Day 40 - Isaiah 61

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,..."

Read the entire chapter of Isaiah 61/  Reflect over these last 40 days of prayer and fasting.  Think on God's blessings upon your life.  Then come tonight and share your testimony at our Victory and Revival Service at 7:30pm.  And Yes, bring a Friend.
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 39 - Isaiah 61:11b

"... so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness  and praise spring up before all nations."

Revival will be so big for Trenton and Living Hope that people from Trenton and the surrounding area, from all the nations, will come to Christ and Praise His Name!
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 38 - Isaiah 61:11a

"For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow,..."

The blessing from God on Trenton will be so great that others will see it as if it a new city.  The seeds of prayer and fasting that we have planted will sprout and grow into a big fruitful tree.  We will live in a new city called, Trenton.  "Renewing Trenton with Living Hope!"
Pastor Julio Guzmán

Day 37 - Isaiah 61:10c

"...as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,  and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Living Hope, as the bride of the Lamb, He has adorned us with many jewels.  This adornment are the spiritual gifts, the fruit of the Spirit, and the miracles and signs that He will send to the church.  Enjoy such a great blessing.
Pastor Julio Guzmán  

Day 36 - Isaiah 61:10b

"For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,..."

 This garment is the armor we have received as His children.  The robe is the anointing of God over us to serve Him with holiness and honor.  This is part of our inheritance as members of His royal kingdom.

Pastor Julio Guzmán

Day 35 - Isaiah 61:10a

" I delight greatly in the LORD;  my soul rejoices in my God."

We rejoice and are happy when we receive many blessings from the Lord. But when there is not much to be happy in your life, you can still be joyful.  The secret is to rejoice, delight greatly in the Lord.  You should rejoice in God, because He is completely faithful and never changes.  He has your situation in His hands.  For many people bad situations may cause much lament but for the believer, who is revived by the Spirit of God, he/she can still feel joy in his/her heart.  Why?  Because "the Joy of the Lord is My Strength!"

Pastor Julio Guzmán

Day 34 - Isaiah 61:9b

"All who see them will acknowledge  that they are a people the LORD has blessed."

How is it possible that with less you are more blessed than we are?  Because you are a people chosen by God.  And Trenton will acknowledge God's provision over Living Hope.
Pastor Julio Guzmán 

Day 33 - Isaiah 61:9a

"Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples."

Our descendants will be those who accept Jesus because of our testimony.  Revival in Trenton will be so great that the people will say: "We live in a beautiful and blessed city because of Living Hope!"

Pastor Julio Guzmán 

Day 32 - Isaiah 61:8d

"...and make an everlasting covenant with them"

 This covenant from Christ with us is eternal.  Everlasting means that it is repeated forever.  Everlasting also means that it gets better for us everyday and moment.
Pastor Julio Guzman 

Day 31 - Isaiah 61:8c

In my faithfulness I will reward my people..."

God is going to reward us because He is truthful and faithful and fulfills His promises. Your prayer and fasting will be rewarded by the Lord because you are seeking His face. His answer will come filled with riches and glory from heaven!

Pastor Julio Guzman

 

Day 30 - Isaiah 61:8b

"I hate robbery and wrongdoing."

The Biblical allusion here is to the Old Testament sacrifice of an animal burnt on the altar for the forgiveness of sin.  Jesus gave his life as a total sacrifice for us. Now God expects us to give all of our lives to Him.  Let us not rob God of our commitment to Him.  Revival means all is His and is for Him.  "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."  Romans 12:1
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 29 - Isaiah 61:8a

"For I, the Lord, love justice;"

God loves all that is just and correct.  As part of His kingdom, do yo love justice?  Does your life reflect all that is just and true before God?  The world needs to see the King's children who truly act like His children; those who reflect a just life.  "Lord, I also love justice, like You."
Pastor Julio Guzmán

Day 28 - Isaiah 61:7c

“And so you will inherit a double portion in your land and everlasting joy will be yours” 
How much will we get? Yes an everlasting joy will be theirs. Jesus promises to reward all who faithfully follow Him, but He warns against having rewards as your only motive for service. If you are His disciple, expect a cross, a cup, and a baptism, for the servant is not greater than his Lord. The important question is, “How much can we give to receive a double portions of His spirit to have everlasting joy?
Pastor Sam Dyson

Day 27 - Isaiah 61:7b

“and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance” 
Instead of disgrace, there would be rejoicing and everlasting joy. It would be like going from a funeral to a wedding and from a desert to a beautiful garden! "I tell you the truth, Jesus  replied, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sister, mothers, children and fields and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30 NIV).
Pastor Sam Dyson 

Day 26 - Isaiah 61:7a

“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion”
What a promise! All of the mistakes we have made. All of our misfortunes. All of the times that we have been wronged. Our Deliverer is coming! He said He will restore, and He means what He says!
What an awesome thing to sit back and watch the Lord restore what the locusts have eaten. We don’t deserve an ounce of it, but He does it anyway! He delights in pouring out His blessings on His children. Let’s enjoy the Lord and His double portion of these blessings that He has promised to those who fear and put their hope in Him. Can I get an amen?!
Pastor Sam Dyson

Day 25 - Isaiah 61:6c

“You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast”   
What a day it will be to live off the riches and glory of our nations while serving the Lord in comfort. It will be a time of rejoicing, sharing testimonies, and with praise for what the Lord has done and is doing in our lives. Enjoy the wealth and riches God has for you.
Pastor Sam Dyson 

Day 24 - Isaiah 61:6b

“you will be named ministers of our God”   
Yes we will become servants of the Lord serving in many ways. “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:28niv) As ministers of the community this example must be carried out so many will come to know the Lord as their Savior.
Pastor Sam Dyson 

Day 23 - Isaiah 61:6a

“And you will be called priests of the LORD” 
We as priests of the Lord represent the people before the Lord, conducting ourselves in a Christ like manner. Our purpose is to listen to God speak to our hearts for the calling He has for us to be fulfilled in our church and our community. You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5 NIV).
Pastor Sam Dyson  

Day 22 - Isaiah 61:5b

“foreigners will work your fields and vineyards” 
In the bible foreigners are described as outsiders or strangers found in Exodus 12. We have to ask ourselves am I the foreigner God wants to use to help rebuild our area in a ministry disciplining way. If you answered yes, then your purpose is to listen to God speak to your heart for the calling He has for you to fulfill in your church and your community.
Pastor Sam Dyson 

Day 21 - Isaiah 61:5

“Strangers will shepherd your flocks”   
Who are the strangers and what is their purpose?  They are people God is going to put into place to rebuild our area. Their purpose is to share the gospel and minister to the lost so that they may except Jesus into their lives. You are the stranger and you are the minister God wants to use so what are you waiting on?
Pastor Sam Dyson

Day 20 - Isaiah 61:4d

“that have been devastated for generations” 
When we hear God is providing for people - story after story - we just rejoice together. Sometimes we just can’t take it in, it’s so good. We know God can change the things that have devastated us for years, if we will only “Be still and know that He is God.” For years Satan has tried to interfere in our lives while we were serving the Lord, but it’s time to take back what God has made for believers.
Pastor Sam Dyson

Day 19 - Isaiah 61:4c

“they will renew the ruined cities” 
God will remove the disgrace of the people and bring great glory to His name. “I am for you!” says the Lord; and “if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 niv).
Pastor Sam Dyson

Day 18 - Isaiah 61:4b

“and restore the places long devastated” 
In His grace, God will bring this city from desolation to delight, and His people from breaking up and scattering to re-gathering and from defilement to cleansing. God is in control. God is telling us to cleanse our hearts so that He may work in us to restore our city. I encourage you to continue to fast, and pray for what is about to happen in 2011.
Pastor Sam Dyson 

Day 17 - Isaiah 61:4a

“They will rebuild the ancient ruins” 
The land of Judah was in ruins after the Babylonian captivity, but God would help the people repair and rebuild.  God is not only a sovereign God, but He is a God of compassion and understanding. He knows the city of Trenton and what it needs after all “Father knows best” and He wants us to get our lives, home, and church in order so He can bless our community with newness. This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt (Ezekiel 36:33 niv).
Pastor Sam Dyson

Day 16 - Isaiah 61:3g

"...for the display of his splendor."
He exalted and lifted you up so that Trenton and the whole world may glorify Christ.  Not for yours or the church's glory.  The secret to sustaining a revival is to be sure that everything we do, be done to glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 15 - Isaiah 61:3f

"...a planting of the LORD..."
 Jesus planted and built you so that Trenton can see How God renew and restores a person.  They need to see how revival began (was planted) in you and in our church, Living Hope.  Then revival will begin all over the city.

Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 14 - Isaiah 61:3e

"They will be called oaks of righteousness,..." 

We are made of strong and tough material in Christ.  Like a big and strong tree that can resist the storm, we will resist all storms of unrighteousness and evil because we are rooted in the Righteous, Strong and All Powerful Jesus Christ.

Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 13 - Isaiah 61:3d

"...and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. "
This garment of praise is our armor which protects us from the enemy.  That is why we are able cast out demons in the name of Christ.  But Jesus also reminds us in Luke 10:20  "do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Pastor Julio Guzmán

Day 12 - Isaiah 61:3c

"...the oil of joy instead of mourning,..." 
People used to cover their faces with oil to revive and refresh their skin after traveling through a desert.  Christ has taken us out of the desert of doubt, insecurity and sin.  Now He refreshes us with the Spirit of joy, which brings us certainty, hope, security and freedom.
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 11 - Isaiah 61:3b

"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,..." 
The crown of beauty we have received represents His glory.  Thus we are reminded that we are children of the King.  We are living in victory, not in ashes.  The Jews would place ashes on their head when they were in mourning.  Now as heirs of the kingdom of God, we have this beautiful crown which represents the presence of God on us.  That is our victory.
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 10 - Isaiah 61:3a

"...and provide for those who grieve in Zion..."
The Lord came to bring order and provide for His children.  Zion mean His chosen people, Israel.  Now we are included as His chosen.  Jesus took your afflictions on the cross.  The result is relief and healing.  Thank you Man of sorrows for your great gift.
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 9 - Isaiah 61:2c

"...to comfort all who mourn,..." 
When we go through tragedy and lost, the Great Comforter, the Holy Spirit came to heal this pain.  Many times we reject His comfort and allow the tough situation control our lives instead of letting the Spirit.  Why let this past pain continue just because we don't permit the Holy Spirit to heal them.  "I give these pains and hurts to You, Holy Spirit, and I receive all Your comfort and love in the name of Christ."
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 8 - Isaiah 61:2b

"...and the day of vengeance of our God,..."
The day of the Lord for many will be a day of bad news.  If they do not believe and follow the Lord Jesus, when He returns they will be judged and sent to hell or really the lake of fire.  Also if someone attacks one of the Lord's children, they will have do deal directly with Him.  We don't have to seek revenge ourselves because the Lord said, "vengeance is mine". We won't have to worry about the injustices done on us, because when we give them to the Lord He will know perfectly how to deal with them.  The protection and security we have in God has no equal among men.
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 7 - Isaiah 61:2a

"...to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor..."

When believers and church begins to apply their calling and authority in holiness, marvelous things begin to happen.  Signs and wonders and changes in lives and in the city will be evident.  We will be proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor.  This is the reason why we are fasting and praying these first 40 days of the year and why we are meeting every night for prayer.  We are already seeing the Lord do wonderful things in these meetings.  Your job is to proclaim to others what the Lord is doing in  your life and church.  Are you inviting your friends and family, the sick and needy to our Church meetings?  Yo are called to proclaim, announce, invite and tell others what the Lord is doing at Living Hope!

Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 6 - Isaiah 61:1f

"and release from darkness for the prisoners,..."
The day of your freedom has arrived!  After declaring with faith for your freedom from the things that have been holding you back, now you will see how the Holy Spirit will do the work.  The change will be from night to day.  When that day arrives you will really start to feel how it is to walk in the Spirit, as the Scriptures states.  Then the focus will change from you to others.  You will walk into different places and the surroundings will change because the presence of the Spirit in you will touch lives.  This is the power we have inside that will shine out and free those who are in prison of sin and one formed by the enemy.  The Revival that started in you will now start impacting lives for the Lord Jesus!
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 5 - Isaiah 61:1e

"...to proclaim freedom for the captives,..."
Before you can be free from something you need to receive the court order that states that you are free.  Jesus has declared us free!  We are free from sin and condemnation.  Many times we do not feel free because we have not accepted this judicial order from the Lord.  But He proclaimed it and this means that we cannot allow ourselves to think the contrary.  If you need freedom from something you need to declare it in the name of Jesus Christ.  Part of this declaration is to break all curses placed on you and break the chain of family generational sin by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Declare yourself free from the things that are holding you from living a victorious life and then you will see how the Lord will free you because you have taken this important step of faith.
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 4 - Isaiah 61:1d

"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted..."

The Holy Spirit is the specialist in healing broken hearts. If He is in your life this means that His job is to heal your past hurts.  If you are discouraged, He came to restore your life.  If someone has disappointed you, the Spirit is here to tell you that all will be well and that he will give you confidence again.  With this you will have the power to go and restore other broken hearts because the Lord has done the work in you.  Who has the Lord sent you to restore this week?
Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 3 - Isaiah 61:1c

"...to proclaim good news to the poor..."

Now that the Holy Spirit is in your life, and that God has integrated you into His Royal family, you are called to fulfill the work of the kingdom.  Your first task is to preach good news to the poor.  Whether you are a new believer or a believer for many years your job is to preach.  But I am not a Pastor!  But it is the job of all believers.  And it is simpler than you may think.  What good news has the Lord given you?  That He has saved you.  You need to share this testimony; how he has changed you.  This is good news.  Many who are poor need to hear your testimony.  It may be short and simple but with the help of the Holy Spirit in your life, He will use your words to touch lives.  Who are the poor?  All those who do not have Jesus in their lives.  There are many people who are living a life of poverty but God will use your words to transform these lives.  It is an privilege to carry this great message about someone who has done so much for us,  the Lord Jesus Christ.  No matter where you may be, you are an ambassador of Jesus because He has given you His Spirit and authority as part of His royal family.  Your mission today, is to speak to others the good news of Jesus Christ.  Go For It!

Pastor Julio Guzmán

Day 2 - Isaiah 61:1b

"...because the LORD has anointed me..."
Now He has anointed me. WOW!  When God anoints someone it is because they are very very Special to Him.  So Special that He is choosing them for an important purpose.  As King and Ruler of all things God is now choosing persons He has called His Princes and Princesses.  Only those who have royal blood can be anointed.  Because Jesus shed his blood on the cross for you and me we now  have been adopted into the royal family of God.  "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.." 1 Peter 2:9
Do not let anyone, anything or even yourself say that you are not special.  If God says You are Special that's the truth.  I am very Special to God, that is why he has anointed Me.  Reflect on how special you are to Him.  Let this phrase permeate your life today, why? Because YOU are SPECIAL to GOD!!!   - Pastor Julio Guzman

Day 1 - Isaiah 61:1a

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on ME..."
As we start our first day of Prayer and Fasting for Victory in Our lives, church, Trenton and Community, I am amazed about the Spirit of the Lord is on ME!!!  When I think of ME (excuse the improper English) I think of all that is wrong and flawed.  The fact that His Spirit is on ME is humbling.  Victory starts in ME.  And it's started with the Holy Spirit.  When we want to make changes in our lives we usually set the agenda.  The fact that the Holy Spirit is on and in ME means that I need to let HIM set the agenda.  First rejoice that the Spirit is in YOU and give HIM thanks.  Then ask the Spirit to reveal what is wrong and flawed in you so He can remove them.  Ask HIM what HE wants to change in YOU. Confess to the Lord Jesus your sins and let HIS SPIRIT do the work in YOU.  Meditate on this Special Word that Jesus Himself repeated in Luke and has given to us HIS disciples to follow.  "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on ME..."  Sovereign because HE is in Control.  So Let HIM be in control of you and praise HIM because HE is in YOU!!!
- Pastor Julio Guzman