I trust you are experiencing great spiritual growth during this 21 Day Fast. Beverly and I have been praying for you and your family during this time and believing for an increase in your life.
Fasting isn’t a punishment…it’s a privilege. Fasting draws us closer to God and helps us grow spiritually. Fasting continues to be one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives.
Beverly and I have been standing firm in our prayer that there will be a RELEASE from the bondage of sin; RESTORATION in relationships; RESOURCES improved in finances and increase; RENEWAL and supernatural healing!
This fast has been about our FUTURE and our FAMILIES! We have been believing for God’s direction and guidance in your life.
We are living in an hour that is PERILOUS. I speak with pastors all across this country that are dealing with issues that range from frivolous to devastating. My heart breaks as they share their problems, experiences and present circumstances.
I consider myself to be blessed to part of such a wonderful congregation at BFWC. Yet, we are not without our own trials from time to time. I CHOOSE to focus on the good and believe the best in everyone. I have often said “you’ll have to prove me wrong, cause I’m going to believe the best in you.” I STILL feel that way.
Beverly and I want you to know our hearts. Pastoring today is different than it was 10 years ago…even 5 years ago. We are dealing with so many issues today that have brazenly dared the church to oppose them.
- Bad attitudes, lying tongues, character issues, integrity issues, fornicating spirits, social drinking, casual Christianity, gossip, laziness, deception, manipulation, Absalom spirits, Jezebel spirits, discourtesy, lack of etiquette, spiritual gypsies, Christian consumerism, personal preference versus Godly principles, etc.
I received a call this week from a pastor who shared the trials he was facing: increase of deaths, financial pressures, family issues, health issues, staff issues, etc. We prayed together and I asked the Lord to increase his life with rest, restoration and refreshing. His call was like many I receive.
As we draw near to the coming of the Lord, we must dig our heels in and refuse to allow the enemy to trip us up. Satan would love nothing better than to deceive the “very elect” in these last days. More and more we hear of people who have known the Word and have walked in the way of the Lord…stumbling, getting side tracked and forsaking spiritual protocols. BFWC…I implore you to not let this happen to you.
We believe in each of you! You have what it takes! You can reach your destiny! You can overcome your current obstacles!
However, each of us must make up our mind that we are not going to BACKSLIDE for anyone! We aren’t going to Hell for ANYONE! I encourage you today to:
- Stay focused on Jesus … not man.
- Lean on Jesus … not flesh.
- Refuse to lie.
- Refuse to stretch the truth.
- Refuse to carry grudges, tell half-truths, manipulate others, get entangled with a web of deceit.
- Refuse to gossip.
- Refuse to blame others for your own issues and internal wranglings.
- Keep your nose clean.
- Speak words that edify.
- Never entertain gossip about your brothers and sisters or your pastors/leaders.
- Never allow yourself to be put in a compromising situation with the opposite sex.
- Never do anything that will cause a young Christian or a non-believer to stumble.
- Steer clear of relationships that are questionable.
- Build yourself up spiritually so that you’re ready to minister to others 24/7.
- Get up early and pray.
- Read your Bible every day.
- Pray in tongues every day.
- Align yourself to the vision of your church.
- Submit to your leaders.
- Submit to your spouse.
- Submit to one another.
- Stay in church routinely…Sunday’s & Wednesday’s.
- Position your children in church EVERYTIME the doors are open.
- Lift the hands of your leaders.
- Lighten the load of others.
- Look for opportunities to minister.
- Pray Ephesians 6 over your body, soul & spirit every morning before you walk out the door.
- Kiss your spouse.
- Hug your kids.
- Determine to encourage at least one person each day with a card, text, call, gift, etc.
- Take care of God’s house before your house.
- Give God His time and He’ll give you time you didn’t know you had.
With great affection,
Russell & Beverly Hylton
Senior Pastors
