21 Days! Week 3 … January 17th – Our Faith In Action Over Our Physical Lives!

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Week 3: A Week of Faith in Action!

January 17th

Our Faith In Action Over Our Physical Lives!

We’re Acting on What God Says!

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 – 11:1

Believe: Our physical health matters greatly to our spiritual expansion this year, for we cannot expand God’s Kingdom when we’re sick and weak! (Remember, gluttony is a lack of self-control and self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. We much choose to walk in health if we are to have the energy and strength to accomplish ALL God has for us in Our year of Expansion!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Will You show me, Lord, what are the things I need to remove that don’t build up my physical health and strength so I can enjoy ALL You plan for me in my year of expansion?
• Will You cause me to realize what I eat is a LIVING TESTIMONY to those who are without Christ and so I need to be sensitive to how I choose to eat and maintain my health so I can enjoy ALL You plan for me in my year of expansion?
• Will You show me how to eat and maintain my health for the GLORY OF GOD so I can enjoy ALL You plan for me in my year of expansion?

Pray: It is my deepest prayer that I can enjoy ALL that You have planned for me in 2020, King Jesus! So I am asking you to EXPAND my physical life as I choose to live and eat in a healthy, more godly manner, realizing that my physical appearance and health will directly affect how You bless me in 2020, My Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific. Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing that we are willing to do WHAT IT TAKES to live by faith in our ENTIRE lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week THREE of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

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21 Days – Week 3! January 16th – We’re Acting on What God Says!

Posted on January 16, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Week 3: A Week of Faith in Action!

January 16th
Our Faith In Action Over Our Spiritual Lives!

We’re Acting on What God Says!

Read: Hebrews 11:1-6

Believe: For God to expand our lives, we will have to ACT on the things that He says with confident assurance that He means what He says! (Remember, DOUBT is simply the ABSENCE of our confidence and assurance that God cares and will act on our behalf! So, we must TRUST God today enough to ACT on the hope you have and the unseen things,)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Will You show me, Lord, how to have more confidence in what I am hoping for from You and how to have more assurance that You mean what You say in the pages of Your Words, the Bible so I will act FASTER in obedience?
• Will You cause me to SEE everything in front of me as Your creation OUT OF NOTHING so that I will trust You to SPEAK A WORD for the things I am praying for and make them VISIBLE in my life?
• Will You show me how to step out BY FAITH and DO the things I read in Your Words so that I will PLEASE You and thus, receive the REWARDS of believing that You exist and reward those of us who seek You passionately?

Pray: For a God-sized expansion of my thinking I will need to pray like this … “Lord, I am tired of small prayers and small answers! I long for BIGGER things to happen in me, in my family, in my community! So I am asking you to EXPAND my spiritual life to the point where I WILL ACT QUICKLY AND COMPLETELY on the things I read in Your Words, the BIble so that 2020 will become My Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for. as it pertains to your thinking and application of those thoughts, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing that God is able to do MORE THAN ENOUGH in our ENTIRE lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week THREE of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week THREE of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!
PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!
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21 Days! January 15th – We’re Asking God to Renew Our Minds!

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

January 15th

The Expansion of Our Intellectual Lives

We’re Asking God to Renew Our Minds!

Read: Romans 12:1-21

Believe: In order to expand our lives, our thoughts must become God-sized! (Choosing to think like our King Jesus means we look at everything with His eyes, with His understandings, and His priorities!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Since I’m asking You to expand my thinking to make it God-sized, what do I need to do, to remove or to add, in order to invest more time into being alone with Your Words and applying them to every aspect of my life, according to my reading today?
• Since I’m asking You to expand my thinking to make it God-sized, what do I need to do to humble myself and serve others, just as my King Jesus did when He came to earth to give His life for me, according to my reading today?
• Since I’m asking You to expand my thinking to make it God-sized, what do I need to do in order to actually make my love for others God-sized, according to my reading today?

Pray: For a God-sized expansion of my thinking I will need to pray like this … “Lord, I am a small thinker. I refuse times alone in Your words. I waste time in useless pursuits. Forgive me. Correct me. Convince me that only YOUR WORDS will transform my mind and change my life. I need your thoughts flowing through my heart and actions in I want You to expand my life for Your glory in my story in 2020: Our Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific. Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for. as it pertains to your thinking and application of those thoughts, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above.

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing that God is able to do MORE THAN ENOUGH in our lives! PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week TWO of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

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21 Days! January 14th – We’re Asking God to Open Hearts All Around Us!

Posted on January 14, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

January 14th

The Expansion of Our Social Lives

We’re Asking God to

Open Hearts All Around Us!

Read: 1 John 2:7-11

Believe: As we expand our relationships, the love of King Jesus is able to bring about transformation, and thus, causing our network to grow and strengthen for the Kingdom of Jesus! (Our social network is all about expanding the reign of King Jesus to the farthest parts of the world!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Since I’m asking You to expand my social relationships Lord, so that I may expand Your Kingdom, to whom can I share Your love with today so that they will seek to live with You and for You?
• Since I’m asking You to expand my social relationships Lord, so that I may expand Your Kingdom, is there anyone whom I am distanced from (I want to make things right if at all possible)?
• Since I’m asking You to expand my social relationships Lord, so that I may expand Your Kingdom, is there any attitude or selfishness that is keeping me from restoring relationships in my life?

Pray: For a God-sized expansion of God’s power and ability over your social relationships with these words … “Cause love to be my DNA, Lord. Make me a love of people to the point that they are drawn to me. Then I will be able to lead them to You! My deepest desire is to expand Your love into more and more lives for my King Jesus! As my friends increase, I will able to love them with Your love and lead them to Jesus for Your glory in my story in 2020: Our Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for. as it pertains to your social relationships, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing that God is able to do MORE THAN ENOUGH in our lives! PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week TWO of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

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21 Days: January 13th – We’re Asking God to Give Us More Than Enough!

Posted on January 13, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

January 13th

The Expansion of Our Finances

We’re Asking God to Give Us

More Than Enough!

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15, especially verse 8 …

“God has the power to provide you with MORE THAN ENOUGH of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide MORE THAN ENOUGH for every kind of good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8, CEB)

Believe: As we give to others in their times of need, God promises to provide us with “more than enough.” (God longs to bless His generous children, especially when they IMITATE His character and compassion!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Since I’m asking You to expand my finances so that I may expand Your Kingdom, Lord Jesus, will You show me where I’ve been prompted by Your Spirit to give to others (not my Church’s Budget) already but have failed to do so so I can give that money and fulfill Your Will?
• Since I’m asking You to expand my finances so that I may expand Your Kingdom, Lord Jesus, will You show me where I need to increase my generosity and end my selfishness when it comes to giving financially to others (not my Church’s Budget)?
• Since I’m asking You to expand my finances so that I may expand Your Kingdom, Lord Jesus, will You show me how to trust Your MORE THAN ENOUGH response to my generosity to others (not my Church’s Budget)?

Pray: For a God-sized expansion of God’s power and ability over your finances with these words … “You are the Lord my God who can give me the ability to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8.18). So I cry out to You, God of wealth-building power, EXPAND my finances, show me how to build wealth – not for personal greed but to meet both my needs and the needs of others. My deepest desire is to expand Your goodness into more and more lives for my King Jesus! Increasing my income will allow me to increase my generosity in giving! For Your glory in my story in 2020: Our Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for. as it pertains to your finances, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing God as able to do MORE THAN ENOUGH in our lives! PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week TWO of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

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21 Days! January 12th – We’re Asking God to Bless the Works of Our Hands!

Posted on January 12, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

January 12th:

The Expansion of Our Careers:

We’re Asking God to

Bless the Works of Our Hands!

Read: Genesis 12:1-3

Believe: God blesses us SO THAT we can be a blessing to others. (Love is always spelled: G-I-V-E!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Since I’m asking you to expand the works of my hands Lord, will You show me anything that displeases you or distresses you when it comes to selfishness, generosity, and sharing?
• Since I’m asking you to bless me and make me a blessing, will You show me where you want me to use what I have NOW to bless those who are around me right now?
• Since I’m longing for expansion in my career, will You teach me how to hear Your voice and follow Your leading so I can be a blessing to ALL the peoples of the earth?

Pray: For a God-sized expansion of God’s power and ability in your career with these words … “Compassionate Lord, I know that Your heart is to give. You have been so generous to me. Now, I am pleading with You to expand the works of my hands SO THAT I can be a blessing to my family, friends, coworkers, and anyone You prompt me to care for. My deepest desire is to expand Your goodness into more and more lives for my King Jesus! For Your glory in my story in 2020: Our Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for. as it pertains to your career, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing God as able to do MORE THAN ENOUGH in our lives! PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week TWO of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

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21 Days! January 11th – We’re Asking God to Grow Our Families!

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

January 11th:

The Expansion of Our Family Lives

We’re Asking God to Grow Our Families!

Read: Ephesians 5:22 – 6:9

Believe: Our family relationships are the FOUNDATIONAL VIDEO of the reality of our faith. (In other words, if we cannot do it at home, we simply cannot do faith in Jesus!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• (If you are married) Believing what you have instructed me to do today from Your Word, how does my role with my spouse match the commands I’ve read, Lord? (If you are single) Believing what you have instructed me to do today from Your Word, how are you strengthening the marriages around you at this moment?
• (If you are married) Trusting God’s Wisdom in the words I have read today, where do I need to increase the effectiveness of my marriage role with my spouse and how? (If you are single) Trusting God’s Wisdom in the words I have read today, where can I increase my encouragements and assistance to the married couples around me at this time?
• (If you a child and your parents are still alive) Seeking to live out the will of God that I have read through today, how will I bring honor to my parents so that others can see and glorify God? (If you are older, married, and are seeking children of your own) Seeking to live out the will of God that I have read through today, I seek Your fruitfulness over our marriage. Multiply us and give us all the children You desire for our family. (If you are older, married, and have children of your own) Seeking to live out the will of God that I have read through today, how will I bring my children up in the fear of the Lord without exasperating them in the process?

Pray … for a God-sized expansion of God’s power and ability in your family life with these words … “Powerful God, in my family life, may I exude the love of Jesus to everyone there, becoming a Live Video of Your presence for everyone on Planet Earth. My deepest desire is to expand Your goodness into more and more homes by my godly example set by King Jesus! For Your glory in my story in 2020: Our Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for. as it pertains to your family, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above.

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing God as able to do MORE THAN ENOUGH in our lives! PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week TWO of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

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21 Days – January 10th: Asking God to Show Us How to Live Healthier, More Powerfully For the Rest of Our Lives!

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

January 10th

The Expansion of Our Physical Lives:

We’re Asking God to Show Us How to Live Healthier, More Powerfully For the Rest of Our Lives!

Read: Proverbs 3:5-8

Believe: God longs to increase our physical strength and health on a daily basis. (God, show us how He strengthens us and the path is often far different from what we’re told today!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• As I trust You by what I read in Your words, can You show me greater strength in my physical life each day, Lord?
• As I submit to You from what I read in Your words, can You lead me on the straightest path for my life each day, Lord?
• As I fear You and shun evil according to what I read in Your words, can You bring health to my body and strength to my bones, Lord?

Pray: For a God-sized expansion of God’s power and ability in your personal life with these words … “Powerful God, bless me as I read your words today. Speak to me from Your Spirit using Your words, lead me on the straightest path, and bring health to my body and bones starting today, dear Lord. I only long for Your will for my life every day so I can serve Your Kingdom with all my strength! For Your glory in my story in 2020: Our Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific. Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for. ESPECIALLY ask God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing God as able to do MORE THAN ENOUGH in our lives! PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week TWO of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

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21 Days – January 9th: Asking God to Reveal His Power In Our Personal Lives!

Posted on January 9, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Week Two: Asking God For God-sized Expansion!

January 9th: The Expansion of Our Spiritual Lives: We’re Asking God to Reveal His Power In Our Personal Lives!

John 15:1-17

Believe: God loves to show off and allow us to see His amazing abilities in our lives, but that comes from INTIMACY with God! (God reveals Himself personally to those of us who choose to follow His intimately!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Can You show me greater things in my life as I draw closer to you, Lord?
• Can You show me greater things in my life as I talk to you throughout the day, Lord?
• Can You show me greater things in my life as I concentrate more on you, Lord?

Pray for a God-sized expansion of God’s power and ability in your personal life with these words … “Almighty Father, as I draw closer to you during these 21 Days of Expansion, I’m asking You to show up and show off in my spirit. As I draw closer, reveal Yourself more to me. As I choose to talk with You throughout my days, show up and reveal more of Yourself to me. As the day passes today, focus me on the things that matter most to You! For Your glory in my story in 2020: Our Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific. Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for. ESPECIALLY ask God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing God as able to do MORE THAN ENOUGH in our lives! PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week TWO of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

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21 Days! January 8th – Our Intellectual Lives!

Posted on January 8, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Our Foundation for Fasting and Prayer

 “Jabez called on Israel’s God:
“If only you would greatly bless me and increase my territory.
May your power go with me to keep me from trouble,
so as not to cause me pain.”
And God granted his request.”
(1 Chronicles 4:10, CEB)

Week One:

Surrendering Everything For God-sized Expansion!

(Each day, as you follow this schedule, we are recommending you ADD your own SPECIFIC prayer requests in each of the seven areas we are praying and fasting for.) 

January 8th – Our Intellectual Lives: We’re Creating a Healthy Mindset

Read: Colossians 3:12-17

Surrender what you read, listen to, watch, and think about to the captivity of King Jesus. (If we grow our capacity to see the power, ability, desire, and scope of God’s will and whim, we will be better enabled to step forward by faith when King Jesus prompts us to do something bigger by faith!)

Ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Am I focused on Your thoughts?
• Am I considering Your guidance?
• Am I believing Your abilities?

Pray for the expansion of your mindset with these words … “Holy One, I realize that all too often I let my mind wander and waste. I put screens in front of me instead of choosing to challenge my thinking, to stretch my mind, to imagine God-sized possibilities, to consider what could be greater for Your glory, and to think the larger possibilities You desire for my life. Work with me as I choose to expand my mindset in 2020: Our Year of Expansion! 

Be Specific. Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for. ESPECIALLY ask God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

We are excited about what God is doing and will do in 2020 in our lives. PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we start week TWO of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

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