Unity in seeking God by fasting confers the same multiple dimensions of effectiveness as unity in seeking God by prayer alone, only more. (Google image, Holding hands)
When multi-nation foe assembled to attack Israel, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast for all of Judah. People came from every village and town to Jerusalem for united prayer and fasting.
While they stood before the Lord, the Holy Spirit came upon one of the Levites, and he prophesied they would not need to fight this battle. The people fell on their faces and worshiped and praised God.
The next morning they sent out a choir to lead the army, singing the praises of Jehovah. As they began to sing and praise, the armies of the three nations began attacking and destroying each other.
It took Judah three days to collect the loot. On the forth day they had a praise assembly by the battlefield, where they had not had to shoot even one arrow.
Then they marched triumphantly back to Jerusalem, led by the king, playing trumpets, flutes, and harps, singing and praising all the way to the temple—the most amazing war in history (2 Chron. 20).
[Duewel sighted other references, such as Esther's fast of three days, (Jonah 3), united fasting of the Antioch church (Acts 13:2) and fasting and prayer in every church Paul and Barnabas established (Acts 14:23).]
The following are practical suggestions:
1. Fast for a meal occasionally, and spend the mealtime (and, if possible, additional time) in prayer.
2. Pray about planning for fasting as a regular part of your devotional life—.
3. Spend the first part of your time feasting on God's Word.
4. Be flexible in your fasting.
5. Do not attempt long fasts.
6. Keep a listening ear for the Lord's guidance when He calls you to a special fast for a particular need.
7. Keep your fasting a matter between you and God alone.
Full-souled seeking of God by prayer with fasting enables God to do things in answer to prayer that He cannot do without the level of praying that is reached by the added fasting.
God has ordained that fasting help release His power to work in a more decisive and sometimes more immediate way. We therefore have a very sacred responsibility to fast.
Let me urge you to discover for yourself the joy, the special blessing, and the special empowering in prayer from adding fasting to your prayer. Do it!
Used by permission of the author and Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana (With Jean's impressions added)
Mighty Prevailing Prayer
#107 United Faith with Practical Suggestions
by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 190 -193) Zondervan)
Prayer-
 |
| Woman praying |
We desire another level in our praying, that will evidently be reached by adding fasting.
We realize now that our willingness to fast will help release Your power to work in a more decisive way, and sometimes even with more immediate results.
Help us take part in this very sacred responsibility to fast, as we
discover for ourselves the joy, the special blessing, and the special empowering in our praying from adding fasting to our prayers.
May we actually begin to do it!
In Jesus' name we pray for Your help. Amen.
Today's Bible verses-
(2 Sam. 22:33 KJV) "God is my strength and power. And he maketh my way perfect."
(Is. 43:19 a KJV) "Behold, I will do a new thing."
Today's quote-
Andrew Murray- "By intercession, beyond anything, we glorify God. By it we glorify Christ. By it we bring blessing to the church and the world. By it we obtain our highest nobility - the Godlike power of saving men." (Taken from his article, Christ Our Teacher, Our Intercessor By Andrew Murray on p. 3 of Dec. 16 Herald of His Coming.)
Today's question-
Do you realize that Jesus' resurrection from the dead is what gives us the awesome privilege of receiving eternal Life?
He is standing by to give this to you upon your acknowledging Him as the Savior of mankind, repenting of your own sins and asking Him to save your sinful soul. As God is holy, and we are sinful, there needed to be an exchange for our sins. Jesus took care of this on Calvary, my friend!
Today's special link:
By Abbie
(Some good reading!)
Today's popular post:
Lisa Buffaloe: "There are days the journey is difficult and the trials are many. If you are going through hardships, I’ve placed these verses to give you hope.
Would you be willing to read and make them personal? God’s word is for you. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength..." |
Upcoming posts-
#108 Carrying a Prayer Burden
20th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
God Knows
22nd. Saturday's post by Jean Oathout
#109 Gradually Deepening Your Prayer Concerns
25th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
#110 Prayer Burdens Described
27th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang [Musical professionally guided and presented (May 4, 5, 6) by our home schoolers
at the Madrid church in Madrid, NY!]
Tickets
Below, you have an opportunity to leave a comment.
Or email me at jowildflowers@gmail.com
Or email me at jowildflowers@gmail.com
31-day Devotional
+ Jean's testimony
[Maybe just choose a title each
day that interests you]
Sample verses from p. 72-
Some Years of Marriage
You May Find
Some Years of Marriage
You May Find
"Some years of marriage you may find
Can be hard ones for sure.
You're to recall and keep in mind
God helps us to endure.
Our ways in which we trust dearly
We are to give to Him.
He'll help us learn His way clearly
So peace can come within."
Can be hard ones for sure.
You're to recall and keep in mind
God helps us to endure.
Our ways in which we trust dearly
We are to give to Him.
He'll help us learn His way clearly
So peace can come within."
(Published by Lighthouse Publishing
of the Carolinas. Used by permission).
A great gift for someone who may need help
to prepare for marriage, and for those in a
to prepare for marriage, and for those in a
marriage, wanting some helpful advice.
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