The POWER of PRAYER

The world is a mess right now. Everywhere I look people are suffering and broken. In my life group we have been discussing the importance of fasting. Fasting is not some magic ritual to try to get God to answer our prayer. It is not about harming our bodies or depriving ourselves. Fasting is about what we gain from the process: focus on God. Fasting is a discipline of abstaining from something good, like food, so we can concentrate on our spiritual lives and find satisfaction in God. Fasting is all about a desire for God.

God will show you that He is what we are truly desperate for.

When talking about fasting, Jesus begins, “When you fast…” Notice that he doesn’t say, “If you fast…” (Matthew 6:16). Fasting is not commanded in the Bible, but Jesus seems to assume that His followers would fast.

During Jesus’ fast, He quoted Deuteronomy and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4) Fasting can help us understand this truth with new meaning. We can better understand that Jesus is the Bread of Life, who sustains us and supplies our greatest needs (John 6:26-35).

If you decide to fast, you will be physically reminded of your spiritual need. And when you are, God will show you that He is what we are truly desperate for.

If you do not already know, there is a family in our community struggling to keep their son alive due to a tragic drowning accident. Both him and his twin sister are toddlers and tragically fell into a pool. The little girl (Lainey) is recovered and home, but the little boy (Levi) is still fighting for his precious life. Meagan, the mom, has been posting updates and she is one STRONG WOMAN OF GOD! She posted a picture with this quote and it touched me. “They say good things come to those who wait, but the best things come to those who Pray. God has a perfect timing. Never early. Never late. It takes a little patience. It takes a lot of faith. AMEN!”

Lord we lift up this family and little boy up to you today in prayer. May your angels wrap their wings around this family and Levi and may you breathe life back into this precious life you created in your perfect image. The community of prayer warriors surrounding them is a representation of your powerful presence and we pray for a miracle. You are a God of miracles and we believe in your goodness, love, compassion and faithfulness. Amen! Please continue to pray!

In the book Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado the acronym C.A.L.M is described using the verse Philippians 4:4-8.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things."

Five verses with four admonitions that lead to one wonderful promise: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds” (v.7)

C.A.L.M

Celebrate Gods goodness. “Rejoice in the Lord always” (v.4),

Ask God for help. “Let your requests be made known to God” (v.6)

Leave your concerns with him. “With thanksgiving…”(v.6)

Meditate on good things. “Think about the things that are good, and worthy of praise” (v.8)

Could you use some calm? If so, you are not alone. Philippian 4:6-7 will bring you words of comfort and God is ready to give it. You will reframe the way you face your fears. You will learn to talk yourself off the ledge, view bad news through the lens of sovereignty, discern the lies of Satan, and tell yourself the truth. BELIEVE Gods promises. He is a promise keeper!

Song of the Day – Promise Keeper – By: Hope Darst

Your vow's a covenant unbroken You made it known through history Your love will never be unfaithful Never walk out on me Never walk out on me I have no reason to doubt You Who You've been You'll always be And though the future's still unfolding With everything I've seen How could I not believe?

You are a promise keeper Your word will never fail My heart can trust You, Jesus I won't be overwhelmed My eyes are gonna see Miracles and victories You are a promise keeper And Your word will never fail

You will return all that's been stolen There's nothing that You can't redeem And though the story's still unfolding With everything I've seen How could I not believe? You are

You are a promise keeper Your word will never fail My heart can trust You, Jesus I won't be overwhelmed My eyes are gonna see Miracles and victories You are a promise keeper And Your word will never fail I know Your word will never fail

I'll see Your goodness in the land of the living I'll see Your goodness right here, right now You know the ending before the beginning I know that You have worked all things out, I know I'll see Your goodness in the land of the living I'll see Your goodness right here, right now, I know 'Cause You know the ending before the beginning I know that You have worked all things out I know, I know

You are a promise keeper Your word will never fail My heart can trust You, Jesus I won't be overwhelmed My eyes are gonna see Miracles and victories 'Cause You are a promise keeper And Your word will never fail

I'll see Your goodness in the land of the living I'll see Your goodness right here, right now, oh 'Cause You know the ending before the beginning And I know that You have worked all things out, I'll see it I'll see Your goodness (I'll see Your goodness) In the land of the living (Ooh, it's all around me, God) I'll see Your goodness right here, right now You know the ending (I'll trust You, God) Before the beginning (I trust You've worked it all out) I know that You have worked all things out