Any building that’s going to be tall or considerable has a significant foundation. Building a foundation is boring, though. I remember when our house in Texas was being built: the gray, drab concrete gave no indication of how beautiful the house was going to be once finished. The slab wasn’t interesting to look at. When the framing went up, we actually got excited to look and walk through the property.
What if we had rushed the foundation or tried to short cut it because it was boring? What if the six feet of concrete needed for construction ended up only 2 feet because we decided the cost was too high? How would things look today if we decided the plans weren’t necessary and we could just skip that step?
It sounds ridiculous yet that’s exactly how we treat our lives. We all would love a “get rich quick” scheme. No one gets excited about starting at the bottom and working her way up the corporate ladder. We want the platform without the paying a price. We all want God to bless us but we oftentimes aren’t willing to get messy and do the behind-the-scenes preparation that’s needed. He wants to build a foundation in us that can withstand the test of time. He wants to do something significant in us but there’s work to be done first.
As we kick off 2013, Lift Church is doing a corporate 21 day fast. We are building a foundation for our year by pressing into God in a deeper way. I was led to a scripture that says, “When we sow to please the flesh, we reap destruction. When we sow to please the spirit, we reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8). I’m good at sowing into my flesh. I spend a lot of time doing what pleases ME. Over the next 21 days, I’m going to focus more on pleasing my spirit and laying the groundwork for my year.
2013 is a year to be strong and mighty in Christ. Powerful in breakthrough for Lift Church. Deep and wide in our family and relationships. Far-reaching in our community. As we press in to hear God’s voice for our lives, we must sow into our Spirits.
We all know life is a journey, not a destination. And, we’ve heard all the cliches about it being a marathon, not a sprint. I want to live life to the fullest and I want to grow as a leader year after year. I want to know God more intimately and enlarge my capacity so I can make the largest impact possible. Whatever it takes, I’m going to press into His word, pray more, listen more, and break through to a new level in 2013. Will you join me?
Yes! I will join you 🙂 I love you and I’m so thankful to call you friend. What an amazing leader you are… and will continue to grow and soar! Praying God’s above and beyond blessing for your 2013!
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Jenn, I miss you!!! Can’t wait to see you on this side of the Pacific. Hopefully in 2013?!? Xoxo
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Dear Stacy, This is a wonderful message.. As I sit here early this Sunday morning I am blessed by your words from across the world. I am in a Daniel Fast with our church here…. Lift church is an extension… How wonderful to hear your words as a reminder of our connection! I love you.
God’s Blessings, Karen Edwards AdvoCare http://Www.teambelief.info
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So great to hear from you, Karen. I am blessed by your words and friendship across the ocean! 2013 will be a fabulous year for all of us! Xoxo
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Explain a corporate fast. How can you fast for 21 days?
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Hi Beverly! By “corporate” fast, we just mean that a group of us is doing it at the same time. So, some of my blog followers are joining me, but mainly my church. We have a private FB page and are doing a devotion (scripture reading and thought) each day as well as hosting some corporate times of prayer.
When you fast, it’s really between you and God what you choose to eliminate. For some, it’s various food items (I’m doing a Daniel fast and mainly eating fruits and veggies). For a good resource on fasting, check out: http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting-2013
Hope that helps!
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Powerful message! I’m committed to join the fast over the next 21 days- our God is great and may his WILL be done.
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Hi Veronica! So glad you are joining me. I’ll pray for God to speak in a mighty way to you over the next few weeks! Miss your beautiful face and smile! xoxo
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