Lesson 54 of 90
I can count on one hand the number of times anyone has given me a prophetic word. And because it is so rare, I remember, almost verbatim what the prophet or those working in the prophetic gifting have shared with me. The second word I received in my life was my position in the body of Christ as an Oracle. At the time I wondered what that meant, later in life I wondered when I would start.
Then came social media and I found it to be the perfect platform to speak to my children the words of wisdom that I think are important, the words I want to reiterate, and the words that I know they’ll appreciate later in life if not today—and social media was the perfect indirect approach.
What I didn’t realize is how many people would find short prayers and reminders of life beneficial. If my children never responded or reposted what they read for them, countless others did! You see, initially, I thought social media was in and of itself a gigantic waste of valuable time. What I didn’t realize was, herein was the forum God would use to speak into lives as an oracle.
I found out much later that my natural children were glancing at posts while others were benefiting. With this in mind, I wanted to capture what would expire over time into something my children, and you, could reference forever.
Some of the sayings you may have heard before and others you may have known but never really considered. Regardless, my prayer is that you enjoy each page, as I’m direct, facetious and principled. Just know I speak from the heart of a mother with good intentions towards you.
Let the read bless your life and know little tweaks here and there, or a complete overhaul in personality can make the difference in having a fulfilled existence or a life denied of the many benefits available to you as a believer.
Now, the Words of an Oracle...
Dear Woman,
Like the Apostles wrote letters to the early church, these are the posts I made on social media and elaborated as a letter just for you. They are designed to inspire and provoke you to be, do and have everything God intended for your life. Some days are a reminder, others are an admonishment, but each day is designed to encourage you.
Sometimes we just need to be encouraged. We can know the Truth and know what’s right, but a reminder is always refreshing. This devotional is designed to be just that—refreshing.
LESSON 54
While most people completely understand what it means to make adjustments for personal change, make proposals for widespread change, or boycott and strike for social change, few appreciate the value a sacrifice to God has for guaranteed change. Yet, fasting and praying has been and continues to be the most effective way to demonstrate a confidence and consciousness in the presence and power of God, which always yields results.
A decision to sacrifice food or pleasure in order to get God’s attention is a demonstration of faith and assurance in the God who sees, hears and answers the cry of His people. I’m reminded of Cornelius in the book of Acts, chapter 10. He was a devout centurion of the Italian regimen who always prayed and gave generous alms to the poor; yet, after a time of fasting, God instructed Peter to share the Gospel with him, so that in the end, Cornelius’ whole family and friends heard the Gospel, received the Holy Spirit and were baptized! Theirs was an unlikely meeting that ushered change for and within both men.
The good news is, in the same way that Peter concluded that “God shows no partiality”, we can embrace a principle that what God has done for one He will do for another. Literally, just as Cornelius’ time of fasting and praying demonstrated an act of faith in God’s ability to intervene, our time of fasting and praying will demonstrate the same. Even more, just as Cornelius’ sacrifice was the precursor of salvation for his family and friends, our sacrifice could be the posture that evokes a change of heart and mind within those we love and care for too.
Rather than relying on intellect, instincts or ingenuity, fasting and praying is the best response to those unyielding, complex and tough situations in life; because therein, God is invited to direct our steps, open our eyes of understanding, defend us where necessary and lead us in the way that we should go. He’s always ready and willing to intervene in the affairs of man, especially when man conscientiously calls upon Him!
As an example, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream in Daniel 2 that he expected the wise men to recount and interpret, or be killed. Shocked by the ultimatum, the wise men said, “There is not a man on earth who can tell the king’s matter…except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh”. As true as this was, Daniel knew that our God would answer, so he banded together with his friends to begin fasting and praying; from that sacrifice, God revealed the dream and gave its interpretation.
The God we serve has not changed! He is able to bring about change and give solutions to situations and circumstances for which we do not have the answers! When we begin fasting and praying, we’re showing dependence upon Him, and asking for His intervention in areas of concern and areas that offer false security.
Every opportunity given to join with others to fast and pray is an opportunity to see the change needed and desired in life. Set your heart to make the sacrifice with diligence and expectation, when you do, you’ll welcome God’s presence, experience His power and see change!
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