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FASTING AND PRAYING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
August 21, 2020
As a song once said, "January to December, we'll have moments to remember." Do we ever have much to remember about the year 2020, and there are five months yet to go.
The High Priests of the Restoration Branches as well as many other groups and branches have asked the Saints to observe each Sunday as a day of fasting and prayer. There are many reasons for asking the Saints to fast and pray. The ultimate objective, however, is for the return of Jesus Christ in His Glory and the establishment of His Kingdom (Zion) on earth.
As has been widely publicized, those who so desire are also preparing for the Solemn Assembly scheduled for September 26-27, 2020 at CPRS/WALDO in Independence, Missouri. Today, we are in the 26th day of the sixty day preparation period. Do you sense or feel any changes being made in your life? The sixty days of preparation gets very personal because each of us must make our own, more than adequate, preparation if we are to "get anything out of the Solemn Assembly." Any time we come together to worship God, we should have made adequate preparation.
In 2001 when the Conference of Restoration Elders sponsored the first Priesthood gathering at Kirtland, Ohio, a book of testimonies was later published. It was over 20 pages of testimonies of men who had an experience with the Lord during that weekend, yet there were others in attendance who said, "Nothing happened." Will that be true of the Solemn Assembly? Our preparations must at least match our expectations.
Many are aware of the importance of the Saints coming together in great preparation to worship God and strive to Be One In HIM. It is also well known that other groups, outside the Restoration, are planning similar gatherings the same weekend and that many people within and without the restoration are having dreams, visions, and experiences that give an indication of what is ahead of us as a part of the world's dilemma.
These are times that call for more than a "church as usual" approach to God's Kingdom. A book by Brother Lawrence, entitled "The Practice of the Presence of God," indicates that we need to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ that is a 24/7 relationship. A relationship that extends beyond a regular church service or gathering. As he states in the book, " We ought to give ourselves up to God, with regard both to things temporal and spiritual, and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will."
Clifford Cole, in his book, "The Revelation in Christ," says, "We ought always to practice the presence of Christ and to walk in the company of the Holy Spirit."
May our gracious and ever loving Father in Heaven continue to bless each of you as you continue to "Press on the Upward Way, and Hold Fast to the Rod of Iron."
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