30 for 30 RESET – Day 4

Gatheringplace   -   September 4, 2024

We have never lived in a darker time in our lifetime. The pull and sway of the world has never been stronger. Millions of people are being led astray through the philosophies of this world, including our children, leaders in every sector of society, and even the Church! The Bible says that in the last days the whole world will be under the “sway of the evil one”. 1 John 5:19 NIV

But this can be good news for us, because light never shines brighter than in the darkness!

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV

There has never been a better time for you to shine. Jesus calls you the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

Now you might feel pressure from that statement, like it’s all on you, but it’s not, it’s all on Him through you! And the key to Him shining through you is by you spending time in His presence:

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

This passage says that the key to reflecting the Lord’s glory is by “contemplating” His face. This is where our 30 for 30 comes in.

As you consistently spend time in the Word and prayer, you are going to find that you think, look, and feel more like Christ. You will recognize it in yourself, but more importantly, those around you will recognize it and be drawn closer to Christ through of you. That’s what that Isaiah passage said,

“Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isaiah 60:3 NIV

We live in the greatest time in our lifetime to shine. There is way too much at stake. Don’t think your prayers don’t make a difference, because they do. And the Word of God is what will keep you strong, clear, and wise.

Let’s RESET our priorities and put God first. Let’s not waste any time. Let’s not be spiritually lazy. Let’s armor up, look up, and let Christ’s light shine through us to the world around us.

John

QUICK TIP ON HOW TO SPEND 30 MINUTES WITH GOD (REMEMBER: This 30 for 30 is a tool to help you, not a rule to shame you. Just do your best and let God do the rest.)

“Upward, Inward, and Outward”

  1. Upward: Get quiet. Settle down. Begin to thank God for Who He is – patient, kind, merciful. A God who forgives sins – Who has forgiven your A God Who cares, Who listens to your prayers, a miracle working God. (There are many other attributes you can thank Him for. Go HERE for a prayer guide as well as a list of God’s names that will help you thank Him for Who He is)
  2. Inward: Read a chapter in the Bible. I would suggest one Psalm per day. Start with Psalm 1 and go from there. Or read one chapter of Proverbs per day. Start with Proverbs 1 and go from there. And as you read, stop, and think about what it is saying. Take your time (even if you don’t get through an entire chapter – it’s okay!). Ask God to speak to you through it.

A deeper dive: For those of you who would like to read the Bible in a year, here is a fantastic way to do it. It will take more than 30 minutes per day, but it will be well worth it. It not only gives you a reading plan, but each day there is a short, very well-produced video explaining what you are about to read. Go HERE for your one year through the Bible reading plan.

  1. Outward: Ask God to show you how He can use you to reach those around you. Then begin to pray specifically for individuals. Pray for your family members, your boss, co-workers, classmates, friends, your church, its members, its mission, its leadership. Pray for our city and our nation – that God would rule and reign in every mountain of influence, raising up leaders who fear Him: Church, Family, Government, Education, Media, Entertainment/Arts, and Business. You won’t be able to get to everything in 30 minutes, but that’s okay, just pick one or two areas per day.

PRAYER POINTS:

Personal:

  • Closeness with God
  • Deeper devotion to Christ
  • Renewed vision
  • Renewed passion
  • Strength
  • Joy
  • A profound commitment to act as Jesus would during this election year.

Church:

  • And increase of God’s manifest presence.
  • To see more CHANGED LIVES!
  • An increase in Miracles
  • Salvation for those far from God (make a list and pray for them every day)
  • More young people joining the vision at GPC
  • New building for GPC

World:

  • A mighty harvest in our city and nation.
  • That godly men and women will fill the seats of government on local, city, state, and national levels.
  • For our missionaries (Use the bookmark handed out at church, or go to our website and check out our Missions page HERE)