Now that we are down to the final 11 days before the election, I had a little thought run through my head yesterday. Most people are looking in heightened anticipation at the elections much like they do Christmas. If we had the "12 Days Before the Election Song", what would it say?
On the final verse it may sound something like this:
12 Campaign Promises
11 Of them Broken
10 Tons of hoopla
9 Yard Signs stolen
8 Confused Voters
7 Churches Sleeping
6 Slick Activists
5 Lip-sticked Pigs
4 Calling Names
3 Conflicting Poll Counts
2 Will Be Elected
AND ONE WHO CAN TRULY SET THE WORLD FREE (Jesus)
Now I'm sure you'll come up with your own. That's just what came to mind in just a few seconds!
On a more serious note, I want to talk to you today about what the Lord has placed on my heart this morning. Several weeks ago, the Lord spoke something to my spirit about my own prayer time/fasting, etc. and this morning the Lord reminded me of it. I followed what He told me at that time, but He said that I was to share what He had told me.
The Lord has impressed on me the importance of not allowing yourself to become overly tired and weak. This is the same thing He told me many weeks ago! I had been getting up at very early hours, but the Lord said that I was going to need my rest for clarity of thought, strength, and endurance for the type of Spiritual battle that was ahead. So, I obeyed. Normally this time of year I participate in the 40 Day Fast and often spend several weeks on total fast. Not this year. I was starting to do the same as I always had, but God also said to me... "Do not fast because man has called a fast... only fast when I have laid it on YOUR heart." At certain times I have felt to fast specific things or do a partial fast, but I know I have heard God say that now is the time to increase individual strength through proper rest, fervent prayer, and nutrition. Our Spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak. I am taking this in a different light than what we normally do - but God is wanting us to be strengthened in our physical bodies and not weak in this hour.
So, first let me say that I am not telling anyone to stop fasting who feels like God wants them to fast. But, if you are only fasting because someone has told you to - you may want to rethink that. Also realize that you can do a partial fast and not allow yourself to become weak! God will place on your heart what you are to restrain from.
Secondly, I want to say that you need to get plenty of sleep. I have been greatly reminded over the years that deprivation of sleep brings out the worst in people. Your mind begins to shut down and you can't function. You say things to people that you would never dream of saying if you were in your complete (well rested) mind. There have been 2 examples in this past week that I can think of right off the top of my head with members of my own family! The devil wants you weak and tired. If he can get you to the point of exhaustion, then he can really reap havoc and kick you when you are down.
Protect your spirit today by keeping your temple strong. Honor God with your body by getting the proper rest and nutrition you need in this hour. Meat is a very important at this time. Make sure you get your protein! This is what the Lord is saying!
I also keep going back to the fact that God has been warning me about the days after the elections. Many are going to wax cold... some will fall away. This is regardless of the outcome - it's simply end times prophecy being fulfilled. Many rise in their fervor and dedication for a little while, but then simmer down. That's just what I see. It's like the parable of the seed sown on the rock. There is no root, so when the sun hits it, they wither and die. People who are tired and weak will be more susceptible to falling away. The enemy wanders around like a lion seeking the weakest of targets to prey upon. Don't make yourself weak; you're putting the bright orange target right on your chest, saying, "Here I am devil... come and get me!"
The passage God placed on my heart today is found in Matthew 4, the Temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The devil took Jesus into the desert to be tempted. After Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, the devil began tempting. First, he spoke to His physical need because He was hungry. The devil tempted Him to turn the stones into bread! Then He spoke to God's protection and safety telling Jesus to throw himself to the stones below because the angels would come and protect Him. Lastly, the devil tempted Jesus with power... showing Him the splendor of the Kingdoms of the world. Each time, Jesus refuted the devil with Scripture. His last words to the devil were, "Away from Me satan! For it is written, worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." Then the devil left Jesus and the angels came and attended him.
There are many things we could draw from this. The devil tempts many today with the same tactics- your immediate needs, testing God's provision and safety through doing our own thing, and power (through wealth, authority, and possessions).
No doubt God has shown us that this is an important time in our Spiritual lives, but again, my warning today is not to allow yourself to become weak. Many times after great spiritual efforts on our part (like great times of prayer or insight) the devil will come along with the backlash. Proclaim "Away from me satan!"
Guard yourself with the power of the Word, keep diligent in prayer, strengthen your physical body by getting proper rest and nutrition, and serve/love God with all your soul, mind, and strength.
them, because the one who is in you is greater than
the one who is in the world."
1 John 4:4
