Breakthrough Fast 2012 Day 3 "A New Me" by Rev Bernese Shaw

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2012 is a new year with all of the old problems left behind in 2011. The old person, before we knew the Lord has been left behind. The new person is when you have given yourself to the Lord. So is there a difference between the old you and the new and improved version? There should be! And that difference should be noticeable not only to you but also to others. The scripture that was read teaches us that when we welcome Christ into our hearts, we become new creations through him. Our challenge today on the Daniel Fast is to pray for forgiveness and opening of our hearts and souls to the teaching of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then the Lord will fill our hearts. He will bless our endeavors and He will transform our lives. As we go to the Lord in prayer today, let us pray for the transformation of our souls to become new creations in him. Lord, we pray this morning that all of the old stuff be left behind in 2011 and we pray that 2012 will reveal the creation of a new us. This is the day to pray for us to be cleansed by the Holy Spirit. This is the day to ask forgiveness of all of our hidden transgressions. This is the day to pray “Lord when I look at myself in the mirror that I see a new me so others can see a new me in your image. Lord this is the day that if I doubted your grace and mercy in helping me to talk, walk, and behave as your child, please purge my heart and soul to get rid of all the doubts, of all the unbelieves, of anything that stands between you and me”. My brothers and sisters whether you are on the Daniel Fast this morning or not this is the day and this is the beginning of a new year to become a new person in the Lord. The Adversary wants us to be fearful and not believing in the grace and mercy that God will make a change in us. Hebrews 4:16 says "Let us draw near with confidence (boldness) to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This morning because we have become a "new me" and we belong to Christ, we can pray with authority and trust that the Father will answer our prayers. We will never accomplish what God wants us to do such as live holy lives or spread the gospels until we put our confidence in the One who was, in the One who is and in the One who is to come, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So from our focus scripture this morning Christ was put to death, bore the burden of our sins that we might be acquitted - forgiven of our sins. Because of this He has reconciled (Webster's Dictionary defined reconciled as to restore a friendship after an estrangement) us with the Father (Christ in death has borne the consequences of our sin and thus had reconciled us to God). An old hymn sings oh the blood that makes me white as snow, oh the blood that was shed for me way back on Calvary, the blood that gives me strength from day to day it will never lose its pow'r. It reaches to the highest mountain it flows to the lowest valley; the blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its pow'r. So my brothers and sisters this morning because the blood was shed for us today we can sing that we have become a "New Me" through the blood of Jesus that was shed. Amen. Amen. Amen

Breakthrough Fast 2012 - Day 2 "The Well is Just Dry"

Hear my cry, O’ God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call you, I call as my
heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Psalm 61: 1-4

I was talking with my wife a few minutes ago and lamented, “I just don’t have anything inspirational to say tonight.” She lovingly looked at me and said, “That’s life... sometimes the well is just dry.”

That describes how I feel tonight. The 3AM and 4AM wake-up calls to put together the fasting booklet and write sermons for the holiday services have taken their toll. Tonight, I’m tired. My head is congested. My throat is sore. My eyes are itchy. I miss my coffee and my chocolate chip cookies. My kids won’t go to bed. And the only thing that seems to be working is my stomach; unfortunately, it is purging itself of 2011’s excesses. Ugh!

I know tomorrow will be better. But tonight, it is what it is.

Be Encouraged,
RevCAM

Breakthrough Fast 2012 - Day 1 "The Call to Fast"

When you practice some appetite-denying discipline (fasting) to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well. Matthew 6:16-18, The Message translation

It is estimated that thousands of Christians around the world will start the 2012 New Year with prayer and fasting. Many will join their church family in corporate fasting and others will enter the fast as part of their personal spiritual devotion. Starting TODAY, January 2, 2012, I invite you to join me and The Breakthrough Fellowship on a 21-day fast (The Daniel Fast) to seek God and honor God for the New Year.

The theme for The Breakthrough Fast 2012 is --- Let’s Make it Count!

With all the responsibilities and deadlines we face each day; it is easy to get caught up in the monotony of life, put blinders on and stop living life to its fullest. I was talking with someone the other day and I asked, “How are you doing?” He responded sarcastically, “Just living the dream.” That saddened me; for I believe God wants so much more for us than going through the motions. God wants you to thrive! It was Jesus that said “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

I believe fasting and prayer are two of the most powerful weapons that Believers have to fight the blahs of life. Over the next 21 days, I will be blogging about my spiritual journey, sharing stories from others and providing helpful tips and recipes to assist you in the fast. I encourage you to read along daily with me and share it with a friend. Better yet, send me an email and share your story. You can follow me on Twitter (charlesmaxell), Facebook or access my blog via our website below.

As you fast, pray for God’s direction and guidance. Pray for the discipline to walk in the vision God has given you. Life is not a dress rehearsal...Let’s Make it Count!

Blessings,
RevCAM

Email me your stories or Daniel Fast recipes: revcam@thebreakthroughproject.org

Website: www.thebreakthroughfellowship.org

Follow me on Twitter: charlesmaxell

The Breakthrough Moment with Rev. Bernese Shaw - "Preparation" (12/28)

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…

In three days the year 2012 will be here. How are you preparing your life and soul for a New Year? Are you going into New Year with the same old baggage? With the same old problems? With the same old sinful nature? This ending of one calendar year and the beginning of another should be a time of both reflection and anticipation. Reflect on how the Lord has brought you through whatever that may be going on in your life and the anticipation of whatever you have faith that God will be there with you all the way. This may be the year we should strive for a greater spiritually renewed commitment to the Lord. Again with the end of the old year 2011 fast approaching, we can look forward to fresh opportunities to experience a higher level of spirituality by leaving old behaviors and habits behind. Also, we should leave all of our depressions and un-assurances of the power and mercy of God behind. We need to take time to reflect on the past year and note how God has brought us through some rivers and over some mountains in our lives in this down economy. We need to look to the future year and reflect on how if we give ourselves to the Lord and humble ourselves in His grace and mercy as we step into the New Year with the peace of God that abides. Psalm 29:11 says "May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!" Philippians 4:7 says "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And, we need to make resolutions to trust and walk by faith not by sight in the Lord. We can do all of this preparation through prayer and spending some time with our Heavenly Father. As the scripture says “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new”. Our new identity creates within us a new nature and a new life. In this new life, we have to put on the garments of Christian grace (becoming new). The first garment is tender mercies of willing hands, ready to work for the Lord. The second garment of Christian grace is kindness or goodness that is for the well-being of others. Humility is the third garment, the realization of our relationship to God and other persons. The fourth garment is meekness or gentleness. The fifth garment is patience or long suffering. 1Corinthians 13:4 says "Love is patient; love is kind." And, the sixth garment is forgiving. The Lord's Prayer tells us that as we forgive others, we are forgiven. The songstress sings when you put on a new brand new life, you moved from your old house, and you moved from your old friends, you moved from your old way of living. When you put on a brand new life in Christ, He will change your old way of thinking and He will change your heart and give you a new song to sing. Let us take time this week to make preparation for the New Year by becoming a new creation in the Lord. Psalm 32:8 tells us "thus says the Lord, I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" and Proverbs 3:6 tells us "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." As you prepare for the coming year and as you travel through the coming year. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see, everything has become! Become new in Christ as you’re preparing for the coming of the New Year 2012, let this be your year! To say I am a child of the King! I am a child of the Heavenly Father! I am a child of Jesus! Amen. Amen. Amen.

The Breakthrough Moment with Rev. Bernese Shaw - "What's In a Name?" (12/21)

Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.


After last week’s prayer call, I was asked about the focus scriptures: Isaiah 7:14b: "Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel." And, Matthew 1:23: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, "God is with us" about Jesus being named Immanuel. But, Matthew 1:21 was also used in the meditation that bears the name "Jesus” It reads,"She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." And if you read a little farther in Matthew 1:22 it reads All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet (Isaiah) "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, God is with us." All this was told to Joseph in a dream by the angel of the Lord. In my research, I could not find anywhere whereas Mary the mother of Jesus called him anything but Jesus. Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the Lord saves.There are many names for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In John 8:56-59, Jesus presents himself as the "I AM." The "I AM" is the divine name (Ex 3:14), a claim to pre-existence and oneness with God. Jesus is called the "Son of Man" because he is both divine and he is human. Isaiah 9:6 named the coming Messiah and consequently Jesus Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The ancient Law of Sacrifice calls Jesus as the Lamb of God. John 1 refers to Jesus as The Word. Some names are the Bright Morning Star, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. This Christmas season, a popular song Don't Forget The Baby sings His name is Jesus Mary's baby Manger born Don't Forget The Baby His name is Jesus Jehovah Jirah He's my provider don't forget the baby His name is Jesus Jehovah Raphe He is my healer don't forget the baby His name Jesus is The Great I am He'll be with me don't forget the baby His name is Jesus God Jehovah My everything don't forget the baby. His name is Jesus Jehovah Nissi He is my banner don't forget it, don't forget it His name is Jesus Emmanuel God with us don't forget the baby His name is Jesus Sweet Jesus oh Jesus don't forget the baby...So you may ask the question what’s in a name? In the name Jesus, there is joy because when I am down and out, all I have to do is call on His Holy Name Jesus, there is hope because I know that the scripture tells me that Jesus was born for my and your salvations, there is healing because when the doctor tells me there is nothing else that he can do I know a Savior that his name is Jesus healing my soul, in the name of Jesus there is strength when I feel like I can’t go on, my Father Jesus is there holding me on every side and giving me strength to run on and he will do the same for you, in the name of Jesus, there is power, in the name of Jesus, there is forgiveness, in the name of Jesus there is salvation – the scripture this morning tells us Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins, in the name of Jesus, there is peace, in the name of Jesus, there is wholeness, in the name of Jesus is my all and all. Philippians 2:10 says "at that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." So you might ask WHAT'S IN A NAME? In the name of Jesus, there is love, in the name of Jesus, there is peace, in the name of Jesus there is salvation, in the name of Jesus, there is joy and in the
name of Jesus, there is favor. This Christmas season everyone keep our eyes and focus on Jesus because in the name of Jesus, we are saved. AMEN. AMEN. AMEN.

The Breakthrough Moment with Rev. Bernese Shaw - "God is With Us"

Isaiah 7:14b Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23 Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."

The name Immanuel, “God is with us," is the name belonging to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The name is expressive of the union of the two natures, human and divine, who being both God and man, is a middle person between both. In the name, you can call him 'Savior' because he will save. John 1:14 says "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.” In this third week of Advent with the great anticipation of the Christ child should be enough for every one of us to begin each day with joy in our hearts. The scriptures have proclaimed that a virgin birth; a baby that will be called Emmanuel- God is with us. When you think about God, Our Heavenly Father is with us each and every second of our lives there can't be anything else but joy. The third candle for the third Sunday is a symbol of Christ, our joy. In this world of conflict and disturbance in our lives in the home and the work place, to know that a Savior was born to bear our iniquities should cause us to begin each day with a sense of liberating joy. We can say as Mary proclaimed in Luke 1:46 "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." We all should be confident that the grace we ask for will be given to us because of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came to earth. We will encounter sin in our own hearts and in our experience of the sin of the world. But we can pause in those moments and feel the joy of the words, from Matthew 1:21 "You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Because of this, we can experience the Light shining into dark places of our lives showing us patterns of sinfulness, and invite us to experience God's grace and mercy. Our celebration of the coming of our Savior in history is opening us up to experience His coming to us this year, and preparing us to await His coming in Glory. The struggles and tragedies of this life need not affect your joy as a Child of God. True joy is based on the spiritual realities of who God is and what He has promised. God is good and God is faithful regardless of your situation. Despite your circumstances you can "glory in His Holy Name," and your heart can rejoice as you seek Him and the strength He offers. Whatever your circumstances, God longs to comfort you, heal you and give you His peace, joy and hope; God is with us. Take your needs to him in prayer. Lay all your hurts and worries before him. Ask Him to help you accept your circumstances, fix your eyes on Jesus and live life in joy and peace. The Lord is your hope; your joy; Psalm 42:11 says, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again my Savior and my God. God is with you”. As we sing that old familiar hymn Joy to the World! Joy to the world! Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and heaven and nature sing. AMEN.

The Breakthrough Moment with Rev Bernese Shaw - "Tis the Season for Praise and Adoration" (12/7)

With this being the second week of Advent which means “the coming” or “arrival,” we will continue with the scripture from the book of the Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 9:6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. NRSV

Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas; the gift of Christmas. This should be a time for families to come together in prayer and devotion. But, in our hectic modern world and down economy, it is easy to get distracted with all the advertisement for shopping, the Christmas music, the Christmas parties, and Christmas decorations all around that tends to increase our anxiety. We start to worry about what we don’t have and how we are going to make it through this Christmas season of gift giving. However, the focus of the entire season is and should be the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. So in the midst of situations that may be happening in your life and mine, we need to always give praise and adoration for the one who came to earth and paid the price for our sins and salvations.
Helen Steiner Rice wrote, “Happiness is something we create in our minds – it’s not something you search for and so seldom find. It’s just waking up and beginning the day by counting your blessings and kneeling to pray.” I pray that everyone will take time out today to pray and thank God for another day in the land of the living. Thank God for another chance to get right today with what you did wrong on yesterday, that is a blessing all by itself. So despite your circumstances you can “glory in his Holy name,” and your heart can rejoice as you seek him and receive the strength he offers through praise and adoration. John 3:16 says For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Jesus came to earth in human form for you and me, live and died for us. It is the season to praise Him and give thanks to Our God for being Our Savior.
An old hymn sings “I’m So Grateful” says it all, I am so grateful that Christ is in my life. What would my life be without Him? It would be very dark and grim. When I’m sad He cheers me, when I am lonely He will my comfort be. That’s why I’m grateful, truly grateful, I’m so grateful that Christ is in my life. When my friends and my foes turn against me, and it seems I’m at the end of the road, there is a still soft voice saying within me, there is someone, someone greater who’s carrying the load. When my way gets as dark as the midnight, and my body is all racked with pain, Christ appears with His holy light, and by faith, faith and grace, I’m made whole again." This is the season for you to give praise and adorations (thanks) for Jesus being born and coming into our lives. It is hope, however faint at times and that God, however distant He sometimes seems, which brings to the world the anticipation of a King who rules with truth and justice and righteousness over His people. Tis the Season for Praise and Adoration who came to earth for us to be saved. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. AMEN. AMEN. AMEN.