God remember this time of fasting and bless all of our Victory family as we seek Him diligently in 2008! While I am looking forward to a delicious meal, I am also determined to remember everything I have learned in the last 21 days. I don't want to lose the sensitivity to God's Word or the passion to earnestly pray. As we were praying at the church Friday night I was encouraged by the thought that this is just a beginning for 2008. That this corporate fast would be a launching pad for a passionate pursuit of God's power to change lives. I have already heard of so many great testimonies. Blessings released and people rejoicing in God's presence, but also great joy and unity in the church and in our families. I haven't seen angels and I don't have any sensational stories to tell yet, but there is a change in me and a determination that this year will be the most important year of my life because of a disciplined, passionate pursuit of God.
Look at these verse from Isaiah 59. Let's pray urgently this year, intercede for people the way God wants us to intercede. Humble ourselves and pray and seek God's face, so He can heal our land and bless us.
Isaiah 59 (New King James Version)
1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity. 4 No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
15 So truth fails, And he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.
Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no man, And wondered that there was no intercessor;
Isaiah 58:5-6 (New King James Version)
5 Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the LORD? 6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?
These verses have been on my heart for much of the last three weeks. I want to see the bonds of wickedness loosed in our generation. I want to see depression vanquished and emotional strength return to God's people. I want to see people who are tormented by addictions go free and experience victorious living. There is no reason to feel powerless in the face of any attack of the devil. When we fast and pray, blessings that are being held back, for whatever reason, are loosed in our lives. Just look at this account of Daniel's 21 day fast:
Daniel 10:1-12 (New King James Version)
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long;[a] and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.4 Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris,[b] 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.
10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
That spiritual battle was won because of Daniel's 21 days of fasting and seeking God. We can be excited about attacking problems with a passion for God's presence in our lives. I believe that this year will be about seeking God with urgency and enjoying the peace and power of a Spirit led life.
Fasting will loose things that are holding us back. I have been praying for creativity to be loosed and for depression to be lifted from people, and for cycles of sin and addictions to be permanently broken from the lives of people connected to our church family. These are promises in God's Word. When I say I am praying for creativity, I mean ideas that lead to excellence in every area of life and bring blessing because of the wisdom of God. We should be the most creative people on the Earth because of the Holy Spirit and the fact that we have access to God's thoughts when we pray and seek His face. Disappointments and failures and unresolved conflict can have a suffocating effect on lives. Bitter expectations can develop from the deep hurts of betrayal and injustice. We can repent of those bitter expectations and be released from the pain of past experiences. This time of fasting is a great time to talk to God about anything that might be a hindrance to His perfect will for us. Just read the following passage and think about things that can be restored, released, and rebuilt.
Isaiah 58:6-14 (Amplified Bible)
6[Rather] is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every [enslaving] yoke?
7Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house--when you see the naked, that you cover him, and that you hide not yourself from [the needs of] your own flesh and blood?
8Then shall your light break forth like the morning, and your healing (your restoration and the power of a new life) shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness (your rightness, your justice, and your right relationship with God) shall go before you [conducting you to peace and prosperity], and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, Here I am. If you take away from your midst yokes of oppression [wherever you find them], the finger pointed in scorn [toward the oppressed or the godly], and every form of false, harsh, unjust, and wicked speaking,
10And if you pour out that with which you sustain your own life for the hungry and satisfy the need of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in darkness, and your obscurity and gloom become like the noonday.
11And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places and make strong your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.
12And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of [buildings that have laid waste for] many generations; and you shall be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
13If you turn away your foot from [traveling unduly on] the Sabbath, from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a [spiritual] delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and honor Him and it, not going your own way or seeking or finding your own pleasure or speaking with your own [idle] words,
14Then will you delight yourself in the Lord, and I will make you to ride on the high places of the earth, and I will feed you with the heritage [promised for you] of Jacob your father; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.
My focus for the next three days is thanksgiving. I am so thankful for the breakthroughs we have already seen and for a year of rewards as we seek God diligently this year. Through this First Fruits Fast we are setting a precedent for the whole year. This year will be different because of a new passion and determination to seek God earnestly. So as we see the finish line ahead, let's deliberately express our thanksgiving for what God has done and for a year of guidance, favor, protection, and blessing.
Ezra 8:21-23 (New King James Version)
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
Remember that thanksgiving is a key to receiving supernatural peace that transcends our understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 (New King James Version)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The post by Brianna made me think this morning about fasting in relation to faith. Last year when I was on this 21 day fast I really didn't even know it was possible to go three weeks. I committed to fast for one week, but during the week I was encouraged by the Word of God and by Pastors Bob Rodgers and Jentezen Franklin to continue to 21 days. I didn't see angels or hear an audible voice from heaven, but I began to expect God to do great things in my life and in my family and for the church. Problems that seemed like mountains began to look small in His presence and new thoughts about old worries would spring from the pages of my Bible. Fasting is a discipline of the body and soul, but it is an exercise in faith. By faith I am expecting God to show me the right way. By faith I am expecting Him to bless and protect my children. By faith I am expecting Him to bless me and prosper everything I put my hand to do.
Faith pleases Him and then to that faith we must add diligence. The never give up, I am going to do what the Word says even if I am the only one. I will tithe and give out of my need, I will praise when I feel like being bitter, I will pray for those who have spitefully used me. I will fast and pray because Jesus said we should and God rewards those who diligently seek Him. The bottom line is I am content to obey God in this fast and humble myself so I can focus on His strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 (New King James Version)
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me.
Think about how much stronger you will be in 2008 because of this fast. Jesus fasted forty days and was then tempted by the devil. He defeated the devil with the Word of God and returned in the power of the Holy Spirit. That is so important for us as the Body of Christ on the Earth today. We can live victorious, powerful lives when we follow Jesus' example as true disciples.
With five days left, spend time seeking God and focusing on the Word. The breakthrough you are looking for is in His presence!
God bless everyone fasting today.
Still thinking about humility this morning. The supernatural help we need is a promise from God to the humble. Humility is not fully understood in society today. People confuse humility with passiveness and the politically correct ideas of "not judging people" or not taking a stand on moral issues. True humility is relying on God and it comes from spending time in His presence. When we are close to God we have confidence to lead and make decisions because we have access to His wisdom and His strength, and His favor. Moses was one of the most amazing leaders in the Bible. He was not perfect and He certainly had to be tough at times. The most inspirational aspect of Moses' character is that he had a passion for the presence of God. The Bible says Moses was the most humble man on the earth (and he wrote that himself). We can all have that passion for the presence of God and enjoy the benefits of drawing near to Him.
Proverbs 22:4 (New King James Version)
4 By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.
2 Samuel 22:27-31 (New King James Version)
27 With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.
28 You will save the humble people; But Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down.
29 “For You are my lamp, O LORD; The LORD shall enlighten my darkness.
30 For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall.
31 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Let's ask God to show us any areas of our lives we need to grow in and areas we need to humble ourselves. We will remember this time of fasting all year and rejoice in the changes in us and thank God for His blessing and favor on our lives!
Last night as we were praying at the church I had this verse in Psalm 51 on my heart.
Psalm 51:17 (New King James Version)
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.
As we humble ourselves in fasting and prayer, we realize how much we need God and how easy it is for the flesh to take over our lives when we do not rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us. The Bible says clearly that life and peace comes from being spiritually minded.
Romans 8:6 (New King James Version)
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
So during these last seven days I am looking for Biblical brokenness. Brokenness that only comes through a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise and worship. When we humble ourselves God is the one who will lift us up.
Psalm 51:17 (The Message)
16-17 Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice.
Jacob is a good example of a man that sought after God with the urgency that fasting and prayer can produce. As you read these verses, think about his determination to receive blessing from God.
Genesis 32:24-29 (New King James Version)
24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” 27 So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” 28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel;[a] for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.
God bless you this week. We are going after God, chasing after Him with this First Fruits Fast. His Word is true, His promises are there for us to believe and receive when we seek Him diligently, "The uncompromisingly righteous will flourish like a palm tree".
Thinking about the last week of our First Fruits Fast leads me to consider how I want to end this special time of dedication to the Lord. I want to please Him with my thoughts and words and minister to Him in prayer and praise.
In the Old Testament there were times when the sacrifice was all about appearances and not at all about worship. That's not the kind of altar God wants us to build, that is definitely not the illustration we saw in the drama this morning.
There is a verse in 2 Corinthians that we can think about to avoid ever making our worship legalistic, selfish, or proud.
2 Corinthians 10:12 (New International Version)
12We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
This last week, let's keep the focus on a desire to humble ourselves and eschew any motives that are not on seeking God diligently.
Along those lines, here is a transcript of part of this morning's message:
3. Fasting brings understanding of our true spiritual condition.
When we fast we need to do a checkup of how we are doing. If you fast and pray you will be sensitive to things in your life that need to change.
It is humbling to fast. And our words should change. When God promised the victory to Joshua at Jericho, they fasted their words until the seventh day-and then they won the battle! Their faith was strengthened because they did not speak negatively! And because they didn't have to listen to negativity. (that last sentence was added by Emily)
God bless you on this last week of our fast. I pray for you everyday!
Sorry I didn't write a blog yesterday. I was severly remonstrated for not "feeding the fasters".
So here we are on day 14, two whole weeks of diligently seeking God. What a blessing it is to worship God together this way! Read this excerpt from 101 Reasons for Fasting by Pastor Bob Rodgers and be encouraged:
Reason #43
Satan is defeated by the Word of God. He is constantly trying to hinder the Word of God so you will lose confidence. Fasting, however, intensifies God's Word in such a way that Satan is unable to block its truth. Daniel fasted for 21 days. During the fast the archangel Michael came to fight a demon power called the Prince of Persia. This demonic commander was holding back the promise of God from being fulfilled. His power was broken when Daniel fasted.
As I said this morning in church, we are supposed to know that fasting is a necessary part of spiritual warfare. God is going to loose whatever is holding us back or holding back His blessing from our lives. 2008: The Year of Rewards. Expect the Unexpected!
God bless you.
Fasting is humbling, but when we humble ourselves we can grow and change. As I was reading Isaiah 58 this morning I thought about how verse six promises that the bonds of wickedness will be loosed and heavy burdens will be lifted, and the oppressed will go free. I believe 2008 is a year of release for us as a church family to see the power of God manifested in our lives. That is what happens to a people who are willing to humble themselves and pray and seek the face of God.
James 4:1-10 (New King James Version)
1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “ God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Humility Cures Worldliness 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
I read somewhere that the Holy Spirit uses our fast to reveal our true spiritual condition. The subsequent brokenness and repentance results in change and victory in areas where we were being defeated. God looks throughout the whole earth for people like you! People who are tired of religion and hungry for relationship with Him.
John 4:23 (New King James Version)
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
God bless you and all our church family as we seek Him diligently together!
This morning I am just thinking about the peace and freedom from anxiety that Jesus promised us. That is part of the blessing of fasting and praying. When we are spiritually minded we will have peace.
Romans 8:5-7 (New King James Version)
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
Reason #13 FASTING WAS A PATTERN JESUS SET BEFORE US
After Jesus was baptized in the Holy Spirit, He fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. He also taught on fasting in Matthew 6, 9, and 17; Mark 2 and 9; and Luke 5 and 18.
Jesus set the pattern for all believers to follow by seeking God with fasting.
Reason #17 JESUS SAID FASTING GIVES BELIEVERS POWER TO CAST OUT DEVILS
"This kind comes forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting". Mark 9:29
Reason #26 FASTING BRINGS BLESSING TO THE WHOLE CHURCH
When one fasts privately there is an anointing for whatever the individual's need is. However, if one fasts with a body of believers there are many needs represented-sickness, financial crisis, family problems, etc. There is now an anointing for all these blessings to manifest to the entire church body. There are greater spiritual, physical, and financial blessings in the church than before.
Reason #27 FASTING BRINGS A CHURCH INTO UNITY MORE THAN ANY OTHER METHOD
Reason #38 FASTING HELPS ONE GET THE VICTORY OVER SINS OF THE FLESH
The precious blood of Jesus cleanses us from all our sins. However, often there are sins of the flesh such as uncontrolled anger, lust, and other habits that must be conquered. Fasting helps get the victory over these sins of the flesh.
THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE IS FROM PASTOR RODGERS' FASTING MESSAGE THIS YEAR:
"It is our right to have a supernatural relationship with God. This relationship in its fullest requires the discipline of fasting. Fasting is at one level, simply abstaining from food. At a higher level, however, it is a tool given by God to His people to position them for the release of His supernatural power. I invite you to join with me, with miraculous consequences in mind, to make this covenant before God for 21 days faithfully seek His will, His power and His presence for your life through prayer and fasting".
During this second week, the difference in my thoughts and attitudes is interesting. Fasting is humbling and when we humble ourselves and seek God, He can speak to us and move on our behalf.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (New King James Version)
8 “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
1. He has bigger plans than I have.
2. He has better thoughts than I have.
3. Even though I have a list of things I need His help with, I am expecting God to do the unexpected because we are seeking Him diligently together.
God has big plans for you and more thoughts about how to bless you and your family than you have for yourself!
Note: I have added this link from another blog for you to read. There are wonderful testimonies here of what God has already done during this 21 day fast.
http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/component/option,com_jd-wp/Itemid,81/p,114/
"Do you want to hear the voice of the Creator? Do you want to know Jesus more deeply? Do you want to know the direction He desires you to take? I do. I am convinced that we will never walk in the perfect will of God until we seek Him through fasting. God knows your hunger…but He also knows that what you need is Living Water and the Bread of Life. Taste and see that the Lord is good!”
Jentezen Franklin
As write this message today, the smell of fresh pizza is wafting out of the lunchroom into my office. The best thing to do with reminders of food is to turn them into reminders of why we are fasting in the first place:
Romans 12:1-2 (New King James Version)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (BE CHANGED) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
The purpose of this fast is to deny our bodies what they want in order to draw close to God with our spirits. We keep our minds and bodies so occupied with things like food and entertainment, that our spirits become quiet and insensitive to the Holy Spirit and the things of God. So as we present our bodies as a living sacrifice we must continue to fill our minds with the Word of God. Think about verse 2 of Romans Chapter 12. As we stay in the Word of God and give Him time in prayer to speak to us, we will be changed and things in our lives will change.
VICTORY CHRISTIAN CENTER:REMEMBER THE PURPOSE OF OUR FIRST FRUITS FAST
The purpose of our corporate fast is from Ezra Chapter 8. #1 To seek the right way for us in 2008. #2 For our little ones (for protection). #3 For blessing in 2008.
God bless you, get ready for the most amazing year of your life!
During the first week, I really concentrated on verses for fasting. Just to build my faith to make it through the difficulties and to think thoughts of deliverance and restoration for people I am praying for. During this second week I am going to deliberately quiet any other distractions so that I can hear God's voice with a sensitive spirit. This year's fast has been so much better for me, hearing our church encourage each other, and to hear reports already of God's favor and unexpected breakthroughs.
Last night I was thinking about new beginnings. God is a God of new beginnings. Then early this morning I read this quote by Javon Ruff:
THIS PASSAGE WAS WRITTEN BY PASTOR JAVON RUFF AT FREE CHAPEL, GEORGIA
"There were things and situations in my life in 2007 that were not my greatest experiences. However, I have made up my mind that they will not hinder or hold back what new things God wants to do in my life in 2008. I have even targeted some of these things, while on my fast, for God to release me from so that I can move forward in all that God wants to do in me and through me. What are some things that you need to let go of from past times and past experiences? I challenge you to give these things to God during this fast, and watch Him do a new thing in your life in 2008, the year of “new beginnings!” You may say, “Javon, you just don’t know what I went through last year; you don’t know the things I did and experienced.” I may not, but I want to remind you of this scripture in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
This is a great encouragement from Pastor Javon. I believe at Victory Christian Center we will look back on 2008 and rejoice in all the new things God has done.
God bless you!
What a great week! I am glad to see day seven here. I remember thinking last year that 21 days was impossible, but by day 14 I knew I could do it. So during the second week, just work through any difficulties and keep your thoughts on the Word of God. There are breakthroughs ahead for all of us in every area of life. Healing, blessing, and most of all knowing God in a new way. Seeking His presence and hearing His voice clearly is our number one goal for 2008.
This morning I was reading about Esther. The lives of her people were at stake. A man named Haman convinced the king to issue orders to kill all the Jewish people. Faced with this impossible situation she proclaimed a fast.
Esther 4 (New International Version)
12 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
Through this fast, God gave Esther wisdom to know what to do and favor with the king. She delivered the people and God blessed her mightily.
When we don't know what to do. When we are faced with impossible situations. We can humble ourselves and seek God in prayer and fasting. God will deliver us, just as He did countless times in the Bible. He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Hold on to God's promises for your life. God bless you this week as you seek God for 2008.
This morning I just want to encourage you to pray for guidance and understanding about any situation or decision you are facing. We can have new thoughts regarding old problems because God's thoughts are available to us as we spend time in His Word and in giving Him time in prayer to speak to us. David marveled at God's thoughts towards him in Psalm 139.
Psalm 139:17-18 (New King James Version)
17 "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;"
Right now, during this time of fasting, we are more sensitive to God's Word and His thoughts towards us. Yesterday I heard from alot of people about how refreshing their prayer time was and how much more they received from the Scriptures. That's why we are seeking God diligently in this fast. To draw near to Him and seek His guidance, protection, and blessing.
Isaiah 55:7-9 (New King James Version)
8 “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
God bless our church family during this special time!
Yesterday was the easiest day because the hunger pangs subsided significantly. Even so, it is amazing how my thoughts turn to food and the possibility of tasting something, anything, even the Lucky Charms Susanna was eating yesterday afternoon (and I can't stand cereals with those little marshmallows). I think everyone feels a little discouraged or even sad at times during a fast. That's because it is humbling to fast and pray. If it were easy, everyone would fast and pray. Keep reading God's promises for us. The Bible says faith pleases Him and He rewards those who diligently seek Him. He is looking for people to seek Him seriously.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (New International Version)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
I don't want to say "what if" this year. What if I had diligently served God? What if I was willing to humble myself and pray? What if I had been unsatisfied with things as they are? We are going to give God our best in 2008 and receive His guidance, protection, and blessing for our families, and for our church. God bless you!
The third day is usually quite difficult, but it is a breakthrough day. I have to say I am glad to be on day four because the hunger pangs are subsiding. It is not unusual to be discouraged at times during a fast because we are disciplining our bodies and our souls (mind, will and emotions). Several people have asked me what to expect from the fast. The answer to that is in our prayer time. Spending time praising and talking to God and reading the Word is the most important part of fasting. As we make our bodies and our minds be quiet, our spirits have an opportunity to be sensitive to Him.
Remember you are not fasting alone. You have a Church Family who is praying and seeking God for all of us in 2008!
Isaiah 58:6-9 (New International Version)
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness [a] will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
The third day is here and the hunger pangs have increased. The third day is a breakthrough day, so it is important to drink plenty of water and pray and read the Word of God.
We had a great chapel service this morning. I have been so encouraged and excited about the kids and the youth that are participating in the fast. We want them to learn early on in life to hear the voice of God and to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Remember that as toxins are cleaned from the body, energy levels are affected. Some people have experienced headaches over the first three days, but that is not unusual.
The verse I am focusing on today is Hebrew 11:6.
Hebrews 11:6 (New King James Version)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
We are seeking Him diligently, despite the hardship, because He is a good God and wants us to seek Him first in our lives. Even a public fast is a very personal thing. Spend extra time praying and thanking God for His guidance, protection, and blessing for 2008.
God Bless You!
The first few days are the hardest. It takes discipline to ignore the hunger pangs and resist the old habits. Drink plenty of water and pray. As we discipline our bodies and make them be quiet, our spirits become more sensitive to God and we become "hungry" for His presence and for the Word of God to speak into our lives.
Proverbs 27:7 describes how we can live without even being hungry for the things of God.
Proverbs 27:7 (Amplified Bible)
7He who is satiated [with sensual pleasures] loathes and treads underfoot a honeycomb, but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
Don't give up. Be wise about your circumstances and use this time to seek God in prayer and fasting!
I'm excited about so many people participating in this fast together. Remember to be specific about the reasons for fasting. What are we praying for, specifically? And whatever the specific needs are, remember that God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
BIBLE VERSE FOR DAY ONE
In Ezra Chapter 8, God’s people proclaimed a fast to seek direction, protection, favor, and blessing.
Ezra 8:21-23 (New King James Version)
Fasting and Prayer for Protection
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions
Our purpose is to draw close to Him and receive His guidance. He will help us as we commit each day to Him and pray.
God bless you as you seek Him diligently in 2008!