THE 40 DAY
CHALLENGE
11th MARCH
- 11th APRIL
A Prayer Force Initiative
Elim Christian Centre, Axe Street, Barking IG117LZ
Name: ____________________________________________
For the next 40 Day’s I will give up:
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For the next 40 Day’s I will invest in:
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40-Day Challenge Prayer:
Lord as I submit the next 40 days to change and challenge
myself, will you change and challenge me in the areas you
know I need it.
Will you teach me through your heart of love; who you have
called me to be and what you have called me to do.
Help me to hear your voice and know that you are with me
everywhere I go and in everything I do.
As I choose to give up/invest in these things, give me the
strength to carry it through and may I see the fruit of this
season.
In Jesus Name I pray, Amen
Day 1
Tuesday 11 March 2014
“Then Samuel said, do you think all God wants are sacrifices –
empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain
listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production.” 1
Samuel 15:22 (MSG)
Obedience is better than sacrifice. God loves when you sing to
him, read the bible and pray; but more than these acts of
worship, he wants a heart of worship. He is after a person who
will journey with him, rather than remain on a safe reliable
path, which looks good but lacks the life God wants to give.
In what ways can you show greater obedience to God?
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Pray:
Lord, help me to obey you and step out in faith, trusting your
word and your voice above the confines of my safety.
Obedience is better than a religious attitude; show me where I
am religious and how I need to change. Amen.
Day 2
Wednesday 12th March 2014
“I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God’s power to
save all who believe…for the gospel reveals how God puts people
right with himself: it is through faith from beginning to end…”
Romans 1:16-17 (GNT)
Confidence. What aspects of your salvation story inspire you
most to have confidence in the gospel? Do you have a recent
instant where you experienced God’s saving grace?
Reflect in detail on what you have been saved from and list the
ways salvation and relationship with God has changed your
life:
Pray:
Thank you for saving me and giving me a life I could not have
created for myself. Thank you for the transforming power of
the Holy Spirit who keeps renewing me in you. Lord, help me
to identify the areas that I lack confidence, that I will grow and
more boldly reflect what it means to be your follower in every
area of my life.
Amen.
Day 3
Thursday 13th March 2014
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock
and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks
receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the
door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)
We serve a God who knows how to give good gifts. He knows
what you need! If you seek Him with all your heart you will
find Him. He will open doors that no man can shut.
Take some time to think on these things:
1. What things are you asking from God?
2. In what ways are you seeking God’s presence?
3. What doors are you knocking that only God can open?
Pray:
In every circumstance in life, help me to remember that you
are good and you love me more than I could ever imagine. Help
this truth to be my daily reality so that I can boldly come
before you with every need. Help me to be patient with your
timing and when you say no, help me to have peace that you
know what is best for me.
Amen.
Day 4
Friday 14th March 2014
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became
one in spirit with David and loved him as himself…and Jonathan
made covenant with David because he loved him as himself.”
1 Samuel 18:1 and 3 (NIV)
Friendships affect everyone; whether you have many friends,
one, or none. Some friends we keep for a lifetime and others
for a season. We have friends who see us through good times
and friends who see us through bad times. Friendships can be
a challenge; sometimes for the better, other times for the
worse.
Saul, Jonathan’s dad, wanted to (and attempted on several
occasions to) kill David. This is a friendship tested like no
other! It is a story that could definitely make an excellent
Hollywood movie! But what we read in 1 Samuel was David
and Jonathan’s reality. Their love and allegiance to one another
was tried and tested.
What is your reality in your friendship(s)?
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Pray:
Pray for your close friends by name; that God will strengthen
your bond. And where there is hurt from broken friendships,
today ask God to heal the brokenness. Amen
Day 5
Saturday 15th March 2014
“For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith.
It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no
one can boast about it.” Ephesians 2: 8-9 (GNT)
God grace: you cannot buy it, earn it or trick God into thinking
you deserve it! It is God’s gift to you. It keeps us humble and
reminds us that this journey of faith isn’t about our own
agendas, but God’s bigger and more significant heart and plan
for mankind.
Write about a time you recognised God’s grace outworked in
your life:
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Pray:
Thank you for your grace, the boundaries of it I cannot
comprehend. You choose to freely give me what I do not
deserve. I am so grateful. Thank you that you still want me
even when I miss the mark. Forgive me for the times I have
boasted of my own merit and believed in my own strength
more than yours.
Amen
Day 6
Sunday 16th March 2014
Take time to reflect on what God is saying to you through
today’s meetings:
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Pray:
Lord help me not just be a hearer of your word, but also a doer.
Amen
Day 7
Monday 17th March 2014
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your curtains wide, do
not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.”
Isaiah 54:2 (NIV)
Read the rest of Isaiah 54.
Where you were once shy, weak unconfident and uncertain,
allow God to turn it around and bring the increase. To increase
your capacity, increase your influence and increase your
confidence in who He has called you to be and what He has
called you to do.
Prayerfully imagine the ways God can bring increase to where
you
are
in
life.
Write
your
thoughts
here:
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Pray:
Thank you that there is nothing too big, too small, or too hard
for you. There is nothing I can imagine that you cannot do.
Amen
Day 8
Tuesday 18th March 2014
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what is doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut,
doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t
always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of
the sins of others…”
1 Corinthians 13: 4-5 (MSG)
God is love and He first loved you! This description captures
some of the ways God loves you. Loving others selflessly
without a selfish agenda can be a challenge. Paul writes this to
challenge the behaviour of the church.
Write the names of those you wish to love in a God honouring
way and those who it’s sometimes difficult to love in this way:
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Pray:
Lord you have set the bar high with the way you love me. But
help me to accept the challenge to love as unreservedly as you
do. In the times it hurts to love, help me to know the strength
of your love and passion for me outweighs my every hurt.
Amen.
Day 9
Wednesday 19th March 2014
“He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire
to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully
understanding what he does.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (GNT)
EVERYTHING! This means there is nothing in the course of our
lives that takes him by surprise. We may think knowing the
future will make the present more bearable, but he knows
what lies ahead and reveals to us just what we need to know
What aspects of your future do you think about the most?
Write them here:
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Prayer:
Lord I thank you that you know my future from my beginning.
You alone know what tomorrow holds for me. Whatever
tomorrow does bring, help me to trust you through it; knowing
that you know my future beyond my tomorrow.
Amen
Day 10
Thursday 20th March 2014
“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid;
don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you
take.” Joshua 1:9 (MSG)
The bible mentions the word courage 365 times, once for every
day of the year! You should be courageous all year round!
Sometimes the fear of what others may say or think of us
affects how decision making process. But what does God think?
What circumstances in your life require you to be courageous?
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Pray:
Lord I bring these circumstances before you today. Help me to
hear what you have to say over the noise of what others say.
Help me to be gracious towards those who oppose your plan
for me and determined to complete the challenges you set
before me.
Amen.
Day 11
Friday 21st March 2014
“But a Samaritan who was travelling that way came upon the
man, and when he saw him, his heart was filled with pity. He
went over to him, poured oil and wine on his wounds and
bandaged them; then he took the man on his own animal and
took him to an inn, where he took care of him.” Luke 10:33-34
(GNT)
The Samaritan acted as a friend to the man who was attacked,
even though his people group were not supposed to interact
with the Israelites. The Israelites heart may have been changed
towards Samaritan’s, after hearing what he had done for him.
In what ways to do you space to positively influence what nonChristians think of Christians and their faith?
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Pray:
Lord, provide more opportunities to show others what it
means to be your follower. Help me not to focus on their sins,
but the person that you love. Tell me the right words to say so
that you will be glorified. Amen.
Day 12
Saturday 22nd March 2014
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out
everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you
do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)
Whether it is in hard times, or times of blessing, sometimes we
are so caught up, focusing on what is before us, we forget we
don’t have to figure it out ourselves.
What are the attributes of God that you have experienced to be
steadfast and trustworthy? Why? Write them here:
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Pray:
Thank you that you are trustworthy and I don’t have to work
everything out on my own. Help me to listen for your voice and
the direct you want to give me daily.
Amen.
Day 13
Sunday 23rd March 2014
Take time to reflect on what God is saying to you through
today’s meetings:
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Pray:
Lord, help me not just be a hearer or your word, but also a
doer.
Amen.
Day 14
Monday 24th March 2014
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit
within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
What does this passage mean to you?
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Day 15
Tuesday 25th March 2014
“Happy is anyone who becomes wise – who comes to have
understanding. There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it
is worth more to you than gold.” Proverbs 3:13-14 (GNT)
Pursuing wisdom is better than money! Money should serve to
facilitate life, rather than dominating our decisions and
judgments. Money isn’t evil, but the love of it and making it a
god is!
In what ways can your manage your current income and
expenses to better facilitate your lifestyle (to honour God more
with your money)
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Are there any financial needs in which you need God’s
provision?
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Pray:
I thank you that you are Lord over every resource and I do not
need to worry or be anxious about anything. Every financial
concern or need that I have, teach me how to manage it or seek
the advice that I need. Amen
Day 16
Wednesday 26th March 2014
“Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is a slow death to be gloomy
all the time.” Proverbs 17:22 (GNT)
Laughter is great medicine. Our God has a great sense of
humour and allows many opportunities for fun and laughter;
be it through people or circumstances.
Think on these things:
1. What makes you laugh most?
2. What fun activities do you do?
3. What is your funniest memory to date?
4. How would you like God to bring you more laughter?
Pray:
Thank you for humour and the ability to enjoy life. Thank you
that life can be full of fun adventures. In times when I feel tense
and emotionally downcast, help me to loosen up and not take
myself too seriously.
Amen.
Day 17
Thursday 27th March 2014
“If you are faithless, he remains faithful for he cannot disown
himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV)
You serve a God who will never leave or forsake you even
when you are unfaithful to him. This is a great promise that
demonstrates the extent on his love for you.
How have you experienced God’s faithfulness? _________________
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Pray:
Thank you for your eternally eternal faithfulness and that you
always pursue me even when I do not pursue you. I praise you
because you are unchanging and I can eternally depend you on.
Amen.
Day 18
Friday 28th March 2014
“His master replied, ‘well done good and faithful servant! You
have nee faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of
many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
Matthew 25: 22 (NIV)
God has given you to gifts and talents to express yourself and
use for His glory. Don’t hide them or be afraid to use them. Do
not wait in fear.
What talents are you discovering that God can use?
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Pray:
Help me to use what you have given me. Help me not to hide it
or be afraid to use it. For the gifts and talents that you are still
drawing out of me, help me to respond to by trying something
new and challenging. Amen.
Day 19
Saturday 29th March 2014
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is important in our
walk with God and interaction with others. The Holy Spirit is
our friend, comforter, companion, our inner witness and much
more.
Talk about the Spirit giving us power to witness to the world.
Rather than just enjoying the Spirit encourage people to begin
to be moved and challenged by the Spirit into witnessing with
His power and His wisdom for the sake of the lost.
In what ways do you enjoy the power and presence of the Holy
Spirit in your life?
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Pray:
Thank you for the presence of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and
equip me in life. Help me to know the gifts and fruits of your
Spirit so that I will more fully express and experience your
reality. Amen.
Day 20
Sunday 30th March 2014
This evening we will be praying to ‘local mission’ the places we
find ourselves in daily life representing the kingdom of God.
Food for thought:
In what ways do you/can you infect inject your daily
atmosphere with the presence of God? (become more aware of
God’s presence in your daily life?
Pray:
Thank you for where you have placed me. Help me to always
be conscious that I am your representative to others around
me.
Amen
Day 21
Monday 31st March 2014
You are now over half way through The 40 Day Challenge. How
has the thing(s) you have given up or invested in affected your
life?
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Day 22
Tuesday 1st April 2014
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and
what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance,
without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you
cut yourself off from God’s part.” Matthew 6:14-15 (MSG)
Forgiveness is a fundamental part of our Christian life and
Jesus takes it seriously. We must forgive if we want to be
forgiven.
How have you felt forgiveness affect your life?
How does this passage of scripture affect how you view
forgiveness?
Pray:
There is no sin exempt from the fact that I must forgive others.
Help me to find the strength and grace to forgive the wrongs
that really hurt me; knowing that I must forgive so that I too
may be forgiven.
Amen.
Day 23
Wednesday 2nd April 2014
“As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear
him.” Psalm 103:13 (MSG)
How have you experienced God as your father?
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Pray:
Thank you that you love me as a father. Where I struggle to
comprehend this image, bring revelation. Regardless of my age
help me to come to you as a child dependent on their parent.
Amen.
Day 24
Thursday 3rd April 2014
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
(NIV)
Satan is always seeking opportunities to trip you in your walk
with God often in subtle ways. It is possible to avoid his sneers
by staying alert and sober minded.
Think about these things:
1. What steps can you put in place to avoid being tripped up?
2. Have you considered being accountable to someone in the
areas you feel weak?
3. In what ways have you overcome Satan’s evil schemes?
Pray:
Thank you that I can overcome over ploy of he enemy with
your help. Help me to stand firm in my faith and not be
tempted by the charms allure of sin.
Amen.
Day 25
Friday 4th April 2014
“His anger lasts only a moment, his goodness for a lifetime. Tears
may flow in the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
(GNT)
A good father disciplines his children from a heart of love.
Hardship doesn’t last forever; it is promised that joy will come.
What hard lessons has God brought you through?
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Upon reflection can you see why God allowed that season?
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Pray:
Even when I don’t understand why hardship comes my way,
help me to remember that it will not last forever. Thank you
for the lessons learnt and where I am still struggling and don’t
understand, please bring your peace, patience and
breakthrough.
Amen.
Day 26
Saturday 5th April 2014
“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever
imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it
not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit
deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
Dream big! What do you hope for God to do in your life?
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Pray:
Thank you that there is nothing too hard or impossible for you.
I commit this dream to you and as wild as it may seem I trust
that you could make it happen!
Amen.
Day 27
Sunday 6th April 2014
Take time to reflect on what God is saying to you through
today’s meetings:
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Day 28
Monday 7th April 2014
“Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of
life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son
and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have
commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day
after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
(MSG)
We are a sent people. We are called to share the good news of
Jesus, sharing our testimonies of what God has done for us.
How did you first hear about Jesus?
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What was your journey to making the decision to follow Jesus?
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Pray:
Thank you for the person(s) who shared you with me. Help me
to have that same courage to share what you have done for me
with those who do not yet know you.
Amen.
Day 29
Tuesday 8th April 2014
“In the beginning God created...” Genesis 1:1 (NIV)
You are a product of God’s creative work, designed with
intention and purpose. Sometimes life’s ‘stuff’ or sin can get in
the way of living life in all the colour and freedom that He
intended.
God has a purpose for every life he creates. Take a moment to
write down your purpose and ambitions in life.
My Purpose is:
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My Ambitions are:
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Prayer:
Lord I recognise that I am a product of your creativity, with a
God given plan and a purpose for my life. I wholeheartedly
repent of the things that get in the way of living my life for you.
Help me to live out your will with all my heart. Amen.
Day 30
Wednesday 9th April 2014
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will
be refreshed.” Proverbs 11: 25 (NIV)
Generosity isn’t only for the wealthy who have more resources
than they know what to do with. Instead, it is an attitude of the
heart. Attitude of giving, time, money, food or any other
resource is a matter of the heart, rather than the context from
which it was generated.
Something to think about:
What is in my hands or in my heart that I can give away?
Pray:
Lord, help me not to focus on the tangible aspects of a
generosity. Help me to see the things I can freely give away.
Help me to have the confidence in you that I will not be left
wanting as I prayerfully give.
Amen.
Day 31
Thursday 10th April 2014
“Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who
gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans
8:1-2 (NIV)
Repentance sets you free from the control of sin. Nothing and
no one can hold you from the freedom that Christ gives, unless
you allow it.
Describe what ‘no condemnation’ feels like for you:
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Pray:
Thank you that I am not condemned because of Jesus. Thank
you for delivering me from the law of sin and death. Please
show me the areas of my life that do not please you so that I
can change my ways to suit yours.
Amen.
Day 32
Friday 11th April 2014
‘”Master what are you talking about? When did we see you
hungry and feed you…thirsty and give you a drink…sick or in
prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the
solemn truth: whenever you did one of these things to
someone overlooked or ignored that was me – you did it for
me.’ Matthew 25:17-40 (MSG)
Acts of kindness often don’t take a genius or the most spiritual
person to implement. Rather, a willing and compassionate
heart to react to a need is what God requires.
Think on these things:
1. What tools/resources do I have that I could share?
2. Who are the people around me that I should be helping?
3. How can I more intentionally show kindness?
Pray:
Teach me compassion for those who are less fortunate than I
am. Help me not overlook the needs of others around me.
Where I can see my own misfortunate, help me not to dwell on
those things, but to keep my eyes on you. Amen.
Day 33
Saturday 12th April 2014
“Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I
will answer you. You will seek me, and you will find me because
you will seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29: 12-13 (GNT)
Pursuing God with everything brings results. What results are
you after? Often God will give you more than you expect as you
seek Him, because He is a Father who knows how to give good
gifts.
Today in your own way seek God’s face. Write here what you
feel He is saying:
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Day 34
Sunday 13th April 2014
Take time to reflect on what God is saying to you through
today’s meetings:
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Pray:
Thank you for the opportunity and freedom I have to gather
with your people without fear of persecution. I pray for my
brothers and sisters in Christ who experience persecution; that
they will know that you are their ever-present help in times of
need.
Amen
Day 35
Monday 14th April 2014
“”Stop fighting,” he says, “and know that I am God, supreme
among the nations, supreme over the world.”” Psalm 46:10
(GNT)
Having the peace of God doesn’t mean you don’t care about the
outcome of a given situation. But, rather, you know that
ultimate control is in God’s hands. Every outcome he can
change or fix. You do not need to fight or strive for a result, but
seek Him and trust Him.
What battles do you need to stop fighting? What battles have
you seen won by God’s supremacy? Make a note here:
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Pray:
You are supreme over everything. There is no mountain or
situation that can faze you. Help me to know ‘Peace’, the fruit of
your Spirit daily and in everything I do.
Amen.
Day 36
Tuesday 15th April 2014
“He sat them down and summoned the Twelve. “So you want first
place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all.”” Mark 9:35
(MSG)
Considering others before yourself can be a hard thing to do,
especially if you think they don’t deserve it! But this is what
Jesus asks us to do and to do it wholeheartedly.
How can you better serve others with what God has given you?
How can you serve others with where you are in life e.g.:
family, work, school, friends etc?
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Pray:
Lord, help me to serve those around me. Help me to humble
myself so that you are elevated through my life and you take
the glory you are due. Help me to love those who make it
difficult to serve them. Amen.
Day 37
Wednesday 16th April 2014
“Honour and enjoy your Creator while you’re still young, before
the years take their toll and your vigour wanes…” Ecclesiastes
12:1 (MSG)
Answer one of these two questions below:
1. If you are advanced in years as a Christian, what aspects of
the early days as a young believer do remember most fondly?
2. If you feel young or full of energy and you could do anything
for God’s kingdom what would it be?
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Pray:
Thank you for the season of life that I am now in. Help my to
see the joys of what I can do with my life and to cherish every
moment while I am here. You alone know my future and so I
thank you that my whole life is in your hands.
Amen.
Day 38
Thursday 17th April 2014 (Maundy Thursday)
“The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this
faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life
worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act faith is
what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.”
Hebrews 11:1-2 (MSG)
Faith undergirds your relationship with God. It is impossible to
please him without it! Hebrews 11 goes on to describe faith
acts of men and women in the Old Testament.
What your own mini-biography of an act of faith in your life
and how you saw God come through for you:
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Pray:
Thank you for the ways I have seen your faithfulness manifest
in my life. Keep challenging me so that my faith can grow. You
said faith as small as a mustard seed will move mountains, so
as I trust in you I look forward to what you will do. Amen.
Day 39
Friday 18th April 2014 (Good Friday)
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to
them, saying, ‘This cup is the covenant in my blood, which is
poured out for you.’” Luke 22:19 (NIV)
A new covenant with God was created through the death of
Jesus. His death tore the curtain that once separated us from
His presence. You now have direct access to God’s throne of
grace.
What does this covenant mean to you?
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How should it then impact how you live?
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Pray:
Thank you for tearing the dividing line between you and me.
Thank you for being obedient and dying in a terrible and
dishonouring way for me. Thank you for being willing to save
me with everything I have done wrong. You are worthy of all
praise, honour and glory! Amen.
Day 40
Saturday 19th April 2014
“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable,
and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written
will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory…the
sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.” 1
Corinthians 15: 54, 56 (NIV)
The key of victory over sin lies with Jesus. He lived a sinless
life, yet willingly associated with sinners. We have life, hope
and victory because of what Jesus did.
What does the word ‘victory’ mean to you?
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How does victory in Christ make you feel?
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Pray:
Thank you for the victory that you won for me! I have life, hope
and a future because of you! Thank you for doing what you
alone can do! Help me daily to live in the victory that you give!
Amen.
Day 41
Sunday 20th April 2014 (Easter Sunday)
“The angel said to the women, ‘Don’t be afraid, for I know that
you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he is
risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
Matthew 28: 5-6 (NIV)
Today take the opportunity to celebrate: firstly the
resurrection of our living Saviour Jesus, but also the end of The
40 Day Challenge.
Write a few ways The 40 Day Challenge has changed or
challenged you?
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Prayer:
May my living Saviour complete what he has done in you
through this season. May my attitude to life and others be
transformed towards your heart and direction. I look forward
to continuing on this faith journey with you, living life on your
terms.
Amen.