Tune In to God

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Have you ever tried to tune in a radio station only to be frustrated by finding static rather than music?  And when you fiddled with the dial again, suddenly you hear a clear signal.  the fact is that clear signal always existed on the airwaves.  The difference is that now you have adjusted your tuner to the right frequency.

In our hectic lives, there are so many signals bombarding our senses that it can become difficult to distinguish God’s voice from the deafening static noise of life.  Fasting enables us to tune out the world’s distractions and tune in to God.  As we fast, we deny our flesh.  When we deny our flesh, we become more in tune to the Holy Spirit and can hear God’s voice more clearly.  If you truly listen for God’s voice, you will hear it.  And when you hear it, your faith will increase.

Fasting enables us to tune out the world’s distractions and tune in to God.

“If you desire to tune out the static of life and really tune into the voice of God, come to Him first and foremost with ears willing to listen and a heart ready to obey what he says (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 66:2).  The more we practice being in His presence, the clearer and more recognizable His voice becomes.  Fasting is more important, more important perhaps than many of us have supposed.  When exercised with a pure heart and a right motive, fasting may provide us with a key to unlock doors where others may have failed; a window opening up new horizons in the unseen world, a spiritual weapon of God’s provision, mighty to the pulling down of strongholds.”

In this time of fasting, what is your mind tuned to?  What distractions do you need to remove so that you can focus on God?  Prepare your heart to hear the voice of God, and ask Him to help you remove distractions that keep you from focusing on Him and hearing His voice clearly.  

Day 1 To increase in spiritual hunger and holiness

Psalm 51:10-12: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Daniel 6:10: Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

It was Daniel’s practice, three times a day, to go to an upstairs room in his apartment, open the windows facing Jerusalem, get down on his knees, and pray to the one true God. No doubt, Daniel prayed at other times also. He probably prayed throughout the day. But there were these special times, set aside times, where it was his priority to meet with God in prayer. In fact, it was such a priority to Daniel that when the king passed a decree that for the next thirty days people could only pray to the king, Daniel was unfazed. “No way.” Daniel may have been an important official in Darius’ kingdom, but when the king’s law (don’t pray) conflicted with God’s Law (pray), the choice was clear. Daniel just kept right on praying.

Daniel was thrown in the lion’s lair, but God protected Daniel, delivered Daniel, honored Daniel, and put it in the Bible for all to see.

Set aside, Prize, Protect and prioritize some time each day to meet with God in prayer.

Gospel Outreach Center

7 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2017

It is imperative that we pray at least (3) times daily throughout this week of Prayer & Fasting (Daniel 6:10). It’s not just about abstaining from foods; it’s about developing a “listening ear” through prayer unto God.

We will be praying for our world, our nation, the Church (Body of Christ), lost souls, families and then our own personal relationship with Christ .

Our Fasting Schedule

Our church wide 7 Day Fast will begin on Monday, January 9, 2017 and will conclude on January 15, 2016.

Start the year 2017 right :Join in the Fast

Discover the rewards of putting God first in all things!

Fasting

Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has ever given us for our daily lives.

We all go through times when we feel like we are not living up to our full potential. Sometimes we lose our energy and our spiritual sharpness . . . this causes us to lose our edge.

What does it really mean to lose your edge?

When a lumberjack keeps swinging away at the tree without sharpening his ax, the ax will soon become dull and ineffective. In much the same way, that can happen to us.

Going through our daily routines in our own strength wears us down. Little by little, we lose our closeness to God. Without that closeness, we become ineffective for the purposes His has for us.

Fasting can help you get back your passion! It can recharge you!

Although fasting lasts for a short season, it brings long-term results, which sharpens us, enabling us to face the challenges of life in His strength. Through fasting, you can experience spiritual renewal and direction for your life . . . restoration of relationship . . . healing . . . release from bondages . . . and so much more!

We begin year 2017 with 7 days of fasting. 

But when you make fasting a way of life, 

Fasting can help you Recover Your Passion, Recapture Your Dream and Restore Your Joy!

Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to practice. It is not a punishment; it is a privilege!

Make fasting a “lifestyle”! Join us, and thousands from around the world, in the Fasting Movement .

What Is Fasting?

Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.

Prayer and fasting is defined as voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer and fellowship with God. Prayer and fasting often go hand in hand,You can pray without fasting. When Prayer and fasting are combined and dedicated to God’s glory they reach their full effectiveness. Having a dedicated time of prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what you desire. Rather, it is simply forcing yourself to focus and rely on God for the strength, provision, wisdom you need and gain a deeper fellowship with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world through prayer and biblical fasting, we can focus better on Christ.

Fasting has always been practiced by true believers.

Fasting helps subject our bodies to our spirits. (I Cor 9:27)

Fasting is disciplining the body, mind, and spirit. (Prov. 25:28)

Fasting is subordinating our flesh-desires to our spirit-desires. (Gal 5:17)

Fasting helps set the priorities in our lives. (Mt 6:33)

Fasting is longing after God. (Ps 63:1-2)

Why Should We Fast?

1.Honor God – Mt 6:16-18, Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2, Mt 5:6

2.Humble Yourself – 2 Chron 7:14-15, Ps 35:13

3.Discerning Healing – I Cor 11:30, James 5:13-18, Isaiah 59:1-2

4.Deliverance from Bondage – Mt 17:21, Is 58:6-9 (loose bands of wickedness)

5.Revelation – God’s vision and will – Dan 9:3, 20-21, Dan 10:2-10, 12-13

6.Revival – personal and corporate – Acts 1:4, 14 / 2:16-21, Joel 2:12-18

7.Repentance – personal failures – Psalm 51: Jer. 29:11-14, James 4:8-10

8.Jesus fasted 40 days before He started His ministry. (Matt 4:12; Lk 4:14)

9.Fasting helps us become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:2)

10.Helping us to deny our own flesh and crucify the carnal mind.

11.Fasting brings spiritual revival. (Dan 9:2,3)

12.Helping us to prevail in prayer and intercession.

13.Fasting is God’s Providence to give us a healthy lifestyle and it cannot be substituted by any other way. It is the privilege of the children of God.

14.To fellowship with God, have intimacy with Him and knowing Him.

15.To be made whole, healed and restored spiritually, physically, emotionally and psychologically. (Hos 6:1-2)

There are several types of Fasting. The one you chose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.

Full Fast

Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

The Daniel Fast

Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

3-Day Fast

This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Partial Fast

A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:

1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting:

1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!

When you eliminate food from your diet for a number of days, your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God. As David stated, “Deep calls unto deep” (Ps. 42:7). David was fasting. His hunger and thirst for God were greater than his natural desire for food. As a result, he reached a place where he could cry out from the depths of his spirit to the depths of God, even in the midst of his trial. Once you’ve experienced even a glimpse of that kind of intimacy with our God—our Father, the holy Creator of the universe—and the countless rewards and blessings that follow, your whole perspective will change. You will soon realize that fasting is a secret source of power this is overlooked by many.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. —Luke 6:40

During the years that Jesus walked this earth, He devoted time to teaching His disciples the principles of the kingdom of God, principles that conflict with those of this world. In the Beatitudes, specifically in Matthew 6, Jesus provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. That pattern addressed three specific duties of a Christian: giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus said, “When you give…” and “When you pray…” and “When you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of Christian life. As much attention should be given to fasting as is given to giving and to praying.

Solomon, when writing the books of wisdom for Israel, made the point that a cord, or rope, braided with three strands is not easily broken (Eccles. 4:12). Likewise, when giving, praying, and fasting are practiced together in the life of a believer, it creates a type of threefold cord that is not easily broken. In fact, as I’ll show you in a moment, Jesus took it even further by saying, “Nothing will be impossible” (Matt. 17:20).

Could we be missing our greatest breakthroughs because we fail to fast? Remember the thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and hundredfold return Jesus spoke of (Mark 4:8, 20)? Look at it this way: when you pray, you can release that thirtyfold return, but when both prayer and giving are part of your life, I believe that releases the sixtyfold blessing. But when all three—giving, praying, and fasting—are part of your life, that hundredfold return can be released!

If that’s the case, you have to wonder what blessings are not being released. What answers to prayer are not getting through? What bondages are not being broken because we fail to fast?

Matthew tells the story of a father who had a demon-possessed son. For years he watched helplessly as his son suffered severe convulsions. As he grew older, the attacks became so severe that the boy would often throw himself into an open fire or a trench of water. A suicidal spirit tormented him constantly; the situation became life-threatening.

Having exhausted every attempt to cure the boy—even talking him to the disciples with no avail—the father’s plight seemed impossible. Then he heard that Jesus was near. Going to the Master, he cried, “Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for often times he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him” (Matt. 17:15, KJV).

When the boy was brought to Jesus, the Bible ways He “rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour” (v. 18, KJV). But what made the difference? After all, Matthew 10:1 records that Jesus had already given the disciples power to cast out evil spirits and to heal every disease. So why couldn’t the disciples cast out the demon and cure the boy?

That’s what they wanted to know, too, so later that night, when they were alone with Jesus, they asked Him. Jesus replied, “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” (Matt. 17:20–21, KJV).

Long before this incident, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, where He spent forty days and forty nights, taking no food. “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” For Jesus, casting out that stubborn demon wasn’t impossible.

If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? The Son of God fasted because He knew there were supernatural things that could only be released that way. How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives?

Fasting Is for Everyone

Perhaps you’re thinking, “I still don’t know how fasting can really be for me.” According to the words of Jesus, it is the duty of every disciple and every believer to fast. When addressing the Pharisees as to why His disciples did not fast, Jesus replied, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days” (Luke 5:34–35).

Then they will fast. Jesus didn’t expect His disciples to do something He hadn’t doen as well. Jesus fasted, and according to the words of Peter, Jesus is our example in all things (1 Pet. 2:21).

-Fasting brings rewards.

There’s another vital point that I want you to see in Matthew 6: God delights in giving rewards. Not only that, but He says that when giving, praying and fasting are practiced in your life, He will “reward you openly.”

A good example of such open reward can be found in Daniel. While in Babylonian captivity, his fasting—even partial fasting of certain foods—brought about the open reward of God, who blessed Daniel with wisdom beyond that of anyone else in that empire.

Later, in chapter 10, Daniel was grieved and burdened with the revelation he had received for Israel. He ate no choice breads or meats and drank no wine for three weeks. Then he describes the angel that was sent to him—which had been delayed by the prince of Persia for twenty-one days—with the answers Daniel sought. His fast broke the power of the delayer and released the angels of God so that God’s purpose could be revealed and served.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Do you desire to know God’s will for your life, whom you should marry, or what you should do in a critical situation? Fasting brings you to a place of being able to clearly hear God’s will.

Fasting demonstrates repentance.

Joel prophesy of judgment upon unfaithful Israel was followed by a divine call to ward off judgment through a fast of repentance. The Lord beckoned, “Even now,?declares the LORD, Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.?quot; (See Joel 2:12-13.) Similarly, James exhorts New Testament believers with these words: “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (See James 4:8-10.) Fasting demonstrates the brokenness of a heart that is truly repentant for sin.

The Daniel Fast

Step 1: Be Specific

1. The king’s food was against dietary laws.
2. Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
3. The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.

Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment
The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).

Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline

1. Your food choices.
2. The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
3. Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.
4. Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.

Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin’s Role in Poor Health
Notice James 5:13-16:

• Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
• Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
• Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
• Repentance is linked to health according to James.
• Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
• Sick people must desire to be well
• The anointing oil could mean

1. Medicine for healing,
2. Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
3. It could be baptism

• Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
• In Greek there are several words for “sick”. James uses “Kanino”, which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
• Attitude is important. James said, “are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others

Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat

Step 7: Yield All Results to God
Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).
FOOD GUIDELINES FOR A DANIEL FAST

Daniel 1:12

Daniel 10:3 KJV

When going on a Daniel fast, or any type of fast, if you have questions outside of what Scripture says, prayerfully seek the Lord and be led by the Spirit for the specifics for your personal fast.

 Whether you are beginning a Private Fast or Fasting Corporately as we do here at Gospel Outreach Center every year, I believe you will find these tips helpful.

FASTING TIPS

1)   Preparing to Fast (Es 4:16)

1. a) Get your heart and mind ready, set your mind clearly on the objective of fasting, and maintain a thankful heart.
2. b) Write down the clear objectives for fasting; add a clause of flexibility, so that God may speak His objective.
3. c) Pray and commit to a type of fast, asking God for grace to remain determined.
4. d) Plan your calendar

Conserve your energy and devote more time to prayer and reading God’s Word.

1. e) Prepare spiritually

Fine tune your mindset, make known to God that you desire to weaken the flesh so as to be close to the Lord spiritually. Allow the Spirit of God to direct the mind, to direct the body for renewal action, meaning: getting ready to change.

1. f) Prepare physically
2. h) Pray daily and read the Bible.

Don’t overeat before fasting. On the contrary, reduce food intake gradually until the day of fasting. Avoid food that is high in calories. Eat only salad and fruits three days before fasting.

Preparing Spiritually

Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness.

Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4;17:3-4).

Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

 Deciding What to Fast

The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

Deciding How Long

You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance.

Beginners are advised to start slow.

What to Expect

When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast.

Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

During the Fast (Mat 6:16-18)

1. a) Read the Word of God and fellowship with God

b)Talk with and listen to God; try to hear the voice of God, once

you hear, verify with the Holy Bible. Then wait for a season to confirm. Once confirmed, put it into action and let no one stop you.

c)Seek the Lord

Pray and read God’s Word during meal times. Join at least one prayer meeting.

Be ready to respond when you hear from God.

Whatever God makes known to you, make restitution immediately. Change any habits immediately. Be accountable to someone for your renewal.

Practical tips

1. Avoid medical and even natural herbal drugs
2. Limit your physical activity and exercise
3. Rest as much as you can
4. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day
5. Allow for temporary bouts of physical weakness, impatience, irritability and anxiety as your body adjusts.

Fasting is not recommended:

The following are among groups fasting is generally not recommended:

• People who are pregnant or breast-feeding,
• Children and teenagers since they are still growing and developing (in the bible only adults are known to have been permitted to fast),
• People in their senior or elderly years since their body organs need a consistent flow of body fluids and nutrients,
• People who are recovering from illness, injury or surgery (operation),
• People who are highly underweight,
• People who have diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, and other chronic health problems.

The rest of us with healthy bodies it’s merely a choice we make – to fast or not to fast. As far as God is concerned health limitations are the only worthy excuse, not busy careers, family obligations or environmental factors.

How to End-Breaking the Fast (Acts 14:23)

1. One hour before- pray harder and thank God for such grace of the opportunity to have intimacy with God through fasting.
2. Reintroduce solid food gradually in small portions throughout the day. Start with fruits, juices and salad.
3. Continue praying-Let the momentum you gained during the past transform your prayer and devotional life.
4. Expect Results

Persevere in prayer. Keep a copy of your prayer points, giving thanks to God as you see how He answers your prayers at the end of the year.

Bible Characters Who Fasted

• Moses fasted twice for 40 days-Following his first fast, Moses received the Law. The second was to turn God’s wrath away from God’s sinful people. Deuteronomy 9:9,18,19

• Hannah, for a child. She was barren and deeply distraught. God gave her release from inner turmoil. Then He gave her a baby boy, Samuel, who grew into a mighty man of God. I Samuel 1:7,8

• Elijah fasted for 40 days while fleeing in fear from wicked Jezebel, who threatened to have him killed. God gave him comfort, boldness and instructions to go back the way he came and anoint new

prophets. 1 Kings 19

• King David for seven days that God might heal his dying, infant child, conceived illegitimately with

Bathsheba. The baby died, yet David experienced God’s wonderful peace through this incredible

trauma. 2 Samuel 12:16-23

• Proclaimed by King Jehoshaphat – When he and his army were surrounded by enemies and

destruction seemed imminent. After proclaiming the fast, they rejoiced with praises and God destroyed their enemies. 2 Chronicles 20

• Proclaimed by Ezra – Prior to a very perilous journey to Jerusalem. Ezra 8

• Nehemiah – For restoration of the city he loved (Jerusalem). Nememiah 1:4

• Proclaimed by Queen Esther – For the entire nation to fast for three days without food or water. They were on the brink of annihilation. Esther 4

• Daniel‘s partial fast of 21 days – He received a vision and revelation of end times. Daniel 9

• Proclaimed by the King of Ninevah– With national repentance to avert disaster through God’s wrath. Jonah 3

• Jesus for 40 days. If God in human flesh fasted, how much more ought we? Matthew 4:2

• John the Baptist – He and his disciples fasted often, as did the Pharisees. Matthew 9:14,15

• Anna – A widow who dedicated herself to prayer and fasting and is honored in the eternal Word of God. Luke 2:37

• Paul the Apostle– He fasted for three days after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus (while still known as Saul of Tarsus). Acts 9:9 He later wrote in 2 Corinthians 11 that he fasted often.

• Isaiah 58 is the fasting chapter. Read and study it to discover the many benefits of fasting when done God’s way.

 Scriptural Teachings& Examples of Prayer

• using it to overcome temptation. Genesis 3:1-6;

Matthew 26:40-41

• does it change God’s mind? Genesis 18:20-33
• ask God anything but expect anything. Genesis

18:33

• don’t be afraid to ask. Genesis 25:21
• why God may withhold an answer. Genesis 25:21
• turn your worries into. Genesis 32:9-12;

Philippians 4:6-7

• balancing prayer with action. Exodus 14:15
• instead of complaining. Exodus 17:2
• changes attitudes and events. Exodus 32:9-14;

Acts 12:5

• make sure you really want what you ask for.

Numbers 11:4-9

• helps us remember God’s goodness.

Deuteronomy 8:10

• of Joshua. Joshua 7:7-9
• why God may not be answering yours. Judges

13:18; 1 Samuel 28:15; 2 Samuel 7:8-16

• don’t let guilt feelings keep you from praying.

Judges 16:28-30

• when discouraged. 1 Samuel 1:10
• be careful what you promise God in prayer. 1

Samuel 1:11

• is failing to pray for others a sin? 1 Samuel 12:23
• how David responded to God’s “no” answer. 1

Chronicles 17:16-20; 1 Chronicles 22:7-10

• lessons from Solomon’s dedication prayer. 2

Chronicles 6:19-42

• what to request of God. 1 Kings 8:56-60
• don’t always expect immediate answers. 2

Chronicles 7:12

• Hezekiah saved a nation. 2 Kings 19:1-7
• how Hezekiah approached God. 2 Kings 19:15-19
• Jabez remembered. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
• serious prayer. Ezra 8:23

8

• what it clarifies for us. Nehemiah 1:5
• spontaneous prayer. Nehemiah 2:4
• combining prayer with preparation. Nehemiah 4:9
• for your children. Job 1:5
• assurance of answered prayer brings peace. Psalm

3:5

• God hears every one. Psalm 4:3
• the secret to a close relationship with God. Psalm

5:1-3

• pray even when God seems far away. Psalm 10:1
• moving from prayer to praise. Psalm 54:3-4
• a weapon against evil. Psalm 55:17
• can release tensions of emotional stress. Psalm62:3-6
• places our focus on God. Psalm 77:1-12
• intercessory. Psalm 122:6-9
• why many are afraid to talk with God. Isaiah 7:12
• can change events. Isaiah 38:1-5
• in the midst of panic. Daniel 2:16-18
• how do you react to answered prayer? Daniel

2:19-23

• Daniel’s disciplined prayer life. Daniel 6:10
• we can pray anywhere anytime. Jonah 2:1
• using it to look holy. Matthew 6:5-6
• shallow repetition. Matthew 6:7-8
• persistence. Matthew 6:7-8; Colossians 4:2
• the Lord’s Prayer. Matthew 6:9
• discernment to ask for the right things. Matthew

7:9-10

• God’s attitude toward ours. Matthew 7:11
• importance of praying alone. Matthew 14:23
• relying on the Holy Spirit. Matthew 18:19-20
• can we ask for anything? Matthew 21:22; Mark

10:38-40

• finding time to pray. Mark 1:35
• keys to effective prayer. Mark 9:29
• conditions. Mark 11:22-23
• Jesus’ prayer in the garden. Mark 14:35-36
• how and when God answers. Luke 1:13
• should precede important decisions. Luke 6:12;

James 5:16-18

• puts us under God’s control. Luke 6:19
• important to evangelism. Luke 10:2
• what “constant” prayer means. Luke 18:1
• lessons from Jesus’ longest prayer. John 17:1
• Jesus prayed for us too. John 17:20
• using it to make decisions. Acts 1:12-13
• early believers’ prayers are a model for us. Acts

4:24-30

• don’t be surprised when God answers. Acts

12:13-15; Romans 1:9-10

• God responds at the right time. Galatians 4:4
• how to pray for others. Colossians 1:9-14
• power. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
• pray for government leaders. 1 Timothy 2:2
• what hinders prayer. 1 Timothy 2:8
• with reverence yet bold assurance. Hebrews 4:16
• Christian leaders need our prayers. Hebrews

13:18-19

• most common problems. James 4:2-3
• part of God’s healing process. James 5:15
• rather than revenge. 1 Peter 3:9
• praying in God’s will. 1 John 5:14-15

Start the year 2017 right :Join in the Fast

15 REASONS TO READ THE BIBLE DAILY

1.To be rid of anxiety and have peace  (psalm  119:165 )

2.To set things right when life is out of control (psalm 19:7-8)

3.To have direction and know God’s will (psalm 119:105)

4.To experience healing and deliverance (psalm 107:20 )

5.To grow in the Lord  ( 1st.peter 2:2)

6.To have strength comfort and hope (psalm 119:28,50,114 )

7.To shape yourself and your life correctly ( psalm 119:11 )

8.To be able to see clearly (psalm 119:130 )

9.To know what”s really in your heart (hebrews 4:12 )

10.To build faith (romans 10:17 )

11.To have joy (psalm 16:11 )

12.To understand God’s power (john 1:3 )

13.To have more life in this life (psalm 119:50 )

14.To distinguish good from evil (psalm 119: 101-102)

I recommend developing a life purpose statement. A man once told me his purpose statement was to “Get all you can; can all you get; and sit on the can!” I hope that when you develop your purpose statement, it’ll be more than that.

Don’t be shortsighted, focusing on this life alone. Keep eternity in mind. God created all of us for a purpose. What’s yours?

Here’s a hint. Knowing God has put you on this earth for a purpose becomes clear when you get to know the person of Jesus Christ. With Him, it’s amazing how all things become clear. Otherwise, you end up like the masses, too busy to take time to know why you’re here and too lost to know where you’re going.

Are you racing through life going nowhere fast?

Stop for a second. Look to God in Christ and discover the purpose of your life.

However, there is hope for the person who sincerely desires to change. The power to change like that means admitting we can’t do it on our own. Remember, lasting change comes from within. We need the help of the Lord.

The Bible says if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone and new has come. When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, He transforms us–changes us from the inside out. Instead of just rolling back the odometer and being the same old person inside, He gives us a spiritual heart transplant.

Now, that’s a change for the better. And a change that lasts.

Maybe that is why we tend to schedule our resolutions for change at the beginning of each New Year, hoping the old habits won’t return much as that particular year won’t return. This approach to changing ourselves is symbolic, of course. Real change requires so much more than a New Year’s resolution. It’s tough to break established habits, but remember that there is hope for the person who sincerely desires change. The power for real change means admitting that we are helpless to do it on our own. Lasting change requires the help of the Lord.

The Bible says if anyone is in Christ, he’s a new creation. Christ transforms us when we give our lives to Him. He transforms us from the inside out. Now that’s a change for the better. And it’s a change that lasts.

As we enter the new year, the question we do not need to be asking is what can I do for God?  The better question is this: What does God desire to accomplish in and through me this year?

The book of Job ends on a note of contentment and peace. Job was probably about seventy when the book opens, so he is an old man. What a picture of peace, a contented man. God had greatly blessed him.

Before us stretches a new year, a new beginning. The old is past, put away forever. God invites us always to forget about all the distrust and fears, all the anxieties of the past, all the resentments we have been holding against others, all the grudges, all the criticisms–to put them away and begin again.

On what basis am I going to live in this new year? Will it be on the old basis of it-all-depends-on-me, do-it-yourself goodness before God, trying my best to be pleasing to God and meaning it with all my heart but never realizing the depths of evil with which I have to deal?

Will it be on that basis? If it is, this will be a year in which my life will be characterized by peace, fragrance, and beauty. And so will yours. Or, if we insist on living it on the same old basis, we will find ourselves like these friends of Job, arousing the anger and the wrath of God. Though He is patient and merciful, our only escape will be to repent of our evil and rest upon the righteousness of our perfect substitute and return to God for the blessing that He is waiting to give. That is the choice before us, every one of us. How are we going to live in this new year?

Lord, thank You for this new year that lies before me. I choose You. I choose to depend on You, trust You, and accept from Your hand all that You would give me.