Christian Messages For Endtime Soldiers In Tribulation and Trial Time: June 2014

ANTIDOTE FOR WORRY AND ANXIETY

Matthew 6:26,27

Worry is a self-imposed, internally generated disease in the human family that slowly but surely kills many. Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, the Healer of both mind and body, has provided an effective cure. The causes of worry and anxiety are many and varied. The rich and the poor, villagers and city-dwellers, men and women, married and unmarried, old and young, even the fortunate and the less fortunate all find things to worry about.

Whatever the cause of our worry or anxiety may be, there is a cure that never fails. Permanently cured from worry and anxiety, there is no limit to how peaceful, purposeful and profitable our lives can be. The Lord has prescribed the means for total and perfect cure and we must follow His prescription. A fulfilled and fuller life awaits us as we become free from worry and anxiety.

Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is the great Physician as well as the great Master-Teacher. Effective teaching requires much repetition and that is what our Lord has done in the last ten verses of Matthew chapter six. The experienced teacher knows that it is not enough to teach an important principle of life only once; it needs to be repeated. So, He repeats “take no thought” a number of times and illustrates it with convincing realities.

1. BEHOLD THE BIRDS AND STOP WORRYING

Matthew 6:26; Job 38:41; 39:26-29; Genesis 8:6,7; Psalms 84:3-5; 104:10-12,16,17; 145:15-19; 147:7-9; Song of Solomon 2:11,12; Isaiah 34:13-16.

“Behold the fowls of the air.” Jesus said, behold the birds and learn not to worry. Birds are inferior to men but we can learn from them; just like ants are much inferior to men, yet we are instructed to learn from them and become wise (Proverbs 6:6-11; 30:25). Above all, we are to learn from Christ who lived to fulfil the divine purpose without a moment of worry (Matthew 11:29).

The purpose of creation and existence for the birds is different from the purpose of man’s creation and redemption. The birds eat, live and fulfil their divinely appointed purpose without worry and anxiety. Men, the crown of God’s creation and regenerated men, citizens of God’s kingdom are to discover the divine purpose of existence and fulfil it. Why are we alive at such a time on earth? (Genesis 1:28,29; Acts 13:22; Esther 4:14b; Jeremiah 1:5; Ezekiel 3:17; John 15:16; 1 Peter 2:9).

We are not alive only to eat and be clothed. Our preoccupation must not end with finding food, clothing and shelter. All these things are provided to keep us healthy and happy in order to fulfil the main purpose in life. We must not allow distracting worry and distrustful anxiety to make us lose focus. God who has ordained our life and its purpose will provide all that is necessary to keep us alive.

2. BETTER THAN BIRDS AND SIGNIFICANTLY WORTHY

Matthew 6:26; Luke 12:24; Matthew 10:29-31; Psalm 8:4-8; Luke 12:6,7; Job 28:7,8,12-28; Exodus 19:4,5; Malachi 3:16-18; John 15:16; 1 Peter 2:9.

“Behold the fowls of the air. Are ye not much better than they?” “Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” “How much more are ye better than the fowls.” One single child in the family is more important to the parents than all the birds in the country. One single believer, a child in God’s family is of greater value to God than all the birds on earth. If God cares so much for birds and feeds them, having no need to worry and be anxious, will He not care for you and set you free for His eternal purpose?

Think of how valuable you are to God. He created you in His own image. He saved you by the precious blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. He has chosen you to praise Him and to reveal His glory on earth. He sanctified you to love Him supremely. He is teaching you His Word to make His whole mind known unto you and through you to others.

He has commissioned you to serve Him and to bring sinners to salvation in Christ. The price He has paid to bring you to Himself, to fulfil His eternal purpose in you and to prepare you for heaven cannot be estimated in any monetary currency on earth. If He feeds the birds, if He cares for these inferior, insignificant creatures, will He not take care of you? He will, even beyond your expectation.

3. BEHAVE LIKE BELIEVERS AND STOP WORRYING

Matthew 6:27; 10:16,19,20; 1 Kings 17:2-6; Isaiah 26:3,4; Psalm 27:13,14; John 14:1,27; Acts 27:21-25; 2 Timothy 1:11,12; Hebrews 4:3; Philippians 4:6-8.

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? ” Which of you by worrying can prolong his life or add to the quality of his life? Worry is useless and unprofitable. What can man’s worry or anxiety accomplish except to weaken him from taking positive, progressive action? Whatever God has appointed, like man’s stature, height, age or heritage, our worry is of no avail and can do nothing to change it.

God does not respond to worry, anxiety, unbelief, discontent, or murmuring as He responds to prayer and faith (Genesis 18:17-26; Exodus 32:9-14; 2 Kings 20:1-6; Jonah 3:1-10). What we cannot do or add by worrying, we can only have by faith, by trusting in God who can do all things. Living by faith, God will add material benefits and spiritual blessings to our lives (Matthew 6:33). What is the use of worry or anxiety? Who, by anxiety, can add to life’s quality or life span? Anxiety hinders growth. Faith aids growth and progress. Have faith in God.

PROGRESS IN CHURCH MINISTRY AND EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH

Acts 16:1-40

Paul’s commitment to Christ and His commission was unique and enduring. The priority of his life was obedience to the heavenly vision. While he lived on planet earth, his only reason for existence was to go where Christ would have gone, do what Christ would have done, preach what Christ would have preached and reach as many souls as possible for Christ. He had a great concern for the growth and establishment of the converts of their first missionary journey.

He told Barnabas, his Spirit-chosen fellow-labourer in ministry that it was necessary for both of them to “go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do”. The ‘follow-up’ of our evangelistic outreach is needful if our work for Christ is to abide and stand the test of time. Barnabas determined to take John Mark along. Paul thought otherwise because Mark had proved unfaithful (Acts 13:13). Paul insisted that it was not wise to put “confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble” (Proverbs 25:19).

Barnabas was more committed to “strengthening the weak, feeble and fearful” Mark (Isaiah 35:3,4). The disagreement put asunder the two companions who God had joined together. Who was right? Who was wrong? That is not the important thing. Christ’s message to us is: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man (Mark or Miriam) put asunder” (Matthew 19:6).

1. SCRIPTURAL DECLARATION BY THE APPOINTED MINISTERS

Acts 16:1-8; 15:40,41; Philippians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 9:19-22; Acts 15:22-29;

1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 3:10,11; Galatians 1:6-12; Acts 20:20,21,26-28,32; 16:6-8;

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16,18; Romans 1:14-16.

The new ministerial team was made up of Paul, Silas and Timothy (Acts 15:40,41; 16:5). Barnabas and Mark were later reconciled, restored and reabsorbed (1 Corinthians 9:6-12; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11). As Paul and his companions visited the churches, they preached the full gospel and declared the whole counsel of God. The message of Acts 15:28,29, written to the Gentiles, was only to resolve the controversy on circumcision. It was not the full gospel, it was not the whole counsel of God. To be saved and to keep saved, the Gentiles must repent, turn away from all their sins (Luke 24:47; Acts 17:30) and believe on Christ as their Saviour and Lord (Acts 16:30-32; 20:20,21; Romans 10:9,10).

The missionary strategy of the Apostles was guided, directed and controlled by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was actively resident in the ministers; He released and restrained them, He instructed and inspired them, He opened hearts and closed doors, He prompted as well as prevented them. In places where the people were not ready for the gospel, they “were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia” (Acts 16:6). Later, when the people became ready and willing, the ministers went by the leading of the Holy Spirit and “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10). The Apostles were not ignorant or immature in spiritual things; they knew the difference between the restraint of the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6,7), the reaction of a hateful society (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) and the restriction of a hindering Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:18). The fearful, faithless soul interprets every problem as the restraining of the Spirit. He sees a roaring lion in every path of duty. The faithful believer sees the open door of ministry in spite of many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:8,9).

2. SACRIFICIAL DEVOTION TO THE ASSIGNED MISSION

Acts 16:9-24; 2:16-18; Mark 16:15-20; Ezekiel 3:17-22; Luke 9:2-6; Matthew 24:12-14; Acts 8:25,35,40; 14:21-25; 19:11-20; 1 John 4:4.

They had been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go south or north but they did not presume that the work had finished. They kept praying and were ready for more service and further instruction. Then came the Macedonian call: “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Immediate obedience was their response to that call. “Immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them” (Acts 16:9,10). Paul and his team ministered and laboured as tireless ambassadors of Christ. Using the means of transportation available at that time, they went wherever people were willing, waiting and ready to hear the saving gospel. Their preaching of the word was confirmed with signs and wonders, healing, deliverance and miracles. They lived the life of Christ and did the works of Christ by the faith of Christ (Galatians 2:20). Jesus silenced demons that recognized Him and cast them out; so did Paul and so should we do.

3. SUPERNATURAL DEMONSTRATION IN THE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY

Acts 16:25-40; Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 1:3-8; 4:12-16; 2 Chronicles 20:20-24; Acts 2:37-42; Romans 10:8-10,13; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 26:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20;

2 Thessalonians 1:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:1-4,21.

The enemies of righteousness and the true gospel reacted against the good work of the Apostles with persecution. Paul and Silas were beaten, bound and imprisoned. Persecution did not intimidate, infuriate or incapacitate them. They prayed and sang praises to God. An unexpected, unprecedented, unrequested miracle happened. A great, unusual earthquake rocked the prison, yet the building was not demolished. All the prison doors were opened and everyone’s bands were loosed, yet no single prisoner escaped. The Philippian jailor, trembling, asked what he would do to be saved. He believed on the Lord Jesus Christ with all his household and they were saved. The devil must have thought he had stopped the preaching, progress and propagation of the gospel when he raised persecution against Paul and Silas but God’s work is unstoppable.

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” He had wanted to kill himself to escape the judgment of the authorities (Acts 12:19). Seeing that he was saved from that earthly judgment, he realized the need to be saved from the eternal judgment. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:30,31). The salvation of his household was not automatic. Everyone must individually repent and believe to be saved. “And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.” All those who believed the word were saved. Their sins were forgiven, their hearts were changed and converted, their lives were transformed. “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes” (Acts 16:33). “And was baptized, he and all his, straightway.” He “rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” What a real difference genuine salvation makes in our lives!

SERVING GOD WITH PURE MOTIVES

Matthew 6:22,23

Our Lord introduces an important parable in the sermon on the Mount. This parable is put between two indispensable messages from Christ. First, “lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” The second, “No man can serve two masters. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” The two messages are clear. On one hand, fix your heart on heaven; have eternity in view; set your affections on things in heaven, not on things on earth. On the other hand, love God supremely and serve Him without any distraction; let Him be the only Lord and Master of your life and do all things with God’s glory as your goal. Let nothing compete with seeking His glory in anything and everything you do.

The parable in verses 22 and 23 further explains these messages. The illustration of the eye in relation to the body is used. There are two kinds of eyes - a single eye, meaning a sound, healthy eye and an evil eye, meaning a diseased, dim, darkened eye. The single, sound, healthy eye gives light to the body, helping a believer to move in line with God’s will and towards heaven. The evil, dark eye cannot see the eternal future, making a sinner to walk in darkness, which will ultimately lead to eternal damnation. The “evil eye” speaks of a heart, mind or conscience darkened by sin, self and Satan. The actions and motives of the “body” directed by an “evil eye” will be sinful, self-centred and Satan-controlled.

1. PROPER MEANING OF SYMBOLIC EYE AND BODY

Matthew 6:22; Luke 11:34-36; Psalm 36:9; Proverbs 20:27; Ephesians 1:18; Revelation 3:18; Proverbs 22:9; Romans 2:15; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Acts 24:16.

“The eye” and “the body” are used as figures of speech. What light is to the world the eye is to the body. Without the light of the sun, there will be total darkness: positive, productive activities on earth will be impossible. The activities of the body are directed according to the light which is received through the eye.

The body represents the sum of all our actions and activities. The members of the body (brain, mind, tongue, hands, legs, etc) produce actions which result in “life” in general. These actions are possible when we have the light of the day. The eye receives the light and through that light, the activities of the body are directed. The heart, spirit, conscience, desire, intention and motive direct our moral and spiritual actions. When the heart receives the light of God, the light of His Word, the light of the Sun of righteousness, the eye is single, sound or healthy, and the corresponding actions are acceptable to God.

“Thine eye shall be single.” The word “single” here means sound, wholesome, healthy. The single or sound eye refers to purity of intention or selflessness in our motives. With purity of motive and affection, our actions or body of activities will be full of light. With selfishness in our motive and insincerity in our intention, we are termed to have an “evil eye” and our actions will be works of darkness.

2. PURE MOTIVES OF SINGLE-MINDED BELIEVERS

Matthew 6:22; Luke 11:34-36; Ephesians 6:5-7; Colossians 3:22-24; Acts 2:46; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Galatians 1:10; Philippians 2:5-8; John 5:30; Philippians 2:14-16,19-22.

“If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” When the eye is single, sound and healthy, vision will be clear and plain. If the eye is not sound or healthy, everything is dim or dark. The eye regulates the motion and direction of the body. Walking through this world, it is important to fix our “eye”, heart and affection on God and heaven. Our conduct will be steadily righteous and acceptable to God when our motives are pure and we seek only the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Having the eye of faith single and unwavering, setting affection on things above, not on things on the earth, fixing our face like a flint on the glory of God will make our actions to be approved of God as done in the light. “The whole body shall be full of light.” Then shall we be walking in the light, “proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” All that is needful to direct the soul and conduct is that the eye of faith be fixed on heaven. Our motives must be pure and focused on God’s glory for our lives to be holy and acceptable to Him.

3. PERVERTED MINDS WITH SELF-CENTRED BEHAVIOUR

Matthew 6:23; Deuteronomy 15:9; Proverbs 28:22; 23:6-8; Matthew 20:10-15; Mark 7:20-23; John 12:40; Luke 11:34-36; Ephesians 4:17-24; Hebrews 3:12-14.

“But if thine eye be evil.” The evil eye refers to self-centredness (Deuteronomy 15:9), covetousness (Proverbs 28:22), insincerity (Proverbs 23:6,7), critical spirit (Matthew 20:10-15), sinful intention, selfish desires and self-centred motives (Mark 7:21-23). If the eye of the heart, desire, motive and intention are focused on self satisfaction or praise of men, the corresponding actions will be in darkness.

If our hearts receive not the light of God’s Word, if our conscience are darkened and unenlightened, if our motives and thoughts are impure, selfish and sinful, our conduct, character and behaviour will be works of darkness. We shall be condemned by God and shall be punished in everlasting darkness, eternally separated from God and from the light of His countenance.

We need single-mindedness - a single eye, pure motive, pure mind and affection completely fixed on God and His glory. Then shall we walk, moment by moment, in His light as we prepare to live in the eternal light of glory with God.

DIVINE INTERVENTION AFTER DISCIPLES’ INTERCESSION

Acts 12:1-25

The enemy’s opposition against the spread of God’s saving truth was resumed by Herod. He stretched forth his hands to vex the Church. He intended to pursue the violent, intense, severe persecution of the Church to “please the Jews”. What would please the Jews and please the Herods at the same time? “That it (the message of salvation through Christ) spread no further among the people” (Acts 4:17). That they “speak not at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18).

That the Apostles “should not teach in this name” nor fill “Jerusalem with (His) doctrine” (Acts 5:28). “That this Jesus of Nazareth” should not “change the customs which Moses delivered” them (Acts 6:14). That Jesus be not proclaimed as Saviour and Lord of all (Acts 9:29). Herod, in pleasing the Jews and pleasing himself, displeased God. “He killed James and proceeded further to take Peter also.” His plan was to eliminate the Apostles so he could destroy the Church. He began by destroying “the pillars” so he could demolish “the temple”.

He imprisoned Peter, intending to execute him later. The Church prayed fervently and without ceasing. God delivered Peter miraculously by angelic visitation and ministration. Herod, because of his sin and pride was smitten dead by the angel of the Lord and the Word of God has continued to grow and multiply until this day.

1. SEVERE PERSECUTION AND PLOT AGAINST THE PIONEERS

Acts 12:1-4; John 15:18-20; 16:1-4; Mark 10:35-40; Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6;

Matthew 24:9-14; Luke 21:12,16-19,34-36; Proverbs 19:21; 21:30; Isaiah 14:24,27; 46:9,10.

“Now about that time”, the time of the predicted famine, when Barnabas and Saul took “relief to Jerusalem” (Acts 11:29). “Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex”, that is, to oppress and persecute the leaders in the Church. James, Peter and John were pillars in the Church. The Apostles were the foundation on which the visible Church was built (Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 2:20). To discourage, disorganize and destroy the Church, Herod focused his attention on the pillars and pioneers – to afflict, injure and even kill them. He began by suddenly killing James, the brother of John. The incident was not surprising or shocking to the early Church that James, one of the two sons of Zebedee, became the first martyred Apostle. It was the fulfilment of Christ’s prediction and the Apostle’s commitment. “Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” “We can.” “Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized.” Neither Herod nor any other persecutor could go beyond whatsoever Christ’s “counsel determined before to be done” (Acts 4:28).

“And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.” His actions were not based on the principle of righteousness or justice. As a king or ruler, he was not committed to ‘upholding the constitution’, protecting the innocent, preventing evil and punishing evil-doers. The promotion of his own popularity was the motive of his actions. Herod sacrificed his soul and his eternal happiness to keep a temporary position of no lasting value. Oh, how foolish! How many monarchs and political figures there are, how many people there are, who throw their souls to hell, who sell themselves to Satan, living only and always to please men in order to earn and secure popularity. Peter was Herod’s next object of attack. He took him, apprehended and imprisoned him, intending to kill him after the Passover of the Jews. That was the end of Herod’s evil ambition. Soon after this, he perished without seeing his desires fulfilled.

2. SUPERNATURAL PRESERVATION OF THE PREACHER THROUGH PRAYER

Acts 12:5-17; Ephesians 6:18-20; Hebrews 13:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Isaiah 26:3,4; Philippians 4:6,7; Acts 5:17-20; 16:25,26; Psalm 34:7; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; Matthew 18:19,20; 1 John 5:14,15.

“Prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” Confronted with the sudden arrest and imprisonment of the Apostle Peter, the Church immediately gathered to pray unto God. They had no other source or hope of release. They had no contact among the Jews or supporters in the court of Herod to appeal on his behalf. The Church had no representative or defender in the religious arena or in the political circles. “We know that every where it is spoken against” (Acts 28:22). “By whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small” (Amos 7:2,5). By whom shall Peter or the Church escape death and destruction? God is “the Governor among the nations” (Psalm 22:28). In seasons of persecution and danger, in periods of injustice and oppression when circumstances seem hopeless, we can seek release and refuge in God. Peter, at the mercy of merciless Herod, in the grip of Herod’s iron hands, in the custody of sixteen armed soldiers, in the prison secured by iron gates, appeared to be in a hopeless situation. But with a powerful God in heaven and a praying Church on earth, no situation is hopeless. “The same night” before his imminent death “Peter was sleeping”. This is a remarkable evidence of unwavering faith in God, undisturbed peace of mind and absolute confidence in the words of Christ. Christ had promised that Peter would minister and live till old age (John 21:17-19) and he believed the Lord implicitly, without any shadow of doubt. “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and raised him up. And his chains fell off from his hands.” By an unprecedented manifestation of divine power, without the use of any natural means, Peter was miraculously delivered, brought through iron doors and gates, released and set free from danger and death. In response to the prayer of the Church, honouring the faith of Peter, fulfilling the words of Christ, affirming the irreversible will of God, the Lord sent His angel to deliver His servant from Herod’s prison and the expectation of the Jews.

3. SINNERS’ PUNISHMENT AND THE PREVALENCE OF PREACHING

Acts 12:18-25; 2 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 13:6-11; 26:20,21; Matthew 25:41,46; Hebrews 10:29-31; Acts 6:7; 11:21-24; 9:18-20; 20:24-28; Colossians 4:17; Matthew 16:18.

The guards who were entrusted with Peter’s custody could not explain how he had escaped. His escape was a miracle to the Church, a mystery to the four quarternions of soldiers, a mistake to Herod. Herod punished the keepers who could not give account of his escape “and commanded that they should be put to death”. After Peter’s escape, disappointed that he could not gain more popularity with the Jews through the planned execution, Herod “went down from Judea to Caesarea and there abode”. Abiding in Caesarea, Herod became displeased with some of those under his domain.

Fearing the effects of his anger and displeasure they made moves to be at peace with him. “And upon a set day” the people were gathered together and he “made an oration unto them”. His speec h and manner of delivery with the splendour of his royal apparel drew a blasphemous applause and flattery from the crowd, “The people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.” “He gave not God the glory” and sudden, divine judgment came on him immediately. His cup of iniquity was full, he sinned beyond the day of grace, he went too far on the dark road to hell and reached a point of no return; “the angel of the Lord smote him, and he was eaten of worms.” His empty pride plunged him into eternal punishment, divine wrath and fiery indignation. Flattery drove him to the eternal lake of fire. “But the word of God grew and multiplied.” The persecutor taken away from the seat of power, the servants and children of God continued preaching the Word to every creature everywhere. The miracle of Peter’s deliverance and the suddenness of the persecutor’s destruction increased the zeal, the faith, the faithfulness, the dedication, the courage, the sacrifice and the fruitfulness of the Apostles, the disciples, the whole Church.

* * * * * * *

CHRIST’S TEACHING ON PRAYER AND FASTING

Matthew 6:16-18; 17:19-21

Fasting is not new or peculiar to the New Testament. It has an abundant record in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. It has a long history that spans thousands of years. From Moses to Paul, from the exodus of Israel from Egypt to the present day fasting has been part of believers’ communion with God. The record of God’s Word shows that many great intercessors in different dispensations have sought God’s face with fasting.

Leaders, prophets, kings, queens, people and even nations have prayed to God with earnestness, fervency and fasting in times of great difficulty and danger. Moses, David, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Paul are among the great intercessors in the Bible that prayed and fasted, thereby experiencing great supernatural breakthroughs for themselves and for others. John the Baptist and his disciples fasted often and what a great ministry John had! What a life! What a ministry! What impact he had on a corrupt and perverse nation!

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, began His ministry with fasting - waiting on God without eating or drinking - and no one has equalled His influence or power on the world. Paul started his christian journey and ministerial duty with prayer and fasting; the world is yet to see anyone else like him.

1. SCRIPTURAL PATTERN OF PERSONAL PRAYER AND FASTING

Matthew 6:16-18; Psalms 35:13,14; 69:9,10; 109:21-27; Nehemiah 1:4-6; Jeremiah 36:6,7; Daniel 9:3,4,20-23; Acts 9:8,9,15-20; 10:1-6,30-33,44.

Fasting has been a constant feature in the believers’ communion with God. Many men and women of God have fasted when they were burdened with some spiritual or physical problems. Fasting is not to be done to make a good impression upon people, to attract or win the praise of men (Matthew 6:16-18). Driven by the prevailing need of one’s life or led by the Spirit of God when we are confronted with overwhelming challenges of life, we seek God’s face with fasting, laying our petition before the Lord.

For a fast to be beneficial, it must be done in a spirit of reverence toward God, in which we acknowledge our dependence on God and worship Him as a covenant-keeping Redeemer. In its strictest sense, fasting meant (to believers in Bible times) and still means today going without food and drink for a designated period of time. Times of fasting are special times of prayer, in times of personal distress when we humble ourselves before God as we seek divine intervention. Recorded examples of effective prayer and fasting in the Scripture reveal the connection of fasting with personal humility, confession, restitution, obedience and absolute dependence on God.

2. SUPERNATURAL POWER THROUGH PURPOSEFUL PRAYER AND FASTING

Matthew 17:19-21; Luke 4:1,2,14-21,32; Deuteronomy 9:18-20; 34:10-12; Psalm 68:35; Acts 13:1-12; 14:23; 2 Corinthians 6:1-7; 1 Corinthians 2:4,5; Isaiah 40:28-31.

Fasting is spoken of by Christ as a source of spiritual power. It seems contrary to natural reasoning to deplete oneself of physical energy at a time when it is needed most. But the diminished bodily strength is replaced by spiritual energy and power necessary for moving mountains and solving longstanding problems. Jesus said, “This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). Fasting (with prayer) grants believers extraordinary spiritual power - power with God to prevail on men (Genesis 32:28; Hosea 12:3,4), power to do exploits in difficult, dangerous times (Daniel 11:32), power to remove obstacles and move mountains (Matthew 17:20,21), power over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19), power over persecutors and oppressors (Daniel 3:27; 6:27), power to heal sicknesses (Mark 3:15), power over demons, over evil, unclean spirits (Mark 6:7), power to declare unwelcome truth to all categories of sinners (Micah 3:8), power to convict and convert hardened sinners (Luke 1:17), power to work miracles and accomplish the impossible (Acts 6:8), power to subdue and conquer sorcerers and possessors of power of darkness (Acts 13:6-12; Exodus 9:11), power from on high (Luke 24:49). Through prayer and fasting, every believer can have spiritual power to do everything God has appointed him to do.

3. SURPASSING POSSIBILITIES OF PREVAILING PRAYER OF FAITH

Mark 11:22-24; James 5:15-18; Ephesians 2:8-10; Acts 15:9; 26:18; 3:16; Ephesians 6:16; Matthew 9:29; Mark 9:23; Romans 4:17-21; John 14:12-14; Hebrews11:5,11,17-19,29,30,32-34.

Faith in God makes believers mightier and more powerful than natural people. God’s promises provide for all our needs. All that God promises the believer in His Word can be received by an act of faith. This is true concerning salvation, healing and deliverance, the provision of our material requirement or whatever our particular needs and problems might be. By faith we are justified, sanctified, filled and baptized in the Holy Spirit. By faith we are kept and preserved, by faith we stand, by faith we walk, by faith we inherit the promises. The central importance of faith in the life of the Christian is clearly revealed in God’s Word. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus has provided “all things that pertain unto life and godliness”. “All things are yours” (2 Peter 1:3,4; 1 Corinthians 3:21). With the prayer of faith all things are possible in your life.

SUPPLICATION AND PRAYER FOR DAILY SUSTENANCE

Matthew 6:11

The Lord’s Prayer is marvellously brief and wonderfully full. It is a model prayer for the family of God; it is a pattern of prayer for all disciples of Christ. Babes in Christ, matured men in Christ, ministers of Christ can learn a lot in this prayer. It is the Lord’s Prayer, the Disciple’s Prayer, the Family Prayer. It is simple and basic for the child of God; it is high and sublime for every servant of God.

We have already noted the order of the petitions in the Lord’s Prayer. The first three petitions have to do with God and with the glory of God. The second three petitions have to do with the needs and necessities of God’s family. God is given the first and supreme place - His right place. It is only when God is given His proper place that all other things fall into their proper places.

The second part of the prayer, the part which deals with our needs and our necessities shows Christ’s care and compassion for us. It deals with the three essential needs of man, and the three spheres of time within which man moves. First, we ask for bread, which is necessary for the maintenance of life. That brings the needs of the present to the throne of God. Second, the petition asks for forgiveness, thereby bringing the past before the throne of grace. Third, we ask for prevention, protection, preservation in times of temptation, committing our future into the Hands of God.

1. DEPENDENCE ON GOD FOR DAILY BREAD

Matthew 6:11; Psalms 123:2; 103:13; 68:5; Exodus 16:4,14-21; 2 Corinthians 8:15; Exodus 16:22-28; Isaiah 58:13,14; Psalm 104:27,28; Matthew 6:26; 1 Kings 17:2-6; Deuteronomy 8:3,16,18.

God the Father is the Creator, the Giver and the Sustainer of all life. When we ask for bread to sustain our earthly lives, we show our dependence on our God, Creator and Father. “Give us this day our daily bread.” When we pray to the heavenly Father to give us bread, we confess and acknowledge our entire dependence on Him. We trust God and depend on Him for the supply of our daily necessities. As Israel required daily manna in the wilderness, so we require daily bread in this world. We cannot have the bread that nourishes the body if God, our Sustainer and Nourisher of life, does not give it to us. Our body cannot receive nourishment, strength and health from the food we eat if God does not give the bread to us, that is, to our body (Genesis 41:19-21; Psalm 106:15; Isaiah 17:4-7). Both the poor and the rich need to offer this prayer to God. Having enough food at home is one thing, having appetite to eat the food is another thing. “Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the GIFT OF GOD” (Ecclesiastes 5:19). Many people in our world have food to eat but do not have appetite to eat it. “There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, AND IT IS COMMON AMONG MEN: A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet GOD GIVETH HIM NOT POWER TO EAT THEREOF, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease” (Ecclesiastes 6:1,2). This is the reason why we all need to depend on God and pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

2. DEMAND OF THE GODLY FOR DAILY BREAD

Matthew 6:11; Genesis 28:20; 48:15,16; Proverbs 30:8; Psalm 28:9; Luke 11:5-11; Ecclesiastes 5:18-20; Isaiah 58:7-12; Philippians 4:6,19; Isaiah 41:17-20.

We must not pretend to be so spiritual that we cannot ask God to “give us this day our daily bread”, to provide our daily necessities. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, has taught us and has taught all His disciples everywhere to pray this prayer. We are to ask God to take charge of us and provide for us in all that concerns our needs and necessities in this world. God has promised and provided for all our needs. Mortal man has need of daily bread and temporal blessings. Daily bread and daily sustenance are by far the first and principal things we need. He is the truly spiritual man who is not independent of God and who is not ashamed to pray to God for his maintenance and sustenance every day. The true child of God wholeheartedly leans on God and will not lean on the arm of the flesh for his supply and sufficiency. The heavenly Father will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

3. DELIVERANCE FROM GREED AND DEADLY BURDEN

Matthew 6:11; Proverbs 30:7-9; Ecclesiastes 2:24-26; 5:9-17; Habakkuk 2:9-14; Proverbs 15:27; Jeremiah 17:11; Luke 12:15-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-11; Mark 8:36,37; Proverbs15:16; Colossians 3:1-6.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” This petition in the Lord’s Prayer is very instructive. The prayer condemns selfishness: it is not ‘give me this day our daily bread’, but “give us this day our daily bread.” This request also condemns covetousness: it is not ‘give us this day their daily bread’ but “give us this day our daily bread.” The petition condemns greed: it is not ‘give us this day the bread of many years’ but “give us this day our daily bread”. The prayer also condemns voluntary submission to oppression: it is not ‘give them this day our daily bread’ but “give us this day our daily bread.” Selfishness, covetousness, greed and fear of man are vices that deprive men of God’s blessings. Greed, avarice and love of money are burdens that drown men in destruction and perdition. The covetous whose main interest in life is to heap up treasures on earth will err from the faith and pierce himself through with many sorrows.

Our prayer must be free from selfish desires, covetousness, worry and anxiety concerning the future. The God of today is the God of tomorrow. He will always be there to bless us. Earthly fathers die but our heavenly Father is alive for evermore. We can always pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, ... Give us this day our daily bread.”

THE GREAT PRIORITY IN THE LORD’S PRAYER

Matthew 6:9,10

Prayer is the heart-to-heart communion with God. Beyond the sound of our words in prayer, our thoughts, attitude and desires are very significant. They give meaning to the words we say before God. So, prayer goes beyond the use of the right words. One may use the right words in prayer, but if the heart, attitude and dispositions are wrong before God, the prayer becomes empty babbling, the babbling of a hypocrite.

For instance, I cannot say: “Our” if I live a selfish, self-centred life, living only for myself. Nor can I say “Father” if my name is not in the Book of Life, in the family book of God in heaven. How can I say: “our Father which art in heaven” if I am laying up no treasure up there, if my heart and interests are all buried in earthly things? None is eligible to say: “Hallowed be Thy Name” if he is not daily striving, endeavouring to honour God alone in all he says and does. To say those words with any meaning before God we must, by words and deeds, be living daily in holiness. I cannot say: “Thy kingdom come” if I am not doing all in my power to hasten the coming of that kingdom, if I am not preparing for the arrival of the King. I cannot truly say: “Thy will be done” if I am deliberately rebelling against the revealed will of God in His Word. To pray from the heart, not merely from the head, our hearts must be united with God and His Word.

1. SANCTIFYING THE NAME OF GOD

Matthew 6:9; Isaiah 29:23,24; Exodus 20:7; Psalms 111:9; 29:2; 86:9-11; Ezekiel 36:21-28; 2 Timothy 2:19.

From the Greek, “hallowed be Thy Name ” means, ‘holy, sanctified, exalted, honoured be Thy Name’. To hallow the name of God is to count it as sacred, so set apart that we hold the matchless name of God in reverence. To hallow the name of God is to honour it, esteem it, reverence and adore it as divine and infinitely higher than any other name. It means that we “make no mention of the name of other gods” (Exodus 23:13; Joshua 23:7) but we always “praise the LORD, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted ” (Isaiah 12:4).

To hallow the name of God is to so respect it that you will not blaspheme the name, you will not take God’s name in vain or encourage others to take the name in vain (Exodus 20:7). Hallowing the name of God means that we so live, walk and work every time and everywhere “that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed” (1 Timothy 6:1). If “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you” (Romans 2:24), then you do not honour or hallow His name. We hallow, sanctify God’s name when we honour, esteem, exalt, adore, reverence that name and live in such a way that our neighbours respect God’s name and everything pertaining to God. Only then can we truly pray: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”

2. SUPPLICATION FOR THE REIGN OF GOD

Matthew 6:10; Mark 1:14,15; John 3:3-8; Romans 14:17-19; Matthew 6:33; Luke 19:11-13; 21:31-36; Revelation 11:15.

To pray, “Thy kingdom come” shows a desire for the arrival of God’s kingdom by a person who is completely dissatisfied with all the kingdoms of the world. We are eager to see the soon establishment of the kingdom of God to replace all earthly kingdoms. The one who prays, “Thy kingdom come” has experienced the peace of the Kingdom in his own heart; so, he desires this peace of the Kingdom for others and in the whole world. His prayer, “Thy kingdom come” is an expression of his willingness to do anything, to labour and to serve, to work alone and with others, to see to the establishment of God’s kingdom. He has surrendered to God’s rule and reign in his own heart and life; and he desires God to reign as King in all realms of mankind.

It takes deadness to self to pray like this because quite often, our prayers are filled with our own kingdoms, our own reign, our desires, aspirations and ambitions. Only those who have been transformed by the power of God’s grace and the change of heart has led to a complete abandonment of personal agenda for personal kingdom can truthfully and sincerely pray, “Thy kingdom come.” For the true believer, all that is within his heart cries out, “Thy kingdom come.” He desires the King of kings to reign in his heart and on earth.

3. SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF GOD

Matthew 6:10; Psalm 103:19-21; Matthew 7:21-23;1 John 2:15-17; Ephesians 6:6-8;

Psalms 143:10; 40:8-10; John 9:31; 1 John 5:14,15.

“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” God desires that His will be done by each of His children on earth, by all believers in Christ, by the whole church on earth, by all people on earth, as it is done by all angels in heaven. God’s desire and Christ’s provision through His full redemption is that each of us will know and do His will without any interruption as angels do His will in heaven. This is proof that our holiness and sanctification is His will. Nor is it God’s will that Christians be partially holy. “This is the will of God, even your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Holiness of heart and life is the will of God. Holiness in individuals and in the whole Church is the will of God. When the kingdom of God is established in our hearts and God reigns as King without a rival, our consuming desires and passion will be to do the will of God, always and all the days of our lives. Also in our prayers, we ask only “according to His will.” We do not want to have whatever is not His will for us. His perfect will, not a permissive will, is our desire and prayer. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”