Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? (Isa 58:6)
Let's talk about fasting. When was the last time you fasted? is it burdensome or is it a joy? If it's burdensome, it does not have to be that way. It can be a time of peace, release and joy. First, let's look at a couple of main points that stands up in this verse above. There are, actually, 4 powerful reasons that stands out in this verse--
- To Loose the bands of wickedness.
- Undo the heavy burdens.
- Deliverance from oppression
- Break every yoke.
Let's look at number 1...Bands of wickedness. Did you know that 3 days and 3 nights of prayer actually saved the nation of Israel from destruction? If you read the accounts of the book of Esther, especially in Esther 4:16, Esther 7-10, you will find how God reversed an ungodly law and raised up Mordecai to a place of authority and honor.
In the body of Christ, we have a mediocre way of looking at ourselves. We, even, call ourselves a worm and take failure as a way of life but Brethren, I am here to tell you that it should not be with us. God's word says that we are the head and not the tail. We can ascend from nothing to a place of influence and authority. We can help change the course of our nation as well. (Deut 28:13,28:44, Prov 29:2) Many may debate that this was only for the Jews and not for us. My answer to that is that we have a better covenant based on better promises. (Heb 8:6)
Are we to just lay down and not ascend in the fields of business, politics, medicine, etc and just be happy to barely get along? A thousand times no! If you study Roman history during the times of Christianity after Constantine declared it legal, there were many in places of authority that helped shaped and further the spread of Christianity. I come to tell you that if we do our part, examine ourselves and repent, we can pray and fast for this country. Our prayers can help change laws and alter the course of history.
An example was during the time Germany was divided. A group of German Christians who had read Kenneth Hagin's books decided to exercise their faith and speak to the wall that was dividing their nation. Soon, Germany became one and freedom was spread throughout the land. Another example is the USA. Before the 1980's, people were wondering about America.
There was fears of a Russian invasion. The atomic war was knocking at our door until the Washington for Jesus crusade in the 1980's came about. After that event, things started to happen. Our leaders came up with new technology such as Star Wars that had the Russians shaking in their boots and forcing them to talk to us. Then, came freedom as Christianity began to spread through the Soviet Union and it's satellite nations. All this was done without setting no nuclear bombs---Thanks to prayer.
Christians have done themselves a grave injustice to the teaching of the Rapture. They want to escape before it gets worse. God intended for us to be the head and rule. God wants us to have wisdom to solve the ills of this country and come up with wise solutions. Joseph did it while he was in Egypt, why can't we do otherwise?
When you think about this, it makes all makes sense. God wants to rapture us is because of one thing---Revelation knowledge of who we are in Christ and what belongs to us! If he does not rapture the church, the Antichrist will not be able to be revealed and be allowed to exercise it's rule (II Thess 2:6-8) United, we are a mighty force and are able to do exploits.
Years ago, who would have thought Pastor Saeed was going to be freed from a radical prison atmosphere? Yes, President Obama like many others many have made some mistakes in the past but God had used him to help set him and others free. When we pray and fast, no matter who is in charge, things happen. We will have more on fasting. God bless.
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