PRAYER & FASTING

Lengthy, but good information that will help in your life with Christ and give power over the enemy, the devil.
PRAYER AND FASTING
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. --- Matthew 6:17-18
What Is Fasting?
One of the most powerful weapons of spiritual warfare that God has given to His children is fasting -- a way of crucifying the flesh or denying your flesh the basic sustenance of food. Although fasting will weaken you physically, it will highly enlighten you spiritually. It is important to note that fasting should be combined with prayer for utmost effectiveness.
Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline that informs God that you are serious about repentance. Fasting is a significant part of your Christian walk just as praying and reading the Bible is significant. Fasting is for everyone who desires to draw closer to God.
When you fast, you do not have to give up just food; it can be anything of importance to you that is a sacrifice to give up. Whenever you fast, you need to pray and seek the Lord, otherwise you are just depriving your body of food and not getting in touch with what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you.
Although fasting is not commanded in the Bible, it is expected of all believers in their Christian walk, for Matthew 6:17-18 says "when you fast." Jesus did not say, "if you fast" but rather "when you fast'; therefore Jesus reveals through scripture that fasting is expected of us; however, it is not commanded (for example, you are not committing sin by not fasting).
Types of Fasts
The Normal Fast involves abstaining from all solid and liquid food except for water.
The Absolute Fast involves abstaining from both food and drink. You should never stay on this fast more than three days unless under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
The Partial Fast involves abstaining from just certain foods. You can live on just certain foods during the duration of this fast such as bread and water, or you may choose to fast a certain meal each day.
The Daniel Fast consists of fruits, vegetables, and water.
The Juice Fast consists of fruit and vegetable juices only.
The Television and Entertainment Fast involves setting aside television, radio, newspapers, and other forms of entertainment to seek the Lord.
The Water, Honey, & Lemon Fast is considered a cleansing fast. Squeeze ½ lemon in a cup of hot water and add honey to add flavor. This recipe can be used for an extended fast.
Reasons for fasting
The prophet Isaiah writes: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"
Isaiah 58:6-7
Thus, there are 7 reasons for fasting according to Isaiah 58:6-7, and they are as follows:
1. To bring justice
2. To undo heavy burdens and break the yoke of bondage
3. To free the oppressed and loose the bands of wickedness
4. To share food
5. To provide shelter for the poor
6. To clothe the naked
7. To provide for one's family
However, there are several other reasons for fasting:
1. To mourn and repent
2. To receive God's instructions
3. To die to the flesh
4. For humility and deliverance from bondage
5. To resist the devil's temptations
6. Due to lack of food
7. For health and healing
8. For spiritual power to cast out demons
To Mourn and Repent
"In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Daniel 10:2-3
(Also see Esther 4:3; Isaiah 58:5; Joel 2:12-13; Zechariah 7:5)
To Receive God's Instructions
"And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments."
Exodus 34:28
(Also see Acts 9:9-12; Acts 13:2)
To Die to the Flesh
"Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and taketh no knowledge?" Isaiah 58:3
For Humility and Deliverance from Bondage
"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom."
Psalm 35:13
(Also see I Samuel 7:3-14; Ezra 8:21-23)
To Resist the Devil's Temptations
"Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency (lack of self resistance)."
I Corinthians 7:5
(Also see Luke 4:1-2)
Due to Lack of Food
"And he (Elijah) arose, and did eat and drink, and went in strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God."
I Kings 19:8
For Health and Healing
"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, 'Here I am'."
Isaiah 58:8
(Also see Psalm 35:13)
For Spiritual Power to Cast Out Demons
"And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour."
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
And Jesus said unto them, 'Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.'" Matthew 17:18-21
People in the Bible that fasted
Name Duration Scripture
Jesus 40 days Matthew 4:2
Moses 40 days Deuteronomy 9:9,18-19
Exodus 34:27-28
Elijah 40 days I Kings 19
Daniel 21 days Daniel 9
Paul, prisoners, and Roman troops 14 days Acts 27:33
David 7 days II Samuel 12:16-20
Esther 3 days Esther 4
Saul 3 days Acts 9:9-12
Nehemiah ------ Nehemiah 1:4
Exodus 34:27-28
Christians from Antioch ------ Acts 13:1-3
Acts 14:23
John the Baptist's Disciples ------ Mark 2:18
The people of Nineveh ------ Jonah 3:5-10
Apostles, elders, and church members ------ II Corinthians 6:4-5
Preparation
The first thing you need to do before you fast is set a definite time period for your fast. Will your fast be 1 meal, 3 days, 7 days, 21 days, 40 days?
The second thing you need to do is decide which type of fast you will undertake. Will it be a normal fast, a Daniel fast, or perhaps a television and entertainment fast?
If you are going on a prolonged fast, please don't begin your fast immediately but rather gradually cut your food intake back and then begin your fast. Also cease drinking caffeine products a few days before you start a prolonged fast so you can get over the withdrawl headaches before you start.
Precautions
Drink warm water instead of cold and do not drink too much water at one time. Do not drink milk, coffee, or other beverages during the fast for this will be considered dieting and not fasting. (Follow these procedures on all types of fasts except the absolute fast.)
Do not take excessively hot baths during a prolonged fast; for this may cause dizziness. However, take a bath regularly during your fast because fasting causes many impurities to be secreted through the pores of your skin thus causing an odor.
Do not engage in excessive work or exercise.
Walk, read, pray, and worship during mealtimes to overcome temptations.
Some Symptoms You May Experience
1. Headache
2. Nausea
3. Low fever
4. Sleeplessness
5. Stomach pains
If you have any of these symptoms do not take medication for them.
Three phases of a prolonged fast:
Phase 1 Craving food
Phase 2 Feeling weak and faint for 2-3 days or even longer.
Phase 3 Growing stronger and no longer having concern about food.
Breaking the fast
Breaking the fast is the most difficult period after the fast; it requires discipline and self-control. If you fast for 40 days, then you should allow your body an adequate period of time to recover so you will be able to resume your regular diet.
Start with some vegetable and fruit juices a little at a time and maybe a cup of watered-down soup. The following day, start to drink juices and increase the thickness of the soup. Continue to do this until you gradually begin to build yourself back up.
Final Thought
Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life.

Secrets To Joy In The Midst Of Trials

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

Peter says it is possible for these believers to have both great joy and grief in the midst of their trials. Paul said about his trials in 2 Corinthians 6:10: “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything”

These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (emphasis mine).
1 Peter 1:7
No doubt there have been many miners who found something that looked like gold. It was beautiful, but when they put it into fire, they found out it wasn’t. It melted at a lower temperature. It was not as strong or valuable. Genuine gold will last at high temperatures.
That is similar to genuine faith. However, genuine faith lasts forever, and faith that ultimately falls away from God in the midst of trials is spurious. It is false faith. A lot of times we don’t talk about false faith in church, but it is a reality. In fact, James talks about a faith without works, as “demonic faith.” He says even the demons believe and shudder (James 2:19).
How can we have joy in the midst of trials?
Focus on the benefits of our great salvation—our new birth, our inheritance, and our security.
Focus on eternity; trials are brief in comparison to eternity.
Focus on God’s sovereignty and purpose in trials. The trial was not an accident it was necessary for your growth and maturation in Christ.
Focus on your faith; trials prove the genuineness of our faith.
Focus on the eternal glory; faithfulness in trials will be rewarded.
Focus on our relationship with Christ; trials can bring deep intimacy with Christ.

TRAVAIL AND APOSTOLIC ORDER

SCRIPTURES: Romans 1:1-18 and Titus 1:1-

Prayer and of course "Travail Prayer" is very "crucial" to fulfilling the purpose of the Church in the earth realm.

Ephesians 3:7-11 "Wherefore I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by effectual working of His power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul, the Apostle did travail on behalf of others in the Spirit until the Spirit of Christ was formed in those in whom God has placed on his heart. Travailing in the Spirit means to travail or labor as in giving birth just as a woman in the natural travails when she is about to deliver her child. Spiritual travail is a level of intensity marked by a Holy Spirit burden to actually bring to pass, through prayer, a given promise, a prophetic insight or a Holy Spirit illuminated need in a person, church, city or nation.

To be an Apostle means God Himself after assessing you, calls you and sends you out to serve His purposes at places He would appoint.
An Apostle is "one sent out", with an outward thrust and a pioneering or restoration cutting edge, the edge that causes revolutionary impact and can either be of a new movement or a work of extensive scale, or even both. The Apostle is a commander with a mandate and an extended vision which is usually cross-cultural or global, but not always. He is one, called, raised and equipped for the job and for the hour. The Apostle usually presides over a council of fellow ministers that has direct calling and anointing for the thrust, covering the 5-fold ministry in varying degrees.

PRAYER… An Apostle who will be able to fulfill his apostolic calling effectively and productively must wear a very powerful and anointed prayer mantle. Jesus, our chief Apostle maintained a consistent and diligent prayer life that constantly put Him in touch with the Council of heaven. PRAYER WARFARE IS the highest level of prevailing prayer. Prayer warfare is fought individually and collectively. It requires constant alertness and readiness and is coordinated by the Holy Spirit. There cannot be a true Apostle without a God-given grace and mantle of Prayer. In Prayer you communicate with God then you make proclamations, decrees, declarations, orders, instructions and directives by God's leading to entities, principalities and powers, forces, domains, governments, authorities above and below, people and objects to adjust, turn and respond to God's divine order and manifestation.

THE HOLY SPIRIT: WHO EMPOWERS US TO PRAY, GIVES US WHAT TO PRAY ABOUT/ FOR AND THEN THE RIGHT AND PRECISE PRAYER LANGUAGE.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE ONLY SPIRIT AND POWER THAT SATAN AND HIS COHORTS CANNOT RESIST.
THE WORD: BY WHICH ALL WAS CREATED. THRONES, DOMINIONS, PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS, KINGDOMS AND AUTHORITIES, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE THINGS, THINGS ABOVE, THINGS IN THE EARTH REALM AND THE WORD BELOW US.
NO APOSTLE CAN ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITHOUT THE WORD. NO APOSTLE HAS ANY ORDER OR COMMAND TO ISSUE AGAINST SATAN AND ALL OF HIS HOSTS AND THEIR WORKS EXCEPT BY THE WORD.

The Apostle, teaches, trains, equips, instructs and orders changes at all levels in the spirit realm as well as the natural or physical realm by the Word, in collaboration with the Holy Spirit and Prayer. None of these three pillars can act or operate effectively independent of the other. The Word of God is the believer's primary contact with God. All that there's to know about God, Prayer, the Holy Spirit, Creation, Salvation, Life etc. is by the Word.

WE ARE GETTING NOWHERE UNTIL WE HUMBLE OUSELVES TO WHOLLY ACCEPT, OBEY AND LIVE THE WORD. THE CHURCH WILL DAILY TALK ABOUT POWER, AND AUTHORITY OVER SATAN, DELIVERANCE FROM DISEASE AND SICKNESS, POVERTY AND FAILURE, SALVATION OF THE WORLD AND INHERITING THE WEALTH OF THE WICKED, AND HOLD HIGH EXPECTATIONS, WITHOUT REAL MANIFESTATION, UNTIL OUR TALK, WALK AND LIFE LINE UP WITH THE WORD, WHICH FOUNDED THE CHURCH.

I BOLDLY ANNOUNCE TO YOU TODAY THAT SATAN'S WEAPONS ARE BLUNTED, VAPORIZED, AND EVAPORATED BY THE DIVINE LASER BEAMS OF PRAYER. DEMONIC SCHEMINGS OF PEOPLE AND SATAN ARE CONFRONTED AND FRUSTRATED AS GOD'S WARRIOR-SAINTS PREVAIL ON AND ON IN PRAYER. OUTER DEFENSES OF THE BASTIONS OF SATAN ARE BREACHED, FORTRESSES ARE PULVERIZED AND LEVELED, AND CAPTIVES OF SIN AND SATAN ARE SET FREE BY THE POWER OF JESUS AS THE WARRIOR-SAINTS PRAY. HATREDS ARE CALMED, ANGERS AND DETERMINED EVIL AND VIOLENCE ARE BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL, AND THE CAPTIVES OF SATAN'S FORCES ARE FORCIBLY FREED BY INVINCIBLE POWER OF THE LOVE OF CALVARY. SATAN'S DEMONS ARE MADE EITHER TO SURRENDER TO THE LORD, AGAINST WHOM THEY HAVE FOUGHT SO LONG AND HARD, OR ELSE TO RETREAT.
Until you find something worth dying for, you are not really living. "DARE TO BE GREAT, DARE TO OVERCOME AND DARE TO BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE TO YOUR NATIONS AND GENERATION"

TURN AWAY COMPLETELY FROM ANYTHING WHICH IS NOT OF GOD AND NOT IN LINE WITH HIS WORD; AND WHOLLY EMBRACE HIM AND HIS WAYS AND METHODS. THEN YOU WILL LIVE, AND HE WILL PROSPER YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN, AS YOUR GOD".

7 Good Reasons Christians Should Fast

Because Christ Expects it of Christians
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:16-18 are not words of a command. He does not tell us that we have to fast. However, He expects that we will. He said, “when you fast…” He was making an assumption that a Christian would fast. Moreover, when He said these words He followed it with a bit of explanation that a fast should be personal and private. Your focus should be on your relationship with God and not on letting the world know you are fasting.
For Guidance
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23)
For Intensity in Prayer
David fasted and prayed for the child that he fathered with Bathsheba. David knew he had sinned, but his fast was not to restore fellowship with God. Apparently restoration was already taken care of. His prayer in 2 Samuel 12 was for the life of the child. Though God did not grant his request, David was satisfied and content after his season of prayer and fasting. He had moved past the point of blaming God to a place of trusting God for the outcome.
As a Sign of Mourning
Nehemiah heard about the destruction of Jerusalem and was moved to fast and weep for his beloved city. This fasting was because of grief over the sin of his people before the Lord. He knew that God was punishing Israel for their sins. Nehemiah mourned and confessed before the Lord. Sin had caused a pain that prayer alone could not express. Fasting was a natural result of his grief:

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven)
To Show Humility in the Presence of God
The man after God’s own heart, King David, said that he fasted for the purpose of humbling himself before God (Psalm 35:13). He certainly seems to be the person who could have walked into the throne room of God and made his request boldly as we are invited to do in Hebrews 4:16. There is a difference between boldness and arrogance. David knew how to humble himself in prayer through fasting.
For Worship
Along with humility before God, fasting can be a way to worship God. David said in Psalm 51 that God is more interested in a humble and contrite heart than He is in fasting and sacrifices. This is not saying that we don’t need to fast; rather, it is saying that fasting without the right attitude does not touch the heart of God.
For Spiritual Strength
While Jesus faced the temptation of Satan, He fasted for 40 days. There is a principle of spiritual strength that is demonstrated in fasting in the life of Christ (Luke 4:1-11).
Why Do You Fast?
Fasting for biblical purposes should draw us closer to God. It should help us break away from the desire to satisfy our own lusts and materialism.

GRACE TO LIVE, NOT TO CONTINUE SINNING

Grace to live, not to continue sinning. Many a believer has a mushy and wishy washy grace theology. Yet, one who reads the word of Jesus in Matthew 5 can not ignore the fact that Jesus expects His children to live righteous lives.
v. 17 - Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law........
v. 19 - Who ever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of God.
v. 20 - Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of God. (Don't be a hypocrite)
v. 48 - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Righteous living must come from our heart, if not it is hypocritical.
v. 8 - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see the kingdom of God.
It is not sufficient to say and do all the right things. You must accept Christ salvation and have a pure heart and clean thoughts.

Open Up Those Gates

Psalms 24:7 - "Lift up your heads, you gates;

be lifted up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in."

City gates played an important role in the culture of that day. The cities were walled in for protection; therefore, they needed gates to close. Yet, it played a much greater role than this. It is at the gate the officials and men of importance would sit (Genesis 19:1-9; 1 Samuel 4:10-18). Legal matters were settled at the gate (Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Ruth 4:1-11). Kings and judges would sit at the gate to render decisions (I Samuel 18:1-5; 19:1-8; Esther 2:5-8).

In light of this, the Lord showed me that as leaders of the church, we are these gates. We are responsible for the gates. We are the ones who are to protect the church. At the same time, we are the ones responsible for letting the King (Jesus Christ) of glory come in. As leaders of the local church, we are the ones who set the tone of the church. We are the ones who determine the level of God's working in our church. We are the ones responsible of giving Christ access.

We can let Christ come in or we can hinder Him from coming in. Most of us do not intentionally hinder the working of the Holy Spirit. Yet, we are often unknowingly a hindrance to the move of God. We become a hindrance when we don't take care of ourselves spiritually or have not gone to greater heights in Christ. We become a hindrance when it is all about us and our agenda. We become a hindrance when we lose our sensitivity to the the voice of the Holy Spirit. We become a hindrance when we become so comfortable with the familiar that we are unwilling to step out into that which is uncomfortable or the unknown when prodded by the Holy Spirit. We become a hindrance when love, faith, and hope have been brought low in us.

We as church leaders must open up that gate wide that the King of glory may come in.

I thank the Lord that even despite our failings and short comings, sometimes God chooses to storm the gates of the church and come in anyway. Yet, he will come much sooner if we open those gates. It is much more pleasant when we open the gates instead of God crashing through gates.O

His Banner Over Me Is Love

Song of Solomon 2:4
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.

The most common use of banners was for military campaigns. A large signal-flag usually was erected on a hill or other high place; it served as a signal for the war-trumpets to be blown (Is. 5:26; 18:3; Jer. 4:6). When the Israelites fought the Amalekites at Rephidim, Moses held up his hand, thus becoming a living banner symbolizing God's presence to help His people win the victory (Ex. 17:8-16). After the battle, Moses built an altar and called it "Jehovah-nissi" (Ex. 17:15), (KJV; The Lord Is My Banner). A living banner lifting up hands to declare God's presence and victory over the enemies of our soul. Jehovah-nissi - The Lord is my banner! Whom shall I fear? Of whom shall I be afraid?

A banner usually carries a message. His banner over me is love. God is loudly proclaiming and boldly declaring His love to me. "For God so loved the world....He gave..." He declared His love.
He is declaring His love to those who are poor, those who are broken-hearted, those who are captives, those who are blind and those who are bruised (Luke 4:18-19). His proclamation is loud and clear; it is also deep calling unto deep. Only the Spirit can overcome the layers of pains and hurts, and reach unto the hurting soul deep within. No friends, no relatives and no doctors can do a better job than Jesus, the Lover of our soul!

He is proudly demonstrating His love, and His message is in BOLD! The cross! The crown of thorns! The hammer! The whip! The bruises! The pain! The agony! The rejection! The scorn! The shame! The blood! The love! Jesus didn't come down from the cross! He never came down! He went all the way to prove His love to us! He never stopped loving us! He has never forsaken us! He guards us like a hen over her chicks; like a Watchman over Israel. "He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:3-4).

God loves you too. You are also His beloved! He is also yours! He is also wanting to sing over you in joy and in love. He is calling you to come deeper! When we live on the surface, we are only aware of external circumstances. We respond to them as though they are all of reality. But God is more real than us! Before us, He is! After we were gone, He is still around! When we respond to the reality of our external forces, we become torn apart. Our personality, our view of life and our spirit become bruised and out of focus! When we respond to the reality of God within us, be still and know that He is God, love, joy and peace will be restored! Because Jesus lives within us, we live!

I am enjoying Christ this very moment - everything at the externals have not changed - but everything in the internals have changed! I know that my Redeemer lives and He shall stand victoriously at the latter day upon the earth (Job 19:25). I have read the end of the Book - He wins!

SPIRITUAL FOOD JUNKY

A thought for the day - Are you a spiritual fast food junky?

You are hearing and reading other people's teaching, but not taking the time in your personal devotions to eat the meat and potatoes in the Bible.

Are you running by goblin up the morsels of God's truth (maybe untruth on social media), not knowing the difference because you haven't taken time to study God's Word?

We all know fast food is junk food and not healthy for us.

It is all about the Body of Christ

I have been reflecting on the body of Christ, His church today. Apostle Paul put great importance on the body of Christ.

Romans 12:4-5 - "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

I see that many people in the church have gone to individualism. It is all about them and their relationship with Christ with little or no connection with the body of believers, and often no genuine commitment to the whole body, Christ's church.

I love how Paul says it here, "each member belongs to all the others." I am not my own master".

It is not me and Christ. It is us and Christ. Yes, I am part of the us, but it is not about me. It is about Christ's body (church) and Christ's purposes for His church in the world. Yes, I am a member of the body, and I should care for the health of me the member. Yet, the member must be connected, and the purpose of being healthy spiritually is to be a strength to the rest of the body to fulfill the purposes of Christ who is the head.

The apostle Paul believed so much in the body of Christ (the church), that he made great personal sacrifices for the benefit of the whole.

Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church."

Are you coming together on a regular basis with other believers to strengthen one another and work together for the furthering of God's purposes?

What sacrifices are you making for the betterment (well being) of the body of Christ?

Know the Seasons

I Chronicles 12:32 - from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do ....

- God does not change, but he brings change to everything.
- The God of old bring forth new things.
- Know the seasons.

- Question to be asked.
1) What must never change?
2) What is negotiable?
3) What must change?

Seeking No Reward

Luke 17:7-10 is an illustration that is totally foreign to us in our society where we believe our service or work is to be rewarded and we are to be honored for this. When we aren't, we feel that we are wronged and often hold a grudge.

Luke 17:10 - "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty."

Yet, Christ says, the attitude we are to have is one of responsibility, humility and not doing it be honored or rewarded. We do it because this is what our master Christ asks us to do. We are not to serve or work with the attitude of receiving from man or God. Yet, we do it out of love, obedience and duty, not expecting anything in return.

This does not mean that we should not reward or honor those who serve, but the one who is serving should not expect it.

Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"

Your motive for serving or working will be revealed when you are not rewarded. Are you offended? Are you hurt? Do you quit? Do you work less? Are you not as faithful? Do you hold a grudge?

If you say yes to any of these, this shows that we weren't fully serving or working for the Lord. This is a hard word because it goes against our sinful nature and all that we have been taught.

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT #2

The last article that I wrote on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I taught on the three main works of the Holy Spirit: re-birth, sanctification and endowment with power from on high.
I am now going to look into more detail on the endowment with power, “baptism of the Holy Spirit”. If you recall what I said last time was, when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we do not receive more of the Holy Spirit, but we receive more of the Holy Spirit’s power.
Let us look at several examples in the Bible where people received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and see what we can learn from them.
The first reference to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the immediate following of the Holy Spirit is in Acts 2:3-4 – “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Take note that ALL who were waiting on the coming promise of the Holy Spirit received Him. It wasn’t only a few, but ALL. Not only did they all receive the Holy Spirit, but they ALL spoke in other tongues.
The second place we see people baptized in the Holy Spirit is Acts 8:12-19.
Here we see a group of Christians who have already been baptized in water and then the apostles send Peter and John to pray for them and lay hands on them that they might receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Now in the passage it does not say that they put their hands on them to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but to receive the Holy Spirit. Yet, we know the apostles did not lay their hands on them to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit because they were already born again believers, and the Scripture clearly teaches that one cannot be born again without the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. Also, the Scripture does not teach that someone needs to lay hands on you receive the Holy Spirit in the conversion experience. Also, there is no teaching in the Word that says we are to ask the Holy Spirit to come live inside of us. Therefore, it is clear that the apostles did not leave Jerusalem and go to the Samariten believers that they might receive the indwelling of the Spirit, but that they might receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
It is important to note that Simon sees an immediate and visible evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Scripture does not tell us what evidence it was, but we can be sure that it was the evidence of speaking in tongues. We know this because it was an immediate sign and this is what took place on the day of Pentecost. The apostles would not have expected or accepted any other sign because this was the only sign they knew. This is what they had experienced. Take note again, there was a considerable lapse of time between the believers water baptism and being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
The third place we see people baptized in the Holy Spirit is in Acts 10:44-46.
Here we see that they receive Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the same moment, and that everyone in Cornelius’ household received it. In Acts 11:15-18, Peter testifies that it is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We see as evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit that they spoke in tongues even as they did on the day of Pentecost. Here we see that the baptism of the Holy Spirit can come on the same day as salvation. It was after they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit that they were baptized in water. This shows us that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a progressive thing as sanctification, and that you don’t have to have a level of spiritual maturity or holiness to receive it.
The fourth place we see the baptism of the Holy Spirit is in Acts 19:1-6.
We see here that Paul laid his hands on the Christians that they might receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We see speaking in tongues and prophecy as evidence of their baptism experience. There are some who might question if they were even believers before Paul arrived. Yes, without a doubt, because the Bible says, Paul found disciples, and understood they already believed in the Messiah, Christ. The Bible would not have used the term disciples or believers in this context if they were not genuinely saved. Despite being saved, they had received no teaching on the Holy Spirit because they were saved under Apollos teaching. (Acts 18:18-25) Yet, though Apollos was a zealous evangelist at the time and was preaching the Gospel in Ephesus, he did not have a full understanding of the work of the Gospel; therefore, he was taken aside by Aquila and Priscilla to be taught more thoroughly on the way of Christ.
What is most important to see is that in three out of four stories of the saints being baptized in the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues and in one case prophesied. The one case where it is not stated, we can be assured that this happened. Therefore, it is clear in God’s Word that the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues which normally takes place at the moment of the Spirit’s baptism. The evidence that is seen over the long term is one of the 9 spiritual gifts found in I Corinthians 12:7-10, and the working power of God in the person’s life to bring spiritual change in others.
Finally, why are some not baptized in the Holy Spirit if this is the plan of God for all to be baptized in His Spirit, which I believe the Bible teaches?
There are five basic reasons. First, the person does not believe in a third work of the Holy Spirit which the Bible calls the baptism of the Holy Spirit or baptism of power. Secondly, they don’t believe God intends to baptize all in the Spirit. Thirdly, the person may lack faith that it is for them. Fourthly, the person may not see its great importance or have a great desire to receive it. Fifthly, the person may fear it and be afraid to give the Spirit control of their body.
My prayer for you is that God stirs up a desire and belief in you for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Don’t be discouraged if you have sought it and have not yet received it. You must continue to seek it and believe it is for you.

BAPTIMS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT #1

Before we can delve into the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we must lay some ground work.
First we must understand that there are three main works of the Holy Spirit: re-birth, sanctification and endowment with power from on high.
We are born into the family of God by the Holy Spirit. (re-birth)
John 3:3-7 - "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
After we have been born again, the Holy Spirit comes and dwells in us to sanctify us.
John 14:16-20 - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you."
Jesus announces the coming of the Holy Spirit as a counselor or advocate to help us. The Holy Spirit is there to help us understand Christ and help us to walk in obedience to Christ.
John. 16:12-13 - "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. ¹³ But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. "
The third work of the Holy Spirit is to give us power to be witnesses for Christ and accomplish His work on earth.
Jesus announces the future coming of the Holy Spirit to empower us in Luke 24:49. We must understand that this is not a prophecy concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit in believers to work out their salvation. The purpose or objective is not one and the same as that of John 16.
Luke 24:49 - "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
John 4:17 says that "He will be in you". While Luke 24:49 says you "will be clothed with power". These are two separate works with different objective. One is a work within and the other is a work from without.
Also see Matthew 3:11 and Acts 1:4-8
To help us see that these are two different works let us look at John 20:22.
" And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit."
After Christ had risen from the dead and been glorified, he appeared before His disciples who believed on Him and said, "receive the Holy Spirit". It is that very moment they received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The word "breathed" is "Emphusao". It is the same word used in the Septuagint  (Greek word in O.T.) that was used is Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life into man. Also, we find it in Ezekiel 37:9, where God breathes life into dry bones. In other words, in that very moment, the disciples who were present received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and received the life giving Spirit of God. They were born again and became a new creation in Christ Jesus. These are the same disciples who were later, on the day of Pentecost, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These disciples were indued with power on the day of Pentecost to be witnesses for him and establish Christ church. It is after the day of Pentecost that wee see those same disciples who were afraid, and not witnessing for Christ, boldly and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.
III. After the day of Pentecost, everyone who accepts Christ as their savior, receives the Holy Spirit in its entirety.
Romans 5:5 -"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
I Corinthians 6:19 - "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"
The New Testament makes a distinction between the baptism of the Holy Spirit, baptism of Jesus and the baptism of John.
Matthew 3:11 - "“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Luke 3:16; Mark 1:8)
Baptism in water is a sign of repentance. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a baptism of power with the objective of being witnesses and establishing God's kingdom on earth.
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Keep in mind this prophecy, in Acts chapter one, was spoken after the disciples of Jesus had already received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
When we say the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we speak of one being immersed in the power of God.
To more fully understand the term “baptism of the Holy Spirit” one must understand the word baptism.
In Greek “baptisma” signifies immersion/submersion which comes from the root word “bapto” that means “plunge or dip”.  The Greek verb is “baptizo” which they used to describe dying cloth in colored water. Therefore, when we speak of being “baptized in the Spirit”, we are speaking of one who has been immersed into the power of God or enveloped in His power. When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we do not receive more of the Holy Spirit, but receive more of the Holy Spirit's power.  At salvation we receive the Holy Spirit to work in us to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit’s power envelopes us and equips us for works of power.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:3-4 - "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

Take note that ALL who were waiting on the coming promise of the Holy Spirit received Him. It wasn't only a few, but ALL. Not only did they all receive the Holy Spirit, but they a ALL spoke in other tongues.
The next article I write, we will delve more deeply into the baptism and/or filling of the Holy Spirit.

SPIRIT LED LIFE #2

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRIT FILLED CHURCH

The last article I wrote was on the Spirit led life as an individual in Christ. This time I want to look at the Spirit led life in relation to the church. Is your church Spirit filled? How can we know if a church is Spirit filled? How can we know if a church is led by the Spirit of God?

Like all things, we will know by the work and fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, let us look at some characteristics of a church that is led by the Holy Spirit and Spirit filled.

First and foremost, the church will show the love they have for God and others.

Galatians 5:13-14 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Love for God and others is the foundation of our faith. If we love, God we will not indulge the flesh. We will live holy lives. If we love others, we will walk humbly. We will not be proud or self-centered.

See to Matthew 22:37-40.

I Corinthians 10:24 – “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

Secondly, a Spirit filled church will put great importance on praise and worship.

Ephesian 5:18-20 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This verse is speaking about praise and worship and how through this we are able to encourage one another in Christ. This is the result of a Spirit filled life and congregation. A church that doesn’t give adequate time (large amounts) in worshiping the Lord lacks the Spirit of God in their midst. Of course it must be true worship from the heart, and worship directed by the Holy Spirit.  Heaven will be a place of continual worship. The angels and the heavenly host never cease praising God. Remember, when we speak of the church, we are not only speaking of what happens within the four walls of the church, but also the life the believer lives outside the church. One of the greatest joys of a Spirit filled believer is praising and worshiping God. A church that is fired up about worship is a Spirit filled church.

Thirdly, a Spirit filled church will put great importance on teaching, fellowship, and prayer.

Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

A Spirit filled believer and a Spirit filled church will give priority to solid teaching. It will consider the Bible as the infallible Word of God for us today. Therefore, they will give much place for teaching and studying the Word of God together. Along with anointed teaching, there will be precious fellowship among the saints, not only Sunday fellowship, but fellowship during the week. The saints will covet times of Spirit led fellowship. Last but not least, the believers will put great emphasis on prayer. Prayer will be one of the pillars of the church. A Spirit filled church will love to spend time in prayer, seeking the Lord.

Fourthly, a Spirit filled church will be full of the power of God and function in the spiritual gifts.

Acts 2:17-18 – “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”

Prophecy is the key idea in this text. A Spirit filled church will give place for prophecy. What is prophecy? It is simply speaking the Word of God in a given situation under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Often this doesn’t happen in the church because we don’t teach this or give place for it to happen.

Acts 2:43 – “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”

We see the New Testament church was full of the power of God. Many healings and miracles took place. God is able and wants to do the same today.  It is through this display of power that many needs were met and many came to the Lord.

Fifthly, a Spirit filled church will have respect in the community and many will come to Christ through them.

Acts 5:12-16 – “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹³ No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. ¹⁵ As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. ¹⁶ Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.”

Non-believers will have a holy fear of the church because they will see the power of the Holy Spirit in their midst. As a result, many will come to Christ. A Spirit filled church will be well known in their community, but not through advertising or going door to door. They will be known for God’s power and holiness. A Spirit filled church will have a great sphere of influence.

There are many more characteristics of a Spirit filled church which I will share in our next teaching. I hope these teachings are a blessing to you and help you in your spiritual walk.

SPIRIT LED LIFE #1

We already talked about the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. This is a continuation of this, but we will focus more on our attitudes and life style as Holy Spirit led believers.

When we think of a Spirit led life, we would normally go directly into the New Testament for our study, but I find that Isaiah is a great place to go to see how one will live when one is full of the Spirit of God. We will look at three passages in Isaiah that are prophesies concerning the Messiah (Christ). These passages describe the characteristics of Christ as the sent One who is anointed by the Holy Spirit to accomplish His Father’s mission on earth. There is no better example in scripture of a Spirit led life than Jesus. Therefore, these same attributes that are spoken of the Messiah, we should have in our lives as believers.

Let us look at Isaiah 11:1-3 and find some characteristics of a Spirit led life.

One who is full of the Spirit will be full of wisdom & understanding.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

The source of wisdom is God. We can’t find wisdom in education or in this world. It doesn’t matter how educated you are or how much life experience you have. The only place to gain true wisdom is in God and letting the Holy Spirit direct your life.

The Gospel’s over and over again makes reference to Jesus’s wisdom. The people were amazed at his wisdom because it was not like the worlds wisdom. (Matt. 13:53; Mark 6:2; Luke 2:40)

God promises to give us this same kind of wisdom. (Acts 6:10; 7:10)

Luke 21:15 – “For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”

God’s wisdom is greater than any supposed wisdom in this world. (Romans 11:33; I Corinthians 1:20, 25)

As a spirit led believer we have great understanding. I look at understanding as practical wisdom. In other words, one who has understanding walks in the wisdom that he has received.

Psalms 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”

One who is full of the Spirit will give wise counsel, counsel that is mighty. Mighty counsel is counsel that is outstanding, not the normal run of the mill stuff.

One who is full of the Spirit will have spiritual knowledge which comes from the fear of the Lord. Whenever the Bible speaks of the fear of the Lord, it refers to a life of righteousness. One can’t claim to fear the Lord and not live a life of obedience.

One who is full of the Spirit will have spiritual eyes and spiritual ears. He will not look at things through the eyes of the world. He will look at things from a spiritual perspective, Bible based perspective. He will see things in the spiritual realm. Also he will sift what he hears through spiritual ears, and the Word of God. He will be able to distinguish between what is from God and what is from an alternate source.

Let us now look at Isaiah 42:1-4.

One who is full of the Holy Spirit will seek to establish justice on the earth.

Holman Bible dictionary speaks of justice in the following way.

“Nature of justice has two major aspects. First, it is the standard by which penalties are assigned for breaking the obligations of the society. Second, justice is the standard by which the advantages of social life are handed out, including material goods, rights of participation, opportunities, and liberties. It is the standard for both punishment and benefits and thus can be spoken of as a plumb line. “I shall use justice as a plumb-line, and righteousness as a plummet” (Isaiah 28:17, REB).”

In most instances in the Bible, justice is spoken in the sense of social justices and injustices. The unjust are penalized and the just rewarded. As believers who are led by God’s Spirit we will fight injustices and promote that which is just and right according to God’s standards. This will be spoken of more clearly in the next passage that we will study.

Isaiah 42:2 says of the Lord, “He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.”

One who is full of the Holy Spirit will be humble. He will not be argumentative or bring attention to himself. He will be a peace loving person.

Isaiah 42:3 says, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”

One who is full of the Holy Spirit will be gentle and full of grace. He will not take advantage of the weak or oppress the weak. Rather, he will help those who are weak spiritually, emotionally, socially or physically.

One who is full of the Holy Spirit will he will not falter or be discouraged. He will stay true to the course that God has given him. He will not allow discouragement to overwhelm him. He may be discouraged for a time, but will arise to the occasion when needed. He will never lose hope. He will be a person of courage and strength.

The last passage we will look at in Isaiah is 61:1-3.

One who is full of the Holy Spirit will proclaim good news to the poor. The poor not being only those who are poor materially, but who are poor spiritually. It is the responsibility of every believer to testify about Christ and proclaim the good news of His salvation. He will have boldness to testify about Christ.

One who is full of the Holy Spirit will bind up the broken hearted. He will bring emotional healing to the hurting. He will bring healing and restoration. He will bring encouragement and hope to others. He will live in such a way that others will be built up.

One who is full of the Holy Spirit will set the captives free. There are many who are bound up by all kinds of things. Their thoughts are bound over to wrong or bad thinking. Their emotions are bound by fear and all kinds of other things. They are bound by sin and Satan. A person who is full of the Holy Spirit will help set these people free through the power of the Word and Jesus Christ. One way he will accomplish this is by proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God. People need to hear of the goodness of the Lord and the judgment that comes with those who are unwilling to receive His goodness. Ultimately, one who is full of the Holy Spirit will comfort others, and bring out the beauty or good in others. He will promote joy and a spirit of praise in others.

One who is full of the Holy Spirit will be called oaks of righteousness, and display Christ’s splendor. I like the word “oaks”. An oak is a hard or solid wood. One who is full of the Holy Spirit stands firm in the truths of God and lives a righteous life. He is unmoved (unyielding) by the world influences, but lives an upright life. In doing this, he brings glory to God.

It is a great thing when one is full of the Spirit of God and led by Him. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, we make a great positive impact on the lives around us as well as build Christ’s kingdom. We will continue this study in our next article in the series we are doing on the Holy Spirit.