Genesis 17:1
The covenant of God comes with benefits through the obedience to God.
Abraham was called a friend because he had believed and obeyed God.  The willing and obedient shall eat the fruit of the land.  There is great importance in believing him, trusting him and doing what he says.
Everything we have came from God.  We brought nothing into the word.  We have been given  stewardship, not ownership.  All gifts are from God the blessing and favor of God
We honor Him and recognize Him as the source.  It is the blessing and favor of God just to see another day!  It’s a day to rejoice and be glad in it.  He daily loadeth us with benefits.
 
We are blessed with same blessings that Abraham had!  in thee shall all lnations be blessed.  
obedience is better than sacrifice

key to our existence  without faith we cannot please God.
Established an everlasting covenant with him.  cannot be destroyed.
In a covenant relationship, access to things in heaven  access and open door to receive the things of God
Everything he had came from God and belonged to God.
Galatians 3  
(Genesis 17) - God presents himself to His people through Abraham, ‘I am the almighty God’.  El Shaddai performing special deeds of power, causing nature to do what is contrary to itself. He is the God who is more than enough. He is the one who supplies, satisfies and meets our desires.  We have been given an open door, opportunity based on the access to the very supplies of heaven.   We have covenant with him and what’s our is His and what’s His is ours.  He is the God who is more than enough.  The one who nourishes, the one who supplies, supplies our needs according to his riches in glory.

El –    (Mighty)     Shaddai- (Nourishes).  El,  the Mighty one who pours out, supplies, a Garden, brings forth fruit
 
The God who nourishes/strong, all powerful
Shaddai one who sheds forth, supplies. the all breasted one.  Brings forth fruit
 
El – Mighty  special deeds of power and causes nature to do what is contrary to itself.
 
 
Abraham’s wife brought for a child at old age through “the God Who supplies”
We must first be givers -  “bring all the tithes into the storehouse” (Mal 3:8-10,11,16)
 
Give, practice reciprocity.   to receive, you must sow – the principle of sowing and reaping
God gives opportunity to receive from his resources.  All we need comes from Him.
 
Sow sparingly, reap sparingly, et.  Opportunity to receive from His resources.
All we need comes from Him.
 
Why We Tithe 
God says to bring all the tithes into the storehouse.
We tithe because the tithe is the Lord’s, for us to bring all the tithe into the storehouse  belongs to Him.  (Will a man rob God?, yet you have robbed me…”
 
 
Mal 3:8-10,11-16
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. 
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. 
13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? 
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? 
15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 
16 Then they t made a promise to give what they sold what feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
 
Examples in the scriptures of those who robbed God.
 Achan:  Jericho was the first city the children of Israel encountered. God told them not to take spoils for themselves.  The city was to be a tithe unto the Lord.  It and the first of all things in it was to be for the Lord. 
Achan buried some of the best spoils and tried to keep them for himself, causing destruction for his family and defeat for Israel in the battle. When they failed to honor God with what belongs to him they found destruction and defeat.
 
Ananias and Saphira made a promise to give the land they sold to the Lord.
They kept back what they promised.
The tithe is set apart  for the work of God.
Our God gives victory, brings favor
 
Reasons for tithing,

1. It belongs to the Lord – be faithful to God and honor Him
2. God commands it give and it shall be given unto you.
3. Maintain covenant with God
4. Tithe supports God’s work of the ministry advances the kingdom,  “so there may be meat in my house” resources those who support the widow and orphan )
5. We acknowledge that God owns everything, especially our money.  He allowed it to come into our hands. Commands and expects you to be a a good steward and be wise in using resources he placed under your command.
6. It is a form of worship.  We give it willingly and cheerfully to express our love and reverence toward God.  He is the one who gives us favor and wealth. He is the one worthy of our praise.
7. Giving breaks the spirit of poverty and releases the

 
The devil is seeking those he may devour.  Those who are not faithful in giving are the ones he targets.
Care for the widow and causes resources to flow back unto us.
our offering is the one that determines our increase.  Give bountifully and receive bountifully
10% of all increase.  Offerings, also
He is the God of supernatural supply
 
Especially in the time we are in right now, we have to trust God!  Trust in Him with all our heart.
For supply and supernatural miracles.

2 types of economy – kingdom principles and worldly principles
What is going to be most important to us?
Cannot serve God AND mammon – serve God with your money.
Seek God and His righteousness.
Who is most important – all these things shall be given you.  God is expecting you to operate in His economy you must be faithful to sow and give and bless the lord with all your heart.
God’s economy operates through the tithes the offering and vows.
If you will operate in God’s economy, you must give.
 
Activating and maintaining a supernatural supply, currency is important.  A continual current, continual currency
Keep the currency flowing from heaven. (power source)
Resources avenue of God’s blessings flowing in our lives.
Don’t stop the electrical current, don’t stop the circuit of what God wants to do.
 
El Shaddai - The one who performs special deeds of power, causing nature to work contrary to itself.
3 key experiences of the supernatural seen in the bible.
 
1.King Hezekiah was given a prophetic word that his time was up.  He turned his face to the wall and began to pray and cry out to God!
After leaving, the prophet turned around as God instructed him – God gave Hezekiah 15 more years! 
Caused the sun to stop and go back 10 degrees.
The sun revere itself.   God caused nature to operate in a way that was contrary to
Itself.
2,Joshua  called to God for more time in the battle against God’s enemies.  Sod stopped to sun and caused it to stay there an extra day.  Same God that caused the sun to back up, that caused the sun to stop, that caused the axe-head to swim
3. Elisha  caused the servant’s axe-head to swim and not sink.  They search first and could not find the axe-head,
 
We have to believe God for the supernatural, for what may seem like an impossibility in the natural. With God nothing is impossible.
That same God is the God that we serve.  (the God of Abraham, Elijah, Elisha, Hezekiah, Joshua)
We must not be satisfied with just meeting our needs, but with causing His glory to be revealed,
God wants us to have more than enough to care for others adequate sufficiency for ourselves, more to invest to advance the kingdom of God and cause his glory to be revealed. Touching other people's lives.
Supplying our natural, spiritual, emotional, understanding, wisdom, joy when everything seems to be in uncertainty, diseases plagues, pestilences, earthquakes, etc. In greater intensity than ever before, our hope is in the lord.  Without God there is no hope in this world.  The kingdoms of this world will soon become the kingdoms of our God. in the meantime,  Believe God for his supernatural help. His name is being glorified.  
Occupy!  Begin to move into a move of God.  My glory, favor, riche s, increases,  the forces of the gentiles will come into the people of God.  My Glory my favor my increqse shall be seen upon you. As it gets darkest the light shines brighter.

It's Time to bless God and obey him like never before.
Our times of fasting helps us have a closer commitment and obedience to God and to be fully persuaded that what God has promised He will perform. 
Our ability to hear and discern the voice of God and boldly proclaim the goodness of God has come to another level.
Be bold, be strong! Be encouraged that our God is our supply, He is the God our of our increase.  May we honor him and bless him for the abundance of all things.  Lest we find ourselves serving our enemy and nakedness,  hunger and want of all things, may we be careful to cheerfully obey and serve him. 

A Hunger for God   1/17/20
 
We’re excited about this season 3 week season of prayer and fasting and consecration unto God.  Encourage us as we go forward.  Want to encourage you from the word of God.  give you some practical teaching concerning fasting I to keep a clear focus and be profitable, we can profit even more during this time of fasting and prayer.  Know that it is an act of obedience, act of faith.  A time of sowing to the spirit, and not the flesh. Understanding the warfare.  Know that if we sow to the spirit we reap life but if we sow to the flesh we reap destruction.
Know what it means to sow to the spirit and reap life and reap the abundance of what God has for us.
 
Matt 5:6 blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.
Fasting is not a hunger strike, or a spiritual diet, but a hunger for righteousness, for the things of God.
God create within us a greater hunger. We are sowing to our spirit man.
One thing lacking in the people of God is a hunger a real desire for the things of God, for his word and a greater hunger and thirst for righteousness.  If we have this hunger we shall be filled.
 
A giving of ourselves in fasting and prayer so that God can fill us with all the fullness of what he desires for us to have.  There are some things that need to be done in our lives and in our environment that can only be done by the hand of God.
Face of God so that we can touch our family, our lives, our city, our church,
We are seeking the hand of God.
Draw nigh to him and he will draw nigh to us.
Understand in this fast that if we hunger after righteousness, we shall be filled.
 
Sowing to the spirit man
A deep yearning for the things of God
If we hunger for righteousness we will be filled 
Seek His face so the hand of God can touch us.  Desire to draw nigh to Him  and He will draw nigh to us.
 
Ezra during the time of coming out of captivity 70 years
Ezra, Nehemiah, Joshua, and Haggai came back to build the temple. They a=were all contemporaries and instrumental in going back into the land of Jerusalem and
They reclaimed some things the enemy had stolen that God had judged them by.
 
Confidence in relationship with God and other people
Through the spirit of the living God, we afflict ourselves to seek a right way
 
(Proverbs 14:12) The right way is His way, not our way - “there is a way that seemeth right unto a man      (Prov. 3:5) trust in the lord with all your heart.  Lean not to your own understanding 
2
 
 
Seek God’s face so the hand of God will touch us, our loved ones, our nation, our families, so His glory will be revealed! Make an impact on this world.
If my people will turn.  I WILL HEAL THEIR LAND  2CHRONICLES 7:14
There is darkness, but His glory shall be revealed
There will be light in the time of darkness
Let our light so shine that people will see THE GREAT WORKS OF God and glorify the Father
Ezra was seeking a way
The favor of god on them that hunger and thirst after righteousness.  His favor Is on uw  not seeking man’s help.  We’ve already boast.  Not seeking the hand of man.
 
Hand of God against all them that forsake him.
(Ezra testified to what God had  already done   8:22)
       Ezra testified I was ashamed …the hand of our God is upon all that seek Him
God is with us   I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him."
Already testified h
 
The battle is the Lord’s
He will do all He has promised for our future
Not depending on man, He provides for us and gives victory for times ahead
They fasted and sought the Lord their God and He entreated them
 
Bread of life- the word of god
Desire the sincere milk of the word of God
Feed on His word – sowing, investing, planting spiritual seed.  We need more devotional times in the presence of God
3
Sowing and reaping
Galatians, sow to the spirit, reap life
Sow to the flesh and reap corruption
Peace, joy in the Holy Spirit
 
(Galatians 5:6,7)  be not deceived, god is not mocked
 
Great benefits, fullness of life, abundant life - feed on the spirit
Warfare between the flesh and the spirit, what you feed the most will be dominant
God desires that we commune with him.  Man is created in His likeness.
 
Communion, walking with Him in a father, son relationship
God gave man dominion over His creation
 
(I Thes 5:23)  We are spirit, soul and body
The lord sanctify you wholly, that you be preserved blameless
God breathed into man’s nostrils and God communed with Adam
Spirit first, soul secondarily and body
 
The Shekinah glory lifted and God’s mercy was extended instead of shedding Adam’s blood in judgement
God shed the blood of an animal instead
 
4
God granted mercy through the blood of Jesus, so that if we confess the Lord Jesus we can be saved
Our senses send information to the mind
God is not is not important to the spirit man,   until he is born again.
Until then, the spirit is dead.   (Ephesians 2)
The entrance of thy word has given light  (Psalm119:130)The heart of man is the candle of the lord, (Proverbs 20:27) 
when born again the candle is lit again.
(John 1)  in Him was life and the life was the light of man
Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God
We now have a right to understand things freely given
(ICor 2:9)  eye hath not seen, nor ear heard…
(1Cor, 2:14)  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
 
Before the fall, Spirit man was in order. 
Spirit first, then soul, then body.
 
After the fall everything was turned upside down,  understanding and wisdom were key.
Adam and Eve succumbed to the trick of the devil, to  the temptation to partake of the forbidden fruit.
The pride of life, desired to make one wise
The devil fell because pride was found in him because of his beauty
Before salvation, our priorities are out of order - body, soul and spirit - upside down.   We take time for food, clothing and shelter for the soulish man first.
The Spirit man is lacking before being born again
5
Born Again, the order is turned back around
You can take back spirit, soul and body in that order.
The spirit bears witness and is dominant so that we are walking and living in the spirit.
Our ultimate desire is that we live in the spirit,
We sow to the spirit, put aside fleshly appetite, knowing that if we sow to the flesh we reap corruption.
 
There are great benefits to fasting
Be not weary in well doing.  You will reap, Just don’t faint! Hunger for the Word.
(Job 23:12)  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.   
Put at priority the word of God more than the food that will sustain you, sowing into the things of the spirit so we can grow and be strong in the spirit. in the things of the spirit.
(Philippians 3:13) Forgetting those things behind, pressing toward the mark…
Grow stronger in this time as we set our faces like a flint.
You shall be full of joy
David was looking for what sustains him
As the hart pants for the waterbrook, so my soul longs after Him.
He will fill the hungry soul with goodness  (Psalm 107:9)
 
Hunger and thirst after righteousness and be filled.
Be Filled with His spirit.  Filled with joy “ I came that your joy may be full”, wisdom, seek God for a right way, spiritual discernment, insight onsight  able to see from God’s perspective  a higher level of faith

Fullness of joy, fullness of life
He came so that our joy might be full  (1 John 1:4)
The joy of the lord is our strength.  (Nehemiah 8:10)
The devil tries to steal our joy because that’s where our strength lies

No time to look back, set your fade like a flint! 
Jesus lets us see from His perspective, by the Spirit, not the flesh – walk by faith, not by sight
 
(2 Corinthians 5:7) a higher level of faith,  He satisfies us with good things.
(Hebrews 11:6) without faith it is impossible to please God, He rewards those who diligently seek Him.   There are great rewards in seeking the Lord!  Don’t get weary! God’s original intent and ultimate desire is that we live in the spirit.
 
Romans chapter 8 gives us understanding of what it really means to have life in the Spirit  to be led by the spirit and live in the spirit.  Gives understanding of the importance of investing in the spirit man to advance the kingdom of God. 
(Romans 8:5) after the flesh mind the things of the flesh or after the spirit
If you sow to the flesh you cannot please God
Carnal minded is death, spiritually minded is life and peace
If any man hath not the spirit he is none of His
(Verse 8:8)   So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
 
(Verse 9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
 
Sow to the spirit in fasting and you will find yourself not yielding to the flesh.  You will find yourself  able to overcome in every battle.
(Verses 8:12-14) “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh 13For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
 
If you consume yourself with the things of the spirit you will walk in the power of his might.
Our intent and motivation in our fasting is that we become strong in the Lord and the power of his might.
God’s is more precious than silver and more costly than gold, nothing I desire compares to you.
 
We are in the last days/the evil day- chaos and confusion, pandemics, etc.as Jesus said it would be.
Strengthened with might in the inner man
 
Love is our motivation that Christ dwell in our hearts   to know the love of Christ
All things work together for good
To know the love of Christ that passes knowledge.
That you be filled with the fullness of God
The fullness Godhead bodily and we are complete in HIM.
If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the father
 
His words , ATTITUDE, , his power, His actions – His power should be seen in us.
 
Be filled with all the fulness of God.
According to the power that is working in us.
 
 
Give no occasion to the flesh,
Unto Him be glory the church.
 
 
 

 

 
There has been an increase of Anti Christ teachings,  be encouraged to know that God is faithful.  We are in the world but not of it.  We have dual citizenship.  We dwell in the secret place of the most High God!
The basic principle to be reminded of:  Basic foundation of what we do not just a formality, but a consistent way of life.  We should be “in fasting often”.   Take time in personal life for fasting,  some things come not but by fasting  -  A corporate endeavor to seek God for wisdom, guidance and power.
 
There are things that we need to get done.  Not by our might or power, but by the spirit.
Overcoming the world the flesh and the devil
Jesus was moved by the spirit to fulfill His purpose.  We are on a journey, on a walk of faith
Jeremiah 29;11  God has plans for us.   We will hear his voice, saying “walk this way”.  Walk in the light.
There is much darkness in the earth, but His glory will be seen on us.
Be filled with the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, fasting not for personal gain, but that we can walk in the power to set others free.  To have our lives purged
 
In Isaiah 58:6, The Lord rebuked them for their abuse of the  fast.
Fast not for personal benefit, but preparation for the call, the work!
Not by anything of ourselves   death to the flesh to make full manifestation   Faith comes into  our spirit
in times with God, place of belief, believing and trusting
 
Thy will be done, thy kingdom come in earth – put down the ways of the world, the ways of the flesh, the trinity of evil
Faith moves God – without faith, you cannot please God
We want to be strengthened in our faith to believe e God
 
Have a hunger to be in his presence, deny physical appetite
The flesh wars against the spirit
 
Romans 7:18 “ in my flesh dwelleth no good thing”
We recognize that we have an enemy.  We recognize the devices of the devil
 
We can identify with Jesus in the wilderness
How to overcome the ways of the devil and the ways of the world, works of the flesh, wiles of the devil.  As we overcome in our personal lives, we will be able to help others. ….
Judgement must first begin at the house of God
Take a firm stand and commitment, no compromise.
If we are not standing on principles of righteousness and holiness – purifying ourselves, preaching loud from the mountaintops and if we are in fear, responding to the world, what hope do they have?
We must have a life of consistent victory. 
Some things come not but by prayer and fasting
Mt 17:14-18 the boy with the lunatic spirit , the disciples were not able to do anything
Father turns to  Jesus, “can you do anything?”
 
The discipled had already been anointed and empowered by Jesus
He sent them out, saying, You have feely received, freely give
Matt 10:8  8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
When they returned to report to Jesus, He “behold I give you power  Luke 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
 
Because of Matt 10, not automatically assume to be able to turn the switch on and off, assuming that the power will automatically work in you
Remember Sampson!
He had an anointing on his life, but wist not that the spirit had departed” “Icabod”
 
Psalm 51  David was repentant, saying “take not your spirit away from me”
Consistency in the presence of God keeps the anointing in the presence
 
The battle/warfare Jesus fought in the wilderness relates to how we overcome
We have treasure in earthen vessels, the excellency of God, not of ourselves
The breaking of the flesh is necessary
 
3 basic temptations Jesus overcame in the wilderness
He was filled with the spirit, led by the spirit into the wilderness and came out of the wilderness with power
With every temptation, Jesus responded, “ it is written”.
 
1 .(the lust of the flesh)
First temptation in the bible was for Adam and Eve to take from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil
Jesus’ first temptation in the wilderness was to turn stones into bread – (the lust of the flesh)
Overindulgence is our temptation now
Food has become an idol!   Selfies with food, we want to eat like a pig and look like a poodle
Our taste buds bring death to a lot of people
 
Man does not live by bread alone
Natural food is not food for our soul
We need healthy nutritious food for the flesh
Appetites of the flesh, food, sex, etc.
 
God makes provision for all appetites
Lusts of the flesh come by way of food and sexual desires
Appetites of the body
We must know how to  “turn our plate down”
Sow to our spirits with the Word
Job said the word was “more than my necessary food’
The word of God will sustain you physically.
His word is spirit and life we must have an understanding of the power of life in the word of god
2) (the pride of life)  Power to give you the kingdoms of this world 
 
3) (lust of the eye) What your eye continually beholds, your heart will follow after.
For the light of the body is the eye.
Look not on things that are seen , we walk by faith and not by sight, faith is the substance of things not seen.   
(1Cor 3:16-18)  16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
As we behold Him we are transformed into his image by the spirit
As we draw nigh we become changed
As you see His goodness, nature and character, you are being changed
 
We Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith
Our eyes are upon the Lord.
2Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
Jehoshophat was surrounded by God’s enemies
Set himself to seek the Lord but rather than focus on an evil report
First came sudden fear, but perfect love casts out fear
Rather than sickness and death we declare healing and life
Take every thought captive
We take authority over sickness and death, we declare healing and life
 
(2 Chron 20:12) 12O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
Like Jehoshaphat, we don’t know what to do, but we know   All things work together for our good….  (Romans 8:28) 
BE ENCOURAGED, We are overcomers through Christ Jesus
 
Elisha’s servant, Gahazzi saw that they were surrounded  by the enemy and his master prayed that the Lord open his eyes to see that they that be for us are more than those against us.
There are no weapon formed against us can prosper
See that our God is for us…the enemy will try to get Jesus to bow for kingdom glory
Seducing spirits and doctrines of devils try to blind and deceive us.
Many will say, “this is the way” as they speak contrary to the will of God
 
In Matt 24  Jesus began his answer to the disciples’ question concerning the end times with these words:  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
There is a spirit of deception, people receive a lie and hearts are made to believe, they are drawn to rage and violence.  “Marvel not when the world hate you.”
The glory of riches, fame and greed
Mark 8:36 36For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
We are instructed to seek the kingdom of God and its righteousness
Spiritual pride: outside of Christ, you cannot think your way is the only way
 The devil said to Jesus, the angels will catch you if you throw yourself off the temple
We must humble ourselves
Paul wrote 2/3 of new testament , even with his long list of accomplishments, he says, I count all these as nothing
 Pride goes before destruction
If my people humble themselves, fast and pray, and turn from their wicked ways.. (2Chron. 7:21 )
In fasting, we press toward the mark and are enabled to be use of God where we are!
We overcome in the spirit, with more authority, anointing and zeal as your outer man perishes and the inner man is renewed
 Building up yourself in the love of God,  praying in the Holy Spirit 

Humility
2Cor 12:9  Paul even though a man of great authority, mighty words, says “in my weakness am  made strong”
His grace 
No longer I that liveth but Christ that lives in me…I will not frustrate the grace of God …we have treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power is not of us…  keep the flesh under
Paul displayed humility… “I am he least of the apostles”
“ I Labored more abundantly than them all”…God gets all the glory
1Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Overcome the trinity of evil!   I John 2  love not the world… he that doeth the will of God abideth forever
Be faithful to God, faithful in the fast 
Let this be Breaking of the flesh so that we can be useful to God!`

We are in a special time and season. 
We enter our traditional yearly times, of fasting and prayer as we prepare our hearts and minds to obey the word of God.
 
We are being challenged to make sure we are in the faith, to ‘make your calling and election sure’. This is an opportunity to humble ourselves with prayer and fasting.
 
God calls this the perilous times. Jesus talked about what would happen in the end times..   We are glad to be in the kingdom in the end times.   We start the year out in a season of fasting and prayer seeking a sincere commitment and a deeper cry for the things of God.

Some things come not but by fasting and prayer. 
This unusual time is a special way for God to commune with  those who desire to have a true relationship with God. 
We are drawing closer in fasting and prayer, as  we need a deeper cry  and hunger for things of God.
God had allowed things to be different from what we are used to, unique circumstances.  God has a special way to draw us into closer relationship with him.
Those who have a relationship with Him are being drawn closer while those on the fringes are being called in this hour to make their calling and election sure.
 
Jesus set an example as to how to lead a life pleasing to God
Life in communion and connection to God  is our survival,  We need ears to hear the voice of God, and a determination to live a life pleasing to Him.  Desire leads us to come to a higher level.
Fasting is an exercise in spiritual warfare 
(Luke 4:1-3)  1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
 
(External evidence of the warfare)  It is obvious to believers and unbelievers alike that the times of the world are about to change. These are the signs of His soon return.  “Look up your redemption draws nigh”!  We can see the principalities and powers, rulers of wickedness around us.  We see nation against nation, Kingdoms against kingdoms, etc. iniquities on the rise as Jesus said it would be.  (Matthew 24:7 7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.)
(Warfare inside us) Galatians 5  Galatians 5. KJV. 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondag   Warfare is an internal battle in believers
How to win the battle, how to overcome the flesh
How to live and be led by the Spirit of God at all times
Jesus our example of being full of the spirit
Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith, He is our model set for us to see how to live a life pleasing to God.
Be filled with the spirit,
How to be led by Holy Spirit and walking in power of the Holy Spirit in all things
There is a war going on at all times   - “the enemy withinna me” 
Luke 4:4-14
14Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside.
Lay aside every weight -  looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith
If Jesus fasted, we aught also to fast  -  He is our example, our model, our God
Hebrews 12  lay aside every weight, looking unto the author and finisher of our faith
He was first filled with the spirit, then led by the spirit into the wilderness, then came out of the wilderness filled with power of the holy spirit
Satan’s first attempt to tempt Jesus = cast yourself down from the temple
Jesus responded with the Word of God,  “thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God”
Don’t tempt God!
God will protect, but He also gives wisdom as to how to deal with life and temptations of the enemy in every case.  Being full, led and responding to every case by the Word of God!
Fasting Is not only a time of denying ourselves our fleshly appetites, but
feasting on the Word of God, settled,  increasing our faith.
Submit to God in fasting and prayer, have hunger for Word as Job said, “more than my necessary food, my heart desires you.”
As we decree the word, it will be with power and anointing to cast down all fears and anxieties.  He keeps us in all our ways.
Speak with conviction but with authority and anointing of Almighty God.
We will see deliverance on a higher level.  God is in you and wants to work through you.
PG 3
Galatians 5:16,17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
We feed on the spirit, causing the natural man to decrease.
We feed our spirit man in worship and prayer, praying in the Holy Ghost and increasing our capacity in the spirit as we remember Isaiah 58:6 – the fast that the lord has chosen.
( “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and…)


Darkness on the earth but my glory shall be seen in you
Endued with anointing, we have never seen before
Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound
 
As the father has sent me…greater than these
John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 
John 14:12-14  12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
 
Breaking every yoke of bondage
Galatians 5  be not entangled again.    stand fast in the liberty
In your finances and other areas  you will find a freedom!
 
Walking and moving together yoked together with Him
Matthew 11:29  29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 
Learn of me,  submit ourselves to learn of Him Draw nigh
 
Time to consecrate ourselves, separate from the cares of this world
Draw near to him.  8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:8)
 Worthy sacrifice of faith,
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 Benefits for Romans 8 the Sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared to what he has in store for us,  the glory
 
Galatians 5:16,17 
There is a constant War between flesh and spirit, but walk in the spirit
Spirit, flesh, sow, cause the natural appetite to decrease
Submit to God in worship and prayer
Prayer in the HOLY Ghost, increasing capacity in the Spirit
Walking in the power of the holy Ghost - Break away from the feel good and go to be filled up
Purpose of fasting (Isa 58:6)  3 points:
1)Loose the bands of wickedness …habits esp. Unbelief
Hebrews 3:12   beware brethren, lest there be an evil heart of unbelief
Trust in the faithfulness of God
Take God at His word, regardless of what it looks like
Cause your faith to come to a higher level
Come to a place of believing God, trusting Him knowing that He cannot lie, his Word cannot fail
  2)  Undo heavy burdens, anxiety, depression, fear, concerns about finances, healthy lifestyle, family
 3)    Break every yoke
 
(Isaiah 61)  spirit of the lord upon me anointed me, joy for mourning in Zion
 Jesus repeats this prophecy in Luke 4
Beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
(Isaiah 51)  therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads,  Sorrow and mourning shall flee away  -  negative words flee away
(Isaiah 61:3 ) garment of praise covers you as you as you cast your cares upon him
Make our requests known unto God  - To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
We will be anxious for nothing and the peace of God that passes all understanding shall rule in our hearts
Let the oppressed go free – Jesus went into the temple and let the oppressed go free  
Isaiah 60  Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. God is with you and in you.  You will arise and shine and my army shall be endued with power not seen before.  Greater works than these shall ye do.
 
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning 
(Isa 58:7,8)  Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Joy comes in the morning
Fasting brings the Wisdom you need, the light at the end of the tunnel, understanding of what to do and where to go
God promised health, healing as part of our salvation, wish that your soul prospers  (3John 1:2)
Health shall spring forth, healing is the children’s bread
Righteousness goes before you
giants that threaten will be destroyed
we are yoked together with him, going at the same pace, learning of Him, meditating on His word, time to meditate on the things of God and be strengthened with might
Jeremiah 33:3    When you call he will answer  “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”
 
Be faithful and diligent behind the scenes
He will never leave you or forsake you
He will bring light out of obscurity
David was faithful in the background, faithful in battle
God brought him out of obscurity.
Darkness shall be as noonday
He will guide you continually, step by step
Satisfying soul - Natural or spiritual even in famine.  David testifies that he has “never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread”  (Psalm 37:25)
Word of God natural food, all your needs will be ….fruitful and abundant
Be like a watered garden
Be nourished and bring forth fruit
Isaiah 43:19 19Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Rivers in the desert, like springs of water --  bring refreshing life to others who are in barren places
He brings rivers in the desert, causes us to be repairers of the breache    ( Isaiah 58:12) You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell
 
 
The best is yet to come
It’s not over yet, be strong in the lord
The enemy knows he has but a short time
Will to sacrifice, fast and pray, love, to forgive
Whatever is necessary for God to get the glory out of your life
Watch Him confirm his word with mighty signs following
Overcome in fasting and prayer and watch God prove himself faithful
BE ENCOURAGED,   BE FAITHFUL IN THE LORD,  SUBMIT TO THE  LORD IN FASTING AND PRAYER
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