If you missed Day 3 of 7 Days of Prayer and Fasting Click Here
You all, we made it to day 4 of our 7 days of prayer and fasting. We are halfway through our fast, keep up the good work. If you fell off a little bit it is ok, shake the dust off your feet and get back on track so we can finish strong. Today, we are focusing on the Armor of God and the cultivation of our Spiritual Gifts. Fasting is not merely an exercise of self-discipline; it is an opportunity for us to strengthen our inner warrior, clad in the divine Armor, and to unlock the potential of the Spiritual Gifts bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit. The Armor of God and Spiritual Gifts are spiritual riches God has provided for us. These divine provisions are not just symbols; they are tools given to us for victorious living. Let us open our hearts to the Word of God as we delve into the significance of these elements as believers.
In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul provides us with a profound understanding of these divine provisions that equip us for the battles we face in our spiritual walk. In Ephesians 6:10-11 we are told, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Verse 10 sets the tone for understanding that our strength comes from the Lord, not our own abilities.
In verse 11, the word “whole” emphasizes the completeness of the armor. The Armor of God is not optional; it is a necessity for spiritual warfare. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The battle is spiritual, and the Armor of God prepares us for this unseen warfare.
The Components of the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-17):
Below you will the importance of each part and how to apply the Armor of God.
- Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14):
“Stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth.”
Truth is foundational; it holds everything together.
Application: Embrace and live by the truth of God’s Word. - Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14):
“And having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”
Righteousness guards our hearts, protecting us from the attacks on our character.
Application: Guard your heart with a commitment to righteous living through Christ. - Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15):
“And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”
Preparedness and peace in our spiritual journey enable us to stand firm.
Application: Be ready to share the peace found in the Gospel, wherever you go. - Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16):
“In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”
Faith is our active defense against the attacks of the enemy.
Application: Exercise faith in God’s promises to deflect the enemy’s attacks. - Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17):
“And take the helmet of salvation.”
Assurance of salvation guards our minds, keeping us focused on our eternal hope.
Application: Guard your mind with the assurance of your salvation in Christ. - Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17):
“Which is the word of God.”
The Word of God is our offensive weapon, a powerful tool in spiritual warfare.
Application: Engage in regular study and application of God’s Word, using it as an offensive weapon. - Prayer – Living Out the Armor (Ephesians 6:18)
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints”
Prayer is the thread that weaves through the entire armor, connecting us to the source of our strength. We are called to be vigilant, persevering in prayer not only for ourselves but for the entire body of Christ.
Application: Maintain a consistent and fervent prayer life, staying connected to God.
Fasting allows us to strip away the distractions of the world, focusing on God’s truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word. Through fasting, we consciously engage in spiritual battle, relying on the strength of the Lord and the protective Armor. To learn more, Pastor Dorothy Jones has a 3 part series on the Armor of God that you can watch here.
Fasting and Spiritual Gifts:
Fasting creates a space for heightened spiritual sensitivity, allowing us to discern and develop our unique gifts. As we deny the flesh through fasting, we make room for the Spirit to empower and activate our gifts. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Corinthians, provides invaluable insights into the importance of these gifts within the body of Christ:
- Diversity in Unity (1 Corinthians 12:4-6):
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”
Importance: Spiritual gifts reflect the diversity of God’s grace and enable unified service in the body of Christ.
- For the Common Good (1 Corinthians 12:7):
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
Importance: Spiritual gifts are not for personal gain but are given for the benefit and edification of the entire community. - Unity in Diversity (1 Corinthians 12:12-14):
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
Importance: Each member’s unique gift contributes to the health and functioning of the entire body of believers.
Identifying and Applying Spiritual Gifts:
- Understanding the Diversity of Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10):
Gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation.
Application: Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in understanding your unique gifting. - The Body Analogy (1 Corinthians 12:15-27):
Each part of the body plays a distinct role, and all are essential.
Application: Recognize your role and appreciate the roles of others within the body of Christ. - Love as the Motivation (1 Corinthians 13:1-3):
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Application: Let love be the motivating force behind the exercise of your spiritual gifts. - Eagerly Desire Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1):
“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”
Application: Cultivate a passionate desire for spiritual gifts, with a focus on edifying others.
Practical Steps to Apply Spiritual Gifts:
- Prayerful Reflection:
Spend time in prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to discern your spiritual gifts. - Study God’s Word:
Immerse yourself in the Word of God to understand the various spiritual gifts and their purposes. - Engage in Community:
Be an active participant in your local church community, where your gifts can be exercised and developed. - Seek Wise Counsel:
Seek guidance from mature believers or spiritual leaders who can provide insight into your gifts. - Step Out in Faith:
Don’t be afraid to step out in faith and use your gifts for the glory of God and the benefit of others. - Cultivate a Heart of Love:
Let love be the guiding principle behind the use of your spiritual gifts, ensuring that they are exercised with humility and a servant’s heart.
In the intersection of fasting, the Armor of God, and the cultivation of our Spiritual Gifts, we find a potent synergy for spiritual growth and victory. The Armor of God is not an optional accessory; it is a necessity for the Christian journey. As we put on each piece daily, we are not only protected but empowered to stand against the schemes of the enemy. Let us be intentional in living out the reality of the Armor of God, anchored in the truth of His Word, covered in the righteousness of Christ, and equipped for the battles we face.
Don’t forget the profound importance of spiritual gifts, and embrace the diversity within the body of Christ. May we actively apply these gifts, guided by love and a fervent desire for the common good. As each member contributes their unique gifts, the body becomes a harmonious and powerful instrument for God’s glory. Let us, therefore, walk in the Spirit, eager to discover and employ the gifts bestowed upon us, knowing that in doing so, we fulfill our purpose in the grand tapestry of God’s Kingdom.
May this season of fasting be a time of intentional seeking, where we put on the Armor, nurture our spiritual gifts, and draw closer to the heart of our Heavenly Father. As we fast, let us remember that we are not defenseless, but rather, we are warriors equipped for triumph through the power of God’s Word and the manifestations of His Spirit within us. Amen.
As you go about your day, try to make God your focus. Set the tone by beginning your day with praise and worship. I have a Spotify playlist that we use for the prayer line, click here to access it. Avoid TV, social media, drama, gossip, or any other distraction that’ll lessen your spiritual focus. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you during this time. Ask Him about what you should be reading and give your revelation on what He wants you to meditate on when it comes to God’s Word, as it is your spiritual food.
Fasting and Prayer Details:
Each day fasting from 6 AM to 6 PM Water Only throughout the day.
After 6 PM Fruits and Veggies Only, no meat.
What you need:
- Bible (Read at least a chapter a day)
- Get your prepare your fruit and veggies in advance
- In a journal, write down what God may be speaking to you through His Word or your dreams.
- 3 prayer points, what are you looking for God to do for you during this time of fasting and prayer?
- Have 3 -7 scriptures concerning your prayer points
- At least one person you want to focus on praying for.
- Prayer points for the body of Christ list
Church Prayer Points
- Pray for unity in churches and in the body of Christ.
- Pray for the pastor and church leadership.
- Pray for revival and a great awakening in the world.
