Tributaries

 

A tributary, from a geographical perspective, is a stream that feeds a larger stream/river or lake/pond. Streams and rivers continue to flow and connect with other moving bodies of water, while lakes and ponds stand as surrounded, isolated bodies of water. In life we make choices that will move us forward to a station that is permanent and settled or destinations that are dynamic, fluid, and transformative. Early in life most people embrace a seize the day approach, moving along great tributaries, watching in wonder and awe. Some of these tributaries lead us to stations (lakes and ponds) that are wonderful and beautiful to behold such as: employment, marriage, family, lifelong friendships and other blessings. But not all lakes are positive and soon we grow tired of the scenery and we sense a need to move on, with or without the people we arrived with. Keep in mind that some rivers and lakes can be man-made in a literal or spiritual sense. We may feel trapped there. If that’s the case, you are deceived and predestined to go where the architects take you – if they decide you are worthy of keeping around.

Plants used stimulants are ginkgo biloba, horny goat until the jack, levitra 20mg uk ginseng saw Tribulus Terrestris, Palmetto, Damiana and Hawthorn. You can do Kegels through squeezing the pubococcygeus muscles, hold it for about additional info tadalafil online ten second then relax. The blood vessel will release nitric oxide in order to get rid from such a situation the best option is to go for continue reading now viagra rx. L-citrulline is believed to help in such situations, where you are not able to get their prescriptions without all of the http://respitecaresa.org/kabb-celebrates-respites-new-car/kabb_news_respite_care/ get viagra from india hassle. As I age and gray, I’m convinced that people lose their sense of childlike awe, faith, zeal for life and a quest for destiny. They arrive at man-made lakes and ponds; settle there; build a life, and flee from introspection. This they believe is as good as it gets. If they are bold enough to move out they look to other great lakes that will give them rest from their journey, but in spite of these promises their hopes are often dashed. Many of the architects behind these lakes will promise them the world, extract all of their time, hours, and faith – convincing them that their cause is the most worthy and secure one that they should invest in. The truth, is only you can determine your cause; no one outside of God should convince you otherwise.

Who are the people who take the helm of their life? What are they like? Well they are usually prodded by a deep instinct and conviction to continue their journey. They have the courage and conviction to leave the less troubled waters. They have learned to resist the arguments of others they followed to the lake. Such people expect a fusillade of guilt trips, insults, lectures or false indifference to follow them when they set sail again. If you are this type of person, then move! We all have made decisions that have led us to our current destinations in life, and we can make choices that lead us to new ones. Proverbs 16:9 states (ESV): “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” So welcome new tributaries into your life and the lakes you have settled in, and pray, plan and question! Plan according to all you know, have prayed about and consulted with others over and be bold in what you seek!  But question the lakes in your life. Question the associations. Question the things that have brought you to your current state. If you are persistent in these three you will see it follows Jesus’ model of “ask seek and knock “(Matthew 7:7), which is an attitude of constant inquiry. I wish you well on your new journeys.

Endemic Norms: Good Enough?

 

Tom Pomeranz is a nationally recognized trainer that I respect and have learned a great deal from when it comes to dealing with people with disabilities and barriers. He has a phrase called G.E.M. — which means, “Good Enough for Me” He encourages us to treat people with challenges in a way that is good enough for us. No doubt he has the Biblical model “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” (KJV Luke 6:31)in mind when he teaches this, as many secular theorist do. It is certainly an axiom that at least raises our level of moral concern for others to the bare minimum of what we would expect for ourselves.

Here is the problem that we  run into over and over again when dealing with folks, they all have their own endemic norms that are good enough for them, but certainly would not be good enough for me. I would shudder to think what would happen if I were to pass on their dysfunctional ideas to others. Here is the definition of endemic:

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  1. restricted      to one place: describes a disease occurring within a particular area
  2. living      in defined geographic area: describes a species of organism that is      confined to a particular geographic region such as an island or river      basin
  3. characteristic      of area: characteristic of a particular place, or among a particular      group, or area of interest or activity

The word focuses on what takes place amongst people tied to a specific geography, activity interest, profession or other similarities. At the end of the day, what we may want done to us, others may not. We must constantly examine the source of our learned behaviors, the behaviors of those in our social network and those we seek to help before we develop rubrics for best practice or ministry. What’s good enough now, may not be tomorrow. As we evolve and grow – so will our approach to self-care and care for others.  This verse means a lot to me:  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (ESV John 13:34) We should certainly seek God’s wisdom on how to love people as He would. Our way of loving is not enough.

Kaleo: A Wonderful Truth in an Age of Confusion

(All Verses ESV and From Biblos.com)

“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

I feel deeply for new Believers and burned out Christians. Many are confused about what God wants from us and how to do his will when so many different denominations and their leaders are in conflict and onfused about it themselves. Over time people become frustrated and even depressed over what they see taking place among believers. If you are going through this please continue to read.

What is the church? Is it an institution, assembly, gathering, movement? Well, yes and no. In short, it is defined by the above sentence in part, but not in totality. Let’s have a look at this from a well known concordance, Strong’s:

{Strong’s G1577 – ekklesia – From a compound of G1537 (ek – “from out of”) and a derivative of G2564 (kaleo – to call aloud or call forth); a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): – assembly, church.}

The church in its purest form is a group of called out by name people who are dispersed all over the globe and throughout all of history. You see, God created, sought and secured a covenant relationship with us. He ransomed and purchased us with the blood of his Son. The price for salvation was paid in full, given away for free. This is the message of the true gospel. Unfortunately there are venal profiteers who have found a place within the church. They have marketed salvation and the benefits of faith for personal gain. Those leaders, more than anyone else, have contributed to the confusion of the day. Passive believers are also to blame for not speaking out. But take heart, God described this in both the Old and New Testaments, and He will deal with it.

Jeremiah 5:26-31  Cult of Personality

26 For wicked men are found among my people; they lurk like fowlers lying in wait.a They set a trap; they catch men. 27 Like a cage full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; therefore they have become great and rich; 28 they have grown fat and sleek. They know no bounds in deeds of evil; they judge not with justice the cause of the fatherless, to make it prosper, and they do not defend the rights of the needy. 29Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the Lord, and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this?”

30 An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: 31 the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?
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Matthew 13:24-30  Who’s Authentic?

24He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weedsc among the wheat and went away. 26So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27And the servantsd of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

The Parable Explained: Matthew 36-43

36Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. 41The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

There it is; no need to be consumed with the question of wheat and tares. It’s not important to focus on every area of doctrine a person holds or their hypocrisy. God knows who he has called, and you don’t. However, the scriptures clearly state we will know people by their fruit. This is emperical! Actions will demonstrate whether or not you should follow. When something is out of line with the fruit of the Spirit or the clear teaching of scripture, don’t be confused; reject it! Your life and path will be easier. We are free to serve in spite of all the confusion of this present age.

 

 

 

 

The Power of Godly Pathos

Matthew 9:36-38   ESV   (From Biblos.com)

” 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

It is impossible to overstate the depths of God’s compassion and mercy for people in general and his people in particular. Compassion always moved him into action and it should move us as well.

Mirriam Webster defines pathos these ways:

1 : an element in experience or in artistic representation evoking pity or compassion

2 : an emotion of sympathetic pity

Grace flows from godly compassion and God is ready to give it to whomever ask it of him. What about us and what about forgivenesss? I know that some will dwell on the past and all of the ways that they have been burned by people or taken advantage of, but that is not the point here. If we are honest with ourselves we will detect that our compassion has not always been pure. When we have true, godly, compassion on people, we are not looking for a square deal or repayment. We are simply meeting needs, no strings attached. Notice the instruction here.

Luke 14: 12-14
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12He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothersb or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

Jesus instructs our compassion to be without even a hint of expecting future favors.

A Warning>Matthew 7:6

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”

Jesus expects us to be wise and discern between people who are manipulating us for their own ends and those who are truly in need and hungry for the truth. If we don’t, we can expect to be turned on and ridiculed. No room for a blind approach here. We need to distinguish between the godly compassion that God stirs in our souls and our natural inclinations to simply pity people and meeting secondary needs. If we follow natural compassion we will become ensnared in their messes. God give us the wisdom and softness of heart to have your pathos.

 

 

Election, Sphere and Spectrum

All Scriptures are ESV and are From Biblos.com

As we go through the maze of life in search of opportunities, financial security, recognition, physical fitness, and a better future for our families and friends, we often miss something — the will of God in our pursuits. Every believer is chosen by God and placed in a particular sphere or arena in which he/she is to advance his will. The spectrum of influence is up to us. We can be smoldering wicks, barely noticeable — or we can burn bright and intensely. The choice is ours.

The spiritual paucity of the church in this age is not because of a lack of literature, clever teachings, knowledgeable shepherds or church buildings. The paucity of God’s manifestation in our lives comes down to one thing — a lack of obedience.  You see as I near age 46, I am aware of my redemption, righteousness before God, sins, shortcomings, faults and ultimately my dependency upon my savior. I am aware that all of the gifts and talents that he has bestowed upon me are to be used for him, my neighbor and last of all me — in that order! We have it reversed.

If one examines the scriptures it becomes abundantly clear that whenever God truly did something, the direct impact upon the lives of people was evident for all to see. He knows us from beyond the realm of time and space. How heartbreaking it must be that our priorities have been based on man’s election, the sphere they place us in and our battles to increase our influence in a place that is fading away. Still convinced you can do it on your own? Well, you can, but it will have no eternal worth or value. All that you have done will simply be burned up and revealed for all of the shallowness it was — except for what was done in his will. People may thank you here and praise you for your efforts, but don’t expect it from God my friend.

I shudder to think, not about salvation, but all of the wasted effort, thoughts, time and idle talk that I have engaged in, simply passing time and convincing myself of the significance of these activities. (Thank God for his grace!) I remind myself that election and sphere are appointments from Him. The spectrum of my influence is a matter of being a coworker with Christ.  “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Cor 3:9

Armed with this knowledge of who we are and how God has uniquely designed us for his purpose, we should ask — is he getting the best of us, our first fruits? If not why?  See if you can honestly come up with a legitimate reason when you look in the mirror. As our life continues to unfold and we draw near to Christ, in times of prayer, reflection, devotion and the reading of sacred scripture, our excuses melt away. Will we honor the arena that we have been placed in? Will we increase our spectrum of influence? Have we become satisfied with the favor of the world? We have been appointed by an infallible God who knows what’s best for us. Better saints than us have pressed forward; we should do no less.

God’s Election and Predestination

Jeremiah

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

Paul

With this viagra the pill in mind, remember that it is always better to be cautious before than repenting later. In addition, it is much useful to speak tablet sildenafil to your physician about whether you are physically fit They live longer life They have great compatibility These days, some sexual dysfunctions are playing negative roles to destroy happiness of married couples. It is dangerous to use this medicine daily. purchase viagra drscoinc.com been designed and approved for daily consumption. The three most popular, and most cialis tadalafil uk definite part of the 10 most important lab tests*, why they are typically so unpopular with the general public. 11For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.c 12For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when he who had set me apart before I was born,d and who called me by his grace, 16was pleased to reveal his Son toe me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;f 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Galatians 1:11-17

David

13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.a Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.  Psalm 139: 13-16

Sampson

1And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.

2There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children. 3And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. 4Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, 5for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” 6Then the woman came and told her husband, “A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name, 7but he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’”  Judges 13:1-7

All Believers

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5he predestined usb for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9making knownc to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.   Ephesians 1:3-10

It’s time to end the excuse making and press forward. You will only find rest in your appointed place and in your faithfulness to serve there.

 

Time and Favor

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  Matthew 7:7  ESV

3Let not  steadfast love and  faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck;     write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will  find favor and  good success  in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 ESV

 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 ESV

In today’s world there is a deficit of trust in relationships; therefore, we are constantly attempting to seek out people we can trust, while simultaneously developing ourselves into trustworthy, covenant people. Worldly people place a premium on money and health as the keys to happiness. These are important, but they are not the aim of life. The world values these things because frankly, nothing can hinder their pursuits in life like deficits in these areas. The prosperity church has borrowed this mantra, effectively reducing people’s faith to obtaining and maintaining these two fruits from God.
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I’m not against health or wealth. I think there are great blessings bestowed on some people in abundance. I am however against the preeminent roles they play in some doctrines. They give rise to a host of issues and practices that are not Biblical. The scriptures are clear about self-seeking versus kingdom seeking. Two of the most valuable resources in the kingdom are time and favor. What I mean is this, ultimately our lives are units of time God gives us. We may have a host of issues and problems associated with this unit, but we are accountable to God for it. If we are alive; we are blessed. The second component of doing God’s will is favor. Favor is simply this, people open their hearts to assist you in God’s calling for your life. Favor with God and man translates into open hearts.

So here is the deal, the straight no chaser truth about it — God gives us time to do what we need to do and then He gives us the favor we need to carry it out. Health and wealth fixations promote self seeking attitudes that promote our own agenda. Numbering our days the right way and seeking to do God’s will, grants us favor with the right people at the right times in our lives.

 

Purify Me

Psalm 51: 7-17

(ESV Version Via Biblos.com)

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a rightb spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Therefore before availing this http://melissaspetsit.com/2013/06/how-to-clean-a-bulldogs-ears/ viagra prices weekender solution to have an exploring sexual encounter the proper physician consultation is mandatory that can also guide you with the dosage and other additional information. Since the ancient time, there have been references of this method eventually will end up being close to nature and minimizing the use canadian pharmacy viagra of excess cosmetics, deodorants, room fresheners and pesticides and opting for more natural products and organic foods. Sperm freezing enables the female partner to pfizer viagra for sale http://melissaspetsit.com/2013/06/how-to-clean-a-bulldogs-ears/ continue with her reproductive schedule. The reason why aspects check out this link now purchase generic cialis such as liquor can impact you performance for sure. David’s heart was broken and he was left with an accusing conscience that tormented him day and night. He was brought to the point where he no longer cared about his reputation, possessions or life itself; he longed fervently for a restored relationship with God. Willing to do whatever it took, he no longer bargained or negotiated — he simply cried out to God. He was in a good place.

Have you been there, lately? Or do you somehow believe that sin on the part of an elect saint does not tarnish the relationship? Do you believe that hardness of heart is something that other people struggle with; yet, it’s not an issue with you? If so, you are deceived. Although David committed adultery and killed a man, God’s grace was still available to him. He was as Max Lucado would say, “In the grip of grace.” Yet this grace brought about chastisement, and the most severe, the withdrawal of God’s presence, favor and anointing.  These indicators gave one clear message; God was not pleased.

David recognized his abject, spiritual poverty before his Creator and was broken. My friend this brokenness was an act of the Spirit, and David’s crying out was volitional. David kenw that God will always come to the aid of a “broken and contrite heart.”

God help us to recognize our spiritual poverty before You. Help us cry out for you alone and enable us to remove all other considerations while in your presence. May you purify us through and through by your loving, shepherding hand. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Show Justice, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly

Now and then we come across axioms – self-evident truths – that simply should be shared. I am a Christian who simply believes that the book of Micah, verses 6-8 of the Old Testament, is instructional for any and every relationship, no matter how distant or familiar. I find comfort in the scriptures. The full text reads:

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?  (New King James Version)
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The reason I call this a self-evident truth is because justice, mercy and humility are desired traits. Injustice, grudge mongers and the arrogant are often bereft of authentic relationships. We all want to be around people who are fair and just, merciful and humble.  Every single one of us makes mistakes and most of us want to become better versions of ourselves. How do we become better? Obviously we have to make an effort, but we also need people who are fair with us, merciful toward us and humble when they instruct and guide. Ask yourself how you are doing with these three. Unless you are perfect, there is room to improve.

Fasting and Prayer

All Scriptures (English Standard Version)

Mark 9: 25-29

25And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)

16“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Isaiah 58 (ESV)

1 “Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. 3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure,a and oppress all your workers. 4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?

6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressedb go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.

13 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasurec on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure,d or talking idly;e 14 then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;f I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

The scriptures are pretty clear on fasting and prayer. It’s interesting that all of the scriptures point to a positive outcome for the community when people are fasting and not just securing outcomes for themselves. Isaiah states that God will not even acknowledge fasting that ignores social jusitice. Jesus demonstrated God’s power often and attributed some of it to fasting, attesting to a greater portion for those who adhere to His instruction. Simply put, we have to get back to prayer and fasting as a discipline and way of life.

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Some Benefits of Fasting

1. Sets oneself apart to God

2. Promotes self discipline and sacrifice

3. Drives out spiritual opposition

4. Promotes Kingdom Now (You can do something right now to promote God’s kingdom.)

5. Accelerates God’s favor in situations He has led us to

6. Softens the heart toward God and others

7. Releases blessings and deliverance into the lives of others

Borthers and sisters if you have not combined fasting with prayer seek the Lord to understand this powerful approach to Him. Next, implement this into your life.

Eternal Perspective

This is a great and timely article from the Christian Post. It is very helpful and it instructs us to be mindful of the kingdom of heaven first and foremost.  I must admit perspective is a powerful motivator and having the right one is key.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/eternity-amnesia-and-its-effect-on-ministry-78667/

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