One Thing

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There’s a great scene in the movie City Slickers in which Billy Crystal (playing a city- dweller in the throes of a midlife crisis who’s trying to find himself on a dude ranch) is talking to Jack Palance, an old-time cowboy, about the meaning of life. Palance holds up one cowhide-gloved finger (No, not that finger; his index finger) as he says, with a cigarette dangling precariously from the corner of his mouth, “Do you know what the secret to life is? This.” Crystal looks a Palance, puzzled, and asks, “Your finger?” As the scene at the dude ranch closes, Palance looks at Crystal and smiles wryly as he holds up his finger and goes on to explain the meaning of life. “One thing, just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don’t mean (use your imagination).” “That’s great, but what’s the one thing?” asks Crystal. “That’s what you gotta figure out,” says Palance.

In the light of all that is happening regarding the virus that “one thing” comes into sharper focus. Is it your health, where to find groceries, the brevity of life, will I have a job, is the economy going to collapse, getting a disease, the importance of family, or what you’ve lived life for? The other thing that comes into focus is what do you set your sights on? Where should your focus be?

Recently John David and I were having a conversation about what the prophets were saying. Which reminded me of a prophecy given several years ago back in October 2010. I was blown away by its relevance to our present crisis:

On October 22, 2010, I dreamed I was walking through a log cabin. Every room that I walked through was a different part of America. It was like this log cabin was the United States. Small fires started breaking out on the floor in every room. They were easy for me to stomp out. As I started to leave the log cabin, another fire ignited that I went over to put out. I saw that it had burned through the floor, so I looked through the hole to see if I could determine what was causing these fires. I discovered that the entire foundation of the building was covered in hot burning coals. I knew the cabin was about to go up in flames so I started to turn aside to grab my laptop computer. Immediately, I heard the voice of the Lord say, “You don’t have time for that. Get your wife, and the fire hose, and put the fire out.” The dream ended. When I woke up I was deeply shaken.

Interpretation: Our national problems are much worse than we realize. The foundation of our nation is being consumed by a fire that threatens everything. The reference to “my wife” represents the church, and she alone has what can put out this fire—the truth. In Ephesians 5:26 we are told that water represents the Word of God, and this alone can save us now. I believe that if the preachers and the prophetic voices in America don’t stand up and pour out the truth, our whole nation is about to be lost. And we’ve got to pour the truth on the foundations.  A week after my dream, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi who believes in Jesus (who I cannot name) had a dream that I felt corroborated mine. The following is an abbreviated version of what he sent to me:
    
I had a dream on the evening of October 29 and again during the afternoon on October 30. I saw a giant grizzly bear running rampant through America and the rest of the world, though primarily in the United States. It was large enough that it could swallow a man whole in a single bite. People everywhere were cowering in fear. I watched in horror as it swallowed person after person with alarming speed and left a swath of destruction behind it. As it approached where I was standing, that fear and panic started to overwhelm me, and then suddenly I felt a peace. That was when I noticed the Lord was standing next to me. He said, “Come with Me, you have seen all that you need to here. There is something else you need to see.”  He took me to what looked to be a classic church with a steeple.  When I walked inside, while it still had the feel of a house of worship, it looked more like a hunting lodge filled with trophies. Suddenly I saw what looked at first to be the rampaging bear. Then I realized that, no, this bear was considerably smaller, and while still menacing, it was nowhere near as fearful as the rampaging bear that I had seen.  After a moment I realized that it was another trophy. As I approached, I saw a plaque at the bear’s feet that said, “The Great Bear of 1929.” Even knowing that it was a long dead trophy, I still stood trembling before this bear. The same fear and confusion seemed to radiate from it as was radiating from the rampaging bear. Again, I felt calm come over me as the Lord stepped up to my side. When I turned to Him, He said, “You need to stand in my peace to see clearly what must be done.”  As I looked back at the bear I noticed a rifle in a case next to it.  It looked like an old M1 Garrand in 30-06 caliber. When I looked at the manufacturer’s information inscribed in the barrel it said, “Mission and Intercession Armory.” In place of the model number were two verses, “Matthew 6:33” and “Matthew 6:10.”  As I was marveling at the rifle, an old hunter approached me.  He was dressed in a field jacket of WWII vintage. He said, “That rifle is great for killing bears. We used it to take down the Great Bear here. It is available for any who are willing to take it up now. One well aimed shot at the heart is all it takes.” The dream ended.

In both of these dreams there is an answer to the current crisis. In dreams and visions, bears usually represent fear, or as in this case, a “bear market,” which is actually the result of fear. Though I was not told this in my dream, I felt that the fear that was devouring our foundation, and would soon consume the entire house, was an economic catastrophe. In my friend’s dream, it was a bigger bear than the bear of 1929. Often the time when we wake up from a prophetic dream can have significance, indicating a date, or a Scripture verse. That he had this dream on “the evening of October 29th” also speaks of 1929. This is what we are approaching. In my dream the answer was to get the church (my wife), who has the hose, and get her to pour water on the fire. The water that can put this fire out and save the house is the truth. Pastors, preachers, individual Christians, must stand for the truth without compromise, they must proclaim it boldly regardless of the threat, and they must do it now. That I did not have time to get my laptop spoke of how we cannot worry about our own stuff—we’ve got to proclaim the truth. In my friend’s dream, the weapon we can use to kill the bigger, more deadly bear we are facing now was the same weapon that killed the bear of 1929—faith in the Lord and His coming kingdom (Matt. 6:10), seeking “first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and not worrying about tomorrow (Matt. 6:33-34). The only way that we can do that, as this dream indicated, is to stay close to the Lord.

What’s the One Thing that every believer should be turning to in the present upheaval? Matthew 6:10 specifically – we should be in prayer. Secondly, Matthew 6:33. We should seek the Lord’s Kingdom and His righteousness. The question is, What will the Lord find us doing when He returns to the earth?

Good Afternoon Precious Church Family!

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I thought I would reach out and address some of the things that I’ve been meditating on and wrestling with in the midst of our present crisis. First let me encourage you to do what the Lord and faith is telling you to do. I was reminded of Romans 12:3 that states: For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. My interpretation of that would be for all of us to live according to the dictates of our faith and conscience. The measure of Grace and faith I have may be lower or exceed that which you have. Thus we all must respond accordingly seeking to please our Lord and Master.

This places us squarely in the middle of a Biblical conundrum. We are commanded to submit ourselves to our authorities, love our neighbor as ourselves, and walk by faith not by sight. If you obey one commandment you may actually disobey another. For example, Scripture states in Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,25 Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. Thus we are commanded to not forsake the assembly of the saints, yet Scripture also states that we are to submit ourselves to our governing authorities. Which one do we obey? We go the way of faith. Recently I was reminded that church is not a building but a gathering of believers. In fact church defined by Jesus in Matthew 18:19-20 is the gathering of 2 or 3 in His Name. Thus church can be in the thousands or as small as 2 or 3. But what constitutes it as church is when we gather in His Name, doing what He taught us to do in our gathering. Some have used the logic that they can worship at home watching Charles Stanley, or sitting in a deer stand. But that does not constitute having church. Church is an assembly of believers to worship Jesus through fellowshipping or co-sharing our relationship with Jesus. Biblical worship manifests itself in trust, surrender, obedience, singing, thanksgiving, giving, prayer, reading of the Word, witness, and ministering to one another. Just to name a few. I can worship Jesus from the deer stand but that does not constitute Biblical Church. I can learn God’s Word from watching Charles Stanley – but again that does not constitute church. All of this to say that if your faith dictates that you stay home continue to gather with your family for Biblical Church. And if your family is not the size of the Dugger Family invite another family to gather with you and worship. That could begin a revival and awakening all across this land if we would take this step. One day I suspect we will have to make that choice – but until then assemble in Jesus Name and participate in as many aspects of worship as possible.

Next thought I had was that during this time of crisis, fear and panic seek to be a source of hope, peace, light and love to your neighbors by simply knocking on the door and checking on them. See if they need anything. Especially check on your older neighbors to make sure that they have all that they need – especially toilet paper (LOL). Whoever dreamed that we would have a toilet paper apocalypse? Reminds me of a time back in the 70’s or 80’s when Johnny Carson made a comment about there being a shortage of toilet paper and everyone hurried to the stores to clear the shelves. Actually creating a shortage. Later Johnny had to admit that he was just joking.

As I stated before walk by the faith that the Lord has given you the Grace for. Some of you are naturally concerned for your own health or the health of your loved ones. There are those among you who have loved ones who’s health is already compromised. The last thing I, or anyone else, would want you to do is to expose them to any potential hazards in the form of germs or viruses. But always remember to never allow your concern to be transformed into fear, worry, anxiety or full-blown panic. This is sin and is the opposite of faith and trust in the Lord. Preacher, and author Bill Johnson states: The biblical command repeated most often is: Do not fear. Why? Fear attacks the foundation of our relationship with God—our faith. Fear is faith in the devil; also called unbelief. Jesus would ask His fearful disciples, “Why are you so faithless?” because fearfulness is the same as faithlessness. Fear is also a decay of the heart. It attracts the demonic in the same way as bitterness and hatred. Like faith, fear is substance in the spiritual realm. Satan has no power except through our agreement. Fear becomes our heart’s response when we come into agreement with his intimidating suggestions.
Thus we are exhorted to walk by faith and not by sight, realizing and understanding that God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind. Scripture reminds us that if we are abiding in Love, we are abiding in God. If we are abiding in Love and God, fear is cast away from us. We are a people of faith and we all know that without faith it is impossible to please God. Irrational fear is to be treated as the devil himself. When he comes to visit – do not answer the door. Send Jesus. James 4:7 states what we are to do: Submit yourselves to God. That’s the first step – surrender or submit yourself to the Lord. If He hasn’t been Lord over this crisis and your fears, confess it, and return Him back to His rightful place – the throne of your heart. Restore Him back to ruling over your mind, will, emotions and personality. He’s better at it than you are anyway. The second step is, Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Often when we are tempted our first instinct is to seek to resist the devil. That’s a mistake. One that will cost us the battle time and again. The very first step is, Submit yourselves to the Lordship of Jesus over your life. Once you do that you have His power to resist instead of your own limited will power.

Another thought I had. Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. One thing I’ve observed over the years is that God’s principles work for all people – whether they are born-again or not. For example, Scripture teaches we reap what we sow. If an unbeliever begins giving generously to others, practicing this principle, whether conscious of it or not, they typically get blessed in return. Thus the same must be true regarding Romans 10:17. In the Greek text the word used for “word” is the Greek word “rhema.” The definition for “rhema” literally means “out of the mouth of God.” It implies revelation, and understanding. The other Greek word for “word” is logos. Logos refers to the written, recorded, words or sayings of God, or Jesus. Thus Romans 10:17 states that what really encourages our faith to blossom and bloom is the words, the revelation, the understanding that proceed out of His Mouth, by and through His Spirit. Those words cause our faith to grow. What’s interesting about God’s principles is that they also work in the demonic realm. Scripture teaches that satan is a liar: You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. John 8:44

Thus if you can take the principle that Faith grows from hearing words then you could make an argument that unbelief grows through listening to lies. What’s my point? Much of what is on the news is designed to sell, and make money. Each news station, whether tv, radio, or the internet is pandering to a certain demographic. In other words, they are a business, not a charitable organization. Businesses must make money in order to keep the proverbial lights on. This results in misinformation, inflated information, half truths, and personal – business centered bias. To sum all of that up: the news is based mostly in half truths inflated to make money. This means that half of what you are receiving isn’t good for you. In other words it builds unbelief. Psalm 22:3 states that God inhabits the praises of His people – not the news of CNN, FOX, NPR, MSNBC, or CBS. For many the news is just another addiction that simply needs to be cut off. Many will say to me, “But pastor we need to be informed.” I agree, but limit your input. When your daily input of information from the news exceeds your daily input from the Spirit and Word – something is wrong. As the old adage reminds us: “GIGO – Garbage In Garbage Out.” Readjust your schedule to make more time to fix your minds on things above – not on things on the earth.

Recently I had a conversation with the Lord that you may be able to glean some lessons from. During my time with Him I asked if this corona virus, locust invasion of East Africa, and the fires that burned in Australia, and not so recently California an indicator that the Last Days had begun? His answer to me: “Look it up.” I did and here’s what I discovered:

When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” 7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. Revelation 6:5-8

I’m not the greatest mathematician in the world, so forgive me if my numbers are way off. But when I did the math the present world population stands at 7.8 billion people. According to this prophecy – if it is to be taken literally and not symbolically – 1/4th of the population would equal 1.9 billion people – give or take a million. If we add the numbers of those impacted by the fires, the swarms of locusts, and the virus, the numbers don’t even come close to 1.9 billion people. Now you could caution me by saying, “Now Robert, we haven’t seen the final numbers on this virus.” Which is true. But according to the experts this virus dies once the weather heats up. If this is true it appears that through our governments immediate actions to halt the spread of this disease, and the heating up of the environment, that this virus is going to be short lived. My limited conclusion is that all of these things are simply a dress rehearsal for the real thing. Now that should cause more alarm than the virus or a shortage of toilet paper at the grocery store. Jesus stated in Luke 18:8 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Jackie brought this up last night during our prayer meeting at church (Yes we are still meeting to pray. But there were only 9 of us). She prayed, and I paraphrase, Lord if you returned tonight would you find us doing what You called us to do? That’s the question, we need to be focused on. Which returns me to my opening line: First let me encourage you to do what the Lord and faith is telling you to do. As Romans 12:3 states: For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. My interpretation of that would be for all of us to live according to the dictates of our faith and conscience.

We must all respond according to the Grace and Faith God has supplied us with. We must be led by His Spirit and His Word, not allowing one to exceed, or supersede the other. And lastly may He find us doing what He told us to do, pleasing Him with hearts burning hot with faith and love.

We love you and want you to remain safe. If you are showing any symptoms of being sick, simply remain at home and join us online. It’s not the same as being here – but it keeps you in touch with what’s going on at church. If there is anything you need, like a hug, food, transportation, and yes, even toilet paper feel free to contact me (704-785-4748 or resjes@msn.com), Jackie, John David, Church Office, or your deacon. Don’t forget we are still seeking to minister to the Lord through worship, and prayer every night from 6:30-8:30, meeting at the church till Thursday, April 9. We are fasting and praying 40 days for a wedding of the Spirit and the Word in our lives, Lastly, if you need prayer, and encouragement give me a shout and we will see Jesus show up in our gathering.

Sorry, the preacher in me can’t stop. One last word of encouragement from Babylon Bee (If you don’t subscribe – do so. It’s Christian satire and it’s pretty funny)

God To Ignore Quarantine And Continue Being Everywhere

HEAVEN—The CDC now recommends for everyone to stay home and avoid going out as much as possible. Despite this, reports are that God is breaking quarantine and going absolutely everywhere. Hospitals, nursing homes, prisons — wherever He is needed, God is going. He is reportedly visiting everyone and checking on everyone in this time of need and not using any amount of social distancing. God is said to be following the absolute best practices, though, and is at no risk of making people sick but only making people better. “We have absolutely no control over the guy,” said CDC spokesman Jim Wells, “which is extremely frustrating. We want to remind you, though, that you’re not God, so please stay put in small groups.” God is also reportedly trying to get people to stop hoarding toilet paper and instead put their treasures in Heaven. Treasures that don’t include toilet paper.

Esther Fast To End Corona Virus- Day 1

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This is taken from Lou Engle and is a call to fast and seek the Lord for the end of this virus:
A Plague Has Broken Out
 NOW ESTHER 
 A plague has broken out all over the earth. It’s called the Coronavirus. It is threatening to kill tens of thousands across the world and is shutting down global economies. Terror and panic have seized the nations. Something is going on here that is beyond the virus itself. It seems like a demonic force is fueling the rapid spread of the virus and the excessive hysteria it is creating. Amazingly, I believe that 2020 has been marked by the Holy Spirit as the year of stadium Christianity and explosive advance of the Kingdom. In America alone, I believe, 20 stadiums are being prepared for prayer and evangelistic breakthroughs. Satan has risen up in rage to halt this mighty advance. Oftentimes God is riding in the storm, but so is the Devil. Obviously the Sovereign God rules over the affairs of men. He says that He will shake everything that can be shaken in Hebrews 12:26. Plagues in the Bible were used to bring Israel to repentance. It is clear that King David was brought to repentance through a plague in 2 Samuel 24. It is our conviction that the sins of the Church also give an open door to the enemy to wreak havoc. This plague presents a clarion call and opportunity for all to return to God, repent, and seek mercy from the Lord of heaven. God will use this to judge the gods of our hearts and of this world.However, we have been seeking God earnestly on this 40-day fast on how to respond to this plague within this “now moment”. David inquired of the Lord on two separate occasions if he was to go to war. The wisdom was different for both situations. We believe there is always a hidden wisdom that must be sought out in every current circumstance. It has become our conviction that this storm has been stirred up by a high-level demonic principality to hinder the surge of the Church’s mighty assault of fasting, prayer, sending, and missions on the global gates of Hades. It is our conviction that when Jesus and His disciples were going over the Sea of Galilee to deliver the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 4, a demonic storm was stirred up to stop Jesus’ mission. A panic took hold of the disciples when Jesus expected them to take their authority with mighty faith and rebuke that storm! Jesus said to His disciples, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith” (Mark 4:40)? Then He spoke to the storm, “Peace! Be still!” and the storm obeyed. Therefore, in the midst of this 40-day fast, we are calling an urgent and special three-day Global Esther Fast, as when the wicked prince Haman released a genocidal plot to destroy all the Jews. And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:13-14Faced with a life and death situation, Esther told them: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” – Esther 4:16Brothers and sisters, those around the world fasting and praying, we are faced with a life and death situation with this Coronavirus. A casual approach to this worldwide crisis and this prophetic call to fasting could multiply needless casualties. Who could have guessed that the timing of this 40-day fast would be synchronized with the timing of the Coronavirus? I believe God saw it coming and raised up a fasting prayer movement to call for repentance and then stand against it.     For several days, five of us had been holed up in a house, fasting on water, and seeking God concerning this virus. We had been inquiring of the Lord if we were to call a global three-day fast of humility and then rebuke this virus. We didn’t want it to just be a good idea; we wanted to know if it was God. That very morning, a great evangelist from Europe, Jean-Luc Trachsel, texted me and said, “Lou, don’t miss this moment. Call a three-day fast across the world and rebuke this Coronavirus!” At that moment I knew it was the word of the Lord. I sat down with my team and began to prepare to write up this call to action that you are reading now. Just before taking up the pen, Andy Byrd, one of the leaders of The Send, texted me and said, “Lou, would you call a fast in the midst of this 40-day fast and call the Church to stand against and rebuke this Coronavirus? It is threatening the global advance of evangelism and missions and is determined to stop stadium Christianity. The Send Kansas City must not be stopped! Other great gatherings must not be stopped!” At that moment, with two or three witnesses, it was confirmed again that this was the word of the Lord. We must take our place at the right hand of the Majesty on High and rule in the midst of our enemies!Therefore, we are calling the global Church during this three-day Esther Fast to humble themselves, confess their sins and the sins of their nations (Joel 2), and cry out to God for mercy. And then, on the third day, as when Esther went before the king, let us gather together in with our prayer partners, or online, and stand as the Ekklesia before the King of Glory! Let us stretch out His rod of authority out of Zion and rebuke the Coronavirus in united corporate agreement, believing in faith that the storm will abate, stadiums will be filled, and 2020 will go down as the year of the historic advance of evangelism and missions worldwide!
 Esther Fast  Some will go three days on no food and no water. Desperate times demand desperate measures. Others will have faith to do different fasts. We are encouraging all on this 40-day fast to consider intensifying their fasts with greater focus for these three days. May those who are following this devotional but are not fasting enter with us now in the fast. Who knows? For such a time as this we’ve been brought into the Kingdom.

Raise the Shield! Wield the Sword! A Corporate Call to Pray and Fast—THURSDAY

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The following message is from a local ministry. Please read it and consider fasting with us.

Battle Lines Are Drawn—The assault is on public confidence because panic creates chaos and shuts down love. The assault is on love because that’s who God is. The assault is on the business community because it funds the work of God. The assault is on the FAITH of believers because we are the salt and light. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The Church is the only hope for the world.” We are set up for a massive display of God’s recovery!We—the Church everywhere, believers on the earth—are the front line of defense and offense. Raise your shield and wield the sword of your word in agreement with God’s word in this moment.

Two things this week:
FAST
Following up with the President’s call and National Day of Prayer, we are calling you to participate in a day of fasting this Thursday, March 19. You may fast in any form you have grace for. We are asking everyone to participate. If you choose to fast food, some of all that stuff you may have packed into your cupboard will just go that much farther!
 
We are fasting according to Psalm 2:6-8: “Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.’”

PRAY
For America. Fast and pray for America’s victory in the full-fledged battle against the coronavirus outbreak. Lift up a concerted prayer for our nation to be hidden in the shadow of the Most High. Lift up the name of Jesus and the Lord’s banner of victory over this disease. Pray for the administrations on national, state, and local levels to effectively cooperate and collaborate. Pray they mobilize our best reach and resource to turn the tide of infection and begin national recovery of health to our citizenry and economy. Bind spirits of panic, isolation, greed, and the kind of “self preservation” that disregards concern for a neighbor as well as one’s self. Ask for America!
 
For Italy. She is the spiritual mother of the faith of Christians around the world for generations. She has been put on display globally as an epicenter of celebrating Christ, specifically the sacred beauty and power of His death on the cross through the Eucharist. Regardless of your theology or ours, putting Jesus on display through faith appropriated in His body and blood is the demonstration of the gospel: “Every time you do this you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). It is the ultimate challenge to the kingdom of darkness and the kingdoms of this world. It is His “blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins…poured out for many…given for you!”
 
Italy is being crushed beneath the shadow of coronavirus. The infection rate has spiked, the healthcare system has been pressed beyond capacity and medical workers are now having to choose whom to save. Nearly a quarter of Italy’s population are octogenarians, the most vulnerable and highest risk for this infection.
 
In the midst of this crisis, we are also we are seeing the incredible love and resilience of the Italian people under lockdown quarantine out on their balconies filling their atmosphere with songs of love and solidarity for one another. Let’s join them, America.

 Heartwarming Moments Quarantined Italians Sing Together from Balconies

The Italian Airforce gives a Big Emotional lift to their Nation.

Pray for supernatural turnaround. We lift up every aspect of Italy’s medical facilities and workers. Pray for the families being hit by this crisis, the governing agencies and decision makers, and their supply lines.
 
Bind fear and accusation.
 
Loose the consolation of the Holy Spirit and recovery of all that has been stolen from them as a people, as families, as a nation.
 
Pray for the Church and believers across the nation to be anointed with fresh healing power and testimony to proclaim the gospel in this hour of trouble.
 
Pray for the Vatican, Pope Francis, and Father Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household under the two previous  popes and current Pope. We have had the joy of meeting Father Cantalamessa on several occasions. He is a wonderful vessel of joy and love who was filled with the Holy Spirit in the U.S. during the Charismatic Renewal of the 1970’s in which Derek Prince, our spiritual father and your spiritual grandfather, played such a significant role.
 
As you pray for Italy, thank the Lord for your New Testament:
·      Apostle Paul’s “prison letters” written from Rome;
·      Ephesians, the great “Church” anthem;
·      Philippians, the affectionate brotherhood epistle;
·      Colossians, the majestic ode to the Son King;
·      Philemon, the appeal and plea for social justice and brotherly kindness.

Jesus Fast Day 6

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Atomic Power
“As the Creator is greater than that which He has created, so is the power wielded by the Christian through fasting and prayer greater than that wielded by the atomic scientist.” – Franklin Hall

The next three devotional days may be review for many of you, but these stories are prophetically and Biblically foundational to everything we will discuss. If you have heard these stories before, bear with me. If this is your first time hearing these stories, you will understand why I am gripped by God to call the global Church into the 40-day fast and extended seasons of fasting and prayer during this pregnant moment and decade.

In 1999, I was approached by a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) leader who asked me to help him call the whole world to a 40-day fast to unleash the harvest of the new Millenium. I thought to myself, “Lord how can I call the world? Nobody knows who I am. But if this is you, have a prophet call me with a dream that I am flying a plane and dropping an atomic bomb.”

There was a reason for this somewhat unreasonable request. At the time, I was reading a book that would be pivotal in my life’s calling: Atomic Power With God Thru Fasting And Prayer by Franklin Hall. That very night, a prophet called me with that exact dream! I was flying a plane and dropping an atomic bomb! Whoa!

It was in 1946 that Franklin Hall released this booklet and it began to fly across the world, moving thousands to enter into long fasts for evangelistic power and harvest breakthrough. It seemed that for an entire season the spirit and grace of fasting rested on the Church. Reports of fasting from around the world began to come forth, with many testifying of God’s supernatural power and salvation.

But I believe much more was happening. I am now convinced that a global season of fasting and prayer precipitated a worldwide miracle harvest. Franklin Hall said that 1946 through 1950 was a fasting era. By 1952, two hundred thousand Atomic Power books and over six million pieces of literature were published and distributed all over the world by Hall and his team.

 Within the year following Hall’s release of Atomic Power, healing evangelists like Oral Roberts and T.L. Osborn launched their ministries with extended fasting. T.L. Osborn read Hall’s book in 1947 and was stirred to enter into long fastings which launched him into one of the most remarkable evangelistic careers. Hundreds of thousands attended his crusades. Miraculous healings and deliverances followed. Osborn thanked Hall for his impact through the book, saying, “Our lives have been revolutionized by fasting and prayer.” Oral Roberts fasted seven months in 1947 and then his renowned healing ministry broke out.

Franklin Hall’s newsletter stated that, “A few of the other (not too well-known then) ministers who had major fasting experiences by our writings in the 1946, 1947 to 1950 fasting era and who also became famous (as healing evangelists) are: Wm. Freeman, Gordon Lindsay, A.A. Allen, O.L. Jaggers, Gayle Jackson, Oral Roberts, David Nunn, Wm. Branham, W.V. Grant, Wm. Hagen, Dale Hanson, and Tommy Hicks” (Don’t Cry For Me Argentina).

Do you see the pattern? Unknown evangelists rediscovered the power of The Jesus Fast (extended fasting without food) and a divine reenactment of Jesus’ power exploded on the earth. That was 70+ years ago. The sick and the dying, the harassed and the helpless, demand a new manifestation of Jesus’ healing power.

And shall not we, the children of these Pentecostal forerunners, turn our hearts back to them and return to the sacrifice of the 40-day fast? What if thousands globally entered into The Jesus Fast? I tell you, stadiums will be filled all over the globe and the world will come flocking to Jesus, who is the Savior, Healer, Baptizer, and Soon-Coming King! 

This is not theory, friends. This is what happened when men and women read Atomic Power. And this 40-day devotional series is their testimony. More to come on Tommy Hicks and the rest of these guys later!

Prayer:

God the Mighty One! We cry out to you! Unleash your spiritual atomic power through my life and through your church. Release a worldwide mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit that we may be your witnesses!

Jesus Fast Day 5

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In light of a recent message regarding the baptism of the Spirit and Fire and it’s symbolic reference to zeal I thought Lou Engle’s Post for today was timely:

Bread From Heaven

“Passion is the north star compass for your calling.” Yesterday we spoke concerning passion as the mainspring for the 40-day fast. Passion is the north star compass for your calling. It enables you to make sacrifices that otherwise would be unthinkable. Have you written down the dominating prophecies, dreams, and inward desires that we spoke of yesterday? Take time, ponder these things, and be possessed.    

Today, we want to continue to help you climb this 40-day mountain. Jesus said, “This kind cometh not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21). To fast without prayer is starvation. Or at best, a diet. You can lose weight and lose your salvation at the same time. Prayer provides the oil that lights the lamp that illuminates the darkened path of your ascent to spiritual conquest. Eating takes hours of our days. We think about it, we talk about it, we spend time preparing it, eating it, and thinking about what we’ll eat before we go to bed. Almost without question, you will, during this fast, have dreams that you’re breaking your fast. You’ll wake up thinking “Oh no, I broke my fast!” Actually, the dreams reveal what really has a hold on you. In fasting and prayer, we find ourselves beginning to feast on bread from heaven that truly satisfies. Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51). In place of your normal eating times, set aside much time to pray and read the Word. Pray your promises and your passions. Put your headphones on and be swept along by the sounds of heaven’s epic music soundtrack that is playing above you and in you. Worship God. In fasting with prayer you know in the deepest sense that you love God more than anything. Job said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Do not be discouraged if there is no light coming to you during the fast. Endure and persevere in your pursuit. “He who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God” (Isaiah 50:10). Almost by definition, the wilderness of fasting can be a dark place, but the realm of the invisible sometimes cannot be seen in the daylight of our normal existence. Stars can only be seen at night. It may be in your darkest moment of this fast that a dream comes and lights your lamp forever. Or it may be after the fast that angels will come and minister to you, like what happened at the end of Jesus’ fast. In many fasts that I have entered into, dreams have come and shown me a new dimension of God and a new direction of purpose. Other times, it seemed like the heavens were closed. But the Bible reassures us that the Father will reward you openly for the fast you do in secret (Matt. 6:4). 

Your soul will be attracted to entertainment and food, anything just to keep your mind off of the fast. Know that the fast creates a vacuum in your soul into which spiritual water is to be poured. Be careful what you pour into your soul. In the natural, fasting removes toxins from your body. I read somewhere that in a 30-day water fast, you actually get a new stomach through the renewal of your cells. Spiritually speaking, you receive a new capacity for spiritual renewal and breakthrough. Shut down other voices, shut down all the noises so that you can hear another voice, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord’” (Isaiah 40:3). Open the faucet of your spirit man through crying out to God, “Fill me with your Holy Spirit! Give me a revelation!”    

 Find the fellowship of fasting friends. They will fuel your fire. Speak often with one another and God will listen and hear. He will write you down in his diary of devotional lovers. Your fast moves heaven. Lock on to another brother or sister who will fast with you, for two are better than one, if one falls another will lift him up (Eccl. 4:9-10). For 35 years, I’ve had my close fasting friend as my wingman. We have flown together with revelation. Share your revelations with one another and that revelation will fuel your fast.  
Prayer: Lord we ask for bread from heaven in this fast. We ask for personal revelation that we can live by – every word that proceeds from your mouth! We ask for dreams and visions. We ask for the salvation of five unbelievers in this forty days. Lord of the harvest send laborers into their lives and here am I send me! 

Jesus Fast – Day 5

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I thought I would share this post from Lou Engle from Day Four of the 40 Day Jesus Fast:

You Can Climb This Mountain
“No one climbs Everest without a mesmerizing motivation of passion.” – Lou Engle“And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.” – 1 Kings 19:7-8We hope that yesterday’s video from my friend, Dr. Vaughn Lawrence, helped you in preparing for a healthy fast, but many of you may still be wondering how you can even do a 40-day fast. You may be asking, “What kind of fast should I do? How can I do a 40-day fast or any extended fast? How can I climb this 40-day mountain?” Recently, the wife of the young man who helped me write and edit my most recent book, The Fast, had a dream in which they were struggling to climb a mountain that was very difficult and steep. She looked up and saw me above them on the mountain, calling and encouraging them to come up to the top of the mountain. This young man had been feeling a desire to fast. I said to him, “I think the mountain is the Mountain of the Lord. Moses fasted for 40 days on the Mountain of the Lord and Elijah fasted for 40 days on that same mountain. I think the Lord wants you to come up to the Mountain of the Lord and fast for 40 days.” He had just completed his water and juice fast at the time we were finishing the book. God changed his life; he discovered his scroll. The 40-day fast can be done and the rewards are very great. As we are at the beginning of our 40-day journey together, you may be daunted by the sheer height of such a climbing endeavor. I understand. Paul boasted that he spoke in tongues “more than all of you” (1 Cor. 14:18). My claim to fame is that I’ve broken more fasts than all of you. It is amazing that the minute you begin to fast, that beautiful pink box of donuts appears at the office and immediately you start thinking, “I’ll start my fast at Noon.” For the next few days, we want to help you climb this mountain. First of all, you must understand that fasting must be born and motivated by the Spirit. “Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.” – Mark 1:12     “I should fast” or “I need to fast” will never bring about the kind of motivation required to subdue the appetites of the flesh. Legalism and law will not liberate you into the flight of freedom in fasting, they will only bring you under bondage and accusation. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God”(Romans 8:14). The Gospel writer of Mark said that the Spirit of the Lord drove (ekballo’d) Jesus into the wilderness to fast 40 days. It was the impetus of the Spirit that enabled Jesus to overcome the most intense temptations to eat. This is why we write this journal – to create within you an overpowering faith, a divine motivation, and an expectation for an unbelievable breakthrough. In fact, you would not even be reading this journal if God was not leading you by the Holy Spirit. It is our conviction that once again the Spirit that drove Jesus into the wilderness is now driving the Church worldwide into the wilderness of the 40-day fast because a great light is about to dawn.  Passion is like a mighty river that breaks the dam of our fleshly obstinance to spiritual sacrifice that brings great spiritual reward. When an inward desire to fast begins to overtake you, you can bet that the devil is not tempting you. No, the Spirit of the Lord uses inward desire, the life force of passion, to drive you into a new dimension. Many times there’s a build-up of the force of that river – overwhelming circumstances that nothing can move, an inward desperation for change, dreams and prophecies, even books that get into your hand (like this one) are the voice of the Lord screaming inside of you, “Fast for the unfolding of your new future!”    As you begin to climb this mountain, do not look at how steep the climb is, but look to the peak of spiritual pleasure that is at the top of that mountain. I would encourage you to ponder and be possessed by the prophecies, dreams, yearnings, and prayer requests that are stronger than the very desire for food. Live this fast under the shadow of a dominating prophecy. At the right hand of God “are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Look to the rewards of fasting, not to the temporary reach for Adam’s apple. Take this moment right now to write down a list of what you want and need from God: a friend to be saved, a disease to be healed, a calling to be heard, an addiction to be overcome, a job or career to cross into, a  people group to be won. Set your eyes on things above, not on things below (Col. 3:2), for the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). 40 days is not too steep a climb for eternal pleasure, impact, and reward. Let passion be the fire for The Fast!
 Prayer: Lord, we pray that you would release the fire of prophetic passion on the thousands that are fasting. I pray that they would live under the shadow of a dominating prophecy that would so capture them that this fast will become a joy and not a burden. I pray that the joy set before them will release grace to endure the suffering, the Cross, for the reward that is coming, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jesus Fast Guidelines

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We are amazed at the response of tens of thousands who are joining together for The Jesus Fast. Prayer and fasting are gifts from God to reset the compass of our hearts toward Him and focus our intercession for a breakthrough. I believe these next 40 days will shake the nations and prepare us to be sent into all the world to proclaim the Good News! I know many of you are doing your very first extended fast.  Praise God for your obedience!  Please read over these guidelines from my website and prepare your heart and body in these next days leading up to the fast.
With this call to enter into extended fasting, we must prepare ourselves adequately so that the fast can honor God and fulfill its purpose. I want to share some thoughts from our own experiences to help and encourage you.
 1. Seek medical advice if you are older or have health challenges 
2. Fast and pray to humble yourself and purify your worship – In Fasting we are not trying to get something from God; we are seeking to realign our hearts’ affections with His. We do holy violence to the “pleasures which wage war against the soul,” opening the way for a greater submission to the Holy Spirit. Lust is a perverse form of devotion. Fasting enables us to cleanse the sanctuary of our hearts from such idols.
 3. Take time to pray and read the Word – This may seem obvious, but busyness and distractions can keep you from devotions. Reading books with testimonies of victories gained through fasting will encourage you. Register at TheJesusFast.com to schedule your fast and receive encouragement by email.
 4. Have a clear target for prayer focus – Without a vision (a clear, prophetic prayer goal), the people perish. During a fast, I have four or five prayer goals I have clearly articulated. When I am not deeply motivated by a clear goal, I usually fast until breakfast! Write down your vision so you can run with it.
 5. Do the fast with someone else – Two are better than one! We encourage young people to talk this through with their parents before starting the fast. Parents and kids should consider fasting together.
 6. Do not give in to condemnation if you fail – The “to fast or not to fast” dilemma can be a major tool of the enemy. Even though you may fail several times, God always extends grace. Hit reset and resume right where you left off.
 7. Husbands and wives, consider sexual abstinence for the sake of prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5)
8. Determine the length in advance of the fast, not after you start• – A total fast is without water. This is extremely hard on the body. Do not go beyond three days.
• A water-only fast is a very challenging but deeply spiritual experience. Many people can endure forty days on water alone, though this is dependent on one’s weight and metabolism.
• A fruit and vegetable juice fast allows you to enter into fasting but still gives enough energy to function. Most people can do a forty-day juice fast. Out of consideration for their health and metabolism, I encourage teenagers to drink juice and protein drinks to sustain them.
 9. Prepare physically – Two days before your fast, limit your intake of food to fruit and vegetables. Fruits are natural cleansers and easy to digest. Stop drinking coffee before the fast. Prepare yourself for mental discomforts such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety. Expect physical discomforts. You may experience dizziness, headaches and different kinds of pains. The headaches are not necessarily a sign to stop fasting. Your body is working to cleanse itself of impurities.
 10. Prepare for opposition – On the first day of your fast, you can bet doughnuts will somehow show up at the office or in class. Your spouse (or mom) will suddenly be inspired to cook your favorite meals. Take this as encouragement from God to press ahead! Many times you may feel increased emotional tension at home. My fasts are just as difficult on my wife as they are on me. Satan tempted Jesus on His fast, and we must expect the same. Discouragement may come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand upon the victory of Christ.
 11. Fast in secret – Do not boast about your fast, but do not go to extraordinary lengths to mask it when people inquire; if necessary, just let them know you will not be eating. The bigger deal you make of it, the more attention you draw. Be discreet, be transparent, then move humbly along.
 12. Break the fast over several days with fruit juice and/or light soups
On a light juice fast or a water fast, your digestive system shuts down. It can be dangerous if you eat too much too soon. Break such a fast gently with several days of diluted, nonacidic juice, then regular juice, followed by fruit and vegetables. When breaking one of my early water fasts, I ate too much too quickly and almost needed hospitalization. Be careful!
 13. Feel free to rest a lot and to continue to exercise
14. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not fast, PERIOD
15. Expect to hear God’s voice in the Word, dreams, visions, and revelations – Daniel prepared himself to receive revelation through fasting (Daniel 10:1-3). Scripture also speaks of a fasting reward (Matthew 6:18). Expect God to fellowship and communicate with you in special ways.
 16. Breakthroughs often come after a fast, not during it – Do not listen to the lie that nothing is happening. It is my conviction that every fast done in faith will be rewarded.