Yesterday’s thoughts were on overcoming strongholds in one’s life by putting on the Armor of God as stated in Ephesians, Chapter 6. This is vital to our spiritual growth. This morning let’s look at another vital step in our preparation for spiritual battle and that is FASTING.
Today, Satan has his hold on many Christians through strongholds that can only be broken by the Holy Spirit through prayer and fasting.
Fasting is to be a part of our spiritual growth development for Jesus stated “when you fast” not if you fast. It can be noted that fasting is good for both our spiritual and physical well-being. This exercise of FASTING and PRAYER; that of putting God, before the needs of the body… putting God before self…will always result in a closer walk with Him, provided the motive is right.
Let’s look at a few thoughts when fasting: Concentration is to be on God, not on the “sacrifice” of the fast. Fasting is to be a private matter between God and the one fasting. During the fast, spend as much time as possible in praise and worship, prayer, and Bible study. Focus is to be on God and His Word. Time should be spent several days in advance preparing for the fast in prayer…get God’s will in regards to the purpose of the fast.
Hebrews 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (KJV).
Ephesians 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (KJV).
Matthew 6:14 – 1, For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (KJV).
When you ask for forgiveness, be sure it comes out of genuine compassion and concern for the other person. Our thoughts can be a barrier blocker to our spiritual growth. Apostle Paul tells us to think about things that are Godly.
Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things (KJV).
Proverbs 16:3, Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established (KJV).
Lastly, GIVE THANKS for God’s blessings are all around us…in our everyday life. Psalms 116:17, I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the LORD (KJV).
1 Thessalonians 5:18, In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (KJV). We are to be thankful for: Life…God…family…food…home…clothes…job…etc. Be thankful. Remember, spiritual training is always conducted one step or one phase at a time…expect the Holy Spirit to help you in your training and you will soon realize the power of God, the Holy Spirit, working in and through you.
Listed below, you might say are the weapons we are to select for battle against Satan. Always keep in mind that the battle is the Lords. This fight against Satan has already been won in Christ Jesus, but it will take doing our part in keeping Satan out of our lives.
Praise and Worship: 2 Samuel 22:4; Psalm 107:8; Psalm 50:23; Psalm 150:6
Prayer: Hebrews 4:16; Proverbs 15:8; James 5:16; Psalm 55:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:17…Indeed “nothing happens until we pray”.
The Word of God: “the Sword of the Spirit” The Bible is filled with God’s promises to fight for us and with us…Ephesians 6:17; Isaiah 41:10, 13.
The Name of Jesus: Jesus has given all believers in Him the very authority to use His name in defeating the works of Satan and his demons. The very key is Christ in us…John 14:13-14; Acts 3:6
The Blood of the Lamb: There is power in the blood of the Lamb; the very power of Jesus Christ who shed His blood for the sins of the world. We are to be grateful and thankful for Christ Jesus and His blood that was shed for us. Yes, as believers, we are grateful for the shed blood in our lives and thankful for what the shed blood means in and over situations in our lives bringing about victory over Satan. Revelation 12:11, And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (KJV).
As stated above in Revelation 12:11. These weapons of spiritual warfare has been given to all believers who has died out of self to Christ and has allowed the Holy Spirit to guide, lead and empower them, over Satan for the glory of God and our victory!
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