Day Eight of our Twenty-One Day Journey: Ask God for a Strategy.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

Today we are on day number eight (8) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, you have conquered one week and are well on your way to achieving what God has called you to. You are to be commended. You are doing very well. I want to encourage you, drink as much water as possible, and least 10 to 12 glasses of water today. Have your bowl of soup and remember to pray from your prayer list. You want to be specific about what you would like God to do for you.

Beloved, during this fast you have written your prayer list. You have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve this year. I have often found that many times my purpose is not the problem. I have often made a mess of things in the way I tried to achieve a goal. You can do the right thing the wrong way and still not achieve the goal. Well, I am resolved to live life on purpose and not by mistake. Let’s take a look at the word of God.

King James Version

Ezra 8:21 ¶ Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

Ezra, the main character of this text, a priest and a leader of God’s people, proclaimed a fast. He proclaimed a fast and like us, had specific goals and intended to do some spectacular things. There was no ambiguity as to what he should do. His goal was clear. He wanted to lead his people back to Israel and teach the law of God. So what he had to do was not what he was praying for, not what he was afflicting his body (fasting) for. What he asked of God was for the right way for him to achieve his goal. Many of you know what you want to do, but how to get there is not clear. So what we are asking for is not our purpose, it is for the right strategy. Ezra prayed for strategy. I believe in 2012 this is a relevant prayer. I need to seek from God the proper strategy to reach every goal on my list. I want to draw closer to God. Well I do not want to fumble around for half a year experimenting on how to get closer to him. I will simply ask God for the “right way” to get closer to him. If I want that management position on my job, I really need to ask God to show me the “right way” to achieve this goal. As you pray to God during this fast, ask God for a strategy.

New Living Translation

Psa. 69:32 The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.

We want the right path. Seek God’s help and be encouraged.

Remember to take the time to pray today and communicate with God. Pray from your list. Drink as much water as you can.

Also beloved, I want to encourage you early in the week to make plans to bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. I said this on Saturday, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and ask God for a strategy to get them to church. Then work the plan. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
Yours Because I am His,
Leo Colon
pastor@ihpfwc.org
www.ihpfwc.org