Springs Newsletter 2017 (4)

Title: *|FNAME|*, Don’t Fall Into Temptation!

Dear *|FNAME|*,

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. The Lord is your strength and shield; your heart trusts in Him and you are helped (Psalm 28:7).

Do you know that this present world is not your permanent home? Despite all the good things it has to offer, the world is still essentially broken and full of pitfalls. The devil (the sworn enemy of mankind) is ever seeking whom to devour. Satan is already doomed and his ultimate goal is to steal your joy, peace, fulfilment and destiny in Christ. Therefore you cannot afford to be spiritually careless and slack; rather you are called to be ‘sober and vigilant’ (1 Peter 5:8).

*|FNAME|*, how can you overcome the pitfalls of Satan? Our Lord Jesus gives us a very direct answer in Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation ...” Prayer helps us to connect and take sides with God. Jesus taught us to pray that the will of God be done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). This means it is not everything that happens in your life that is the will of God.  It is only through active and consistent prayer that you can ensure that the will of God prevails in your life, home, community and nation. Prayer symbolises your communion with, dependence on, and submission to God.

But what about watching? What is the difference between watching and praying? You keep watch by staying alert spiritually. This can be accomplished through regular fasting and meditation. Fasting is defined as voluntarily going without food (and other legitimate pleasures) in order to focus more on God in prayer, study and meditation. Fasting helps you to spend an extended period of time alone with God.

*|FNAME|*, the result of regular fasting is that your spiritual sensitivity will be enhanced. Through fasting and praying, supernatural wisdom and understanding is imparted into your heart and you become strengthened with divine ability in your spirit. Isaiah 40:31 makes us to understand that: “those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”.

Is fasting easy? How exactly should I fast? You can start with a consistent short fast (e.g. 12 hours – skipping breakfast till 12:00 noon) and then increase gradually to 18 hours, 24 hours or more. You can drink water! Don’t forget that your fast is merely a hunger strike if you are not spending time alone with God in prayer, study and meditation. When you fast, find time to go into the secret place to focus exclusively on your Father God. The keyword in fasting is consistency!

*|FNAME|*, don’t neglect the immense benefits of attending prayer meetings! Praying with other believers regularly is best way to strengthen your prayer life. You are not called to make it alone; this is why Jesus Christ built His church! Corporate prayer will lift you up spiritually and train you to be effective in intercession for the things of the Kingdom (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is your pathway to victory; prayer is the master key!

You can click the link below to listen to my recent sermon on ‘Fasting and Praying’:
https://www.healingspringschurch.org/multimedia-archive/fasting-and-praying/

You can click the link below to find out how to give to our ministry:
https://www.healingspringschurch.org/giving/how-to-give/

Wishing you victory and fruitfulness as you rededicate yourself to regular fasting and praying.

Love and Blessings

Ben Awoseyila