Happy and Blessed Holiday's

Well its that wonderful time of the year again, When families get together to share love, give thanks, and celebrate King Jesus' Birthday.

Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays. I love to feast on family time, fun activities, and delicious food. The Bible says, "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Christmas is an awesome time of exchanging gifts of love, with family and friends. Warm fireplaces give off a holy glow. We celebrate and worship Jesus as our new born King and our soon returning Saviour and Lord.

I encourage us all to relax, remove the stress, simplify and practice what Thanksgiving and Christmas are all about, a magical time of Love, Worship, and Celebration

Love JN

Blessed Are The Whole-Hearted

There's no doubt about it,  God is looking to bless those who are passionately sold out to Him.  "The eyes of the Lord move through-out the earth, so that He can show Himself strong on behalf of those whose Hearts are set upon Him."  Jesus said, "I would rather you be hot or cold."  Caleb, "I have followed the Lord whole-heartedly, so give me this mountain!"  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength."  And the list goes on.  That is the #1 issue that we face today, and the one will be judged on.  Do we have an on fire personal loving relationship with Jesus Christ today?  To know Him is to love Him completely.

JN

Living Life With Gusto

Jesus said, I've come to give you a full life."  We were put on this earth to experience blessing and more importantly to be a blessing to others.  As we walk the path of Life together, let's be very sure that we slow down and truly drink in all of the wonders around us.  The Bible tells us to, "redeem the time, or make every moment a masterpiece, because the days are evil."  One of the best ways to witness and shine for Jesus, is to passionately enjoy life.  Life is the greatest gift we have.  I encourage you today to not waste time, and just remember, with joy in your heart, and a smile on your face, that we are living right now for eternity.  "Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last."  Go for the Gusto!!

JN 

Live Passionately!!

One of three things will happen today. One the Rapture of the Church: where every believer will be called up to meet our Lord in the air.  to forever be with our Heavenly Father.  Two we could die and be translated immediately into Heaven and our Lord's presence.  Three we may be given another great day with opportunities to live all out for God, by loving our family, friends, and co-occupants of earth,  with sacrificial love.

Let's purpose in our hearts to make every moment count.  Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we are given, but by the precious moments that take our breath away.  

"This is the day the Lord has made!"  This is your life, right now, so live it to the max.

JN

The King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords is returning very soon, to take over completely.  The Bible says we will all stand before Him to give an account of our lives here on Earth,  as it pertains to our faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone.

The King of all Kings is good and very gracious offering all of us eternal life and bliss in Heaven with Him.  This Great Grace if offered now, this side of eternity.  All that each of us must do is, believe that Jesus died for us and came back alive to rule and reign forever.  We must, and are honored to bow before His Lordship now and to live a totally sold-out life for Him daily.  We must walk close to the King, to receive His dictates. (Marching orders)  What an honor and privilege to serve in the army of our Good and Awesome King, until He returns.  The Apostle Peter wrote, "So beloved, seeing that you are looking for His return, be diligent, that you may be found at peace with Him, without spot and blameless."  As the song says, "People get ready there's a train a coming."  Let's, "Get ready, get ready, get ready.

Looking Up

JN

God is great and good, 100% of the time!  We must not stumble over circumstances, while embracing this fact.  No matter what happens in our lives;  God is good.  As we take the time to behold Him, this truth burns brighter and brighter in our hearts.  In John 10:10,  Jesus says,  "I have come that you might have life and have it to the full."

So what about satisfaction on our part; since God is always good to us?  It's all in our attitude. Paul said, "I've learned in whatever state I'm in to be satisfied; whatever abounding or abased." So lets "think ourselves happy", and quit singing with the Rolling Stones, I Can't Get No Satisfaction.  Instead, lets sing with Hillsong,  "You make Your face to shine on me that my soul knows very well!  It's the truth.  So smile and have a wonderful day!

-JN

Where is our heart?  This is God's top priority and #1 concern.  David was the only one that God ever pronounced, "A man after my own heart."  He certainly didn't achieve high marks in obedience and there were no Father of the year awards.  But David prayed honestly and worshipped passionately and in so doing touched the Heavenly Father deeply and profoundly.

Yes we need to learn, grow, and strive to be a more complete and together person.  We must constantly give our best to walk in obedience to God's Holy Word.  But keep going back to your first pure love and love the Lord your God with all you heart, soul, mind and strength.  Then God will be pleased to help us and change us from glory to glory.

If he doesn't wash us, all we can ever present to Him is as "filthy rags".  So please come and do a new work of hunger and thirst, for more of the Holy Spirit in my heart, O God.  Yes Lord!!

-JN

"God's Vision For You

Vision from God is something that is all consuming!  Jesus said of the church, "Zeal for Your house has eaten me up."  Paul wrote, "I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord."  To hear from God and be directed in specific ways by Him,  we must spend quality time with Him.  When we hear His clear voice and receive His specific marching orders,  His vision for us will almost always, stop us in our tracks, send us out to help people, strengthen us to finish the course, and stretch us by faith to new levels of victory.  I want to encourage you today to, "lift your vision high and you will see the glory of the Lord, for without a progressive vision we dwell aimlessly." God says,  I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper and bless you, plans to give you a future and a hope."

-JN

We Must Affirm Our Youth

What a joy and privilege to invest in and minister to this next generation. The Bible says, 'You have not many fathers'. We need to father this generation with love, affirmation, and truth.

Our young people are hungry for God, very creative, and visionary - They are capable of birthing God given dreams. Let's get behind them, encouraging and cultivating God's awesome plan for their lives. Most important WE must exemplify the love and wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we shape and direct our precious children.

Let's declare the work of Jesus, the Cross of Christ, to our youth and we will see Almighty God's awesome plan become a reality. We believe in You.

-JN

Looking forward to our Red Carpet weekend,  when we spoil our missionaries, give a supernatural miracle offering and make Faith commitments for the remainder of the year.  We will have special guests and fellowships through out the weekend.  We want everyone to come and be a part of touching our world.  Paul said "how can they hear without a preacher and how can they go unless they are sent."  Jesus commanded,  "Go into all the world and preach the Good-news to everyone, everywhere."  Let's send the very best!

See ya Sunday

-JN

What a beautiful day!  "Lift your vision high and you will see the glory of the Lord.  Without a progressive vision we live aimlessly."  We must attempt things so BIG, that unless God helps us we will fall flat on our faces!  In there new CD No Line On The Horizon.  U2 Bono writes the lyric, "I'm a small man with Big Ideas."  And so we are called upon to stay humble at heart but to dream BIG with our minds.  Don't hold back.  Go For It!!!

-JN

Makings of A Miracle

It's been a while.  How's everybody doing?  God has been good to me and mine.  I wanted to write today to let you know that you have the makings of a miracle.  The Bible assures us that, the eyes of the Lord are moving back and forth across the land to find a candidate; some one who loves and trusts Him, so that He can show Himself strong for them.  Sounds awesome to me.  Paul says to "worry about nothing and pray about everything."  Don't be afraid, go ahead and ask God again for that big or small miracle.  The size of the need does not scare God away.  "You have not because you ask not."  Go for it!!  God is Good!!

-JN

Secret to Great Faith

The secret to great faith is to see His grace and embrace His love. Hold on to the truth that God is good, and that He's a rewarder of all of those who diligently seek Him. I want to encourage you today to keep trusting and believing Almighty God for your heart's desires and your Big Dreams to become a reality. God Bless

- JN

FAITH

Hello again, we are doing a sermon series on Faith at Madison Assembly.  The Word of God says, "The just shall live by faith."  That means we're to put our total trust in Jesus Christ daily.  Our hope for an awesome day and a bright future must stay in Him.  He calls us to step out and take risk often.  So live the adventurous life and be a doer of the Word.

Happy February

Well we find ourselves in the month of Love, fast approaching spring with all of its freshness.  I'm ready for some warm weather and baseball games.

I John 4:7 says,  "Beloved let us love one another for love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God."  What a beautiful verse!  So let's love one another with our words and by our actions.  Let's live in the supernatural atmosphere of Christ love.  Always remember, the Love of God is literally shed abroad in our hearts by Jesus

-LOVE JN

"Enter the Faith Zone"

"With God all things are possible!"  I don't know what you may face today.  Life is very good, but it can also be rough and tough.  All I know is God can either remove your mountain, or He will tunnel through it with you.  He will hold your hand in real life and guide you out the other side of the jungle of challenges that we face quite often.  So hold on to God's hand today, He will never let go of yours.

-JN

Good morning everyone! It's a beautiful day. The Bible says, 'From the rising of the sun until the going down of the same our Lord's name is to be praised'. That my friend is our highest purpose and calling. 'To love the Lord our God with all our heart soul, mind and strength'. And oh yea, don't forget to love your neighbor as yourself. Have a wonderful day. 

Day 21

Way to go everyone!  As of mid-night tonight, we did it!  God's heart toward us is, "Well done good and faithful servant."  "You can do all things through Him who gives you strength."  And, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it."

It is not always a rose garden.  Some of you have experienced trails and attacks during this fast.  But lets' continue to hold on to Jesus and never give up!  I know that God is good and He is a rewarder of all who diligently seek Him.  "I know that my redeemer lives and I will stand with Him on that day."  I'm very proud of each and everyone of you.

-JN

Day 20

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in Is.  It says, "In the last days, a remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah,  (praise) shall again take root downward and bare fruit upward." Hallelujah our fast has been taking root downward, as a mighty praise from our heart to God. Now we can expect a wonderful year of producing tremendous fruit in our lives individually and as a whole.  Keep living in Grace by Faith.

-

Day 19

There's a wonderful invitation given from God to us today.  "Come all who are thirsty.  Come to the waters and drink.  You who have no money come buy and eat.  Come buy wine and milk without cost.  Why spend money on what isn't bread and your work on what doesn't satisfy? Listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.  Come to me and your soul will live.  I will make an eternal covenant with you and I promise you my faithful love."  Wow! only a personal and loving relationship with almighty God truly satisfies our hungry hearts.   So all my fellow fasters our plates are filled with peace and our cups are overflowing with joy.

-JN

Day 18

It's never to late for your breakthrough or miracle!  We must walk in the faith and grace of "today".  This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.  (even without a honey bun)  Proverbs 3 says, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart.  Do not lean on your own understanding."  Like a coach today, I'm shouting out to each one of us,  "FINISH STRONG", we've almost won a great victory!  And we've already won in Christ Jesus.

-JN

Day 17 "Live in the Faith Zone"

Hebrews 11:6 "Without Faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He's a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him."  I want to cheer you on today, to continue to diligently seek Jesus Christ and His presence.  Prepare to be rewarded with favor and to receive all spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus.  Remember, we walk by Faith and not by our feelings, or hunger pains.

-JN

Day 16

One of the areas that we've purposed to pray for in our fast is "Leadership".  We pray today that God would bless Madison Assembly with one heart of unity, love and wisdom.  May our Lord give us faith and a progressive vision.  We pray for our teachers, worship leaders, greeters, trustees, servant board, and pastors.  We lift up our men, women, rangers, mpact, and children's ministries.  May you richly favor each and every parent, and grandparent.

John Maxwell said, "when you're in leadership you're out front and it's easy to get shot at."  So we thank you Lord for protection, fresh faith, and wonderful wisdom as we step-up and serve.

Day 15

A special time of fasting and seeking God, is a great time to Dream Big!  Remember what the Lord said to Habakkuk.  "The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it, because it shall surely come, it will not drag its feet."  In other words, even if your dream seems slow to come to pass,  you can know that if a dream comes from God, it will always be completely fulfilled.  I believe that prayer and fasting speed up the process of your Godly Heart's Desires being revealed.

-JN

Day 14

Ps. 42 says, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You.  My soul thirst for the living God.  When shall I appear before God?  My tears have been my food day and night." How hungry and thirsty are we today, to hear God's voice and too experience His touch?  I want Him more than A supreme, large, deep pan pizza. and I know you feel the same,  we're proud of you all!

-John and Julie

Day 13

The Book of Ps.  says,  "I will bless the Lord at All times His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make her boast in the Lord,  the humble shall hear there of and be glad.  O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name forever.  I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all of my fear!

Let's continue to step to the plate for ourselves and others, and hit a home run spiritually as we seek the Lord with all of our hearts through fasting and communion with Him.  Believe God for total freedom today.

-JN

Day 12

Our 21 day fast is a team and individual step of faith toward drawing close to Almighty God.  The Bible promises, "Draw close to me and I will come close to you,"  says the Lord.  Mk 4:31-32 "The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed that you plant in the ground. Yet when planted it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants,  with such big branches, that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."  Continue to plant your mustard seeds of faith during this exciting fast and watch your spirit grow quickly by leaps and bounds.

-JN

Day 11

We are a little over half way to the finish line, so let me encourage each one of you to continue steadfast on your 21 day fast.  The Bible says that in due season you will receive a great harvest if you do not give up.  Remain focused on drawing closer to God than ever before, and obtaining His favor, more of His character, and a faith filled attitude.  "You can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens you," today.  James 4 says, "God gives Grace or unmerited favor to the humble".

-JN

DAY 10

Let's be sure as we fast on this 10th day that we do so with extended Grace and Love.  God's Grace, Goodness, and Favor are consistently reaching out to us.  The Bible says, "The goodness of God leads us to repentance."  And, "humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up."  So let's make up our minds, to lift up others around us today with encouragement.  We are not called to be fasting police or legalistic judges.  Let's celebrate the new level of heart and faith that we are all hoping to grow to, during this special time of sacrificial commitment.  Pause and thank the King of Kings today, for His Amazing Favor toward us all!  "Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord."

Day 9

"This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."  Sometimes when we fast, and hunger pains hit, and the enemy attacks because he doesn't like our new level of commitment; a different attitude begins to manifest called "mean-ness".  Don't allow yourself to be down today. Break through to the fact that you are Loved and Blessed.  When the heat is applied to our lives, the dregs will come to the surface.  We must allow the Holy Spirit's ladle of love to skim them off, so that we can become "pure wine" for the Lord to use, to refresh others.  Remember, "the joy of the Lord is your strength"  Have an awesome day.

-JN

Day 8

Believe God for financial break-through and resource miracles today!  We need freedom in this area to effectively serve the world with the Good News of Jesus.  As we tithe on our income and give Holy Spirit led gifts, God has promised to supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory.  As we pray through this fast, let's have faith-filled hearts for a prosperous '09.  We rebuke all fear in Jesus' name.

-JN

Day 7

Correct theology and doctrine alone have not enabled us to complete the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. The Church's resources of finance and personnel hasn't completed our call. To see Breakthroughs that Jesus desires for us, we must embrace what Jesus did: fasting and prayer to His Heavenly Father and the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit. Let's be fully drenched in the Holy Spirit as Holy Spirit people. Jesus is our example and the realm of the Spirit is the realm of His Kingdom. 

-JN

Great Commission - 'Go into all the world and proclaim the Good-News to everyone'.

Great Commandment - 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as you love your-self'.

Day 6: "Healing"

One of the great promises in the Word of God is.  "By His stripes we are healed." Is. 58 says that as we fast our health will break forth speedily.  God has made it our right as children to claim our complete healing (spirit, soul, and body),  by the authority of His name and by His finished work on the cross.  - So here's good-news.  You can put your Trust and Faith in Jesus Christ as it pertains to being healthy and whole.  You just can't pray for Him to bless that triple cheeseburger or that cream filled Krispy Kreme doughnut, for the nourishment of your body.  Haha.  "O taste and see that the Lord is Good."  Go Fasters!!

-JN

I think we're gonna make it.

Day 5

God is a Mighty Father of Freedom and deliverance from negativity and bondage.  If you are imprisoned by anything.  He is Greater.  Simply ask Him for your personal freedom during this fast.  The Bible says,  It is for freedom that He has set us free."  Paul wrote "do not be enslaved to anything."  Have a great day and keep growing for His glory.

-JN

"I dedicate myself to walk in love

I consecrate my life to the Lord above

For He has done great things for me

I was in prison but now I'm free"

Day 4: Direction and Vision

During this fast seek God for direction in your life.  Acts 26:19 "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision."  Vision comes from God to help you, and to establish His Kingdom in the earth. 

Never settle for less than God's best for your life!  Hab. 2:2-3 "Write the vision and make it plain, though it tarries, wait for it."  What vision is God giving you?  Write it down and focus on it. Prov. 37:23 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in His way."

Jentzen Franklin

I am proud of each of you.  Keep seeking God with all your heart and believe for mighty miracles and effective open doors.

- JN

Day 3: Do Not Give Up

Day three tends to be the hardest with, hunger pangs, weakness, coated tongue, head aches, dizziness, and strong cravings. But do not quit. You're almost to the point of reaching a break through. Keep trusting God for supernatural strength. Communicate with Him often and open up your heart to His healing touch. You are getting close physically to reaching a sweet spot, where many of the negative symptoms you are experiencing will go away. You will begin to experience more clarity of vision and you will hear God's voice clearly in the days ahead. So fight the good fight of faith and keep moving higher. 

- JN

Pray for many souls to be saved and extravagantly loved in the weeks ahead. 

Day 2: Hunger for Living Bread

'Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God'

There is a hunger in my heart for Jesus. There is a longing in my soul for more. God has much more growth and blessing in store for each one of us in '09. As you seek His face and listen to His voice, He will lead you into His dream for your life. Let's keep up the good work of feeding our souls with manna from Heaven during this special season of re-consecration.

- JN

On your second day of fasting remember:

- Drink lots of water & juices

- Spend time in God's word

- Rest as much as possible

- Pray, the 2nd & 3rd days are the toughest.

Pray for deliverance from anything that ties you up emotionally and holds you back spiritually.

Day 1

Fast - 'Refraining from food for a spiritual purpose'.

I want to encourage you to focus your prayers during our fast. I will be targeting four areas for '09: 1. Leadership, 2. Physical Healing, 3. Break-Throughs, 4. Finances. Matthew 6:33 says that as we seek His kingdom and His Righteousness first, then all that we need will be added to us.

Let's minister to Jesus Christ through our fast. Worship, praise, commune, and lift Him up! May our motive be first and foremost to draw closer to Jesus than ever before. 

Our theme for this 21 day fast will be, 'Fasting in Faith for Freedom'.

Daniel 10 speaks of a 21 day fast where Daniel ate only fruits, vegetables, and drank only water and juices. This partial fast is what I'm calling our church to. Beginning this evening, January 4th and ending Sunday evening January 25th with a Miracle Celebration Worship Service.

Love - John 

- Let's pray for God's strength, and His supernatural vision to be realized at Madison Assembly. It will be awesome and exciting to see what God will do in us as we seek Him with all our hearts. 

A Note From Julie

I want all that God would have for us and I believe that as we go through this time of fasting that God is going to begin pouring out His blessing on each of us as we obey. 

I long to see miracles, loved ones saved, finances healed, and marriages and families brought together. May God richly bless each of us as we draw close to Him.

- Julie

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog - JOHNSAYRE.BLOGSPOT.COM - this will be an area for sharing my heart and thoughts as we journey these next 21 days of fasting and seeking God.

Looking forward - John