Day 3 of 10 - Pressing In

10:30 PMWhat an amazing time with each other and the Lord tonight.

As with the title for today, I felt that we would be pressing in. I asked how many people had physical problems (sickness, etc.) happening in their lives since starting the fast. Many raised their hands. The scripture I had was Philippians 3:7-14 where Paul writes that he didn't care about his past but that he was completely focused on pressing "toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." That together, we had this common goal and we were going to move forward in it.

Prayer started with repentance for the slumbering spirits that came up last night.  Forgiveness was asked for the willful disobedience that led to it.  Then desire was expressed to hear God from our spirits through his Word--that the Word would be filled with life for us again.

After many expressions of love to God, someone repented for our lack of love in not obeying Christ.  Then courage and strength were asked for to be able to obey Christ even when it is difficult.  That our love would grow to overcome our fears.

There was a calling back of those who had walked away from church or Christ.  A calling to those who had left because of seeing others as hypocritical; those who had allowed the business of their existence to crowd out God and His people; those who had become confused due to opinions or teachings.

During a song that cried for God to hear from heaven, proclamation arose that God did hear us from heaven. Our prayers are being heard and answered. God is paying attention to us. The song shifted to "You hear us from heaven." Hebrews 11:6 was declared, that "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Declaration came forth that we would not tolerate violence, thievery and bullying in our community.  That the light of Christ is going forth into the community and the darkness cannot hide from it. The light will push back the darkness.

1 Kings 18:29-39 was read about Elijah on Mount Carmel.  We are to be the dwelling place of God so that people can know, "The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!" The Lord was petitioned to help us rebuild His altars in our lives and forgive us for letting them be broken down. Also prayer that the Lord would rebuild His altars in our community.

During worship, Chris painted an image of a man with his hands raised to God asking where He was in the midst of his storm. The man was standing in the palm of God's hand. Whatever storms we may be facing, we are in the very palm of God.

I closed with Colossians 2:8-15 which stated that Christ is the head of all principality & power and that He also disarmed them against us by His triumph on the cross. I believe God is tearing down principalities over Clareview. He is triumphing over them. They must back away.

I asked how many were feeling different than when they came and many raised their hands. The things that were weighing them or burdening them had lifted.

What a great night!  I'm so excited for tomorrow.