"And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes..." -- Daniel 9:3 Consecration and fasting are two very important spiritual disciplines in the Christian faith.

Fasting is an act of willful abstinence or elimination from certain or all food, drink, or both, for a period. In short, to fast is to give up certain foods or to intentionally not eat. To consecrate means that I choose to separate myself from "unclean things" (i.e.: lewd conversation, television shows, websites, places, etc...) so that I can focus on drawing closer to GOD. By the unction of The Holy Ghost, Pastor Darius invites and encourages the entire Brown Chapel AME Church family to join in a ten-day fast!

The consecration will begin Monday, November 18 at 12 midnight and conclude Thursday, November 28, 2024 – Thanksgiving Day. This time is being designated as a time of consecration through fasting, increased prayer and study of GOD's Word.
The Church of JESUS Christ is being called to greater Kingdom dedication and sanctification. Therefore, we must reject those actions and thoughts that are not of God, and we must commit to getting rid of all ideals, persons, places, and things that hinder our spiritual growth. Because we know that God's grace has kept us, our hearts are filled with awe and appreciation as we delight in the blessings and manifest miracles of GOD. Beloved, this consecration is relatively easy and is our "reasonable act of worship." (Romans 12:1) Consecration requires that we become good stewards of the resources entrusted to us by God. During this time of sanctification, please join us as we fast and pray for spiritual breakthrough, divine cleansing, and renewal of our bodies by participating in the following fast:

 

Eliminate the following from your diets:
* Junk foods (Chips, cookies, donuts, candies, pastries, etc.)
* Fast food (Tacos, burgers, fries, etc.)
* Fried and fatty foods
* Alcoholic and carbonated beverages
Eat fish, poultry, fresh vegetables, and fruit.

 

Please TRY to eliminate unnecessary carbohydrates: sugars, white rice, breads, pasta, etc.
·        12- hours of total fasting.  During this time, we will not eat any food and will only consume water.  The other 14 hours of the day, you may eat as you deem necessary, while adhering to the fast guidelines.   
·        For those on special diets and taking medications, please consult your physician before fully participating in the fast.
·        Remember to drink plenty of water and get ample rest.
Family, this is NOT a form of punishment, but rather and instead, an opportunity to draw near to God. I sincerely believe that GOD has AMAZING blessings in store for HIS people during this season! Let us prepare our bodies, minds, souls, and spirit for what is in store.

 
Lastly, I, under the unction of the Holy Spirit invite you to participate in what we will call First Fruit Offering.  This is an opportunity for us to sow into the Kingdom of GOD.  Here are the instructions:
1.      Give your regular tithe and offerings.
2.      Give prayerful consideration as to what you offer to GOD above your regular tithe and offering. Some might wish to give one week’s pay.  Others might have a set amount in mind to give. (For instance, $1,000, $500, $250, $100, etc.…)
3.      If you’re not a tither, I challenge and encourage you to try tithing for at least three months. 
Is this Biblical? YES!  Here are several scriptural references regarding first fruit offerings and tithing.

·        Deuteronomy 26
·        Leviticus 23: 9-14
·        Proverbs 3: 9
·        Ezekial 44: 30
·        Genesis 4: 3-5
·        1 Corinthians 15:20
·        Nehemiah 10:35              
·        2 Chronicles 31:5
·        Exodus 23:19
·        Leviticus 2:12
·        James 1: 18
·        Deuteronomy 18: 4
·        1 Corinthians 15:23
·        Romans 11:16

 
We will receive First Fruits on Sundays December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2024. We are not asking for you to give multiple First Fruit offerings.  Please remember, this is an act of faith and worship.  Let’s sow into the ministry, worship The LORD with our substance, and posture ourselves for an even better future!
 
Rev. Darius Thomas Curtis, Sr. 
Pastor/Teacher