Day 15: God Wants to Use You!

God Wants to Use You!
Pastor Lisa Womble

It’s our last week! Not time to give up now, your breakthrough is just around the corner. By this time, it should be easier to get in the Word, to pray, and to worship. Many barriers have been broken. Now, we need to ask God to use us to further His Kingdom.  

“In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.” — 2 Timothy 2:20-21 MSG 

 God wants to use you! It absolutely thrills and amazes me when I think that the God of Heaven can use me and that He trusts me to carry on the work of the ministry. He wants and can use you too! Every day we have opportunities to hear exactly what He wants from us.   

We all should be very grateful to know that we have the opportunity to be an instrument to accomplish His will here on Earth. Faithful Christians are the tools God uses to do great things with eternal value. He uses His followers as witnesses to the entire earth to tell everyone about Him and His love. When you stop to think about it, you and I can truly alter the course of history and the world.  

I love the testimony Charlene shared with us Tuesday night. After being told to go home and get her affairs in order because she was going to die over a vaccine, she went into a store and before she knew it, she was praying for someone!  That is punching the devil in the face! That is being an instrument to accomplish His will on Earth.  

Unfortunately, some people are not being used by God because they are either unwilling or unfaithful. It is said that Leon Trotsky, who was a key part of the Communist revolution in Russia, actually attended a Sunday school class one day during a visit to America. But the teacher of the class was absent that morning and did not bother to get a substitute. So no one taught the Bible that morning, and as far as anyone knows, Trotsky never attended church again.  

What if someone had been faithful enough to show up that morning? It may have helped to alter history! All that God asks of us is to make ourselves available to Him. 

Tell the Lord today that you want to faithfully serve Him. Who knows what wonderful things might happen when you choose to be faithful to the Lord. 

I look forward to hearing your testimonies (click here to share) !

Love,

— Pastor Lisa

Day 14: Let's Eat

Let’s Eat
Pastors Caleb and Katelyn Womble

I’ve always been somewhat of a foodie. I love food. Since marrying into a big family, I enjoy eating and look forward to a good meal with my family. Some of my favorite memories are at the dinner table with people that I love, especially those meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas where we laugh and cry together, tell stories, eat delicious food, and talk about the goodness of God.

Psalm 37:3 says, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”  In this passage, the psalmist reveals a great truth to us: spiritual food is just as real and important as natural food. If you want to be nourished and healthy, you must eat it every single day. Just as natural food brings energy to keep the body going, spiritual food is the fuel for your future. 

The Word of God is our spiritual food, and it is delicious. Jeremiah 15:16 KJV says, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” The Message translation reads, “When your words showed up, I ate them—swallowed them whole. What a feast!” If you always fill up on junk food, you won’t have room for anything good. But if you eat all the greens and veggies and fruits that you’re supposed to in a day, you won’t desire the bad stuff. Listening to teaching that doesn’t bring you abundant life is like taking in empty calories. Check the label on your food! Is it full of additives and preservatives that will entertain your soul but leave you weak? Or is it real and raw and able to build you up and make you strong? Ingesting words of faith and victory is like eating fine food. The quality of the word that you eat will determine the quality of life that you live. 

How you eat is just as important as what you eat. Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.” To taste means to savor or to enjoy completely. We shouldn’t rush through our time with the Lord like driving through a fast-food restaurant. He is not to be endured; He is to be enjoyed. I want to enjoy Him completely. I want to encounter His presence. I want to have an experience with Him.

With the Lord, you will always have a fine-dining experience. Song of Solomon 2:4 The God’s Word translation says, “He leads me into a banquet room and looks at me with love.” Before you will even approach His table, you just believe that He loves you.  If you are full of condemnation, you will not come.  If you are always conscious of your sin and mindful of insecurities, you will not come. If you think you don’t measure up or you’ve messed up too big, you’ll stay at the kiddie table and refuse to accept His invitation. It takes courage to come. It takes faith to believe that you have a seat at the table, that you have something to bring to the table, and that you are always welcome at the table.

Don’t miss out on the main course! He will never hang your sin over your head: His banner over you is love. The Message translation of Song of Solomon 2:4 reads, “All I want is to sit in his shade, to taste and savor his delicious love. He took me home with him for a festive meal, but his eyes feasted on me!”

I never want to show up empty-handed when I take my seat at the Lord’s table. The two things that I can bring are my heart and my faith. Hebrews 10:22 says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” There are two things we need when we come into His presence: a heart that genuinely loves Him, and faith that is fully sure of Him. 

Jesus is the Master Chef. He has spent all of His time in the kitchen preparing the perfect meal for you. In fact, He slaved over it: took stripes just for you, went to the cross just for you, laid down His life just for you. He did all the work! Now He rings the dinner bell and shouts, “IT IS FINISHED! COME AND GET IT!”

Now, there sits before you a dish full of healing, a pitcher of joy, a plate of peace, a platter of protection and prosperity. Will you come and eat? Grace sets the table. Faith eats! 

I have found that nothing on earth satisfies my soul like a meal with Jesus. He is the only one who can completely satisfy and still leave me hungry for more. Psalm 107:9 NIV says, “For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

Although the table has been set with plenty on it to appease your appetite, God will never force you to eat. In His grace, He will bring you to His banqueting table, but you still have to eat by faith. It is easier said than done: in Luke 14:16-18 GNT, Jesus tells the parable of one great dinner: “There was once a man who was giving a great feast to which he invited many people. When it was time for the feast, he sent his servant to tell his guests, ‘Come, everything is ready!’ But they all began, one after another, to make excuses.”

If you read on, you will find that all of the excuses seemed like pretty legitimate reasons not to show up for dinner. But Jesus didn’t accept any of them. He summed the story up with this, “I tell you all that none of those who were invited will taste my dinner!” (v. 24).

I refuse to miss out on the feast He has set before me. I want everything Jesus came to give me. 

Psalm 23:5 says that He has prepared a table for you even in the presence of your enemies here on earth. That means even in the midst of fear or doubt, even in the presence of people who are against you, even in toughest times, you have a safe place to go. Sit down at the King’s table.  This is a picture of rest and real faith rests in God. Take time to slow down and savor His goodness. Get excited about your food! Take a good look at everything grace has set on the table.  See the spread that He has set before you. Recall all that He has done for you. Find out from the Word everything that He has set before you, and then close your eyes and start thanking Him for every item on your plate. Psalm 103:2 MSG says, “O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!” As you thank God, you are feeding on His faithfulness. Grace has set the table. Faith eats everything on the plate. Come and find your seat. Its dinner time y’all.

Let’s eat!

— Pastors Caleb and Katelyn


Fasting information available at theseedchurchcom/2022

Day 13: Seek Him First

Seek Him First
Pastor Julie Friday

During this time of fasting we have set aside extra time to seek the Lord and spend time in His presence. In today’s devotional, I want us to look at the word SEEK and what it means.

All throughout the Bible, we are instructed to seek various things. To seek God, to seek His righteousness, to seek His peace, and to seek His face (His presence), and more.

To seek: to go in search or quest of : to seek the truth.

To try to find or discover: searching or questioning: to seek the solution to a problem.  

To go to: to seek a place to rest. 

To pursue: to run after, to chase, to follow 

We find the truth in the Word of God. His Word should be the filter through which we view everything. The Bible is our instruction book and manual for life. The key is that we have to use what has been provided for us. Through His word, prayer, wise counseling, and attending church we can find solutions to life’s problems. 

In His presence there is fullness of joy!

Psalm 16:11 says that in the fullness of joy there is no sorrow, worry, doubt, or fear. There’s just an abundance of love, peace and goodness. This is what we can receive when we pursue Jesus. This doesn’t mean that life is without struggles and problems but when we put our trust in God and spend time with Him, He carries us through those times. We can have peace and joy in the midst of a storm!

The Hebrew words for ‘seek’ (in reference to seeking God) mean to go after, chase down, search for, ask, or consult. If you want want to seek God, make Him a priority and never stop running after Him. 

anazeteo : to seek carefully and diligently.

baqar : to seek with pleasure or delight. This word can be found in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire of His temple.”

The main scripture I wanted us to focus on today is found in Matthew 6:33 KJV, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

According to Rick Renner, seek is the present imperative active form of the Greek word zeteo, and it depicts a constant attitude to actively and constantly seek for a thing. Zeteo is a command! Jesus was literally commanding us to actively and constantly be seeking after the Kingdom of God. God is so good! His word is there for us to know what we need to do to have everything we need in life. Jesus promised that if we seek Him first, everything else we need in life will be supplied to us.

“The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” — Psalms 34:10

Isn’t this good? 

The fact is, life is busy but in many cases we make time for what we really want to do. Sometimes we are just being lazy. I challenge you to continue to pursue Him, run after, chase after, and follow God. Put Him first and begin to watch things fall into place.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33 KJV

Seek Him first and everything else will fall into place.  

When I think about pursuing I think of a guy pursuing a girl. The guy will do whatever it takes to get the girls attention. I remember 28+ years ago while at Rhema Bible College, Brian and I had just begun dating. He got my attention for many reasons but one thing that always captured my heart was the hand written notes he would leave for me. There were no cell phones back in the day (I’m not that old) but he would write notes when he was on break at work, or just away from me. I was so amazed at the thought that someone was thinking about me. He would leave those notes on my car, on my apartment door, and at my job etc. He was pursuing me and he captured my heart and still has it. I love that I still on occasion find new notes that he has left for me. With that same passion, we should be pursuing Jesus. We should never stop pursuing Him!

Take time today to examine what you put first in your life. Does Netflix come before your time with Jesus? I know life can be demanding as you juggle work, family, laundry, cooking, cleaning, extracurricular activities, church, laundry, and did I say laundry?

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Mathew 6:33

The great promise to those who seek the Lord is that He will be found. “If you seek Him, He will be found by you” (1 Chronicles 28:9). And when He is found, there is great reward. “Whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). God himself is our greatest reward. And when we have Him, we have everything. Therefore, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (Psalm 105:4)

Now that we are in the second half of our fast don’t lose momentum. Step it up!  Make the decision to finish strong and continue to press in to all that God has for you during this special time of prayer and fasting. I believe we were born for such a time as this. How exciting! We have the opportunity to be used by God in mighty ways in these last days. Expect God to use you to reach a lost and dying world. We are His hands and feet. Now, let’s go into the world and preach the good news and lay hands on the sick and set those that are captive free. We have the answer…and it’s Jesus!

Don’t ever stop seeking God!

— Pastor Julie

Day 12: Spiritual Growth while Fasting

Spiritual Growth while Fasting
Pastor Brian Friday

Fasting provides an amazing opportunity for us to honestly and accurately assess ourselves before God. When we’re fasting, all the distractions that can cloud our view begin to fade and we have the opportunity to see ourselves without any false pretenses. This is our chance to grow closer to God and His will for our lives. 

3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. 6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
— Galatians 6:3-8 NKJV

Take advantage of every opportunity to really draw near to God. When you have a thought about Him or possibly an area where you’ve fallen short, don’t let that thought pass without dealing with it. It’s being brought to your attention, not to condemn you, but so that you can deal with it, repent, and receive strength from the Lord to experience more of the LIFE He gives. And, the amazing thing is that this process will allow you to be a greater blessing for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

11Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

14Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

An amazing thing happens when we embrace the process of fasting. There is great Spiritual Breakthrough personally, and corporately. (As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.)
— Ephesians 4:11-16

We not only grow individually, but we help each other grow which keeps the church healthy and growing.

So, we can see how important it is that we fast. We fast for ourselves but especially for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Stay the course, don’t grow weary, and watch what will happen! It helps when you’re feeling tempted and weak to know that it’s not just about you. When we know everyone is involved it helps us to keep our focus and keep on fasting, praying, and worshipping.

Stay focused, Great things are happening!

— Pastor Brian

Day 11: Worship Brings His Presence

As we continue with our fast, let’s not forget to spend time everyday in worship. Not just singing but worshiping. Worship brings a sensitivity to the presence of God and a satisfaction that nothing else can bring.

C S Lewis said, “ In the process of being worshiped…God communicates his presence to men.” 

What pleasure fills those who live every day in your temple, enjoying you as they worship in your presence! - Psalms 84:4 (TPT)

Instead of meditating on what you can’t eat or can’t do, enjoy the presence of the Lord knowing that this time of seeking God is going to produce great rewards in your life and the life of others. 

“For we have already experienced “heart-circumcision,” and we worship God in the power and freedom of the Holy Spirit, not in laws and religious duties. We are those who boast in what Jesus Christ has done and not in what we can accomplish in our own strength.”
- Philippians 3:3 (TPT)

Religion will want us to do this fast through our own strength but that would just be starving ourselves and trust me, that would leave us all frustrated. True worship brings strength, power, and freedom in the Holy Spirit. Draw on His strength today! 

“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.”
- John 4:23 NLT

Jesus tells us in John 4:23 that the Father is looking (or seeking) for people to worship Him. This tells me that when I sincerely worship Him, I have his attention. And who wouldn’t want that? So, give Him your attention and get His attention (His presence) through Worship today!

Notable Worship Quotes:

“I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.” — A.W. Tozer

“Worship changes the worshiper into the image of the One worshiped.” — Jack Hayford

“If you don’t worship… you’ll never experience God.” — David Jeremiah

“For years, the church has emphasized evangelism, teaching, fellowship, missions, and service to society to the neglect of the very source of its power – worship.” — Robert E. Webber

Oswald Chambers put it this way: “Worship is giving God the best that he has given you. Be careful what you do with the best you have. Whenever you get a blessing from God, give it back to him as a love gift. Take time to meditate before God and offer the blessing back to him in a deliberate act of worship.”

— Pastor Dennis

Day 10: You're it!

You’re It!
Pastor Datha Thomas

14 At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.

17 Jesus said, “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well.

19 Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”

20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” — Matthew 17:14-16

I believe the church is waking up and realizing that we must once again become vessels that are hungry for the signs and wonders that we read about in the Bible.

We only have to open our Bible and realize that fasting and praying are the keys to unlock the realm of the spirit. These verses in Matthew chapter 17 have always challenged me as a Christian. I have also wondered when situations did not change or it seemed that someone was not heard, “why not?”.

When the disciples wanted to know why they did not cast out the demon, Jesus was quick to give them the answer. The Word of God said, “This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”.

We have to be challenged by the Word and realize that if we want greater miracles than we must increase our time of prayer and fasting. I loved playing tag especially when the tagger would say, “YOU’RE IT!”. This is how I feel about Jesus calling us to be used of God for signs and wonders — “YOU’RE IT!”.

Prayer and fasting is the doorway to the supernatural presence and power of God. In the Word, we find over and over again that prayer and fasting is the key for miracles, signs, and wonders.

In the New Testament, there were a group of prophets and teachers gathered together in the church at Antioch and were ministering to the Lord and fasting. The Spirit of God moved and the course of history was changed!

2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. 5 There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant.

6 Afterward they traveled from town to town across the entire island until finally they reached Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing.

9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye.10 Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him.

12 When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord. — Acts 13 : 2-12

WOW WOW WOW! So much could be taught through these scriptures. One of the most challenging parts of these scriptures is to understand that they spent time ministering to the Lord and as a result the Holy Spirit gave them instructions.

Paul and Barnabas were chosen to be sent out as team members not by the congregation but by the Spirit of God. This was a divine hook-up! I believe that Paul being chosen and sent out to the Gentiles was a decision that could not have been made by man. Too often, we are guided by what we think. Once again, we are challenged by the truth that fasting and praying will result in us choosing to be led by the Spirit of God and not our own thinking. Their fasting and praying revealed the will of God and as a result the gospel spread throughout the Roman Empire! This became a move of God that could not be stopped. You must be prepared for challenges by the enemy but know that the enemy cannot stop you from fulfilling your destiny. You may have been hindered for a season but never give up!

Prayer and fasting is mentioned throughout the Bible.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. — Romans 8:14-18

As joint heirs with Jesus, we carry the power and authority of the King. We must begin to think with a kingdom mentality and approach God’s throne with confidence. Jesus declared the Word of God when He ministered. We must also declare that the power of God is in us and that signs and wonders will follow us as believers!

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” — Luke 4: 18-21

Christians! Let us boldly declare that we are believers and that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is on us as a result of our prayer and fasting. Now, let us go and do the work of the ministry!

— Pastor Datha

Fasting information available at theseedchurch.com/2022

Day 9: The Missing Ingredient

The Missing Ingredient
Pastor Kempie Womble

Jesus has given each of us a blueprint to live by to have victory in our lives.

In Matthew 6, Jesus gives us instructions on how to live as children of God: what to do when we pray, what to do when we give, and what to do when we fast. He doesn’t say, if you pray, if you give, or if you fast, rather, when to pray, when to give, and when to fast. So, praying, giving, and fasting are a package deal that when mixed together produces powerful results. 

In Mark 9, the disciples ask Jesus why they couldn’t cast out the demon and Jesus replied, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” So, this tells me fasting is an important ingredient to prayer. Fasting produced enough power in Mark 9 to set a man free from demonic spirits.

What set him free? Not just praying but praying and fasting. 

Most Christians pray and give as a normal way of life. Is fasting just a yearly event in your life or do you set aside a time for fasting? 

Jesus makes it clear that praying, giving, and fasting are normal parts of a Christian’s life. So, as believers, fasting should be a regular occurrence in our lives. Praying, giving, and fasting produces a powerful package! 

 Fasting could be the missing ingredient to your unanswered prayers.

Just a thought!  

28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”

29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

— Mark 9:28-29 NKJ

— Pastor Kempie

 

 

Day 8: Happy are the people whose strength is in Him

Happy are the People whose Strength is in Him
Pastor Lisa Womble

“How happy are those who reside in Your house, who praise you continuously. 5 Happy are the people whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” (HCSB) — Psalm 84:4-5


Happiness is found in the House of God. It's found in His presence.

In His presence there is:

  • fullness of joy

  • strength

  • help

  • protection

  • grace and mercy

  • healing

  • deliverance

  • salvation

  • _________ whatever you need from Him

There is no better place than the house of God where we get to worship and hear the Word with our fellow brothers and sisters. Unfortunately, we can't be in his house 24/7 because we live in a world where we have to work, take care of our families, and deal with things in the natural realm. 

But we can reduce the influence/noise of the physical world by increasing the volume of the spiritual realm. Praying in tongues, turning praise and worship up loud, singing and dancing, studying the Word, and reading good teaching books. 

What a great time to draw close to God and drown out the noise of the world. Draw happiness from His presence. Learn to find happiness in every situation. 

Love, 

Pastor Lisa

You have completed a week because you have set your heart on the journey!

Day 7: Disciples Help Others Follow Jesus

Disciples Help Others Follow Jesus
Pastor Caleb Womble

“For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 NLT

Who are the people in our lives that we truly imitate? I know that when I was younger my dad was my superman. There was nothing that my dad could not do and I constantly would watch every move that he made. I would study him because my greatest goal was to be like my dad. Still, to this day I call him all of the time to learn how to do stuff. I spent my childhood always bragging to my friends about how my dad played college football and how it was my goal to do the same. Although not at the same level, I did end up getting to follow in my dad’s foot steps and play college football. Little did I know that football wouldn’t be the only area that I would follow my dad’s example. I then began to work for the ministry and now I am getting to spread the Kingdom with him.

I say all of that to say — I wanted to imitate my dad to be the best that I could be. He was and is an amazing example of a person that worked hard to take care of his family and most importantly to serve God. I am completely humbled (well maybe not completely lol) because my dad taught me almost everything I know. He taught me by walking with me daily and allowing me to try, allowing me to succeed, and allowing me to fail. He was always there to rejoice with me and to correct me. I wish everyone had someone who was willing to pour into their life as well.

As a disciple, it is essential for us to help others to follow Jesus. We are all in this together, believe it or not. We truly are working together to find ways to reach even more people for God’s Kingdom. One of the greatest goals of a disciple should be to multiply His Kingdom. This ideal should always be our mindset and our goal. I ask our students all of the time, “Who have you talked to at school this week about Jesus?”. I challenge them every week to wake up in the morning and ask God to show them someone at school that they can reach. As we continue to grow as disciples we have to remember that we are not only looking to be poured into but that we are looking to find others that we can pour into as well. 

The greatest way to continue to build God’s Army is to pour into the lives of those who are walking with us already. Some people just don’t know what to do to follow Jesus. They really have no clue what it means to be a disciple. One of the many things I love about The Seed Church is that we are given the resources, training, and tools to develop into what it truly means to be a disciple. If we have been a part of The Seed Church for some time now, we really have no excuse to not be out winning people to Christ. We have been taught and equipped with everything we need. 2022 is our year to go out with boldness and to not only win souls but to help disciple people. Many people really believe that it’s just checking an attendance box off for coming to church or helping occasionally with service projects. Most people do not understand that being a disciple can and should be a complete life change. Being a disciple does not mean that we are an occasional or carnal Christian but that we are called to go much deeper as a result of our relationship with Christ.

As we look into Paul’s letter to the people of Thessalonica, we are watching as Paul is actually scolding them for being lazy Christians. He writes about the example that he laid out for them when he was in Thessalonica where he wanted to do everything possible to make sure others knew that being a disciple meant to imitate Jesus in every area for others to see. Unfortunately, the people of Thessalonica became stagnant and lazy. They wanted to receive payment for who they were and not because of their hard work. So, Paul does what Paul does best and spoke to them with authority and told them that they needed to get their act together and stop relying or waiting for Christ to return.  They had an attitude of not wanting to put in any effort because Christ was coming soon. Sound familiar? 

We are not supposed to sit back and live off of the lives of those that went before us. We are to set an example for others and urge each other on towards completion in Christ. We are to walk beside each other, hold each other accountable, and help others to draw strength in times of need. There is a a genuine need for true disciples in this generation. Otherwise, the church becomes more of a social club and less about multiplying the Kingdom.

MAKE DISCIPLES: Jesus was very adamant about what our calling needed to be in regards to being a disciple. He has called us to make more disciples. Remember in scripture when many asked to go and take care of their affairs or to go and bury their parents? Jesus simply replied, “let the dead bury the dead”. Jesus was not insensitive to their request but it was a test of their heart. A test of whether they could become a disciple, forsake all else, and follow Jesus.

”No one who puts his hands to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”  — Luke 9:62

Jesus was simply stating that we who have decided to commit our lives to God have repented from our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ and have committed to move forward. When we look back and take our eyes off of Jesus is when our lives can become crooked and our fields will not yield a full harvest. If our focus isn’t on Jesus then we will find ourselves struggling to grow deeper as a disciple and fail to produce. 

When we look into this on a personal level, ask yourself these key questions:

  1. Do I consider myself a disciple of Christ?

  2. If yes, how am I growing in my walk daily with God?

  3. Who has God placed in my path to walk beside and nurture to become a stronger disciple as well?

  4. If no, do I need someone to walk beside me to help me become a stronger disciple so that I can begin to help others in their walk as well?

These are questions we need to ask ourselves daily, and we need to be honest with our answers. Who is leading you and who are you leading to be a stronger disciple for God?

— Pastor Caleb

For fasting information and devotional visit theseedchurch.com/2022

Day 6: Is it Worth It?

Is It Worth It?
Pastor Julie Friday

You made it to day 6 Whoo hoo!!! Only 15 days to go!  If by chance you started the fast strong and suddenly gave into the sounds of hunger pains just jump back in. You can do this!!! It’s time to pull out the Spiritual Q tips and clean out the junk that may be causing us not to hear from the Lord clearly.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27 NLT

”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.” — Acts 13:2

”For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” — John 6:63

Here’s a funny story:

I remember MANY years back Brian and I were on a 3 day full fast. We were believing God for breakthrough in an area of our life and needed to hear His voice clearly. I remember it well. I woke up that morning ready to do damage to the devil’s kingdom through fasting and prayer. 

When I woke up the loudest sounds began to erupt from my stomach as if I hadn’t eaten in weeks. I pushed through the growling and started my day.  Work ended and it was time to get dinner started for the kids. I planned a super easy meal so I didn’t have to be in the kitchen around food for a long period of time. Remember this was day one of our three-day water/juice fast. The meal was frozen chicken fingers, boxed Macaroni and cheese, and peas.  Now that doesn’t sound exciting at all!

I poured the noodles into the boiling water and they began to cook. Next I strained the noodles and then it was time to add the butter, milk and cheese. That’s when it happened. All of the sudden that fake processed cheese had an angelic sound (lol) and I could hear an evil voice saying, “take a bite just a little bite…I’m delicious”.  Sound familiar?

My flesh was screaming for just one taste. Come on really? Yes, really! As I mixed in the fake processed cheese with the butter and milk I literally could hear my stomach manifesting as if I hadn’t eaten in weeks.  It hadn’t even been 24 hours. The aroma coming up from the pot smelled divine.  As I made one final stir I scooped up a cheesy spoonful and as it was heading toward my mouth (Sounds ridiculous I know but remember this was a long time ago), I heard the words, “Is it really worth it?”. I stopped immediately and threw the fork down and thought to myself, “why would I trade hearing God’s voice clearer for a spoonful of boxed mac and cheese?”, and better yet, “why would I trade it for anything!”. 

We serve a big God that loves us and fasting is a small sacrifice that brings proper spiritual perspective.  We live in the world and our lives are busy, therefore, it’s easy to become desensitized and spiritually lazy if we don’t stand guard!

Back to my story:

Good news! I didn’t give in, I had victory over my flesh, and we experienced breakthrough in our lives. I began to tell my body what it was going to do and not allow my body to tell me what to do.  Sadly, we too often give in to our feelings instead of being led by the Spirit.

Fasting helps us get our 20/20 vision back.  With the world we live in and the culture around us we can easily fall into the traps and allow our spiritual senses to become dull. Fasting helps sharpen those senses! What you feed on the most will become the strongest part of you. Fasting is time to get things back in proper perspective and put our flesh in its proper place. We should be led by our spirit and not led by how we feel (our flesh). It’s really funny to think about now but the battle was real. My flesh was screaming for a generic box of processed mac and cheese. 

You will feel tempted. You will feel like you have every excuse to quit but push through for great is your reward! This is a special time to be refreshed and receive a fresh anointing to do what God has called you to do.

“But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.” —1 John 2:27 NLT

“But the wonderful anointing you have received from God is so much greater than their deception and now lives in you. There’s no need for anyone to keep teaching you. His anointing teaches you all that you need to know, for it will lead you into truth, not a counterfeit. So just as the anointing has taught you, remain in him.”
—1 John 2:27 TPT

Let’s fulfill the divine plan God has for us. Stay connected to Him and don’t allow your feelings to drive you, rather, be led by the Holy Spirit and walk in the authority God has given to every believer.

— Pastor Julie

For fasting information and devotionals visit theseedchurch.com/2022


Day 5: Be Persistent in Prayer

Be Persistent in Prayer
Pastor Brian Friday

Praying in faith is an act of belief and trust. We believe what God’s word says and we pray in a way that affirms our full trust in Him. Pastor Lisa says it this way, “We pray from a place of victory, not defeat.” 

Sometimes the natural man can creep into our prayer times. We are a Spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body. We pray, worship, and connect to God through our spirit. Therefore, prayer is not based on how we feel emotionally or by our physical senses. 

So, as you pray, remember that the effectiveness of your prayer time is not based on your emotions or physical evidence. The heartfelt (spirit led), persistent prayer accomplishes much! I want to encourage you to be persistent in prayer. The older saints used to say, “pray until you pray through”. Brother Hagin, in prayer school, told us, “Pray until you sense a note of victory.”  

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” — James 5:16 KJV

The phrase effectual fervent prayer comes from the Greek word, Energeo. Strong’s concordance says, “to be operative, be at work, put forth power.”

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” — James 5:16 AMP

As you continue through this time of prayer and fasting be encouraged, be persistent, because your prayers are having a dynamic and tremendous impact. God is moving on your behalf when you trust and pray. Things are shaking and moving in the realm of the spirit. So, stay in the fight and know God is working as we labor in prayer.

— Pastor Brian Friday

For fasting information and daily devotional visit theseedchurch.com/2022

Day 4: The Joy of Fasting

The Joy of Fasting
Pastor Datha Thomas

We only have to open our Bibles to discover that fasting is not just Biblical but it is very effective spiritually! I think fasting is more important than most Christians realize. I was raised Pentecostal so for my family it was something that we did on a regular basis.

There is something about fasting that opens up the realm of the spirit to believers. It is one of those miraculous actions that releases the power of God into our lives. I believe that fasting is absolutely the way to know the Lord more intimately.

Right after I made the decision to live totally dedicated to God I knew I was to begin a fast. I told the Lord that after I finished my fast I knew that I would have insight into the Word and Him in a greater way than ever before. Truly, that is what happened.

The Greek word for fasting is “nest” which means, “do not eat”. The Bible doesn’t tell us how often but we see that the Word instructs us to make fasting a part of our lives.

Let us go over what God says are the 7 reasons for fasting and the benefits of fasting in Isaiah 58.

7 Reasons For Fasting

  1. To loose the bands of wickedness.

  2. To undo heavy burdens.

  3. To free the oppressed and break the yoke of bondage.

  4. To share food with the hungry.

  5. To provide shelter for the homeless.

  6. To clothe the naked.

  7. To provide for ones family.

When we fast with the right motive, God tells us the most amazing benefits:

  1. Your light shall break forth as the morning.

  2. Your healing shall spring forth speedily.

  3. Your righteousness shall go before you.

  4. The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

  5. You shall call and the Lord will answer you shall and He will say, Here I am.

  6. Your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.

  7. The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones.

  8. You shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

  9. You shall build up the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations and you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.

I want you to read what other great authors have written about fasting and prayer —

“Is fasting ever a bribe to get God to pay more attention to the petitions? No, a thousand times no. It is simply a way to make clear that we sufficiently reverence the amazing opportunity to ask help from the everlasting God, the Creator of the Universe, to choose to put everything else aside and concentrate on worshipping, asking for forgiveness, and making our requests known – considering His help more important than anything we could do ourselves in our own strength and with our own ideas.”
– Edith Schaeffer

“Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!”
- Andrew Murray

“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance but laying hold of His willingness”
- Martin Luther

Biblical fasting is always mixed with prayer and truly seeking the Lord. Fasting will produce great joy in approaching God. There will be like a spiritual revival in your life!

— Pastor Datha

For information and devotional visit theseedchurch.com/2022

Day 3: Release the Secret Weapon

Release the Secret Weapon
Pastor Dennis Maddox

“And whenever you stand praying, if you find that you carry something in your heart against another person, release him and forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also release you and forgive you of your faults.”

- Mark 11:25 TPT

This is the perfect time to allow God to purify our lives from any resentment, past hurts, or any grudges we may be holding on to. We’ve all had people that have either hurt us or brought disappointment to our lives. And let’s be honest, we’ve done the same to other people. As the father of division, the devil would love for you to constantly meditate on the flaws of others and to develop a critical spirit. Isn’t it amazing that the price has been paid for both our forgiveness and the forgiveness of others? The Greek word for forgiveness in Mark 11:25 is Apehiemi. It means to send away, to take away, or to release. 

If you truly forgive and release someone's offense, then you are able to look at them through the eyes of Jesus. It’s your choice. Here are some ways to apply:

Instead of judgement — choose mercy. 

Instead of criticism — give them instruction.

Instead of being cynical — be optimistic.

Instead of constant suspicion — give them an opportunity to be trusted.


Remember Peter denied Jesus three times! Yet he went on to be used mightily in the book of Acts. What if the other disciples decided to not forgive him?

Paul persecuted Christians and was even responsible for the stoning of Stephen. After his conversion, he went on to write two-thirds of the New Testament. I’m sure he ran into a lot of skepticism from other believers. What if the apostles chose to not accept him?

John Mark left Paul and Barnabas on their first Missionary trip causing division between Paul and Barnabas. Mark went with Barnabas but later on in life was reunited with Paul. Because of his training with Paul and the other apostles, Mark was able to write the Gospel of Mark. What if Paul had not forgiven him? Looking through the eyes of men, Paul had every right to not forgive him.

Remember, we look through the eyes of Jesus. Pray and release the secret weapon of forgiveness and look at your world differently today! 

Pastor Dennis

Day 2: Conditioning Your Heart For Fasting

In the world that we live in it seems that everything we do or have requires that we follow certain conditions. Manufacturers have conditions on their products that must be met in order for their designs to be successful.

Conditions or instructions are intended for us to follow to get the full benefit of a product. If those conditions are not followed, then we put ourselves in jeopardy of the product not operating as the manufacturer designed.

There is a reason that you see road signs in the mountains that say, “Sharp Curve Ahead”. If we don’t pay attention to those conditions, there is a good chance we will run off the mountain causing harm to ourselves and others.

Well, we just had Christmas and my wife decided (on her own) to order a kitchenette online for our granddaughter. Needless to say, it came unassembled and it appeared to have 1,000 pieces. I thought I was through with putting gifts together and especially toys with so many parts. Well, this kitchenette required that I follow 16 steps to complete. Somehow during the assembly process I skipped steps 8 through 10. I failed to follow the steps in order! I had to disassemble and go back to step 4 and start again. Therefore, it took twice as long to complete the kitchenette. If only I had stuck to the manufacturer’s instructions, I would have saved so much time and energy.

Fasting also has conditions. For us to have the results that we are praying and fasting for we must first follow the conditions found in God’s Word. When we pray and fast we must meet these conditions in order to experience the rewards of fasting.

The key is to be operating in the love of God to see results.

The Bible says in Proverbs 6:16-19 that the Lord detests 7 things: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who sows discord in a family.

So as you continue your fast make sure you get rid of all unforgiveness, bitterness, strife, gossip and any other thing that keeps you from operating in your love walk with God.

Don’t give the devil any room to destroy what you are fasting & believing for. Get all God has for you. His reward is well worth it!

Pastor Kempie



Day 1: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving
Pastor Lisa

“We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers. 3 We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 knowing your election, brothers loved by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we were among you for your benefit, 6 and you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. 7 As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For the Lord’s message rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith[c] in God has gone out.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

Today is the first day of fasting and we want you to know how thankful we are for each and everyone of you — “your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” not only blesses us but every new person who walks through the doors of the church. The presence of God is tangible, the testimonies of God’s goodness is beyond our wildest dreams, and they just keep coming and coming!

While beginning the fast is exciting, you will soon have to push through the mental and physical challenges that will come. Your stomach will grumble and complain, you may or will have a headache — but to get the benefits from fasting, you will have to press through. Remember, this is about denying our flesh and feeding our spirit! Make sure to spend time in the Word, more time in praise & worship, and more time waiting on Him.

This is an exciting time at The Seed Church. We are building His house in 2022!

Pastor Lisa

21 Day Devotional

Check back daily beginning January 2nd for a daily devotional by our pastors and ministerial staff! We’re excited to kick off the year with a time of prayer and fasting — to position ourselves to hear from God for direction for not only our personal lives but as church.

Day 1-3: FULL FAST

Day 4-21: Daniel Fast (Information for daniel fast available at https://www.daniel-fast.com )

Devotional: The Seed Church Devotional by pastors and ministry staff

Tuesdays: Corporate Prayer 7pm

Break the fast: Saturday, January 22nd at 6pm

Ep. 80 - Let's Win Souls!

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and whoever captures souls is wise.” - Proverbs 11:30 ESV

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” - James 5:19-20 ESV

If we really love God and have received this free gift of salvation — then we should want to share it! Winning souls is the heart of God. He so loves us, that he sacrificed His son to literally snatch us out of Hell.

“You have never locked eyes with another person that God does not love.”
— Sister Vesta Mangun

Soul winning is something that God takes seriously, therefore, we should also make it our priority. It is not our wisdom or our fancy words that will win people. It is the power of the gospel.

As we were praying for souls during our Tuesday night corporate prayer, I began to pray for the laborers. I continued hearing the word, “unconventional”. — “I am raising up laborers that will be used, not even knowing that are being used. It will be a word, a phrase, a motion, a look, that triggers a memory of the love of God they felt in the past. It will draw them back into the house of God and into the presence of God!”

Let’s get busy soul winning and become the laborers!

“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” - 1 Peter 3:15 ESV

“By your endurance you will gain your lives.” - Luke 21:19 ESV

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” - Romans 1:16

Crazy About Jesus is BACK!

Pastors Lisa and Kempie are excited to announce Crazy About Jesus is BACK! This weekend they’ve asked some of their staff to sit in on the podcast and give some feedback from last weekend’s Marriage Conference.

XO Marriage 2021 did not disappoint! It is amazing year after year, we learn something new! It never gets old! Great topics - The Unshakeable Marriage, Marriage in Transition, Joy, Loving with Your Whole Heart, and also everyone’s favorite: Let’s Get Naked!

“The more I read scripture the more it reads me.”
— Tim Ross

Pastor Lisa’s Take Away from XO: The Word of God is our foundation — it is unshakeable. The Word is a powerful force that will change you and change your marriage.

  • Make the Word and your Marriage #1

  • Work at it!

  • Share in the marriage

If you attended XO this year, leave your take-away below! Join us on the newest episode of Crazy About Jesus where we start off with a discussion on — Is Marriage Easy?!?


XO 2022

We are already making plans for 2022 but we are also excited about our Marriage tune-up that happens every Fall with Pastor Lisa and Kempie. Make sure to join our Facebook Group to get the latest details!

The Tipping Point: Sections 5 & 6

No matter how you look at things or how you interpret scripture, it is hard to deny the fact that the rapture of the church is close at hand. I have always been taught to plan as though Jesus is not returning for another hundred years; but live as though He is coming today. In other words, plan for my future wisely, get an education, a career, retirement plan, and all the things we will need to survive to live in the natural. However, I am to live my life (spiritually) as someone who is holy and dedicated to the Lord.

“The day of judgement is either approaching, or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause of an adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty…” - p.192

We must live holy lives so that we can stay in tune with the Holy Spirit and be able to discern the times. God knew you would be alive now and He had confidence in your ability to stand and to be a witness to others. He left us these signs to not grow weary in well doing but to live with a great urgency for winning the lost.

I encourage you to read the many signs according to the calendars God gave us:

  • The Days of Creation

  • Counting the Years

  • Biblical Symbols

“Whether I have shown this to you through Israel, a falling away from the truth, the advances in technology, the way the calendar corresponds to Biblical prophecy, or something else, I am basing my observations on what I read in the Bible.” - p. 211

God loves us so much, He gave us these signs so that we would be prepared and ready! As we seek Him, He reveals more and more of Himself to us. He wants us confident, full of courage, and fearless.

Let’s remain steadfast, in position, and in tune with the Holy Spirit. You’ve got this!

Love,

Pastor Lisa

P.S. - Did you see that the marriage supper lasts 7 years? We eat for 7 years! What a feast that must be!

What stood out to you? Join me in our facebook group