The Focus Factor

Have you ever been so busy that you forgot the main things you set out to do? Have you ever lost your train of thought and in the middle of a sentence asked the person you were talking to, "what was I saying"? Well I believe this happens to many of us as Christians. Too often we get so busy and distracted with our daily lives we forget what being a Christian is all about. We lose our focus and become side tracked and begin to wonder how we ended up so far away from Gods purpose in our lives. To focus, means to make the neccessary adjustments to see an object more clearly. And this is exactly what we are supposed to do as believers. Whatever the adjustment is, it is our responsibility to stay focused on God's Kingdom! The Kingdom of God is not meat or drink but Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom. 14:17). The foundational building blocks in the Kingdom of God, are not natural things but Spiritual. These spiritual building blocks are Righteousness (divine position) Peace and joy (divine assuredness and divine strength), which are produced by the Holy Spirit. The builder of the Kingdom is the Holy Spirit of God. We must focus on the work of the Spirit of God, which is A Revelation of righteousness, Peace and Joy! Focus on the position of Righteousness, the assurance of your salvation, and the strength of Joy!

Forgiveness

Hello Family!
I just want to encourage you as you press your way through this week. A great script to meditate on during your time of fasting is Matthew 6:15, “But, if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 16 Moreover 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”. 

Notice in this scripture an important ingredient in fasting is forgiveness. Forgiveness is acquitting others of their offenses towards you. When we forgive others, God promises us that He will forgive us. Also if you notice in verse 16 the scripture uses the words, WHEN you fast rather than IF you fast. The word WHEN makes fasting a command from Jesus and not a suggestion. All believers should fast occasionally as the Spirit leads. We are also instructed not to appear as though we are fasting. This means don't show sadness or hunger because of fasting. This also includes boasting and bragging about your fasting. Remember, in this same chapter   we have another promise ... Your father who sees what you do in private will reward you openly!

Don't forget to come and get fed this Wednesday night in the House of God. Keep Praying, Keep Pressing, Keep Praising!

Bishop Smith

The Daniel Fast: Prayer that Provokes Warfare

In Daniel 10, the Prophet's prayer and fasting Provoked Spiritual Warfare in the heavens! Daniel's earnest exhibition of prayer and fasting was to gain spiritual understanding and it caused principalities to go into battle. The Prince of Persia held up Daniels Prayers for 21 Days. The number 3 represents Divine Perfection and The number 7 represents Divine Completeness; Therefore the number 21 can represent 3 perfect cycles of completion. For those of you participating in the Daniel Fast, don't give up! Your answer is on the way! Continue to Deny the flesh and remain prayerful (at least 3 times per day). If you make a mistake, repent and continue. This fast was not meant to be easy because it provokes WARFARE! Remember the attacks and battles that you may experience during your fast are a reflection of the warfare in the realm of the spirit. My prayer for you is that you endure and overcome and walk in the victory that is yours in the Mighty Name of Jesus!

DANIEL FAST TIPS:
Keep a Journal to record Revelation, visions, instructions, answers etc.
Limit all outside distactions (Tv,Phone,Computers)
Plan your Day and your Menu
Schedule your Prayer And meditation (at least 3 times per day)
Eat only Fruits, Vegetables, whole grains, nuts etc.
Drink only water
No Sugar