Tag Archives: God’s will for your life

Fast Pray Vote

Posted on November 3, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Over the past month, several pastors across the nation have urged their members to fast and pray in the days leading up to the 2020 Election. Pastor Jentezen Franklin started a movement known as Fast, Pray, Vote. In previous years, pastor Franklin starts the beginning of each year with a 21 day fast that he encourages his congregation to participate. Whether it’s a Daniel Fast, Media Fast or Fluid only Fast, this spiritual discipline opens hearts and minds to God’s will for your life, Romans 12:1-2.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept and mourned for days and fasted and prayed [constantly] before the God of heaven, 5 And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, Who keeps covenant, loving-kindness, and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments, Nehemiah 1:4-5.

One of the most famous passages in the Bible on fasting occurs in the Old Testament.  After the Jewish exile to Babylon, Nehemiah served as one of the king’s servants. One day a messenger sent news to Nehemiah, reporting the sad state of Israel’s current condition. The wall protecting Jerusalem was broken down and the gates were on fire. Just like recent news reports of civil unrest and rioting within large metropolitan cities, broken hearts are inspiring modern Christians to also fast and pray today.

Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to listen to the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You day and night for the Israelites, Your servants, confessing the sins of the Israelites which we have sinned against You. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned, Nehemiah 1:6.

As Election Day arrives, concerned hearts feel the need to fast and pray for America’s future. In an age of political divisiveness, prayer may be the only source to unite a country divided by politics. Regardless of who is to blame for this division, the Bible urges disciples of Jesus to follow the golden rule, Matthew 7:12. However, when individuals believe in and support a candidate that offends you, loving others as God loves us is probably the last thing on your mind. Thus, if you truly want to make a difference on election day and in the years to come, Fast, Pray and Vote.

by Jay Mankus

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Believing in a Move of God

Posted on August 26, 2018 by expressyourself4him

When I am depressed, frustrated or find myself falling into bad habits, I cry out to God.  This prayer in the form of a Hail Mary, a sports related phrase, doesn’t always work.  The best way to explain this lack of response from God is that I have already made up my mind, not open to applying God’s advice.  Until I reach the point of a contrite heart, turning 180 degrees from sin toward God, the Lord isn’t ready to take me serious.

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved! – Psalm 80:19

During periods of the Old Testament, Israel was waiting on a movement of God.  The Bible refers to this process as a revival, where God resuscitates, restores and relaunches souls back on track toward God’s will for your life.   However, Individuals must display acts of contrition before a move of God will commence.  An Old Testament prophet eludes to this principle in Isaiah 1:15-20.  Isaiah talks about a time when God will not answer your prayers.  According to Isaiah, until you wash yourself by purging evil from your life, God will not bless your life or move in a mighty way.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? – Psalm 85:6

The author of Hebrews adds one key step to jump starting a move of God, belief must come first.  This first century apostle states that you can’t please God unless faith in God is acted upon.  This is why many Christians end up falling short of experiencing the abundant life of Christ, John 10:10.  Hebrews 11 serves as the Bible Hall of Fame as each candidate is recognized by the faith they displayed.  If this blog finds you like me, frustrated and hopeless, may these promises in the Bible revive you so that a move of God will uplift your soul and re-energize your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Maximizing the Moment

Posted on December 31, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Time can be a friend or a foe.  Timing can be on your side or about to run out on the next Cinderella.  As a new year approaches, I have been pondering the best strategy to maximize each moment.  The apostle Paul provides advice to take advantage of the days you are given on this earth.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:15-16.

If you want to practice Carpe Diem, “seize the day,” a careful examination is necessary.  Reflecting each night before you go to sleep can help individuals determine how well or poorly your time was spent.  Paul uses the word walk, referring to how you invested your time.  What did you do, say or which opportunities did you let slip away?  This daily self evaluation serves as a method to improve your use of time in the future.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is, Ephesians 5:17.

The second aspect you must consider is God’s will for your life.  Are you doing what God created you to do or have you been wandering in the wilderness, not sure what to do or where to go next?  Ascertaining God’s will brings purpose and meaning to life, enabling you to begin to maximize each moment.  Sure, there will be detours, dead ends and rock blocks that you will face, but those who discover God’s will often press on to the end.  May 2018 be the year God’s Holy Spirit opens your eyes, Galatians 5:25, to find your place in this world so that maximizing the moment becomes reality.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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