FASTING AND PRAYING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD SEPTEMBER 25, 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.
Jesus is our chief example regarding fasting and prayer, as he fasted and prayed often, as indicated in the scriptures. One of many examples is found in Mark 1:31: "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." One of the many corrections that Joseph Smith Jr made to the King James Version can be found in Mathew 4 where it talks about the temptations of Jesus. Note that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God, not to be tempted. The tempting came after forty days and nights of fasting.
We continue our efforts for the return of Jesus and the coming of His Kingdom on earth. As a part of our preparation for those great events, we have already reached the 60 days of preparation for the Solemn Assembly on Sunday, September 27, 2020. In the original planning for the Solemn Assembly the days of September 25-28 were set aside for various activities that might be planned during those four days. We still have three days to prepare, counting today.
Today's theme has to do with "Being Immersive." We believe in baptism of the water by immersion, that is going all the way under, buried in the water to come up a new creature. Some churches let a person choose how they want to be baptized, sprinkling, pouring, immersed or just take a pledge. Jesus was immersed as the scriptures tell us in Matthew 3:45 that Jesus went up straightway out of the water. Jesus tells us to follow Him, all the way. Like a good Osage Indian brother back in Oklahoma when he was baptized. After being told he had his wallet in his pocket, said, "When I go under, it all goes under." And he lived true to that covenant.
Though we know the date for the Solemn Assembly, we of course, do not know when Jesus will return. Thus the ongoing call from God to be prepared and be ready when the call is made, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." There are two ways we must be ready to meet Jesus when He comes. In death or if we are still alive when He returns in His glory.
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Two of the Lord's valiant servants were called home in the last 24 hours and thus they have met the Lord.
Sister Sally Cornish, was called home last evening. Sally was an educator and taught at Center Place Restoration School (CPRS) for a good many years. I had the privilege of being at CPRS when Sally was there. I always admired one of the many things that Sally taught her students, and that was the difference between a "good story" and a testimony.
High Priest Francis Harper Jr. was called home this morning. Being a fellow High Priest, I had many opportunities to work and be with Francis. He stayed in my home many times when he came for a reunion or some other event. I'm sure most of you have read some of his books. You might recall the one entitled, "They Were Good People." Certainly, Brother Francis and Sister Sally were GOOD people.
If you would like you can send cards, etc. to:
Sally Cornish Family
1509 W Short Avenue
Independence MO 64050
Francis Harper Jr. Family
1211 Normal Street
Woodbine IA 51579
Many exciting events will be taking place this weekend. We await to see what the Lord God, Almighty has in store for His people and the world.
May His Spirit be in us and may we be in His Spirit.
God be with you.
