Category: Consecration

Turning Point’s 21 Days of Consecration – Week 3 Focus: Church

At the beginning of each new year our church, Turning Point Apostolic of Rochester, MI embarks upon a 21-day journey of consecration. We dedicate each of the three weeks to a specific purpose in this order: God, Family, and Church. The 21 days is observed with fasting in a variety of ways; Food Fast, Daniel Fast, Workman’s Fast, Media Fast, Sugar Fast, etc. Due to the complex nature of everyone’s health we leave it up to the individual to commit to the fast that best suits their abilities.

Here you can find Week 3 of 3 complete with scriptural links compliments of Bible Hub…

Week 3: Church

Scope: Our focus for the next 7 days will be your church, Turning Point Apostolic Ministries. We often envision our set of priorities, God, Family, and Church, in terms of a 3-tiered structure, or a ladder of sorts. Our structure is different at TPAM, it’s set up more like concentric circles.

The Outer Ring = CHURCH

The Inner Ring = FAMILY

The Core = GOD

We sing the song by Israel Houghton, “Jesus at the Center of my life…” and that’s truly how we must live our lives, with Him at the core of everything we do, and everything we are. The closer you get to the center, the higher your priority. Everything emanates from the core, or the nucleus of our lives; GOD. Everything revolves around Jesus! When we keep Him at the center, everything else that flows from the center, will be properly aligned.

Each day this week will focus on a facet of our church. Take the time to prayerfully read through each passage, and unify with us on each of the various aspects of the “Outer Ring” that encompasses our lives.

Monday – Leadership: This topic is the first one of the week intentionally because as is often stated, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Without strong leadership, the focus of the remaining week’s prayers will be in vain. We must have strong, dedicated, focused, and highly committed leadership at TPAM. Leaders must always be willing to both lead, and to serve. Laser focus on the things that matter to our lives, and our walk with God, is essential.

Leadership includes our directors, teachers, team members, deacons, elders, and our pastors and their wives. Their roles cannot be overstated. They’re under constant attack in their own lives by the enemy, and must have a hedge prayed around them, and their own families as they seek to serve the church and their community, and yet maintain the delicate balance of family life.

Scriptures: Proverbs 11:14, Ezekiel 33:1-9, Jeremiah 3:15, Romans 10:14-15, Ephesians 5:11-16, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Hebrews 13:15 – 18, 1 Peter 5:1-6

Prayer: Pray for wisdom, discernment, and for vision for the leadership at TPAM. Pray for a hedge of protection around our leaders’ families, relationships, health, homes, and finances. Pray for a balance of boldness and sensitivity towards the body of Christ. Pray for awareness of the times, and for courage to hold the line of holiness and separation from the world and its influence.

Tuesday – Members: The Bible explicitly teaches we are members of one body, the body of Christ. That comes with a diversity of gifts, callings, abilities, and talents. No one is more important than the other, but we are all at different levels of personal growth in God, nevertheless, He loves us all the same, and we all serve an important function in the body. There is room for everyone’s gift in God’s Church, but there is NO room for bitterness, unforgiveness, rivalry, jealousy, or gossip in the body of Christ. We need to encourage, uplift, support, and even “submit to” one another. And, most importantly, pray for each other.

Scriptures: Matthew 16:18, John 13:34-35, Romans 12, Ephesians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 1 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:7-21

Prayer: Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray that God prosper and bless the church body. Seek God for ways to be a source of encouragement, growth, and support. Pray against the spirits that cause division. Pray for God to soften your heart toward anyone you have had a misunderstanding with. Pray for a spirit of humility, servitude, and love one toward another. Pray for the spirit of revival to stay steady in our midst, and for us to explode with growth in this new year!

Wednesday – Future Members: As you look around our sanctuary each service there are a number of empty chairs. Those empty chairs don’t necessarily represent just current missing members of TPAM, they represent members that have yet to make our church their home for spiritual growth. Don’t be discouraged by the empty chairs, see that as a place for us to plant future members. God promised that if we planted and watered, He would give the increase. Let’s pray in hope. Let’s do our part to evangelize, invite, cultivate, and disciple future members. Remember, when we preach and pray to the empty pews of our church, we’re preaching in faith to the future members of God’s great church!

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18 – 20, Acts 2:36-47, Ephesians 5:8, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, 1 Timothy 3:15, 2 Timothy 3:10-17, Titus 2

Prayer: Pray for God to open doors for you to win souls. Pray for opportunities to share the love of Christ. Pray for your family members, friends, co-workers, and those you interact with each day for your light to shine and for Christ to be in all of your conversations. Pray for in-roads to share Christ with someone each day. Pray for your sensitivity toward someone that needs love, joy, and hope. Pray for boldness to invite someone to your church. Pray for wisdom and words to tell someone about the Lord.

Thursday – Former Members: A tender spot for many of us, our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, moms and dads, who have fallen prey either to worldly enticements and entertainment, or to false doctrine. It’s like a knife to the heart of a parent to watch their son or daughter backslide form the truth they’ve been taught from their childhood. It’s like a constant churning in your stomach at the thought of those who once contended for the faith, who have fallen back into a world that will use them, abuse them, and kick them to the curb. There’s nothing that hurts more than to see the pain and heartache they needless endure, because they refuse to turn their heart again to God. But, they are not without hope. There is still a chance for them to return. Where there’s life, there’s hope. Never quit praying. Never quit believing. Never quit looking for them to show up one Sunday. Like the father of the prodigal, look for them while they’re a great way off; they’re on their way. We have a Heavenly Father that is in hot pursuit of them, and will overtake them with His love and mercy!

Scriptures: 2 Samuel 21:8-10, Job 1:1-5, Jeremiah 3:22, Joel 2:27-32, Luke 15:11-32, Luke 18:1-8, Acts 2:38-39

Prayer: Never stop praying for your unbelieving family and friends. Pray for the spirit of tenacity like the widow woman and the unjust judge. Pray in faith and hope that your children will be restored to the faith. Pray for God’s mercy upon them. Pray for all of those who have gone out from us, that God will once again tenderize their hearts, and that they will be restored to the family of God…before it’s too late.

Friday – Home Missions/World Missions: Our mission is critical. Our church is in the middle a tumultuous time. Workers are needed now more than ever, both at home and abroad. We must strive to be reaching the lost at all cost. God didn’t call us to be rich and powerful. He called us to reach our generation; to reach our world! Success in the world’s eyes fades. Success in God’s Eyes is eternal. Only what’s done for Christ will last. We need pastors and preachers, evangelists, Sunday School teachers, and worship leaders. We need missionaries, church planters, and new pioneers of the faith. We must have another generation of Apostolics coming up beside us and behind us. We ought to be inspiring our children and grandchildren to aspire to the work of the ministry. Plant the seeds early. The harvest is ready. Are you raising the next generation that will be changing the world? Or, have you taught your family to settle for worldly pursuits of fame, fortune and popularity? Challenge yourself today to align your priorities toward things eternal that cannot be taken away from you.

Scriptures: Matthew 7:13, Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 10:1-3, Luke 10:42, 1 Corinthians 3:9, Hebrews 13:1-3, 3 John 1:5-8

Prayer: Pray for wisdom to raise the next generation of Apostolics. Pray for future pastors, teachers, soul-winners in our faith. Pray for God to call future missionaries. And, pray for the works over all over America, and throughout the World. Pray for the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, and all organizations that are faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for the World Missions Department of the ALJC. Pray for all of our missionaries, especially those in Europe. Pray for new works to start up all over the globe. Pray this End Time Harvest surpasses anything we’ve ever seen.

Saturday – Rochester: Our beloved Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland County, Macomb County, and beyond, need the Lord. But, before they’ll ever receive what we’re preaching, they need to know we love them, and most importantly, God loves them. We need to seek new and creative ways of engaging our communities. We need to be a light that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden. God planted us in Rochester, and Oakland County, for His Divine Purpose. He’s given us a burden to reach them, love them, and introduce them to Jesus Christ. Let’s not be complacent with past success. Let’s move forward in Jesus Name!

Scriptures: Proverbs 11:30, Matthew 5:13-16, 1 Corinthians 9:8-14, Jude 1:17-23, James 2:1-13, 1 Peter 4:7-19

Prayer: Pray the light of God’s love through us intensifies so strongly that our community cannot help but be drawn to it. Pray for God to reveal ways in which we can better serve, and demonstrate both our love and His love for our city. Pray God grant us a permanent church-home in Rochester/Rochester Hills that will be built as a refuge for our lost and hurting generation, a beacon of Christ’s Love to all; a place where Jesus is the center of it all!

Turning Point’s 21 Days of Consecration – Week 2 Focus: Family

At the beginning of each new year our church, Turning Point Apostolic of Rochester, MI embarks upon a 21-day journey of consecration. We dedicate each of the three weeks to a specific purpose in this order: God, Family, and Church. The 21 days is observed with fasting in a variety of ways; Food Fast, Daniel Fast, Workman’s Fast, Media Fast, Sugar Fast, etc. Due to the complex nature of everyone’s health we leave it up to the individual to commit to the fast that best suits their abilities.

Here you can find Week 2 of 3 complete with scriptural links compliments of Bible Hub…

Week 2: Family

Scope: Our focus for the next 7 days will be on our relationship with FAMILY. From the onset of our church we set our priorities; GOD, FAMILY, CHURCH. We know when we have a strong relationship with God, and a strong family at home, we’ll have a strong church. It’s important however, as we pray and fast, that we ensure we don’t isolate these (3) elements from each other; each one is dependent upon the other.

Be sure and gain all the strength you can from each Sunday Service for the week. The message pastor preaches will be aligned to the particular focus of the fast, and it is expected that you spend time at the altar preparing yourself for that given week.

Monday – Our Homes

Scriptures: Joshua 24:14 – 15, Ephesians 2:19 – 22

Focus: Make the choice today. Be intentional. Make your home a sanctuary. Our homes must be dedicated to serving God. We are of the “household” of God; our homes should signify this in every way. This holds true for married couples, singles, and widows/widowers.

Singles – These principles and focuses are not unique to married couples. A single person’s home should be just as much of an example of godliness and holiness. In fact, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:32 – 35, a husband or a wife, if they’re not godly, can be a “distraction” from doing what God has called you to do.

Prayer: Seek the Lord for direction for your overall home. Ask God to reveal to you ways in which your home may better represent Him, His Kingdom, and His perfect will for you and your family. Pray for God’s protection and provision over your family, your home, and our health. 

Tuesday – Our Children

Scriptures: Genesis 18:16 – 19, Deut. 11:18 – 25, Psalm 127, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:1 – 4

Focus: Godly Children – Godly parents raise their children to love the Lord and be faithful to Him in every facet of life. Your role as parents, aunts, uncles, mentors, leaders, cannot be overstated. Sure the church must do its part, but it’s incumbent upon all of us to raise our children in the fear of the Lord. Encourage your children to join you on this fast, and instruct them about these scriptures. Children, honor and obey your father, mother, teachers, ministers, and leaders.

Singles – Just because you are single does not diminish your part as a role model. Our children need to know how to live godly lives both as a married or a single. Step up to the challenge. You can demonstrate for them profound lessons on trusting in God for all things even when facing them as a single adult. Your role is just as vital as any other in our church. Pray for our children, pray for those you mentor and lead, and perhaps, before you know it, you’ll be praying for one of your own one day. 

Prayer: Seek God’s direction for your child’s future. Through prayer, filter each decision you make for your children, nephews, nieces, and students through the perfect Will of God. Children should pray for God’s favor, protection, guidance, and wisdom. And, children should pray for their parents, their teachers, leaders, ministers, and pastor.


Wednesday – A Godly Husband

Scriptures: Genesis 2:18 – 24, 1 Corinthians 7:3 – 5, Ephesians 5:21, 25 – 32, Colossians 3:19, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Peter 3:7

Focus: Godly Husbands – We’re commanded to leave and cleave as husbands, making your relationship with your wife one of your highest priorities. We’re commanded to love, and even “submit” ourselves to each other. Usurping the Word of God as your weapon, or endeavoring to demand respect vs. command respect is a recipe for a broken relationship. Seek to be the priest of our home, the godly example of your home, and your wife’s best and ablest protector. Never let anyone or anything come between your relationship with your wife, regardless of how noble the cause. Your relationship should mirror that of Christ and His Church.

Single Men – you’re not off the hook here. You may not be married, but you have an obligation to either be preparing yourself for your future spouse, or to remain faithful unto God, by remaining pure from worldly lust and ungodly passions. If it’s a spouse you seek, pray for God to lead you to the one He created for you, and until that happens, keep yourself for your future Mrs. Christian!

Prayer: Pray for godly wisdom and sensitivity as your wife’s husband. Pray for God to reveal ways in which you can grow closer to your wife. Pray both that you are the humble and godly husband she needs, and that she be the godly and tender wife that you need.

Thursday – A Godly Wife

Scriptures: Genesis 3:15, Proverbs 31, 1 Corinthians 7:3 – 5, Ephesians 5:22 – 24, Colossians 2:18, 1 Peter 3:1 – 6

Focus: Godly Wives – While Eve is often blamed for partaking the forbidden fruit, she didn’t do it alone. But in the middle of God’s Divine judgment, women are given a promise that a redeemer (Gen. 3:15) will come from them and her seed “would bruise the head” of Satan! That’s prophetic of the work of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Women, you are the continuation of God’s Divine Creation. You were literally created with a profound purpose; to be a help “meet” or suitable for her husband. What he lacks you supply. What you lack, he supplies. This is not a 50/50 proposal; rather it is a 100/100 proposal. While we all need love, men are told to love their wives, while wives are told to submit, or have respect for, your husband.

Single Women – you guessed it, you’re not off the hook either. You may not be married, but you have an obligation to either be preparing yourself for your future husband, or to remain faithful unto God, by remaining pure from worldly lust and ungodly passions. If it’s a spouse you seek, pray for God to lead you to the one He created for you, and until that happens, keep yourself for your future Mr. Christian!

Prayer: Pray for wisdom and sensitivity as a husband’s partner in your home and over your family. Seek to be the godly example to the younger women, and may your prayers be your family’s most vocal advocate before God’s Throne!

Friday – Our Finances

Scriptures: Leviticus 27:30, Proverbs 8:3 – 10, Proverbs 10:22, Proverbs 19:17, Micah 3:8 – 12, Luke 6:38, Hebrews 7:4 – 10

Focus: When giving to the Work of the Lord, be it your local church, or foreign missions, you’re not simply putting your money in a man’s hand, you’re returning a tenth of what God has blessed you with. Admit it, it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not destroyed. We have what we do, and can achieve what we do, because of God daily loading us with benefits. Acknowledge Him as your sole/soul provider by returning your tithes and offerings unto Him, and see if He won’t open the windows of heaven’s blessings and pour them out upon you and your entire household.

Prayer: Pray for a renewed sense of God’s goodness in your life. Pray God increase you in direct proportion to your generous heart. Pray God create in you a conduit through which blessings will flow so that you in turn will be blessed and can bless others.

Saturday – Our Work

Scriptures: Psalm 37:5, Psalm 75:6, Psalm 90:17, Deuteronomy 28:1 – 14, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 2:14 – 15, Colossians 3:23, 2 Thess. 3:10 – 12, 1 Peter 5:6 – 7

Focus: We must never forget the source from whom all our blessings flow. Our work will never prosper without God’s Divine blessing upon it. Our careers are important, how we make a living is critical to our survival, but “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Endeavor to be a wise steward with your talents, your giftings, and abilities. Use them for the glory of God and He will promote you in due time. And, remember nothing you do for Christ is a waste. He always rewards the faithful.

Prayer: Seek God first in all things. Ask for wisdom (James 1:5 – 8) and favor in the right areas of your career, your education, and your occupation. Pray for favor in the eyes of those you work for and with. Pray you properly represent Christ in the workplace and your profession. Pray for a spirit of integrity, honor, and excellence. Do not pray for wealth as much as for wisdom to be a steward with the blessings God has already granted you.

Turning Point’s 21 Days of Consecration – Week 1 Focus: God

At the beginning of each new year our church, Turning Point Apostolic of Rochester, MI embarks upon a 21-day journey of consecration. We dedicate each of the three weeks to a specific purpose in this order: God, Family, and Church. The 21 days is observed with fasting in a variety of ways; Food Fast, Daniel Fast, Workman’s Fast, Media Fast, Sugar Fast, etc. Due to the complex nature of everyone’s health we leave it up to the individual to commit to the fast that best suits their abilities.

Here you can find Week 1 of 3 complete with scriptural links compliments of Bible Hub…

Week 1: God

Scope: Our focus for 7 days will be on our relationship with God. We will focus on aspects that will draw us closer to Him, by utilizing God’s Word to help us incorporate repentance, renewed focus on set times of prayer, creating a family altar, purging ourselves of fleshly things that over time have crept in unawares. Setting the stage here is critical for the success of the remaining 2 weeks. To optimize the effects of this fast, please avoid the usage of worldly media, social media, and entertainment f or this entire week. Give it all to God!

Be sure and gain all the strength you can from each Sunday Service for the week. The message pastor preaches will be aligned to the particular focus of the fast, and it is expected that you spend time at the altar preparing yourself for that given week.

Monday
Scripture: Exodus 20:1 – 17, Deuteronomy 6:1 – 9
Focus: Keep God FIRST in your life. Confess and repent for things you’ve allowed to challenge His Divine Authority. Renew your Family Altar.
Prayer: Pray for courage to keep God first despite worldly pressures. Pray for strength to overcome fleshly appetites and desires.

Tuesday
Scripture: Luke 12:25 – 34, Psalm 20:7, Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 12:2
Focus: Godly pursuits. Fight worldly distractions. Build solid trust and faith in God.
Prayer: Pray for strength to entrust every facet of your life unto God. Pray to build your life on things eternal.

Wednesday
Scripture: Mark 12:28 – 30, Matthew 15:8, 1 Peter 1:13, Jeremiah 24:7
Focus: Loving God with all your soul, mind, heart, strength
Prayer: Pray for opportunities to devote every aspect of your being to loving God.

Thursday
Scripture: Micah 6:6-8, 1 John 4:16, Amos 5:14 – 15, 1 Corinthians 14:33
Focus: Simplicity in your walk with God. Love the things God loves. Focus on the things God focuses on.
Prayer: Pray against confusion and complication of God’s plan in your life.

Friday
Scripture: Malachi 3:16, Deut. 8:11 – 20, Hosea 4:6, Jeremiah 2:32, Revelation 2:4
Focus: Rememberance of God in all things. Not leaving your “first love.”
Prayer: Pray for awareness of God in your life; to always be mindful of Him.

Saturday
Scripture: 1 Thess. 5:18, James 4:14, Romans 12:1 – 2, James 4:7
Focus: Sacrifice, Thanksgiving, Submission to God and His perfect Will
Prayer: Pray for a new revelation of godly sacrifice. Express Thankfulness; Seek a new found devotion to God’s perfect will in all your life!

21-Day Fast (Day 5) More Than Just Food

The Last Holiday Party of the Season 

Last night was the final family party for the Holidays. I sat it out. Yes, I missed it, but now that it’s behind me, I consider this a small victory for my spirit. But, this was not without a lesson learned. As I prayed this morning it dawned on me that when fasting food, you’re actually fasting everything that’s associated with food.

With the family party, I sat out the meal and prayed. Not that this makes me a saint, I just felt like that was the thing to do. Once the meal was over I did return to socialize. But, there’s so much socializing that surrounds food. Eating together is a time to bond with family and friends. Even Jesus chose the night in which he was betrayed, to give direction to His disciples over a meal.

So, when fasting food, this is just one example of what else we fast; essentially, time from our family (if they’re not fasting with you). Now, that’s not to say the only social time we spend with our families should revolve around food, but it’s just one facet that I miss. We discuss things at the dinner table. We share feelings and experiences. As a parent, I give encouragement and direction during dinner. It’s an element our society has gotten away from as they move towards watching T.V. while eating or eating at separate times due to varying schedules.

I know this is only for 21 days, but when something like that has become a part of your family culture, you certainly miss it. I’ll have a new found appreciation for not only the return of food at the end of the fast, but for the bonding time I spend with my family at the table.

Woe is Me?

I’m sorry that this entry has a somber tone to it, but as I reflected further, I’m reminded of the sacrifice that Christ performed for me. I don’t deserve his love and mercy, and I certainly didn’t deserve the gift of His Life for mine at Calvary. He’s made possible all the blessings I have today. So rather than focus on the loss of something, how about I focus on all I’ve gained and will continue to gain during the fast? Perhaps the feeling that I am neglecting my family during meal time, could be a clear indication of my neglect with my relationship with Jesus.

How Do I Feel?

Physically I feel OK. I’m not feeling stellar by any sense, but focusing on the short term isn’t wise. Focusing on the long term benefits of the fast keeps me encouraged. Another HUGE plus is my closeness with my Master. The meals I’ve missed and social time I’ve missed, are of little consequence when I factor in the meals of His Word and His presence that have been so bountiful!

21-Day Fast (Day 3) – Broken vs. Fractured

You had to know this was going to happen. The guy goes on a fast and he’s already getting deep and philosophical on us. OK, I admit I’m a “thinker” and my wife constantly accuses me of being “analytical” even when I’m NOT on a fast. So here’s the latest “dish.” Did I say “dish?” Yup. When you aren’t eating food, you have to dine on something, so why not the Word of God?

The inspiration for this thought came after Pastor Stephen preached our communion service message entitled, “Let Me Be Broken.” I’ve been “nibbling” on it ever since (there I go again with the “eating” references). As I shared with the Lord my desire to be just that, broken, I was deeply impressed upon in my spirit that we have so many that say they’re willing to be broken but fail to allow themselves to be engulfed by the entire process of being “broken.” Simply stated, they only go as far as being fractured, and stop before they can be broken.

What Do You Mean by “Broken?” 

There is no greater imagery of what it means to be broken than the night that Jesus was betrayed. Consider this passage in I Corinthians 11:23-26

 23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

Jesus showed us that in order to be of any use one must be broken. He symbolized it with this sacred breaking of the bread that represented His body, and He demonstrated it with the breaking of His body at Calvary. Had He not become broken for you and I, we would not enjoy this great plan of Salvation. It wasn’t until the bread was broken that it could actually be effectively used. If you refer to yesterday’s post you’ll see that this bread I am referring to is Jesus Christ!

A Full Break is Better Than a Fracture

Thankfully, I’ve never experienced a broken bone, but I have had some close calls. In fact, I’ve been told a time or two that it would have been better if I would have just plain broken the bone. But because it was a fracture, there wasn’t much they could do. I think as Christians we opt out of the process of being broken too soon. If you are not careful, you will stop at simply being fractured which puts you at risk for more pain and suffering than if you would have just allowed your will to be broken. But because you stopped too soon, or you allowed other priorities to creep in, you are fractured. The healing process is prolonged and actually, medically speaking, that injury could plague you with aches and pains the rest of your life, never being fully allowed to heal. I think this is when Christians become bitter, resentful and critical; they’re fractured, they’re not broken.

How Do I Feel?

I feel just fine in the Lord. I’m not going to allow the weakness and temptations of the flesh to undermine what God’s trying to accomplish. Stopping this process too soon could very well put me at risk of simply being fractured and not completely broken. I want to be used of God in whatever capacity He’s called me. That’s going to involve a breaking process, but if I allow the great Potter to form and fashion, mold and shape me according to His perfect design than break away Lord. Make me stronger and of more value to your Kingdom.