Main Scriptures: Mk.9:26-29
More Scriptures: Is.8:18, Ps.139:14, Ps.112:2
Today is the fourth day of this teaching series and I trust the Holy Spirit that you have become empowered to function as the good and godly husband. So, what is the fourth commitment you have to make that will trigger the momentum and help you to live like the godly shepherd? It is the lifestyle of prayer with fasting. Yes! As the head of your family, one area you need to be in complete command of your family kingdom is waiting upon the Lord in a fast. What this means is setting aside days that you abstain from food in order to have fellowship with God. It is risky for you to eat three times a day and seven days a week. You will not be able to withstand the rampaging assault of the devil against the marriage relationship. According to Scripture, fasting moves you up to a higher level of authority, power and influence. In Mark chapter 9, the Bible gives an account of how a boy was molested by an evil spirit. No one could deliver the boy, not even His disciples. But when Jesus Christ showed up, the evil spirit departed from the boy. And the people were amazed and the disciples of Jesus Christ asked Him how come they could not cast the devil out. And He answered and said, and He said unto them, this kind can come forth by nothing by prayer and fasting (Mk.9:29). You need power from on high to dispel ungodly tendencies being manifested by your wife or children. You need your words and commands to be forceful and effectual in the kingdom of the devil.
The word of God says that the weapons of your warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. And this is why the Bible says that you are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, rulers of this world and against wickedness in high places (Eph.6:12). You are a soldier with a divine mandate from God to keep watch over your sheep and your sheepfold. You must therefore be on your guard and be on the alert. And fasting is one major way you can fulfill your role as the good shepherd. So, decide which days you want to wait on the Lord in a fast. Personally, I live a fasted life. Virtually every day of the week and all through the year I fast in order to be able to dislodge the plans of hell against my life and that of my wife and children. The word of God warns that you must not make your belly your god. If you do, you end up being physically robust but spiritually weak. To abstain from food for some hours is not convenient but it is the price you must pay if you want to be the kind of man, husband and father that your wife and children so much desire.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, deliver me from an untamed appetite for food and drink.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me with the spirit of self-discipline so that I can wait on You in a fast.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus put me in command of the affairs in my sheepfold and make me a victor.
FAITH CONFESSION
I am committed to cultivate and live by the attitude of waiting on the Lord Jesus Christ in a fast because that is what generates the power I need to reign and rule in my sheepfold as the good and godly husband in Jesus Name. Amen.
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