100110-0830-Loran Livingston - Stay Before God

2010-01-10-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning January 10th, 2010 in the 8:30 service.

Scripture: James 4:7-9; Luke 5:33-35; Matthew 17:14-21

Topic: Fasting

Notes:- We live in flesh, worship when convenient; worship is a way of life- People fast with wrong motives; the Spirit must do the leading- Jesus led into wilderness where he fasted then was tempted so that He’d have mastery over his desires- Fasting and praying is the essence of walking with Jesus- No joy in doing things religiously, but when hungry for God, moving toward God... there is a freshness and sweetness that comes in- We cannot celebrate fully until Jesus is among us; until then, fast- Faith in God is power with God, but where devil has a stronghold more is needed.  Fasting and praying will drive out the enemy.- Daniel fasted/prayed: Gabriel fought prince of Persia three weeks, Michael distracted devil and Gabriel delivered message to Daniel- Jesus fasted food (strongest desire of human psyche)- Spirit and flesh contrary; objective of flesh is to stifle Spirit in you- Operating in the flesh opens door to fear, doubt and weakness- Elijah called down fire that killed prophets of Baal.  Regained strength only after fasting- God does great works through us and we must replenish through fasting and praying or weakness moves in