Day 4: Get Your Edge Back
Fasting and prayer bring you closer to God. Fasting is a short season that releases long-term rewards.
Fasting gives you back your edge. It gives you the power to do far more than you could possibly accomplish in your own strength and finite understanding. In 2 Kings Chapter 6, the prophet Elisha had acquired a group of younger men eager to be mentored by him. These so-called “sons of the prophet” had outgrown their living quarters, so they wanted to build a new, bigger building where they could all dwell and continue to be in community and learn from Elisha.
Once they talked him into it, they all headed to the Jordan River, and each man began cutting down trees to make the beams for a new lodge. As they labored, one of the guys did not notice that his ax head was working loose with each powerful swing. It suddenly slipped right off of the handle and splashed into the muddy river. The iron ax head sank out of sight quickly as the young man stood on the bank, ax handle in hand, devastated and powerless to change what had just happened.
He was a young man eager to do something great for God, but he could no longer help cut trees with nothing but an ax handle to swing. He had lost the edge. Furthermore, this young man had borrowed the ax, so it is likely that he was concerned that he did not have the money to replace it. But all was not lost. In 2 Kings 6:6 we read, “So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.”
Don’t let the lack of finances cause you to give up on your dream. Are you eager to do something great for God? Do you feel there’s something more God has for you to do? Perhaps at one time you sensed the anointing of the Lord on your life, and you were going for it. You had the edge. Your life was consecrated to God, and you had a deep passion for spiritual things. But something shifted.
These days you feel like you have lost the edge. What’s worse is that the enemy has convinced you that it is out of sight, out of reach and you can never reclaim it. Have you bought the lie that your anointing, your purpose, your dream, your family, your lost children—all of these are gone forever?
Given the economic downturn this nation has experienced over the past several years, many have faced dire circumstances, having: lost jobs, homes and cars, respect, and lost all hope. But I want to encourage you today that God can still make iron swim, and He can give you your edge back.
January 9, 2013 | Permalink76 Responses to Day 4: Get Your Edge Back
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Bilongo M says:
I need MORE Of you ,God!
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lorena chamberlin says:
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME FASTING 21 DAYS. 16 YEARS SERVING MY LORD BUT NEVER WANTED TO FAST BECAUSE I DO NOT LIKE TO MAKE PROMISES TO GOD. BECAUSE I JUST WOULD NOT BE ABLE HANDLE BREAKING THEM. BUT I AM COMMITTED TO DO THIS. I WANT TO BE MUCH CLOSER. I WANT TO HEAR HIM SPEAK TO ME, I WANT TO BE A VESSEL HE CAN FILL. FIRST DAY WAS DIFFICULT. SECOND DAY I FOUND MYSELF HUNGRY FOR THE WORD. I MEDITATED ALL DAY AND SANG WORSHIP TO HIM, WATCHED YOU ON TBN LAST NIGHT…KEEP MY EYES ON HIM COMPLETELY. PRAYING FOR OTHERS. I LIVE ALONE THAT HELPS. I AM RETIRED SO I HAVE NOTHING BUT TIME. ABBA, I NEED YOUR SPIRIT TO REST IN MY TEMPLE. FILL ME PLEASE. OUR ENTIRE CHURCH IS FASTING. NEW LIFE CHAPEL, HESPERIA, CA 92345
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April Banks says:
Great Job! hang in there! You will make it!
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Tammy says:
Amen. I need Him. I feel the need for a closer relation with Him. I refuse to continue going around the same trees in my life!
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Rachel McCaskill says:
I am doing the full fast and have a wedding in 3 days. What shall I do?
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Eunice says:
Hmmmm…that’s a tough one but not totally impossible.I fasted once thorugh my cousin’s engagement party so I think it can be done. You just have to focus in on the spiritual journey you are on with God and tune out your environment but at the same time be pleasant and sociable.
Above all you have to rely on the Holy Spirit even the more and I believe He will give you a special grace to make it through.One thing that has helped me in times past during a fast is that I kept repeating to myself in my head “ONLY MY SPIRIT PREVAILS”.
Wish you God’s best at the wedding!
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Susann Belflower says:
I believe that God does not expect legalism. Maybe you should do a Daniel fast during the wedding (no meats, no sweets, no bread, but veggies, salads and juices) and go back to the full fast the next day (or stay with the Daniel fast). But remember God looks at the heart and knows that you want to do the right thing…
Susann -
Masek83 says:
God is not about condemning you for eating at your wedding, eat and enjoy and go back on it the next day, go an extra day on the fast. Enjoy your day and just remember guilt and condemnation comes from the enemy and God just loves us and is beyond happy that we would even consider sacrificing our flesh and food for him. Hope that helps a little. Congrats and I hope your marriage is blessed beyond overflowing.
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Gina says:
Your fast is between you and God, simply ask God what he would have you do.
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Odence Rose says:
Hi Rachel,
This is going to be tough for you however at the forefront if you are the bride remember the wedding involves both you and your groom and wedding plans were made before your decision to join the fast. Therefore you may have to be creative with the cutting and sharing of the cake. You can also vary the fast and do a Daniel Fast for that day and make arrangements for a special meal for you that day. Above all speak with your fiance and pray and ask the Lord to guide you.If you are just participating you can fast through the function or vary the meal to a Daniel Fast as the food may already been paid for. God’s blessings and guidance.
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Florent says:
Thank you Jesus for giving me my edge back
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Antoinette says:
This is my current plight exactly Pastor Jentezen. Right now I need to experience and see the iron float, so to speak, in my life. I was at my wits end and struggling profusely to stay afloat. But God intervened and led me to fast and pray. Ironically, I was also led to your ministry which had also started the 21 day fast. That was no coincidence. That was the Spirit of God leading and guiding me and giving new hope and increased faith. Wow! I am amazed and so eager to experience ALL that God has waiting for during and after this 21 day fasting and prayer.
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Dr Bettina C Sudhaker says:
Amen!
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Stephanie says:
Oh that we would praise and glorify the Lord and bless His Holy name. Come magnify him with me. Great is His faithfulness. His mercy is new every morning.
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Titilia says:
So true about God giving our edge back. Receiving today’s message for me, my husband, family & friends.
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Matumisang says:
I thank God that where we are limited; by our circumstances or abilities; He is a limitless God, able to do even far more than we can imagine. I thank Him for His promises that are Yea and Amen. He is the God who is with us always, who helps and strengthens us, who makes straight the crooked ways, who is able to create rivers in our dry places and who causes us to thrash the mountains we face into nothingness. What a MIGHTY God we serve!!!!
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Lord,I thank you so much that there is another opportunity for me. To totally rest in you. Thank you. Thank you Lord that at the end of this fast I will get my edge back.
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miranda says:
DEBT WRITTEN OFF:
My Husband and I owed the metropolitan municipality R12000/$120 000. We had to pay off this amount in order for my husband to re-registor the house on his name(he inherited the house from his mom). We struggled for 4yrs trying to pay off this amount. This morning I received a mail statement notifying us that the Council wrote off the $120 000/12 000 rands off its debtors’book. Praise the Lord(EL SHADDAI) for His goodness. Miranda….Johannesburg ..South Africa
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Jaimie Bolton-Bradford says:
Amen!
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Nomsa says:
Thank you so much for reminding that whatever I lost I can reclaim fully. I started with the full fast on Sunday until yesterday. The Lord has given me so much strength. Today someone renting my garage gave me double for what he should. The Lord is already working wonders in my life!! Please saints press on, Be still & listen to his voice.
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Gugu says:
Muhle uJehova (HE is a good GOD) AMEN!
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pilar says:
Amen, thanks for this great example and encouragement.
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Adetayo West says:
A powerful reminder of what our loving God will do for us when we are dedicated to serving Him!
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Avril Logan says:
I will not look at my circumstances but will focus my eyes upon the Lord. I will worship God like never before. I will be with Him!. I needed this fasting this year! Thanking God for this ministry.
Avril -
Polly says:
Boy, I needed this today. Where I was once a paralegal, I am now a clerk in a department store at 1/3 the pay of my former job, struggling to hold onto two homes and pay all the bills alone. Please pray for me. I believe God will give me my edge back. Praise His holy name.
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Michelle says:
This is really powerful stuff. Thank you for that. Iron should really sink,but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26, KJV)
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Daniielle Hewitt says:
The first thing I said when I read this was; “Holy Makerol! That was good!” Sharing with my friends, most definitely. And by the way, very encouraging. Thanks.
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Kathy Robinson says:
Thank you so much for those words. That is exactly what I needed to hear.
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Leah says:
“Are you eager to do something great for God? Do you feel there’s something more God has for you to do? Perhaps at one time you sensed the anointing of the Lord on your life, and you were going for it. You had the edge. Your life was consecrated to God, and you had a deep passion for spiritual things. But something shifted.”
This is exactly how I was feeling. I woke up this morning determined to fast; THEN I remembered Jentezen’s annual fast which I normally participate in. Unfortunately I missed the first three days but I thank God for reminding me.
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Tracy says:
Amen….thank you Jesus!
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Greg Greer says:
Lord, we pray for those that need to get their edge back for you. Lift those up that need your healing touch and may they realize again that our God is the master of all things. May our dependence be on him…the almighty God.
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Dee says:
The enemy raised his head today and I intend to use my God given arrows to cut it off. Getting my edge back.
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Vincent Daniels says:
I praise God for his revelation to me this morning through this ministry. I realize that I am on the EDGE of something great and I must, I will press through in Jesus name, all the way to break through. Praise his Holy name.
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Paula says:
Praise the Lord! What an encouraging message. I am getting my edge back. I am feeling good on the fourth day of this fast. I am drawing nigh unto God, and I can feel him drawing nigh unto me. Please, pray for me as I continue to pray for everyone during this time of fasting and prayer. God bless you and your family Pastor Franklin. You are truly a blessing to the body of Christ.
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Sharene says:
God is awesome I’m on the fast and God has already blow my mind on the second day I got a break though oh I will forever serve him. I just want more and more of God. I want to say to Pastor Franklin God is truly using you I’m praying for you and your family and may you forever be bless.
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D says:
I am with you! Less of me and MORE of you God!
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This morning I felt bad for spending so much time in my quiet time. I felt guilty for not cleaning my house etc. However thank you for reminding me, that it takes TIME OUT to sharpen my ax! Now I don’t feel so guilty anymore
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Deborah says:
Thank you Jesus!!!!!
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Davine says:
Praise the Lord, I receive this! The Lord is working some things out in my life and is performing miracles that RAISE the purpose, gifts, and dream, which the Lord has given me, out of whatever situation that may be trying to hinder them. Praise God.
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we are joining you from Colombia, please visit us too!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/revivalmission/ -
Cynthia says:
Thank God for today’s word. I pray every good thing in our lives that has sunk will float and we will have them back, rejoice, and testify about it to others in Jesus name!
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Faustina Donkor says:
God Bless you for this word. I recieve it in Jesus’s Name
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Angela says:
In Response to Rachel McCaskill:
Continue on. You can do this!!!! And when others offer you something, just say “i’m fine. thank you” And if,by some small chance, this is your wedding just spend time in God about the bite of cake routinely shared at a wedding. I don’t think God would be upset (assuming you have prayed over it and this is the decision you make), but I will tell you even one bite during a full fast can make it difficult to continue…SO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. I have faith that thru Prayer….God will lead you to the answer you seek. -
Lidiana Howard says:
FATHER I AM ABOUT TO TAKE THE DESITION TO DIVORCE I NEED YOUR PRESENCE MORE I AM A MINISTER OF FAMILY IN MY CONGREGATION AN IT HAVE MI DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. SO I ASK YOU FOR PRAYER . FATHER I TRUST YOU FOR WHAT YOU WILL DO IN MY PERSONAL LIFE AN CHILDREN. DAVID SAID I CRY OUT TO THE LORD AND HE HEARD HIM. LORD COM TO MY RESCUE.
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If you are a minister then you KNOW God’s stance for divorce; I pray that you are not leaving the marriage without scripture basis. And that said if you do have infidelity in your marriage, that is not to say divorce is the only option.
I am sure that you have thought long and hard over this. I pray that any demonic attack on your ministy, your family, your spouse, your marriage and yourself will cease and desist in the name of Jesus Christ. I pray the Holy Spirit will call to you, that you as his sheep will hear His voice. Follow the voice of the master and you will not be lost. No road is easy, but in Christ we know we are not alone and he will not lead us astray. I am praying for you. You and God alone know your situation. May He lead you in the right direction, restoring your self confidence with each right step you take. May He guide you and protect you.
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Ros says:
I stand with you I pray Gods perfect will be done in Jesus Christ name.
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This is my 6th day of fasting. My pastor gave us handouts with instructions for fasting along with scriptures From New Life Chapel. Our hearts have to be in the right place. Meaning we are not to fast for self. For example our appearance, or for vanity, or to get attention so others will look up to you as holyer than thou, or to expect God to give you what you ask for.. ..but to give all the glory to God. Fast and Read the bible, pray, worship in song, and so god will speak to us. Satan will try to discrourage us in everyway possible. We are not to fast so that people at church will look at you as being holy like the old jewish preist. Our fasting has to be sincerely seeking to have Gods’ spirit fill us, transform us, strengthen our faith, to hear his sweet soft voice. Don’t fast so God can love you more! He already loves you more than ever, this will not change anything.
Confess your sins. Its a time of cleansing also. Here are some scriptures to help you from the handout.
1Jn 1:9; 1Sam 3:1-9 (when samuel first heard the word of the Lord, he did not understand it).
Habakkuk 2:4 (Lord, tells habakkuk to write the vision down and write it plainly)
James 1:9 (you will be slower to speak, quicker to listen and slower to anger).
J1Jn 4:10 ( Selfish or blessing?)
Eph 1:3 (tells us there are blessing in heaven with your name on them)
Prayer life during fast (Prov 8:103; Psalm 19, and 1 Cor 2:7)
Fighting doubt and fighting the good fight. (Matt 14:22-32, Gal.5:24, Rom 8:15)
Social tensions (Matt. 6:166-18, 1Peter 3:15
HANG IN THEIR MY BRETHRN.. DON’T GIVE UP!! DAY 6
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Pegasus says:
God is soooo good!!! He always knows what we need to hear and understand to help us go forward!! Praise God!!!
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Berley & Anita Richardson says:
Thanking God that I have not lost my edge! Continuing the fast and believing God that we will recover “ALL”.
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I thank the Lord for this fast . this is my third year. truly God is a good God and He will answer pray if u trust and believe. please stay on the fast and i will pray for u and please pray for me . God bless u all.
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this is exactly what I needed to hear from God today.
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Elizabeth says:
Ecclesiastes 10:10…If someone’s ax is blunt—the edge isn’t sharpened— then more strength will be needed. Putting wisdom to work will bring success.
We shouldn’t get so busy that our axe becomes dull. Let us remember that our devotion to the Lord and His word will sharpen our spiritual life, especially before we start the day. Let us prioritize our devotional life and watch how our “edge” will cut through the problems, obstacles and difficult situations.-
Amen! I needed your comment I had many distractions in Day 4, and now I will begin to seek the Lord early.
Psalm 63:1; O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
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Jane says:
Thankyou Pastor Franklin for inspiring me to fastt at a deeper level. I used to go to a church where fasting was not talked about- then I stumbled upon your website during your fasting season and just joined in. I cant let go of this discipline as I have tasted the goodness of the Lord. Now I’m planted in a fasting church and am excited to see what God is doing in His Church. Praise God for pastors like you.
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Pastor, I’ve heard the Ax message many times. I’ve read it too. (Last year’s Edge book), and you want to know what? It’s still fresh! It’s still anointed. It’s still relevant every time. Amen.
“Where did it fall?” That’s what got me this time. To go back and try again. I will.
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Angelika says:
Praise the Lord and Pastor Franklin, I have found Jentezen Franklin through my best friend and now fiance. My faith in some of my difficult times regarding my business kept me energized and has strengthen my faith in the Lord. I am on my fourth day of full fast and my hunger is completely gone and my energy has gone up, unbelievable for me and the only answer I find in these times, is God is working his miracles.
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Lizzie says:
I thank God for this community! I am joining in the fast from the East Coast for this exact reason, I’m tired of the status quo and seek the FULLNESS of God! I want to hear his voice and get my edge back! I am not a “seasoned” faster and really have just learned about what fasting truly is. I get confused on what everyone is doing sometimes though. I am trying to go slow and did the normal fast for 3 days and want to do the remaining 21 days on a partial (I’m doing no food, just water from sunrise to 8pm). Is this wrong? It’s really difficult for me but I want to give God my best.
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Hi Lizzie, Pastor Franklin has some Quick tips on fasting and you can find them at http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/quicktips. I believe a full fast is liquids only and I am on water & 100% juice, however the juice tends to create the hunger pangs.
Although with prayer you can find strenght to carry on. Like you, I was going to do 3 days of liquids and move into the Daniel fast of water, veg, fruit &nuts,(Daniel 10). However with prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit I have moved pass the 3rd day going into Day 5. “to God be the Glory”
Whatever you decide to do I believe God will honor it. We are all praying for each other in this journey. So be encourage and “Lets get our edge back” and do what God has called us to do!
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paul says:
Wow this is all so encouraging to me. I am determined to make it through. I believe God for the supernatural. Im anticipating another realm . Im praying for everyone who’s on this journey. You can do all things through christ that gives you strength. Hold on because a shift is about to happen.
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Barbara Reese says:
God bless us all as we continue to seek His face and grow closer to Him! I’m still so excited about doing this fasting even though it’s getting alittle harder!!
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This is my second year doing the 21 day fast. Already, I can say that I have been released from some pretty heavy oppression that I’ve carried for a long time. Fear and anxiety will never again take hold of my life like I clearly allowed it to previously! I am grateful to have a God who believes in second chances. We are so un-worthy to be even able to participate in this fast, but we serve a God of never ending, unconditional love. Fasting saved my marriage the first year, equipping me w the necessary tools to use when everything else was hopeless. My husband is now saved and has decided to join me, and the thousands of us, on this fast. All I want is to serve and please my mighty LORD who has been my light in the darkest hours.
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Amen, Praise God! I want my edge back! I know that God can make iron float, because He can do anything but fail. I thank you for encouraging the me along with the body of Christ in this fast. Please pray for me because my desire is two make fasting a lifestyle. To fast the 1st week of every month for the remainder of my life.
Thank You,
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Christine says:
God’s power brought the dead back to life. It is the same power that we are using and asking for. God said that when we seek Him diligently we will find Him. So let us continue seeking Him during this 21 days and we shall see and experience His Power.
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Carmen G. says:
Amen!! Just what I needed to hear.
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Isabel Solis says:
Oh thank u Jesus how I had to hear that. I was there I was walking with Christ.so full of joy love, peace and I was spiritually growing and then something happened. I lost it. but I want to restore it again, my walk with Christ. thank u so much for this msg. I know the Lord is hearing me.
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Mrs. Smith says:
Jesus thank you for the edge in all areas of my life in my marriage, job and community. AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOR THE VICTORY
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VF says:
This is my 3rd year as part of this fast. Tonight i just laid and saw my self in the spiritual realm rise up amd shake my sels from all that had weight me down and hindered my going forward. And i started warfare pray to say not any more, I am more than a conqueror, victorious, mighhty weapon in God’s hand. Then after praying for a while, i remember that I had not read today’s journal. What a confirmation. God is awesome. Thank you Father for refocusing my mind.
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Tarrie says:
Amen to all the goodness, kindness and faithfulness of the Lord, truly exemplified in many of the testimonies shared. This is my second year too doing this 21 day fast. Its a great way to start the year. On day 2, I received good news that a medical test my mother underwent came out negative. She has been undergoing a battery of tests since August and the doctors couldn’t say exactly what the problem is. She is better everyday. And I know who’s report I will believe. I trust in the One and only, Healer. Hold fast to him and can’t wait to hear and see miracle after miracle as we all dedicate this time to getting deeper with God.
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I thank The Lord for Pastor Jentezen Franklin for heeding the voice of God especially in this hour! Fasting and praying is precisely where God is posturing His Church however, only very few have ears to hear what the Spirit of The Lord is saying (Rev. 2). I live in Maryland and I’m excited and honored to join in on the fasting and praying. Double Portion I’m expecting God to do! Amen.
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Gregg K says:
May the Lord grant you all of his intention for you & may God’s full expectation for all of you be fulfilled in your lives”
This is my 9th day of the fast & I want to encourage you all as well as thank Pastor Jentezen & staff for introducing me to fasting. My life will never be the same. Thank you Lord!
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Json says:
This story is a remarkable one. I have always loved how God brings HIS word to the hearts of MEN. If we only sharpen our selves so that we can be spiritual experience and having the wisdom of God in our lives then we can indeed inspire others to get their edge back. May we seek more of HIM this 21 days. My Church (Point Hill NTCOG in Jamaica) is on this 21 Days and so far it has been off the wall with God. we are looking for more. tonight word was how do you gt your passion back….not being lukewarm or forgetting our first love but clinging to the old rugged cross.
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Nirian says:
Amem!!
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Lidiana,
I encourage you to continue to do what it is that you are doing! Wait on the Lord and see His salvation. Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
Isaiah 40:31 says “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Lamentations 3:26 says “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.”
These are some verses that help us while we wait. I stand in agreement with you that the Lord will show Himself mighty in your situation that the He will provide you with everything you and your family needs. He hears your cry Lidiana. . .He really does!
Blessings,
Davine
Amen!! <3 I receive this