OT: Nehemiah 6
NT: Luke 6
W&W: Psalm 46
Today’s Reflection:
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “We are not unaware of the devil’s schemes” (2 Corinthians 2.11).
Nehemiah recognized the schemes of Satan in trying to prevent the program of God from moving forward. Through Sanballat, Tobiah, and false prophets, Satan tried to intimidate, discourage, wear down, distract, divide, and ridicule God’s leaders and workers. Nehemiah didn’t fall for any of it: “But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands’” (Nehemiah 6.9b). Too often we try to face down the enemy on his terms when what we need to do is pray.
Many years ago a dear friend and retired minister warned me about discouragement. For years, I thought that he was mistaken and that I was impervious to Satan’s scheme of discouragement. But eventually I learned to pray daily: “Give me victory over discouragement.” Over the course of years, that simple prayer has done more to help me overcome discouragement than all my denials and defenses. But first, I had to recognize the scheme of the enemy and begin to pray about it.
Speaking of prayer, many of my readers know that I have been praying and fasting for God to open a door of ministry for me. I’ve shared with some folks who are praying for me (many of you readers) of a fast that I am observing today. It is called the Ezra Fast and is taken from Elmer Towns’ book Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough. (An excellent guide for fasting, by the way. I recommend it as a simple, understandable approach to fasting for different things.) I would like to share a few insights from Towns’ book. If you are not interested, skip to the bottom of this posting for today’s Bible readings.
The Ezra Fast is for those facing problems in their physical life or carrying burdens that hinder their Christian progress. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? … To undo the heavy burdens? (Isaiah 58.6, KJV) Ezra called all the Jews traveling through a dangerous wilderness (the problem) to fast for protection from their enemies along the journey. The key verse for this fast is: “So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer” (Ezra 8.23).
There are at least three wrong attitudes we can take toward problems:
- I am unusual.
- I am unspiritual.
- God has forsaken me.
- I cannot run from my problems.
- I cannot keep problems from happening.
- I can solve my problems!
- Eyes to see the positive: You are praying for victory! Know the outcome you want and ask God to give it to you. Do not be problem-centered, but God-centered. God is giving you a new vision of what he can do. Seize it!
- Eyes to see the people: Who is affected? Who is influential? Who is “with” you in spirit? Who are your praying and fasting partners? Who are resistant or critical?
- Eyes to see the principles: What does the Bible say about the problem you are facing? How have others I know solved a similar situation?
Prescription for the Ezra Fast:
1) Recruit those involved to fast with you (see Ezra 8.21).
2) Define and share the problem (v. 21).
3) Put yourself on the spot.
4) Fast seriously to God (v. 21).
5) Fast before attempting a solution (v. 15).
6) Fast facing the problem – or on site with insight (v. 21).
7) Fast for step-by-step guidance (v. 21).
8) Take practical steps after your fast to solve the problem (v. 24).
Hope this is helpful to you in days ahead!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
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