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Today is Friday September 18, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of Daniel, please read chapters 10-12 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-september-18

Today's Message: Pray Without Ceasing
If we truly understand what spiritual warfare is, we would understand why God's Word says for us to pray without ceasing.

There is a constant warfare now taking place, not only in our physical world, but our unseen world as well. It is vital that we recognize the power of fasting and prayer and how much the hand of God is moved as we fast and pray in the midst of our circumstances. In the third year of Cyrus' reign in Persia, Daniel became deeply distressed when he learned of the difficulties his people were facing in Jerusalem. He fasted and prayed to God for three weeks for answers. “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” - Daniel 10:1-3. There was something more that Daniel wanted understanding on, he understood the matter, but wanted a greater understanding of what he had seen. To gain this greater understanding he ate no pleasant bread, no delicacies neither any flesh or wine. He entered upon the simplest of diets so his mind was sharp and perceptive of the Holy Spirits promptings. It is vital that we keep our bodies healthy by nourishing it with wholesome food, otherwise our minds and spirits become malnourished as well.

After three weeks of fasting and praying, Daniel saw a great vision, “Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.” - Daniel 10:5-10. The man was none other than the Lord, Jesus Christ and as Daniel was left alone to see this vision he lost all his strength. Christ appeared to Daniel in glorious form, the word comeliness means one that is proper, graceful, and respectable. Even this man of God saw his unworthiness in the presence of Jesus, all the good he saw in himself was only corruption compared to Christ, therefore He literally fell to his knees at the sound of His voice. This should encourage all of us to think highly and honorably of Jesus, while we as Christian's do the best that we can to live godly lives, none of it compares to Christ. There is something utterly amazing to feel the presence of God when one is too weak to even stand. Just to feel His touch would bring one to his knees.

God revealed to Daniel through an angel that unseen evil powers had, for a time, kept his prayer from being answered, but He still heard His prayers. “And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” - Daniel 10:11-14. Although it may seem at times that God does not hear us, He is always listening. Anyone that is eager to understand Him more and restrain himself from the lusts of the world is heard by God. Whenever we enter into communion with God, it at times discourages us to have a sense of distance with God. So, nothing is more effectual to revive the spirits of all God's people, than to be assured of His love for them and that He is always with them, regardless of the circumstances we face.

The time that many of these things take place is long, many of the prophecies are still not fulfilled. However, it will not be long before all of them are accomplished. We need to realize how blessed we are at knowing the truth so we can be prepared for the things that are about to take place, and to also know that it is only because of our salvation through Him that we will be safe through all of it.


Today's Prayer:

Dear God,
Lord, You’ve given the greatest treasure that is available to all people.  We don’t have to fit into a particular segment of our population nor are we required to live during a certain time period to receive this unsurpassed gift.  The gift of Your grace is available to every generation and exceeds any temporary material blessing that we’ll ever receive. Your grace not only brings reconciliation through Your Son, but it continues to pour into us grace upon grace, much like the waves of the ocean.  Thank you that You gave in abundance so that we could be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God through the incarnation of your Son, Jesus Christ.  In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and weekend.
God Bless You,
Christina

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