Introduction: Are you distracted? Does your mind wander? Is it difficult to concentrate? When PRAYING do other things consume your thought processes? Why? What can you do? Is there help? How can this lack of concentration be overcome? Have you ever tried PRAYER and FASTING? If this was not important, then Jesus would not have
emphasized it. Do you agree?

1. For starters, WHAT did Jesus teach about FASTING in the context of PRAYER? (Matt 6:16)

“16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

Speaking to His disciples about “HOW” and “WHAT” to PRAY, Jesus gives similar instructions on FASTING. Notice He said, “WHEN you FAST,” not IF you FAST!

This is in the context of that great model PRAYER:

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ” (Matt. 6:9-14)

It becomes abundantly clear that PRAYER and FASTING go together. Check out all the biblical saints who practiced PRAYER and FASTING including our Lord Jesus. My conclusion… it must be important.

2. Next, HOW did JESUS instruct His disciples to FAST? (Matt 6:17,18)

“17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Introduction: Red heifers have arrived in Israel as of the first of September 2022. Could one be the one Israel is looking for? Time will tell. But what does this mean not only for Israel but for the Church? When the next RED HEIFER is found what will be next? This devotion will discuss this biblical prophecy.

1. What does the next RED HEIFER mean for Israel? (Num 19:2) 

“This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke.”

According to history, Israel has only had 9 RED HEIFERS. The significance of finding the next RED HEIFER is huge. Finally a temple can be rebuilt and purified. Moses wrote further:

“And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face: 4And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times: 5And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn: 6And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer. 7Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even. 8And he that burneth her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even. 9And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin. 10And he that gathereth the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: and it shall be unto the children of Israel, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among them, for a statute for ever” (Num. 19:3-10).

This means that the next temple can be rebuilt. The last one was destroyed in 70AD by the Romans. However, not only will the ANTICHRIST inhabit the next temple, but Jesus Christ will build His Millennium temple according to Ezekiel 40-47. Just how close are we?

2. What does the next RED HEIFER mean for the Church? (1Thess 4:16-18)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

The next event on God’s calendar is called the RAPTURE of the CHURCH! It appears that “catching away” will take place before the confirmation of the JEWISH COVENANT made with the ANTICHRIST. This all fits together with the finding of the next RED HEIFER and the rebuilding of the next Temple.

Introduction: “Joy comes in the morning”! I love that verse (Psa 30:5). Our Lord Jesus reminded His disciples that their SORROW would be turned into JOY! Why would they be sorrowful? Perhaps the same reason that we face grief and sorrow. Jesus was talking about leaving. Check it out, and see if your SORROW will not be turned into JOY.

1. The NOT KNOWING can bring SORROW! (John 16:17,18)

“Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.”

Actually, Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was ahead. Note… He does the same for us today in regards to Bible prophecy. They did not understand “a little while.” Neither do we sometimes understand when Jesus seems to depart (although He does not) for a little while.

2. The REASSURANCE can bring JOY! (John 16:19-22)

“Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”

Interesting that Jesus used the illustration of a mother in labor eventually giving birth to her baby. Afterwards, she forgets the anguish. Today our world is experiencing “birth pains.” The word “sorrows” is used in Matthew 24:8, which means birth pains. “All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Certainly, we are feeling the birth pains now but they will intensify as we get closer to Jesus Christ’s Second coming (not the rapture). Can you feel them?

Introduction: Immediately after Queen Elizabeth II died, Prince Charles began reigning as the KING of England. Why? The answer is because he was an heir; i. e. the oldest son. His responsibilities will span over 14 countries including Canada, and some in the Asia Pacific, as well as the Caribbean. It appears he is a friend to Israel and one who pushes the global warming agenda / climate change. By contrast and comparison, those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are HEIRS as well… to another KINGDOM to come. A KINGDOM that cannot be shaken!

1. Joint HEIRS with Christ! (Rom 8:16-18)

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

The word “heirs” is κληρονόμος: (klay-ron-om’-os), which means an heir, an inheritor.

We inherit both eternal life and abundant life. Why? The answer is because Jesus Christ has fulfilled His mission on earth to come and live a perfect life – without sin, to lay down His life for the penalty of sin, and ultimately to take up His life from the dead. Through His sacrificial death and substitutionary blood, our sins are forgiven and we are JOINT HEIRS with Christ, as we put our FAITH and TRUST in HIM.

The word “joint heirs” is συγκληρονόμος: (soong-klay-ron-om’-os), which means a co-inheritor, a joint heir, participant.

After receiving eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer has the privilege of becoming a PARTICIPATOR. We are partners with Christ. Through His resurrection power made possible by the Holy Spirit, we JOIN Him in His work here on earth. What a privilege, even though some suffering comes along with this inheritance (see Rom 8:18).

2. Joint HEIRS on a throne in heaven! (Rev 21:7)

Imagine. A throne in heaven. Wow!

Introduction: Unexpected attacks on American soil should not surprise anyone. After Pearl Harbor and 9/11, it is obvious that we are on the hit list of radical Muslim terrorists and others who would love to take down this country. This includes Iran, Syria, and even Russia, as well as China. These nations along with Turkey seem to be forming alliances with each other. Other nations are joining forces with these because of America’s weakening status in the world.

Think about how our country is under attack. Cyber warfare which could shut down our computers and communications, evil governmental leaders which seek to undermine our national securities, and economic threats that devalue the American dollar are some ways subtle enemies can attack our nation.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psa 33:12).

1. Colonel Bob McGinnis works with the Pentagon. He also trains soldiers for combat situations. He has suggested in an interview that instead of focusing on the best preparation for war, the military today is torn between walking on egg shells trying to be politically correct.

The “gender” friendly movement has seeped into our combat forces. Men who want to be women and women who want to be men has brought psychological confusion into the camp. Besides that, we now have a government that is giving the “green light” to accelerate the curse. Needless to say, we are experiencing an IDENTITY crisis!

Friendly Reminder – what’s on our birth certificate is what we will stand before Jesus as, even though surgeries and drugs have attempted to change that.

2. Iran has labeled America as the BIG Satan!

Ezekiel foresees this nation forming an alliance with other nations with the intent of attacking Israel from the north. However the Lord will defend His covenant people. Since America has been a friend of Israel, if Iran continues to attacks Israel through proxies, then America may be drawn into war. The so called “nuclear sanctions” have been a failure, and it appears Iran, who is supported by both Russia and China, is building a power house. A slap on the wrist has not worked albeit, it may have slowed down the process. Time will tell how dangerous they’ve become.

The Word of God has foretold us of what is to come of these countries.

3. Powerful billionaires from within are being used by the devil to sink America.

Big money, back room politics, and greed for power can be witnessed in Government and those seeking control. 

Conclusion: America’s only Hope is in JESUS! Do you agree?

1. Paul is driven to PRAYER because of his EXALTATION! (2Cor 12:7)

“… And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations.”

Experiencing what no mortal man had, Paul was raptured up into the third heaven. He could have shared his TESTIMONY from that point and written best seller books about it and made a movie.?
Our Lord knows what we can handle.

2. Paul prays because he is Humbled through his AFFLICTION! (2Cor 12:7,8)

“…there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.”

Isn’t it interesting that our Lord Jesus would allow Satan to buffet (means to cuff, to slap with fist) Paul? What about me and you?

3. Paul prays with strong INTERCESSION for the thorn to be removed, but is declined his request instead he experiences a TRANSFORMATION because of God’s GRACE! (2Cor 12:8-10)

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Even though Paul prays (entreated – begs) earnestly for the thorn to be taken away, it doesn’t happen.
While refusing to remove the thorn (eye disease, malaria, etc.. and a host of other speculations), Jesus gave him His AMAZING GRACE! His GRACE is for the RACE!! It’s in PLACE!!!

Introduction: Here is a letter about 3 men in the Church. See which one you would like to be like.

1. Demetrius (3John 1:12)

“12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.”

Demetrius was a credible and faithful man. You could depend on him!

2. Gaius (3John 1: 1-8)

“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth….

..Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”

Gaius was a blessing! He had a heart for other people. I know some men and women like him!

3. Diotrephes (3John 1: 9-11)

“9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”

This man is one who wanted all the ATTENTION! Do you know any like him?

Introduction: While America is NOT the New Israel, we can learn from their example. In fact, one reason the Bible was written is for that purpose. Are we learning the lesson? It appears we have not!

1. Israel’s Fall! (Joel 1:6)

“6For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.”

God allowed Israel’s enemies to defeat them. In essence, the Assyrians invaded the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and led them away into captivity. Would our God allow another nation(s)- China, Russia, etc. to chastise America? He did Israel. But remember that our Lord has a GOOD intention (corrective) when He chastises (Heb 12:5-11). Are you being chastised? Praise the Lord for His great LOVE, even during disciplinary actions.

2. The Prophet Joel’s Call! (Joel 2:12-16)

“12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? 15Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.”

Jesus is CALLING us back to Himself. Like He urged the Church of Ephesus to return to their first love, He calls His children today.

3. The Enemy’s Wall! (Joel 2:18-19, 3:1-2)

“18Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. 19Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen….

1For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, 2I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.”

God always has the final say so. We must trust His judgment. His will is supreme. Are you going to rely upon His wisdom for your life?

Conclusion: God is in CONTROL! Listen to these words,

“16The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel” (Joel 3:16).

Introduction: Solomon writes to confirm that we are what we think – not what we EAT! How is your THINKING these days – negative? Wrong?

1. How can we CHANGE our thinking after we become a child of God? (Rom 12:1,2)

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

The word “Renewing” is ἀνακαίνωσις,(an-ak-ah’-ee-no-sis), which means a renewing; a renewal or change of heart and life.

The Scriptures have the POWER to CHANGE our minds! It washes it clean.

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you….” (John 15:3)

“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word..” (Eph 5:26)

Instead of letting our emotions control us, the SPIRIT of God through the WORD of God is the key to CHANGING our thinking. It is a CHOICE. Are you going to CHOOSE to think on what the BIBLE declares? Are you letting your emotions RUN WILD? Truthfully, sometimes medication can affect our thought process. Recognize that. But FAITH comes by hearing the Word of God!

FAITH is taking God at His Word. Faith is not believing Jesus can but that He WILL! Do you believe?

2. How does the devil keep us bound down with negative thoughts? (2Cor 10:3-5)

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

This verse leads us to believe that the enemy sows his dirty seeds in our minds, which become strongholds. A stronghold can be defined as a castle, fortress, meaning a way that Satan can operate in our minds. However, once Jesus Christ takes over our life, there is a power source to OVERCOME the devil’s lies. TRUTH TRANSFORMS! Jesus Christ is the TRUTH!!

“6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

“8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil 4:8)

Introduction: Have you ever crossed over a fence and did you notice that just before you are on the OTHER SIDE you’re straddling it? In other words you’re not one one side or the other, you’re in between. Unfortunately, there are a lot of CHRISTIANS who are FENCE-STRADDLING. Are you? One week on fire, the next week ice cold. One week praying red hot prayers, and the next week not even praying. Here’s a case of fence straddling:

1. On the Fence! (Exo 32:1-6)

“And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 2And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. 3And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. 4And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 5And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. 6And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.”

Israel was on the FENCE! IDOLS… The world is calling us to climb on the fence. Are you going?

2. Calling those off the fence! (Exo 32:7-14)

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: 8They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 9And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: 10Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation…”

Moses could have said OK. But he was looking out for God’s glory, not self glory! How about us?

3. Pulling those off the fence! (Exo 32:11-14)

“And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? 12Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. 14And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.”

God always has a REMNANT! The Lord REMEMBERS!

4. Warning about fence straddling! (Exo 32:19-35)

“19And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. 20And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it. 21And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? 22And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. 23For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 24And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf. 25And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) 26Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. 27And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. 28And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. 29For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day….. 30And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. 31And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 32Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. 34Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. 35And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.”

It’s dangerous to fence straddle!