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Vision

“Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
—2 Kings 6:17 (ESV)

In 2 Kings 6:8-23, we find the prophet Elisha and his servant surrounded by an enemy army. The servant, understandably terrified, sees only danger and certain defeat. But Elisha, calm and assured, prays, “O Lord, open his eyes that he may see.” Suddenly, the servant’s vision shifts. The hills are ablaze with heavenly forces—chariots of fire standing guard. God’s presence was there all along; the servant just couldn’t see it.

How often do we find ourselves like that servant? Surrounded by challenges, feeling isolated and overwhelmed, blind to the fact that God is with us. In those moments, we must pray for spiritual vision—eyes to see that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v. 16). God’s protection, provision, and presence are constants in our lives, even when our earthly eyes can’t perceive them.

But the story doesn’t end there. After God strikes the enemy with blindness at Elisha’s request, something remarkable happens. Elisha doesn’t take advantage of their vulnerability. Instead of leading them into a trap or calling for their destruction, Elisha leads them to safety, restores their sight, speaks to them kindly, and even prepares a feast for them. Imagine that: feeding the very people who came to capture him! This act of unexpected kindness and dignity not only disarmed the enemy physically but also spiritually. As Scripture says, “And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel” (v. 23). Elisha’s vision wasn’t just to see God’s protection—it was to see God’s purpose for reconciliation and peace, even with his enemies.

We often pray for God to help us see His presence in our lives, especially in times of trouble. But do we also pray for the vision to see how God wants us to act in the lives of others, even those who oppose us? Elisha teaches us that divine vision is twofold:

Vision to see God’s presence in our own lives:

When we’re surrounded by difficulties—whether personal struggles, conflict, or fear—we must ask God to open our eyes to His power and presence. His heavenly armies are with us, even when we can’t see them.

Vision to be God’s representative in others’ lives:

Especially with those who challenge us, God calls us to see them through His eyes. Can we show kindness where the world expects retaliation? Can we extend dignity where others anticipate judgment? Elisha’s grace toward his enemies led to peace—what could our grace lead to in the lives of those around us?

Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see Your presence in the midst of our challenges. Help us to trust that You are always near, surrounding us with Your protection and love. But don’t stop there, Lord. Give us the vision to see others, even those who oppose us, through Your eyes. Teach us to be instruments of Your grace, kindness, and reconciliation. May our actions reflect Your love, and may they lead to peace and transformation in the lives of those we encounter. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge:

Think of someone in your life who has been difficult to love—maybe even someone who has opposed or hurt you. Pray for God to give you a vision for how you can represent Him in that person’s life. It could be through a kind word, an unexpected act of service, or simply praying for their well-being. Watch how God can use your obedience to bring about peace, just as He did through Elisha.

Prayer

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing… But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen… But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.” – Matthew 6:3, 6, 17 (NIV)

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about three powerful spiritual disciplines—giving, prayer, and fasting—not as isolated acts but as an intertwined “three-strand cord” of spiritual strength. Each discipline alone is transformative, but when practiced together, they create a synergy that deepens our relationship with God and aligns us with His purposes. Giving detaches us from materialism and selfishness, directing our hearts toward generosity and trust in God’s provision.

Prayer cultivates intimacy with the Father, allowing us to align our desires with His will and receive divine guidance. Fasting, the often-neglected discipline, humbles the flesh, heightens spiritual sensitivity, and clears distractions, enabling deeper dependence on God. Jesus emphasizes that these acts should not be done for public recognition but in secret, where the Father, who sees all, rewards openly (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18).

Together, they represent a holistic surrender—giving affects how we relate to others, prayer affects how we relate to God, and fasting affects how we relate to ourselves. This threefold practice draws us closer to the heart of God, breaks spiritual strongholds, and releases divine breakthrough.

Like Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken,” so too, when giving, prayer, and fasting are woven together, they form an unshakable foundation of faith that withstands trials and invites the power of God into every area of our lives.

Heavenly Father, as we conclude our 21 days of prayer and fasting in the coming week, may we experience the full power of the three-strand cord of giving, prayer, and fasting, in Jesus’ name!

A Three Stranded Cord

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4, 16-24

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about three key spiritual disciplines: giving, praying, and fasting. Each of these disciplines is meant to shape our hearts and align us with God’s kingdom. But they also reveal something deeper—our true affections and priorities.

Jesus begins by instructing His followers on how to give:

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-4)

Giving is not just about meeting needs; it’s about the condition of our hearts. The way we handle money reveals what we truly serve. Later in this chapter, Jesus makes a bold statement:

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

Jesus is clear—our allegiance cannot be divided. Money is a powerful tool, but it can also become a master. The ultimate test of whether we serve money is our willingness to give it away. If we cling to money, fearful of letting go, it may be that money has a greater hold on us than we realize.

Fasting, like giving, is another discipline that reveals what controls us. Jesus says:

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16)

Fasting detaches us from physical dependence, reminding us that God alone is our provider. In the same way, giving detaches us from material dependence. When we give sacrificially, we declare that money is not our security—God is.

If we struggle to give, it may be that money has too much control over our hearts. But if we give freely, regardless of how much or how little we have, we demonstrate that our trust is in God alone.

Heavenly Father, search my heart and reveal any place where money has become my master. Help me to trust You as my provider, to give freely, and to live with an open hand. Teach me to fast and give in a way that draws me closer to You, so that my heart is fully devoted to serving You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Days of Deliverance 2025: God’s Fasting Plan

Isaiah 58:6-8 (NIV)

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.”

I love this passage about fasting in Isaiah 58! Often, we focus so much on what to give up during a fast that we lose sight of what God, our loving Father, wants to give us through it. Fasting is more than abstaining from food—it’s a spiritual practice where we use hunger as a reminder to pray, seek God, and rely on Him fully.

Types of Biblical Fasts

The Bible highlights several types of fasting, each with unique spiritual purposes. Let’s take a closer look:

  1. The Complete Fast: Abstaining from all food and relying solely on liquids, as demonstrated by Moses and Jesus during their 40-day fasts.
  2. The Daniel Fast (Partial Fast):
    Found in the Book of Daniel, this fast involves abstaining from rich or indulgent foods. Daniel and his companions requested a diet of vegetables and water instead of the royal food and wine:

    • “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food…” (Daniel 1:12-13 NIV)
      Later, Daniel fasted for 21 days:
    • “I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” (Daniel 10:3 NIV)

    The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, emphasizing simple, plant-based foods while abstaining from meat, dairy, sweeteners, and processed foods. It’s not just about physical health but also spiritual clarity and deepened prayer.

  3. The Absolute Fast: Refraining from all food and drink for a short, intense period, such as Esther’s three-day fast to intercede for her people (Esther 4:16).
  4. The Fast of Repentance: A communal fast seeking God’s forgiveness and mercy, like the city of Nineveh’s response to Jonah’s warning (Jonah 3:5-7).
  5. The Social Justice Fast: Found in Isaiah 58, this fast focuses on serving others—sharing resources, lifting oppression, and bringing justice.

What God Offers Through Fasting

Isaiah 58 teaches us that fasting is not just about what we give up—it’s about receiving what God desires to pour into our lives.

  1. Freedom
    Fasting breaks chains, both physical and spiritual. God promises liberation from injustice and oppression, offering increased favor and freedom from harmful patterns, addictions, or spiritual strongholds.
  2. Vision and Empathy
    Fasting opens our spiritual eyes and ears. Isaiah highlights sharing food, providing shelter, and showing compassion as a way to live out our faith. Fasting creates space for God to show us how to serve others more effectively, deepening our connection with Him and those in need.
  3. Transformation
    Isaiah declares that light will break forth, and healing will appear. Fasting invites God to transform our hearts, circumstances, and communities. It positions us for divine intervention and lasting change—both spiritually and physically.
  4. Guidance and Protection
    Verse 8 assures us that fasting aligns us with God’s leading and ensures His protection. He promises to guide us on paths of righteousness and guard us every step of the way.

The Daniel Fast and Its Purpose

During our 21-Day Fast we will be focusing on the Daniel’s Fast as an excellent example of how fasting draws us closer to God while promoting discipline and focus. By abstaining from rich foods and choosing simple nourishment, Daniel and his companions demonstrated their devotion to God’s principles. The fast led to:

  • Physical Strength: At the end of 10 days, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier than those eating the royal diet (Daniel 1:15).
  • Spiritual Clarity: During his 21-day fast, Daniel received profound visions and revelations from God (Daniel 10:5-14).
  • God’s Favor: Daniel’s commitment set him apart, and he gained wisdom, insight, and influence in a foreign land.

The Daniel Fast teaches us to set aside worldly indulgences to experience God’s provision, clarity, and power in our lives. Remember, fasting is denying ourselves a food we are accustomed to and enjoy, then when the hunger for that food pulls on us, we use that “pulling” as an alarm clock to pray and seek the face of God. Let’s push in as we believe to start the New Year experiencing days of deliverance!

Get Ready and Hurry

Scripture: “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.” – Luke 1:39

The angel Gabriel had just left Mary with an incredible, life-altering announcement: she, a young virgin, would conceive and bear the Son of God. This news was overwhelming, to say the least. Gabriel didn’t give her detailed instructions about what to do next—no roadmap or checklist. But as soon as the angel left, Mary’s next steps became clear to her heart. She knew it was time to “get ready and hurry” to Elizabeth’s home in the hill country of Judea.

Why Elizabeth? Gabriel had told Mary that Elizabeth, her older cousin, was also experiencing a miracle—she was six months pregnant after years of barrenness. Mary was drawn to connect with someone who not only knew the promises of God but was living in the middle of one. Elizabeth was her miracle mentor, a person who could guide, affirm, and encourage Mary in this incredible journey of faith.

In our walk with God, we often need people who have gone ahead of us—those who have experienced His promises, who can testify to His faithfulness, and who understand the challenges of walking by faith. Mary didn’t go to Elizabeth’s house for answers, but for affirmation and encouragement. When Elizabeth saw her, she immediately confirmed what God was doing in Mary’s life, exclaiming, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:42).

Elizabeth’s response wasn’t just about Mary’s miracle—it was about her own faith, too. Her joy and recognition of Mary’s blessing came from her own intimate understanding of what God was doing in her life. Miracle mentors are people who are already tuned in to God’s work and can celebrate and guide others through their journeys.

Think about the people in your life who have walked with God through miracles, trials, and promises fulfilled. These are the ones who can mentor and encourage you in your own faith journey. And if you don’t have such a person in your life, ask God to lead you to someone who can pour into you the way Elizabeth poured into Mary.

As God moves in your life, He may call you to be a miracle mentor for someone else. Who in your circle needs affirmation, encouragement, or perspective? Your testimony of God’s faithfulness could be the very thing they need to step forward in their journey.

Lord, thank You for the gift of miracle mentors—people who guide, encourage, and affirm Your promises in our lives. Help us to connect with those who can pour into us and give us the courage to be mentors to others. May we always be ready to share our testimonies of Your faithfulness so that others may be strengthened in their walk with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Story

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;” – Hebrews 12:2a (KJV)

The Christmas season invites us to marvel at the moment when God Himself stepped into the pages of human history. Through the birth of Jesus, the Author of life entered His own creation. This profound truth echoes in the words of C.S. Lewis: “The only way Hamlet could know Shakespeare is if Shakespeare wrote himself into the story.”

In the same way, we come to know God because He has written Himself into our story. The birth of Christ is God revealing Himself in the most personal way imaginable. He did not remain distant or detached but entered the world as a newborn baby—vulnerable, humble, and approachable. The One who spoke galaxies into existence became flesh and dwelt among us, writing Himself into the human experience to redeem it.

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) reminds us to keep “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” As the Author, Jesus begins our story of faith. As the Finisher, He completes it with perfection and purpose. From the stable in Bethlehem to the cross at Calvary, He has written a story of hope, redemption, and love.

Just as the shepherds heard the angelic proclamation and Mary pondered the wonder of her role in God’s plan, we too are invited to see how God is writing Himself into the pages of our lives. His presence is often revealed in the quiet moments—through answered prayers, gentle guidance, and even in our struggles. He is always at work, weaving our individual stories into His greater narrative of redemption.

This Christmas, let’s pause to consider how God is making Himself known in our life. Where has He shown up in unexpected ways? What new chapters might He be writing for you in this season? And as you reflect on the birth of Christ, take comfort in knowing that the same God who entered the world in a manger is actively present in the details of your story.

Heavenly Father, You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. Thank You for writing Yourself into the story of humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ. Help us to fix our eyes on Him this Christmas and to see the ways You are working in our lives. Give us faith to trust You with the chapters yet to come, knowing that Your plans are always good. May we celebrate Your love and Your presence with joy and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Peace

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

There is a peace that the world cannot give—a transcendent, unexplainable peace that flows directly from the heart of God. It is not the absence of struggle, nor is it the denial of hardship. Rather, it is the profound calm and assurance that comes when we step out of our natural instincts and into God’s divine systems.

The human instinct tells us to hold on tightly when we are in need, to guard what we have for fear of lack. But God’s system invites us to release—to give freely and trust Him as our Provider. Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” It’s counterintuitive, but as we release, we make room for God’s abundance and His peace.

When hurt, our natural inclination is to retaliate, to protect our hearts by cursing those who wound us. But Jesus calls us to bless instead, saying in Luke 6:28, “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This isn’t about suppressing emotions but about handing over the burden of justice to God, trusting His sovereignty to heal and make all things right. Peace comes when we forgive and bless, releasing the weight of bitterness.

In moments of anxiety, our first reaction might be to spiral into worry. But God’s Word tells us to give thanks. Philippians 4:6, the verse just before today’s focus, commands, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Gratitude shifts our perspective. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and anchors our hearts in His goodness.

The peace of God transcends understanding because it is rooted in the supernatural. It doesn’t follow the logic of our flesh or the world. It guards our hearts and minds because it shifts our focus away from ourselves and toward Christ Jesus. As we align our lives with His ways—releasing instead of retaining, blessing instead of cursing, and giving thanks instead of worrying—His peace becomes our stronghold.

Father, thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Teach us to trust Your systems even when they challenge our natural instincts. Help us to release when we want to hold, bless when we want to curse, and give thanks when anxiety rises. Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and let Your peace reign in every area of our lives, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4 urges us, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” At first glance, this may sound like a simple call to be happy at all times, but Paul’s choice of words—especially “Rejoice in the Lord”—carries a much deeper meaning that goes to the heart of our faith.

To rejoice means to experience and express joy—a state that isn’t tied to temporary emotions or changing situations. Joy is deeper than happiness; it’s steady and unwavering because it’s not based on what’s happening around us but on something far greater. Paul wrote these words while he was in prison, which highlights that his encouragement to rejoice was not rooted in comfort but in something far more profound.

The phrase “in the Lord” is essential for truly understanding this command. Paul doesn’t just tell us to rejoice without reason; he anchors it directly to our relationship with Jesus. The preposition “in” suggests being surrounded, immersed, and connected in a very personal way. This isn’t about a distant belief; it’s about being in close, continuous fellowship with Him.

When we rejoice “in the Lord,” it means that our source of joy is God Himself—His unwavering character, His promises, and His love. This joy is anchored in the unchanging nature of who God is. It’s not circumstantial; it’s deeply theological. It’s rooted in the assurance of God’s presence and His faithfulness, even when life feels uncertain or hard.

So, how do we live out this joy in practical ways? It starts with prioritizing time with God through prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word. The more we connect our hearts with His, the more we tap into that deep, sustaining joy. It’s also about shifting our focus from our problems to the One who walks with us through them. This joy becomes a powerful testimony—a light that shines even in dark moments, inviting others to discover its source.

Rejoicing in the Lord is an invitation to rest in His unfailing love and presence. It’s a call to stay close, to remain connected, and to live out a joy that doesn’t waver with life’s ups and downs but holds firm because it’s anchored in Christ. Let’s choose to find our joy “in” Him today, trusting that He is faithful to sustain and strengthen us, no matter what we face! In Jesus’ name!

The Precision of Creation

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” – 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

When we pause to reflect on the intricacies of creation, it becomes evident that life is not a result of random chance but a masterpiece of precise orchestration. From the orbits of planets to the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the complexities of the human body to the microscopic precision within each cell, the universe testifies to an intelligent Designer who sustains all life with unparalleled wisdom.

The Precision of Creation

The universe operates within laws that are so precise that even a slight deviation would render life impossible. The Earth’s position relative to the sun allows it to maintain the perfect conditions for life, balancing warmth and cold. The tilt of the Earth, the atmospheric layers, and the gravitational pull all work together harmoniously to sustain life. Each system functions not by accident but by intentional design.

The human body echoes this precision. The heart beats in rhythm to supply oxygen and nutrients, cells replicate with astounding accuracy, and the brain processes complex information at speeds we are only beginning to understand. Every organ, system, and cell points to a Creator who not only crafted life but equipped it with everything needed for health, growth, and flourishing.

In the same way that God has provided the physical essentials for life, He has also given us what we need for spiritual well-being and godliness. This provision did not come without cost; it came through the most precise and intentional act in history—the sacrifice of Jesus.

The life, death, and resurrection of Christ were not arbitrary but were meticulously planned by God to meet the deepest needs of humanity. His blood was shed to cleanse us from sin, and through His resurrection, He triumphed over death, making way for eternal life. This sacrifice gives us not only forgiveness but the power to live godly lives through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Just as the laws of physics govern the universe, the Holy Spirit provides the guidance and empowerment we need to live according to God’s will. Jesus promised His followers that He would send the Helper (John 14:16), who would teach, convict, and comfort them. The Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts ensures that we have the strength, wisdom, and resources to pursue a life of after God.

God’s provision for godliness is as complete as His provision for life itself. Just as oxygen is essential for our lungs, so is the Holy Spirit for our spirits. Through Him, we receive the conviction to turn away from sin, the empowerment to live out our faith, and the comfort that affirms we are children of God.

Reflecting on 2 Peter 1:3, we are reminded that God’s divine power has provided everything we need for life and godliness. The Creator who formed the stars and set the Earth on its axis is the same God who sent His Son to redeem us and His Spirit to empower us. Just as the laws of the universe are precise, so was His plan for salvation—carefully designed so that we may have abundant life and walk in the fullness of godliness.

Heavenly Father, help us recognize and walk through each day with the wonder and the will to surrender our lives to you, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

The One

 

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” – 1 Samuel 16:7

In 1 Samuel 16, God sends Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel. When Samuel arrives, he sees David’s older brothers, men who were stronger, taller, and more impressive by human standards. But God tells Samuel that none of them are “the one.” Instead, David, the youngest, the one left tending sheep, is chosen. David wasn’t the most popular, wasn’t in the spotlight, and didn’t have a prestigious title. But God saw something in David that others didn’t—his heart.

Being ‘the one’ isn’t about where you started or how others see you. It’s not about having the best childhood, being the most successful, or even having everything together. It’s about having a heart that is after God. David’s story shows us that God doesn’t choose based on what the world values but on what He sees in us, even when others overlook us.

You may have experienced hardships, rejection, or felt left out, but God has a way of pulling you in. He chooses you not just because He loves you, but because you love Him. Your struggles, setbacks, and imperfections don’t disqualify you from being chosen; they qualify you because they’ve drawn you closer to God.

But being the one goes even deeper. Just like the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7), we see that we aren’t just the ones chosen by God—we are the ones He pursues. When we stray, He leaves the 99 to bring us back. When we wander, God doesn’t give up on us. He comes after us, showing that His love is relentless, no matter where we are or what we’ve done.

Today, remember that being “the one” means you’re chosen by God, not because you are perfect, but because your heart is open to Him. If you’ve been blessed with a good life, thank God and use your blessings for His glory. If you’ve faced rejection, pain, or felt forgotten, know that God has chosen you and is pursuing you, right where you are.

Lord, thank You for seeing my heart when others may not. Help me to remember that being ‘the one’ doesn’t depend on my past or others’ opinions, but on Your love and my pursuit of You. Thank You for chasing after me, even when I wander. May I live each day as one who is chosen, loved, and called by You, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Conforming

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV) As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect the principles and values taught by Jesus. This means that our lives should stand out as distinct from the patterns and practices commonly seen in the world around us. The world often promotes values such as materialism, self-centeredness, and instant gratification, but as Christians, we are called to pursue a higher standard—a life that is marked by love, humility, and service to others.

The transformation Paul speaks about in Romans 12:2 is not merely a superficial change, but a deep, internal renewal that affects our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This renewal is a continual process, driven by our relationship with God and the work of the Holy Spirit within us. As we align our minds with God’s truth, we begin to see the world through His perspective, which empowers us to make decisions that honor Him.

Living in a way that reflects God’s will doesn’t mean that life will always be easy or that we will be free from challenges. However, it does mean that we can have confidence in God’s guidance and trust that His will is perfect, even when we don’t fully understand it. By committing to this path of transformation, we grow closer to God, experience His peace, and become better equipped to fulfill the purpose He has for our lives.

In a world that is constantly changing, the principles found in God’s Word remain a steadfast foundation. By renewing our minds daily and seeking to live according to His will, we not only experience personal growth, but also become a beacon of light to others, showing them the hope and truth found in Christ.

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