Intimacy With Jesus

My goal for fasting today is to be more intimate with Jesus....  

And He will give me the desires of my heart.  

(Image: gci.org)

The goal of my fasting today is intimacy with Jesus.  Friday March 14.  It does help to set aside a whole day devoted to Him.  I praise God, and thank Jesus for making it possible.  

During fast days, in fact all the time, I try to avoid the spirit of the world as much as possible.  I don't do tv.  Never have really.  I also had the internet turned off at my house.  I don't like to spend mindless hours surfing the web anymore.  I do subscribe to 3 news sites to keep up the the prophetic events on the horizon, especially the mid east.   We are so right there at the end of days.  We can see it all around us.  All the signs are coalesing even as we speak. Please check out my blog: World War 3 Nuclear Attacks.  www.worldwar3nuclearattacks.blogspot.co.nz   I do love to travel the world with my daughter. I always stand in awe of God.  To see His power and magnitude revealed in His creation inspires me. Yet, seeing the hardness of human hearts denying the Creator and Lord Jesus saddens me deeply.  Jesus loves the world.  And so many are perishing....   God have mercy.  Jesus, raise up workers for Your harvest.  

This verse from the Prophet Isaiah ring to me.
 Isaiah records:  FOR THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SPOKE TO ME AS HIS FORCEFUL HAND WAS RESTING ON ME AND AS HE WAS WARNING ME NOT TO LIVE THE WAY THIS PEOPLE WERE LIVING.... DON'T FEAR WHAT THEY FEAR, OR LIVE IN TERROR.  THE LORD OF THE HEAVENLY ARMIES- HE'S THE ONE YOU ARE TO REGARD AS HOLY.  LET HIM BE THE ONE WHOM YOU FEAR, AND LET HIM BE THE ONE BEFORE WHOM YOU STAND IN TERROR."  (Is. 8:11-13 ISV)  I think we call all learn a lesson from God's command.  God, help us to obey.

 Devotion to my First Love, like Mary of Bethany, is what I want.

(Sid Hemmingmoore)

Coming back to Him, again, and again, and again...  That's what the whole book, Song of Songs is all about on a spiritual level.  I love that book.  Of course we know what it's about on the physical level... totally hot.

 Last night I went to see the "Son of God" movie.
 I cried as I saw Jesus calling Matthew.

(Image: patheos.com)

 I  I sat in awe as I saw Him, Jesus, raising the dead, and healing the sick on the big screen.  I loved Jesus even more when I saw Him take up His cross, the Fathers will, to die for my sins.  The movie is Biblically accurate for the most part.   Makes me appreciate Jesus mercy, grace and forgiveness even more. 

The Martha- Mary Paradox

Martha was the best hostess in all of Israel.... but Mary's devotion to our Lord was even better.  Martha's home church is unrivaled.  It was Jesus base of operations when He came to Jerusalem.  And yet.... .Mary her sisters time with our Lord was even better by far.

The Martha - Mary paradox is something I suffer from.  We can read about Martha and Mary with Jesus in Luke's gospel.  Jesus loved them so much.  Jesus would stay at Martha's house.  She would take care of all feasts for Him.  Mary, her sister, was a less energetic woman.  She just sat there with Jesus.  To all appearances she wasn't doing her fare share of the work.  Mary just  loved sitting at His feet, listening to Him, knowing Him, adoring Jesus of Nazareth.  He  raised their brother Lazarus from the dead.  Lazarus walked out of the tomb after 4 days when The Resurrection and the Life, Jesus, called him out of death. 

But what is the paradox?  

(Image: adifferentwayofseeing.wordpress)

 The tension between Martha's service  and Mary's devotion.  Martha was awesome.  The most wonderful host in all of Israel. Her home was Jesus home base in Judah.   But, one day, Jesus told her the truth.  Mary was even better!  But all Mary did was sit there with Jesus.  Jesus explained to Martha that Mary had chosen something even better; simply sitting with Him.  Amazing.  

The truth is all of our service only can flow from our 'sitting at Jesus feet.'  We cannot even do service without being intimately united to our Source, our Master Jesus. It is impossible.  Jesus says so Himself.   Jesus explaines: "STAY JOINED TO ME, AND I WILL STAY JOINED TO YOU.  IF YOU STAY JOINED TO ME, AND I STAY JOINED TO YOU, THEN YOU WILL PRODUCE LOTS OF FRUIT.  BUT YOU CANNOT  DO ANYTHING WITHOUT ME."  (John 15 CEV)

 In a sense I think we all are caught up the Martha - Mary  paradox.  The tension between service,  verses simple love and devotion and time loving our Lord.   I've had to learn this one the hard way over and over again for 20 years.  I constantly have to return to sitting at Jesus feet.  I know that without Him I can do nothing.  Not even draw my next breath. Jesus has told me I'm a Mary. Even though I'd like to be able to do everything like Martha.  I try, but soon realize I can't.  However, I can do something even better.   I love to worship our Lord Jesus.   I'm a widow.  He is my Husband now.

The classic example of this paradox is the church at Ephesus. (Revelation 2:1-7)  Jesus sent a letter to His followers in Ephesus. He commended them.  Their service was impeccable, like Martha's!    Tragically, they had lost their First Love.  Yet, we cannot do service without being intimately united to our Master.  It is impossible.  Jesus says so Himself. 

How can we get our First Love back?  Jesus tells us in Revelation 2:7.  We need to remember Him, and how much we loved Him at first, and turn back to our Lord.  It's that easy.  I think worshiping Him is one important key.  What is worship?  Simple love, communion with God. I like to worship Him by singing, and dancing, and walking and talking with Jesus Spirit.  He returns the love.  I'm sure there are other ways to worship too, gratefulness, contemplation, Bible reading, even serving can be a form of worship. 

 Prayer and fasting is one powerful way to come back to Jesus even more fervently.

Prayer is simply talking to God, Jesus.  Fasting is our total commitment to seek His face. We humble ourselves when we fast. In fact, in the Old Testament humbling oneself was is the same as with fasting.    May we all seek His face, love union with Jesus, even more.  Amen.   

God promises:  IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND HEAL..... (Chronicles)

Years Ago I Discovered Mary of Bethany in the Bible

20 years ago I was so weakened I couldn't  even get off the couch.  jESUS healed me and He has given me my strength back.  All praise to Him.  

 Years ago this body was so depleted of any vital energy I could barely drag myself around.  This state seemed to go on for years.... I could barely move.  I had terminal cancer.  The doctors poisoned me to the edge of death with their chemo (chemical) therapy for a whole year. Not to mention radiation, 2 surgeries, and invasive procedures  also seriously weakened my body.  At the end of that year I was reduced to a human being being trapped in a body that was too weak to get off the couch.  

 Ultimately Jesus had mercy on me.  In an instant He blew cancer out of my body.  He poured into me His living hope.  Then, over the years, in ups and down Jesus has strengthened my mortal body.  I'm actually living on borrowed time.  I pray that I please HIm and use this time wisely to tell of Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness Lord Jesus.

At my lowest is when I discovered the Bible.  I couldn't do anything else, but Jesus Holy  Spirit empowered me to read and understand His Word.  All praise to Him.  I could lay there for hours and read about Jesus.  How He loved the people and wrought miracles.  I could almost see and experience being with Him as He walked the hills of Galilee, and stood on the shore of Lake Generesett.   Messiah's  love for me revealed in His death, burial and resurrection blew me away.

My heart was broken though.  I still had my 2 small children who I love dearly.  I didn't have the strength to even go outside and watch them play.  I couldn't take them to soccer, or to the park.  All the other mothers were doing beautiful gardens and great days with their familys.  Not me.  I was just praying that my children wouldn't run into the street and get killed.

That's when I discovered Mary of Bethany. 

(Image: lavistachurchofchrist.org)

We read about her in the Gospels. (Luke and John) I was just like her.  All she did was sit at Jesus feet, listening to Him.  That's all I could do in life.  One day Mary's sister got angry at her.  She demanded that Jesus make her stop just sitting there with Him, and get up, and get to work.  Because Martha could do everything.  She must have been very strong, healthy, and efficient.  Mary, it seemed was just the opposite.  Like me.

Well, I expected Jesus to tell Mary to get up and get to work.  He did just the opposite.  To me, He said to Martha,  OH MARTHA, MARTHA, YOU ARE SO BUSY, TOO BUSY... SO WORRIED ABOUT ALL YOU DO.  AND YOU KNOW WHAT MARTHA, SOMEDAY IT WILL ALL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU.  BUT WHAT MARY HAS CHOSEN IS THE BETTER.  IT WILL NEVER BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER.  (This is my paraphrase of what we read in the Gospels)

So, I realized, that laying there on the couch, reading about Jesus was the most important thing in this world.  I could do something of eternal value.  It made me so happy.  Whenever I felt so sad, I would just read those words Jesus said, and He would make me happy again.

I'm Living On Borrowed Time

20 years ago I should have been dead.
I would have been happy, I would have been in heaven with Jesus and my loved ones who went before me. But, my children would have been crushed, my Mom devastated, and my husband Dale, burdened beyond what I can imagine.

  But the  Lord had mercy on my babies and He instantly cured me in a moment of time.  

All praise to Him, cancer and death blown out of my body, and Jesus' living hope poured in.  
For 20 years it's only Jesus wings of grace that has carried me.  All of my many mistakes, faults, and sins He has generously forgiven.  His love and power of mercy, grace, and forgiveness is unfathomable, like a mighty river of God's love blown into the universe 2,000 years ago on the cross when He cried, IT IS FINISHED- PAID IN FULL.  Jesus has instructed me that for the rest of my life He has called me to tell of His mercy, grace, and forgiveness in my life.  I'm a widow.  Jesus is my Husband.  

Breakthrough

The Next Day: Breakthrough

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I love Jesus so much. 

 Today is anew day or new beginnings.  He has moved mightily and removed many hindrances in my life.  The miracle of prayer and fasting.  God in heaven hears and answers our hearts cry.  He moves heaven and earth to help us. 

It saddens me that the Body of Christ disvalues fasting to seek God.  

When we seek Him with all our heart, He moves powerfully, beyond human comprehension.  Lives changed, souls saved, nations rise ..... The important ministries in the Bible all start with prayer and fasting in my personal opinion.  Paul, Jesus, Paul's  missionary outreach of bringing the Light of Messiah to the nations, Ezra's  resettling  of Jerusalem.  NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.    

(drpauldordal.wordpress.com)

So, What's different this morning?

I can worship and love and appreciate Jesus more deeply and fully this morning.  An oppressive force that was preventing joyous, intimate worship of and with My Master and Beloved Jesus has been removed.  What were those negative forces?  Myself, being too busy taking care of everyday life. Now my focus has changed back to Jesus, my Master, my Husband.  How I love Him.  Another distraction was my contractor not fulfilling his work.  Last night he came over, ordered my carpet, and got back on track to getting this house fixed up and beautified.  My contractor is back on track.  Only God could do that for me.  This is divine intervention,  answered prayer.  I will now have a house of beautify to worship and serve my Lord in.  The third roadblock was I wasn't inspired to write the course proposals for the Resident Study Program, for Koinonia Institute.  Now, this morning, God has put it into my heart to get with it.  The Holy spirit is giving me ideas for exciting Bible classes again!  

Jesus has answered my prayers in a powerful way once again!  All praise to Him Who sits on the throne.  DELIGHT THYSELF IN THE LORD, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. (Psalm 37:4)

So, what was  the bottom line? 

 I believe it was an oppressive spirit, a demonic type of stronghold or hindrances in the heavenlies to the work of the ministry and to the joy of the Lord.  Jesus has broken through once again!  All praise to God.   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." (Eph. 6:12 NASB)  Daniel found this out in his 3 week fast! 

(Image: colindye.com)

 Now, I have the joy of the Lord back again.  Thank-you Jesus.   To me, the joy of the Lord is deep, intimate worship with Jesus.  Worship, simply loving Him from the depths of my heart.  Singing, praising, dancing, and talking to Jesus in the privacy of my own home.  Being moved upon by the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus is what I mean by worship.  God has restored my love for Jesus even deeper.  My wandering love has returned wonderfully to the Only One Who Is Worthy!  There is nothing better in this world.

Wednesday afternoon 3/12/13 Fasting Schedule

*12:30 pm: 1.5 cups electrolight water

*1:30 pm:  Back from errands.  2.5 cups home made veggie broth.  Added greens, spinach, kale, chard to the broth.  Yummy.  A shot of hot sauce spices it up!

*  1:45 pm:  I'm very hungry.  The broth helps.  Going outside to sun and get fresh air, read a health magazine.  Most importantly; talk to God in nature, His creation.  The creator loves His creation, and I do to.  I try to understand Elohim, our Creator God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit better through their creation.  THE HEAVENS DECLARE HIS HANDIWORK.. (Psalms)

* Up to 4:15 pm:  3 cups green drink and 4 cups broth.  a sick friend came over.  I anointed him with oil and prayed the prayer of faith.  I hope, pray and expect Jesus will heal him.  He has dark blood in the stool, lower vitality, lower brain function (energy).  Also, his stomach hurts.  It sounds like colon cancer to me.  I didn't tell him.  I trust Jesus to heal him.  My husband passed away about 5 years ago with colon cancer.  God have mercy on him.  Will see him in heaven some great day!

* 4:45 pm: Second coffee enema for detox.  I had originally wanted to do a 3 day fast, however, with this degree of hunger I will have to limit it to 20-24 hours.  Then do another 24 hour fast Friday as I have committed to with Jesus, and Ron and Marci Matsen of KI Resident Study Program/ RSP.

* Up to 7:30 pm: 4 cups broth, 4 cups green drink powder.  Met with my contractor, crisis situation rectified. Will not be taking him to court.  Praise God.  I can relax now.  He is back on track to get to work.

* 7:45 pm: Break fast; bowl of homemade veggie soup.  Successful 22 hour fast approx.  Praise God.  WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

* 8:00 PM: Cabbage salad, Vinegar and oil dressing Newmns, 2 eggs boiled.  1 lithium orotate, digestive enzyme, 4 senna, 2 fish oil, 2 garlic tabs.  Ahhh, to settle back and watch chuck Missler read and teach on the great Isaiah scroll.  Nothing can be better!  PTL

Fasting for Wisdom, Health, Justice, Etc.

Wednesday Morning 3/12/13 Fasting Schedule

This 3 day fast is off and rolling.  ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD. (Words of Jesus in the Gospels)  I sense the Holy Spirit has instructed me to go on a 3 day fast as I need some major breakthroughs in areas of wisdom, justice, and, of course being even healthier is always a worthy prayer to Jesus.  BELOVED, ABOVE ALL THINGS I PRAY YOU PROSPER EVEN AS YOUR SOUL AND HEALTH PROSPERS.  (paraphrase John 3:1, letter to Gaius)

*  8:15 start sipping a water bottle of 3 cups water with powdered barley grass juice powder.  Why?  To alkalize the body, get living enzymes, extremely important, and supply chrolophyll for blood purification.   And mega nutrients for vitamins, minerals, and food factors.  By the way barley was Jesus grain of choice.  He supernaturally fed His thousands of followers barley bread, along with fish too.  (Gospels)  King Solomon was so rich he fed his finest horses barley hay.  King Nebuchadazzer was fed grasses until he was healed of mental illness and recognized the God of Heaven rules in human affairs.  (Daniel)  Many health researches have found that barley grass juice is the most important health food for the human body.  After years of study, I'm in agreement.  Especially since Jesus likes barley bread.  And He knows what's good for a person.

* Continuing prayer, tongues and worship in my home!  Feels so good to worship Jesus.  He once said to me through His Spirit:  "Worship Me, (Jesus)- that's where the power is."  I've found that to be true.

* 8:00 am:  Coffee colonic to get the fast started with a clean colon, blood, and liver.  1 quart boiled coffee grounds, 3 tablespoons coffee.  Boil about 5 minutes, strain, cool.  Do a retention enema as long as possible (15 minutes max.)  The blood will be cleansed, the colon cleansed, and most importantly the liver will discharge the bile that has accumulated with the waste.

* 8:15-10:15 working on getting my contractor do finish the work I paid him for, or take him to small claims court. Talking to witnesses, calling my attorney, documenting, and making the appointment with the contractor.  God , help me.  This is what I need  justice for and wisdom.  The Bible tells us IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, THEN ASK GOD, WHO WILL GIVE IT.  I lack wisdom in this case.  My contractor has taken almost 3,000$ of my money and not done any work for 4 months.  So, it's time for action.  I'm a widow, and I'm coming to our Just Judge for justice for me.  I'm like the persistent widow who got justice against her adversary by continually coming to the judge.  Jesus told us to continually come to our Father in heaven, and He will give us justice.  Jesus wants us to have faith on earth, to come to our Father in heaven in prayer.  Fasting shows our Just Judge how desperate we are, and how serious we are in needing results.  He likes it.  (Gospels)

* 10:15 am: 3 cups water, 1 T barley grass juice mix.  Starting to sip.  Downed 1 cup water.

* 11:00 am: starting to get hungry.  Making a vegetable broth: 1 lb lima beans, highly alkalizing; celtic sea salt, mineral rich; lots of garlic powder, antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immune cell and metabolism booster, general healing tonic; parsley, a Biblical "bitter herb",  high in nutrients and cleansing properties.  Putting on to med-high heat.  Will be ready when I get back from errands.

*10:50 review my prayer list and petition God again.

Fasting for Wisdom

Wednesday early morning fasting schedule, 3/12/13.

Wednesday Early Morning 3/12/13 Fasting Schedule:

* Tuesday night, 9:30 pm:  Took 4 senna tabs with 2 bifidus bifobactirum  tabs.  The senna keeps the bowels moving which would otherwise stop moving during the fast.  The bifidus cultures keeps the intestional flora healthy.  This would be very dangerous as the system would become constipated from lack of solid food moving out the waste.   Then, the colon would reabsorbe the waste in the intestines, overburden the liver, and throw toxins into the blood.  This is what makes fasting difficult in this day and age.  So, probably the number 1 secret of successful fasting for the human body is to keep the toxins and waste moving through the bowels.

*  5:15 am: 1.5 cups hot water with 1 teaspoon red pepper sauce/ arbol and piquin peppers.  Cholula Hot Sauce.  The peppers rev up the metaboilsm, open up the cappilaries, which increases circulation.  This helps with the cleansing of the metabolic wastes.  Peppers release endorphins.   Endorphins are the natural, God given, feel good body compounds which increase a sense of well being.  We sure need that during a fast. 

* 6:15 am: 1.5 cups hot water with 1 teaspoon red pepper sauce.   Keeping hydrated with a degree of nutrition is probably the biggest key to successful fasting on a physical level.  (No plain water fasts, no fasting without liquids.  Our bodies do not have the vital health of past generations.  We are too unindated with environmental toxins, ie pesticides, pharmaceuticals, hormones, chemicals, etc. which were never present in generations of old.  God have mercy on us today.)  Crying out to God, prayer, is the #1 key to power.  Why?  Because in heaven is merciful.  He hears our hearts cry.  He commands us to COME BOLDLY BEFORE HIS THRONE OF GRACE  in our times of need.  All the time for that matter.  But I've found especially  when we are in great need, or desperate (like Queen Esther) , or undertaking a new work of the ministry it's mandatory.  Jesus, Paul, the Antioch Church, Ezra and Daniel all fasted at the critical junctures of undertaking a great work for the Kingdom of Heaven.  

* 6:30 large bowell movement which effectively cleans the bowel for a day or more of safe fasting.  And, I'm all set to go on a healthy fast.  Of course, the health to the human body is secondary, but mandatory. We can't make ourselves sick during fasting.  In fact, just the opposite, when a fast is done properly we can come away with a greater degree of physical well being and health.  Our body is the temple of the Holy spirit  and you and I and all humanity are under direct obligation to God, our Maker to care for these bodies the best we can.  It's called being faithful with the body Elohim has given to us.  To please Him, to be faithful is our highest ideal. 

* 6:45 am:  I wrote my fasting list for my goals and needs for this fast.  I asked God to help me and to answer these prayer.  I asked God, Jesus to move powerfully to bring justice to unjust situations, health to hurting bodies, salvations to lost souls, divine protection for loved ones,  and wisdom for me to move ahead in life with writing a book, and getting my house fixed up.  I'm praying fro specific people, needs, and situations.  Not in general.  Yes, mercy on America is always a priority, and the peace of Jerusalem is a command that we are to pray for.  Also, of course prayer for the KI Resident Study Program in New Zealand  and the new KI Study Center websight.  Seeking God on His throne of grace to help us in our time of need is primary.  Jesus is full of mercy, grace, and forgiveness.  He loves us, that is why we seek His face.  TO KNOW HIM is our highest ideal.

*7:15  1.5 cups hot water with 1 teaspoon pepper sauce.  Remember, keep hydrated.  Keep the liquids up on an hourly basis will keep you feeling good and the full.  Plus the blood will continue to be cleansed through the kidneys.  We're off to a good start. 

* 7:30 am: Praying in tongues and worship.  I personally like praying in tongues, because my spirit is praying, and my mind is bypassed.  So, God in heaven hears my prayers and supplications in the Spirit and my spirit is communicating directly with  my Saviors Spirit.  It's easy.  I also put on Christian worship music in my home at this time, makes it easy to rejoice in the Lord and keep focused on Him.  I can't stand to pump the spirit of the world into my home 24/7 with television, so I don't do tv.  Also, at this time I don't have internet at home.  I don't want to be distracted from God above by reading the news or surfing the web.  He honors that too.  He knows when a person seeks Him with all their heart.  And He likes it.

I'm Deeply Saddened

We Are Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)

Ephesus Turkey Today
(Image: turklandtravel.com)

Prayer and fasting.  I do see that prayer is a normal part of our lives as followers of the Way, Jesus, according to the Bible and the words of Jesus HImself. 

Of course I'm deeply saddened for the Body of Christ; us, the Evangelical Church in America today.  Why?  I'm saddened that prayer and fasting isn't made and recognized as  a top  priority. Especially considering it's extremely important function in the Bible.  This lost discipline is of up most importance as I've tried to point out in previous emails and my blog.  Could this be a reason for lack of power?   Jesus said:  "BUT THE DAYS  WILL COME... AND AT THAT TIME THEY WILL FAST." (Lk. 5:35a,c NASB)  That day has come.  It is time for us to obey our Lord.  Let us fast and pray like never before.

 I see all of us Evangelicals as Ephesus. (Rev. 2:1-7) Jesus walks among us.  We  shine and carry the Light of the Gospel of Christ.   We have it all....almost.  We have work, we have endurance. We don't tolerate evil, sin, nor false doctrine. We endure, we don't grow weary.  We give our all....   and yet.  So sad, how far we have fallen.  We've lost our First Love.  Our simple love and devotion to our Lord Jesus.  I know it saddens Him so much.  It would make Him happier if we simply worship Him more.  And, in addition, our love for each other has grown shallow and cold too, I'm sorry to say.   And that is why people are walking out of the churches in America.  That is why the finances of our ministries are being dried up by Jesus.  We can't afford to lack love any longer.  People's eternal soul's are being lost daily.  The harvest is ripe!

LET EVERYONE LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES:  "TO EVERYONE WHO CONQUERS I (JESUS) WILL GIVE THE PRIVILEGE OF EATING FROM THE TREE OF LIFE THAT IS IN GOD'S PARADISE." (Rev. 2:7 ISV)

 We must return to  our First Love, Lord Jesus. I see prayer and fasting as one significant way to return to Him, intimate union, seeking His face.   Jesus says:  "COME UNTO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST." (Mt. 11:28)

I Needed A Miracle

I needed God.  I was desperate beyond human help.

The only reason I'm alive today is because my Mom cried out to Jesus all night long in prayer, night watchings, and fasting. 

 She begged the God of the universe to take terminal cancer off me. This was 20 years ago.  She asked Jesus to deliver me from death. Crying she lay curled up on the floor in her living room in a fetal position all night long. Begging God to heal me.  She told God she could not live if I died then.  She was right.  Jesus heard my Momma's cries.  He worked a miracle of mercy in me.  Jesus blew out the cancer.  He poured in me a 'living hope' when a man of God prayed for me.  In an instant, cancer blown out, life, and life eternal poured in. 

 This was a true miracle from Jesus, The Man or Mercy. 

Image: biltrix.com

  This was the beginning of an incredible journey with Jesus for me 20 years ago.  Life has never been the same.  Eternity has a whole new meaning to me.  Jesus had mercy on my family and I when He divinely healed me of terminal cancer in a moment.  For the last 20 years His wings of grace, God's goodness alone, has carried me.  Jesus has forgiven me unimaginable sins, as if they'd never happened.  

Jesus has instructed me to tell of His mercy, His grace, and His forgiveness. 

(Image: lds.org)

 Unfathomable power  emanating through and from Him. Love, flowing like a mighty river of life in which we are immersed.  GOD IS LOVE. (John's Epistles)  IN HIM WE LIVE, AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. (Acts)  Mercy, grace, forgiveness unfathomable blown into the universe 2,000 years ago on the cross... forever, and ever, and ever.  For us who believe IN HIM IS LIFE, AND THIS LIFE IS THE LIGHT OF HUMANITY.  (John 1)

Fastings Often Blew Open the World

What was one of Paul's secrets of God's power? Fasting often: Jesus blew open the world to the Gospel of Grace.

(Image: dailyencouragement.wordpress)

 Why was his ministry so effective?    I see fasting as his major personal key.  He fasted at every important move.  All the time.  This is what he has to say through the Holy Spirit:

We read of his experiences in 2 Corinthians 11:27:  "IN LABOR AND TOIL, IN WATCHINGS OFTEN, IN HUNGER AND THIRST, IN FASTINGS OFTEN, IN COLD AND NAKEDNESS." Wow!  He was really qualified.  He suffered a lot for Jesus.  Look at what he did during his sufferings- fast.  We can learn that important lesson. By the way, fasting is never undertaken with out prayer.  Prayer is the key.  Add worship and you have a power packed day!!

These are some of the things Paul says verifies and empowers his ministry. 

(oneyearbibleblog.com)

He writes: "BUT IN EVERYTHING COMMENDING  OURSELVES AS SERVANTS OF GOD IN GREAT ENDURANCE, IN AFFLICTIONS, ..IN IMPRISONMENTS, ..IN WATCHINGS, IN FASTINGS; ..IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, IN SINCERE LOVE, IN THE WORD OF TRUTH, IN THE POWER OF GOD.."  (2 Corinthians 6:4-7 selected portions, WEB)   Sounds pretty exciting, huh?  Now we know some of the secrets of his power to spread the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus.  Paul suffered the loss of everything for the excellency, of knowing Jesus.  Knowing Jesus is the highest value on earth.  Humanities  greatest goal.

The power of the Gospel's spread through out the world was birthed in fasting. 
Acts 13:2,3

In the church in Antioch there were prophets and teachers... WHILE THEY WERE WORSHIPING THE LORD AND FASTING THE HOLY SPIRIT SAID, "SET APART FOR ME BARNABAS AND SAUL FOR THE WORK TO WHICH I HAVE CALLED THEM."  THEN AFTER FASTING AND PRAYING THEY LAID HANDS ON THEM AND SENT THEM OUT. (ESV) Notice how corporate fasting, praying, and worshiping Jesus was practiced in Antioch.  The rest is history.  Would to God that we could do that today.  That's taking Jesus seriously.  They knew the secret of power! Notice that prophets as well as teachers are part of the Body of Christ then, and still are today.  Notice that the Holy Spirit speaks, and He still does today!  JESUS, THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER.

We can learn a lot from Paul's example.  We can also say: TO LIVE IS CHRIST (TO LIVE FOR HIM), TO DIE IS GAIN (HEY, THAT'S EVEN BETTER, HEAVEN) Paul's Epistles.

Sid

 James is Jesus half  brother.  He instructs us in James 1:22  BUT BE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY, DECEIVING YOURSELVES.  (James 1:22 ESV)  So, let's do it!  Let's get some prayer power going.  Let's add some fasting.  How bout it?

Mystery of Fasting, Freedom, and Mercy

To me, a great mystery is revealed in the Prophet Isaiah 

The Great Isaiah Scroll
(Image: bible-researcher.com)

Chapter 58:1-7 of Isaiah explains great mysteries of how God sees fasting.  It seems to me that our God wants us to be generous; giving financially and fulfilling the needs of the poor, helping our relatives in need. And some how, in some way it adds to our fasting and prayer power.  God likes it.

Fasting and mercy is a great Biblical secret of healing, answered prayer, and a blessed life.  By the way, it's understood that fasting and prayer is a means to connect even more profoundly with God in serious circumstances of life.   Jesus of Nazareth is The Man of Mercy. 

(Image: christcompels.com)

.... Let's read what  God  Himself has to say:    "WILL YOU CALL THIS A FAST, AND A DAY ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD?  IS NOT THIS THE FAST THAT I CHOSE; TO LOOSE THE BOUNDS OF WICKEDNESS, AND UNDO THE STRAPS OF THE YOKE, TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND TO BREAK EVERY YOKE."  (Is. 58:5b,6 ESV)  When we find ourselves or our loved ones bound by wickedness, under a yoke, and oppressed in this world fasting has incredible power to break that yoke, or bondage off of us, or our loved one in need.  So, always add fasting to your prayers.  God is mighty to save, Jesus sets the captives free.  And don't stop praying.

 Who would have thought  that a generous and giving heart, willing to share, would be so significant to the Almighty Father.  

(Image: lookinguntojesus.net)

Jesus is kind and merciful  and giving to us.  He wants us to give also. God goes on about fasting:  IS IT NOT TO SHARE YOUR BREAD WITH THE HUNGRY, AND BRING THE HOMELESS POOR INTO YOUR HOUSE; WHEN YOU SEE THE NAKED, COVER HIM, AND DO NOT HIDE YOURSELF FROM YOUR OWN FLESH? (v.7)  One commentary states:  "This passage indicates that the acceptable fast is not merely abstinence from food or water but a decision to fully obey God's commands but a decision to fully care for the poor and oppressed." (Wikipedia)  

 Why is it that God equates the two together?  Because He likes mercy. HE HAS SHOW YOU, O MORTAL WHAT IS GOOD.  AND WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU?  TO ACT JUSTLY, TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD." (Mica 6:8) God requires mercy of mankind.  That's a prerequisite to the power of fasting. Jesus says:  "BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL RECEIVE MERCY." (Sermon on the Mount)

What's the bottom line of fasting?   Merciful actions in life.  Unimaginable!  Super health, super answers to prayer from God above.  God reveals this:  "THEN SHALL YOUR LIGHT BREAK FORTH LIKE THE DAWN, AND YOUR HEALING SHALL SPRING FORTH SPEEDILY.  YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL GO BEFORE YOU AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE YOUR REAR GUARD.  THEN YOU SHALL CALL, AND THE LORD WILL ANSWER; YOU SHALL CRY AND HE WILL SAY, "HERE I AM."  (v. 8,9a)

Here are God's conditions  for super healthy fasting:  IF YOU TAKE AWAY THE YOKE FROM YOUR MIDST, THE POINTING OF THE FINGER, AND SPEAKING WICKEDNESS.  IF YOU POUR YOURSELF OUT TO THE HUNGRY AND SATISFY THE DESIRE OF THE AFFLICTED, THEN SHALL YOUR LIGHT RISE IN THE DARKNESS AND YOUR GLOOM BE AS THE NOON DAY.  AND THE LORD WILL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY AND SATISFY YOUR DESIRE IN SCORCHED PLACES,AND MAKE YOUR BONES STRONG; AND YOU WILL BE LIKE A WATERED GARDEN, LIKE A SPRING OF WATER, WHOSE WATERS DO NOT FAIL. (Is. 58:9b-11 ESV)

Let us consider these wonderful fasting and health secrets of the Bible.  We've included the they mystery of mercy concerning fasting to God.  HE IS A REWARDER OF THOSE WHO SEEK HIM. (Hebrews 11:6b)    God bless you.

The Most Beautiful Words Ever Spoken About Fasting

God spoke through the prophet Isaiah.  God Himself tells us how to fast.  Fasting to please Him. (Isaiah 58)

(Image: oneyearbibleblog.com)

We can read God's own words on the benefits of fasting that pleases God: 

 "THEN YOUR LIGHT WILL BREAK FORTH LIKE THE DAWN; AND YOUR HEALING WILL QUICKLY APPEAR; THEN YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL GO BEFORE YOU, AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD WILL BE YOUR REAR GUARD.  THEN YOU WILL CALL, AND THE LORD WILL ANSWER; YOU WILL CRY FOR HELP AND HE WILL SAY, HERE I AM." (Isaiah 58:8,9)   

When I've fasted and prayed for others I have seen miracles of healing take place beyond my wildest expectations.

Also, on a supernatural level Jesus pours His healing power into us and others when we consistently ask Him.  Fasting works on a physical level to restore our health too.  And, when we need direction on what health modalities we need, we can trust God to guide us in answer to prayer and fasting  too.

Powerful Answers To Prayer

 I've had extremely successful, powerful answers to prayer and intimacy with Jesus during my 20 years experience of fasting.  Twice I've been on 40 day fasts. Moses, Jesus, and Elijah too are recorded as undertaking 40 day fasts.  What power was released.

(testimoniesofheavenandhell.com)

 Jesus withstood the onslaught of the devils temptations during His 40 day fast.  The only Human Being who would not cow tow to Satan and sin was Jesus.  He secured our freedom from sin and death when He died on the cross for our sins.  He conquered death for us.  He rose again the third day just as God had foretold in the Sacred Scriptures, our bibles.  He purchased our souls for God so that we will have the right to enter heaven.  Not because we are good enough.  But that Jesus was good enough.  So we enter through Him.  This is called "imputed righteousness."  What's the secret?  How do we get to heaven?  Peter says:  AND EVERYONE WHO CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD (JESUS) WILL BE SAVED. (Acts 2:21)

Jesus our Lord has instructed us to fast.  He expects it of us.  This is what He said when He walked the earth 2,000 years ago.  "BUT SOMEDAY THE  GROOM  WILL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THEM , AND THEN THEY WILL FAST." (Mark 2:20 NLT)  The groom is Jesus, He was taken away from us at the ascension.  You see, Jesus, our Master simply expects us to fast.  We must be obedient.  If we love Him, He says we will obey Him. (Jn. 14:15)  Fasting is not optional.

One 40 day fast literally blew me away!  Intimacy with the Trinity was literally out of this world.  I saw th glory of God ans the One Who sits on the throne a lot  like John on Patmos saw Him in Revelation 4,5. Once a week 24 hour fasts are a piece of cake.  The early church used to practice fasting twice a week.  They were effective for Christ, spreading the gospel.

3 day fasts are important  when power or answered prayer is desperately needed.  

(Image: catholicinbrooklyn.blogspot)

We can trust our God in heaven.  Jesus flows His mercy to us,His grace carries us, and His forgiveness wipes away our past, our mistakes, our unrighteousness. I praise Him.  His love is unfathomable, a powerful river we're all immersed in, that is us Christians.  Those of us who follow Jesus.  21 day fasts are sometimes mandatory when great need is seen.  Example:  Mercy on America. Daniel fasted 21 days when he saw read from Jeremiah that it was time for Jerusalem to be reinhabited.   7 and 10 day fasts are also important.  I'm not saying this to brag, just the opposite, this is important instruction for the times we are entering.  Missler says that tough times are right on the horizon.  So, in my personal opinion, fasting and prayer is mandatory in these last days, perilous times.

Prayer and fasting is nothing new.  We are simply obeying our Master, and returning to our Biblical roots. I guess you'd call spiritual disciplines.  But its fun, the rewards are great.

 Here is Jesus instructions for our fastings:  "THEN WHEN YOU FAST DON'T LOOK LIKE THOSE MISERABLE PLAY ACTORS!  FOR THEY DELIBERATELY DISFIGURE THEIR FACES SO THAT PEOPLE MAY SEE THEY ARE FASTING.  BELIEVE ME, THEY HAVE HAD ALL THEIR REWARD.  NO, WHEN YOU FAST, BRUSH YOUR HAIR, AND WASH YOUR FACE SO THAT NOBODY KNOWS YOU ARE FASTING- LET IT BE A SECRET BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR FATHER.  AND YOUR FATHER WHO KNOWS ALL SECRETS WILL REWARD YOU."  (Mt. 6:16-18 Phillips)

The Secret of Paul's Power

The Secret of Paul's Power is simple. 

 He was a chosen vessel of Jesus to bring the Light of Life, to us gentiles.  Paul records that Jesus talks to him.  Jesus appeared in blazing glory to this man as he was going to Damascus to imprison and stone followers of the Way, that is Jesus.

(Image: lwf.org)

  The glorified Lord threw him to the ground, blinded him and said:  I AM JESUS WHOM YOU ARE PERSECUTING.  NOW GET UP AND STAND ON YOUR FEET FOR I HAVE SHOWN MYSELF TO YOU FOR A REASON- YOU ARE CHOSEN TO BE MY SERVANT AND WITNESS TO WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN OF ME TODAY, AND OF OTHER VISIONS OF MYSELF WHICH I WILL GIVE YOU.  ... I NOW SEND YOU (TO THE GENTILES).  I SEND YOU TO OPEN THEIR EYES, TO TURN THEM FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT, FROM THE POWER OF SATAN TO GOD HIMSELF, SO THAT THEY MAY KNOW FORGIVENESS OF THEIR SINS AND TAKE THEIR PLACE WITH ALL THOSE WHO ARE MADE HOLY THROUGH FAITH IN ME." (Acts 26:15,16,17a,18 Phillips)

What did Paul do after that Divine encounter?  Fasted.  Just think, Paul saw the  Son of God, face to face.   Paul knew what to do.  He immediately  fasted  for 3 days and nights. (Acts 9:9) He went on a super fast, no food or water.  He knew what to do in response to his life changing encounter with God.  We can learn a lot from from him.  

After 3 days Jesus sent Ananias to Paul.  Jesus healed Paul's blindness when Ananias  laid hands on him and prayed. The Holy Spirit came upon Paul at that moment.  He got up, ate and was baptized.  He immediately began to preach that Jesus is the son of God.   The world has never been the same since then.

Note:  I've never been on a fast without liquid.

 And I'd never recommend anybody to.  I think in this day and age it would be very dangerous for our health if we did.  Toxins and chemicals are released from the cells during fasting.  We have to have the liquids to wash them out of our systems.   Back in Paul's times the physical bodies were much stronger and not exposed to the destructive chemicals of our day.  We have to be wiser in how we fast today.  But its not hard to do.  The devil has tried to strip power from the Church of God, the Body of Christ,  by trying to disable fasting.  But the enemy won't succeed.  FOR HE WHO IS IN US (JESUS), IS GREATER THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD (SATAN.)  (John's Epistles)

EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS.

The Great Queen Esther

The great Queen Esther saved her entire people through a fast.

 An edict had gone out to slaughter every Jew alive.  It was a situation that could have been similar to what was happened in the holocaust.  But, the Queen fasted.  And God in heaven heard her heart's cry. He moved mightily in response to this wonderful woman of God. 

(Image: madmonarchrist.blogspot)

 Queen Esther and her people fasted for 3 days without food or water.    They were threatened with utter annihilation.  Their very existence was in japordy, hanging by a thread. But, God had her born for  such a time as that. She determined to fast and pray, and called all her people with her.  And they did.  They didn't eat nor drink for 3 days.  We know the outcome.  God moved mightily through their prayers and spared her people.  The Jews, instead of being annihilated, lived .  The Jewish race eventually brought forth the Savior of the World, Jesus of Nazareth.  The power of prayer and fasting is unfathomable.  Because God in heaven hears, and changes world events.

 I think we can learn a lot from the great Queen, don't you?  (Esther 4:16)  You and I were born for a time such as this.  The Bible says that these end days are "perilous times".  BUT REALIZE THIS, THAT IN THE LAST DAYS DIFFICULT TIMES WILL COME.  (2 Tim. 3:1 NASB)  We need to pray and fast more than ever before. When we are threatened with tragedy, pray and fast.  May God help us.

You and I were born for a time such as this.  May we seek God's face.   SO WHENEVER WE ARE IN NEED WE SHOULD COME BRAVELY BEFORE THE THRONE OF OUR MERCIFUL GOD.  THERE WE WILL BE TREATED WITH UNDESERVED KINDNESS, AND WE WILL FIND HELP.  (Heb. 4:6 CEV)

Weight Loss- Be Even Healthier

By the way fasting helps with weight loss. 

(Image: topreviews-danniecody.blogspot)

 And helps us be healthier.  Don't we all need that.  My beginning weight is 149.8 on March 6, 2014.  Let's see how it goes... down is my desire.  My health is average.  Let's see how it goes..... up I hope.  I'm 60 years of age.  Even us middle age people, and seniors can renew their strength.  BUT THOSE WHO HOPE IN THE LORD WILL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH.  THEY WILL SOAR ON WINGS LIKE EAGLES; THEY WILL RUN AND NOT GROW WEARY, THEY WILL WALK AND NOT FAINT.  (Is. 40:31 NIV)

  I never do strict water fasts.  Our bodies in this day and age are very compromised with environmental toxins, food additives, chemicals, etc.  Therefore it is much more important that we do drink plenty of healthful liquids.  The easiest one I like is filtered hot water, with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.  Makes the water tastes great.  The citrus is antifungal, antibacterial, and most importantly anti vral.  It also serves as a blood purifier to alkalize our systems, which we desperately need in this day and age.  You and I can actually be healthier as we learn to fast consistantly.  Keep posted for more health tips.  Whatever you do don't drink canned juices, or soda pop.  The sugar/ carb content is so high it trashes the pancreases and the liver gets overloaded.  Keep posted for more fasting tips which I've learned through many years of study and fasting. 

Make a low carb vegetable broth and sip on it all day.  Yesterday I used  lima beans, with spinach.  Next time I'm going for cabbage!  Will see.  Keep up a variety of veggies, organic is best.  Simmer the broth all day.  Sip all day long, you will be infused with healthy minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients.  It's very healthy.  Don't use canned broth if you can avoid it.  Throw away the pulp, because the nutrients are now in the liquid.  It's so easy.

First Fast Day

First day. 

(34jc.blogspot)

 Today is Friday March 7, 2014.  I have undertaken to pray and fast one day a week til the first Friday in November; 9 months.  This was undertaken to add considerable prayer power to the success of the KI Resident Study Program.  I see the RSP as a significant work of God in these last days.  Jesus is pouring out new wine.  Jesus has given Chuck Missler,  Ron Matsen  and the Body of  Christ new wineskins at River Lodge in my personal opinion.  My prayer is that Jesus equip many for the work of the ministry with power at RSP New Zealand.

Of course I'm praying for other needs as well.  And I would like to undertake longer periods of fastings at some time. It is my hearts desire.  I pray that Jesus empower me.  But, I will work up to longer fasts gradually.

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has tremendous effects.  Unfortunately it is sadly neglected in the body of Christ today.  If we can but return to our Lords command that:  "..THEN THEY SHALL PRAY AND FAST".  (Gospels) Also Jesus says, "COME APART WITH ME.."  (Gospels)  Then, we would see the power of God blow open the doors of heaven in answered prayer!

I'm off to an amazing start.  While seeking direction the Spirit of God told me to start a Fasting Blog.  He has even given me the first 7 posts.  Well, I'm off and running.  May I please you Jesus.  I hope you and I both learn a lot from this blog.   May God empower you to fast and pray.  May He answer your prayers powerfully.  Amen.

God's Premier Faster

Anna the Prophetess is the premier Biblical example of a life dedicated to prayer, fasting, and worship. SHE NEVER LEFT THE TEMPLE, BUT CONTINUED TO WORSHIP THERE NIGHT AND DAY WITH TIMES OF FASTING AND PRAYER. (Lk. 2:37b)

(dailytimewithgod.com)

 God honored her highly.  God chose her; she was made the first messenger of the Incarnate Messiah, baby Jesus.  When she saw the Babe in the Temple, she .."BEGAN TO  THANK GOD AND TO SPEAK ABOUT JESUS TO EVERYONE WHO WAS WAITING FOR THE REDEMPTION OF JERUSALEM. (Lk. 2: 38b ISV)  What a woman.  I aspire to be like her.  She knew the power of fasting.  The Holy Spirit guided her footsteps and spoke to her. She had eyes to see the Redeemer, even as an infant.  What a woman.

Prayer, fasting, and worship will give us even more power.  God will open our eyes to see even more.  I WANT TO KNOW HIM (Jesus) , AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION... (Paul's Epistles)  To see Him is my hearts desire.  One night, when I was very ill, it was as if Jesus's Spirit said to me:  "Worship Me- that's where the power is."  Jesus has given me THE GARMENT OF PRAISE INSTEAD OF A SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS. (Is. 61:3c Darby  He has even healed my body, once again.  All praise to Him, our Great Healer.  

Friday, March 7, 2014

Today's the beginning of a 9 month commitment to our Lord. 

Follower of Jesus
Sidney Hemmingmoore

 The commitment is to pray and fast every Friday, God willing.  I chose Fridays so I could rest up and do Bible study on Shabat, Saturday.  At times I would like to do 3 day fasts, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  I seek God's power and Jesus' blessings as I undertake this to get some prayer power going!!

This was a 24 hour fast.  From dinner time last night until dinner time tonight.  It was actually very easy.  What are my secrets?  Worshipping Jesus with music in my home.  Scheduling this day specifically for fasting and prayer.  A day set aside, no appointments, etc.  A day of fasting dedicated to seeking the hand of God in heaven to move in answer to great needs, personal, for others, and for RSP.

I got up this morning and watched Chuck Missler on Isaiah, chapters 40 to 45.  He makes Isaiah so easy to understand in the new Isaiah commentary with the ISV translation of the Great Isaiah Scroll, Dead Sea Scrolls.  Dr. Peter Flint did the translation.  Of course, prayer too. Then, dinner out with a friend who had a miracle and is alive and functioning today, even though the doctor said he'd be dead 2 months ago.  Dinner included more prayer and rejoicing.

On a physical level my secrets are: 
* Lots of water
* I add lemon juice for greater cleansing of the blood, alkalizing, and antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, ets.
* A clear broth made from simmered lima beans and spinach. The lima beans alkalize the system.  The broth of spinach helps keep the bowels moving.
* 1.5 quarts of a green drink made with powdered barley grass juice mixed with water.  Keeps the nutrition up, liquids up, supplies minerals, vitamins, chlorophyll (a blood cleanser), and living enzymes.  It is low in sugars.  Very healthy.
* A coffee colonic to clean the liver and bowels of the toxins released during fasting.

And I'm good to go, makes fasting a breeze.  But, here is the ost important secret.  It is God who makes it possible to fast.  Without Him we can do nothing.  So, when undertaking a fast, the first thing to seek is the empowerment from Jesus. ".. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD,"says Jesus.

Ezra's 3 Day Fast

God chose Ezra the scribe and close to 50,000 Jews to go and resettle Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.  They were ready to take a deadly and perilous journey from Persia (Iran) to Israel.  The King, Cyrus,  told Ezra to take a large armed guard of professional soldiers to make the trip. The trip was extremely dangerous.  Ezra was  carrying the temple gold, treasures, silver and had many women and children and livestock. They were easy pickens for thieves.   

(workersforjesus.com)

But Ezra refused the soldiers.  Why?  Ezra was too embarrassed to accept them.   Ezra relied on the Lord God of Heaven instead.  How?  Through prayer and fasting.  Ezra writes:  THEN I CALLED FOR A FAST THERE AT THE AHAVA RIVER SO WE COULD HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE OUR GOD AND SEEK FROM HIM AN APPROPRIATE WAY FOR US AND OUR LITTLE ONES TO LIVE , AND HOW WE SHOULD GUARD OUR PERSONAL WEALTH, BECAUSE I WAS ASHAMED TO ASK THE KING FOR A CONTINGENT OF CALVARY TO PROTECT US FROM ENEMIES WE MIGHT ENCOUNTER ON THE WAY.  AFTER ALL, WE HAD TOLD THE KING, "THE HAND OF OUR GOD SEEKS THE GOOD OF ALL WHO SEEK HIM, BUT HIS POWER AND ANGER ARE AGAINST EVERYONE WHO FORSAKES HIM."   SO WE FASTED AND ASKED OUR GOD ABOUT  THIS, AND HE LISTENED TO US.  (Ezra 8:21:-23 ISV)  When Ezra arrives he records: OUR GOD'S PROTECTION WAS WITH US.  AND HE DELIVERED US FROM THE ENEMYS' POWER, AND FROM AMBUSH ALONG THE WAY.  (Ez. 8:31b)

How much do we all need protection for us, our families, and our personal wealth?

We all need deliverance from the enemys' power and ambush in this life.  The secret?  Prayer and fasting brings incredible victory. Just like Ezra and his people.  Why? Because the hand of our God seeks the good of all who seek Him.  PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.. (Paul's Epistles)