40 DAYS OF FOCUS ELM GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH
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ELM GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 40 DAYS OF FOCUS elmgrovebr.org 2021 EDITION
Faith Forward ~ Hebrew 11:1-3
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it
the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by
the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”
Thank you for joining us on this 40-day journey that has proven to be profitable for our faith community
over the years. The Church calls this particular season LENT; and although there are arguments for and
against the practice, we have learned to use this time for communal and personal reflection and revival. We
set this time aside for collective efforts, including scripture reading, prayer, fasting, health/wellness, and
financial health. This promises to be a time of spiritual, physical, mental, intellectual, and financial growth.
I’m excited this year because this publication was produced by a team of individuals who have
consecrated and dedicated themselves to produce the best possible guide for us. Remember, this is a guide
because ultimately, we want you to be led by the Holy Spirit. While this is a seasonal effort, the hope is that
we will all develop positive lifestyle changes that we will continue in the years to come. Get ready for 40 days
that will change your life!
Lastly, allow me to remind you (as I have in past years) that God does some great things in 40 days. Now,
The Word speaks of special things happening at the end of some 40-day periods:
It rained for 40 days, but Noah and his family saw the promise of the rainbow in the end.
Moses met with God for 40 days and came back with a hand-written document that displayed
10 keys to successful living (the Ten Commandments).
Jesus fasted for 40 days, then came forward with the most dynamic ministry this world has ever
known.
A word about fasting…
When we fast, we make the personal decision to deny ourselves some form of physical pleasure to
heighten spiritual awareness. Most often, fasting is associated with going without eating for a specified period.
However, one can also fast from listening to music, watching television, social media, or any number of
pleasurable things. It’s about sacrifice. Please note that there is no magic associated with such activity, it is
our way of humiliating our flesh and increasing our sensibility to God. Most often Christians accompany their
prayer with fasting as a sign of worship, repentance, or intensely seeking God’s guidance. According to
Wayne Grudem fasting…
Increases our sense of humility and dependence on God.
Allows us to spend more time in prayer.
Increases our ability for self-discipline.
Heightens our sense of spiritual and mental alertness to the presence of God.
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 1 of 11Here’s the plan for study, prayer, and fasting.
Build a team…connect with “encouragement partners” so that you won’t go at it alone.
Set aside a specified time every day to spend with God.
Read the prescribed passage of Scripture for the day.
Take time to meditate/think about what you have just read. You might seek answers to
questions such as (but not limited to)
1) What is God’s role in this passage?
2) What is my role in this passage?
Journal/write your thoughts of thanksgiving for that day concerning that Scripture.
Participate in the specified corporate prayer times (when/where applicable).
Choose a specified time and way you will fast and pray.
Don’t count Sundays in your 40-day count.
Watch God reveal Himself to you.
Peace & Love!
Rev. Dr. Errol K. Domingue
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 2 of 11February 17 – 20, 2021
A CALL TO FAST AND PRAY
Reference: Joel 2:15-17
During a time of difficulty in Judah, the Prophet Joel called the people to fast and pray. He declared “Blow the
trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation,
Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And
the bride from her dressing room.”
It is time to call upon our God for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. For some of us, this is time to call
down “strongholds” in your life and just as Jesus declared to the disciples, you know that some things only come
by praying and fasting.
During the next forty days, let us come together to remember who we are and whose we are; set our hearts
and minds on the things of God. Let the Psalmists guide us in our prayers as we reflect on the promises of God.
Let’s do this in remembrance; Let’s do this to renew our strength; Let’s march toward Resurrection Sunday
with our souls anchored in the Lord!
Complete Day of Fast Psalm
☐ Day 1 – February 17 121
☐ Day 2 – February 18 122
☐ Day 3 – February 19 125
☐ Day 4 – February 20 33
Spiritual Discipline: Prayer and Fasting
Reference: Matthew 6:16-18
While prayer is the foundational practice to build and sustain your faith, fasting is an important practice to focus
and deepen your prayers. We are called to deny ourselves so that we are able to focus on the things of God.
Fasting removes the things of the world that hold our attention so that we are able to increase our attention to
God. We are instructed in Matthew that how we fast is between believers and God. Choose your team and/or
accountability partner from those that are also committed to going on this journey with you.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
FOCUS: Be intentional! Genesis 1:1-31
Complete Day of Focus Focus
February 17 Set realistic and measurable physical and mental goals (i.e., lose 5 pounds,
drink 1500 mL of water, sleep 8 hours/day, etc.).
February 18 Determine who will be your Accountability Partner.
Who will work with you during this Lenten season and possibly longer?
February 19 Use a journal/notebook to describe yourself. Focus on:
• Your positive attributes
• Your relationship with God, family, and friends (colleagues)
February 20 Take a short walk for 15-30 minutes.
Meal prep: Include vegetables, fruit, no red meat, and water. Heart-
Healthy-Home-Cooking (1).pdf
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 3 of 11February 22 - 27, 2021
YOU ARE FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADE
Reference: Genesis 1:2-4; Genesis 2:5-14; Hebrews 11:3
The power of God’s voice may sound still and quiet and yet the same voice spoke the world into being. Hovering
over the face of the deep, God said “Let there be light” and there was light. After God formed all of creation, God then
said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion…” God shaped
us and formed us like clay in the Potter’s hand and placed us in the heart of Eden, in the Land of Kush, in Africa.
Always remember that you were created on purpose, for a purpose. You are fearfully and wonderfully made in
the image of God. Just as God breathed life into humankind in the beginning, God is still breathing life into you. God
is with you. Through the powerful restorative work of the Cross, God’s only begotten Son has made a way for you to
move forward. You may not know what is next but remember God can do anything but fail.
Hear the voice of God and allow the Psalmist to encourage you. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and the King of
glory shall come in.
Complete Day of Fast Psalm
☐ Day 5 – February 22 136
☐ Day 6 – February 23 135
☐ Day 7 – February 24 139
☐ Day 8– February 25 117
☐ Day 9 – February 26 24
☐ Day 10 – February 27 25
Spiritual Discipline: Study
Reference: II Tim. 2:15
Paul instructs Timothy to Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no
need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. This is a lifelong journey and our most reliable guide is the
Bible. To help make your study time more fruitful, it may help to view an additional translation of the Bible in addition
to the King James Version (KJV). Helpful translations include the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the
New International Version (NIV) especially when you select a Study Bible in one of these translations.
Health & Wellness
FOCUS: Prepare for the PROCESS! Jeremiah 29:11
Complete Day of Focus Focus
February 22 Practice sitting still for one minute. Focus on your breathing. Clear your
mind.
Refrain from eating red meat and fried foods. Monitor water intake.
February 23 Join EGBC Virtual Fitness at 6 PM
February 24 Online or Face-to-Face physical activity with your Accountability Partner (i.e.,
watch a movie, dance, cook, etc.).
February 25 This evening, unplug from technology.
Start a new activity (i.e., read a book, home repairs, etc.).
February 26 Journal about: What makes you happy?
Develop a plan to embrace your happiness.
February 27 Contact an out-of-town relative or friend.
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 4 of 11March 1 - 6, 2021
GOD’S PROMISE IS PROTECTIVE
Reference: Genesis 9:8 – 17; Hebrews 11:7
As we continue to draw near to the Lord, we can draw comfort from the protection of God’s covenant with us.
God’s covenant with us provides a hedge of protection over us, our families and our community. As God did
with Noah, God’s favor covers us, especially amid uncertainty. Many of us are pressed on all sides in one way
or another. Although God’s protection and provision for you may take different forms, God’s reach remains from
everlasting to everlasting.
By faith, Noah remained obedient to God’s plan and God’s favor covered his entire household. Even when
God instructs you move in a different direction, remember that you can trust the Lord. God’s plan for you will
bless you and those under your care.
Be of good courage; continue to abide in the Lord. Allow the Psalmist to remind you of God’s sovereignty.
No matter what is going on around you, be encouraged that God is still in control.
Complete Day of Fast Psalm
☐ Day 11 – March 1 112
☐ Day 12 – March 2 111
☐ Day 13 – March 3 113
☐ Day 14 – March 4 19
☐ Day 15 – March 5 103
☐ Day 16 – March 6 104
Spiritual Discipline: Solitude and Silence
Reference: Matt. 26:36
In the garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus praying. After teaching; times of sorrow; times of restoration,
we see Jesus stow away to a solitary place and pray. The practice of Solitude and Silence provide an
opportunity to rest in the presence of God.
To begin the practice, you should choose a time and place where you can be alone and quite without
interruption. It is recommended that you chose a time of at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, in the beginning. If you
are able to go longer, safely and with the knowledge of your accountability team or partner, then please
proceed. Prepare your space at least the day before, make sure you have food and that you have eaten. If you
are fasting from food, then this practice is recommended for Sunday or when you are not fasting.
Health & Wellness
FOCUS: Be true to yourself! 1 Timothy 4:7-9
Complete Day of Focus Focus
March 1 Decrease your sugar intake. Grill or bake your food.
Journal your physical journey. Are you on-track with your goals?
March 2 Join EGBC Virtual Fitness at 6 PM
March 3 Schedule a wellness check with your healthcare provider.
March 4 Self-care: Do something just for YOU.
March 5 Journal: Write down three accomplishments you achieved this week.
March 6 Sit outside! Become one with nature.
Drink your favorite tea/coffee, continue reading, and relax.
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 5 of 11March 8 - 13, 2021
GOD’S PROMISE IS RELATIONAL
Reference: Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 17:1-9; Hebrews 11:8
As the Psalmist declares, the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord
say so! God’s goodness manifests in the Lord’s relationship with us.
By faith, Abraham received God’s promise that one day God would make him a great nation. In obedience,
Abraham dwelled as a stranger in the land God promised him. By faith, God reclaim Abraham and his wife,
Sarah, and renamed them both, blessed them, anointed their union in their old age. God is faithful. No good
thing will the Lord withhold from those who love Him.
By faith, we are also heirs of the promise of God. Remember, no matter where you are on your journey,
know that the Lord has called you by name, forgiven your past, and has plans to prosper you.
Complete Day of Fast Psalm
☐ Day 17 – March 8 23
☐ Day 18 – March 9 1
☐ Day 19 – March 10 107
☐ Day 20 – March 11 106
☐ Day 21 – March 12 86
☐ Day 22 – March 13 91
Spiritual Discipline: Fellowship
Reference: Hebrew 10:25
Connecting with the body of believers is good for the soul. Fellowship ~ gather with one another. During
the worship experience and outside of the worship experience, connect with those that you love and that love
you. It is often within relationship that we are able to experience the presence and the power of fellowship.
Please do not be discouraged, reach out and connect with one other.
This may also be a good time to restore the practice of letter writing. Exchange mailing addresses with one
another to share letters and/or gifts to help encourage and build up one another.
If you would be interested in exchanging letters and you would like to be paired with someone, please call
the church at (225) 343-7865 or email information@elmgrovebr.org.
Health & Wellness
FOCUS: Be stress-free! Psalm 118:5-6
Complete Day of Focus Focus
March 8 No sweets or processed foods.
Walk 15-30 minutes each day.
Journal: List 3 realistic goals for this week.
March 9 Join EGBC Virtual Fitness at 6PM
March 10 Invite 3 people to view EGBC Smart Church with you.
March 11 How will you achieve these affirmations?
I am superior to negative thoughts and low actions.
I forgive you and myself.
March 12 Finish reading the book or activity you started.
March 13 Help someone or complete a community service project.
Pray with your ministry and/or others.
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 6 of 11March 15 - 20, 2021
GOD’S PROMISE IS PROVISIONAL
Reference: Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17, 20
The elders always remind us that with God there’s always a “ram in the bush”. God’s ram in the bush in
your life may differ. By faith, Isaac’s life was spared and lived on as evidence of God’s provision and protection.
Isaac was living evidence that God’s intervention.
We serve a God that is willing to step in. No matter how bad things get. When there appears to be no way
out, God steps in. As we continue this journey, be encouraged that God is able to provide all that you need,
according to His riches and glory. It may not come in the form you would expect. For Abraham, God provided a
ram. For us, God provided His only begotten Son so we could live.
Complete Day of Fast Psalm
☐ Day 23 – March 15 130
☐ Day 24 – March 16 138
☐ Day 25 – March 17 126
☐ Day 26 – March 18 147
☐ Day 27 – March 19 105
☐ Day 28 – March 20 27
Spiritual Discipline: Generosity
2 Corinthians 9:6
In II Corinthians 9:6, Paul encourages the faith community to remember the importance of giving. We can
give in many ways: time, money, support, presence, partnership, mentorship, relationship. The blessings we
receive in return usually match the effort or intention we have in doing something or showing up for someone.
Continue to practice generosity by following the enclosed guide. Look for ways to be a blessing to someone.
Perhaps, God may be calling you to step in and help someone. Your effort may make it easier for someone to
move forward.
The Lord loves a cheerful giver, and God also has also modeled for us what it means to give. We love
because God first loved us. We have life and life more abundantly because God has blessed us beyond
measure in many ways. As the Psalmist declares, “He has done great things for me!”
Health & Wellness
FOCUS: Be Generous! Proverbs 11:25
Complete Day of Focus Focus
March 15 Walk 15-30 minutes each day.
Check-in with your Accountability Partner.
March 16 Join EGBC Virtual Fitness at 6PM
March 17 What did you learn from EGBC Smart Church?
March 18 Reduce your screen time (i.e., TV, computer, phone, etc.).
March 19 Share a short testimony with your Accountability Partner.
March 20 Get Covid-19 tested at EGBC
Contribute to EGBC Community Breakfast.
Assist a high school senior and a senior citizen.
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 7 of 11March 22 - 27, 2021
GOD’S PROMISE IS TRANSFORMATIVE
Reference: Jacob 28:10-22; Hebrews 11:21
In a dream, God declares to Jacob, “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go and will
bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”
By faith, Jacob became to the pathway to God’s promise to Abraham and Isaac. God spoke to Jacob in
a dream. Many of us still dream dreams. As we remember and affirm our relationship with God, may we
also remember that God has also promised to be with us wherever we go; that God has begun a great work
in us and will not stop until it comes to fruition. Fret not, beloved, for never have the righteousness been
forsaken or their seed begging for bread. God’s not done with you yet.
Complete Day of Fast Psalm
☐ Day 29 – March 22 114
☐ Day 30 – March 23 146
☐ Day 31 – March 24 108
☐ Day 32 – March 25 118
☐ Day 33 – March 26 131
☐ Day 34 – March 27 85
Spiritual Practice: Confession
In James 5:16, he encourages the believers to confess or share their sins with one another so that they
may heal or be reconciled. The practice of confession allows us to be honest with each other and right any
wrongs between us. When we remember that God is love and that love keeps no record of wrongs, we are
able to extend to each other the same grace that we receive from the Lord.
When we are forthcoming with each other, please remember to practice discernment and discretion.
We are here to love one another. As Jesus said, this is how the world will know that we are Christians; by
the way we love another.
Health & Wellness
FOCUS: Change your mindset. Philippians 4:8
Complete Day of Focus Focus
March 22 Walk 15-30 minutes each day.
Increase fruit and vegetable intake. Monitor water intake.
Wake up 15 minutes early.
Pray that God would use you to expand His kingdom.
March 23 Join EGBC Virtual Fitness at 6PM
March 24 Journal: What is one choice your make right now that your future
self will thank you for?
March 25 Participate in a virtual activity that focuses on social justice, health,
education, etc.
March 26 Participate in an activity with other EGBC 40 Days of Focus
members.
March 27 Write an affirmation and share with someone.
Share a song from the Focus Playlist with others.
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 8 of 11HOLY WEEK ~ March 29 – April 3, 2021
GOD’S PROMISE IS REDEMPTIVE
Reference: Luke 26:46-55; Hebrews 8:1-13; Hebrews 12:1-2
John declares, God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever shall believe in
Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life. Christ came into the world, not to condemn it but so that the
world through Him might be saved.
“Oh, my soul magnifies, the Lord,” Mary said. “…for He has done great things for me…He has exalted the
lowly, put down the mighty from their thrones.” Beloved, this is God’s promise to you, to redeem you, to restore
you, to renew you, to provide recompense for what has been lost and make a way for what’s to come.
By faith, let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Complete Day of Fast Psalm
☐ Day 35 – March 29 123
☐ Day 36 – March 30 124
☐ Day 37 – March 31 127
☐ Day 38 – April 1 144
☐ Day 39 – April 2 149
☐ Day 40 – April 3 120
Spiritual Discipline: Celebration
Reference: Heb. 4:14-17
Our faith and our culture are sustained by the practice of celebration. From the Festivals throughout the
Bible to the cookouts of our community, celebration is an important practice to maintain relationship with each
other and also with our Heavenly Father.
It is time to celebrate! You’ve completed the 40 Days of Focus and Resurrection Sunday is right around the
corner! Remember, Beloved, that they lynched Him on a cross, put Him in a borrowed tomb, but three days
later…HE ROSE!
RESURRECTION SUNDAY ~ April 4, 2021
Health & Wellness
FOCUS: Remain steadfast! Lamentations 3:22-23
Complete Day of Focus Focus
March 29 Walk 15-30 minutes each day.
Wake up 15 minutes early.
Pray that God would use you to expand His kingdom.
March 30 Join EGBC Virtual Fitness at 6PM
March 31 Journal: What will you do to remain steadfast in your wellness
journey?
April 1 Find a simple recipe and prepare your nutritious meal.
April 2 Relax and reflect upon the last 39 days.
April 3 Celebrate with your Accountability Partner.
Send a picture of you and your partner to
egbrabundantliving@gmail.com
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 9 of 11FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Reference: Jeremiah 17:10
Complete Week of Fast Focus
☐ February 17 Galatians 6
☐ February 21 Psalm 34
☐ February 28 Psalm 63
☐ March 7 Proverbs 21
☐ March 14 Romans 12
☐ March 21 Proverb 3
☐ March 28 2 Corinthians 9
On the 3rd day of Creation, God introduced the belief of reaping and sowing. “And the earth brought forth
grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is according
to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:12
Please do not be dissuaded if you are unable to sow the amounts shown, do what you are able to do. It
is the heart for which God searches.
WEEK TIME SEED FINANCIAL SEED
2/17 Spend 10 minutes or more loving on God. Place a seed of $50 or more in an
envelope and place it in a safe place.
2/21 Call or text a family member. Offer words Sow a seed of $20 or more to a family
of encouragement and/or prayer. member.
2/28 Call/text a church member. Offer Sow a seed of $20 or more to a
encouragement/prayer. stranger.
3/7 Call/text someone an invitation to join you Sow a seed of $20 or more to a Ministry
on a prayer call, Sunday School, Smart of your choice @ Elm Grove Baptist
Church, or Sunday Service. Church.
3/14 Call/text someone who is sick or in Sow a seed of $20 or more to a non-
mourning. Pray with and for them. profit organization of your choice.
3/21 Call/text a youth/young adult. Give a Sow a seed of $20 or more to Southern
listening ear to what’s happening in their University or a Historically Black
life. Pray with and for them. College/University (HBCU) of your
choice.
3/28 Spend 10 minutes alone to reflect on Retrieve the seed you placed in the
where you were at the beginning of the 40 envelope. Trust the Holy Spirit for
days of Focus and where you are now. direction on where or to whom you
should sow.
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 10 of 11PRAISE & WORSHIP PLAYLIST
DAY SONG ARTIST
1) Be Encouraged William Becton & Friends
2) Something About the Name Jesus Rance Allen
3) Change Me Tamala Mann
4) My Life is in Your Hands God’s Property
5) You Deserve It JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise
6) Yes Shekinah Glory
7) I Love the Lord Whitney Houston
8) Deliver me/This is my Exodus Donald Lawrence
9) Precious Lord/You’ve Got a Friend Aretha Franklin
10) I Almost Let Go Kurt Carr
11) Put a Praise on It Tasha Cobbs
12) Walk with Me Lord Bishop G. E. Patterson & Congregation
13) Is Your all on the Altar Yolanda Adams
14) Why We Sing Kirk Franklin
15) In the Midst of it All Yolanda Adams
16) You’re Bigger Jekalyn Carr
17) I Can Only Imagine Tamala Mann
18) Won’t He do It Koryn Hawthorne
19) Thirsty Marvin Sapp
20) Gonna be a Lovely Day Kirk Franklin
21) Open My Heart Yolanda Adams
22) Give Me You Shana Wilson
23) Be Grateful Walter Hawkins
24) For Every Mountain Kurt Carr
25) Every day is a day of Thanksgiving Gospel Music Workshop of America
26) Trust in You Anthony Brown
27) God’s Got a Blessing Norman Hutchins
28) Praise is What I Do Shekinah Glory
29) Lord Remember Me Albertina Walker
30) I Believe Jonathan Nelson
31) Amazing Grace Aretha Franklin Live @ New Temple MBC
32) We’re Blessed Fred Hammond
33) I’m Blessed Rev. Clay Evans
34) I Do Worship John P Kee
35) Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus Minister Timothy Britten
36) Nobody Greater Vashawn Mitchell
37) You Know my Name Tasha Cobbs
38) I Need You to Survive Hezekiah Walker
39) I Got It Pastor Mike, Jr.
40) Unstoppable Koryn Hawthorne
EGBC ~ 40 Days of Focus ~ Page 11 of 11You can also read
