Transformative Power of Gratitude, Prayer, and Fasting

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the profound significance of gratitude and the transformative power of prayer and fasting. We began by acknowledging the importance of a grateful heart, emphasizing that ingratitude is akin to denying God's existence. Thanksgiving is not just a ritual but a powerful act that invites God's perfection into our lives. As we reflect on the past month, we recognize the blessings that have come from our dedication to prayer and fasting, which empower the fulfillment of prophecies and bring about supernatural turnarounds.

Prayer and fasting are not just spiritual exercises but are strategic tools for inviting God into battles that are beyond our strength. We explored the story of Jehoshaphat, who faced overwhelming odds but found victory through fasting and seeking God's intervention. This teaches us that fasting is a spiritual handover, allowing God to fight on our behalf and transform us from conquerors to more than conquerors.

Moreover, fasting enhances our spiritual sensitivity, providing divine guidance and clarity in decision-making. It sharpens our discernment, ensuring that we are not misled and that we walk in paths of righteousness. This divine guidance leads to a life that is evergreen, where every season is fruitful and abundant.

Fasting also contributes to our physical well-being, promoting divine health by renewing our strength and rejuvenating our bodies. It is a practice that sustains health and vitality, as supported by both scripture and medical insights.

Furthermore, fasting secures blessings for future generations, breaking generational curses and establishing a foundation of prosperity and success. It is a powerful tool for dealing with foundational issues that have plagued families for generations, ensuring that future generations experience the goodness and favor of God.

Finally, fasting empowers the fulfillment of prophecies, reminding God of His promises and bringing them to fruition in our lives. As we continue to engage in fasting, we position ourselves to receive the open doors and blessings that God has prepared for us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Gratitude as a Gateway to Perfection: A grateful heart acknowledges God's existence and invites His perfection into our lives. Thanksgiving is a powerful act that aligns us with God's will and opens the door to His blessings. [01:42]

2. Fasting as Spiritual Warfare: Fasting is a strategic tool for inviting God into battles that are beyond our strength. It transforms us from conquerors to more than conquerors by allowing God to fight on our behalf. [07:14]

3. Divine Guidance through Fasting: Fasting enhances our spiritual sensitivity, providing clarity and divine guidance. It ensures that we are not misled and that we walk in paths of righteousness, leading to a life that is evergreen. [13:43]

4. Fasting for Divine Health: Fasting promotes physical well-being by renewing our strength and rejuvenating our bodies. It is a practice that sustains health and vitality, supported by both scripture and medical insights. [18:35]

5. Securing Generational Blessings: Fasting breaks generational curses and establishes a foundation of prosperity for future generations. It deals with foundational issues, ensuring that future generations experience God's favor. [24:28]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:42] - The Power of Gratitude
- [03:37] - Prophetic Focus: Prayer and Fasting
- [07:14] - Fasting as Spiritual Warfare
- [13:43] - Divine Guidance through Fasting
- [17:21] - Fasting and Divine Health
- [18:35] - Health Benefits of Fasting
- [19:42] - Renewing Strength through Fasting
- [20:30] - Regular Fasting Practices
- [21:19] - Fasting and Generational Blessings
- [24:28] - Breaking Generational Curses
- [25:14] - Empowering Prophecies through Fasting
- [30:53] - Open Doors through Fasting
- [33:49] - Gates of Blessings
- [36:53] - The Heart as God's Passage
- [40:14] - Living Uprightly for Open Doors
- [45:14] - Confronting Wickedness
- [48:52] - Following God's Leading
- [49:37] - The Way to Open Doors
- [52:42] - Serving God for Open Doors
- [01:05:05] - Breaking Invisible Barriers
- [01:10:59] - The Power of Declaration

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 - The story of Jehoshaphat's victory through prayer and fasting.
2. Isaiah 58:6-12 - The benefits of fasting, including breaking yokes and securing generational blessings.
3. Matthew 17:14-21 - Jesus teaches that some challenges require prayer and fasting.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jehoshaphat's response when faced with a battle beyond his strength, and how did it lead to victory? ([07:14])
2. According to Isaiah 58, what are some of the outcomes of true fasting?
3. In Matthew 17, why did Jesus say the disciples were unable to cast out the demon, and what did He suggest as the solution?
4. How does the sermon describe the role of gratitude in inviting God's perfection into our lives? ([01:42])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Jehoshaphat illustrate the concept of "spiritual handover" during fasting? ([07:14])
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between fasting and spiritual sensitivity? How might this affect decision-making? ([13:43])
3. How does fasting contribute to breaking generational curses, according to the sermon? ([24:28])
4. In what ways does the sermon connect fasting with the fulfillment of prophecies? ([25:14])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge that felt beyond your strength. How might prayer and fasting have changed your approach or outcome? ([07:14])
2. The sermon emphasizes gratitude as a gateway to God's blessings. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a more grateful heart in your daily life? ([01:42])
3. Consider the role of fasting in enhancing spiritual sensitivity. How can you incorporate fasting into your routine to seek divine guidance in a specific area of your life? ([13:43])
4. Are there any generational issues or patterns in your family that you feel called to address through prayer and fasting? How can you begin this process? ([24:28])
5. The sermon mentions the health benefits of fasting. What steps can you take to ensure that your fasting practices also promote physical well-being? ([18:35])
6. How can you remind yourself of God's promises and prophecies over your life, especially during times of fasting? ([25:14])
7. Identify one area in your life where you desire a supernatural turnaround. How can you use prayer and fasting to invite God's intervention in this area? ([07:14])

Devotional

Day 1: Gratitude as a Pathway to Divine Perfection
A grateful heart is more than just a positive attitude; it is a profound acknowledgment of God's presence and work in our lives. When we express gratitude, we align ourselves with God's will and open the door to His blessings. Thanksgiving is not merely a ritual but a powerful act that invites God's perfection into our lives. It is a recognition that all we have and all we are is because of His grace. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we not only honor God but also position ourselves to receive His divine favor and guidance. [01:42]

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: Think of three specific things you are grateful for today. How can you express this gratitude to God in a way that acknowledges His role in these blessings?


Day 2: Fasting as a Strategy for Spiritual Victory
Fasting is not just a spiritual exercise; it is a strategic tool for inviting God into battles that are beyond our strength. The story of Jehoshaphat illustrates how fasting can lead to divine intervention and victory. When faced with overwhelming odds, Jehoshaphat turned to fasting and prayer, allowing God to fight on his behalf. This act of surrender transforms us from conquerors to more than conquerors, as it invites God's power into our struggles. Fasting is a spiritual handover, a way of saying, "God, I trust You to handle this." [07:14]

"And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them off." (Acts 13:3, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a battle or challenge in your life that feels overwhelming. How can you incorporate fasting as a way to invite God into this situation?


Day 3: Fasting for Divine Guidance and Clarity
Fasting enhances our spiritual sensitivity, providing clarity and divine guidance. It sharpens our discernment, ensuring that we are not misled and that we walk in paths of righteousness. This divine guidance leads to a life that is evergreen, where every season is fruitful and abundant. By fasting, we open ourselves to hear God's voice more clearly, allowing Him to direct our steps and decisions. It is a practice that aligns our hearts with God's will, ensuring that we are walking in His purpose for our lives. [13:43]

"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods." (Ezra 8:21, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a decision you need to make. How can you use fasting to seek God's guidance and clarity in this matter?


Day 4: Fasting for Physical and Spiritual Renewal
Fasting is not only beneficial for our spiritual well-being but also for our physical health. It promotes divine health by renewing our strength and rejuvenating our bodies. Scripture and medical insights support the idea that fasting sustains health and vitality. By abstaining from food for a period, we allow our bodies to rest and heal, while also focusing our minds on spiritual matters. Fasting is a holistic practice that benefits both body and soul, aligning us with God's design for health and wholeness. [18:35]

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current physical and spiritual health. How can fasting be a tool for renewal in both areas?


Day 5: Fasting to Secure Generational Blessings
Fasting has the power to break generational curses and establish a foundation of prosperity and success for future generations. It deals with foundational issues that have plagued families for generations, ensuring that future generations experience the goodness and favor of God. By engaging in fasting, we not only seek blessings for ourselves but also secure a legacy of faith and favor for those who come after us. It is a powerful tool for dealing with deep-rooted issues and setting a new course for our families. [24:28]

"And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: Think about your family's spiritual legacy. What foundational issues can you address through fasting to secure blessings for future generations?

Quotes


There are things we can do by ourselves but at certain stages of our lives no matter how strong you are you come against situations that are stronger than you because we are human and god allows such battles to come not to defeat us but so that we can invite him to fight for us it is at that stage we graduate from being conquerors to become more than conquerors a conqueror is one who fights to win a more than conqueror is one who does not fight but watches the fighter to fight on his behalf so every time we are fasting we are telling god come and fight this battle for me and give me the victory [00:06:08]

He was an excellent man but three nations rose against him in one day he never saw that kind of battle before when next you see a battle bigger than you go into fasting hand over the baton to God fasting simply means spiritual hand over of the baton all of us seated here have cheaply won one battle or the other but occasionally certain battles come your way that is obviously bigger than you it is for that reason you go into fasting [00:07:31]

Know when you are faster fast with specifics for we have no mind against this great company that come against us we have been winning before but this one we don't have the required might that's why we are fasting we are fasting to generate the required power neither know we what to do but our eyes are on you and god said if that is the case i'm going to take over verse 17 you will not need to fight in this battle set yourself standing still and you will see me and the salvation of the lord with you oh judah and jerusalem fear not not be dismayed tomorrow go out against them i will back you up for the lord is with you every time you are fasting you are acquiring the required power and might might to subdue the enemy [00:13:47]

Fasting sustains your health those who fast regularly live healthier because in the process of fasting the old tissues, the bones, the cells, the blood system is renewed. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Strength connotes good health. Good health. Eating without limit can limit the well-being of your health. Eating without limit can limit the well-being of your body. Fasting makes the body light. [00:17:44]

Fasting makes you the divider between the past and the future in your generation isaiah chapter 58 verse 12 when you fast the scripture says the w of d shall build the whole waste thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations please listen to these fasting deals with foundations there are foundational problems and there are you know peripheral problems there are peripheral occasional problems and there are foundational problems foundational problems problem that's why we talk about generational causes it's not momentary causes but things that have roots in your family issues that have been there before you are born [00:21:43]

If you have momentary problems you can pray to deal with them but if you have generational problems you have to fast in addition to the prayer because when you are fasting you are digging when you are fasting you are digging digging to the root when you pray you can cut off branches or problems around you but when you are fasting you are digging to the root that's why you hear some people say i happen to be the first graduate in my family you hear somebody nobody ever rode a car in my house in my family i happen to be the first and after that my sister my brother all of them you hear somebody say in our family nobody has ever been properly married but after my own my sister got married my brother got married my cousin got married why somebody opened the gates somebody dealt with the foundational problem and that's what the scripture says you shall raise the foundation of many generations that is just like evil existed in you good things will now begin to appear generations after you those who believe are saying amen therefore i decree that by reason of your first name poverty has ended in your generation [00:22:42]

Every day is a day of battle jesus made it clear he said every day is a day of evil sufficient is the evil of the day jesus said matthew 6 34 every day is loaded with evil so you must load yourself with the power of fasting you don't know when that challenge will come so you have to deposit power on your inside through prayer and fasting you don't fast when trouble comes you fast against the day of trouble say amen somebody number two blessing of fasting is our access to divine guidance fasting minimizes or eliminates misguidance when you fast your spiritual [00:13:47]

Capacity becomes sharper and decisions are more accurate your spiritual sensitivity is enhanced when you are fasting your discerning power becomes enhanced when you are fasting the lord is committed to guide you to a dressing of the dead self and give you such a gospel teaching on this earth through the first day the lord shall guide you one step at a time you will see a coming new body each day every week and every day each day with the blood of heaven [00:13:43]

And by that guidance your soul shall be satisfied in drought say amen this year your soul will not famish this year you shall be satisfied you shall be as a water garden water garden your bones shall be made fat your water will never fail now psalm 23 verses 1 to 3 the lord is my shepherd i shall not want he make it me to lie down in green pasture when you are guided you don't suffer dry season every season is green he make it me to lie down in green pasture all through this year your life your business your career your family will be evergreen will be ever what ever ever guided is evergreen ever guided all through the year is evergreen he make it me to lie down in green pasture he leaded me beside the still waters you don't lack water when you are guided [00:14:22]

Fasting promotes physical well-being by renewing our strength and rejuvenating our bodies. It is a practice that sustains health and vitality, supported by both scripture and medical insights. So, why not? When you are in fasting, you are renewing your health. You look lighter, sharper, and smart. When you are in fasting, you are not afraid to move. But specifically, look at what the scripture says in Isaiah chapter 58 verse 8. When you are in fasting, your light will break forth as the morning and your health will spring forth. Light breaking forth. Health springing forth. That is everything in your body jacks back to life. [00:19:42]

Finally, fasting empowers the fulfillment of prophecies, reminding God of His promises and bringing them to fruition in our lives. As we continue to engage in fasting, we position ourselves to receive the open doors and blessings that God has prepared for us. Everywhere prayer and fasting is engaged it puts god in remembrance of his promises which are prophecies so they can come to pass jesus prophesied in john 5 25 the dead will hear the voice of the son of god and they that hear shall live and then in chapter 11 verses 5 and 6 jesus waited even after he was told that lazarus was dead and bible scholar tells us that he was praying and fasting and this prophet told you when he was artery when his daughter died that he passed away to the grave of lazarus he gave thanks and he that was dead came back to life so the prophecy of the year supernatural turn around will come to pass in your life as a result of your fasting it shall come to pass in jesus glorious name [00:25:14]

Wave your hand praying the holy ghost right now place a seal place a seal place a seal on it in jesus wonderful name we are praying psalm 22 verse 30 a seed shall serve him through prayer and fasting and he shall be counted to the lord for a generation that is the reward of his service is registered deposited for generations to come that will be your testimony very soon they'll be making reference to you that since you came to this family your relations will be telling you if not for you will have been suffering till now if not for you it's because of you you will not be able to have curse it's because of you that our children are now married that will be your story from now and finally number five blessing of fasting it empowers fulfillment of prophecy everywhere prayer and fasting is engaged it puts god in remembrance of his promises which are prophecies so they can come to pass jesus prophesied in john 5 25 the dead will hear the voice of the son of god and they that hear shall live and then in chapter 11 verses 5 and 6 jesus waited even after he was told that lazarus was dead and bible scholar tells us that he was praying and fasting and this prophet told you when he was artery when his daughter died that he passed away to the grave of lazarus he gave thanks and he that was dead came back to life so the prophecy of the year supernatural turn around will come to pass in your life as a result of your fasting it shall come to pass in jesus glorious name [00:25:14]

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Transcript
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