Before You Ask God for Anything, Do What Nehemiah Did First (Nehemiah 1:4-11)

Enjoying a weekend to remember the dreams and visions the Lord has placed in my heart. Thinking about the past year, where Nehemiah reminds us to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting. Rediscovering Hardships can bring us closer to the Lord. I had a wonderful conversation with Beverly, a long-time servant leader with a passion for bringing God's Word into the lives of people all over the world. She invited me to prepare a presentation on a Bible Requirements Interface for AI-enabled translation. As I was contemplating I realized I needed to slow down and take Nehemiah's prescription found in Nehemiah 1:4-11. 

In Nehemiah 1, a man learns that the walls of Jerusalem are rubble and its people are in disgrace. His response is not a plan. It is not a petition. It is grief.

"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." — Nehemiah 1:4

Notice the order. He wept first. He mourned. Then he fasted. Then he prayed.

By the time Nehemiah asks God for anything (verse 11), he has done four things that most of us skip entirely. Those four movements are a complete model for fasting. They map onto a single day, a single week, or as I used them four days of intentional preparation over this memorial day weekend.

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The Four Movements of Nehemiah's Prayer

1. Mourning (verse 4): Start with grief, not goals

Nehemiah did not open with a request. He opened with tears.

This is the part fasting guides leave out. We are taught to come to God with our needs. Nehemiah came to God with his sorrow first. He let the weight of what was broken land on him before he tried to fix anything.

Every fast should begin here. What is broken? What is missing? What have you been avoiding feeling?

Sit with it. That is not weakness. That is the beginning of prayer.

2. Confession (verses 6-7): Include yourself in the problem

Here is where Nehemiah earns our respect. He is not the one who broke the wall. He was not even in Jerusalem. He was a cupbearer to a foreign king, far away. Yet he prays: "I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's family, have committed."

He includes himself.

This is the hardest movement. We fast to get things from God, not to admit that we are part of what is broken. But Nehemiah knew something important: the people who build things carry responsibility for the systems they build and maintain, even the ones they inherited.

Ask during this movement: Where have I drifted? What do I need to own?

3. Claiming God's promises (verses 8-9): Stand on what God already said

After mourning and confession, Nehemiah does not invent a case. He quotes one.

"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses... if you return to me... I will gather them."

He finds the promise that fits the need. He brings God's own word back to God.

This is what makes fasting different from wishful thinking. You are not asking God to do something new. You are asking him to do what he already committed to do. The fast is a way of saying: I believe you meant it. I am holding you to it.

During this movement, find one verse that speaks directly to what you are fasting about. That is your anchor. Return to it every day.

4. Bold petition (verse 11): Now, ask

Only after grief, confession, and standing on a promise does Nehemiah make his ask. And when he does, it is plain and direct.

"Give your servant success today."

No hedging. No elaborate justification. Just: this is what I need, Lord.

The boldness is earned. It flows from the three movements before it. When you have sat with grief, when you have confessed your part, when you have found the promise that covers your need — you can ask without apology.

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How to Use This as a 4-Day Fast

Each day takes one movement as its anchor. You do not rush to petition. You earn it.

Day 1 — Mourning. Ask God to show you what is broken. Let yourself feel it. Do not fix it yet. Psalm 19:4, Romans 10:14, Revelation 7:9 are good companions for this day. End the day by naming, before God, the specific person or situation you are fasting about.

Day 2 — Confession. Ask God to show you your part. Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 25:4-5. Nehemiah included himself even when he was not the obvious culprit. Follow his example. Confess what you have not said out loud.

Day 3 — Claiming the promise. Find the verse that covers your need. Isaiah 55:10-11 is a strong anchor: God's word will not return void. Read it slowly. Pray it back to God. Let your faith grow before your ask.

Day 4 — Bold petition. Ask plainly. Colossians 4:3-4 is a good prayer for this day: an open door and clarity. Close the fast with Philippians 4:6-7 — thanksgiving, not more asking. End in peace.

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One More Thing Nehemiah Did

He did not fast alone. He prays: "to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name" (verse 11). He includes the community.

If you can, share your fast with someone. Tell them what you are mourning. Ask them to pray on day four when you make your bold ask. Fasting in community multiplies what fasting alone only starts.

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The wall got rebuilt. The people came home. It started with a man who sat down and wept.

Start there. 

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The Primacy of God's Presence — Bill Johnson on Psalm 27

Enjoying Rooted at Grace and Stop in the Name of God at Teen Challenge. On the way this morning I heard this encouraging word from Bill Johnson's The Priority of the Presence of God. Our study in rooted was on the gifts we are given are meant to be put into practice to build up others (Love God, Love People). The sermon emphasis that Biblical waiting is not passive. We want to "ambush" God and meet him where he's going to be. Like running down the field and knowing that when I get to where we're going I can catch the "hail Mary" pass. 

Here's some of the highlights.

The central conviction of the sermon: nothing the believer has access to (power, strategy, resources, relationships) compares to the value of God's presence. David's declaration in Psalm 27:4 sets the tone. With a kingdom at his disposal, his singular ask was to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze on His beauty. That priority, Johnson argues, is the organizing principle of a stable and fruitful life.

Intimacy over achievement. The biblical witness is consistent that God Himself is the reward, not merely what He provides. David writes in Psalm 16:11 that fullness of joy is in His presence. Moses, in Exodus 33:15, refuses to advance without God accompanying Israel — a remarkable posture given the urgency of leading a nation. Jeremiah 9:23–24 reinforces this by declaring that the only worthy boast is knowing God. Presence is the inheritance, not a means to something else.

Scripture as the believer's refuge in crisis. Johnson emphasizes an immediate turn to God's Word during difficulty, not as a last resort but as a first instinct. Psalm 119:105 describes the Word as a lamp to the feet. Joshua 1:8 connects courage and success directly to meditating on Scripture. Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith itself is generated by hearing the Word. The Word doesn't just comfort — it recalibrates perspective.

Devotion survives conflict. David's life proves that intimacy with God is not a luxury reserved for peaceful seasons. Hunted by Saul (1 Samuel 23:14–16), betrayed by Absalom (2 Samuel 15), and surrounded by enemies, David continued to seek the Lord before acting. Psalm 34:4 records his testimony: "I sought the Lord and He answered me." Psalm 57, written while hiding in a cave, opens with trust and ends in praise. Circumstances do not determine devotion — they reveal it.

Presence produces practical stability. This is not mysticism disconnected from daily life. Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace for the mind stayed on God. Philippians 4:6–7 describes the peace of God as a garrison — a military term — guarding hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 3:5–6 adds that trusting God with the whole heart, rather than leaning on human understanding, results in directed paths. The inner life becomes ordered when God is the center.

Waiting is weaponized expectation. Biblical waiting is not passivity. Isaiah 40:31 describes those who wait on the Lord as those who mount up with wings like eagles — an image of ascending strength, not stagnation. Lamentations 3:25–26 frames waiting as rooted in God's faithful character. Psalm 130:5–6 compares it to a watchman's alert, patient vigilance through the night. Waiting is active faith directed toward a trustworthy God.

Believers carry and host His presence. The New Testament transforms the temple metaphor. 1 Corinthians 6:19 declares that the body of the believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit. John 15:4–5 calls believers to abide in Christ as branches in a vine — presence is the condition for fruitfulness. 2 Corinthians 3:18 adds that beholding God's glory progressively transforms believers into that same image. Hosting presence is both a privilege and a calling.

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Core takeaway: Every biblical category of blessing — peace, strength, wisdom, fruitfulness, influence — traces back to the same root. A life arranged around seeking and dwelling in God's presence doesn't merely receive benefits; it becomes a demonstration of what that presence produces. As Matthew 6:33 frames it, seek first the kingdom, and everything else finds its proper place.

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God, make my heart Yours again: obedience, integrity, and character

I'm grateful to have spent the last weekend with my friend Daniel Henderson, he mentored me in a men's group and baptized me in 2005. He gave me a book a few years back called Glorious Finish. A glorious finish starts in the heart, not the spotlight. Your calling is first to intimacy with Christ, then to ministry. Activity without abiding leads to drift. Worship creates humility. Neglect creates self-reliance. Daily rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and honest community protect you from fatigue and pride. Ministry is the overflow of a healthy soul. Revival begins when you stop trying to produce outcomes and return to God. The reward is a life that ends well, with integrity intact and Christ exalted.

Glorious Finish – Outline

1. The Core Problem

• Ministry drift begins when leaders substitute activity for abiding.
• Burnout, comparison, ego, and performance creep in unnoticed.
• Leaders lose intimacy with God long before they lose influence.

2. The Call to Identity Before Activity

• Who you are in Christ is more important than what you do for Christ.
• Success is not measured by output but by obedience, integrity, and character.
• Your private life determines your public ministry.

3. Two Possible Endings

• Glorious Finish: A life marked by faithfulness, integrity, and spiritual fruit.
• Dishonorable Discharge: A leader undone by neglect, self-reliance, or hidden compromise.
• The trajectory is shaped by daily choices, not dramatic moments.

4. The Four Rhythms That Sustain a Glorious Finish

a. Reasons

• Clarity of calling and purpose.
• Ministry anchored in God’s glory, not personal success.

b. Rhythms

• Daily worship.
• Consistent Scripture meditation.
• Praying with others.
• Guarding your heart and habits.

c. Results

• Renewed joy.
• Stronger resilience.
• Greater humility.
• Spiritual authenticity.

d. Rewards

• Endurance over decades.
• God’s pleasure, not people’s applause.
• A finish marked by faithfulness and intimacy.

5. The Great Exchange: Worship vs. Neglect

• Worship cultivates dependence, humility, and strength.
• Neglect produces professionalism, self-reliance, and spiritual erosion.
• Revival begins with returning to God, not working harder for God.

6. The Leader’s Inner Life

• Leaders lose their way when they lose their private life with God.
• Daily intimacy is the antidote to fear, comparison, pride, and exhaustion.
• Spiritual disciplines protect the soul and align the heart to Christ.

7. Finishing Well

• Faithfulness is formed over time.
• Finishing well requires guardrails, accountability, confession, and community.
• A glorious finish is not the result of talent. It is the result of daily surrender.

seeking God for revival, praise God it never ends. 

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Three Days: A Biblical Pattern for Heart Change

Problem: Our hearts often cling to bitterness, sin, or worldly desires. This keeps us from God’s presence and healing.

Empathy: Like Saul, we sometimes need a season of blindness and waiting to truly see.

Answer: Scripture shows a recurring theme: three days as a turning point for blessing, obedience, and restoration.

Saul’s Three Days Blind, fasting, waiting for Ananias (Acts 9:9). A time of surrender, repentance, and preparation for healing. Other “Three Days” Patterns Blessing or curse: Joseph interprets dreams (Gen 40:12-19). Darkness vs. light: Egypt vs. Israel (Ex 10:21-23). Jonah: Three days in the fish, then obedience (Jonah 1:17; 3:3). Jesus: Three days in the earth (Matt 12:40). Fasting crowd: Fed after three days (Matt 15:32). Mocked for prophecy: Jesus and resurrection promise (Matt 26:61; 27:40,63).

Healing and Restoration James 5:15-16 reminds us: Prayer of faith restores and forgives. Confession brings healing and reconciliation. Persistent prayer is powerful and dynamic. God uses seasons of waiting, like Saul’s three days, to: Heal spiritual blindness. Restore broken hearts. Prepare us for mission.

 

Reflection Questions

1. When will I set aside time to truly listen to God?

 

2. What distractions or desires keep me from His presence?

 

3. How can I apply Saul’s example of fasting, prayer, confession to experience healing and restoration?

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Is Fasting God’s Weapon Provided for My Situation?

 I met a like minded guy years ago named Paul F, he sends out periodic insights during our BSF study. I wanted to hold on this one:

Is Fasting God’s Weapon Provided for My Situation?

 

²¹Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. ²² For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” ²³ So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. (Ezra 8:21-23 ESV)

 

I find it interesting that the books we are studying in BSF this year concerning the Exile and Return provide more direct examples of the application of fasting in the lives of God’s people than any other section of scripture. We already observed 2 examples in Daniel where he as an individual fasted and how God answered with specific and amazing answers. The example in Ezra 8:21-23 demonstrates the role of corporate fasting by the whole group as key to protection from very real enemies on the long journey to Jerusalem. We will see more examples in the last 2 chapters of Ezra as well as in Nehemiah, Esther and the minor prophets. It appears that the people of the Old and New Testament were aware of its benefits even though the only Scripture in which God actually commands it was for the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur as it is called today. (Leviticus 23:26-32) If you are struggling with challenges that prayer alone has not seemed to have generated answers or God has put it on your heart to fast, the following is a brief Bible study on fasting covering some of the basics. In order for anything to be pleasing to God it must be based upon faith. (Hebrews 11:1-6) Since faith only comes as a result of God's Word (Romans 10:17), it is vitally important that each of us study and know what God says concerning this in order for it to have the benefit God intends. This study will assist you in this process.

1. Should Christians Fast? 

Read Matthew 6:1-18.  Did Jesus make any distinction between giving, praying and fasting? _____ What does He promise to those who fast? _____________________________________________

2. What is a fast? 

The word 'fast' simply means not eating. The Bible gives no direction as to when, how long and how often to fast. It is up to the individual or group to listen for God's direction. The Bible does give several examples of individual and group fasting. These fall into 3 basic types: 1) Normal (food only - Luke 4:2, Ezra 8:21-23), 2) Total or Absolute (food and water - Acts 9:9; Esther 4:16), and 3) Partial (specific foods - Daniel 10:2-3).  It is not possible to discuss here the many individual benefits of extended fasts. See the references listed below for a complete discussion of the topic as well as helpful information as to how to successfully engage in seeking the Lord in this way.

3. The many examples of fasting in the Bible demonstrate various circumstances during which fasting is appropriate:

A. National calamity and protection. Esther 4:13-16; 2 Chronicles 20:2-3; Ezra 8:21-23

B. Repentance and accomplishment of God's plans. Daniel 9:2,3; Ezra 9:3-5; 10:6

C. Spiritual warfare and revelation of God's plans. Daniel 10.

D. Preparation for public ministry in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1-14)

E. Personal repentance, healing and direction. Acts 9:9.

F. Commissioning for God's work. Acts 13:3.

4. Compare Luke 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3 with Job 23:12b.

Can you say with Job that God's word is more important to you than physical food? Fasting is a practical demonstration of belief that it is God's Word that brings life not our food that we naturally consider "necessary food (NKJV), daily bread (NIV)" required for living.

5. Study Isaiah 58.

What things do not constitute an acceptable fast? (3-5; Mt. 6:16-18) ________________________

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­­­­­­­­What are 8 proper objectives of a fast acceptable to God? (6,7) ____________________________

­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________________________________________________________________________

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What are 5 rewards God promises from this type of fast? (8-9) _____________________________

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­­­­­­­­­A proper fast will enable us to do what 5 additional things that God desires? (9-10) ____________

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­­­­­­­­­­­­What will be the result of doing these? (10-12) _________________________________________

What 8 objectives does God list as conditions (13) for receiving the final promises found in verse 14? ____________________________________________________________________________

­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________________________________________________________________________

­­­­­­6. The Holy Spirit recorded His leading and direction in the life of Jesus as our supreme example or pattern to follow "to fulfill all righteousness". (Matthew 3:13-17) This is true even though it often doesn't make sense to even the most spiritual of us. (John the Baptist) Read Luke 4:1-22. After His water baptism and new encounter with the Holy Spirit Jesus is described as "full of the Holy Ghost".  However, it was not until He successfully overcame the 3 basic temptations of the Devil through fasting and application of God's written Word that he is described as "in the power of the Spirit" and thus ready to begin His public ministry. Jesus summarized His ministry in verses 18-19 by reading from Isaiah 61:1-2. Compare Isaiah 61:1-6 with Isaiah 58:6,12 and 14. I find it significant that the Holy Spirit placed these 2 sections consecutively, similar to His inspiration of Isaiah to place chapter 61 shortly after chapter 58.___________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

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­­­­­­­­­­Derek Prince writes,

"Rightly practiced, fasting brings both soul and body into subjection to the Holy Spirit. It is important to understand that fasting changes man, not God. The Holy Spirit, being Himself God, is both omnipotent and unchanging. Fasting breaks down the barriers in man's carnal nature that stand in the way of the Holy Spirit's omnipotence. Thereafter, with these carnal barriers removed, the Holy Spirit can work unhindered in His fullness through our prayers."¹ "Fasting is neither a gimmick nor a cure-all. God does not deal in such things. God has made full provision for the total well-being of His people in every area of their lives--spiritual, physical, and material. Fasting is one part of this total provision.  Fasting is not a substitute for any other part of God's provision. Conversely, no other part of God's provision is a substitute for fasting."²

7. When is fasting inadvisable? 

"A normally healthy and well-nourished body can exist for several weeks without being injured or incapacitated by lack of food. During a prolonged fast the body is living on surplus fat, and at the same time it is acting like an internal incinerator, burning up the waste and decaying tissues of the body.  Only when this refining process is complete does it commence to consume its sound living cells, and that is when starvation commences." ³ However, "In cases of serious undernourishment or nervous exhaustion fasting is not recommended, unless for very short periods.  It should not be undertaken by diabetes patients, especially if insulin is in use. Nor is it deemed advisable for expectant mothers."⁴"If there is any doubt about fitness to fast, one should seek medical advice."⁴

In Summary: Biblical fasting eliminates pride preparing us to be a conduit of God’s power of grace to others. Pride “shorts out” God’s power destroying all it touches in the process. See Psalm 35:13; James 4:6-10 and Hebrews 10:29.

References:

1. Derek Prince, Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting, Flemming H. Revell Co. pg. 86.

2. Ibid. pg. 87.

3. Arthur Wallis, Gods Chosen Fast, Christian Literature Crusade. pg. 77.

4. Ibid. pg. 111.

5. James Lee Beall, The Adventure of Fasting, Flemming H. Revell Co.

Paul Fechner

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Fasting and Prayer from believing God, undisciplined from unbelief (1 John 5:14, John 9:31, Jonah 3:5-10, Jer 14:10-12)

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” 1 John 5:14, "We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will."  John 9:31

"(They) believed God’s message...pray(ed) earnestly to God... turn(ed) from their evil ways and stop(ped) all their violence...When God saw what they had done (believed) and how (turned) they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:5-10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:10-12).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Eph 1:3

I'm excited to get back to Teen Challenge Portland house this Tuesday. Guys and anyone on their guest list comes with their own dinner at 5. We start the video at 5:15, we have 30 minutes to discuss and dismiss at 6:15. This year we're doing the 9 week Prayer Course, Followed by 5 weeks for the Unanswered Prayer Course. 

We pray for the guys by name on Thursdays (over Google Meet), ask them to join while in line for food. We add treats and gifts to incentivize them like Sliced Apple and Carmel for dessert with cookies and giving gifts to anyone who comes two weeks in a row, with an additional bonus gift for 3rd week. These gifts are books on prayer. Keys to Powerful Prayer, How to Pray: The Best of John Wesley on Prayer, Prayers to Start Your Day, Winning Your Spiritual Battles, 199 Promises of God. 

This week in BSF our doctrine is prayer:

Prayers of the repentant: Jonah 3:5-10,Acts 3:19,1 John 1:9, shows they "believed God’s message" and committed to "(fast and) pray earnestly to God", turn from their evil ways, stop their violence with hope that God would spare their lives. 

• When we believe God, it's always followed by repentance. "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away." Acts 3:19
• "if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." 1 John 1:9

Prayers of non-believers are not answered by God: Proverbs 1:24-28,Isaiah 59:3,Jeremiah 14:10-12,John 9:31 because He calls but non-believers refuse to answer, He reached out but non-believers ignore His advice and reject the correction God offered. So when non-believers "cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me." Proverbs 1:28

• Non-believers are undisciplined who are God's people: Isaiah 59:3 says look at your hands, they are the hands of murderers and our fingers are filthy with sin, your lips are full of lies and your mouth spews corruption. Jeremiah 14:10, LORD says to his people: You love to wander far from me and do not restrain yourselves. Therefore, I will no longer accept you as my people. now I will remember all your wickedness and will punish you for your sins."

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God molds us and re-molds us until he see repentance (Jer 18:1-17)

 Jer 18-19

Key verse: 

...As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand. If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would. Jer 18:6-10

A) God molds us and re-molds us until he see repentance (Jer 18:1-17)

1-10) LORD gives Jeremiah vision of potter remolding clay on a wheel

• ‘This is what the Lord says: I am planning disaster for you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.’” Jer 18:11
• Be reliable like snowcapped mountain, or a cold stream flowing (Jer 18:13-15)
• But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.” Jer 18:12
• Deserted LORD, incense to idols, stumbled off ancient highways onto muddy paths (Jer 18:15)
• Land will become desolate, monument of stupidity, like wind scatters dust, LORD will turn away from them and refuse to notice distress

Fasting and praying is a wonderful thing. Patience, self-control, perseverance, humility. We talk about what we don't like in ourselves and others but are we willing to change? What will you stop doing, what's no longer working in life that you should put aside and make room for quiet time with the LORD? Fasting does no good if we don't seek the LORD instead of the thing we go to. 

I saw a good video about relationship with God, versus a religious notion about God. If someone comes to your door and asks to stay with you would you let them in? No, you would need to get to know them first as your protecting your home. 

• God wants us in humility to be honest about our shortcomings and out right debauchery, lay your burdons down at the cross and receive forgiveness. His mercy is made new everyday so we turn from our evil way. He puts us back on the path and points us toward righteousness, so that we can do what is right. Alleluia, Amen. 

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Waiting on the Lord with trust, hope, expectation (Isaiah 40:31)

 Isaiah 40:31

but they who wait for 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. ESV

Growing up my mom sang, "Have patience, have patience, don't be in such a hurry. When you are impatient you only start to worry. Remember, remember that God is patient too, think about the times when others have to wait for you." 

Waiting for the Lord is also translated as Hope in the LORD, Trust in the LORD, wait upon the LORD. The Amplified says, wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him]. 

• Praying for a group of guys this morning who are part of regeneration as we go through Groundwork study. Let us be honest, clear minded and self-controlled so that we can pray. 
• Praying for Teen Challenge Alpha at Portland house. For each man represents a son, husband, father, grand-father, neighbor, co-worker... Let the Love of Christ free them from addiction and bring everlasting peace and joy that impacts the world for the glory of God. 
• Praying for our New Believers BSF group and Arab speaking groups. Specifically for those believers in Lebanon, Syria, North Africa, Iraq. May the Lord protect them, as they shine like a beacon of hope for those around them. 
• Praying for SALT Interfaith dialog, bringing Christians, Muslims and Jews together to talk about Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Hope. Let the message of Christ be a fragrance of salvation for everyone who hears it. 
• Praying for each Group Leader in BSF, let them joyfully connect with each class member this week and each class member connect with another for a divine appointment via breakout rooms. Help us spur one another on to love and good deeds, for the glory of God.
• Praying for my family, those far and near. Help us to reach out and show we care for one another and build bridges across gentle streams. Help us discover low barrier connection points to share the love of Christ with family who is suffering. 

Enjoying a time of fasting, having been encourage by SALT praise and encouragement, "your 41 is coming" from significance of 40 days in the Bible

• God destroyed the earth with water, He caused it to rain 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:12)
• Noahic-covenant, came after the water receded, what led up this was 100 years of preaching to people who didn't listen. 
  
• After Moses killed the Egyptian, he fled to Midian, where he spent 40 years in the desert tending flocks (Acts 7:30). 
• Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights (Exodus 24:18). Commitment to obey is followed by instruction. 
• Moses interceded on Israel’s behalf for 40 days and 40 nights (Deuteronomy 9:18, 25). Reminding that we are all guilty before the Lord and depend on him. We are blessed because of the promises of God alone. 
• The Israelites wandered for 40 years (Deuteronomy 8:2-5), discipline is a sign of love (Heb 12)
• The Law specified a maximum number of lashes a man could receive for a crime, setting the limit at 40 (Deuteronomy 25:3). 
• By his wounds you are healed (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24)
• The Israelite spies took 40 days to spy out Canaan (Numbers 13:25). Faith see possibilities and reward, unbelief wilts away and dies. 
• Before Samson’s deliverance, Israel served the Philistines for 40 years (Judges 13:1)
• Goliath taunted Saul’s army for 40 days before David arrived to slay him (1 Samuel 17:16). 
• When Elijah fled from Jezebel, he traveled 40 days and 40 nights to Mt. Horeb (1 Kings 19:8)
• The number 40 also appears in the prophecies of Ezekiel (4:6; 29:11-13) and Jonah (3:4).
• In the New Testament, Jesus was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:2). There were 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3).

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When given an evil inheritance prayer and fasting is the right response (1 Kings 11-14)

AIM: We prove discipline when we renounce the devil and trample his influence under our feet.

Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” 1 Kings 12:11, 2 Chronicles 10:11

Lesson 2: 1 Kings 11-14; 2 Chronicles 10-12

A) Solomon's sinful life has horrible consequences on future generations

11:1-13) Solomon's many wives turned his heart from God, resulting in judgement, God promised a remnant for the sake David and Jerusalem.

14-25) Solomon's enemies raised up by God (v23)

26-40) Jeroboam talent to rebuild, encounters Ahijah 10 tribes for him, 2 for Solomon - Jeroboam fled until Solomon died

 - Application: 38) If you listen... follow my ways ... righteous, obedient..., as my servant David did, then I will always be with you. I will establish an enduring dynasty...

41-42) Not all Solomon's 40 year rule was kept in Bible, Rehoboam next king

B) Rehoboam and Jeroboam took God's promises of blessing with contempt, ruining their lives

12:1-20) Rehoboam rejects wise counselors, asks young men who follows way of Cain (scorpions v11), resulting in divided kingdom, Israel no longer under David/Jesse/Judah.

21-24) Shemaiah, man of God, "Don't fight, go home, Lord's doing" Rehoboam obeyed. 

25-33) Jeroboam makes Gold Calves in Bethel and Dan (who brought you from Egypt) to prevent people from going to David, pagan shrines, imitation Festival of Shelters

13:1-34) Prophet speaks against Jeroboam, who was paralyzed as prophecy was fulfilled, man of God prays mercy (love your enemy, pray for those who persecute you) Fasting

 - Applicaiton: I need to fast and pray and take the personal warning from the Lord - take my role seriously, not like Jeroboam who did not turn from his evil ways (v33).

14:1-20) Jeroboam didn't listen to God (12:38), more evil than all who came before (v9) - 22 years, son Nadab next king

21-31) Rehoboam's reign evil in LORD's sight (Coram Deo), pagan shrines, prostitues, imitated detestable practices, ransacked treasuries or LORD's Temple, gold replaced with bronze - constant war. 17 years, son Abijam next king

Application: What a picture of our world today. What will I do today? Listen, follow his righteousness and be obidient, resolve and follow through. Don't waste these promises. 

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Joshua recounts history and covenant to the Lord before death (Joshua 22-24)

AIM: Our faith is a response to God's faithfulness, or God's word increasingly became Joshua's thoughts, words, and actions.
Joshua 22-24
A) Joshua blesses 3 tribes with greatest commandment and treasure
22:1-6) Joshua Blessed Reubenites, Gadites, 1/2 tribe Manasseh "You kept all Lord commanded, listened, not forsaken brothers - go love God, walk in His ways/commands, hold fast to Him, serve Him all heart and soul
7-9) 1/2 tribe Manasseh Bashan, other 1/2 west beyond Jordan - blessed with riches, divide with brothers
Application: Walk in the way of the Lord, abide in love (see John 14-16)

B) Altar causes conflict, conversation reveals motives
10-12) region of Jordan, land of Canaan, Reuben/Gad 1/2 tribe Manasseh built a large altar - WAR
13-20) Unlawful act, turning away, rebellion against Lord - we'll all die! remember Achan
21-25) God knows if rebellion or concern for Him, our portion
 - 26-29) So we built the altar, witness between us and you - a copy, His tabernacle
30-34) pleased with the answer, "Today we know that the Lord is in our midst because you have not committed this unfaithful act against the Lord; now you have delivered the sons of Israel from the hand of the Lord" - war avoided
Application: Listen to where people are coming from before jumping into judgment

C) God reminds of His faithfulness, Joshua commits to serving Lord, reveals His holy jealousy
23:1-13) Joshua calls leaders; God fought for you, kept His promises - firmly keep His commands, love God, forsake idols or they will snare, whip, thorns in eyes leading away from God and this land
14-16) Heart/soul knows God's word doesn't fail, God will act on His threats when you transgress covenant serving other gods.
24:1-13) leaders presented themselves before God, "thus says the Lord 'Ancient times Abraham's dad served other gods. I took him, led him Canaan, Isaac, Jacob Egypt/Esau Mount Seir, Moses/Aaron - I plagued Egypt, darkness/red sea, wilderness, I brought you here, destroyed enemies, Balaam, the kings I gave them to you, you benefit without labor, eating from vineyards and olive groves you didn't plant.
14-15) Fear Lord, serve Him in sincerity/truth, put away gods ancestors served Egypt, serve the Lord - choose who you'll serve, for me and my house we will serve the Lord
16-18) We'll not forsake the Lord to serve other gods, he brought us/our fathers from bondage, did great signs, preserved us, won our victories - we'll serve the Lord He is our God
19-28) Joshua: you won't be able, He is holy, jealous, not forgive transgression or sins. Let a stone be a witness against you
Application: Motivation is not enough, God seeks our wholehearted obedience.
29-33) Joshua died 110 years old, buried with Joseph's bones Gibeah of Phinehas hill count of Ephraim

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Strip away religious veneer to get back to God's reality

I'm reading Warren Wiersbe "Real Worship". He has a great way with words. "religious veneer" and "back to God's reality" was especially useful.

Recently I've been reviewing anti-Christian writing about problems people have with the Bible, one listed "meaningless" verses that are wasted space in their opinion. One was Leviticus 19:19, "...Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material." This brought to mind how Jesus clarified the law and prophets.  Mark 2:21, Matthew 9:16, "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, and a worse tear will result." - Luke 5:36 KJV adds, "the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old"

Ellicott's Commentary says this:

The meaning of the parable in its direct application lies very near the surface. The "garment" is that which is outward, the life and conversation of the man, which show his character. The old garment is the common life of sinful men, such as Matthew and his guests; the new garment is the life of holiness, the religious life in its completeness; fasting, as one element of that life, is the patch of new cloth which agrees not with the old, and leads to a greater evil, a "worse rent" in the life than before. No one would so deal with the literal garment. Yet this was what the Pharisees and the disciples of John were wishing to do with the half-converted publicans. This, we may add, is what the Church of Christ has too often done in her work as the converter of the nations. Sacramental ordinances or monastic vows, or Puritan formul, or Quaker conventionalities, have been engrafted on lives that were radically barbarous, or heathen, or worldly, and the contrast has been glaring, and the "rent" made worse. The more excellent way, which our Lord pursued, and which it is our wisdom to pursue, is to take the old garment, and to transform it, as by a renewing power from within, thread by thread, till old things are passed away, and all things are become new. - biblehub.com

Paul further clarifies these idea:
1 Corinthians 8:9-11
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge...(this is sin)
1 Corinthians 10:21
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.
2 Corinthians 6:15,16
What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people."


Clothing is used in the Scriptures symbolically and meaningfully, see this for more details:
Rags to Riches, how the Holy Spirit changes us everyday

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Trust God's precision scalpel

Too often I find myself coming to God in desperate prayer as a last resort. In my heart I know It's because I feel confident in my ability to get things done and the root of this attitude is pride (not the gracious hard working attitude from 1 Corinthians 15:10). Proverbs 16:18 famously states, "Pride comes before a fall". Earlier this year I attempted to host "Compassion Sunday" at my church and failed, they sent a detailed survey and as I answered the questions I realized it was my failure to ask God first for everything that needed to happen. It brought me back to the teaching I received in the BSF Leadership retreat this year in Milwaukee. To cure pride in my heart I need to humbly come to the Lord. I need to Trust God's scalpel in true repentance to him.

Christians have an ongoing struggle against sin that is frustrating

• Temptation has a cure: Jesus said in Matthew 26:41; Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. Could be important as it's also in Luke 22:46 and Mark 14:38 adds "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak"
• FBI: Prayer should be Frequent, Brief and Intense (Pray without ceasing 1 Thes 5:16-18)
• Stop, Drop and Roll: Temptation can feel like a fire starting in our soul, when I was kid I was taught to memorize this in order to put the fire out. From a prayer perspective it's helpful reminder to Stop what your doing and pray (drop), then move (roll).

• Sin held back from God, deceives us: James 1:12-16 reminds us God doesn't temp us, rather we are tempted by our own desire, then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin and sin fully grown brings death. He ends this teaching with the warning, "Do not be deceived"
• The heart is deceitful and desperately sick, only Lord God can search and examine it accurately (Jeremiah 17:9-10).
• By faith we humbly ask God to heal us AND he saves us. Read Jeremiah 17:14 Notice he says, "if you heal me Lord, I will be truly healed, if you save me, I will be truly saved". That's the kind of "all in" faith that God requires, not an experimental, half-hearted faith (James 1:5-8). When we come to God we must believe he exists and rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:1,6).
• Stand against the devil but run from sexual temptation: I was listening to OnePlace.com yesterday and heart Jeff Schreve say regarding sexual immorality in the church, "we are to stand firm against the devil (James 4:7) and his schemes (Ephesians 6:11) but when it comes to sexual temptation we are the ones who must run (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
• Ding Dong - Run Away! Genesis 39:7,12 tells us when your in a situation that you know is leading to sexual temptation, run away - even leaving behind your valuables, get out of there!
• We Stand firm to protect, defend and speak truth: The devil's schemes are to lie, steal and destroy to harm what God loves more than the heaven's and earth he created, mankind (John 10:10). Jesus came not to condemn the people but to save them (John 3:16-21).
• Grace is the Power to overcome sin: Romans 6:12-14 teaches us that we are not to let sin reign in our body, making us obey its passions. Instead of presenting ourselves to sin as tools of unrighteousness we should present ourselves to God as instruments for righteousness. Sin will have no dominion over you when you submit yourself under God's grace. Notice the "will have no dominion over you", shows the active responsible part you and I have to be active in Grace. Grace isn't about God doing everything for us, Grace is the unmerited favor of God in our lives "to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purposes" (Philippians 2:13)
• Romans 12:3 - By Grace, we know not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought but with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given us.
• John Bevere's book Relentless is all about making God's Grace abound in you, his preaching is awesome - see it here
• Ask help from others to Pray Graciously: To clear your conscience, that you can live honorably in everything you do. "Now may the God of Peace who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. "(Hebrews 13:18-21)

Rend your heart not your garments (Joel 2:12-13)

• Return to God with all your heart: I love seeing this simple truth across the Bible, Deuteronomy 4:29, promises that while you are sinful, in a foreign land, you will worship idols made from wood and stone—gods that neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. But from there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.
• The Diagnosis: We are brokenhearted and need God to show us this truth we can't see without him (Proverbs 21:2; Matthew 15:18-20; 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 34:18).
• Total Heart Replacement: What Jesus described in John 3:3, is what Ezekiel saw in Ezekiel 36:26 and what the Psalmist prayed for in Psalm 51:10. This is the begining of Jesus' teaching of the sermon on the mount or the beatitudes that even non-christians argue, saying "Jesus is a good teacher". In Matthew 5:8 Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
• Fasting, weeping and mourning: Our part in the process of repentance is to stop our routine to see what God wants to show us, this is the spiritual discipline of fasting. Jesus expects us to fast ("and when you fast...", Matthew 6:16-18).
• People haven't understood acceptable fasting: Isaiah 58:3-7 teaches that fasting that God wants is to loose the bonds of the wickedness, undo the straps of the yoke, let the oppressed go free and break every yoke. To share your bread with the hungry, bring homeless and poor into your house. To cover the naked people you see. When Jesus fasted he experienced Satanic opposition (after he was baptized and received the Holy Spirit), Matthew 4:4 shows that Jesus lived by "every word that comes from the mouth of God". Fasting is not about routine like the religious people did (Luke 18:12)
• Fasting is self-deprivation on behalf of others: Psalm 35:13, "they were sick, I afflicted myself", Acts 13:2-3,14:23 - Prayer and fasting to commit ministers and elders to the Lord, Ezra 8:21-23, Joel 1:14 to humble ourselves before our God, seek from him community needs, not from others. 1 Corinthians 9:27, to keep my body under control.
• Weeping and mourning is the fuel for good preaching: This gets the heart of 'why do we preach'. Jesus wept when Lazarous was dead so that the Jews would see how he loved him (John 11:35-26,1-44). Jesus approaching Jerusalem saw the city and wept over it (Luke 19:41). How often have you wept on your way to minister to others? Rend your heart!
• Know God's grace, compassion and loving-kindness
• The Gospel!: I love Titus, specifically Titus 2:11-3:15 God’s grace and mercy revealed in Jesus Christ is the basis of redeemed, changed lives where once bad people can now do good.
• Come near to God, he will come near to you: Do it with the purpose to purify your heart (James 4:8), do it right now, while He may be found, to forsake your wicked way - return to the Lord and he will have compassion on you - abundantly pardon you (Isaiah 55:6-7)
• Confidence in Jesus: Hebrews 4:15-16 basically says, Jesus totally 'gets us', so come to him for help in your time of need. Do it by the Holy Spirit, through faith in Him (Ephesians 2:18; 3:12), we experience the these truths when we simply come to him - we say confidently 'The Lord is my helper' (Hebrews 13:6).
• Be Honest: The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18)

God’s word cuts us open and exposes our sin and encourages repentance (Heb 4:12)

• Personal response is required: years ago many people in the US would smoke cigarettes, then it was outlawed in public places because of the harmful effects on individuals and people around them. The government spent money on "quit smoking" advertising, one commercial showed a guy sitting in the living room with his daughter playing on the floor and while smoking he said, "I know it's bad for me" then another younger guy would say, "I'll quit, maybe". I was a smoker and I know it's hard to stop, while your a smoker. I've quit smoking several times for a day, a week, a few months, a year and finally I realized that if I have a single cigarette - it's back to square one again. So the point is, it's easier to be 100% committed than it is to have to make a new decision every day or every situation or moment. I'm not having a cigarette in any situation - not while golfing, or watching a sunset in the Caribbean or even if it's the end of the world. So make a decision and let it be 100%, go under the knife and let God perform the total heart replacement, get into God's word and join with other Christians who will come along side you. Do it right now, in Jesus Name.

Scripture sources and concepts: http://compassionsunday.com/, http://www.atgrace.com/
http://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-18.htm
https://www.bsfinternational.org/
http://www.openbible.info/topics/temptation
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/from-his-heart/listen/tolerating-sexual-immorality-535598.html
http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-13.htm
http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/17-9.htm
http://www.openbible.info/topics/faith
http://biblehub.com/joel/2-12.htm
http://www.openbible.info/topics/heart
http://www.openbible.info/topics/fasting
http://biblehub.com/john/11-35.htm
Throne of Grace: http://biblehub.com/hebrews/4-16.htm

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