From September 17, 2018 – September 23, 2018 we are praying and fasting 12 hours per day (6am – 6pm) only drinking water.
Day 1: September 17, 2018:
Read: Matthew 12:43 – 45
Memory verse: Matthew 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Jesus has been confronted by a group of religious leaders known as the Pharisees multiple times in the 12th chapter of Matthew. There was nothing He could do, inclusive of casting out a demonic spirit, which would prevent the Pharisees from openly opposing His ministry. At one point the scribes join the Pharisees and ask Jesus for a sign that would validate His authority to teach and operate as He did under the false pretense that this would make them believe He had been sent from God. Jesus explains that only those who are evil and want to remain in their sin always want a sign to know if what they have experienced and been taught is really from God. Jesus ultimately says in our memory verse for today that mankind is worse off if He cast the enemy out of us and we do not do anything different by allowing Him in to lead us. He leads us through discipleship. While it is important and necessary to be delivered, deliverance is only a crutch if it is not accompanied with discipleship. Without discipleship, we will always need to be delivered.
Pray today:
1. To openly and wholly live for Jesus,
2. For a heart to be wholly involved in the discipleship process, and
3. With honesty, vulnerability and transparency before God regarding any areas in which we need deliverance.
After you read and pray throughout the day, be sure to take time to listen for God to respond. Keep a journal to record what you hear Him say.
