Trees of the Millenium

For Jesus, come quickly by Beloved.

 John, may Jesus reward you with fruitful orchards  beyond human imagination.  May He give you fragrant forests to walk in with the most beautiful trees in the universe..  Trees glistening in glory just for you.  Trees who love you, because I know you love them.     This verse is for you: 'HIS MASTER REPLIED,  "WELL DONE  GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.  YOU HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL WITH A FEW THINGS;  I WILL PUT YOU IN CHARGE OF MANY THINGS.  COME AND SHARE YOUR MASTERS HAPPINESS."

What trees will grow when Jesus comes again?  This earth will be beautiful beyond imagination.  The trees will reflect back the love from God which is manifest in Christ Jesus our Lord when He sits upon His Holy Mountain.

(Image: enwikipedia.org)

 This is what Scripture says: WHERE ONCE THERE WERE THORNS CYPRESS TREES WILL GROW.  WHERE NETTLES GREW, MYRTLES WILL SPROUT UP.  THESE EVENTS WILL BRING GREAT HONOR TO THE LORDS NAME.  THEY WILL BE AN EVERLASTING SIGN OF HIS POWER AND LOVE.  (Is. 55:13 NLT)    At that time LET ALL THE FIELDS BE JUBILANT AND EVERYTHING IN THEM; LET ALL THE TREES OF THE FOREST SING FOR  JOY.  (Psalm  96:12)

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The Lord says: " I'LL PUT CEDAR TREES IN THE WILDERNESS, ALONG WITH ACACIA, MYRTLE, AND OLIVE TREES.  I'LL PLANT CYPRESSES IN THE DESERT - BOX TREES, AND PINE TREE TREES TOGETHER-- ALL SO THAT PEOPLE MAY SEE AND RECOGNIZE, PERCEIVE, CONSIDER , AND COMPREHEND AT THE SAME TIME, THAT THE HAND OF THE LORD HAS DONE THIS, AND THAT THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL HAS CREATED IT. " (Is. 41:9, 10 ISV)

This is how Ezekiel saw the glorious orchards when Messiah sits upon His throne in the age to come.  

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He says:  "WHEN I RETURNED I WAS SURPRISED BY THE SIGHT OF MANY TREES GROWING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE RIVER. (47:7 NLT)  FRUIT TREES OF ALL KINDS WILL GROW ALONG BOTH SIDES OF THE RIVER.  THE LEAVES OF THESE TREES WILL NEVER TURN BROWN AND FALL, AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE FRUIT ON THEIR BRANCHES.  THERE WILL BE A NEW CROP EVERY MONTH, FOR THEY ARE WATERED BY THE RIVER FLOWING FROM THE TEMPLE.  THE FRUIT WILL BE FOR FOOD AND THE LEAVES FOR HEALING."(Ez. 47:12)

(Image: en.wikipedia.org)

The Prophet Joel saw the rugged and barren  mountains of this age covered with luscious grapevines.  ON THAT DAY FRUITFUL VINEYARDS WILL COVER THE MOUNTAINS.  (Joel 3:18a CEV)

Solomon's beloved writes of the wonders of the Millennial state. 

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She reveals:  "THE SOFT GRASS IS OUR BED,  FRAGRANT CEDAR BRANCHES ARE THE BEAMS OF OUR HOUSE, AND PLEASANT SMELLING FIRS ARE THE RAFTERS. (Song 1:16b,17)

I walked among the trees of the millennium in the manifest presence of Messiah's love on His Holy Hill.... love beyond this world.

I have walked in the Millennium in vision once.  It was love, not like this world.  Peace permeated the cosmos, into every nanoparticle.  I was taken there during deep worship, walking in a wonderful forest on God's Holy Mountain (in the Spirit).  The experience of the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord was overwhelming this creation.  Nothing in this age is like it.  The direct, experiential knowledge of Messiah's love that flows to all creation was present.  I long to be there again, always.  How I long to be there once again with Jesus high and lifted up.  Jesus says:  "THEY WILL NOT HURT OR DESTROY ON ALL MY HOLY MOUNTAIN, FOR THE EARTH WILL BE FULL OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD, AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA. THEN IN THAT DAY THE NATIONS WILL RESORT TO THE ROOT OF JESSE WHO WILL STAND AS A SIGNAL FOR THE PEOPLES.  AND HIS RESTING PLACE WILL BE GLORIOUS. "  (Is. 11:9,10) 

The Beloved's  last words in Song of Songs cry out to Messiah to come again.  "FOR LOVE IS AS STRONG AS DEATH PASSION AS INTENSE AS SHEOL. THE FLAMES OF LOVE ARE FLAMES OF FIRE, A BLAZE THAT COMES FROM THE LORD.  MIGHTY BODIES OF WATER CANNOT EXTINGUISH LOVE, RIVERS CANNOT PUT IT OUT....  COME QUICKLY MY BELOVED AND BE LIKE A GAZELLE OR A YOUNG STAG ON THE MOUNTAIN OF SPICES." (Song 8:6b,7a,14 ISV)  Sounds like Jesus's second coming.

Messiah is telling the world of His second coming:   "SEE, I AM COMING SOON.  MY REWARD IS WITH ME TO REPAY EVERYONE FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR.  I AM THE ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE FIRST AND THE LAST,  THE BEGINNING AND THE END.  HOW BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO WASH THEIR ROBES SO THEY MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE AND MAY GO THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE CITY." (Rev. 22: 12-14a ISV)  

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Awwhhh, the tree of life which is in the garden paradise of God sparkling like jewells. The wind making melody through the leaves.  But, that's another topic for another day.  LET EVERYONE LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES.   TO EVERYONE WHO CONQUERS I WILL GIVE THE PRIVILEGE OF EATING FROM THE TREE OF LIFE THAT IS IN GOD'S PARADISE." (Rev. 2:7ISV)

Prayer and Fasting: A Practical, Spiritual Toolbox

Dr. Chuck Missler states on prayer and fasting:

Chuck Missler
tribulationnow.com

"That's interesting; prayer and fasting.  That's not an Old Testament concept, that's a practical, spiritual tool box; prayer, fasting."  "That's a good question for all of us huh?  Carelessness, that's us: The neglect of prayer and fasting. Fasting is not an Old Testament concept to be abandoned in our time.  With a little background it is still an effective part of the serious spiritual person. It is a basic element in your spiritual toolbox. Prayer, of course and fasting." 

In Mark chapter 9 we see a desperate man, a completely pitiful, tragic  boy..., and Jesus, the Power of God.  

aresartprints.com

The father runs to Jesus, falls on his knees and begs the Healer to help his son who was wretched, demon posessed.  Scripture tells us:  WHEN JESUS SAW THE PEOPLE COME RUNNING TOGETHER, HE REBUKED THE FOUL SPIRIT, SAYING UNTO HIM, "THOU DUMB AND DEAF SPIRIT, I CHARGE THEE, COME OUT OF HIM, AND ENTER NO MORE INTO HIM. AND THE SPIRIT CRIED, AND RENT HIM SORE, AND CAME OUT OF HIM: AND HE WAS AS ONE DEAD; INSOMUCH AS MANY SAID, "HE IS DEAD." (I think he was dead.)  BUT JESUS (the Creator of the universe, the Man of mercy), TOOK HIM BY THE HAND, AND LIFTED HIM UP; AND HE AROSE. AND WHEN HE WAS COME INTO THE HOUSE, HIS DISCIPLES ASKED HIM PRIVATELY, "WHY COULD NOT WE CAST HIM OUT?  AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, "THIS KIND CAN COME FORTH BY NOTHING, BUT PRAYER AND FASTING." (Mark 9:25-29 KJV)

extraordinaryintelligence.com

Dr. Missler explains: 

"The main lesson of this miracle is the power of faith to overcome the enemy.  Faith must be cultivated through spiritual discipline and devotion."  (The Book of Mark, An Expositional Commentary, Dr. Chuck Missler 2010)

softpedia.com

I think also the main message of this miracle is Jesus' mercy, grace, and forgiveness flowing to a hurting humanity; unfathomable power,  like a mighty river of God's love.  Jesus is God, in the body of a Man.  IN HIM DWELLETH ALL THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD BODILY.  (KJV)

Love Jesus, He is worthy.  
 He loves you.

The Lord Giveth, and the Lord Taketh Away

Saturday, February 22, 2014

God Is Closing Down California

I have been following the news of California's drought.

DROUGHT COMES WHEN GOD WITHOLDS RAIN 
(Job 12:15a GNT)

Most of the state of California remains in a drought.
USA Today

 It is obvious to see that God is closing California down.  Anyone can see the hand of God Almighty.  He is the One Who gives the rain.  He is the One Who withholds the rains.  All flesh is dependent upon Him.  HE PROVIDES RAIN FOR THE EARTH; HE SENDS WATER ON THE COUNTRYSIDE. (Job 5:10 ISV)   THEY DO NOT SAY TO THEMSELVES, "LET US FEAR THE LORD OUR GOD, WHO GIVES AUTUMN AND SPRING RAINS IN SEASON, WHO ASSURES US OF REGULAR WEEKS OF HARVEST." (Jer. 5:24 ISV)

(Image: scpr.org)

Last night I became particularly alarmed about California when I saw a picture of the lack of snow pack in the Sierra Mountains. The mountains are bare.  Is it a bare waste?   Its really tragic.  Last year at this time a satellite image showed a beautiful, white snow covering over all the mountains.  Now, what do we see?  Brown waste.  This is serious. The drought is not stopping soon, unless there is a miracle from God above.  Never before has California had such a drought in recorded history.  The rainfall is minuscule.   Precipitation is at  its lowest levels ever recorded.  Recordings have been kept for 100 years.  I would not be surprised if we eventually see California going into famine.

"I KEPT THE RAIN FROM FALLING WHEN YOUR CROPS NEEDED IT THE MOST.."  (Amos 4:7a NLT) 

Image : inhabitat.com

California will have to start building desalination plants like the Arab states of the mideast do. Years ago there was a move by California to divert water from the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon down to California.  That movement was defeated.  I don't think it would be right for California to rape the Columbia River like they have the Colorado River.  The Colorado River has been consumed by the sins of California.  It's startling and shameful to see the Colorado River now.

What can we say about all of this?  God have mercy on America. God is pleading with us.

The Almighty in Hims mercy is giving us more time to back to Him, and Him alone.  He is full of love and compassion. We need Divine Providence.  May all of us Americans humble, and seek God, not government.  Let us seek the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, through His Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.  God, have mercy, bring us back to you.  May we seek your face.  Empower us to turn from our wicked ways.  Please heal our land.  Amen.

San Joaquin Valley January 27, 2014 Modesto Bee
(Image: modbee.com)

  God says:  IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, AND SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND I WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND WILL  HEAL THEIR LAND.  (2 Chron. 7:14)



Chuck Missler says that turning away from our wicked ways is the key to God's blessings.  There is power in repentance I have found out.   YAHWEH GAVE, AND YAHWEH HAS TAKEN AWAY.  BLESSED BE THE NAME OF YAHWEH.  (Job 1:21b WEB)

(IMage: banoosh.com)

God, have mercy on America.

Fasting For Power

Fasting For Power

TREMENDOUS POWER  IS RELEASED DURING A GOOD PERSONS PRAYERS. (James 5) 

 Fasting is a lost art today. .   If we would fast and pray we would see a powerful revival in the end times church, that's us, here and now.   

(Image: thesurprisinggodblog.gci.org)

Remember that THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE MIGHTY THROUGH GOD... (Epistles of Paul)    Prayer is our greatest offensive weapon.  Why, because we have a high and holy God in heaven who hearts our hearts cries.  He answers, that's why prayer is so powerful  God in heavens answers.  I have seen absolutely impossible situations changed in answer to prayer and fasting: bodies healed, lives saved, income coming in, visions of God, messages from God in dreams,doors of opportunity blown open beyond my wildest desires. 

 ALL PRAISE AND HONOR AND GLORY TO HIM WHO SITS UPON THE THRONE, AND TO THE LAMB.   TREMENDOUS POWER  IS RELEASED DURING A GOOD PERSONS PRAYERS.(James 5)

Super Hero of Fasting

Super Heroe Of Fasting

Daniel is our most noted super hero of fasting and prayer.                                                                     What a conqueror he was.  

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Daniel saved his and all the advisors' lives when He prayed and God gave him the answer to Nebuchadezzar dream. WHEN THE MYSTERY WAS REVEALED TO DANIEL IN A VISION LATER THAT NIGHT.  DANIEL BLESSED THE GOD OF HEAVEN... (Dan 2:19 ISV)  God showed Daniel all of the future human history is the great dream.  Of course, the pinnacle of the future is when the Rock Cut Without Hands, Jesus, comes again and establishes His Kingdom on this earth. All government of man will just blow away. 

 You know what the Bible says about you and I who are in Christ?  BUT IN ALL THESE THINGS WE OVERWHELMINGLY CONQUER THROUGH HIM (JESUS) WHO LOVED US.  (Rom. 8:37 NASB)  Prayer is our major offensive weapon, the big guns.  So, pray.  To get some more prayer power going, let's learn to fast too.

 Daniel also saw the throne of God and Messiah given dominion in a night vision. (Dan. 7:9-13)   One day Daniel knew by reading the scroll of Jeremiah that the time was for Jerusalem to be restored.  Daniel says:  SO I TURNED MY ATTENTION TO THE LORD GOD, SEEKING HIM IN PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, ACCOMPANIED WITH FASTING.... I PRAYED TO THE LORD MY GOD.  (Dan. 9:3a,4a)   The Lord God answered his prayer in a mighty way.  Of course Jerusalem was restored.  Also, God sent Gabriel to Daniel.  Gabriel is the messenger angel of the Messiah.  Gabriel appeared to Daniel in vision and gave him instruction.  Oh, how we can receive wisdom through prayer and fasting.

 His most important fast may have been the 3 weeks of straight fasting in Daniel 10.  In answer the Angel Gabriel fought his way to Daniel to deliver God's message of the destiny of Israel, and the world.  Praise God Daniel didn't stop until the message came through.  Scripture reveals:  IN THE THIRD YEAR OF CYRUS.. A MESSAGE WAS REVEALED TO DANIEL.  THE MESSAGE WAS TRUSTWORTHY AND CONCERNED A GREAT CONFLICT.  (Da. 10:1a,c)  Daniel was shown wars until the time of the end in vision.

Let us persevere in prayer and fasting.  God will answer us powerfully too.  Call upon Him, and He will show us great and mighty things we know not.  Father God says:  "CALL TO ME AND I'LL ANSWER YOU, AND WILL TELL YOU ABOUT GREAT AND HIDDEN THINGS THAT YOU DON'T KNOW." 

King Darius

King Darius Fasts

King Darius spent the whole night in fasting when Daniel was thrown into the lions den.  

(jehovasjudgement.co.uk)

 THE KING RETIRED TO HIS PALACE AND SPENT THE WHOLE NIGHT FASTING. (Dan. 6:18a)  What happened the next morning was a miracle.  At dawn, Daniel walked out of the pit alive and well, full of faith!   DANIEL SAID, "MY GOD SENT HIS ANGEL AND SEALED THE MOUTHS OF THE LIONS."(v. 6:22a)  Darius was grateful to Daniel's God.   He immediately wrote to all the civilized world:  FOR HE IS THE LIVING GOD WHO ENDURES FOREVER. (v.26a)   HE DELIVERS AND RESCUES AND PERFORMS SIGNS AND WONDERS IN HEAVEN AND EARTH. (v. 27a)

Praise be to God Who powerfully answers prayer.  Jesus is full of mercy.  Fasting takes prayer power into the stratosphere.  I have seen lives saved in answer to prayer and fasting.  JESUS IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER.  (Hebrews)

Jesus is full of mercy, grace and forgiveness, unfathomable, .. forever.

Ezra The Scribe and Priest

Ezra's 3 Day Fast

God chose Ezra the scribe and close to 50,000 Jews to go and resettle Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.  They were ready to take a deadly and perilous journey from Persia (Iran) to Israel.  The King, Cyrus,  told Ezra to take a large armed guard of professional soldiers to make the trip. The trip was extremely dangerous.  Ezra was  carrying the temple gold, treasures, silver and had many women and children and livestock. They were easy pickens for thieves.   

(workersforjesus.com)

But Ezra refused the soldiers. Why?  Ezra was too embarrassed to accept them.   Ezra relied on the Lord God of Heaven instead.  How?  Through prayer and fasting.  Ezra writes:  THEN I CALLED FOR A FAST THERE AT THE AHAVA RIVER SO WE COULD HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE OUR GOD AND SEEK FROM HIM AN APPROPRIATE WAY FOR US AND OUR LITTLE ONES TO LIVE , AND HOW WE SHOULD GUARD OUR PERSONAL WEALTH, BECAUSE I WAS ASHAMED TO ASK THE KING FOR A CONTINGENT OF CALVARY TO PROTECT US FROM ENEMIES WE MIGHT ENCOUNTER ON THE WAY.  AFTER ALL, WE HAD TOLD THE KING, "THE HAND OF OUR GOD SEEKS THE GOOD OF ALL WHO SEEK HIM, BUT HIS POWER AND ANGER ARE AGAINST EVERYONE WHO FORSAKES HIM."   SO WE FASTED AND ASKED OUR GOD ABOUT  THIS, AND HE LISTENED TO US.  (Ezra 8:21:-23 ISV)  When Ezra arrives he records: OUR GOD'S PROTECTION WAS WITH US.  AND HE DELIVERED US FROM THE ENEMYS' POWER, AND FROM AMBUSH ALONG THE WAY.  (Ez. 8:31b)

How much do we all need protection for us, our families, and our personal wealth?

We all need deliverance from the enemys' power and ambush in this life.  The secret?  Prayer and fasting brings incredible victory. Just like Ezra and his people.  Why? Because the hand of our God seeks the good of all who seek Him.  PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.. (Paul's Epistles)

Jehova's Premier Faster

God's Premier Faster

Anna the Prophetess is the premier Biblical example of a life dedicated to prayer, fasting, and worship. SHE NEVER LEFT THE TEMPLE, BUT CONTINUED TO WORSHIP THERE NIGHT AND DAY WITH TIMES OF FASTING AND PRAYER. (Lk. 2:37b)

(dailytimewithgod.com)

 God honored her highly.  God chose her; she was made the first messenger of the Incarnate Messiah, baby Jesus.  When she saw the Babe in the Temple, she .."BEGAN TO  THANK GOD AND TO SPEAK ABOUT JESUS TO EVERYONE WHO WAS WAITING FOR THE REDEMPTION OF JERUSALEM. (Lk. 2: 38b ISV)  What a woman.  I aspire to be like her.  She knew the power of fasting.  The Holy Spirit guided her footsteps and spoke to her. She had eyes to see the Redeemer, even as an infant.  What a woman.

Prayer, fasting, and worship will give us even more power.  God will open our eyes to see even more.  I WANT TO KNOW HIM (Jesus) , AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION... (Paul's Epistles)  To see Him is my hearts desire.  One night, when I was very ill, it was as if Jesus's Spirit said to me:  "Worship Me- that's where the power is."  Jesus has given me THE GARMENT OF PRAISE INSTEAD OF A SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS. (Is. 61:3c Darby  He has even healed my body, once again.  All praise to Him, our Great Healer.

Esther Knew What To Do

The Great Queen Esther

The great Queen Esther saved her entire people through a fast.

 An edict had gone out to slaughter every Jew alive.  It was a situation that could have been similar to what was happened in the holocaust.  But, the Queen fasted.  And God in heaven heard her heart's cry. He moved mightily in response to this wonderful woman of God. 

(Image: madmonarchrist.blogspot)

 Queen Esther and her people fasted for 3 days without food or water.    They were threatened with utter annihilation.  Their very existence was in japordy, hanging by a thread. But, God had her born for  such a time as that. She determined to fast and pray, and called all her people with her.  And they did.  They didn't eat nor drink for 3 days.  We know the outcome.  God moved mightily through their prayers and spared her people.  The Jews, instead of being annihilated, lived .  The Jewish race eventually brought forth the Savior of the World, Jesus of Nazareth.  The power of prayer and fasting is unfathomable.  Because God in heaven hears, and changes world events.

 I think we can learn a lot from the great Queen, don't you?  (Esther 4:16)  You and I were born for a time such as this.  The Bible says that these end days are "perilous times".  BUT REALIZE THIS, THAT IN THE LAST DAYS DIFFICULT TIMES WILL COME.  (2 Tim. 3:1 NASB)  We need to pray and fast more than ever before. When we are threatened with tragedy, pray and fast.  May God help us.

You and I were born for a time such as this.  May we seek God's face.   SO WHENEVER WE ARE IN NEED WE SHOULD COME BRAVELY BEFORE THE THRONE OF OUR MERCIFUL GOD.  THERE WE WILL BE TREATED WITH UNDESERVED KINDNESS, AND WE WILL FIND HELP.  (Heb. 4:6 CEV

Paul's Secret

The Secret of Paul's Power

The Secret of Paul's Power is simple. 

 He was a chosen vessel of Jesus to bring the Light of Life, to us gentiles.  Paul records that Jesus talks to him.  Jesus appeared in blazing glory to this man as he was going to Damascus to imprison and stone followers of the Way, that is Jesus.

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  The glorified Lord threw him to the ground, blinded him and said:  I AM JESUS WHOM YOU ARE PERSECUTING.  NOW GET UP AND STAND ON YOUR FEET FOR I HAVE SHOWN MYSELF TO YOU FOR A REASON- YOU ARE CHOSEN TO BE MY SERVANT AND WITNESS TO WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN OF ME TODAY, AND OF OTHER VISIONS OF MYSELF WHICH I WILL GIVE YOU.  ... I NOW SEND YOU (TO THE GENTILES).  I SEND YOU TO OPEN THEIR EYES, TO TURN THEM FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT, FROM THE POWER OF SATAN TO GOD HIMSELF, SO THAT THEY MAY KNOW FORGIVENESS OF THEIR SINS AND TAKE THEIR PLACE WITH ALL THOSE WHO ARE MADE HOLY THROUGH FAITH IN ME." (Acts 26:15,16,17a,18 Phillips)

What did Paul do after that Divine encounter?  Fasted.  Just think, Paul saw the  Son of God, face to face.   Paul knew what to do.  He immediately  fasted  for 3 days and nights. (Acts 9:9) He went on a super fast, no food or water.  He knew what to do in response to his life changing encounter with God.  We can learn a lot from from him.  

After 3 days Jesus sent Ananias to Paul.  Jesus healed Paul's blindness when Ananias  laid hands on him and prayed. The Holy Spirit came upon Paul at that moment.  He got up, ate and was baptized.  He immediately began to preach that Jesus is the son of God.   The world has never been the same since then.

Note:  I've never been on a fast without liquid.

 And I'd never recommend anybody to.  I think in this day and age it would be very dangerous for our health if we did.  Toxins and chemicals are released from the cells during fasting.  We have to have the liquids to wash them out of our systems.   Back in Paul's times the physical bodies were much stronger and not exposed to the destructive chemicals of our day.  We have to be wiser in how we fast today.  But its not hard to do.  The devil has tried to strip power from the Church of God, the Body of Christ,  by trying to disable fasting.  But the enemy won't succeed.  FOR HE WHO IS IN US (JESUS), IS GREATER THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD (SATAN.)  (John's Epistles)

EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS.

Jesus Instructs Us To Fast and Pray

Powerful Answers To Prayer

 I've had extremely successful, powerful answers to prayer and intimacy with Jesus during my 20 years experience of fasting.  Twice I've been on 40 day fasts. Moses, Jesus, and Elijah too are recorded as undertaking 40 day fasts.  What power was released.

(testimoniesofheavenandhell.com)

 Jesus withstood the onslaught of the devils temptations during His 40 day fast.  The only Human Being who would not cow tow to Satan and sin was Jesus.  He secured our freedom from sin and death when He died on the cross for our sins.  He conquered death for us.  He rose again the third day just as God had foretold in the Sacred Scriptures, our bibles.  He purchased our souls for God so that we will have the right to enter heaven.  Not because we are good enough.  But that Jesus was good enough.  So we enter through Him.  This is called "imputed righteousness."  What's the secret?  How do we get to heaven?  Peter says:  AND EVERYONE WHO CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD (JESUS) WILL BE SAVED. (Acts 2:21)

Jesus our Lord has instructed us to fast.  He expects it of us.  This is what He said when He walked the earth 2,000 years ago.  "BUT SOMEDAY THE  GROOM  WILL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THEM , AND THEN THEY WILL FAST." (Mark 2:20 NLT)  The groom is Jesus, He was taken away from us at the ascension.  You see, Jesus, our Master simply expects us to fast.  We must be obedient.  If we love Him, He says we will obey Him. (Jn. 14:15)  Fasting is not optional.

One 40 day fast literally blew me away!  Intimacy with the Trinity was literally out of this world.  I saw th glory of God ans the One Who sits on the throne a lot  like John on Patmos saw Him in Revelation 4,5. Once a week 24 hour fasts are a piece of cake.  The early church used to practice fasting twice a week.  They were effective for Christ, spreading the gospel.

3 day fasts are important  when power or answered prayer is desperately needed.  

(Image: catholicinbrooklyn.blogspot)

We can trust our God in heaven.  Jesus flows His mercy to us,His grace carries us, and His forgiveness wipes away our past, our mistakes, our unrighteousness. I praise Him.  His love is unfathomable, a powerful river we're all immersed in, that is us Christians.  Those of us who follow Jesus.  21 day fasts are sometimes mandatory when great need is seen.  Example:  Mercy on America. Daniel fasted 21 days when he saw read from Jeremiah that it was time for Jerusalem to be reinhabited.   7 and 10 day fasts are also important.  I'm not saying this to brag, just the opposite, this is important instruction for the times we are entering.  Missler says that tough times are right on the horizon.  So, in my personal opinion, fasting and prayer is mandatory in these last days, perilous times.

Prayer and fasting is nothing new.  We are simply obeying our Master, and returning to our Biblical roots. I guess you'd call spiritual disciplines.  But its fun, the rewards are great.

 Here is Jesus instructions for our fastings:  "THEN WHEN YOU FAST DON'T LOOK LIKE THOSE MISERABLE PLAY ACTORS!  FOR THEY DELIBERATELY DISFIGURE THEIR FACES SO THAT PEOPLE MAY SEE THEY ARE FASTING.  BELIEVE ME, THEY HAVE HAD ALL THEIR REWARD.  NO, WHEN YOU FAST, BRUSH YOUR HAIR, AND WASH YOUR FACE SO THAT NOBODY KNOWS YOU ARE FASTING- LET IT BE A SECRET BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR FATHER.  AND YOUR FATHER WHO KNOWS ALL SECRETS WILL REWARD YOU."  (Mt. 6:16-18 Phillips)

Fasting To Please God

The Most Beautiful Words Ever Spoken About Fasting

God spoke through the prophet Isaiah.  God Himself tells us how to fast.  Fasting to please Him. (Isaiah 58)

(Image: oneyearbibleblog.com)

We can read God's own words on the benefits of fasting that pleases God: 

 "THEN YOUR LIGHT WILL BREAK FORTH LIKE THE DAWN; AND YOUR HEALING WILL QUICKLY APPEAR; THEN YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL GO BEFORE YOU, AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD WILL BE YOUR REAR GUARD.  THEN YOU WILL CALL, AND THE LORD WILL ANSWER; YOU WILL CRY FOR HELP AND HE WILL SAY, HERE I AM." (Isaiah 58:8,9)   

When I've fasted and prayed for others I have seen miracles of healing take place beyond my wildest expectations.

Also, on a supernatural level Jesus pours His healing power into us and others when we consistently ask Him.  Fasting works on a physical level to restore our health too.  And, when we need direction on what health modalities we need, we can trust God to guide us in answer to prayer and fasting  too.

Isaiah's Commandments on Fasting

Mystery of Fasting, Freedom, and Mercy

To me, a great mystery is revealed in the Prophet Isaiah 

The Great Isaiah Scroll
(Image: bible-researcher.com)

Chapter 58:1-7 of Isaiah explains great mysteries of how God sees fasting.  It seems to me that our God wants us to be generous; giving financially and fulfilling the needs of the poor, helping our relatives in need. And some how, in some way it adds to our fasting and prayer power.  God likes it.

Fasting and mercy is a great Biblical secret of healing, answered prayer, and a blessed life.  By the way, it's understood that fasting and prayer is a means to connect even more profoundly with God in serious circumstances of life.   Jesus of Nazareth is The Man of Mercy. 

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.... Let's read what  God  Himself has to say:    "WILL YOU CALL THIS A FAST, AND A DAY ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD?  IS NOT THIS THE FAST THAT I CHOSE; TO LOOSE THE BOUNDS OF WICKEDNESS, AND UNDO THE STRAPS OF THE YOKE, TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND TO BREAK EVERY YOKE."  (Is. 58:5b,6 ESV)  When we find ourselves or our loved ones bound by wickedness, under a yoke, and oppressed in this world fasting has incredible power to break that yoke, or bondage off of us, or our loved one in need.  So, always add fasting to your prayers.  God is mighty to save, Jesus sets the captives free.  And don't stop praying.

 Who would have thought  that a generous and giving heart, willing to share, would be so significant to the Almighty Father.  

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Jesus is kind and merciful  and giving to us.  He wants us to give also. God goes on about fasting:  IS IT NOT TO SHARE YOUR BREAD WITH THE HUNGRY, AND BRING THE HOMELESS POOR INTO YOUR HOUSE; WHEN YOU SEE THE NAKED, COVER HIM, AND DO NOT HIDE YOURSELF FROM YOUR OWN FLESH? (v.7)  One commentary states:  "This passage indicates that the acceptable fast is not merely abstinence from food or water but a decision to fully obey God's commands but a decision to fully care for the poor and oppressed." (Wikipedia)  

 Why is it that God equates the two together?  Because He likes mercy. HE HAS SHOW YOU, O MORTAL WHAT IS GOOD.  AND WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU?  TO ACT JUSTLY, TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD." (Mica 6:8) God requires mercy of mankind.  That's a prerequisite to the power of fasting. Jesus says:  "BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL RECEIVE MERCY." (Sermon on the Mount)

What's the bottom line of fasting?   Merciful actions in life.  Unimaginable!  Super health, super answers to prayer from God above.  God reveals this:  "THEN SHALL YOUR LIGHT BREAK FORTH LIKE THE DAWN, AND YOUR HEALING SHALL SPRING FORTH SPEEDILY.  YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL GO BEFORE YOU AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE YOUR REAR GUARD.  THEN YOU SHALL CALL, AND THE LORD WILL ANSWER; YOU SHALL CRY AND HE WILL SAY, "HERE I AM."  (v. 8,9a)

Here are God's conditions  for super healthy fasting:  IF YOU TAKE AWAY THE YOKE FROM YOUR MIDST, THE POINTING OF THE FINGER, AND SPEAKING WICKEDNESS.  IF YOU POUR YOURSELF OUT TO THE HUNGRY AND SATISFY THE DESIRE OF THE AFFLICTED, THEN SHALL YOUR LIGHT RISE IN THE DARKNESS AND YOUR GLOOM BE AS THE NOON DAY.  AND THE LORD WILL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY AND SATISFY YOUR DESIRE IN SCORCHED PLACES,AND MAKE YOUR BONES STRONG; AND YOU WILL BE LIKE A WATERED GARDEN, LIKE A SPRING OF WATER, WHOSE WATERS DO NOT FAIL. (Is. 58:9b-11 ESV)

Let us consider these wonderful fasting and health secrets of the Bible.  We've included the they mystery of mercy concerning fasting to God.  HE IS A REWARDER OF THOSE WHO SEEK HIM. (Hebrews 11:6b)    God bless you.

The Apostle Paul

Fastings Often Blew Open the World

What was one of Paul's secrets of God's power? Fasting often: Jesus blew open the world to the Gospel of Grace.

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 Why was his ministry so effective?    I see fasting as his major personal key.  He fasted at every important move.  All the time.  This is what he has to say through the Holy Spirit:

We read of his experiences in 2 Corinthians 11:27:  "IN LABOR AND TOIL, IN WATCHINGS OFTEN, IN HUNGER AND THIRST, IN FASTINGS OFTEN, IN COLD AND NAKEDNESS." Wow!  He was really qualified.  He suffered a lot for Jesus.  Look at what he did during his sufferings- fast.  We can learn that important lesson. By the way, fasting is never undertaken with out prayer.  Prayer is the key.  Add worship and you have a power packed day!!

These are some of the things Paul says verifies and empowers his ministry. 

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He writes: "BUT IN EVERYTHING COMMENDING  OURSELVES AS SERVANTS OF GOD IN GREAT ENDURANCE, IN AFFLICTIONS, ..IN IMPRISONMENTS, ..IN WATCHINGS, IN FASTINGS; ..IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, IN SINCERE LOVE, IN THE WORD OF TRUTH, IN THE POWER OF GOD.."  (2 Corinthians 6:4-7 selected portions, WEB)   Sounds pretty exciting, huh?  Now we know some of the secrets of his power to spread the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus.  Paul suffered the loss of everything for the excellency, of knowing Jesus.  Knowing Jesus is the highest value on earth.  Humanities  greatest goal.

The power of the Gospel's spread through out the world was birthed in fasting. 
Acts 13:2,3

In the church in Antioch there were prophets and teachers... WHILE THEY WEREWORSHIPING THE LORD AND FASTING THE HOLY SPIRIT SAID, "SET APART FOR ME BARNABAS AND SAUL FOR THE WORK TO WHICH I HAVE CALLED THEM."  THEN AFTER FASTING AND PRAYING THEY LAID HANDS ON THEM AND SENT THEM OUT. (ESV) Notice how corporate fasting, praying, and worshiping Jesus was practiced in Antioch.  The rest is history.  Would to God that we could do that today.  That's taking Jesus seriously.  They knew the secret of power! Notice that prophets as well as teachers are part of the Body of Christ then, and still are today.  Notice that the Holy Spirit speaks, and He still does today!  JESUS, THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER.

We can learn a lot from Paul's example.  We can also say: TO LIVE IS CHRIST (TO LIVE FOR HIM), TO DIE IS GAIN (HEY, THAT'S EVEN BETTER, HEAVEN) Paul's Epistles. 

Sid

 James is Jesus half  brother.  He instructs us in James 1:22  BUT BE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY, DECEIVING YOURSELVES.  (James 1:22 ESV)  So, let's do it!  Let's get some prayer power going.  Let's add some fasting.  How bout it?