Contending for the Atmosphere
by Kimberly Johnson
America is in a time of turmoil. We, the saints of God, must learn how to be wise in battle in this season. Our attitude and posture of prayer will determine how we move ahead in the future. Like many of you, I am distraught by the decisions that are being made in our nation's capital. In my frustration one morning, I asked the Lord why I was having a hard time coming up with a strategy for prayer. Here is what He said:
You are concerned about a strategy for a man.
I am concerned about the heart of a nation.
Immediately, I had to repent for having my focus in the wrong place. I had been duped by the political spirit. I had become ensnared by it's dissolution and thought I needed to target my arrow of prayer from the ground level. But God's ways are higher than ours! He wants us to war from a heavenly perspective. In the midst of the elections and current media input, many have become engrossed with daily workings of the structure of politics. We've been shooting from the hip, when He wants to us shoot with an eagle eye. We need a perspective change.
"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord."
-Ephesians 5:6-10
The Lord never called us to be rulers of the world system. He called us to be ambassadors of His Kingdom. Therefore, we must have God's perspective to pray effectively. We must realize that the Kingdom of Heaven is our kingdom. This means that Father, Son, Holy Ghost and all the myriads of angelic hosts they have at their command are warring with us. When we pray from heaven's perspective we release a force greater than any political system into the earthly realm. God deals with the sons of disobedience, while you are called to walk as a child of light. Lord, give us eyes to see and understanding to partner with You!
I want to challenge you today to contend for the atmosphere in America. The Church is to be a light in the midst of darkness. As kingdoms clash, we must stand firm in knowing our kingdom prevails. Ask the Lord to show you His concerns about the heart of America. Ask Him how He wants you to affect the heart of your nation.
On the wall of America,
Kim Johnson
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21 Day Fast Called
Word from Chuck Pierce
Last Monday, while the team was on the U.S./Mexico Border, I heard the Lord say, "FAST for 21 DAYS!" Now, the Lord has to speak this clearly and loudly for me to hear this call. He said to me, "You are in a war that you have not gained clear strategy for victory."
Fasting is going without food or drink voluntarily, usually for spiritual purposes. Fasting can be done as a sign of distress, grief, or repentance. In the law, there was only one time designated for fasting. The Day of Atonement, or "the Fast," as it was called in Acts 27:9, was required for sanctification. Moses did not eat bread or drink water during the 40 days and 40 nights he was on Mount Sinai receiving the law (Ex 34:28). Voluntary group fasts (not specified in the law) were engaged in during times of war (Judg 20:26, 1 Sam 7:6). Jehoshaphat called for a fast in all Israel when opposed by the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chron 20:3). Those about to return with Ezra from the Captivity fasted at the river of Ahava in the face of the dangers faced on the journey (Ezra 8:21,23). Esther and the Jews of Shushan (or Susa) fasted when faced with the destruction planned by Haman (Est. 4:3,16; 9:31).David fasted after hearing that Saul and Jonathan were dead (2 Sam. 1:12). Nehemiah fasted and prayed upon learning that Jerusalem had remained in ruins since its destruction (Neh. 1:4). Darius, the king of Persia, fasted all night after placing Daniel in the lions' den (Dan 6:18).Going without food or water was not always effective in accomplishing the desires of those who fasted. In Isaiah 58:3,4, the people complained that they had fasted and that God had not responded favorably (Isa 58:3-4). Isaiah explained that God needed to choose their fast and results.
There are many ways to fast. You can do a Daniel fast where only fruit and vegetables are your sustenance. You can do a liquid fast. You can fast from an activity. You can do one day or three days. I do not encourage an absolute fast (like Esther) without getting some counseling and medical advice. The real issue is this: "Let God choose! We are in something bigger than we know that must shift now!"
In the New Testament, Anna at the Temple "served God with fastings and prayers night and day" (Luke 2:37). John the Baptist led his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18). Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights before His temptation (Matt 4:2). Using a marriage-feast comparison, however, Jesus insisted that fasting was not suitable for His disciples as long as He, the Bridegroom, was with them (Matt 9:14-15; Mark 2:18-20; Luke 5:33-35). Cornelius was fasting at the time of his vision (Acts 10:30). The church in Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on the first missionary journey with fasting and prayer (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas prayed with fasting at the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23). Paul suggested that husbands and wives might abstain from sexual intercourse to give themselves to fasting and prayer (1 Cor 7:5).
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863 680-3191
Walk in Light Ministries, Inc. is a member of Revelation 22 Apostolic Alliance, Glory of Zion International's Zion Connect, and Global Spheres.
