Tears streamed down my face when I realized that my paycheck had been garnished. The bad news came during an out of town business trip to Denver, Colorado; I was wrongfully involved in a crazy legal dispute involving thousands of dollars – which I did not owe! I pulled myself together and decided to start a spiritual fast IMMEDIATELY – right then and there on the spot! Although I was scheduled to attend a business dinner with several colleagues, I informed the host that my plate could be cancelled.

Later on that evening in my hotel room, I prayed fervently and asked God for help, guidance, wisdom and angelic assistance. Since I always traveled with a bible on hand, I began listing scriptures to pray on a daily basis. Somehow I just knew the issue would disappear since I didn’t owe the money.

WHAT STARTED OUT AS A TERRIBLE FINANCIAL CRISIS ACTUALLY TURNED INTO A TERRIFIC FINANCIAL VICTORY!
Unfortunately I was caught in the jaws of a vicious “legal pit bull.” I prayed diligently for the next 45 days and didn’t see a visible result. Then the Lord prompted me to go on a 21 DAY DANIEL FAST FOR FINANCIAL MIRACLES. I typed up my list of 34 “blockbuster” scriptures and continued praying and fasting for all 21 days – joined by a close friend from church. When I still didn’t see the complete victorious result at the end of 21 days, I continued praying diligently with a one-day weekly fast for about 5 more months. Here’s the good news — Not only did I get a breakthrough from the legal dispute way back in 1998 but I also experienced phenomenal financial increase throughout that entire year.

The combination of fasting and prayer is powerful but is not well utilized or understood in today’s Christian community. However, the bible reports numerous instances of successful fasting – Moses (Exodus 34:28), Esther (Esther 4:16) , Daniel (Daniel 1: 12; 9:3-4; 10:2-3), Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:3), the Apostles (Acts 13:2) and Jesus (Matthew 4:1) to name a few. Bible teachers often note that Jesus said “ When you fast” not “If you fast” – meaning that fasting is a critical element of the basic Christian walk.

There are many different kinds of fasts described in the bible. An excellent resource for getting smart about fasting was written by Elmer L. Towns: “Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough : A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts”.

To get started, read about the numerous promises of fasting listed in Isaiah 58: 5 – 11 : freedom from bondage and burdens, improved health, answers to problems , wisdom, guidance and of course, spiritual renewal.

The most important key to fasting is to get specific direction from the Lord before you start . There are many different kinds of fasts – absolute fast (no food or drink), partial fast ( limited food consumption) and the Daniel fast – (referenced first in Daniel 1: 12). The Daniel fast generally requires that you eat only unseasoned fruits, vegetables, nuts along with water, herbal tea, 100% fruit juice. Coffee, meat, dairy products, desserts, breads, pasta, fried foods, coffee, candy, alcohol and soda are off limits. Although any time period can be selected, a Daniel fast is generally done for either 10 or 21 days.

Here are a few keys to successful fasting:

• Pray for guidance concerning the specific type of fast , length, timing and duration. The Lord will direct you specifically. If you are inexperienced in fasting, consider a one meal fast – for example, replacing the lunch meal with a cup of hot, low-sodium broth while you spend extra time in prayer. Avoid starting with a lengthy fast if you are inexperienced; also consider getting a friend to fast with you so that you can encourage each other.

• Write down the purpose of the fast. Examples: Wisdom concerning a decision or situation, improvements in marriage, financial breakthrough, freedom from tobacco addiction, etc. Spend some time in self-reflection….. Are there areas of disobedience or sin where you need to repent and ask God’s forgiveness? Clean out your heart to eliminate toxic emotions – bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, etc.

• Select relevant scriptures for your fast and write them down on index cards or type them out. Plan to read and pray those scriptures DAILY while you are fasting. A fast for financial breakthrough might include the following scriptures:
  • Beloved I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers (3 John 2)
  • God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:8)
  • Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. ( Psalm 35:27)
  • Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom and with all thy getting, get understanding ( Proverbs 4:7)
  • Note: Scripture selection is a critical step. The Word of God helps us focus on the promises of God, rather than the problem we are facing.

• Consistency is critical. Daily focus will move you forward in a positive direction. If you “fall off the wagon” by eating or drinking a prohibited item, just ask God for strength and STAY ON THE FAST. One meal or day off track does not mean you should abandon your goal. Keep going and keep praying!!

• At the conclusion of the fast, eat sensibly and avoid spicy dishes, fried foods, etc. Gradually ease your system back to normal eating. Years ago, I went out for a BBQ rib dinner the day after ending a fast – needless to say that was not wise and I got sick to my stomach!

Fasting combined with prayer is a power tool available to every Christian. Results have proven over and over that it’s a winning combo!

I have owned the same car for 10 years and it has over 100,000 miles on it. Some people would take an older car like that to Joe the mechanic down the street just to save money. But I take my car back to the Volvo dealer because the dealer stocks the correct original parts, has mechanics specifically trained to fix what’s wrong and the service managers clearly explain what is needed. Why shouldn’t I utilize the Volvo dealer’s knowledge and skill to get the repairs done swiftly so the car remains reliable? The same is true for us — why not go to God, who loves us and created us so that we can get His wisdom and be successful in life? The book of James clearly states: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ( James 1:5 -6) Some folks think that God is trying to hide His entire game plan for our lives and keep it all a secret. But that’s not true. God wants us to have good success in life. That’s why He’s available to give us the right information at the right time and place. Sometimes that means we have to wait on Him but mostly it means we have to listen very carefully, stay in tune with His wisdom and plans for our lives.

Asking for, waiting and then using God’s wisdom is absolutely the best approach to receive answers, including specific decisions that concern our everyday lives. For illustration, I’ll share two personal examples to illustrate the upside of listening as well as the downside of charging ahead without God. First, here’s the upside example. Several years ago I was in Florida on vacation near West Palm Beach. Since I love Florida and am totally wild about the beach, I got the brilliant idea to buy a vacation home. I reasoned that I could enjoy the home and also rent it out to family, friends and business associates. After spending a day looking around the area, visiting with a realtor and dreaming about my future beach stays, I returned to my room at the hotel. I was relaxing quietly and sensed a gentle warning from the Lord “You really don’t know what you are doing.” I had previously sought the Lord’s direction on many matters in the past and believed that His tender “tap on the shoulder” was enough so I immediately abandoned my plans without questions. Six weeks after returning home to the Midwest, a major hurricane hit the exact coastal area where I was planning to buy property! Suppose I had not listened to the Lord’s warning and charged ahead with my own plan? Do you think I’d really be happy about owning a badly damaged condo or home? How would I successfully manage the repairs in Florida from out of town? Seeking and listening to God’s wisdom spared me from aggravation, frustration and financial distress. That’s just one simple example regarding when I DID listen to the Lord.

Let me share another example when I DID NOT listen. Fortunately, the results were not disastrous. In fact the experience was so impactful that I made a commitment to deliberately wait for an answer from the Lord before moving ahead with any future business ventures or critical decisions. Several years ago (prior to the FLA real estate incident I related earlier) I decided to design, print and sell greeting cards and note paper. After creating a thorough written business plan, I hired a designer and contracted with a printer to produce the cards. My enthusiasm was higher than Mount Everest so instead of doing a small print job, I paid to have thousands of cards produced. I was so sure that this was a “God idea” that I rushed ahead to fulfill my entrepreneurial dream. You can guess what happened. I had a closet in my home filled with boxes and boxes and more boxes of note cards, greeting cards and envelopes! How did I miss it? I never committed to taking the time to seek God’s wisdom. Since I never asked Him whether or even how to proceed, I eventually wasted my time, money, energy and closet space on a half-baked idea. I still smile when I think about all those neatly stacked boxes of unused cards in my home office! Eventually, they had to be thrown out and destroyed.

Those two experiences and many others have inspired me to lay out seven principles which share specific keys which may help you to “ hear from heaven” – to seek God’s wisdom and receive His answers.

First, BELIEVE that God wants to communicate with you so that you can clearly hear His voice and receive His guidance.
• Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me…” (John 10:27)
• Psalm 32:8 reads: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Second, BE STILL and quiet. An anxious mind filled with fear and confusion makes it more difficult to hear God’s instructions. This may require you to find a private location – office, spare bedroom, local chapel or park to pray. Sometimes confusion or deception may be masking the root cause so it’s important that you clearly identify the issue, problem or question.
• For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. (1 Timothy 1:7)
• Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)
• He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters ( Psalm 23: 2)

Third, Start COMMUNICATING and CONVERSING with God by reading HIS Word – the Bible.

Select a few key scriptures to read, study and reflect on DAILY. Here are few favorites if you are unfamiliar with the bible: Psalm 23, Psalm 34, Psalm 57 and Psalm 27 which begins like this – The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Fourth, LISTEN and BE SILENT. Remember the word game Scrabble ? or the daily newspaper jumble of letters? Listen and silent both have the same letters. That’s amazing and it means we must be silent in order to really listen! Easier said than done, when what we really want to do is whine to God and complain to other people! On the serious side, it’s very important to set aside specific time to pray and listen. Also, after you have shared the essential details of your situation with a wise friend or colleague, then it’s time to limit your commentary and focus on HEARING from the Lord.

Fifth, FOCUS on God’s solution –not the problem or question at hand. What do you think will happen if you focus your prayers like this: “God, this situation is so terrible that I can’t believe you are letting this happen to me. It is so so bad.” Or “I hate everything about this. I hate that no one is helping me.” Or “Things will never ever get better.” Reinforce God’s ability instead: For with God nothing shall be impossible. ( Luke 1:37) Based on personal experience, a time of fasting might also be useful. For instance, drink only broth (low sodium), 100% fruit juice or herbal tea instead of eating a meal with solid food. That’s what I call a jump start fast….. read and study more about fasting by reading Daniel 1:12 and Isaiah 58: 6- 12.

Sixth, Develop an action plan, listing next steps; write down the answers and instructions you receive from the Lord. Continue to pray that you hear God’s instruction clearly and accurately.

Seventh, VALIDATE the direction you hear by testing it against God’s Word and evaluation by wise counsel. God will always guide with honorable solutions that are in line with His Word, wisdom and above all –agape love.

As you proceed to implement and act upon God’s wisdom, continue to prayerfully listen. Remember God wants you to have good success in life and He’s ready, willing and more than able to help you achieve your destiny!

When special days or holidays approach, feelings of anxiety, stress, loneliness and depression can almost become overwhelming for some singles. Why am I alone? Why can’t I find somebody? Why can’t I just be happy?

Butterflies are among the most beautiful creatures God has created, but before a butterfly spreads its wings to fly, it spends time alone in a “chrysalis” – what some people call a “cocoon” — undergoing transformation. This period in your life may simply be a period of transformation as God shapes you and molds you. Caterpillars can only crawl and are earthbound; butterflies can fly free. Wouldn’t you like to live a life beyond earthly limits?

You must believe that God has not abandoned you. God has promised that He will not fail us or forsake us. (Deut. 31:6) In Psalm 91 God reveals that He has given his angels charge over us and that He is with us even in times of trouble….

Our Lord is the God of all comfort… (2 Cor 1:3) If you feel lost, depressed and lonely Jesus will help you. Jesus said that He came to heal the broken hearted (Luke 4: 18 ).

You must believe, based on the Word of God, that you are capable of walking through any valley, withstanding any fiery furnace; and that the floods and trials of life will not overtake you. Don’t let pressures cause you to doubt God’s goodness and His timing. God’s got the best plan and program for your life. No good thing does He withhold from the upright (Psalm 84:11) – so if we are still faithfully waiting for that promotion, that husband, or new business opportunity …… we don’t need to get restless or anxious.

When we believe that:
God has not failed us or forsaken us,
That we have been wired by God to withstand the trials of life,
That our God gives restoration and comfort,
That Jesus already overcame the world and came to heal the broken-hearted,
Then…… we can see holidays as a temporary time period God is using to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him.

You must absolutely believe that you are loved, unconditionally… not because you are perfect, not because of your job or hairstyle or family background. God loves you with an everlasting love. Jesus Christ loved us enough to endure the pain and humiliation of a public crucifixion. Now that’s real love, true love, genuine love.

Renew your mind about what is really important in life. Be thankful to the Lord for every blessing in your life and praise HIM. Thank Him for being alive. Thank Him for a sound mind. Thank Him for your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. No matter how bad you think things are, you can always find something to be thankful for.

Recognize that you are in the midst of a spiritual battle. And then use what I call “power words” from the Word of God. Proverbs 18:21 states that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Use words to your advantage. Declare the Word of God.

Speak the promises of God out loud on a daily basis:
All things are working together for my good (Romans 8:28)
The Lord’s plan for my life is for good and not evil. (Jer 29: 11-13)
I am loved with an everlasting love (Jer 31: 3)
I am complete in Christ (Col 2: 10)
No weapon formed against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)
I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)

Take Power Steps and Move in the Right Direction
Focus on what is going right in your life. Write a list of all the simple blessings. Health, strength, being alive.
Focus on spending quality time with people who are true friends, encouragers and supporters. Jesus should be at the top your list!
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11
Focus on helping at least one person outside of your immediate circle of family and friends. Hospitals, organizations which feed the poor or provide shelter for the homeless are generally in need of volunteers.
Get the power of giving flowing in your life…. give a donation to a ministry, church or group that helps people rebuild their lives in meaningful ways.
Do something special for yourself…. but avoid over-spending. Take time to read a book, buy some flowers, exercise, get a manicure, visit a spa, museum or park. Schedule it on your calendar and keep the commitment!
Let holidays be your best days!

For more inspiration, download the message “How to Beat and Defeat Holiday Blues.” This twenty minute teaching provides additional scriptures and testimonies to give you a “blast” of spiritual energy.

Joseph was appointed to his position as second in command under Pharaoh. Daniel was one of three presidents, preferred over his two colleagues and above all of the 120 princes in the kingdom. But both men had to stand strong when faced with severe opposition.

Joseph had to withstand betrayal by his brothers, slavery and wrongful imprisonment (for several years) due to “trumped up” charges of sexual harassment from Potiphar’s wife. Daniel came to Babylon as a captive when he was a teenager, escaped a death threat when the king’s advisers couldn’t interpret the king’s dream and was thrown into a lion’s den when his jealous colleagues reported that he was praying – in violation of a “trumped up” law that was deliberately designed to entrap him.

You could be on the verge of a significant promotion, but if you give up and throw in the towel, you’ll miss God’s plan for your life. Stay in position until God tells you to leave or opens another door.

Until you can learn to walk in love and forgive those who are opposing you, you haven’t learned the critical lessons that will make you a truly great leader. Let God protect you and guide you.

Psalm 57 and Psalm 27 reveal the true source of your strength:

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up…. (Psalm 57:1-3)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

God is able to instantly open a door of opportunity for you, whenever and wherever He wants to. He has a perfect plan of deliverance and escape. That’s why you should not quit your job unless He directs you to do so. Remember that Joseph endured hardship for a period of thirteen years before he was promoted. During that time, he was being prepared to rule and reign as second in command under Pharaoh. Daniel had to spend the entire night in a lion’s den but after he came through that trial unharmed, the king threw Daniel’s accusers and their families into the lion’s den and they were immediately devoured.

Do you feel like quitting? Don’t give up or resign unless and until the Lord tells you to do so. Sometimes opposition precedes promotion. No person or organization can ever hinder the impact and call of God on your life. Remember that we don’t have to fight people because we wrestle not against flesh and blood.

Stagnant water cannot sustain life. Stagnant money clogs the flow of blessings. According to God’s Word, He has given His people the power to get wealth, for the purpose of establishing His covenant in the earth. (Deut 8:18) Keep your money moving in the heavenly flow by obeying God’s commands. Master your money. When you understand Heaven’s financial system, you can prosper.

Heaven’s banking system resembles the world’s banking system but it is better and far more secure. If you were to open up a passbook savings account with $100 and the terms of the account stated that in twelve months you would have earned 3% (three dollars), no one would question whether that was possible. We have experienced it in the natural realm. Many of us don’t really understand how the bank can receive a set amount of money and cause it to increase. But we believe it.

Well, God has made an even better promise and most people won’t even believe Him! Read Malachi 3:10 which states “ 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 you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes…..” (Mal. 3:10,11) What a fantastic promise!

In the spiritual realm money moves in the right direction when you give according to the instructions of the Lord . First, God has commanded that the tithe (10%) be given to Him through a local church which is teaching the truth of God’s Word. The tithe should then be supplemented by giving an offering to a church or ministry. For example, one dollar out of ten should be donated as the tithe and then an offering on top of that. The Lord will instruct you regarding how much to give for the offering if you are willing to be led by Him.

In the book of Luke, Jesus says “ Give and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. (Luke 6:38)

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth saying “…He who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” (2 Cor. 9:6) In other words, give a little and you will get a little. Give generously and you can expect to receive a generous amount of blessings—both tangible and spiritual.

Simple principles. Basic commands. Why, then, do so many people find it so hard to activate the flow of financial prosperity? One reason is lack of knowledge. Another reason is fear—what will happen if this doesn’t really work? Other reasons include selfishness and rebellion.

Financial challenges can only be overcome by using God’s Word and obeying God’s commands. Otherwise continual stress and worry will wear you down into depression. Make a commitment to tithe, give offerings and speak only the Word over your finances. Tear down fear and other barriers on a daily basis through prayer and speaking positive, life-giving Words. The Bible says that a cheerful giver is special to God (2 Cor. 9:7)

Trust the Master with your money instead of letting your money master you.

Scriptures:
Genesis 8:22
Malachi 3:10-12
Galatians 6:7
Luke 6:38

Learn about the seven choices which determine your destiny in life, your happiness and your lifestyle.

Make the right choices and you are on a pathway to success in life; make wrong choices and you’re headed for sin and death.

Choice # 1: Choose Your Thoughts & Beliefs
What you think about yourself is more important than what other people think about you. What you believe is possible is more powerful than what others believe. What you think about God will either draw you closer to Him or push you away.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. – Mark 9:23

And be not conformed to this world; but by ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.. Romans 12:2

Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Choice # 2: Choose Your Relationships
We can choose our friends, neighbors and co-workers. We can choose who will date or marry. We can choose how much time we spend or don’t spend with other people and with the Lord. We can choose whether we want deep or superficial interactions. Don’t just drift into relationships; make a conscious choice!

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall propser. Psalm 1: 1-3

Jesus said: Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any many hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me…..
Rev 3:20

Choice # 3: Choose Your Job or Ministry
You have unique gifts and talents that can positively impact individuals, families, your church, co-workers and even nations. But, a lasting impact will not happen without choosing to fully explore your potential and commit to pursuing it with excellence.

And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

Choice #4: Choose to Master Your Money
If you believe money is a scarce resource that is too precious to tithe or donate, you have made a dangerous choice to rob God. Choosing to master your money according to God’s plan frees you from bad spending habits, shortage and famine.

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Haggai 1: 6

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33, 34

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 you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

Choice # 5: Choose to Set Goals
Aim to accomplish small tasks and then move on to handle successively larger goals. You can set goals for any area of your life – spiritual, health & fitness, financial, family, career, exercise, etc. Goals are both a source of motivation and reward.

For I (Jesus) came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. John 6:38 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 17:4

Choice # 6: Choose to Forgive Others, Then Go Forward
People who have rejected or hurt you should be left in the past. Lack of forgiveness chains your oppressor to your wrist. Let them go. Cut them loose. Also, remember to ask God to forgive you; don’t harbor shame, guilt and condemnation.

And when you stand praying forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Mark 11:25, 26

Choice # 7: Choose to Make Jesus Christ the Lord of Your Life
… I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

For God so loved the word, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16, 17)

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)