Harvest Fire Worship Center

Bible Study (Praying and Fasting Series)

2008-01-26T18:10:00.000-08:00

Bible Study Syllabus

Date: January - March 2009

Topic: Prayer and Fasting

Weeks 1 & 2: Definitions and Introduction
Week 3: History of Prayer Old and New Testament
Week 4: History of Fasting, Old and New Testament
Week 5 & 6: Examples of Prayer and Fasting in the Old Testament (Causes and effects)
Week 7 & 8: Examples of Prayer and Fasting in the New Testament (Causes and effects)
Week 9: The physical aspects of fasting – how fasting affects the body.
Week 10: A look at the prayer and fasting life of Jesus
Week 11: Biblical mandates for the New Testament Believer to Fast and Pray
Week 12: Summary and Implementation

Date: January 3-10, 2008

Series Topic: “Prayer and Fasting”

1. Weeks 1 & 2: Definitions and Introduction.

a) What is Prayer?

Prayer is communication between individuals and God. Prayer can be verbal or silent and can be done in any posture (Kneeling is not a must). Prayer can be done individually or corporately. Per Easton’s Bible Dictionary “To pray is to converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to Him”

b) What is Fasting?

Fasting is abstaining from the intake of foods and nourishment for a defined period of time. The purpose for the fast is to deny the body food and nourishment to weaken it in order to bring it under the control of the spirit. Man is a triune being with the flesh being the dominant player and usually the manifested source of sin. It is the appeal to the flesh that the devil uses for the most part to lead man into sin. While the flesh cannot serve or worship God (St. John), the spirit man is a direct offspring of God and yearns to serve Him. Thus we have the constant battle that rages between the flesh and the spirit. Fasting empowers the spirit man and tilts the balance in his favor.

c) How are Prayer and Fasting related?

Because prayer is communication or fellowship between the spirit man and God and fasting weakens the flesh man and empowers the spirit man, then fasting adds strength to the prayer of the spirit man and tunes his prayer closer to the will of God.

OUTLINE

January 17, 2008

2. Week 3: The History of Prayer, Old and New Testament (Dr. Don)

Ø Isaac – Genesis 25: 21
Ø Hannah – 1 Samuel 1:9-18 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Ø David – 2 Samuel 7:18-28
Ø Solomon – 1 Kings 8:22 (2 Chronicle 6: 12)
Ø Hezekiah – 2 Kings 19:8 (Isaiah 37: 8)
Ø Ezra – Ezra 8: 21
Ø Job – Job 13: 20
Ø David – Psalms (Numerous)
Ø Prophet – Habakkuk 3: 1

New Testament

Ø House of prayer – Mat.21: 13
Ø Zacharias – Luke 1: 13
Ø Jesus, All night in prayer – Luke 6:12
Ø Pharisees long prayers – Mat. 23: 14
Ø Prayer of the Saints – Rev. 5:8

January 23, 2008

3.Week 4 (Pastor Helga)

Topic: The History of Fasting

The history of fasting goes back thousands of years. Many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Eastern religions used and still use fasting as a healing process for spiritual purification and communion with God. Philosophers, scientists, and physicians have used it as a healing process to cure sicknesses. Fasting affects not only our physical being, but our mental, emotional, and spiritual self as well. Physicians with a spiritual orientation are more likely to prescribe fasting to their patients because they are also more likely than other doctors to use the fasting method for cleansing. (Fasting, Body Cleansing or Body Starving by Kelly Grimes)
The rationale behind fasting places an emphasis on control over our habits. When we need to recharge, we take a break from life and go on vacation. When our body needs cleansing, fasting is time away from food. Both methods of withdrawal from normal routine help us get back in touch with what our bodies need. (Haas)

Fasting is a “retreat” away from food for a specific period of time and requires much discipline of spirit, mind and body if it is to be effective. We will explain later in the series how fasting affects the body and the right and wrong way to enter and break a fast. Fasting, coupled with prayer is a powerful tool to be used to help overcome and break habitual sins in our lives and to draw us closer to God (Is. 58:6). It also reveals inconsistencies in our lives and aids in breaking the cycle of such. Fasting is not meant to twist the arm of God and get Him to do as we wish.. In other words, fasting is not getting God to be in agreement with us rather it is getting us to be in agreement with God. When we come in alignment with His will, then can we truly be blessed.
As stated previously, history reveals that the practice of fasting has been around for thousands of years. Although fasting is an ancient practice, it is still a necessary tool to employ in our private as well as corporate lives as believers. Today, we will look at some of these great men and women in biblical history who practiced fasting and the reason(s) for which they fasted.

1. Biblical History of Individual Fast Old Testament:

Ø Moses fasted forty days twice and received the laws for daily living – Ex. 24:18; 34:27,28
Ø David for his son with Bathsheba – 2 Sam. 12:23
Ø David’s Psalms were birthed mostly from fasting and prayer – Ps. 69:10; 109: 24
Ø Daniel in seeking divine guidance from God regarding the seventy years – Daniel 9: 3
Ø Elijah fasted forty days receiving revelation that affected the nation –1 Kings 19: 8,15ff

2. National/Corporate Prayers

Ø Jezebel – Called a fast against Naboth for his vineyard – I Kings 21: 12 (wicked fast) See Isaiah 58: 6-11. *Fasting should be for the right reasons and the right motive. One should not attempt a spiritual fast with the wrong mindset; this is not the fasting that is acceptable unto God. Jezebel’s fast was NOT God centered, hence unacceptable. Right fasting produces right results.
Ø Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast for all Judah when Moab and Ammon came against them – 2 Chron. 20:3.
Ø Nehemiah, the people confessed their sins before God – Neh. 9:1-3
Ø Ezra called a national fast to humble themselves before God – Ezra 8:21-23
Ø Esther called for a fast among the Jews at Susa in preparation for her intercession to the king on behalf of her people. – Esther 4: 15-17
Ø Joel called a consecrated fast and proclaimed a solemn assembly – Joel 1:14; 2:15-16
Ø The people of Nineveh called a fast after Jonah’s message – Jonah 3:5

3. Biblical History of fasting, New Testament

Ø Jesus, in the wilderness for forty days –Mat. 4:1
Ø John’s disciples and the Pharisees – Mark 2:18
Ø Anna, in the temple – Luke 2:37
Ø The Disciples, ministered to the Lord in fasting –Acts 13: 2
Ø Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed when they appointed elders – Acts 14: 23

As believers in the New Testament Church we are expected to fast. Jesus in Mat.5:16, in His teaching on the Mount said “When you fast…” meaning we are expected to live a life of fasting and prayer. While prayer is communication between the individual and God; coupled with fasting, it helps us to overcome the flesh and makes us sensitive to the voice of our Father. Prayer and fasting also enables us to walk in the fullness of the spirit.

India Mission Trip Photos

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2007-04-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

India Missions Trip Photos

2007-04-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Festival of Blessings in Punjab, India (Opening night)

The crowd continues to increase as Dr. Clarke delivers a powerful message from God with the help of his interpreter.

Dr. Clarke sows the word of God and the people receive it with open hearts.

Dr. Donald Clarke delivering the Word of God to the people of Punjab, India with the media close by.

Residents of Punjab Praising the One True God at the Festival of Blessings in India.

The people listen so attentively as they learn more about the one True God.

Ghana & Kenya Missions Photos

2007-03-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

As pastor Donald Clarke delivered a powerful message, Ghanian people gathered in very large crowds to hear the Word of God.

Pastor Helga Clarke empowering the Ghanian women spiritually

Ghanian children gathered in crowds to hear the word of God

Minister Donald Clarke Jr. ministering to the Ghanian people

Our Pastors Dr. Donald and Helga Clarke, Tanieka Clarke, and Canton Jones with Ghanian people after a powerful time of worship.

The preceding is an array of photos taken during the Missions trip to Ghana. Please stay posted for more upcoming photos and for information regarding our upcoming Missions trip to India.

Missions Trip to Kenya (Photos)

2007-01-29T14:41:00.001-08:00

As Dr. Donald and Pastor Helga Clarke delivered powerful messages to the people of Kenya, who came in large crowds to hear the word of God, many gave their lives to Jesus Christ their only Hope. The food, clothes, and medicine that were taken to Kenya (though very much needed) will only last for a while, but the people were left with Jesus Christ, the one who can supply their every need. Thank you for your support!

TOGETHER WE CAN AND WILL REACH OUR WORLD ONE PERSON AT A TIME!!!

HARVEST FIRE 2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2007-01-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you for visiting the Harvest Fire Worship Center Recent News and Events page. The following is our 2009 Calendar of Events. If you would like more information about a particular event, please call 305-620-2986 and we will gladly assist you. Have a blessed day!

2009 Calendar of Events

JANUARY - Restoring the Passion For Your First Love

January 4th - 25th
21-Days Prayer and Fasting
6:00a.m - 7:00a.m. & 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m @HFWC

Friday, January 9th
Mid-Night Cry
10:45p.m. - 12:20a.m.

Monday, January 12th
Pastor Helga's Birthday
Hosted by: Pastoral Care Committee

Friday, January 23rd
Mid-Night Cry
10:45p.m. - 12:30a.m.

FEBRUARY- Love

Friday, February 6th
Valentine Couples Dinner
@7:p.m.

Friday, February 13th
Youth Valentine Dinner

MARCH - Embracing Prayer

Thursday, March 5th - 7th
Men's Retreat
Hosted by: the Men's Ministry

Thursday, March 12th - 14th
Prayer Conference
Hosted by: HFWC

Friday April 10th
Good Friday Service
Morning - 7:30a.m. & Evening 7:00 p.m. Services

There will be a drama production
in our evening service.

Thursday, April 16th - Saturday 18th
Believers Empowerment Conference
Hosted by: HFWC

MAY - Women of Virture

Friday, April 8th
High Tea
7:00 p.m.
Hosted by: the Women's Ministry

Thursday, April 21st - Saturday 23rd
Singles Retreat
Hosted by: the Single's Ministry

JUNE-Men of Valor

Saturday, June 6th
Church Picnic
Hosted By: the Youth Ministry

Friday, June 19th
Men's Celebration
Hosted by: the Men's Ministry

Saturday, June 20th
Feast Fit For A King
11:00a.m.
Hosted by: the Women's Ministry

JULY - Women Embracing Destiny

Thursday, 16th - Saturday, 18th
Women's Retreat
Hosted by: the Women's Ministry

AUGUST - Youth & Culture Awareness

Saturday, August 12
Back to School Fair
11:00a.m. - 2:00p.m
Hosted by: HFWC

Saturday, August 22nd
International Cultural Day
Hosted by: HFWC

SEPTEMBER - Community Awareness

Saturday, September 12th
Golf Tournament
7:30a.m
Hillcrest Golf & County Club
Hosted by: HFWC

Friday, 25th - Saturday 26th
Maximum Impact Conference
Hosted by: HFWC

OCTOBER - Pastors' Appreciation

Monday, October 12th
Dr. Clarke's Birthday
Hosted by: Pastoral Care Committee

Saturday October 24th
Appreciation Banquet "Black Tie Event"
Hosted by: Pastoral Care Committee

NOVEMBER - Youth Empowerment

Thursday November 12th - Saturday 14th
Youth Empowerment Conference
Hosted by: the Youth Ministry

Saturday, November 21st
Community Feast
Hosted by: the Outreach Ministry

DECEMBER - Giving Honor

Friday, December 11th
Members Celebration " Awards Night"
Hosted by: the Elders

Sunday, December 13th
Honoring Christmas
Hosted by: HFWC

Thursday, December 31st
Watch Night Service
Hosted by: HFWC

2007 Itinerary for Pastors Donald and Helga Clarke

2006-12-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

Jesus Woman Conference
Date: January 26th- February 6th
(Pastor Helga)
Location: Nigeria

January 22nd-28th
Pastor Ed Smith
(Pastor Don)

Mission Trip to Ghana
Date: February 6th-13th
(Pastors Don & Helga)

Mission Trip to Kenya
Date: February 13th-21st
(Pastors Don & Helga)

Mission Trip to India
Date: March 26th-April 3rd
(Pastors Don & Helga)

Good Friday Service
Date: Friday April 6th
Time: 7:00 am
(Pastors Don & Helga)

Jamaica Crusade
Date: July 1st-8th
(Pastors Don & Helga)

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Welcome to Harvest Fire Worship Center!

2006-10-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for news, images from recent events, announcements and other information about the ministry of Harvest Fire Worship Center!