On day 9 of our Reawaken Journey, I am reminded of a phrase that can easily be overlooked in the fasting passage of Isaiah. Here it is - “... being available to your own families.” Isaiah 58:7 (MSG)
If we don’t stay sensitive to God’s direction we can get so involved trying to reach, and help others (which we are to do) that we neglect our own families. In this passage the Lord gives us detailed instructions of what we are to focus on during this time of fasting. He says be available to your family.
This is a great time to allow God to sensitize our hearts toward our family. Sometimes you begin to take those you are with the most for granted. They see you concerned and caring for others, but with your own family you are irritated, negative, fault-finding, always pointing out mistakes and neglect their mission. But consider this, everyone in your family has a God given purpose to fulfill – are you encouraging them?
As you fast and pray today, I am praying that you hear the words spoken to Queen Esther – that for such a serious and urgent time as this - you are living.
Who is it that while reading this blog God brought to your heart? That person you can focus on in prayer today?
When Nehemiah undertook the challenge to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem he spent many days fasting, praying, weeping and repenting over his sins and then the sins of the people before the reconstruction (REAWAKENING) began.
You may be thinking, I just don’t know if this really works. Listen to this conditional promise from God – If we... then He will.
If we don’t stay sensitive to God’s direction we can get so involved trying to reach, and help others (which we are to do) that we neglect our own families. In this passage the Lord gives us detailed instructions of what we are to focus on during this time of fasting. He says be available to your family.
This is a great time to allow God to sensitize our hearts toward our family. Sometimes you begin to take those you are with the most for granted. They see you concerned and caring for others, but with your own family you are irritated, negative, fault-finding, always pointing out mistakes and neglect their mission. But consider this, everyone in your family has a God given purpose to fulfill – are you encouraging them?
As you fast and pray today, I am praying that you hear the words spoken to Queen Esther – that for such a serious and urgent time as this - you are living.
Who is it that while reading this blog God brought to your heart? That person you can focus on in prayer today?
When Nehemiah undertook the challenge to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem he spent many days fasting, praying, weeping and repenting over his sins and then the sins of the people before the reconstruction (REAWAKENING) began.
You may be thinking, I just don’t know if this really works. Listen to this conditional promise from God – If we... then He will.
2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (NLT)
14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 15 My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.
We need to fast for early discoveries of the destiny's of our kids, their salvation, direction for their life, wise decisions, right friends, for future spouses, and right teachers to speak into the lives of our sons and daughters.
During this fast we will fight spiritually by prayer and fasting. God promises to hear and answer, so begin to look for and expect great and mighty miracles and victories as a result of our seeking God on this 21 Day Journey.
During this fast we will fight spiritually by prayer and fasting. God promises to hear and answer, so begin to look for and expect great and mighty miracles and victories as a result of our seeking God on this 21 Day Journey.
Praying with you and for you,
PT
good stuff
ReplyDeletePastor Terry,
ReplyDeleteMy mom came to mind when I read this. She loves me as God loves me, no matter what I've done sheis always there encouraging and forgiving. She has much wisdom and I know I will always have her love. She works very hard never thinking of herself but of who else needs to eat or be taken care of first. Please be in prayer with me that my moms heartache will be healed and peace washes over her.
Thank you,
Lynn king
I have a admission ...this is my first time reading the blog :-( and wow! I really am touched by the reminder to be nice not just to the lady at the grociery store or the crazy driver in the next lane but to the people in our homes. Isaiah was right in reminding us because I hear it in my own voice sometimes a hint of sarcasm or even impatience with my husband and he deserves better. If I can put on a smile when the little old lady pullls out in front of me and goes 20 in a 45, for sure I can smile and speak kindly to my loving, caring husband who has probably been busy all day and needs me to be there for him more than anything. My prayer today is that when our spouses walk through the door at the end of the day we put our best smile on and speak kind, soft words of encouragement to them.
ReplyDeletethank you PT for caring about your "family"