This seriously rules. We have enough laptops with webcams to make this happen. Check this video out:

If the Forefront staff could karaoke one completely ridiculous song for you…

WHAT SONG WOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR US??????

We’re wrapping up our series, “Whattcha Talkin’ Bout No Food?!?” and looking at the idea of fasting. These posts are from an article by Dr. Bill Bright on “Fasting and It’s Importance to the Church.”

Next on the agenda- “How do I prepare for my fast?”

In preparation for this special time with God, I strongly urge you to examine your heart, and detect any unconfessed sin. Scripture records that God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers. King David said:

Come and hear, all of you who reverence the Lord, and I will tell you what he did for me: For I cried to him for help, with praises ready on my tongue. He would not have listened if I had not confessed my sins. But he listened! He heard my prayer! He paid attention to it!

Blessed be God who didn’t turn away when I was praying, and didn’t refuse me his kindness and love. (Psalm 66:16-20)

In your prayers, confess not only obvious sins, but less obvious ones as well. The sins of omission as well as the sins of commission experiences. These may be experiences leaving your first love for our Lord: worldly-mindedness, self-centeredness, spiritual indifference, and unwillingness to share your faith in Christ with others, not spending sufficient time in God’s Word and in prayer, a poor relationship with your spouse, your children, your pastor, or other members of your church.

Another great way to prepare for your fast is to practice what I call “Spiritual Breathing.” The concept is simple, but it has changed my own life and that of millions of others.

Like physical breathing, Spiritual Breathing is a process of exhaling the impure and inhaling the pure. If you knowingly sin, breathe spiritually to restore the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit in your life. You exhale by confessing your sins immediately when you become aware of them, and you inhale by inviting the Holy Spirit to re-take control of your life. As an act of faith, trust Him to empower you. During the fast, spiritual breathing-constant reliance on the Holy Spirit-will enable you to resist temptation, not only to sin but to abandon your fast.

Physical Perparation

Although fasting is primarily a spiritual discipline, it begins in the physical realm. You should not fast without specific physical preparation.

If you plan on fasting for several days, you will find it helpful to begin by eating smaller meals before you abstain altogether. Resist the urge to have that “last big feast” before the fast. Cutting down on your meals a few days before you begin the fast will signal your mind, stomach, and appetite that less food is acceptable.

Some health professionals suggest eating only raw foods for two days before starting a fast. I also recommend weaning yourself off caffeine and sugar products to ease your initial hunger or discomfort at the early stages of your fast.

We have a booklet that will be available for free at our Sunday services that further dives into the discipline of prayer & fasting in the coming weeks. Check the resource table for more info or contact us at info@forefront.org. Until next time-

Jason *over and out*

We’re continuing our series, “Whattcha Talkin’ Bout No Food?!?” and looking at the idea of fasting. These posts are from an article by Dr. Bill Bright on “Fasting and It’s Importance to the Church.”

Next on the agenda- “How long and what type of fast is right for me?”

So, first off- start slowly. Fast for one meal a day, or one day a week, or one week a month. Build up your spiritual muscles so that you will be prepared in a period of several months to fast for an extended period of time.

The Bible Recounts Primarily Two Types of Fasts

A partial fast is described in the book of Daniel. Although the water fast seemed to be the custom of the prophet, there was a three-week period in which he only abstained from “delicacies,” meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3).

The two primary types mentioned in the Bible are the “absolute” and “supernatural absolute” fasts. These are total fasts-no food (solid or liquid) and no water. Paul went on an absolute fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9). Moses and Elijah engaged in what must be considered a supernatural absolute fast of forty days (Deuteronomy 9:9; I Kings 19:8).

So, I strongly advice you to drink plenty of liquids. Obviously, if God leads you to undertake an absolute fast, you should obey. If so, be certain, without doubt, that God is leading you.

Water-only fasts that last for more than several days need to be undertaken with complete rest and under medical supervision because of the extreme danger of over-toxification, breakdown of vital body tissues, and loss of electrolytes.

I personally recommend and practice water and juice fasting, especially if you are going to fast for an extended period of time. This type of fast will provide you with more energy than absolute or water-only fasts and still lead you into the humbling experience of denying your desire for solid food that you can chew.

When it comes to making your final decision about what type of fast is right for you, the best advise I can give you is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide your heart and mind as to what is best for you. Remember, the most important consideration in fasting is your motive. Why are you fasting? To seek something personally from God’s hand or to seek His face in worship, praise and thanksgiving?

In the next post we’ll wrap up with, “How To Prepare Yourself For Your Fast.”

Jason *over and out*

We’re continuing our series, “Whattcha Talkin’ Bout No Food?!?” and looking at the idea of fasting. These posts are from an article by Dr. Bill Bright on “Fasting and It’s Importance to the Church.”

Next on the agenda- “How do I fast safely?”

As you begin your fast, you may hear from concerned loved ones and friends who urge you to protect your health. And they are right. You should protect your health. But I assure you, if done properly, fasting will not only prove to be a spiritual blessing, but physical blessing as well.

By all means, consult your doctor before you begin your fast. But, be aware that many doctors have not been trained in this area and so their understanding is limited. Even so, it would be wise to ask your doctor for a physical exam to make sure you are in good health. You may have a physical problem that would make fasting unwise or dangerous. Also, if you are under any type of medication, make sure you talk to your doctor before changing your regime. Prudence and caution are in order.

When you are assured that you are in good health, you are ready to begin your fast. Follow the guidelines in the Physical Preparations and Maintaining Nutritional Balance and Health parts of this website.

In spite of the absolute safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should NEVER fast without professional supervision. For example:

• Persons who are physically too thin or emaciated.
• Persons who are prone to anorexia, bulimia, or other behavioral disorders.
• Those who suffer weakness or anemia.
• Persons who have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, or who have heart disease.
• Those who suffer chronic problems with kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, or other important organs.
• Individuals who take insulin for diabetes, or suffer any other blood sugar problem such as hyperglycemia.
• Women who are pregnant or nursing.

In the next post we’ll take a look at, “How long and what type of fast is right for you?”

Jason *over and out*

Yesterday, in our new series, “School House Rock” we discussed the concept of fasting and how it’s a spiritual discipline we tend to overlook. As promised we’re going to be looking through this idea of fasting on the blog this week. This series of posts is from an article by Dr. Bill Bright on “Fasting and It’s Importance to the Church.”

Fasting is denying yourself something, often times food, to instead focus on God and draw closer to Him through prayer, the reading of the Bible, and meditation.

So first off, “WHY FAST ANYWAY?”

Well, if you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some very important facts:

• Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, “when you fast,” not if you fast.
• Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the “first love” for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.
• Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, “I humble myself through fasting.”
• Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.
• The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!
• Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
• Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others.
• Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled as I did. You will discover more time to pray and seek God’s face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God.

Next up… “How To Fast Safely”

Jason *over and out*

It’s Monday.
Mondays have been deemed the most depressing day (on average) for pastors.
You work all week, prep everything, get things set and then…
Lights, music, lobby, rub elbows, say hellos, give it all you’ve got.
Band looks great, all the cues were hit on time, everyone said the right thing.
Will all the hard work “pay off…?”

Are there going to be 100 new converts because of the message you preached?
Are people going to run from their evil ways and thank you for the amazing delivery of the gospel?
Will they wait in droves to shake your hand, pat your back, or give you the “little head nod” in the lobby as they mouth definitively “Good sermon pastor. Great stuff.”?

This has been the plague of many a leader as they step into the office on Monday morning and wonder if what they were called to do has made an impact. It’s almost like preppin’ for having a child and then watching them leave the house- EVERY SINGLE WEEK (it’s crazy, but if you’re in this week after week, you get it). Will what God did through you change the world…

Or, will you simply preach?
Will you give your heart and soul on the stage?
Lay everything out on the table even if it makes people uncomfortable?
Even if no one gives you “the nod?”
Even if the band messes up every single song?
If none of the lights seem to work correctly?
The projector broke?
None of your volunteers showed up?
The numbers are lower than ever?
Or.. if heaven forbid- NO ONE SHOWS UP AT ALL??!?

Would you still preach it?
Not because of the glamor, fame, pats on the back, or stroking of your ego as you God builds up the church..

but because God burdened your heart to do it.

And that is satisfaction enough- to obey the Master.
No matter who comes, what happens, or how “excellent” it is.
Check your heart this Monday my fellow laborers, and remember-
Your worth is in whose you are.

Jason *over and out*
p.s. I’m not feeling this today, but I’ve had those Mondays in the past and I wish I had my head wrapped around this kind of stuff then. It would have been way easier.

Yeah, me neither?

But, VEF & Virginia Vision (organizations that helped Forefront get started over 11 years ago) are on a quest to make math a little more cool, and I’m in. It’s called “Kingdom Equation.” What they’re trying to do is get 4,000 people to donate $20, 2x a year. That equals 1 church getting started every single year on the East Coast. The great part is, with the $20 twice a year, you are a part of starting a new church for people who need to hear the message of God. People who used to be in the same boat you were.

Take a look at the Kingdom Equation and see how you can get involved. My wife and I are signing up this weekend and I hope you’ll be a part of planting new churches too. Do you have Facebook or Twitter? You can follow all the things happening with Kingdom Equation on Facebook or Twitter.

Jason *over and out*

Kingdom Equation – in connection with: via kwout

Recently I had someone email asking about “Soaking Prayer” or as I’ve seen around the web the “New Prayer,” They are new to the church and wanted more information on it because a friend had begun dialoging about their prayer life. This new person emailed me:

“I’ve been coming to your church for a few months now and a friend asked me if I had ever tried ‘soaking prayer?’ I wasn’t sure what they were talking about so I told them I did pray. I’m not really sure what it is and I don’t know my way around the Bible too well. Can you help me figure this out or point me to some things I can read in the Bible? Thanks.”

I just recently started hearing about this mode of prayer and decided to do some research on the origin, mode, etc. I figured I would share some of my thoughts on it after reading up a little bit.

The soaking prayer idea came from the Toronto-based, Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship. Here is a video from Marguerite Evans, the National Coordinator.

Now, I am all for trying new things. At Forefront, we try new things on a constant basis. As long as it is not sinful or against the Bible, we will try it to reach people who are far from God an help those who love God to move closer to Him. But, as I have dove deeper into this practice of “soaking prayer,” I cannot find any Biblical precedent for it. Actually, the deeper I dig- the more I find  it has ties to New Age and Occult practices.

Here is a worksheet that lists every reference to Prayer in The New Testament of the Bible. I’d love for you to research it on your own and not take my word for it… Branded With Love: Prayer Study PDF

Here is an excerpt from a study done on soaking prayer:
“Since the 1990s there has been an increased focus on mysticism within various segments of Christianity. Bordering on the esoteric, these mystical experiences broaden the division between a “factual faith” and a “felt faith,” and threaten to replace sound biblical teaching with emotion-driven response. Soaking prayer is one such mystical activity. It is described as resting in God’s presence. This is accomplished by playing some gentle worship songs, either sitting or lying down, and praying short, simple prayers for an extended period of time, but otherwise keeping your mind free of other thoughts. At the point when you sense God’s presence through some type of manifestation like tingling skin, a sensation of heat or cold, or even a gentle wind seemingly blowing through your body, you are to just “soak” in that presence.

Although that might sound a little strange to some, it does not immediately come across as being necessarily bad. However, the rule by which we measure our experiences in life is the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and when soaking prayer is examined accordingly, we find that it comes up wanting for biblical support. Nowhere in the Bible can a model of prayer be found that soaking prayer follows.

Prayer in its simplest form in the Bible is calling on the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:26), and in each instance where it is found in Scripture, it is descriptive of communicating with God. Soaking prayer starts that way, but quickly devolves into a trance-like meditative state. This is when soaking prayer ceases to be biblical and becomes more like a New Age practice or something an adherent of Hinduism would participate in.”

I’ve tried to be open-minded about this, but as I’ve searched the Bible. I cannot find a Biblical precedent for this practice. I’m worried that in the quest to find “the next best thing,” Individuals are becoming seduced by these practices because they draw such an emotional and adrenaline filled response. People often make the common mistake that everything supernatural is of God. But, let’s not forget their is an enemy waiting in the wings who seeks to devour us and bring us away from God (1 Peter 5:8-11).

There are all sorts of “feel good” moments of heat, cold, warm, tingling, sensations, etc. involved with soaking prayer. Somewhere along the line these things are automatically attributed to God “showing His blessing on you. People who have participated in soaking prayer who walk away without this feeling have professed “I felt like God’s blessing wasn’t on me” or “Apparently I didn’t pray hard enough.” One anonymous poster on a discussion board about this topic wrote, “I was made to feel like I wasn’t as enlightened because I didn’t feel anything.” But, the things experienced during these times of soaking are identical to the experiences in New Age & Eastern Religions.

As a pastor & leader, I caution you to research everything against the Bible. In our journey with God we will encounter some amazing teaching and some false teaching. Let’s make sure it stands the test of lining up with what God says. As we look to prayer, our best best is to model our communication with God in the same way Jesus taught in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. With all things, we should approach this topic with a heart of love for God and people. Also, this topic isn’t about putting one group down who believes or doesn’t believe in this- or a group being better because they do or don’t, it’s about searching for truth so we can honor God.

Some things to ponder…
What do you think about soaking prayer?
If you’re new to God, how are you trying to foster a time of daily prayer with Him?
If you’re a Christian, what things could you change to spend more time talking with God?

Jason *over and out*

I love this.
Jarbis Agnelli put this together. Here is the scoop…

“Reading a newspaper, I saw a picture of birds on the electric wires. I cut out the photo and decided to make a song, using the exact location of the birds as notes (no Photoshop edit). I knew it wasn’t the most original idea in the universe. I was just curious to hear what melody the birds were creating.

I sent the music to the photographer, Paulo Pinto, who I Googled on the internet. He told his editor, who told a reporter and the story ended up as an interview in the very same newspaper.

Here I’ve posted a short video made with the photo, the music and the score (composed by the birds).“

How do you look at life day to day?
Do you find the music and beauty in life? or…
Do you just pass things by without a second thought?

Jason *over and out*