THE KING’S TABERNACLE (TKT) PRAYER & FASTING PROGRAMME: 5 to 15 January 2012
CONTEXT
Thank God, 2011 is gone and the New Year is upon us!
Some will say, “thank goodness last year is over; hope this New Year will be better.”
Others will say “I had such a fantastic life in 2011; hope 2012 will be the best.”
Whatever the case, the fact is that we all carry on from where we left off as we transit from 2011 to 2012. We don’t suddenly lose the debts we had in 2011 just because we have moved into 2012 for example.
The reality is that we all wake up on 1 January 2012 in the same place we went to bed in the previous night.
What actually changes is not something we can feel, touch, taste or see with our naked eyes. Rather, it is a change in our spirit, mind-frame and outlook on life – that’s what God is looking for.
So yes, I can wake up owing the same amount of money I owed in the previous year. But if I change my mind about my debts, for the better that is, perhaps I can pay them off quicker, smarter and with less stress this year. Above all, FAITH is the KEY.
Bottom-line; regardless of what we may view as setbacks, low points or disappointments of 2011, truth be told, God remained gracious to us throughout the year, in many respects, as individuals and as a corporate body of believers.
Indeed, we have been witnesses as well as direct beneficiaries and even more so, REASONS for Heavenly favour these past twelve months.
As a Church, the crème-de-la-cream, that most outstanding blessed gift we received from God in 2011 is of course, without a doubt, our 4-acres of beautiful and undiluted land in Midrand, just north of Johannesburg.
Who would ever forget that celebratory, historic and divinely instituted ground breaking ceremony God gave us that Saturday, on 26 November 2011?
Surely, we can all say, of God: “thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations – Psalms 90: 1
It is against this background, among other things, as well as the sure-mindedness of God and everything Heavenly that our Prayer and Fasting programme for 2012 is divinely inspired.
2012 is indeed our Watershed Year (This Time For Real), underpinned by Three Pillars:
- The Efficacy of the Blood of the Lamb! - Revelation 12:11
- The Enrichment of the Holy Spirit! - John 14:26 & John 15:26
- The Knitted Fellowship of All Saints! – Ephesians 4: 15-16
NB: Three is a number of strength!
What is meant by Watershed Year?
- The point of no return.
- A critical turning point after which things will never ever be the same or return to former states again.
- A moment in time wherein everything changes; a point in time when nothing afterwards will ever be the same as before
- The figurative meaning comes from the literal meaning of a point, or division in a river, or stream where the river is split into two distinct paths that will not intersect again.
- An occurrence wherein things change. Watersheds are (geographically speaking) defined by their boundaries, where the land turns or slants and the water in the watershed runs a certain way (into the rivers and water-bodies of that watershed). So, to say that you have reached a watershed is to say that you have reached a place where the landscape turns in a new or different way.
THEREFORE, in this respect, 2012 is for us, as TKT, our Watershed Year in that nothing and no one will ever be the same again!
It is momentous year, in which everything changes, for the better that is.
Nothing and no one will ever remain the same, never again!
Everything about us will change under the power of God!
Our personal and corporate lives will improve!
Our church ethos will improve!
Our worship will CHANGE!
WE will all CHANGE!
For REAL!
PRAYER & FASTING PROGRAMME/ RUNNING ORDER 2012
DAY ONE: Thursday, 5 January 2011
Thanks giving – it’s all about God and us
- Appreciate God’s presence in 2011 (Church property) and His sure sustenance in 2012 (full construction phase of building project on Church property).
- A mind that is grateful for God’s rich presence in our lives and for His continued watch.
- Consider personal practical examples, always talk about them and be thankful.
Isaiah 12:4 -In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.”
Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – … give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
DAY TWO: Friday, 6 January 2011
Reflection, consecration, repentance and forgiveness
- As we begin a New Year (2012), it is important to consider and think about The Year That Was (2011) in light of God’s presence in our individual and corporate lives.
- We must never forget our experiences, especially the lessons learnt, for these, as our testimonies, will carry us from one station of life to the next.
- As we approach God’s throne-room, let us seek to be forgiven and forgive others too.
To consecrate is to dedicate, to make holy, or to become righteous. The law of consecration is a divine principle whereby men and women voluntarily dedicate their time, talents, and material wealth to the establishment and building of God’s kingdom.
Joshua told the people: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” – Joshua 3:5
The word “consecrate” means “to set apart”. Athletes will set themselves apart to prepare for competition; businesses will set themselves apart to learn how to master the marketplace.
Why would it be so unusual for Christians to set themselves apart for God? We are asking the Lord to do amazing things among us in 2012. So, we must therefore prepare ourselves to be witnesses, recipients and custodians of the earnest of our expectations.
Romans 12:1-2 - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
DAY THREE: Saturday, 7 January 2011
Holy Ghost inspiration/ increased knowledge & wisdom
- Knowing more of God and our positions in Him.
- Knowing each other better – becoming interested in the lives of fellow believers.
- Better Revelation: ignorance is tantamount to death.
John 14:26: “These things I have spoken to you, while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”
Luke 12:12: “for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Rom. 8:26: “And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
1 Cor. 2:10: “For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.
DAY FOUR: Sunday, 8 January 2011
God’s Will, Purpose and Direction in our lives
- We cannot make sense of life on our own.
- We have no sense of direction on our own.
- God knows where our lives are headed; how we’ll get there and what tools we’ll need.
God Leads, Guides and Counsels Us Through:
- His Holy Word – by reading & meditating on the Bible, God’s word
- Regular communication with God by praying (Talking) and listening to God every day
- Our Visions, Convictions, Dreams, Aspirations and Passions
- Opportunities we have, i.e. Opportunities God brings our way
- Doing His will (From His word), walking in His way, humbly living our lives for Him
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path.”
Psalm 121:3 “He will not allow your foot to be moved, He that keeps you will not slumber.”
Psalm 145:18 “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
DAY FIVE: Monday, 9 January 2011
Purposeful individuals & functional families.
- Strong individuals make strong families.
- Strong families make strong churches.
- Personal & corporate breakthroughs – a must.
While it’s true that some people seem to find their life purpose easier than others, it’s also true that God really does have a plan for every single person, even if it takes a while to see what it is.
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Acts 26:16 – But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.
Ephesians 1:11 - In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
Colossians 3: 12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. … Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. … Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
DAY SIX: Tuesday, 10 January 2011
A sound & effective Ministry (TKT)
- Capable, fearless, God-led leadership.
- Fully functional church departments/ ministries.
- An open Ministry; one that Receives, Retains and Reproduces.
One of the greatest challenges our church – and many other churches for that matter – is finding
and keeping great people. If we are ever going to have a thriving ministry, then we urgently need to have a group of people who are clear about their mission (individual & corporate), feel valued and valuable, and know how to serve others with dignity.
Principles to bear in mind: 1. Coordination, 2. Cooperation and 3. Calmness.
Jesus not only promised to build His Church; He also assured His disciples that His Church would not perish. See Model Ministry: Mark 1: 12 – 20
Proverbs 24:3, “By wisdom a house is built; and by understanding it is established.”
Proverbs 15:22, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counsellors, they succeed.”
DAY SEVEN: Wednesday, 11 January 2011
Community Relevance – Fully Functional Family (FFF)
- Growing Ministry.
- An all inclusive Church that is relevant to all (transcending age, race, gender, sex, nationality, culture, background and social status).
- An effective Ministry that delivers on its mandate beyond its own generation.
We urgently need God’s help and individual member commitments to build a Church that:
- Functions like a BODY
- Loves like a FAMILY
- Praises like a TEMPLE
- Submits like a KINGDOM
- Is as pure as a virgin BRIDE
Ephesians 4:15–16
… speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the …
DAY EIGHT: Thursday, 12 January 2011
Building a Strong, Global Corporate Body of Christ
- Local community Church with pan-African and global appeal, reach and influence.
- The Kingdom cause is far greater than local church needs – playing our full part.
- The Church in the wilderness – many are still to come to the fold.
There are at least three ways that we can take building up the body of Christ
- · Individually
- · Congregationally
- · Globally
NB: the ultimate goal is to help spread the gospel internationally, ministering to the needs of others in distant places and countries.
Ephesians 4: 1 – 16
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. …. 7 But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” … 11 And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; …
DAY NINE: Friday, 13 January 2011
National Causes
- Great nations.
- Courageous God fearing & principled leadership.
- Restoration of humanity (Ubuntu).
1 Timothy 2: 1-2 Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in godliness and reverence.
2 Chronicles 7:14 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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Daniel 9: 5-21 We have sinned and committed iniquity…. Now while I was speaking, praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God, yes while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening sacrifice.
DAY TEN: Saturday, 14 January 2011
Global agenda
- Resumption of annual international fellowship meeting.
- Grow critical fellowship networks to ensure success.
- Challenge the Church to reach new levels of international interest & impact/ influence.
In pursuing our global agenda we must also commit to the following:
- Pray regularly for global partners, missionaries and nations.
- Educate local saints about global issues especially of Christian concern.
- Receive the gifts of a global church – inviting & receiving visiting ministers.
- Give to the work of global missions – form alliances with partners of like faith & mind.
- Send ministers & missionaries to share the Good News of Jesus globally.
- Grow in sharing the story of God’s mission with others.
- Actively share the Good News of Jesus through all appropriate channels.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
AND LOOK OUT FOR SUNDAY: 15 January 2011
Break the Fast with thanksgiving
- Praise & Thanksgiving.
- Divine Guidance into 2012.
- Expectations, vision/ mission and roadmap for 2012 and beyond.
