(First published and distributed through requested e-mails
from February 28 through April 8, 2001 )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iPIi7sunEU
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David Phelps - No More Night
For those of you who expressed a special interest in the "40-Days of Prayer with Fasting" series, I’ve finally put this small book together for you to read through your time of fasting, special times of renewal and closeness with the Lord as we approach Easter.
Originally, this collection was completed as part of an online morning devotion I’ve been writing fresh every morning since 1999. This, however, contains more details and meditations on fasting, as well as some personal thoughts, Scriptures about fasting with prayer, and additional information about the topic.
Let's begin...
"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth' I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer kept returning to my bosom." Psalm 35:13
"O God, it is Thou who dost know my folly, and my wrongs are not hidden from Thee. May those who wait for Thee not be ashamed through me, O Lord God of hosts; May those who seek Thee not be dishonoured through me, O God of Israel, because for Thy sake I have borne reproach; dishonour has covered my face. I have become estranged from my brothers and an alien to my mother's sons.
“For zeal for Thy house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach Thee have fallen on me. When I wept in my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them. –
“But as for me, my prayer is to Thee, O Lord, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Thy lovingkindness, answers me with Thy saving truth. - Answer me, O Lord, for Thy lovingkindness is good; according to the greatness of Thy compassion, turn to me, and do not hide Thy face from thy servant. Psalm 68:5-17
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry." Matthew 4:1-2
"And immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.” Mark 1:12-13
"And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days; and when they had ended He became hungry." Luke 4:1-2
[Jesus teaching] "And whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face so that you may not be seen fasting by men, but by your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees in secret will repay you." Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting is not a matter of giving up food, but rather your heart attitude while you consider the sacrifices Jesus made for you. This year it begins on 14 February and ends 29 March. Traditionally, fasting is not done on Sunday. Many people fast for a variety of reasons, and it is part of many religions and sects, as well as many “quick diet” schemes. Many can’t imagine giving up anything they like for a day let alone 40 days.
Fasting must be done thoughtfully and safely and does not have to be about giving up food at all. Fasting holds special significance because it is a time when you put something you value aside and instead "Delight yourself in the Lord” so He can give you new desires to fill your heart for the glory of His kingdom.
Interesting Fasting Facts:
- · "An ordinary man of average weight and fitness embarking on a total fast - that is, a fast during which he refuses both his food and drink - could not expect to live for more than thirty days, nor to be conscious for more than twenty-five.
- · For him, the forty days of fasting described in religious texts would not be achievable - except with Divine help, of course. History, however, does not record an intervention of that kind, and medicine opposes it."
Ellis Winward and Professor Michael Soule, The Limits of Mortality, Ecco Press, New Jersey, 1993.
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.
PS: My statement of faith is on the blog: Especially His Love . Either click the link or cut and paste this link in your Web browser (https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com.au/)
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
• Sergio – has found a new career where he is respected for his skill, talents and wisdom with people.
• Jeff Westergren –is home after his heart surgery, regaining strength every day. Please pray for him and Rachael as she supports him during this time.
• Ron Torgo – with IBS and an inflamed gallbladder and spleen. Is beginning to feel stronger although there is still some trouble eating and sleeping. Please pray for his doctors to find a way to moderate the symptoms and fix this for him. He was off work for three months and has had to return for practical reasons. Pray he paces himself.
• Praise the Lord and pray for the many individuals in Russia, USA, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE (!), Germany, Portugal, Romania, American Samoa, Brazil, Ukraine, Estonia, Singapore, China, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line. The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
• Careena – living with multiple sclerosis and Lyme’s disease has come down with a bit of flu. Thank the Lord for her life-example and her family of five children and a loving and supportive husband (one of our pastors). She is vulnerable to simple health challenges. Pray for her, her patience, physical strength and stability.
• Marci – a lifetime friend has come through her eye surgery and is resting and recovering. Pray she recovers fully and is as chipper as always and that her entire family rallies around her with love.
• Thirteen children (ages 2-29) kept captive, chained and near starving by their parents -- that they may fully recover.
• CB – a friend for the last eleven years, with inoperable lung cancer and an estimated 12-13 months of life left. He has begun an aggressive regime of treatment. He needs the Saviour before it is too late for him to think about it, but he is VERY resistant and fiercely self-sufficient.
• Jenny S - for travelling mercies as she is in London speaking at a women’s conference…that her words will bless and challenge those attending and she will remain healthy and full of energy throughout.
FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE
• St Marks Anglican Church Northbridge - Please pray for God's will and that a hunger for God’s Word grows relentlessly within the hearts of all those in this neighbourhood and for all who attend. Pray for strength, wisdom and healing rest, especially at this holiday time, for those who serve there: Simon Flinders, Adam Street, Pat O'Keeffe, Kathy Notley, Anne Penny and their families.
• Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) –continue to serve the Lord with faithful gladness and grace. Pray his radio outreach program serves the Lord powerfully. Please pray for a solution for her home care and for now pray for strength as Audley cares for his beloved wife.
• Doug McIntosh - an invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study has multiple myelomas. Please pray for him (he continues to teach), his family and the church he has worked so faithfully in, Cornerstone, in Lilburn Georgia.
• Jenny S - a Bible teacher and expositor who serves in many ways. Give her strength, thriving health, balance, wisdom, protection and the right handling of God's Word.
• Jo and Steve - for opening their hearts to some lovely visitors from Poland, for their NZ ministries and for reconciliation with one of Jo's sisters.
• Stu and Jo and children, Laura and Jason - the entire family is involved in full-time ministry in NZ and may also help with the visitors from Poland. Keep them strong, healthy and resolute.
• Elaine and Jim -sharing Christ in Hong Kong as difficult changes begin in the politics of the country. Their wonderful online church has a 24/7 prayer room where a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waits to pray for and with you: https://tlcwhk.com/prayer-room/
• Please pray for JB, that our loving Father provides him ample opportunity to continue his ministry in Sydney.
• Buddy and Susan Smith (in Queensland) and Kevin and Sandy Currell (in Melbourne) need your prayers for their ministries.
• The Catholic Church and the Pope, who need our prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.
==== Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines
• ISIS has established a growing beachhead in the Philippines. Our friends and tireless servants of the Lord, Isaias and Judith, URGENTLY need your prayers, especially as the continue holding workshops through December. Pray our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance for their lives and good health. This ministry gives so much to so many for so little. To learn more: http://www.afciworld.org (Look for "Nations" then click: "Philippines").
PRAY FOR THE WORLD
• USA President Donald Trump - If ever there was a time to pray for an individual, it is now! No matter whom you voted for or wanted as President, it is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man. If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at how much antagonism there is against him – surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan through this man. Pray someone helps him understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that he will have someone to regularly disciple him.
• North Korea – Sabre rattling continues. Pray for sound thinking and God’s will in this situation and wisdom and patience on all sides.
• California wildfires aftermath – the news media has moved on to other stories and yet many people in California are still faced with little to nothing. Please pray for the residents and those extending a hand of hope and providing shelter and services.
• The World - Pray for God's will to prevail as unrest around the globe increases and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children, wherever they are – and that they will be ready to give an answer for the HOPE within them!
• That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who read these devotions. That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• Pray for the growing number of homeless and displaced people from greed, wars and famine around the world. These refugees need compassion.
ONGOING WORK RELATED
• Carla – for an overwhelming and insatiable desire to read God’s Word. Pray for travelling mercies and most of all wisdom with her priorities and decision making.
• Paul –Has not had paying work since 2010. I know the Lord is watching over him because of your prayers. Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts. Pray for my wisdom and patience as he continues to stay here.
• Chris - That he will set aside time to pray and consider the many choices he has in front of him and that the Lord will guide him in the best use of his days.
• Deepak - has worked tirelessly for years to develop his business and needs people to pay what they owe him so he can have more time with his young daughter.
ONGOING PRAYER
• Chris – the tribute band played 12 January and they are getting many bookings. Please pray for all band members -- that they remain focused on their best and being professional and that their popularity increases.
• Elina – who we prayed for previously has had her child and is facing life as a single mother, struggling with decisions affecting her next steps and future of the child.
• SS – needs continual wisdom to care for her ageing parents that there is a balance and continued good health for all concerned.
• BL –Important decisions to be made soon. Please pray for patience and wisdom in the waiting.
• Marvin - eighteen and finding himself. Pray he will stay close to the Lord and not turn aside from the truth of the Truth. Please give his parents strength and wisdom.
• Hans -returned to therapy for another 12 months. Please pray for him as he seeks wisdom to make a decision between shortening therapy and taking a job apprenticeship he’s been offered. Pray he is always surrounded by faithful Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, DB, PS, RB, JD, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families. Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over the years.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS
• Bill – recovering from Bell’s Palsy. Please pray he is patient and that Beverly’s (his wife) energy and grace stays strong.
• Doris (my "second mom") – just celebrated her 99th birthday, yet she is growing weaker. Yet, her focus on sharing Christ with others grows stronger! Pray and thank the Lord for Patti, her daughter, who faithfully and selflessly visits Doris twice a week (it was just Patti’s birthday, too!).
• My brother, Tim – Still no update on his wrist injuries. Pray they diagnose the problem and find an effective treatment to manage the pain. Pray the weather stabilises as it affects his COPD (cardio-obstructive pulmonary disease). Please, pray he gets active support from the patient advocate (social services). Pray for his strength, patience, wisdom and health. Pray for Barb, his wife, for her strength and patience and thank you, Father, for growing stronger daily in their lives so they can share You with others.
• David R - is growing increasingly stressed because of a difficult situation with his neighbours. Pray for his wisdom and patience. Surely the hand of the Lord is not short in any of our lives and still works in ways we cannot understand.
• Two of Tim’s Friends – One man is in hospital now awaiting a life-saving liver transplant. A second man, also in hospital, may lose his leg after two or three knee-replacement surgeries have become infected after an accident several years ago.
• Claudio - battling liver cancer and the meds they are using to save him have weakened his heart. Pray for him, his health carers to be compassionate and wise and for Elea, his wife, that she has the extra strength and hope to hold his hand through this.
• Liriel - chronically ill and often in pain, but feeling a bit better lately. Pray for her comfort and that she can find some joy in each day.
• John (stroke survivor) needs wisdom to continue the management of his big farm. Pray God will continue to provide patience and help with reading since the stroke. He is enjoying cooking for others and is blessing many with this gift.
• Uncle Dwight (92 and Doris only brother). Pray for the Lord's will in his life. He is an ordained pastor and knows the Lord. He is also the Grandpa of Sarah who we have been praying for.
• Julia - battling depression and lack of rest. She teaches full time and cares for five children, including six-year old, Adrian with serious behaviour problems. She needs to learn to rely on the Lord rather than being self-sufficient.
• Aunt Donna - with dementia. Please pray for her daughters so they can care for her best.
PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION
• Scott (in the USA) a single father now caring for his children alone after his wife left. Pray that all this sadness and difficulty will melt his heart to reach out for the Lord.
• Robin Hopcroft - her brother asks we pray for her safety, that she learns of and understands the saving grace of Jesus and that her life becomes filled with the life-changing love of the Lord.
• Careena’s brother - to finally realise the deep affection Jesus has for him and that as he struggles with life that he will come to understand and accept Jesus’ loving and gracious sacrifice for him.
• Christine – that she will be strong, yet graceful; and that her husband will turn to the Lord, so they will have a Christ-honouring relationship and family.
• Denny Scheffler (sp) -- an old friend of my brother who was in a serious auto accident a few years ago. His life is more than difficult and empty. Pray Tim has opportunity to share the Gospel with him and wisdom to know how to help him.
• DB's father - (84 years) pray his heart opens to Christ. He is an avowed – and boastfully proud – atheist.
• Sarah -Will soon be moving into a family friend's trailer near her parents. But still no reconciliation with family or God at this point.
• RS who I had the delightful privilege of sharing the Gospel with. Please pray for her that she keeps considering what we discussed.
• Bobby and George - that they will begin to consider Christ.
• Karen - that in her confusion and the chaos of her job, she will search for His peace.
• Jenny - Recently lost her husband and needs comfort, strength and true answers in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Adam - his life is filled with confusion and need. Pray someone comes alongside him to help him see how much the Lord loves him.
• Bible study in Jo's home. Pray for wisdom of Jo and openness in the women who meet together, especially Angie and Liz.
• Toron - (19-year-old) Pray for him to find direction and encouragement and most of all to come to the Lord.
• Lennie - Needs to wake to the cross of Christ and how much He loves him.
• Sarah - that God continues to work in His mysterious ways in her life and captures her heart. No contact with parents or brother, yet.
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