Snowtober

Due to the snow storm, we had to cancel our Saturday evening service.

The water baptism service, planned for tonight, has been rescheduled for next Saturday, November 4th.

The MonsterBash will be tomorrow during our regular Sunday worship experiences at 9, 10:30, 12 and 2pm. Don't miss out on all the fun, candy, games and more. Each service will also include an action-packed Gospel presentation.

Please make every effort to attend our 9 and Noon worship experience tomorrow to free up space in the 10:30 worship experience. Thanks again!

Daniel Fast Day #11

Psalm 35:13 "I afflicted myself with fasting."

The first time I read this verse written by King David I was like, 'Totally feel ya bro. This fasting thing is tough on the body."

But then I realized that the word "affliction" is best defined as "humility."

To fast is to truly humble yourself. It's amazing how much my body and my physical appetite can control my life. It's humbling to realize that there are things in my life that have been brought to the surface during this season of fasting. It's caused me to deal with certain attitudes, reactions to particular people or just my disposition and general demeanor.

But fasting is bring my flesh under submission to my spirit - or better yet - the Spirit of the Living God inside of me. Fasting will truly position anyone to deal with the junk in their life and obtain victory for the glory of God.

I'm so glad we are half through this fast and I'm excited to see all that God will do in us in the second half. Don't give up!

Daniel Fast Day #9

Here are some of the specific things I am fasting for:

• For clarity of vision in life and ministry
• For a successful Unstoppable Initiative, including clarity on what Bekah and I are to give financially over the next 3 years
• For my family and their health and for the development and growth in wisdom for my kids
• For the church elders, staff and their families
• For unity in the church and commitment to the vision
• For the lost in our community. That we may reach more for Jesus in the next year than ever before.
• For a spiritual hunger to be awakened in our church that we may go to a new level of faith and growth.

Daniel Fast Day #6

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 6:5

It's no secret I enjoy a great meal. But after every feast, I'm always hungry again in less than a few hours - never truly satisfied. 

You don't realize how powerful your hunger for food really is until you fast. Simply denying myself the food I eat on a typical day has awakened a giant in my gut. The first few days of the fast my flesh was screaming to be satisfied. 

Interestingly though, the more I've prayed and fasted the quieter those hunger pangs became. Now almost a full week into the fast my insatiable desire for food has almost been tamed. What's more than my appetite being in check is that I have a heightened sense of taste for the food that I do eat.

What's true of my physical nature is also true of my spiritual nature. I sense a renewed desire for God's Word and spending time in his presence. There is a heightened spiritual sense in each moment as I experience the Spirit of God with me through the day in conversations with my wife, as I parent my kids, and go about my work and ministry to others. 

Here's the kicker: at the end of each day there is deep satisfaction with the time I've spent in God's Word and in prayer. God truly does satisfy those who hunger for more of Him and His Word. 

Daniel Fast Day #5

My friend Sam died today.

Daniel Fast Day #4

"Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart." Psalm 119:2

God promises to bless the person who does two things:

1) Stay in the Word.

In other words, don't be distracted by the things of this world. Stay in the Word of God. Keep His testimonies. Don't let your faith be derailed by the cares of this world and the pursuits of the flesh. Refuse to jettison your faith and chunk your character for the pleasures or possessions of this momentary life.

2) Seek Jesus with passion.

The Bible says God will bless you if you seek him with your whole heart. Jesus said, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." (Mt. 6:34) Make my relationship with God through faith in Jesus the top priority of my life. The ability to cultivate spiritual intimacy with Christ will provide the pathway to blessings in this life and the next.

Daniel Fast Day #3

Today I'm praying and fasting for my friend Sam. Sam and his wife, Charlotte, are founding members of Pocono Community Church. For the past nine years, Sam has been a faithful friend and source of encouragement. He is the Treasurer of the Elder Team and serves as a part of the Greeter and Prayer Team, as well.

Last week Sam went to the hospital because he had been bleeding internally and experiencing a great deal of pain. In the past week, the doctors have discovered that Sam has Stage IV cancer that has affected his liver, pancreas, lungs and brain. His body showed no sign of cancer only 4 months ago in a CT Scan. Last night Sam's health deteriorated and he was taken into the ICU where he suffered a stroke and further complications.

As of now, Sam has been taken to hospice where all they can do is make him as comfortable as possible. Please pray with me that God will be merciful and compassionate and that His will be done. Also, please pray for Charlotte and Sam's children and grandchildren. May the God of all comfort be their peace.

Daniel Fast Day #2

1 Chronicles 21 tells of a time in King David's life when he was directed to offer a special sacrifice to the Lord. When someone tried to step in a relieve the burden of his sacrifice, King David said, "No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing." 1 Chronicles 21:24

Some have asked me if giving up soda or chocolate was "enough" for God to bless them during this time of fasting and prayer. I think King David makes it clear that whatever we do for the Lord should require significant sacrifice. If it doesn't cost you something, then it's not worth anything.

What are you willing to give up for God?

Daniel Fast Day #1

For the next 21 days Pocono Community Church is participating in the Daniel Fast. I'll be sharing some things that Lord is speaking to my heart during this time of prayer and fasting. If you would like to join us, please go here to download details of the fast and start today.