Evangelist Daniel Whyte III, President of Gospel Light Society International, Calls for Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for America and the World on Wednesday, May 16, 2012: Commences 165-day Global Call to Prayer and Fasting for America and the World

The 'Reward' Jesus Promises for Fasting (Fasting Edition #173)

Welcome to the Special Fasting Edition of the Prayer Motivator Devotional Broadcast #173

This is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International. It is good to be with you today.

We praise the Lord for all of you who have fasted and who are fasting and praying in various ways throughout this time. We are now into the 7th and final day of the 7 day fast which will end tonight on election day, Tuesday, November 6th. For those on the 40 day fast under the leadership of Dr. Rick Scarborough of Vision America, your fast ends tonight on election day, Tuesday, November 6th as well. As we close this fasting and prayer campaign, we want to thank all those who participated and we praise the Lord for what He has done and is doing in the nation and the world. However, we don't want to stop here, we ask that Christians everywhere continue to pray urgently and sincerely for our country during these difficult times and to fast when the Lord leads you to do so. Whoever wins this election is not important in the grand scheme of things. But what is important is that there is a remnant of God's people who are committed to standing strong for Him, to standing firm on biblical principles, to praying and reading the Bible, to confessing and repenting of sins, to getting and keeping our houses in order, to preaching God's Word with boldness, to sharing the Gospel with the lost, to not compromising the faith that we hold dear, and to making God's Word and Will known in the nation and the world.

As you fast, please continue to pray for the following among other things:

1. For God to heal Christian families

2. For God to revive the church

3. For God to heal the nation

4. For 3 million or more people to come to Christ

5. And if the Lord is going to tarry His coming, for God to give us the godly leadership that this nation needs going forward.

Our Scripture reading for today is Luke 18:9-14 from the King James Version which reads:

9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Allow me to share with you some important insights regarding this passage from Matthew Henry's Commentary:

Finally, we see the publican's acceptance with God. We have seen how differently these two addressed themselves to God; it is now worth while to enquire how they sped. There were those who would cry up the Pharisee, by whom he would go to his house applauded, and who would look with contempt upon this sneaking whining publican. But our Lord Jesus, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secret is hid, who is perfectly acquainted with all proceedings in the court of heaven, assures us that this poor, penitent, broken-hearted publican went to his house justified, rather than the other. The Pharisee thought that if one of them must be justified, and not the other, certainly it must be he rather than the publican. "No," saith Christ, "I tell you, I affirm it with the utmost assurance, and declare it to you with the utmost concern, I tell you, it is the publican rather than the Pharisee." The proud Pharisee goes away, rejected of God; his thanksgivings are so far from being accepted that they are an abomination; he is not justified, his sins are not pardoned, nor is he delivered from condemnation: he is not accepted as righteous in God's sight, because he is so righteous in his own sight; but the publican, upon this humble address to Heaven, obtains the remission of his sins, and he whom the Pharisee would not set with the dogs of his flock God sets with the children of his family. The reason given for this is because God's glory is to resist the proud, and give grace to the humble.

Proud men, who exalt themselves, are rivals with God, and therefore they shall certainly be abased. God, in his discourse with Job, appeals to this proof that he is God, that he looks upon every one that is proud, and brings him low. Humble men, who abase themselves, are subject to God, and they shall be exalted. God has preferment in store for those that will take it as a favour, not for those that demand it as a debt. He shall be exalted into the love of God, and communion with him, shall be exalted into a satisfaction in himself, and exalted at last as high as heaven. See how the punishment answers the sin: He that exalteth himself shall be abased. See how the recompence answers the duty: He that humbles himself shall be exalted. See also the power of God's grace in bringing good out of evil; the publican had been a great sinner, and out of the greatness of his sin was brought the greatness of his repentance; out of the eater came forth meat. See, on the contrary, the power of Satan's malice in bringing evil out of good. It was good that the Pharisee was no extortioner, nor unjust; but the devil made him proud of this, to his ruin.

I am sorry for this long-winded commentary, but since this our last day, I wanted to complete the commentary of this passage.

Our fasting quote of encouragement today is from Wesley Duewel. He said: "Fasting in the biblical sense is choosing not to partake of food because your spiritual hunger is so deep, you determination in intercession so intense, or your spiritual warfare so demanding that you have temporarily set aside even fleshly needs to give yourself to prayer and meditation."

Our fasting devotional today is titled "THE 'REWARD' JESUS PROMISES FOR FASTING" from John Piper, author of the bestselling book "A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer".

Matthew 6:16-18 reads: And whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face so that you may not be seen fasting by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

What is the "repayment" or the "reward" that Jesus promises from the Father here? Might it be "the praise of men"? We would make a dupe out of God if we tried to use him in some roundabout way to get what we really want instead of him, the praise of men. That's not the reward he gives.

Might it be money? The very next verse (v. 19) warns against laying up treasures on earth (whether God gives them or not) and says to lay up treasures in heaven--where there is no earthly currency except faith and love.

No, the best place to find out the reward of our fasting is to look here in the Sermon on the Mount. For example, the prayer that Jesus just taught us to pray in Matthew 6:9-13 begins with three main longings: that God's name be hallowed or revered, that his kingdom come, that his will be done on earth the way it's done in heaven. That is the main reward God gives for our fasting. We fast out of longing for God's name to be known and cherished and honored, and longing for his rule to be extended and then consummated in history, and longing for his will to hold sway everywhere with the same devotion and energy that the inexhaustible angels show sleeplessly in heaven forever and ever.

For sure he gives us many, many specific things through fasting. And it is not wrong to seek specifically for his help in every area of our lives through fasting. But these three petitions: hallowing his name, seeking his kingdom, and doing his will--these give the test to see if all the other things we long for are expressions of these. Do we want our sons and daughters saved because this would hallow God's name? Do we want North Korea to open for the sake of the advance of the kingship of Jesus? Do we want upright leaders in government because God's holy, revealed will for his creation is at stake? Do we want our churches revived and awakened with divine power and love and joy because it glorifies the name of God and advances his kingdom and brings about his will?

This is what Jesus is calling us to--a radically God-oriented fasting. So for the sake of your own soul, and in response to Jesus, and for the advancement of the kingdom of God's great saving purpose to glorify his name, fast, and fix your hair, and wash your face, and let the Father who sees in secret see you open your heart of yearning to him with fasting. The Father who sees in secret is brimming with rewards for your joy and for his glory.

Now, let's take this time to break up the fallow ground in our lives. Hosea 10:12 states, "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you."

The great evangelist Charles G. Finney preached a message titled "Breaking Up the Fallow Ground - An Outline for Repentance". In this sermon, he listed 26 sins that we as Christians should confess and repent of. The fifteenth sin he lists is: Wordily mindedness. He urges us to confess this sin in our lives by saying: "What has been the state of your heart in regard to your worldly possessions? Have you looked at them as really yours-as if you had a right to dispose of them as your own, according to your own will? If you have, write that down. If you have loved property, and sought after it for its own sake, or to gratify lust or ambition, or a worldly spirit or to lay it up for your families, you have sinned, and must repent."

Let's go to the Lord in prayer right now and confess our sins before God.

GENERAL PRAYER

Dear friend, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, please allow me to show you how you can get to know him today.

All you have to do is believe "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" and you will be saved. And, like millions of others, you can come to know the risen Lord Jesus Christ for yourself.

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The Bible states in the book of Romans 10:9, 13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again, and you want to invite Him into your heart today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

If you just trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, I declare to you that based upon the Word of God, you are now saved and you are on your way to Heaven. Welcome to the family of God! I want to congratulate you on receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read "What To Do After You Enter Through the Door". Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

Until next time, continue to fast and pray for the salvation of the nation and the world. God Bless You!

Previous Shows

Special Update Message on Fasting from Daniel Whyte III (Tuesday, May 29, 2012)

As you may know, on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, (the week after President Obama announced his support for homosexual marriage) we immediately called and commenced a season of fasting and prayer for 165 days for America and the world through election day on November 6th (we include the world because America is the leader of the world). This fast is designed where people can jump in at any time and fast as long as the Lord may lead them, be it one day, three days, twenty-one days, or forty days - please join in only when the Lord leads you to because "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Also, you do not have to sign up and send us your email address or address and so forth. If anyone is trying to gather up information on you to see whether or not you are fasting and praying, that is not us; the Lord is not leading us to do that. You fast and pray with us only as the Lord leads you. We frankly believe that if folks start collecting names and addresses, it would cause us to lose the effectiveness and power of the fast and time of prayer. Also, if you hear someone asking you to send in money associated with fasting and prayer, that is not us.

Our hearts were blessed when we were informed that great Christian leaders from across the nation such as Dr. Jim Garlow, Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., Bishop Joseph Mattera, and Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council, will be starting the major leg of the fast on the same day that we will be starting, as they will begin fasting for 40 days and nights beginning on June 1st. We would encourage all pastors and Christian leaders from across the nation to join these influential leaders and us in fasting and praying and to encourage their church members to fast and pray, for God to revive the church, to heal the nation, for 3 million or more people to come to Christ during this time, and if the Lord is going to tarry His coming, to give us the godly leadership that this nation needs going forward. Please be reminded that we are not for Obama or Romney. Personally, I am not led to vote for either one of these candidates. You can vote or not vote however the Lord may lead you. If you do vote, however, I would encourage you not to shout who you vote for from the rooftops. (I am personally praying that God would raise up a third-party candidate who Christians can vote for.) We have called this fast for God to do something so dramatic that it would change the course of this country if He plans on tarrying His coming. Quite frankly, however, we are expecting the Lord to come back any day now, and if He is planning on doing that, then it won't matter. We believe that the choice we have been presented with for president is a result of the curse God has placed on this nation because of our own sins and failures in the church and because this nation, in general, has turned its back on God. This fast is about far more than politics. In fact, it is not about politics at all. Our nation and the world is in so much trouble that only God can help us now.

There are approximately 50 million Christians across all major church denominations in America. There are many more millions of Christians around the world as well. During these 165 days, we are asking every single person to reach one other person for Jesus Christ. All of us know of somebody else who needs to be saved. All you have to do is share with them how you got saved or take one of the many Gospel tracts that are available through our website www.gospellightsociety.com and pass it on to them. As Christians, we may not be able to vote for either of the two candidates running, but we can vote for Jesus Christ who can save us and who is the answer to all of the problems that we face in this nation and the world. Share the good news of Christ with just one person, then email us and let us know that you did.

Also, if there ever was a person who did not want to witness to the homosexual community, it is I. I was like Jonah who did not want to go to Ninevah. One of the reasons why I did not want to do this was because I could not get my head around this sin -- this abomination. I just could not see what one ugly man would want with another ugly man (and all men are ugly to me) or what one ugly man would do with another ugly man. But be that as it may, however, the Lord has convicted my heart about that and I have written two Gospel tracts that reach out to the homosexual community with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you know of a homosexual in your family, church, workplace, or community, and you are led of the Lord to do so, please pass this message on to them. You can get both tracts and the audio version from www.gospellightminutex.com. The best thing you or I can do for any lost person is show them the way to eternal life in Christ.

Please do not forget to join us for the one day fast on tomorrow, Wednesday, May 30, 2012. Then, if you are not inclined to fast for 40 days or if you cannot fast for 40 days for other reasons, please prepare for the 10 day fast beginning Friday, June 1st through June 10th.

Please see the Updated Suggested Fasting Schedule as well as tips on how to prepare yourself spiritually and physically for an extended fast and how to maintain nutritional balance while fasting at www.gospellightsociety.com. Again, we thank the Lord for all of you who are joining us on this journey.

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Daniel Whyte III, President of Gospel Light Society International, Provides Updated Suggested Fasting Schedule for 165 Days of Fasting and Prayer for the Nation

We thank God for all of those who have joined us for this time of fasting and prayer for our nation and the world. This short note is just an update to provide you with a suggested fasting schedule in addition to the dates which we have already given. Remember, we encourage you to follow the suggested dates on this schedule only as the Lord leads you to. Again, "where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17)

1. We are fasting 24-hours on tomorrow, Wednesday, May 23, 2012, as well as on every Wednesday until Election Day. We encourage everyone to fast the whole 24 hour period, but if you cannot do that, please fast with us at least one meal.

2. If you would like to fast for 40 days throughout this period of fasting and prayer, but you are not able to do so all at one time, below is a possible fasting schedule that you can join in on. The president of Gospel Light Society, Daniel Whyte III, and members of his staff and family will be fasting for 40 days according to this schedule:

10 Days -- June 1st - 10th

10 Days -- July 1st - 10th

10 Days -- August 1st - 10th

10 Days -- October 1st - 10th

Now, in the lead-up to a fast of this length, we encourage you to do the following:

A. 8 days before the fast begins -- Do not eat any meat. Just eat fish and whatever you like with your fish.

B. 4 days before the fast begins -- Drop the fish and only eat vegetables and fruits (raw or cooked) for four days. Also stop drinking sodas even if it is diet soda and only drink water, juice, tea, and coffee (if you are a coffee drinker) with your meals.

C. 2 days before the fast begins -- Drink one bottle of Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative and then drink a detox tea to help cleanse your body. Drink plenty of water and throughout the fast, feel free to drink a detox tea.

D. On the first day of the fast -- Do not try to be a hero. Ease into the fast in the most comfortable fashion that you can.

Following these steps will make the beginning of each fast much easier

3. We are also calling for healthy young men between the ages of 30 and 45 to consider fasting and praying for 40 days and nights. This fast will specifically be for the children of the nation so that they will not be destroyed by President Obama's announcement endorsing homosexual marriage among other negative things that are happening in our nation and in our churches. As you can imagine, this is psychologically damaging to a young person. This fast will last from August 1 until September 9th. Please only do this if the Lord leads you to do so and if you are healthy enough to do this. Daniel Whyte III and Gospel Light Society will not be held liable for any complications that may arise if you choose to fast this length of time. Please check with your doctor before taking this on.

4. The most intense fast that we are asking everyone to join us on is September 25th, 26th and 27th. This fast falls on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement and the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. This fast is modeled after the three-day fast that Esther called and led the Jews to take part in where they fasted from food and water for three days and three nights to be delivered from annihilation. Yes, this country is in that much trouble that we need to fast for three days with no food or water, if you can. Again, check with your doctor before doing this. Esther 4:16 states, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."

Leviticus 23:26-32 reads, "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls (fast), and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the Lord your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted (fast) in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls (fast): in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath." Many theologians believe that the term "afflict your souls" in this passage means to fast.

5. We will also be fasting during the 7 days leading up to Election Day on November 6th. This begins on October 31 (Halloween) and ends on November 6 (Election Day).

In closing, allow me to direct you to two sections on fasting from Campus Crusade for Christ regarding how to prepare yourself spiritually and physically to fast and how to maintain nutritional balance while fasting:

We would encourage you to pray and ask God for His leadership, guidance and direction on how he would like for you to join us in fasting during this time. Please keep in mind the following Scripture from the Word of God:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God..." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

"And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:29)

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 is the day that the President of the United States and leader of the free world, Barack Obama, broke thousands of years of Godly biblical tradition and announced to the world that he supports homosexual marriage. Along with other fasting opportunities, we are calling upon all believers to join us in fasting at least one meal every Wednesday through the election (we encourage everyone to fast the whole 24 hour period, but if you cannot do that, please fast with us at least one meal), praying and asking God for the following:

On Wednesday, May 9, 2012, the President of the United States and leader of the free world, Barack Obama, broke thousands of years of Godly biblical tradition and announced to the world that he supports homosexual marriage. Along with other fasting opportunities, we are calling upon all believers to join us in fasting at least one meal every Wednesday through the election (we encourage everyone to fast the whole 24 hour period, but if you cannot do that, please fast with us at least one meal), praying and asking God for the following:

1. That all races understand that neither Romney nor Obama is the answer, but Jesus is the answer.

2. That we as pastors and churches repent of our hypocrisy because the church is more guilty than the government for the state of affairs in this country. The Bible says, "Judgment must begin at the house of God."

3. That both Obama and Romney, who claim to be believers, would confess their sins and repent of lying, dishonesty, hypocrisy, and intentionally deceiving people for political gain.

4. That President Obama will repent of being a Judas and betraying the Lord, betraying the Lord's church, betraying America, betraying thousands of black, white, and hispanic pastors who tried to help him, and betraying his own people who have overwhelmingly supported him; and as a Christian, that he would stand up, humble himself, and apologize to the nation for making such an abominable decision and statement.

5. For the salvation of millions of people in this country and in the world, including those in the homosexual community.

"And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:29)

Gospel Light Society International is calling for an extended period of fasting and prayer beginning on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 and ending on November 6, 2012 (election day). Gospel Light Society is calling on all Christians around the world who believe in traditional marriage and who are willing to stand up for God's Word to unite in fasting and prayer for any length of time during this 165 day period. Those who wish to participate may fast for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 30 days, 40 days, or any amount of time that God leads them to fast.

We hope that you will join us for the sake of our country and the world.

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Tips on Fasting from Daniel Whyte III

Daniel Whyte III is not asking you to do anything that he has not done himself and that he is not willing to do now. By the grace of God, he has fasted for 40 days and 40 nights seven times in his over 32 years of ministry. He has also fasted for shorter periods of time many times throughout his ministry ranging from a 1 day fast to a 28 day fast. By fasting and praying, he has seen God do many wonderful and miraculous things in his worldwide ministry and life. He offers a few tips below to help you get started in fasting:

Only join us in fasting if the Lord is leading you to fast.
You do not have to report to us if you choose to fast with us because this is between you and God. The evidence of this worldwide fast will be seen in the changes that God will bring about in this country.
If you are diabetic, borderline diabetic, or if you have other health problems that will interfere with fasting, please check with your doctor before joining in this fast, but don't let them tell you that you can't fast at all because that's a lie. They are just protecting themselves from a lawsuit and you cannot blame them.
When you pray, please pray for the things mentioned above, but also pray for things that the Lord may lay upon your heart to pray for.
Before you fast, enjoy a great, full breakfast and go forward in the strength of that.
Drink water and/or some juice throughout the duration of your fast. If you go on an extended fast, the first three to four days will be very difficult but the rest of the fast will be amazingly easier.
Don't let the super Christians draw you into a debate over should you drink water, juice, or a slim-fast shake during your fast. If drinking juice or a slim-fast shake gives you the same pleasure as a steak dinner, then don't drink it. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." Please do as the Lord leads you to do at any given time. This is not a rigid 'I'm tougher than you' contest. We would encourage you not to discuss your fast with anybody, and not to go to work, school or church looking sad and pitiful. The Lord is against that. The Bible says in Matthew 6:16-18: "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."
Do not allow the devil to discourage you during your fast. The Bible tells us that the devil tried to tempt Jesus while He was fasting and He overcame the devil by the power of God's Word. Remember, "The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
If you choose to fast for 40 days but you don't want to do it all at one time, you can do it in one of the following ways: (1) 10 days a month for 4 months; (2) 8 days a month for 5 months; (3) 6 days a month for 6 months and 4 days in the 7 month; (4) 2 days a week for 5 months, etc.

Many more tips and ideas will be shared everyday in different ways and formats over the next 165 days.

Fasting Schedule

Below is a suggested fasting schedule that you may follow if you are so led to do so. You will see that some of the days are in line with certain Jewish holidays throughout the remainder of the year. If the Lord leads you to join our Jewish brothers and sisters in fasting on one of their days, please feel free to do so.

Every Wednesday Until November 6 (24 hour fast): This would be a total of 25 days of fasting.
First 7 Days of Each Month: This would be a total of 42 days fasting.
Jewish Holiday Fasting: This would require fasting on the following dates:

Shavuot (the giving of the Torah): Lasts from sunset on May 26 until nightfall of May 28
The 17th of Tammuz (commemorating the breach of the Walls of Jerusalem): All-day on July
Tish'a B'Av (commemorating the day the Jewish Temple was destroyed by the Romans): Lasts from sunset on July 28 until nightfall on July 29
Rosh Hashanah (first day of the Jewish new year): Lasts from sunset of September 16 until nightfall of September 18
Yom Kippur (the day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar): Lasts from sunset on September 25 until nightfall on September 26
Sukkot (the holiday during which the Jews remember God's providence during the 40 years in the wilderness): Lasts from sunset of September 30 until nighfall on October 7
Shemini Atzeret (a holiday of joy celebrating the conclusion and restarting of the annual Torah-reading cycle): Lasts from sunset of October 7 until nightfall of October 8

40 Day Fast: You may fast for a period of 40 days at one time, or you may fast for a total of 40 days divided into different time periods. For example, you may fast for 10 days in June, 10 days in July, 10 days in August and 10 days in September.

Many more tips and ideas will be shared everyday in different ways and formats over the next 165 days.

7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer

by Bill Bright

I believe the power of fasting as it relates to prayer is the spiritual atomic bomb that our Lord has given us to destroy the strongholds of evil and usher in a great revival and spiritual harvest around the world.

Increasingly I have been gripped with a growing sense of urgency to call upon God to send revival to our beloved country. In the spring and summer of 1994, I had a growing conviction that God wanted me to fast and pray for forty days for revival in America and for the fulfillment of the Great Commission in obedience to our Lord's command.

At first I questioned, "Is this truly God's call for me?" Forty days was a long time to go without solid food. But with each passing day, His call grew stronger and more clear. Finally, I was convinced. God was calling me to fast, and He would not make such a call without a specific reason or purpose. With this conviction, I entered my fast with excitement and expectancy mounting in my heart, praying, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"

I believe such a long fast was a sovereign call of God because of the magnitude of the sins of America and of the Church. The Lord impressed that upon my heart, as well as the urgent need to help accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission in this generation.

As I began my fast, I was not sure I could continue for forty days. But my confidence was in the Lord to help me. Each day His presence encouraged me to continue. The longer I fasted, the more I sensed the presence of the Lord. The Holy Spirit refreshed my soul and spirit, and I experienced the joy of the Lord as seldom before. Biblical truths leaped at me from the pages of God's Word. My faith soared as I humbled myself and cried out to God and rejoiced in His presence.

This proved to be the most important forty days of my life. As I waited upon the Lord, the Holy Spirit gave me the assurance that America and much of the world will, before the end of the year 2000, experience a great spiritual awakening. This divine visit from heaven will kindle the greatest spiritual harvest in the history of the Church. But before God comes in revival power, the Holy Spirit will call millions of God's people to repent, fast, and pray in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

The scope of this revival depends on how believers in America and the rest of the world respond to this call. I have spent fifty years studying God's Word and listening to His voice, and His message could not have been more clear.

Click here to read more

Source: Campus Crusade for Christ International

10 Things God Wants You to Do in the Last Days

by Daniel Whyte III

Jesus Christ made it perfectly clear that the "last days" would come. Repeatedly in the Gospels, and then later on in the Epistles, He shared with His disciples and the first believers that calamities and catastrophes would mark the last days. Frankly, my friend, I believe that this generation is seeing those days that the Lord spoke of; in other words, we are seeing the beginning of the end.

Our world is increasingly being shaken up by wars, crimes, and violent activity -- the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, terrorist attacks, the recent bombings and massacre in Norway. Currently, the planet is in the throes of an economic disaster the likes of which have never been seen before -- skyrocketing unemployment, countries running out of money, repeated bailouts, and erratic stock market action. We have also seen an increase in the number and scope of natural disasters -- earthquakes, hurricanes, droughts, and floods have increased over the past decade. More people are without work, without food, and without hope. As I write, millions of people (and 29 thousand children under the age of five) have died from hunger in East Africa, and millions more don't know where they will get another meal from, or even if they will get another meal at all. Unfortunately, the Bible informs us that these are only "the beginning of sorrows." There is much more and much worse to come.

Jesus Christ never told a lie, and thus, I believe according to the Word of God, that those "last days" which He spoke of are here. Make no mistake about it, friend, something is about to happen in this old sin-cursed world and that is, the Second Coming of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

Please notice with me what Jesus Christ said about these "last days" in Matthew 24:1-14:

"And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

The Bible also has the following to say about the last days or the "latter times":

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth" (I Timothy 4: 1-3).

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God" (II Timothy 3: 1-4).

We are now living in perilous and evil times. It's time to look up because our redemption draweth nigh! I tell folks all the time that we are living in days where only God can help us now. However, even though we are living in these difficult times, God wants us to stand even if we have to stand alone. The following are ten things that God wants us to do in light of these last days:

GOD WANTS YOU TO BE SAVED

First of all, if you are not already saved, God wants you to be saved. If you desire to be saved, you will be glad to know that it is very simple. First, understand that you are a sinner. In other words, you have broken or transgressed the law of God and because of that you stand guilty before God. In Romans 6:23, the Bible states that "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." And due to our sin, regardless of how much or how little, we are headed to eternal punishment in a place called hell. God states in the Holy Bible, Revelation 21:8, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolators, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death."

That is the bad news. Here is the good news -- the gospel of Jesus Christ:

God did something wonderful for us poor sinners so that we would not have to go to that awful place called hell. What did He do for us? Well, He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to shed His Holy blood for our sins and die in our place. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Dear friend, all you have to do is believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again by the power of God, for you. And He will save you.

The Bible states clearly in Romans 10:9 and 13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raise him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Friend of mine, the first thing that God wants you to do in light of the second coming of Jesus Christ is to get saved if you are not already saved. Please do it today, for tomorrow is not promised to you.

GOD WANTS US TO CONFESS OUR SINS WHEN WE COMMIT THEM

After we are sure of our own salvation, the second thing that God wants us to do in light of the second coming of Jesus Christ is confess our sins when we commit them. One of the main reasons why God wants us to do this is so that we can maintain that sweet fellowship between us. When we as Christians sin, it does not cause us to lose our salvation, but it does cause us to lose fellowship with God. The Apostle John speaking to Christians, wrote in I John 1:8-2:1: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."

I know that you may think that you will not sin at all. But chances are you will, and probably more than once. Even though GOD DOES NOT WANT US TO SIN, sometimes, we, even as the people of God, sin. And when we do sin, let's not lie about it and try to cover it up. Let's confess our sins and ask God for His forgiveness. And God will abundantly forgive us of anything that we may have done wrong.

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).

GOD WANTS US TO PRAY

Third, God wants us, as His children, to pray. "Jesus spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). Most spiritual Christians agree that one of the biggest and most serious problems in the lives of individual Christians and in local churches is a lack of sincere prayer unto God. Churches are literally being ripped apart by prayerless people. Homes are breaking up left and right because Mom and Dad refuse to pray together. "Christian" children are going astray like never before. Sin is running rampant all around and even in the church because the church is playing instead of praying. God wants us to pray. And if there was ever a time to pray that time is now!

GOD WANTS US TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE BEFORE HIM

Fourth, God wants us, as His people, to live a holy life while we wait for His second coming. God stated in His word in I Peter chapter 1: 15-16: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye Holy; for I am Holy."

Now, sadly, none of us will be perfect on this side of "chilly Jordan," but God does want His people to strive, by His grace, to live a holy and godly life before Him. You may ask how can we live a holy life in this wicked world in which we are living? There is only one way, and that is through the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Friend, you and I cannot live a holy life in our own feeble strength, but we can if we allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives and not our flesh. Notice what God wrote through the Apostle Paul in Galatians chapter 5:16 and 22-23: "This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Dear Christian friend, in light of the second coming of Christ, God wants us to live a holy life before Him, and the only way we can do that is to "walk in the Spirit." Notice what God stated in Zechariah 4:6: "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, this is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of hosts."

GOD WANTS US TO READ AND MEDITATE ON THE HOLY BIBLE DAILY

Fifth, to also help us live a holy life, God wants us to read and meditate on the Word of God every day. Notice what God stated in Joshua 1:8: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon, day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Today, many people are speaking about success. But there is no real lasting success in a person's life without reading, meditating on and obeying the Word of God.

To be successful--that is truly successful, God wants you to read and meditate on and obey His Word daily. By the grace of God, at least read one chapter in the Word of God a day, preferably more, but at least one a day. And God will richly bless you for doing so.

GOD WANTS US TO FAITHFULLY ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN OUR LOCAL BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH

Sixth, God wants you to faithfully attend and participate in your local Bible believing church. Listen to what God has to say about this important subject in Hebrews 10: 23-26: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Strangely, there are many dear people who feel that they can miss church or be irregular to the House of God, and still be fully blessed of the Lord. Folks, the simple fact of the matter is that we cannot be blessed of the Lord if we choose to disobey the Lord. Sadly, many people make up all kinds of excuses to miss church, not realizing that it is no one but the devil trying to keep them from the House of God. Friend, don't let the "green-eyed monster" fool you. The House of God is the place of blessing and power. You can rest assured that God wants you in church every time the church doors are open in obedience to His Word for your benefit.

GOD WANTS US TO TITHE AND GIVE TO HIM THROUGH OUR LOCAL CHURCH

Seventh, God wants us to tithe and give to Him through our local church until He comes. Tithing and giving is always a touchy subject, but it is still in the Word of God, and we should take heed to this part as well. Notice what God says about it in Malachi 3:8-10: "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Also, notice with me the words of Jesus Christ in Luke 6:38: "Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

There you have it, dear friend, in black and white. If you want to be right with God you need to tithe and give to God through your local church. If you want to receive a joy that is quite unusual, then you need to give back to God. And if you want to be blessed financially of the Lord, then you need to tithe and give to God through His local church.

As the old song goes, "You can't beat God giving no matter how hard you try." So true.

GOD WANTS US TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Eighth, in light of the second coming of the Lord, He also wants us to love one another. I know this may sound corny to some, but it is vitally important. Jesus said in John 15:12: "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you."

We may not like the ways of a person, but God commands us to love that person regardless of his ways. You say, but I can't love that person now knowing what he has done to me. Yes, you can. Because, first of all, love is a choice that we make. Second, after we make that choice to love someone, God can and will give you the grace and the power of His Holy Spirit to carry it out, if you will allow Him. Let God love people through you by the power of His Holy Spirit.

GOD WANTS US TO WITNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT IN CHRIST

In these last days, the ninth thing that God wants us to do is witness to those who do not already know Him. In Matthew 29:19, Jesus commanded us, His disciples, to: "Go ye into all the world, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Many of us as Christians complain about the rising crime rate, teenage pregnancy and the outrageous violence and drug problems in our communities, yet many of us as Christians who possess the solution don't get out there in the streets with the life-changing message: JESUS SAVES!

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9).

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

This may sound like a worn out cliché, but the simple fact of the matter is: JESUS CHRIST IS STILL THE ANSWER TO ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS! Let's get busy for Jesus Christ as we see His coming drawing nigh.

Think about it, what if every born-again, blood-bought child of God in America witnessed to just one person each day, I believe that we would see a dramatic change in the complexion of our country.

Let's witness for Jesus Christ in the last days! For as the song goes: "PEOPLE NEED THE LORD."

GOD WANTS US TO PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD

The tenth thing that God wants us as Christians to do in the last days is to put on the whole armor of God. You may be asking the question, What is the whole armour of God? Well, here it is as it is described in the book of Ephesians chapter 6: 10-18: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints."

Friend, has the devil been shooting at you? Has he been trying to scare you? Has he tried to discourage you, yea, even destroy you? Well, guess what? Your adversary, the devil, is going to keep on trying to knock your block off. You know why? Because since you are still standing, he evidently was not successful in doing so in the past. And the devil does not give up easily. Yes, dear friend, if you are a true Christian, and you mean business for God, the devil will be on you like white on rice and black on me. With that in mind, arm yourself. "Put on the whole armor of God." Leave nothing off because the devil will be sure to find your unarmored spot. Therefore, put on the armor of truth. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Have your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Then don't forget to put on the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. And don't forget the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, and the secret weapon of prayer. Put on the whole armor of God and stand, and do all to stand for the Lord in these last days.

There is no doubt about it, we are living in the last days. These are indeed difficult and perilous times. But, we as God's children can still live vibrantly, victoriously and powerfully in the last days, if we would do the aforementioned things which is really basic Christianity. Friend, do what God instructs and be blessed even in the last days!

Evangelist Daniel Whyte III, President of Gospel Light Society International, Calls for Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for America and the World on Wednesday, May 16, 2012: Commences 165-day Global Call to Prayer and Fasting for America and the World

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