Fasting and Praying for the Kingdom of God August 7, 2020

 ---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: paul gage

pauljg_64055@yahoo.com

Fasting and Praying for the Kingdom of God August 7, 2020

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FASTING AND PRAYING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

August 7, 2020

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.

Also, we are preparing for the Solemn Assembly scheduled for September 26-27, 2020. Hopefully, the Sixty Days of Preparation guidelines will help keep us on track. We often find, that after we start a program or plan that we get bogged down or run into detours. Today's theme is" "Our Hearts Desires." Perhaps each one will take time to examine ourselves as the scriptures say, and see if we really have a desire for the Kingdom. Alma 16:151, :But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith; yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, LET THIS DESIRE WORK IN YOU, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words."

We continue, in the world, in a state of confusion, division, fear, etc  and it seems almost as if the earth is reeling to and fro like  drunken person. Many people are intoxicated by efforts of the adversary to defeat God's purposes. We have the assurance through many scriptures and personal experiences that God will prevail, but we must remain steadfast in our efforts to serve Him and help others. A good scripture of warning and yet peace is DC 43:6-8.

Jesus is our chief example regarding fasting and prayer, as he fasted and prayed often, as indicated in the scriptures. He is our chief example to follow in every aspect of our lives. We hear many people today say they are ":Hanging in there." We are actually told to "Continually hold fast to the rod of iron." 1 Nephi 2:78.

May that be our desire, that we may partake of the fruit of the Tree. 

God bless you in your continued efforts for His Kingdom.