DAY 28: TUESDAY
*TOPIC:PRODUCTIVITY AND CAREER*
*BIBLE TEXT(S): Genesis 1:28, John 15:5*

INTRODUCTION: Productivity is one of the mandate God gave to His children. It is not negotiable; it is a command. And if you are a true child of God all you need to do in order to be productive is to abide in the Lord who gave the command.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, let the anointing for obedience and prosperity fall upon me as it was with Abraham, in Jesus name. Genesis 24:35

2. Father, please deliver me and my family from the spirit of nonproductive, in the name of Jesus. – Deuteronomy 1:40-46

3. Father, You are the source of productivity, l hide in You. Help me to be productive in my career, in Jesus name.

4. Father, in my career help me to be faithful, for it is required of a steward to be found faithful, in Jesus name. – 1Corinthians 4:2

5. Father, help me to pursue my career according to Your standard for the glory of Your name, in Jesus name. Colossians 3:17, 23.

6. Father, in all my career let me seek the kingdom of heaven first, in the name of Jesus. Matthew 6:33

7. Father, help me to abide in You at all-time, never to allow anything to disconnect me, in Jesus name. – John 15:5

8. Father, in these evil days, please strengthen me to walk wisely making the best use of my time, in Jesus name. – Philippians 4:13, Ephesians 1:5

9. Father, in my career grant me wisdom so that my light will shine brighter and brighter to the glory of Your Name in Jesus name. – Daniel 1:20, Matthew 5:16

10. Father, as Your hand was with Isaac let Your hand be with me for favour, in Jesus name. – Genesis 26:2

11. Father, in my career help me to always have a positive influence on the people, in Jesus name.

12. Father, help me to always think of being a blessing to others in the name of Jesus. – Ephesians 2:10

13. Father, give me a heart that is committed to serve like Jesus, in Jesus name. – Matthew 20:26-28

14. Father, in my career help me to enjoy the fruit of my labour. May l not disappear before my glory will appear in the name of Jesus. – Ecclesiastes 3:13

15. Father, no matter how hard the situation, may I never quit or give up in trusting in You, in Jesus name. – Proverbs 24:10, 2Chronicles 15:7, Hebrews 10:38

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 7 FEBRUARY 2023 MEMORIZE: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrew 13:8

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 7 FEBRUARY 2023 BIBLE READING MALACHI 3:6

[6]For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 7 FEBRUARY 2023 MESSAGE

There is no reason for God to change His status. He stands by His word and keeps to His promise. His mercy is everlasting, and His word is “Ye and Amen.” He said in Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth may pass away, but my word will never pass away.”

If you are in any situation and you are questioning the sovereignty of God, it is the devil’s plan, and you should reject it. Things might not be going as planned, but one thing is certain, the will of God for your life will definitely come to pass at the appropriate time.

God is not a human who would promise and fail you. He knows your future, and He is working things out for you. So, I want you to bear in mind that God will never change and that all He has promised you will be fulfilled. Just hold on, He will see you through.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 7 FEBRUARY 2023 ACTION POINT

Ask God to fulfill His promises in your life and family.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 7 FEBRUARY 2023 HYMN

O LORD MY GOD! WHEN AM IN AWESOME WONDER

1. O lord my God!
When am in awesome wonder,
consider all
The worlds thy hands hath made
I see the stars,
I heard the rolling thunder
Thy pow’r thro’ out
The universe displayed

2. And when I think
That God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die
I scare can take it in;
That on the cross,
My burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died
To take away my sin.

3. Then through the woods
And forest glads I wander,
And hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the tress;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;

4. When Christ shall come
With shout of acclamation
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
My God how great Thou art!

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 7 FEBRUARY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: NUMBERS 1-2

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 6 FEBRUARY 2023 MEMORIZE: So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. Ezra 8:23

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 6 FEBRUARY 2023 BIBLE READING MARK 9:28-29

[28]And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

[29]And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Adults devotional: Open Heaven 6 February 2023

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 6 February 2023

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 6 February 2023

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 6 FEBRUARY 2023 MESSAGE

Fasting is a necessity for every Christian to gain access to power. The Bible lays emphasis on the importance of fasting and how it fuels our prayer life. In today’s Bible text, the disciples were confused about why they couldn’t cast out a demon while Jesus did it effortlessly. He responded that some miracles will not happen unless by fasting and praying.

Fasting also helps one to easily do the will of God. Beloved, we are in the end time, and satan is trying everything to make Sure that many Christians don’t make it to Heaven. Therefore, you must be more vigilant and put yourself under divine constraints by fasting.

Fasting is not meant for pastors, parents or leaders only, but for every Christian who doesn’t want the flesh to hinder him/her spending eternity with God. Also, fasting helps one to draw closer to God and become more powerful spiritually. So, make it a habit to fast at least once a week.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 6 FEBRUARY 2023 ACTION POINT

Fast today and pray for 10 minutes every hour till you break your fast.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 6 FEBRUARY 2023 HYMN

O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED

1. O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou for ever near me,
My Master and my Friend:
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.

2. O let me feel Thee near me;
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

3. O let me hear Thee speaking
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
O speak and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.

4. O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in Glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow
My Master and my Friend.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 6 FEBRUARY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LEVITICUS 26-27

Beloved, we are delighted that you are joining us again today. We always look forward to your participation. Please declare these declarations with faith and trust that God will bring them to fruition. Amen!

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed by these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

 life-changing prayer! Please contact us at [email protected] today.

HAPPY NEW MONTH: PRAYERS & DECLARATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2023

Join today’s:  RCCG 50 DAYS PRAYERS AND FASTING GUIDE 6 FEBRUARY 2023

Join today’s Devotion: Open Heavens 6 February 2023

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 6 February 2023

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today that I do not trust in chariots or in horses. I have only one source of protection that cannot fail and that is the protection from God Himself. He keeps me under the shadow of His wings and I find refuge in Him therefore nothing by any means touches me and my household, neither does any plague come near our dwelling in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare that I arise and I shine because my light has come in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I do not seek shelter and security in horses, chariots, men, spirits, or demons. My trust, hope, and security is in the Lord Most High, who made heaven and earth.

I decree and declare that I do not give the enemy access into my life to steal, kill, or destroy me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I sleep with both eyes closed; no evil can befall me, because I dwell in God’s secret place in Jesus name.

I decree and I declare that I dwell in the secret place of the Most High and I abide in the shadow of the Almighty in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I am empowered and filled with grace to pray continually and not faint in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I ask and keep asking, I knock and keep knocking, I seek and keep seeking until my joy is full in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I won’t ever give up praying. God is not reluctant to give me my desires but with my constant prayer in faith, I am building a cloud of blessings that will soon break out upon me in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that until my cloud breaks, I won’t stop praying. Until my joy is full, I won’t stop knocking on heavens door. I will Keep pressing in the spirit until my answer comes in Jesus mighty name.

I decree and declare that as this month progresses, all the problems confronting me wrap up in the name of Jesus.

Thank You Father for your son Pastor E. A Adeboye, and how You keep using him world wide. Lord may Your grace be multiplied to him and may You cause an increase to every seed You have planted through him. Lord of peace, may You grant him and his family peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16). May You equip him with everything good for doing Your will, and may You work in him what is pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. I ask You to deliver him from people who have wrong motives. I also pray that he will have joy in his ministry; and that he will always feel strong and refreshed in his spirit, soul, and body. I decree and declare may the wisdom and inspiration of the Almighty upon him never cease and the grace of God will continually dwell with him and his entire household, may they continue to enjoy Your faithfulness in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare heaven responds to these prayers and declaration as I say them and I receive answers in Jesus name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst, please continue to inspire the intercessory team for more prophetic declarations. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these declarations, please continue to inspire them for more prophetic declarations in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Lord for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please Lord, perfect everything that concerns them and make them great, in this new year, expand and move the platform  forward for Your Kingdom. Grant the workers wisdom and inspiration on how to expand in Jesus name. Jesus name.

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these prayers. May they be permanent in Jesus name.

Father, let everybody joining in to say this declarations all over the world experience great miracles throughout this month. May we have numerous testimonies in Jesus name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow.

Beloved, we are delighted that you are joining us again today. We always look forward to your participation. Please declare these declarations with faith and trust that God will bring them to fruition. Amen!

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed by these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

 life-changing prayer! Please contact us at [email protected] today.

HAPPY NEW MONTH: PRAYERS & DECLARATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2023

Join today’s:  RCCG 50 DAYS PRAYERS AND FASTING GUIDE 6 FEBUARY 2023

Today’s Devotional: Open Heavens 6 February 2023

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 6 February 2023

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today that I do not trust in chariots or in horses. I have only one source of protection that cannot fail and that is the protection from God Himself. He keeps me under the shadow of His wings and I find refuge in Him therefore nothing by any means touches me and my household, neither does any plague come near our dwelling in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

Oh Lord my God, how excellent is Your Name in all the earth. Great are You and greatly to be praised. Be exalted forever in the name of Jesus.

Father, I ask that You forgive my sins and keep me away from iniquity in Jesus name.

Oh Lord, avenge me of mine adversaries and all they that afflict me in the name of Jesus.

Father, by the blood of Jesus I reject every link I have with demon spirits and I ask that You break the link between me and them. Even if it is a legal access, I renounce it and ask for mercy in Jesus name.

Father, I want to dwell in Your secret place. Help me to spend quality time with You daily That I may abide under Your shadow in Jesus name.

Father, please put me under Your shadow from today in Jesus’ name.

Father, as I keep praying and waiting for my blessing to come, let patience do a perfect work in me and let it be completed as I press deeper into the spirit in Jesus mighty name.

Oh Lord, as I say these daily prayers faithfully, let my strength be increased and let my relationship with You grow more in Jesus name.

Oh Lord, let my years of prayers and continuous prayers come up to You like an incense and let answers be released upon my life in the name of Jesus.

Oh Lord, bless Your son Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him, guide him on the path, help him remain focused, bless his entire household, and fulfill all Your promises for their liberation and ministry, Lord of peace, may You grant him and his family peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16). May You equip him with everything good for doing Your will, and may You work in him what is pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. I ask You to deliver him from people who have wrong motives, I also pray that he will have joy in his ministry; and that he will always feel strong and refreshed in his spirit, soul, and body. in Jesus’ name.

Thank You for the benefactors and beneficiaries on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Father, I ask that fresh fire falls upon them, that they will be set ablaze for You.

Thank You Father for the intercessory team and the online platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG) and that which You have put in their hearts, I pray that You make them flaming swords to bring men to Your kingdom and shut down the works of darkness in the name of Jesus.

Father, bless everyone dedicating their time to pray through these prayers & declarations at the point of their needs. Give them the grace to share/rebroadcast, in Jesus’ name.

Thank You, Lord,  for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please Lord, perfect everything that concerns them and makes them great, in this new year, expand and move the platform forward for Your Kingdom. Grant the workers wisdom and inspiration on how to expand in Jesus’ name. Jesus name.

Lord all those who have been rebroadcasting these prayers and declarations, give them the grace to keep up with this good work of Faith, in the name of Jesus.

By faith, appreciate God for answered prayers. Your testimonies are undeniable in Jesus’ name.

Father, let every challenge, hindrance, and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

Submit yourself and your personal petitions to God. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

See you here tomorrow.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 FEBRUARY 2023 MEMORIZE: And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead?Isaiah 8:19

OPEN HEAVEN 6 FEBRUARY 2023 BIBLE READING PSALMS 91:1-16

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 FEBRUARY 2023 MESSAGE

The world has become such an unsafe place that everyone needs to move around with some form of protection. Those who are rich enough often employ armed bodyguards but this can never be sufficient. Some other people choose to go to the devil for protection but this would always land them into much more trouble.

I recall the story of a boy in my village who was always getting bitten by snakes. We later found out that his father had taken him to an oracle for protection against snake bites; that was the beginning of the incessant snake bites.

John 10:10 says that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. The devil is your enemy; don’t be fooled when he says he wants to protect you. His ultimate goal is to steal from you, kill you and destroy you.

A woman once brought her four daughters to us for prayers. The youngest was 28 years old and no man had approached any of them to ask for their hand in marriage. After a little investigation, the woman confessed that, to protect her children from dying, she had consecrated them to the if a oracle. What she did not know is that, by so doing, she had simply given the if a oracle new wives. We prayed and God broke the link between the girls and the oracle. The four of them got married within a year.

The devil is your enemy; don’t go to him for protection. There is only one real source of protection that cannot fail and that is the protection from God Himself. Being the Almighty means that He is mightier than the mightiest. Matthew 28:18 says Jesus has all power in heaven and on earth. Philippians 2:10 says that just at the mention of His name, every knee in heaven, on earth and underneath the earth should bow.

That includes physical and spiritual enemies. This same God said in Hebrews 13:5 “… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” When He is protecting you, you can sleep with both eyes closed; no evil can befall you, because you dwell in His secret place (Psalm 91:1).

Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High spend quality time with Him daily. They are the ones who abide under His shadow.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 FEBRUARY 2023 PRAYER POINT

Father, please put me under Your shadow from today in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 FEBRUARY 2023 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 6 FEBRUARY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LEVITICUS 26-27

In these series of articles about fasting, we have covered topics like what is fasting?, benefits of fasting, and the ways to maximize fasting. We still have more enlightening and edifying articles for you relating to the subject of fasting and other subjects.

Today, we are going to be looking at what fasting is not.

Many people know what fasting is or they have an idea what it means but do they know what fast is NOT?

There are some misconceptions and wrong ideas about fasting and we will be debunking them today to help you understand fasting better and do it the right way.

What A Spiritual Fast Is Not?

1. A Spiritual fast is not a diet

If you fast for a long period of time and commit to it, you are likely going to lose some weight and get other health benefits.

While fasting has health benefits and helps people curtail their appetite for food, that is not the essence of a spiritual fast.

It is important that your focus remains on God and taking out distractions as you commune with Him.

It is not wrong to fast solely for the purpose of losing weight but if it is a spiritual fast, do not focus on the health benefits above the spiritual benefits.

2. A Spiritual fast is not a show off

Jesus Christ taught that when we fast we must be careful not to do it for the sake of accolades or to get pity from people (Matthew 6:16).

A fast is not a time a show how righteous or spiritual you are.

Your fasting makes you more disciplined spiritually but it does not make you more righteous. Jesus Christ already did that.

Let your fasting be void of the urge to show your righteousness or strength.

3. A spiritual fast is not a tool to force God

Many people engage in fasting and prayer with the wrong mindsets.

They think it is a way to twist God’s arm and force Him to work.

One thing you must understand is that fasting changes situations and changes you but it does not change God.

Your fast can grant you more power to pray and weild your authority over situations and systems but it does not cajole or force God.

Thinking fasting can force God to work will leave you frustrated.

4. It is not a hunger strike.

A hunger strike is when a person stays away from food for extended periods of time for whatever reason but pays no attention to God.

When you decide to go on a fast or join the church’s fast, and you refrain from food and go about your day normally but do not study the Bible or pray, you are on a hunger strike.

A fast is a time to pray, study the bible and seek the face of the Lord.

When a fast does not involves intentional elements of devotion to God such as times of prayers and time spent in the Word of God, it is a hunger strike.

Fasting to seek God’s face does a lot to us. It helps us rid ourselves of noise and distractions, and helps our spirit grow above our flesh.

This is why it is important to do it right.

When we fast rightly, above material blessings, God is our reward and we let Him move in our lives.

Fasting is essential for every believer’s spiritual growth.

It is important that you fast regularly especially at the start of the year like this.

It is important to know that there are different kinds of fasting and some of them are recognized in scripture or in line with scriptural principles.

In this article (insert benefits of fasting article link), we shared the benefits of fasting and one of them is that fasting helps you focus on God.

The goal of fasting is not starvation, but a heightened sensitivity to God and to grow your spirit man.

Thus, you can achieve this even when you do not engage in fasting away from food due to reasons like your health status.

Depending on your goals and health status, you can choose one of the types of fasting below.

You may not be able to engage in the conventional fasting but you can use any of these options and seek God’s face and you will achieve the same results.

Types Of Fasting

1) Normal Fasting

“Normal fasting” refers to usual or common fast Christians undergo that involves staying away from all kinds of food for some hours in the day and then eating again by evening.

This is the common and most widely known fast, and most likely the one practiced in scripture.

However, there are other fasts people can engage in.

2) White fasting

This is another kind of fasting and it involves not eating any highly processed white food products like white rice, bread, pasta, flour, potatoes, etc.

Generally, whole grain products should be avoided.

This kind of fast does not stop you from eating everything but it limits what you can eat, curbs your appetite, and disciplines you.

3) Daniel’s fast

This is similar to white fasting but it is derived from Daniel’s actions in the palace in Babylon in the book of Daniel 1:5-16.

This Fast is a partial kind that involves a strict vegan diet that forbids consumption of leavened bread, processed food, animal products, caffeine, and alcoholic substances for a long period of time. Usually, 10–21 days.

People who are unable to fast from all kinds of food due to health reasons can adopt the Daniel fast.

4) Social media fast

In a world where many have become addicted to their mobile devices and social media pages, fasting away from social media often has become a necessity.

A social media fast is simply staying away from social media for a period of time for the purpose of focusing on God and spending time with him.

Although this is not related to food, it is a necessary fast believers should undergo often.

5) Dry fasting

A dry fast is an extreme fast and it is not advisable for everyone especially people who are aged or have health issues.

It is an extreme version of fast where people stay away from food and water intake for a period of time.

Scientifically, no matter how strong you are, you should not engage in a dry fast for longer than 3 days. In scripture, we see personalities like Jesus and Moses undergoing dry fasting for 40 days and nights.

Although this kind of fasting builds discipline in you and has been claimed to aid weight loss, build immunity and improve mental well-being, it should not be done if you have a strenuous job or engaging commitments.

Did you learn something new today? Let us know in the comments section below.

When the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse is inevitable.
It is necessary to understand the purpose of the things we do even as Christians to help us engage then with more intentionality.

In this period of fasting, it is essential to understand why true Bible encourages fasting.

This article will give you insight into the different reasons for fasting as seen in scripture.

These reasons will help you realign your focus and understand the purpose of your fast. It will also tell you what occasions in life require that you fast.

Reasons For Fasting As Seen In The Bible

1. Repentance (Joel 2:12)
From time past in the old Testament, fasting has been a way God’s people show remorse for their sinful actions and repentance from it.

Fasting, putting on sack clothes and rubbing ashes on their bodies have been common practice biblically.

It shows true repentance and readiness to turn away from sin and to God.

2. Guidance (Luke 4:2, Ezra 8:23, Acts 13:3)

Biblically, people have a loss embarked on periods of fasting to seek God for guidance and direction.

Either when embarking on a significant journey, or before making important decisions.

Jesus did it, Moses did it, and the early church as well.

3. Healing/deliverance (Isaiah 58, Matt 17:21)

Healing and deliverance is another biblical reason for fasting and prayers.

Scriptures have shown us through the life of many and even the words of Jesus Himself that certain challenges, diseases, and spirits will only be overcome through fasting and prayer.

4. Seeking God’s Face

Biblically, people also fast to seek the face of God and fellowship with Him.

We are not only to seek God when we are in need. We are to seek Him to know Him better and fellowship with Him.

5. Waiting on the Lord (Luke 2:37)

Fasting is also a way to wait on God for His promises.

People like Anna the prophetess in the Bible fasted and prayed until they saw God’s promise manifest physically.

These 5 reasons are the primary reasons for fasting.
Yours can be more than 1 of them. The important thing is to know your reason and be intentional about your fast.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 FEBRUARY 2023 MEMORIZE: Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Psalm 42:5

OPEN HEAVEN 7 FEBRUARY 2023 BIBLE READING PSALMS 42:3-5

3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 FEBRUARY 2023 MESSAGE

Beloved, I have one simple message for you today: Don’t write yourself off. In our memory verse for today, David told his soul to hope in the Lord and know that he would still praise God for His help. Any time you feel despair, any time you feel there is no hope, tell yourself, “No, I am not going to end like this; one day, I too will testify of the help of God in my life”.

Many years ago, when my wife and I just got married and things were tough, I would tell her, “Don’t worry, things won’t go on like this; our tomorrow will be all right” and indeed, God has been faithful. I am saying to you reading this devotional today: your tomorrow will be all right in the name of Jesus.

Not long before Sarah had Isaac, she had written herself off. The Almighty God said she would have a son and she laughed because she considered it impossible as she was ninety years old already. No matter how long you may have been waiting for that miracle, don’t write yourself off. My God is a master at reversing the irreversible; He will show up for you, in Jesus’ name.

In Luke 5:1-11 the Lord Jesus Christ Himself promised Simon Peter that he would no longer catch fish, but men. Three and a half years later, at a time that it appeared Jesus needed him the most, Peter denied the Lord and then wept bitterly because he saw himself as a failure. He was supposed to be catching men for Jesus but rather, he was denying ever knowing Him (Luke 22:55-62).

After Jesus died and nothing seemed to be happening, Peter decided to go back to fishing John 21:3). May you never backslide, in Jesus’ name. By verse 4 of John 21, Jesus had shown up for Peter. This time Jesus said Peter would not only catch men, but also feed them. The first sermon Peter preached after that brought 3,000 souls into the kingdom of God (Acts 2:41).

In Acts 3:1-8, he made a lame man walk in the name of this same Jesus who he had earlier denied. By Acts 5:14-16, his shadow had started healing the sick. No matter how many times you may have denied or disappointed Jesus, as long as you are truly repentant, God can restore and use you as mightily as He did Peter; all you have to do is repent and never go back into sin.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 FEBRUARY 2023 KEY POINT

It is not over for you yet; God is still coming to reverse the irreversible for your sake.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 FEBRUARY 2023 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 7 FEBRUARY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: NUMBERS 1-2