On Wednesday, February 7th through Friday, February 9, 2024, we shall embark upon a sacred journey for three days, marked by prayer and fasting. Our goal is to be in fasting each day from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Under the banner of the theme “Go Forward” we draw upon the sacred words of Exodus 14: 15. “And the LORD said unto Moses, wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:"
We are reminded by our Pastor, Leon Gordon, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost that we should “Go Forward” this year in several areas. It is a reminder because we the body of Believers are mandated by God to fulfill His call. We are living in precarious times, and we must ensure that we fulfill God’s purpose and plans for our lives.
In Exodus 14, the children of Israel were faced with severe circumstances. They were making their departure from Egypt where they were under extreme pressure and persecutions by the hand of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. They were now instructed by God under the leadership of Moses to make their exit to the promised land - Canaan. The Lord provided step-by-step instructions for them in the direction that they should take as they journeyed. He instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea over against Baal-zephon. We must understand that obeying God's guidance is crucial for our success.
God wanted Pharaoh to think that the children of Israel were entangled in the land. Yes! They had the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh and his army behind them. So, if we walk by sight they indeed were entangled, but if we walk in the Spirit, we know that God who knows all things had a plan. God wanted the Israelites to know that He was their protector. We read in Jeremiah 32:27 “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? This scripture reminds us of God’s unfailing love and protection. God made the impossible possible by opening the Red Sea for the Children of Israel to cross on dry land. He allowed Pharaoh and his army to enter, then closed the sea, drowning them. Saints let us allow the Lord to lead and guide us this year as we seek to accomplish His will for our lives. The Lord who has called us to this work will give us the wisdom and knowledge to finish the task. At times, we may feel overwhelmed by circumstances, thinking there's no way out. As humans, we often try to solve things on our own, but as believers, we trust in a God who will always bring us through. Exodus 14:13 “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever”. In our journey, some paths may seem daunting, but remember, God is always by our side, guiding us through. We gain encouragement from Isaiah 43:2 which reminds us that we are never alone, so we don’t
have to be in despair. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee”. This year we are encouraged to “Go Forward” in seven areas let us ensure that we do our endeavor best to fulfill these tasks:
(1) Church Attendance; (2) Prayer and Fasting; (3) Discipleship; (4) Sacrificial giving; (5) Evangelism; (6) Bible Reading and Studying; and lastly (7) Fellowship. Saints let's boldly fulfill God's mandates. With the Lord's help, UAC, we are well able to go forward!
Day 1 – Wednesday, February 7, 2024:
(5am – Exodus 14:1-18); (12 pm – Ephesians 4:); (8 pm -Philippians 3: 1-15)
Focus - Pray that the body of Christ will fulfill the mandates of God on their lives:
1. Pray that we will walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
2. Pray for complete trust in the Lord, not relying on our understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
3. Pray for us to strive for the prize of God's calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
4. Pray for us to cast off every weight and sin (Hebrews 12:1).
5. Pray for our steadfast commitment to the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
6. Pray for our transformation, not conformity to the world (Romans 12:2).
7. Pray for our commitment to fasting, prayer, and studying God's Word (Acts 14:23).
Day 2 – Thursday, February 8, 2024:
(5:00 a.m.– Acts 6:1-7); (12 pm – Joshua 1:1-9)
Focus – Pray for our leaders:
1. Pray for leaders to engage in prayer, fasting, and studying the Word for effective ministry to the body of Christ. (Acts 6:4).
2. Pray for leaders to remain vigilant against the adversary (1 Peter 5:8).
3. Pray that our Leaders will not be burdened by ministry and become despondent (Galatians 6:9).
4. Pray that our Leaders will be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
5. Pray for leaders to receive wisdom in overseeing both the assemblies and themselves (Proverbs 4:7).
6. Pray that the anointing of God will be upon our leaders and that yokes will be broken in our assemblies (Isaiah 10:27).
7. Pray that our leaders will make their faces like flint as they lead the body of Christ (Isaiah 50:7).
Day 3 – Friday, February 9, 2024:
(5 am – St. Matthew 5:13-20); (12pm – Ephesians 5:1-8); (7-9pm - Matthew 9:27-38)
Focus - Pray that we will impact our world for the Kingdom:
1. Pray we will be light to those who walk in darkness (St. Luke 1:79).
2. Pray that we will develop a burden to reach the lost (St. Matthew 10:6).
3. Pray that the eyes of those in darkness may be open as we share this Apostolic truth (Acts 26:18)
4. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send laborers into the vineyard (St. Matthew 9:38).
5. Pray that God will take away the stony heart from those who are not saved and give them a heart of flesh to accept the gospel (Ezekiel 36:25-27).