And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. (Matt 4:2)
Yesterday, during our morning service, the Pastor preached out of Matthew 4:1-11. He eloquently defined the satanic temptations of Jesus by provision, performance and power. Unlike another preacher I know, he doesn't "chase rabbits" - he always tells us that if we'll buy him a cup of coffee, he'll be more than happy to explain that which he does not wander off into. One of these days, I'm gonna have to put up a 50 cup pot of coffee so we can discuss all those "rabbits".
During his sermon, he reminded us that God will provide (we just need to stay in his will), that Jesus didn't come here to win a popularity contest - his purpose was salvation, that we are worshipers of God and live by faith, offering our works to God, and that by not worshiping God, you are, in fact, worshiping Satan (don't roll your eyes - think about it for a minute and you'll agree - there's no gray here).
Jesus defeated Satan as a human to show us that we, too, can walk in the same ways that he did. At the end of the service, Pastor Charles proposed a 40 day challenge. He gave those of us who agreed to take this challenge (in light of a New Year's resolution) a sheet of paper (which he described before handing them out) which contains 15 things to do for the next 40 days. Some of the things on his list I already do (as I'm sure some of you do, as well), and some of them I cannot do (so I'll have to modify them for myself). If you really want to make a change for 2011, I suggest you take this challenge. From today (January 3, 2011 and counting today as "Day 1") through to Friday, February 11, 2011 - I challenge you to commit to building your faith, strengthening your relationship with God and becoming a better Christian!
The 40 Day Challenge (Pastor Charles Brooks)
1. Attend 3 services in one week (Sunday AM and PM and Wednesday) or by CD*...
2. Fast 1 day in the next 40...
3. Go on a date (with a spouse, child, grandchild) - talk about God - make it a "spiritual" event...
4. Cut off TV, computer, text messaging (except as needed to for work or in an emergency)...1 day each week (6 weeks)...
5. Write a letter asking for forgiveness from someone (or write one giving forgiveness)...
6. Write a letter of appreciation, praise and thanksgiving (could be an old teacher you did something to help you, a friend, etc)...
7. Give a Gospel tract out to at least one person a week for 40 days (6 weeks)**...
8. Eat at least one meal at home as a family (cook together if possible)***...
9. Conduct at least one family devotion (or personal devotion) each week (and not the prayers of your daily routine)...
10. Sing a hymn or Christian song with someone at home***...
11. Invite someone to Sunday School with you each week for 40 days (6 weeks) - and if you don't go to Sunday School - commit to attend one for the 6 weeks...
12. Pray in a secluded place for at least 3 minutes every day for 40 days (even if that means you have to hide in the bathtub to do it - his words, not mine) - close your eyes and talk to God - even if you have to set the timer on your watch (or microwave)...
13. Listen to TTB.org (or any other Christian website with scripture messages - might I suggest charitybaptistchurchtn.org or a CD with your Bible open (at least 2 times in the 40 days)...
14. Read for 5 minutes in your Bible every day for 40 days...
15. Surprise someone (flowers, card, note, affection, meal, etc) - use your imagination...
* - if you attend a Baptist Church, this won't be difficult, as there are generally 3 services a week and you get a different message at each service. If you cannot do this, or you attend a church that offers only one service a week (and Catholics, you cannot just attend a weekday mass - there's no sermon) - many churches (including Charity Baptist) have a media section where you can listen to the messages previously preached) (feel free to visit my church's website and listen to Brother Charles - http://charitybaptistchurchtn.org/ or any other website that you choose.)
** - a "Gospel Tract" is a small leaflet with a Christian message, geared towards making the "uninformed" aware of God's love and the message of Salvation. If you don't do this in your particular church - you can always write on a slip of paper "God loves you" or put a scripture verse on it. It's designed to be given to a person to invite them to come to know the Lord. You can give them out at the "drive thru" window of McDonald's, Burger King (those of you in Jersey can give them to a gas station attendant or at Dunkin Donuts).
*** - for those of you who are single or live alone (or both, like me), invite someone over to cook a meal with and you can also sing a hymn after you've eaten or just sing along to one of the worship videos I post on Sunday - YouTube has a lot of them (with lyrics!!!)
On Friday, February 11th, I will open a "Discussion" on my different sites where you can post your testimonies! Those of you who read it on Facebook can post it there, those on Blogspot or Word Press can post there and those who follow on my website can email them to me and I will post them there.
I hope you will accept this challenge! It's a great way to start off this new year and a great way to create good habits that will bring you closer to the Lord!!!
