Messenger International

Relentless

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:59:00 +0000

Finishing is so important, so why aren't many believers going to finish well? The Bible predicts that many will be shipwrecked and depart from the faith. How many people today who say they are believers have lost all desire and passion for Jesus? All around us, people are walking away from their churches, their families, and even their faith. What has happened?

I believe these things happen when God’s people are not armed with His Word. In the book of Isaiah, God says, “My people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge.” Scripture is full of promises that can anchor us in enduring faith, and that is what Relentless is about: arming and preparing you for the difficulties of life. It is my desire that every believer would begin ruling in life. I believe Relentless will equip you to rise above every adversity and bring glory to our King!

John Bevere

Visit www.RelentlessOnline.org for more information.

Relentless Sneak Peek: A book about you...

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Do you realize who you are and how much God needs you to fulfill your destiny in advancing His cause here on earth?

God has specifically designed a life-course for you! Your entire life was mapped out prior to your birth.

The psalmist declares: You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16, NLT)

God wrote a book about you before your parents even thought of having you—before a single day had passed. Celebrities and rulers aren’t the only ones with books containing their life story. No, yours is recorded too, but the amazing reality is this: it was mapped out and penned by God before you were born.

You may protest, “John, you have no idea who you’re talking to! My life has had bumps, bruises, and even wrecks due to my bad choices. Did God author that?”
No, a thousand times, no! God mapped out our lives, and it is up to us to make the right choices in order to walk in the exhilarating path He created for us. Wrong choices can detour us, but genuine repentance can right the ship.

You may again question, “But I’ve had terrible things happen that were not the result of bad choices. Life has dealt me some hard blows. Did God author those disappointments and hardships?” Again, no! We live in a fallen world. Consequently, Jesus said we would have tribulation and would suffer adversity. The good news is that because God knew what manner of evil would try to overtake you before you were born, in His wisdom He made paths to escape and even come out triumphant. This is why in His Word He calls relentless believers “overcomers.”

Hebrews 12:1 exhorts each of us, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

God has set a race before you, me, and each of His children. For you to finish the race well means you’ll have to run with endurance, or relentlessness. It cannot be completed any other way. It’s interesting to note that this is the single virtue highlighted in this passage. The writer doesn’t say “Let us run with happiness” or “Let us run with purpose” or “Let us run with seriousness.” Don’t get me wrong — happiness, purpose, and seriousness, as well as other virtues, are all important to the Christian walk. But the key virtue is relentlessness.

It takes a relentless spirit to finish well. Finishing well requires persistence and endurance. I love the Message Bible’s rendition of Hebrews 12:1: “Strip down, start running—and never quit!” Completing our course is crucial not only for us but also for those we are called to influence. It’s important not to turn back or veer from the path that God has put before us. If you are a child of God, you have what it takes! God has placed that enabling power, the Holy Spirit, within you. If you remain steadfast, you will be able to declare with the apostle Paul, “I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7, NLT).

No one wants your success in life more than God.

You were created to make a difference in this world. You are a child of the King, destined to rule on His behalf. The keys to the kingdom are in your pocket! As you walk closely with Him and commit to being relentless in your faith, He will give you all the strength and guidance you need to overcome the strong currents that flow against you.

Let’s commit this journey together to the Lord:
Dear God, may Your Holy Spirit teach and enlighten me. I want more than mere information or inspiration; I want to know the richness and enormity of the calling You’ve placed upon my life. I want to know the power You’ve placed within me to accomplish my destiny. Through this message, strengthen me to stand firm in truth and relentless in battle against any adversity that arises to hinder what You want accomplished through me. You’ve brought me forth for such a time as this; I pray that the message of ‘RELENTLESS’ would equip me to help fulfill Your divine plan while bringing glory to Your name and joy to Your heart. It’s in the name of Jesus Christ that I make this request. Amen.

(Excerpt taken from Relentless: The Power You Need To Never Give Up, Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group, 2011.)

Life & Liberty

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:37:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

Recently John and I had the privilege of visiting Washington DC. We were awed and over whelmed by the words carved on the walls of the Jefferson Memorial. It was as though the words of a father reached across the expanse of time and spoke deeply and profoundly to our hearts and the very state of our great nation. As we celebrate the birth of this great nation, I felt compelled to share them here and challenge you to read them anew.

“God who gave us life-gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are a gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever. Commerce between master and slave is despotism. Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free.”
“I’ve sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”

Thomas Jefferson
3rd President of the United States

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free (Gal 5:1). Let us resolve never to rest until there is freedom for every man, woman and child.

Have a restful hopeful holiday season,

John & Lisa Bevere
Messenger International Team

New Lioness Arising Curriculum- is here! + Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:27:00 +0000

New Release- Lioness Arising Curriculum is now available, purchase here!

Hi Everyone!

Below are the details for the giveaway.

Giveaway:
One winner will be selected to win the new Lioness Arising Curriculum from each of our 3 offices located in the United States, Untied Kingdom, and Australia!

To Enter:
Like Lisa Bevere on Facebook. Please leave your first name, last initial, country you live in, and #lawaken. If you’re already a friend post a comment with the country you live in and #lawaken.

Tweet the comment below:

Lioness Arising Curriculum from @LisaBevere is here! http://bit.ly/esP6sT #lawaken

You can post on twitter and facebook once per day.

Open to all. Giveaway ends on March 12, 2011 at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email. You will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Good Luck!

Colour 2011- 6 Weeks to go. Join us!

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:13:00 +0000

Colour 2011 - 6 Weeks to go! from Hillsong Church on Vimeo.

Be part of this historic gathering of women more than an event it's a mandate. I've yet to meet a women who attend Colour Sydney- London or Kiev who's life was not radically impacted & her heart enlarged to change her world! Whether you are a pastor, women's director or a Daughter of the Most high join the Colour Sisterhood & be the change!
Register here: http://colourconference.com/register/sydney

Day 21 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:30:00 +0000

A fast is the time to: remove injustice's chains, untie cords, set oppressed free, and break every yoke. To share your food & shelter, clothe the naked, & remember your own.

This separation represents our consecration to our Lord. A change in our relationship with Him changes how we relate to others. God posed this question to Israel:

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?—Isaiah 58:5, NIV

The Israelites’ fast had been reduced to religious motions and the denial of food. God was saying that they had reduced it to a one-day happening and in the process they had lost the substance behind the fast. They had lost contact with God’s heart on the matter. God imparts His outlook on this matter by outlining the fast that pleases Him:

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? 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 him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? —Isaiah 58:6–7, NIV emphasis added

The fast God chooses loosens chains, unties cords, sets free, breaks every yoke, puts you in a position to share and provide for others, and turns your heart toward the needs of your own flesh and blood. God did not want a single day set aside oc¬casionally to honor Him. He wanted a radical and profound change in lifestyle. Just as Jesus had confronted the Pharisees who tithed their garden herb yet neglected weightier things, so He addresses the issue of fasting. The Israelites of old were experts in the law but not in love because of this they turned from the poor and from doing good.

God told His people that if they would reach out beyond their selves, then everything they had tried to get for their selves, He would provide to them. Even now We can dare to reach out beyond our selves, for He promises:

Then 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. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. —Isaiah 58:8–9, NIV emphasis added

God promises to bring His light to our darkness. To heal us and make us righteous. His glory will guard us, and He will answer our prayers and help us in our time of need. He repeats the outline of His conditions for this blessing, and He outlines His vision for their lives:

If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed . . . —Isaiah 58:9–10, NIV emphasis added

God wants us to do away with the yoke of oppression. Eating disorders are a yoke of oppression—to those who bear it and to those around them. Oppressed people often oppress others. The pointing of the finger represents accusation and judgment of others. This usually involves comparisons, and if we are honest, we must admit to jealousy. God is admonishing us to get our eyes off our selves, to stop comparing and contrasting our selves with others whether we feel superior or inferior in comparison.

For too long we have spent all our time and energy on the needs of our selves. God wants us to spend our selves on the needs of others, to lift those who are oppressed. He wants the fast to be a turning point where we lay aside accusation and judging. He wants gossip and the destruction of slander stopped. He wants our focus to shift permanently from our selves to others. This means a departure from the realm of self consciousness, to an existence free from selfish motives, thus grasping God’s heart. Then He reaffirms His promises:

Then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. —Isaiah 58:10–11, NIV

Light will rise out of obscure darkness—so much light that your night will be as the noon day. Confusion will flee as you are assured of the promise of God’s divine guidance. Your needs will be met, though all that surrounds you is scorched. Any hardship will only strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, fed by a spring that never fails.

What more could you ask for? But the list did not end there. Isaiah continues with God’s promises: Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob. The mouth of the Lord has spoken. —Isaiah 58:12–14, NIV

None of the above benefits are the provision of the earth or the provision of man. They are the blessings of God. They are His blessings in response to a change of heart.

God is challenging us to fast so that we might become women who are transformed. Whenever Israel truly fasted and turned to God for His assistance, He heard them. He responded with protection, provision, direction, and healing.

There is not one of us who in our own strength could provide all this. No matter how much money or wisdom we have, it will always fail us if we trust in it. God will never fail those who trust in Him.

Day 20 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:19:00 +0000

Fasting chastens or disciplines.

When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, that became my reproach.—Psalm 69:10, NKJV

We have already discussed this benefit in an earlier blog, but let’s look at it from another angle. When my children are disobedient or irresponsible with a toy, person, or privilege, we remove it until it is once again in the proper perspective. In some instances, grounding could be viewed as a fast—a fast of privileges, friends, or sports. After they are returned, there is a new appreciation.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

Day 19 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:40:00 +0000

God shares insights and secrets with those who fear Him. The Book of Psalms talks about God’s secrets.

The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant. —Psalm 25:14, KJV

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

Day 18 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:48:00 +0000

Fasting motivates us to provide food for the needy.

Is it not to share your food with the hungry . . . —Isaiah 58:7, NIV

The benefit is kind of obvious—if you are not eating because of a fast, then you are free to share your portion with those less fortunate. Maybe you should give away any food lingering in your refrigerator or pantry that has a significant pull on you. (I personally am never tempted by a can of beans, but chocolate is another story!) Share with someone else, but don’t proclaim or herald your fast . . . just give to them.

I used to find it very hard to keep my fasting a secret because I felt I had to give a reason or justification for everything I did. It is all right to just say, “No, thank you, not today; I have other plans,” to a lunch or dinner invitation. We do not need to explain further.

Fasting is not a burden but a privilege. It is intimate and private. It originated in the secret place between you and God. He waits in the secret place for you to join Him. After we visit with Him in secret, He will reward us openly. Inward transformation brings about outward anointing, blessing, and provision. Inward transformation positions us for the promotion of the Lord.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. —Psalm 23:5–6, NIV

This passage describes the open reward of the Lord. It is a feast of provision; it brings an assurance of His presence. Even in the midst of opposition, the believer who fasts as an act of separation from the world and unto God receives the rewards of God.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 17 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Fasting frees the oppressed and breaks every yoke.

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen . . . to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?—Isaiah 58:6, NIV

A fast is a time when we take our eyes off ourselves and our needs and look around at the oppression and pain of others. In response, we learn to reach out in compassion, becoming agents of healing.

Jesus said that His burden was easy and His yoke was light. When we are carrying a burden other than His, it is cumbersome, awkward, and heavy. There is nothing more frustrating than feeling responsible for something over which you have no authority. It will weigh you down with hopelessness and frustration.

During a fast, God checks these areas in our lives and exposes the yokes of fear, worry, stress, and turmoil. He removes them and readjusts His yoke for our life, the one that keeps us dependent upon Him. If you are feeling weighed down, perhaps you are carrying too much.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 16 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Fasting looses chains of injustice.

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke . . . —Isaiah 58:6, NIV

The kind of fast God leads us into has the power to loose any unjust chains that bind us. It also unties the cords tethering us to any yoke.

But this application is not limited merely to a personal liberation for us—it represents God’s desire to see us reach out and untie the ties that bind others and remove the chains of oppression.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 15 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:24:00 +0000

Fasting opens the door to God’s protection and provision.

Then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.—Isaiah 58:8, NIV

God promised to be a guard before us and after us. A fast renews your righteousness and sends it on before you. Then as you give God the glory, He returns righteousness as your rear guard.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 14 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:29:00 +0000

Fasting leads to quick healing.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear.—Isaiah 58:8, NIV

God set up the fast as a manner of healing His people, a time when the darkness of oppression, depression, or infirmity is dispelled by light such as the dawn. When this light breaks forth, then healing soon follows.

This could mean many things. It could be a revelation of sin, which, when repented of, allows healing to spring forth. It could mean a revelation of His will or Word that brings healing and freedom where there had been darkness or ignorance. This healing could be physical, mental, or spiritual.

Even natural medicine supports this. Many illnesses occur in the digestive system. A short fast gives your body a chance to refocus its energies on healing instead of on eating. (Please contact a physician before undertaking a fast if you are ill.)

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 13 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:07:00 +0000

Fasting brings answers to prayer.

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk . . . —Isaiah 58:9, NIV

A godly fast will bring answered prayer. It is the atmosphere for answers to questions, direction, help, and the revelation of God. It is a time when He says, “Here I am . . . I’m over here. Come to Me.”

This revelation may come through His Word, or as a still, small voice, or by a strong confirmation of what He has previously shown us.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 12 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:38:00 +0000

Fasting increases our capacity.

Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish —Esther 4:16, NIV

This fast prepared Esther to overcome the fear of man—and even greater, her fear of death. This fast increased her capacity for self-sacrifice while it imparted wisdom. The survival of a nation depended on her willingness to lay down her life. She knew it was more than she could face in her present condition with her present information, so she drew on God’s strength.

God told me, “If you want more than what you’ve seen, you’ll need to be more than you’ve been.” Fasting positions you for just such an increase.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 11 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:07:00 +0000

Fasting changes our appetite.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” —Acts 13:2, NIV

If you’ve developed an appetite for something, you can crave it as long as you are eating it. For example, I am a fan of dark chocolate. Only dark chocolate appeals to me. If you were to offer me milk chocolate, I would not even want it. At a certain time each month I feel a sudden and strong urge for this pure dark chocolate. I crave it; when I have had it, I am fine for another month.

One time I was given a large supply of dark chocolate; I could have a piece each day if I wanted it. It wasn’t long before I found myself needing my daily piece. Soon my supply was exhausted. For a few days I found myself returning to the pantry, hoping to find just one more piece somewhere. If I found a piece, then the cravings were gone. I had become accustomed to daily chocolate. When I was forced by lack of supply to fast from it, then I no longer hungered for it.

A fast is a break in our daily routine. It overcomes cravings and restores or renews a fresh and new appetite. Whenever I come off a fast, I am hungry for healthy food. I am hungry for something new and fresh in my personal life as well. I want to leave behind the old and embrace the new.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 10 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:47:00 +0000

During a fast you discover God is a surer form of comfort than even "comfort" food.

When we can no longer comfort our self with food, we run to God for comfort. Far too often we run to the refrigerator instead to our Father when we are trouble. In my case, I used to feed my fears...literally. When I was sad, I ate. When I was mad, I ate. When I was glad, I ate. Lonely, depressed, anxious, you got it...I ate. But when I realized that God, not food, was my source, I began to open my mouth with prayer rather than stuff it with food.

Likewise, you who are fasting TV or other activities or relationships of distraction will have an opportunity to redirect where you draw comfort from. This is day 10 and you will be crossing a threshold. During a fast you can recover lost thought-time and productivity previously lent to food, distractions or even weight concerns.

Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. Psalms 119:77, MSG

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 9 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:02:00 +0000

Every believer should fast periodically. It is an act of separation to our Father. If you struggle with anorexia or bulimia – or have other struggles, instead of fasting food, fast weighing yourself or all the images that drive you to distraction. But no matter what you do, don't become an accidental hypocrite! Jesus gave us invaluable insight on fasting:

Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.—Matthew 6:16, NKJV

The one who fasts must do so with the right motivation. Jesus often berated the Pharisees for their religious, pious fasts done only for the attention it brought to them. Matthew 6:16 advises us to not be like the hypocrites.

Hypocrite is another name for impostor. An impostor is one who deceives others by the assumed character or false pretenses. The Pharisees pretended to fast unto the Lord when it was really done for the accolades of man. Their focus was their pious religious appearance, and their reward was the awe of man. They wanted to be great among men. But they received nothing from God’s hand. You must choose between the reward of man or the reward of God. The religious fast is rewarded by man, the broken and contrite are rewarded by God. Jesus continued:

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:17–18, NKJV

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 8 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Fasting creates a new and pure hunger.

This time of cleansing allows the Holy Spirit to flow through you. It separates the precious and holy (God’s Word and anointing) from the vile (our agendas or prejudices). When we honor God and allow His Spirit and Word to have it's way by separating ourselves for whatever time it takes to see this process complete, God will shift our focus and motives. Instead of ambition and ‘our way’, we will hunger for connection and for His will. Fasting creates a new hunger.

So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. —Ezra 8:32, NIV

When you fast . . . you become hungry. At first it may be hunger for food or whatever you are fasting, but as the initial hunger pangs or longings cease, a new desire or hunger is formed. Fasting causes you to hunger in the midst of abundance.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 7 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 15:13:00 +0000

Fasting opens your eyes to see what others might miss by increasing your sensitivity to God.

The Bible tells us the story of a widow woman named Anna, who was very old. She holds a very important historical significance:

There was also a prophetess, Anna . . . She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.—Luke 2:36–38, NIV

This very old woman who prayed and fasted could see better than the priest and the young people around her. She recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah when He was only eight days old. The Pharisees couldn’t even recognize Him at thirty-three, when He was preaching the gospel, healing the sick and casting out devils. Yet this elderly mother of the faith knew Him as He lay cradled in His mother’s arms.

She was a true prophetess who encouraged those who were watching and waiting for Israel’s redemption. Her prayers and fasting gave her prophetic insight.

Likewise, you will find yourself more sensitive after a period of fasting. Often our family will decide to fast television for a month. Instead, we spend time together playing, talking, and praying. It puts us in closer touch with each other, and consequently we became more sensitive toward our children’s needs, fears, and hopes. When the television is turned back on, the difference is evident. What disturbed us before now grieves us. Our insight was honed when the constant barrage of conflicting images was removed. Often the normal becomes violating after a time of separation.

May your sensitivity to God and others increase!

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 6 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:52:00 +0000

A fast denies our immediate gratification as we set our hearts upon the eternal.

Fasting works humility.

Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered . . . —Psalm 35:13, NIV

As we fast, we deny ourselves that which satisfies. When we deny ourselves food, we often feel our natural strength waning. In our weakness we find ourselves more dependent. It is a confrontation with the flesh, a time when we deny ourselves satisfaction and provision. It is a time of turning aside from what we can provide and turning toward what God alone can give. This is often the setting for a confrontation between the spirit and the flesh. I personally find out just how strong my flesh is when I fast. This revelation alone is humbling, but in order for the fast to be successful you must allow it to work humility in you. This replaces and reorders your perspective.

After forty days in the wilderness, Jesus was hungry physically. Satan came to tempt Him to use His position as the Son of God to create bread from stone. But instead Jesus humbled Himself and answered: It is written: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”—Matthew 4:4, NIV

He wanted the Word of God more than necessary bread. He chose living bread over baked bread, and He became the Bread of Life. He denied Himself the immediate and waited upon the eternal.

You may or may not be in a position to fast food. In fact, if you have been struggling with any symptoms of an eating disorder, I strongly advise you NOT to make any changes to your eating habits without the direct supervision of a healthcare professional. However, even if your emotional or physical state prohibits you from fasting food, everyone is in a position to fast something. It may be TV, telephone, magazines, sports, shopping, or hobbies. All of us have areas in which we hide ourselves or waste time.

I challenge you to go before our Father and ask Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to expose any areas that could be fasted. It is not too late to join us in the Awake21 initiative.

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 5 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:26:00 +0000

I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. —Ezra 8:21, NIV

Fasting positions us to acknowledge God’s provision in our lives. It communicates that He is our source. We deny our selves food and tell Him, “I only want You and what You provide.” Then we embark on a journey of His making.

Fasting is crucial when the seasons of life are changing. I first discovered the power of fasting when I was changing seasons from single to married. I was leaving the life of a single woman to join my life to John’s. I was leaving my home state of Indiana and stepping into the vast unknown. My future would bring children and travel. Before there was even need I wanted God’s provision in every area of my life. Humbled by my inability, I called out for God’s ability.

Friends, what lies before us is nothing like what lies behind us. Like Ezra, let's ask God for a safe journey and transition for all that is ours.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 4 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Fasting changes our perception by changing our focus.

This in turn causes us to change the way we live. They say one of the natural health benefits of a fast is an increased clarity of eyesight. On a spiritual fast you can likewise believe you will have your spiritual eyes stripped of scales that have formerly obscured your vision.

And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized.
Acts 9:18, MSG

During a fast our focus shifts and after a fast we see everything differently. Our eyes are illuminated by God’s Word and truth. Our eyes shift off of ourselves and onto our Father God; there we get his heart and have eyes to see others. We can see the right path on which to walk, and we recognize our former errors in judgment. A fast has the potential to give you new vision and clear direction for your life.

Like David, we can choose to humble ourselves with fasting (Ps. 35:13). When we humble our selves we bring our selves into submission or subjection. We bring our soul and, inevitably, our body under subjection to God’s Word and truth. This change of posture produces a change of perspective.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 3 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:40:00 +0000

If you have lost your appetite for God then perhaps it's time to fast!

If we are not hungry for God, it is because we have allowed our souls to be satisfied or satiated with other things. One morning when I was praying, I sensed the need for more of a hunger for God. I asked God to impart this hunger in me. At the time, I was recording my prayers in my journal; I waited for a response from God.

As fast as I could write, He answered and showed me that I was the one responsible for my hunger levels. He told me that if I wasn’t hungry, it was because I was already full. Filled with the cares of this world. Filled with the pleasures and distractions of this world. He said that if I wanted to hunger in the midst of the abundance of things, I would need to fast the things that presently distracted, comforted, or distressed me.

At the time I was nursing my fourth son and I knew God was not calling me to fast food. He was calling me to fast other things that pulled me from His presence. I fasted TV, magazines, telephone calls that were not business related, and desserts. I rearranged my schedule to accommodate prayer and Bible reading.

I did this for about a month, and when the month was over, I had lost my appetite for many of the things I’d laid aside. I sensed an increased discernment. I had previously been desensitized by the abundance of noise, voices, and distractions. Now it was easier to hear God’s voice.

The natural noise level in my house (with four young boys) had not varied; it was the static and noise in my mind that quieted. You may even now be saying, “Sounds great; but who has the time?” If we reserve fasting only for the times when we can physically leave or lock ourselves away, we will not fast.

As a mother, I am in a season where my children have legitimate demands on my time. God didn’t tell me to check into a hotel room. He probably knew I would pass out and sleep the whole time. He wanted me to develop the ability to fast within my home and lifestyle.

God wants to be an integral part of our life every day, not just when we are on the mountain spiritually. I have had to develop a listening ear. One that can hear amid the din and noise of a full household. I have learned to listen while I take a shower, while I do dishes, and while I sort laundry.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)

Day 2 of a 21 Day Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Messenger International) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:10:00 +0000

…I wept and chastened my soul with fasting. Psalm 69:10, NKJV

To chasten is to “discipline, purify, refine, clarify, and improve.” Discipline is training, and sometimes we have to be reprogrammed. Chastening is necessary to educate and cultivate a new you. Chastening by fasting begins with purification and refinement of the soul and motives.

The clarification brings insight so we can once again see clearly. Just as parents discipline their children to help them grow and learn right from wrong, our souls have to be chastened so we can improve and become wiser.

This refinement of our souls works its way out and overtakes our natural bodies and appetites. We can be refined and purified by denial. Once the cravings of our soul are mastered, the cravings of our flesh will follow.

Join us as we fast with Awake 21 www.Awake21.org

(The above is an excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh”, Published by Siloam a Strang Company, 2007.)