enjoy through these relationships.
Join us at Armond's house.
For those who are not fasting food this week, there will be barbecue.
(Correction: Last week, we said that this was a potluck. I apologize for the confusion. This is not a potluck. Everything is provided. Just come and be a part!)
Church App
Download our app and stay connected with your church family, your small group, and upcoming events! You can also give and listen to past services.
Download here: Apple App Store or Google Play
Service Times and Location
434 N Altadena Drive
Pasadena, CA 91107
Sunday @ 10 AM - Prayer
We believe in the power of prayer. We would love for you to join us for this special time to seek the Lord together before the morning service.
Sunday @ 10:30 AM - Worship gathering
Childcare through age 5 is available. Check-in for childcare starts at 10:15 am
Sunday @ 5:00 PM - AWANA
Our fun and exciting program for teens and children resumes this Sunday night at 5:00 PM. Check-in starts at 4:45 PM. Click here for information you can share.
Wednesday @ 7:00 PM - Growth Group
Come each Wednesday to enjoy a Bible study and discussion with others in our Growth Groups. Be strengthened in your walk with the LORD and your connection with our church family.
Love and Share
Share Crosspoint on social media! Help your friends and family see what God is doing in lives! As you love and share our posts, others see how excited you are about what God is doing. Hey, they just might show up and start walking with Jesus too!
What is your Next Step?
God intends for us to grow in our new life in Christ. Here are several things you can do to jumpstart that growth.
Enroll in Christian Life Coaching.
Become a Member of Crosspoint.
Whatever your next step is, we are here to support you and help you make it! Not sure of your next step? That's ok too! We can help. Click here!
LIVESTREAM
We will be streaming the 10:30 am service LIVE on our YouTube channel. Also, our Wednesday Bible studies are posted to our podcast. Search for Crosspoint LA in your favorite podcast app.