“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever” (Psalms 107:1).

On Wednesday, December 10 through Friday, December 12, 2025, we will be engaging in our three days of Prayer and Fasting. Our goal during these three days is to dedicate ourselves to fasting and praying each day from 5:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Let us set aside this time to seek the Lord with focus and humility, remembering that Jesus Himself fasted and prayed to align fully with the Father’s will.

The focal point for our consecration is “Jesus was Born to Die, so that I Can Live.” As we enter these sacred days of prayer and fasting, we anchor our hearts in the truth of St. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life”. 

Jesus Christ died to atone for the sins of humanity, enabling believers to receive eternal life. His sacrifice represented the ultimate expression of His love for humanity.
Jesus came with one purpose: to perfectly fulfill God’s law and accomplish His will. He offered His own body as the ultimate sacrifice, not merely to cover sin, but to bring true and everlasting life.
It is important to understand in ancient Jewish culture, being hanged on a tree was the ultimate form of public shame and humiliation. This punishment was reserved for the most heinous crimes, such as blasphemy or treason.
In Deuteronomy 21:22-23 “ 22 , we read “  20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.  21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.  22 And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:  23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”
Jesus was willing to endure the scourging, the shame, and the cross so that we might truly live. His heart grieves over every soul that remains lost, for He takes no delight in seeing anyone perish without hope. He came to secure our eternal future, offering salvation and life through His sacrifice.
It is stated in Ezekiel 33:11  - “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
He will not however, force Himself on us. We must make the choice to serve Him. We have been granted a great opportunity to serve the Lord, but the choice is ours. We aretold in Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live”: God have presented before us life and death. He, however encourages us to choose life. 
Salvation is a free gift from God to you and me, but it cost Him everything. Jesus greatest desire is to see all come to salvation. He did not come to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.
We need to run into the ark of safety before the door closes. This same salvation was offered during the time of Noah and everyone rejected the offer and drowned in the flood.
At the sight of the mass death, after the flood, God promised Noah that He would never again destroy the earth with water (Genesis 9:11–15). Later, the Bible speaks of a future judgment by fire (2 Peter 3:7).
Hell was not created for humanity it was created for the devil and hisangels. Let us ensure that nothing separate us from the love of Christ Jesus.
Heaven is already prepared, awaiting our arrival. So let us press on and fight the good fight of faith, knowing that eternal rewards are waiting. Jesus Himself declared that He has gone to prepare a place for us (St. John 14:3) our future is secure in Him!
As we begin these three sacred days of fasting and prayer, let us remember the heart of Christmas: Jesus was born with the purpose of dying, so that we might truly live. His sacrifice is our life; His gift is our hope. So, my brothers and sisters, live boldly in the freedom He has given - live with faith, live with joy, and live with the assurance that Jesus Christ was Born to Die, so that I Can Live!
Wednesday, December 10, 2025: Personal Reflection:
Scripture:(5am – John 3:1-17), (12pm –), (1 John 4:1-10), (8pm – Romans 5:1-10).
~ Pray that we will always thank God for His immense love shown through Jesus’ sacrifice (St. John 3:16).
~ Pray that we will always acknowledge that Jesus’ death paid the penalty for our sins, bringing forgiveness and peace (Colossians 1:14).
~ Pray that we will meditate daily on Jesus’ wounds that bring healing and His blood that redeems (Isaiah 53:5).
~ Pray that we will express gratitude for the new life and righteousness we receive as children of God (2 Corinthians 5:17).
~ Pray that we will always remember Christ’s sacrifice when we go through life’s challenges so we can remain steadfast in Him (1 Peter 4:1).
Thursday December 11, 2025: Pray for UAC Leadership:
Scriptures: (5am – 2 Timothy 4:1-8), (12am 1 Corinthians 10:1-13) and (8pm - 1 Timothy 2:1-6).
~ Pray that our leaders will endure hardness as good soldiers so they can complete the task God has assigned them
(2 Timothy2:3).
~ Pray that God will strengthen our leaders and allow them to finish well (2 Timothy 4:7).
~ Pray that our leaders will be reminded that God will not suffer them to be tempted above what they can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).
~ Pray that God will bless our leaders and their families as they seek to please Him who has called them (2 Timothy 2:4).
~ Pray that we as a congregation will be a source of encouragement to our leaders and their family as they serve faithfully (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Friday, December 12, 2025: Pray that our community will reflect on God’s sacrifice:
Scriptures: (5am – Psalms 34:1-8) and (12pm – St. John 4:35-42)
~ Pray for the unsaved members of our community that they will know and understand that Christ died so they can live (St. John 4:29).
~ Pray that God will open the eyes of those in our community to see His unfailing love towards them (Romans 5:8).
~ Pray that the unsaved and unchurched within the communities of Saint Albans and Bellmore will come taste and see that God is good (Psalms 34:8).
~ Pray that the body of Christ will live uncompromising lives and share Christ with those in our sphere of influence (1 Peter 3:15).
~ Pray that the body of Christ will become more intentional in our witness to the lost sheep of our communities (Acts 22:15).