12/10/07

Building an Eternal Relationship

He said to them, 'This kind [of unclean spirit] can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting' Mark 9:29

His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out" (Mark 9:28). The answer lies in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. "This kind can come out by nothing but" concentrating on Him, and then doubling and redoubling that concentration on Him. We can remain powerless forever, as the disciples were in this situation, by trying to do God痴 work without concentrating on His power, and by following instead the ideas that we draw from our own nature. We actually slander and dishonor God by our very eagerness to serve Him without knowing Him.

When you are brought face to face with a difficult situation and nothing happens externally, you can still know that freedom and release will be given because of your continued concentration on Jesus Christ. Your duty in service and ministry is to see that there is nothing between Jesus Christ and yourself. Is there anything between you and Jesus Christ even now? If there is, you must get through it, not by ignoring it as an irritation, or by going up and over it, but by facing it and getting through it into the presence of Jesus Christ. Fast allows you to do just that. Fasting, not only depriving one痴 self of food, but by fasting in that area of weakness. Then that very problem itself, and all that you have been through in connection with it, will glorify Jesus Christ in a way that you will never know until you see Him face to face.

We must be able to "mount up with wings like eagles" ( Isaiah 40:31 ), therefore Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ( Philippians 4:13). Can I face things as they actually are in the light of the reality of Jesus Christ, or do things destroy my faith in Him, and put me into a panic? If so Fast and Pray.


[ Prayer for the Day ]

Lord, help me build my faith in You. Show me, my areas of weakness and help me overcome them. I want to become one with You, and draw strength from You to face situations that bring panic into my life. I ask this prayer in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

Mark 9:14-29
¹⁴ And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
¹⁵ And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
¹⁶ And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
¹⁷ And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
¹⁸ And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
¹⁹ He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
²⁰ And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
²¹ And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
²² And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
²³ Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
²⁴ And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
²⁵ When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
²⁶ And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
²⁸ And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
²⁹ And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)