Devotional

Day 7, Friday August 7, 2020

New beginning: divine destiny

1 Samuel 9:1-5

There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. 2 Kish had a son named Saul, as handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and he was a head taller than anyone else. 3 Now the donkeys belonging to Saul’s father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.” 4 So he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the area around Shalisha, but they did not find them. They went on into the district of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then he passed through the territory of Benjamin, but they did not find them. 5 When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, “Come, let’s go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.”

OBJECTIVE

To pray and intercede so that in these times of difficulties we can see the hand of God, we can know that we have a divine purpose in God, whether God has told us or not yet. Just because you are His son/daughter, God will be using your life and speaking to you and  you will be an instrument of service for others by bringing life, manifesting wisdom.

Saul's destiny was to look for sheep.

Before we find God's purpose for our lives we are going to be wandering around. On the outside, Saul had several good characteristics, but he did not have a divine destiny; he was a good looking, handsome and favored young man. What was a man with so many qualifications doing, looking for donkeys? This tells us of people who have not found their purpose in God and many times it is because they are slaves to the words of others. The way Saul became king does not imply that the Lord was not with Him.

I don't know how long you've been searching for what God hasn't told you.

We may think that we’re wasting time.

But Saul had a commission, that's where the word of Romans 8:28 is fulfilled - everything that happens in life has a purpose. Saul went through five regional areas looking for donkeys, but that was what led him into finding purpose.

We see another example in David. How did he come to kill the giant? It was because of his obedience of bringing food to his brothers. And the door to the palace was opened, why? for some cheeses that he brought to his brothers. In fact, his obedience took him to another level. He had to start in some way as an errand for his brothers, by serving others.

1 Samuel 9:6

 But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.”

Here is wisdom ... we have to be vigilant, because God can speak to you through a younger person. Solomon gives us the example of ants because he took the time to learn about their nature. The King of Scotland was removed from his throne and sent to an islet, a place with no growth. He had tried to regain his throne but could not do it. He saw a spider succeed on its fifth attempt to get to a branch, so the king took the spider’s example to regain his throne and made his throne stronger. Ants don't have a boss, but they have wisdom. The smallest things can teach us a lesson.

Sometimes there are no prophetic declarations, because we have forgotten his commandments

Verses 10:11-12

Saul wanted a divine response, but for this to be fulfilled, there had to be an offering. We see the example of the widow of Sarepta, a woman who had a spirit of death. You are the answer for someone who wants to die! The prophet asked for water, which was scarce. In fact, the drought was the prophet Elijah’s fault! Can you imagine? The widow didn't know who she was talking to. Her attitude was a self-prophesying destiny of death. But, even when she did not understand, she was obedient and gave him water. Your miracle is near, just reach out and receive it!

We see another example in the woman with the issue of blood. She had visited all the doctors, and she was getting worse until she heard about Jesus. It’s possible that the harder you try, the worse it will get. And many times, we put what should come first at last. But that prophet who was sent to her did not come to take something away from her, but to give her something. There is purpose in everything when we are in God’s hand.

Sixth day of fasting: Thursday, August 6, 2020

We need to be useful in the midst of chaos

Judges 3:31(NIV)

After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel.

Judges 3:31 (TM) 

Shamgar son of Anath came after Ehud. Using a cattle prod, he killed six hundred Philistines single-handed. He too saved Israel. Samgar delivered Israel from the Philistines.

OBJECTIVE.

It’s important to approach the Lord in prayer and to believe that God has a great purpose for our life. In these difficult times, we believe we can be useful and powerful instruments in the Lord's hands.

In this verse, we are introduced to a man who was determined to do his part to effect change. Nowadays, we see oppositions that try to deviate us from our purpose but God already believes in us. The most important thing in the kingdom is that He believes in you, and that you believe in yourself.

1. It’s so important to have a correct identity to perform our function in and for the kingdom. Samgar was not a judge. It says he was a chief or leader.
2. He had a conqueror's mentality. He saw six hundred opportunities to triumph. He was determined; all were exterminated. Through our journey, if we expect to conquer, we must stay filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and the presence of God in order to have an open mind.
3. Trust that it does not matter whether we are pastors or disciples. What really matters is to be certain that we are children of God with an assignment. Have assurance of your assignment. Wherever we are, we can fulfill what God has entrusted us.

Judges 5:6-7 

In the time of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the time of Jael, public roads were abandoned, travelers went by backroads. The field workers could not cultivate their own land.

The situation was difficult: there were problems with home sales, there was danger on the roads, there was conflict over food, there was a crisis everywhere.

A human government ruled by four powers was non-existent.

1. Political power = there was no king. We have a KING.
2. They had no military power = they did not have an army. We are an army.
3. Economic power = the economy was bankrupt, it was poor. Our currency is faith.
4. Religious power = they were not constant in their worship of God. We have decided to seek and worship Him.

It seems to me that we are living through something similar these days. In the midst of those circumstances SHAMGAR started from where he was: He was a field worker, he was not a military man, he was not a politician, he was not rich, and he was not religious.

How do I know that? by the tool he was using. He became a leader, but it didn't happen overnight. He led Israel through those four powers, even when he was none of them. He didn’t just sit around and wait for things to get better.

Your beginning starts from where you are now.

God has given you knowledge, wisdom, revelation.

We are called to be on alert and do whatever is within our reach.

God bless you.

Fifth day of fasting: Wednesday, August 5, 2020

I NEED THE ANOINTING!

Ephesians 4: 1-4, 4: 11-12 (NLT)

1  Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

OBJECTIVE:

To pray and ask the Holy Spirit to forgive us for not including Him in our way of living. To pray that the Holy Spirit brings us a powerful visitation in this time of transition.

I firmly believe that God wants us to understand that when He ascended, He did not leave us alone, but He sent us someone like Him.

God does not want us to grieve the Holy Spirit.

We all want a revival and we are going to see it when the Holy Spirit brings a VISITATION, but he does not stay because of the following reasons.

1) He does not stay when he is grieved. How do you grieve the Holy Spirit?

When we retain an offense against a brother. We have to examine ourselves to see if there is something that is affecting it, whether you are right or not.

2) When we are offended we do not realize that our heart is trapped by that offense 

and we tend to judge all things with an offended heart.

We need a healthy heart that is free. What is a free spirit? It is that one that is not imprisoned with anger, wrath, jealousy, envy, etc. All these works trap your spirit and therefore you cannot have communion with the Spirit of God.

3) All sensitivity is lost when our spirit is trapped by these works = sin.

John 6:63 (NTV)

The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life

How can a person grieve the Holy Spirit?

1) By ignoring Him. We must give full attention to Him, for He is not a thing, He is a 

person and He likes us to serve Him.

2) When we force him to see and hear what is against his will, watching lustful 

programs, being arrogant, speaking vain words, etc.

I think we all agree that if the church of God has ever needed power, that is NOW. Acts 1: 8 (NTV) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Our inheritance is not to be weak; however many of us have just settled. The power of the anointing helps us overcome anything. There is power in the anointing, but there is also a price to pay. The presence of the Holy Spirit guides us to live in the power of anointing, if we are willing to pay the price of obedience.

What is that price?

Acts 4:13 

They couldn’t take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus.

The key is to be with Jesus over and over again, constantly, not only in times of need; that is the objective of these prayers and fasting, to be with the Lord longer, to know him better and to have a fresh anointing.

The word accompanied by the anointing will sustain us for the rest of the time, we have to be prepared for any event.

The trials we face are to learn to obey God.

We need challenges to grow in character and anointing. Challenges are our friends because they bring us closer to God.

The more challenges, the more we pray, the more we fast, the more we intercede.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you because we grow in character through obedience and character will sustain the anointing to make sure it is not diluted.

If there is injustice, forgive; you have no right to hold offenses. He wants to be the owner of your whole being, He does not want a hotel, but a house that is clean and without bitterness.

Receive a fresh anointing today!

Fourth day of fast: Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

MODEL PRAYER TO RECEIVE WHAT WE ASK.

Matthew 6: 9-15 (NIV)

This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11  Give us today our daily bread. 12  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

OBJECTIVE:

To know that through prayer, we can break every fear that does not allow us to freely approach our Heavenly Father.

Everything I ask the father, he can give it to me, but I have to learn to ask for forgiveness as well as to forgive those who have offended me. And this time has been designed to offer God a heart that is pure and free of offenses; this is a time for the hearts to be healed in order to enjoy the three paternities that God has given us.

• Anointing is accomplished through prayer.
• The habit of intimate prayer brings us closer to the heart of God.
• Prayer is a dialogue with the Lord.
• Prayer leads us to know the Lord more.
• Prayer imparts an anointing to your life.
• The word of God says that He does not reject a heart that is contrite and humble.
• It also teaches us that we can freely enter into the presence of the Father.

The  Lord’s Prayer is the model for us to approach Him.

1) To come closer having the certainty that we are His children and He is our father.

To examine our hearts to make sure there are no conflicts about our paternity.

Many people find it difficult to approach God as a father because they were orphaned children, or did not know their father, or were rejected, or because the father died when they needed a father.

Meditate for a moment. How has your relationship with your biological father been? We cannot approach God as a father, if we have a broken soul, if we have resentment towards our biological father.

Many lose the blessing of the heavenly father, because there are fractures and the blessing is diluted therein.

God has provided us with: spiritual fatherhood, biological fatherhood, ministerial fatherhood.

2) Recognize that He is Holy. Hallowed be thy name.

3) Ask that his kingdom be established in our hearts.

4) Declare that HIS will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

5) We can approach him with faith to ask for the natural bread, but also to ask for 

the spiritual bread, which sustains us, we must always long for it. "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

6) Be certain that if we ask God to forgive us our sins or offenses, we are forgiven, 

but because we have also decided to forgive those who have offended us. If we do not forgive, we remain spiritually bound to the person we do not want to forgive.

7) Do not let us fall into temptation and deliver us from evil.

We are always tempted, that is why the Lord’s prayer is a guide, to be able to approach the father, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can stand firm.

He who thinks he is firm, see that he does not fall.

There is a mutual responsibility in the Lord’s prayer. Today more than eve, we need to have a prayer lifestyle. It is when you are in prayer that the Lord ministers his holy anointing to you.

Third day of fasting: Monday, August 3, 2020

I have decided to completely change to be like HIM!

Ephesians 4:22-24 

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

OBJECTIVE:

In every devotional, let’s take the opportunity to pray and learn more about the Lord. May we be one with Him in that intimacy. The purpose of fasting is to break chains of injustice, to destroy all those obstacles that do not let us advance to reach our prophetic destiny.

Nothing that happens on earth happens in vain, everything works out for good.

Romans 8:28 (NTV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.

We have to learn that everything that happens to us has a purpose which is for us to grow and mature. I have to make the decision to surrender and get rid of the old nature, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

WE WANT TO BE LIKE HIM.

If it is accompanied by internal changes, prayer is powerful when witnessing.

This isn’t always easy because it requires discipline. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can leave our old way of living behind and get rid of who we were because it was corrupted by the DESIRES OF THE FLESH.

Romans 13:12 (NTV)

12  The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

This is an exhortation that is related to what is expected at the end of this age, the arrival of the new day, that is, the return of Christ.

This is a time to be prepared and to be formed like him.

It is time to get rid of the old, to stop doing what we are doing, and to get rid of it.

Romans 13:13-14

13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

The word teaches us what we have to get rid of these things in order to become like Him.

Our goal is to reach the perfect humanity that is conformed to the full stature of Christ.

Confessing Jesus as our Savior is the beginning of a process of transformation. It’s the doorway when embarking on a journey with the word and power of the Holy Spirit to reach maturity.

HOW CAN I TELL IF I AM A NEW CREATION (have a new nature)?

1) I decide to take off the dirty garments and put on the garment of God. God has 

already done everything. Now, we are facing ourselves for changes.

I have to warfare against myself to destroy those obstacles, for my own good.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NTV)

17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2) I renew my way of thinking.

3) I renew my thoughts to make a fair judgment and not judge people.

4) I manifest a life or righteousness and purity, based on God’s word.

5) I stop saying lies to my neighbor and God.

6) I can get angry, but I do not have to stay like that.

7) He who used to steal, stops stealing from his neighbor and from God.

8) We stop speaking obscene words and start speaking words that edify others.

9) We allow the Holy Spirit to rule our life.

10) The life of the Kingdom is DETERMINATION.

Ephesians 4:31-32 

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Nowadays, because of the way we live our life in Christ, in an environment where we no longer have the freedom to lay hands on people, each child of the kingdom is being taught by God and the Holy spirit in order to have a daily personal TRANSFORMATION.

Today, you have the opportunity before the Lord to RESOLVE to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

CONCLUSION

1 Corinthians 15:49

And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we[g] bear the image of the heavenly man.

Amen.