“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Prayer: “Dear God, may You not only heal our church, but heal our land.”
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( 3.1 / 42 )Tonight is the first of our two Christmas Feasts when we will be sharing the excitement of what the next decade at Gateway Church will be about. Many of you have already signed up and have planned to come. Church is a participatory event, and you will not just be asked to watch, but to play a part through your service and giving these next ten years. So, as Paul challenges the church at Corinth in chapter 8, be ready and prepared in your heart and life to give an offering, and to seek a place of service these coming years. We must remember what we have before us is not automatic, it’s an opportunity. Come dressed up, prayed up and hungry! And we will see you at 6pm. In Christ, Pastor Mark – If you have been receiving these 20/20 devotionals and would like to comment, please reply to this email so that we know who is really connecting with this method. PTL!
“Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.”
2 Corinthians 8:10,11 (NLT)
Prayer: “Dear God, help me to have the courage to give according to what You have given to me.”
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( 3.1 / 36 )Today we read Nehemiah, chapter six, the conclusion of the story of Jerusalem’s wall being rebuilt. For 70 years, the walls were in ruins. It was a disgrace to the leadership, and a deterrent to the city ever being great again. This barrier was crucial for the people’s protection; the walls had to be built, the gates hung and the bars set, and this was no easy task. When Nehemiah came he wept and prayed over the city, and then he made a decision that every great leader makes: he would not just be sad and sulk about the situation, he would be motivated to change it. He would not just grieve; Nehemiah would give of his energy and resources. What followed is an inspiring story of almost everyone pitching in and accomplishing this God inspired and man-made monument to faith, cooperation, and sacrifice. 52 days, that is all it took. And now here we are at Gateway Church with the past as simply a prelude to the future. With God’s help we need to make a difference in East County and greater San Diego. It is my hope and prayer that all of us would pitch in and set a stone for God’s kingdom as we give, serve and go.
“So on October 2 (the twenty-fifth of Elul) the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.” Nehemiah 6:15,16 (NLT)
Prayer: “Dear God, help us all to do Your work so well that our enemy will be astonished.”
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( 3 / 44 )In Genesis 4, we learn there are two different ways to give. One says, “God, I will give You what You have asked, the first portion and the fat portion.” Another says, in essence, “God, I will give You whatever I choose. I am not going out of my way. I am not going to be inconvenienced. Here it is; take it or leave it.” From an earthly perspective, Cain and Abel both gave what they had. One, a farmer, gave from his field. The other, a shepherd, gave a blood sacrifice from his flock. But from Heaven’s perspective, Abel gave what God was asking, and so should we, every single one of us, praying, “What are You asking me to contribute?” “What are You asking from my life?” And then with the spirit of Abel, fulfill what the Lord has asked you to do, and He will accept it.
“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” Genesis 4:3,4 (NIV)
Prayer: “ Dear God, give me that heart of Abel rather than the spirit of Cain.”
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( 2.9 / 45 )Jonah chapter 3 is all about a second chance. 2010 is really going to be a homecoming for two of the men I respect the most. The Lord is giving Sam Williams a second opportunity to teach and preach here on a regular basis after a 17-year absence in the San Diego area. I am also thrilled God is bringing back Don Howell for a second time at Gateway to help lead one of our worship services. For some people in our congregation, change is always a challenge, but my encouragement to all is to let 2010 unfold in a natural and Godly way, not with murmuring and complaining. Lets all take a new test drive with Jesus and see where He leads us next year.
“Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.’ ” Jonah 3:1,2 (NLT)
Prayer: “Dear God, thank You for the “second chance” to serve You, and help me to be faithful with this opportunity.”
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