Ezra 8:21 (KJV) Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of Him a right way for us, & for our little ones, & for all our substance. Neh1:4 It came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down & wept, & mourned certain days, & fasted, & prayed before the God of heaven, 2 Chron 20:3 Jehoshaphat feared, & set himself to seek the LORD, & proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Joel 2:15 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: — Fasting was a common practice to seek God’s HELP! Jesus reminded us in Mark 9:29 …. This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer & fasting. Telling us that some things will only change when we humble ourselves by giving up something that is important to us! Are you willing to fight the good fight of faith? What will you give up, in order to get God’s full HELP? Now would be a good time to get His HELP to restore goodness to our country! Love Mel
Praying Offensively vs Defensively (borrowed from a Bill Johnson sermon)
I heard a sermon this morning from Pastor Bill Johnson. If I hear a good one I like to recap it generally. Christians pray very well from a defensive position when trouble strikes. The better approach is to stay prayed up in advance. Jesus prayed 40 days in the wilderness after his anointing, and this enabled him to deal with the demons the apostles could not remove. Also to pray effectively it is best to pray the things on Gods heart. How do you discern the things that are on Gods heart? You do so by staying close to Him in prayer at all times. Become His friend. John 15:15 (KJV) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. In this verse Jesus tells us that His friends know what He is up to and can pray in collaboration with Him to bring these things to pass. This is the best way to pray. Stay prayed up. Stay close to God by living a holy life and being often in prayer. Then you can pray most effectively.
