These last three devotions serve as the benediction to the 21-day fast in 2021. We’ve prayed for the healing of family, the community, the nation and its leaders.  In the process we’ve fed on God’s manna that brought us to a deeper, richer place in God that will continue with us throughout the year. Whatever we may face, we don’t face alone. WE NOW STAND READY.

 

January 20

Day 19

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:3

³He humbled you by making you hungry and then feeding you the manna that neither you nor your ancestors had ever experienced, so he could teach you that people don’t live on bread alone. No, they live based on whatever the Lord says.

Focus: Manna from Heaven

You are in Control

Fasting brings a realization that you have more control over aspects of your life than you think. Going through this fast and devotions strengthens your self-control not only in eating but in other areas of your life that should be more disciplined.

Supernatural Resource

During these 21-days you should have deepened your relationship with Almighty God. Now you know Him even more as a resource to conquer your fears from the least to the greatest. You’ve discovered God can break yokes, answer questions you’ve been struggling with for months and gives you new eyes from which to view your world.

Fruits of Fasting

I took another poll and here are a few things that have happened to people while fasting. It is believed by the submitter that fasting facilitated these outcomes.

• The church was on our annual fast. We gathered in the dining room after service for a little fellowship. A sister decided to join us at the table with a hot cup of water for her tea. Almost at her seat, she stumbled and the hot water splashed on my left shoulder. When I did not react, the sister looked at me and said, “That was hot water!”  I replied, “It felt room temperature to me.” – ML
• I was redecorating my basement and had needed a rug for some time. A beautiful rug was provided at no cost to me. –  LM
• With additional people living in the house, my food supply was getting low. As I was thinking this, two big boxes full of can goods, meat, milk and juices were delivered to us. We were all set! – MW
• I had a problem with swallowing for years and ate just enough to sustain me.  After my first time fasting, I was completely healed from the disorder. – ES
• I was studying Proverbs which led me to examine my personal life to determine if my feet were in folly (foolishness). The takeaway from this study is to walk in the wisdom of God and ask His counsel as I make decisions for my life.
• I had been wrestling with a life-changing decision for months. There were good reasons to go either way. If I decided one way, I’d fair better in terms of “public opinion”. The other choice would definitely “imply” insensitivity on my part. So, I struggled some more until the Lord spoke to my heart and told me exactly what to do to get the direction I should take.  I did that and immediately I had the answer, the struggle was over and I had peace. – MW
• I was in Florida visiting my sister. Out on the road, I stopped to get gas. I had so much on my mind. When I arrived home, I looked around for my purse. It was missing! Did I leave it at the gas station?  Exasperated at the thought of losing the contents of my purse and having to drive back, I got out of the car. Glancing at the car, I saw my purse! It was tucked in a crevice in the back of the car against the window. I had obviously left my purse on top of the car at the gas station! I had driven 13 miles from Lakeland to Plant City on Interstate 4 at 65 mph and the purse never fell off the car! – SB

Your Story

What’s your story? I’d love to hear from you. If you have anything you would like to share please do so in the comment area. I’d like to share your victories with your permission. Still have a problem you haven’t quite worked through?  Let me know,  I will be happy to pray with you.

Worship/Praise Songs:

My Testimony 

Known 

He’s Been Faithful 

Thanksgiving:

Thank you, Lord, that I am fully known by you and there are no secrets from You. So, let my heart stay the course. When I fall, catch me, when I cry, hold me.

You are a faithful God. I am so grateful you chose me and now I choose You, again and again Lord, I choose You!

Meditation/Journal:

Rejoice, rejoice and again I say rejoice! You should be a pro by now. Write your heart.

End Day 19: Shofar

 

January 21

Day 20

Focus: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

If you have been on this journey and have traveled incrementally to the point you have experienced God in a way you never have before, on Day 20, the day before the end of the fast you feel an attachment you don’t want to let go of. Guess what, you don’t have to! The newly found depth or reinvigorated walk does not need to be left behind. You get to take it with you and nurture it every day.

There’s been many times I’ve laid prostrate in His presence and have not wanted to respond to the world’s call to come back and do….  I’ve wanted to stay there.  I’ve learned that if I take time for Him in my daily walk, His presence materializes instantly. There’s no warm-up, He just comes. Yes, I know He’s omnipresent, everywhere at all times, but I’m talking about feeling His presence not just knowing He is present.

Blessing God

What may have started out with petition upon petition, request upon request has now transitioned to blessing God. Blessing God with your mouth, your presence, your time. He delights in you. He smiles when He sees you coming. Everything about you He knows, yet He still rises from His throne and stretches His neck as He spots your tiny figure coming toward Him. He knows it’s you and He rises to meet you in delight! I can imagine the angels whispering among themselves at His delight because they only see that glimmer in His eyes when you are approaching His throne. Can you feel His presence, even at this moment? Can you feel Him smiling? He is.

Scripture: Psalm 42:1 Common English Bible

¹ Just like a deer that craves streams of water, my whole being craves you, God.

Worship Songs:

You Waited 

Good, Good Father

Feel Him hold you during this next song.

As the Deer/ I Love You Lord 

Thanksgiving:

So glad we had this time together! Getting past myself and going on this walk in the garden with You has been life-changing! I could sing of your love forever Lord!

Meditation/Journal:

Write.

End Day 20: Shofar

 

January 22

Day 21

Focus: The Last Stand

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above [show his power, flex his muscles] all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, [don’t unplug from your source]

This scripture is often used as a benediction but today I use this as a lasting proclamation commemorating this fast.

Stand Blessed

Blessed 

Stand for Family

We bind the enemy right now in the name of Jesus and we break his hold on the lives of our children and family members. For all our family whose names we have lifted in prayer for salvation, deliverance and healing, we thank you for breaking every yoke in their lives. Deliver them to the Kingdom Lord full of your grace and Spirit.

Break Every Chain

Stand until Help Comes

Psalm 121:1-3 King James Version

¹I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

² My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

³ He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Total Praise 

This Kingdom

Behold He Comes

I’m Going Away

Thanksgiving:

We call you holy, Lord you are holy and righteous to us. Thank you for being that person in the fire with us. Thank you for being faithful for you promised never to leave us. As we close this time of fasting, we realize you have opened our hearts to receive more of You and for that we are eternally grateful.

From My Heart to Yours:

I trust this time for you has been one of growth and sweet intimacy with God.  Most of you I will never meet but we have a kinship; we’ve travelled this journey together. It’s been tough at times but oh so sweet. I pray as we leave this moment in time that the grace of God goes with you and He gives root to your declarations for your children, grandchildren and family. I pray that you be the beacon of light God is calling on in this dire time to show his people the way.

This time ends but you continue. Continue in the strength and might God has deposited in you through the Holy Spirit. Remember to continue in the Word of God and communion with Him. If you do, you will never lack.

In benediction, I declare Numbers 6:24-26 over your lives,

The Lord bless and keep you and make his face shine on you. The Lord be gracious to you and provide his favor, protection and provision on and for you and give you peace. Amen!

Total Praise 

 

End Day 21: Shofar