Well, I don’t know about you, but Day 1 went well for me overall. I did struggle with a headache in the evening, but went to bed early and woke up refreshed and renewed this morning.
In my experience, fasting reveals areas we were out of balance in our diets. If we eat too much sugar, or drink too much caffeine, cutting it back has repercussions. Fasting is a good restart towards bringing things back in balance. As a reminder, if you have specific health concerns that make it unsafe to fast, then don’t do it. If you aren’t sure, consult with a doctor before proceeding.
Now, on to more important things. This morning the Lord led me to a passage in Matthew in which Christ reveals the power of the believer, if only we will use it! Listen carefully to Matthew 16:18-19:
“…upon this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it; and I will give to you the keys of the reign of the heavens, and whatever you bind upon the earth shall be having been bound in the heavens, and whatever you loose upon the earth shall be having been loosed in the heavens.” Young’s Literal Translation (slightly modified for modern English)
I find it incredibly curious the mixed tenses used by Jesus in this statement. Did you catch that He said, ‘whatever you bind/loose upon earth shall be having been bound/loosed in the heavens’?
Shall be having been? What does that mean? Is it present or past? Or both?
One idea: perhaps Jesus was revealing a deeper truth, that the idea of binding or loosing something was God’s idea first. And that if and when we bind or loose something in the supernatural through prayer, He will already be in the process of doing it in the heavenly, always one step ahead of us.
With that in mind, let me share something He led me to this morning. I have a wonderful book in my library, recommended by a dear friend, mentor and prayer warrior, called Prayers that Rout Demons & Break Curses, by John Eckhardt. I recommend it highly to all who want to see their prayers become more specific and effective in all areas of life.
Glancing through the contents, I found a section dealing with prayers for the nation, and came upon this specific prayer to share with you today. Using Eckhardt’s words, quoting King David from Psalm 140, slightly adapted here, please join me in praying this together for our nation!
“Father, strengthen our hearts with these words from David:
Psalm 140: ‘Rescue us from cruel and violent enemies, Lord! They think up evil plans and always cause trouble. Their words bite deep like the poisonous fangs of a snake. Protect us, Lord, from cruel and brutal enemies who want to destroy us.
…proud people have hidden traps and nets to catch us as we walk. You, Lord, are our God! Please listen to my prayer. You have the power to save us, and you keep us safe in battle.
Don’t let the wicked succeed in doing what they want, or else they might never stop planning evil… Make them the victims of their own vicious lies… Chase those cruel liars away!
Our Lord, we know that you defend the homeless and see that the poor are given justice. Your people will praise you and will live with you because they do right’.”
Amen! Friends, our prayers and fasting efforts are powerful! We have the opportunity to be part of God’s plan to bring renewal and revival to our land at a pivotal time in history. Stay strong in Him, trust the Lord to see you through, and especially for His will to be accomplished through us.
May God pour out His blessings upon all praying (and fasting) for America today!
FAITH AND FASTING 