The Christian Migrant Network

After the Fast, What Next?

AFTER THE FAST, WHAT NEXT?
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written…”
Matthew 4:1–4 (ESV)
Naturally, after every fast you will be hungry and want to enjoy some of the good meals you missed. But please take it easy for health reasons. The bible says Jesus was hungry, therefore note that it is normal for us to feel very hungry. But, what kind of hunger was the bible referring to? It wasn’t clear, but we know the devil tempted Jesus with three things beginning with bread (food). Followed by spiritual pride and desire for power. Therefore, what do I do after a fast in order to resist the devil?
 
Jesus, response to the devil in all three circumstances was “It is written…”. Are you still feeding on the word of God after the fast? If you are not, I beseech you to keep your focus in the word because God continues to speak to us through his written word (scriptures). He will reveal even much more things to you and you will become wiser in your choices. This is because many doors and opportunities will open, but it is not all opportunities or doors that you have to take. Remaining in His word will help you make the right choice and refuse the wrongful ones. Jesus resisted the devil only with the word of God.
You will be spiritually empowered after the fast. How then do you use this power and gifts God will endow you with to His glory? The gifts that God gives us are meant to serve and bless your neighbors and the church. If you don’t take care, pride might set in and you will begin to drift away from what God requires of you. Cloth yourself then with humility, like Jesus, as Paul described him in Philippians 2:5-6 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Jesus forgave sins, so forgive others and let go off all offenses. Jesus blessed people that came to him, so bless those who reach out to you especially your relatives (Isaiah 58: 7). I will encourage you to read again Isaiah 58 and know what God requires of us during and after our fast.
The desire for power. The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor to entice him. But Jesus again said, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’”. Service to mankind is services to God, and service to God is worship. Never lose focus of serving others at the workplace, community or neighborhood and the church environment. Serving people is a difficult task, but if you humble yourself, overlook all the negatives that comes with it, God will bless you abundantly. I have heard and seen people allow pride and the desire for power to drift them away from serving in God’s house. What didn’t the Pharisees and Sadducees do or say to Jesus? Did he abandon the job the father had given him? By now you should know that there are people who will not do the job and neither will they allow you also to do it? But the job needs to be done, so what do you do? “Obey God and leave all the consequences to him” says Dr. Charles Stanley.
Brethren, within this week, we will discuss other things expected of us after every fast.
Shalom and Peace to you.

HUMILITY AND HUNGER FOR GOD IN FASTING

HUMILITY AND HUNGER FOR GOD IN FASTING
There is power in fasting and praying. If it was not a good spiritual exercise, Jesus wouldn't have encouraged or recommended it for us. Jesus said in Matthew 17:21 (NKJV): "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting". 
In today's word, Pastor Franklin, shares personal benefits of how hungering for God through this spiritual exercise has blessed him, his family and the ministry. I encourage you to be patient and listen to the entire sermon. After listening, you are encouraged to pray as well and ask God to surprise you as you fast and pray.
Shalom and Peace to you.

POSITIONING OURSELVES FOR GOD’S PROVISION (PART 2)

POSITIONING OURSELVES FOR GOD’S PROVISION (PART 2)
Ecclesiastes 3:1–8
Today, we want to talk about how to position ourselves for God’s provision. Our God is a God of times and seasons. Therefore, it is important that as we have been seeking His face through this 21 day Fasting and Prayers, we also prepare or position ourselves to receive from Him. You can also tap into the grace which is coming this year. Because God is always releasing blessings, but more often, we are not well positioned to receive the blesses. From the gospels, we will look at various personalities who positioned themselves to have an encounter with Jesus.
Shalom and Peace to You.

POSITIONING OURSELVES FOR GOD’S PROVISION_PART_1

POSITIONING OURSELVES FOR GOD’S PROVISION (PART 1)
Ecclesiastes 3:1–8
Today, we want to talk about how to position ourselves for God’s provision. Our God is a God of times and seasons. Therefore, it is important that as we have been seeking His face through this 21 day Fasting and Prayers, we also prepare or position ourselves to receive from Him. You can also tap into the grace which is coming this year. Because God is always releasing blessings, but more often, we are not well positioned to receive the blesses. From the gospels, we will look at various personalities who positioned themselves to have an encounter with Jesus.
Shalom and Peace to You.

POSITIONING OURSELVES FOR GOD’S PROVISION (FULL BROADCAST)

POSITIONING OURSELVES FOR GOD’S PROVISION
Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 
In the past two weeks, we have looked at the Kingdom of God and how to seek it. We also looked at how to shift our mindset in order to be transformed inwardly, so that it manifests outwardly. Last Sunday, I shared with you God’s message for all Migrants from the book of Jeremiah 29. We said, God’s purpose for us as migrants living in other countries, cities or towns is to prosper, take dominion and become influential. Our God blesses generationally, therefore He want us to have a generational mindset when we are starting any business, relationships or family. He also commanded that we pray for the peace and prosperity of the countries we live in. Finally, our Father implored us to keep seeking Him with all diligence.
Today, we want to talk about how to position ourselves for God’s provision. Our God is a God of times and seasons. Therefore, it is important that as we have been seeking His face through this 21 day Fasting and Prayers, we also prepare or position ourselves to receive from Him. You can also tap into the grace which is coming this year. Because God is always releasing blessings, but more often, we are not well positioned to receive the blesses. From the gospels, we will look at various personalities who positioned themselves to have an encounter with Jesus.

A LITTLE FURTHER WITH GOD IN FASTING

A LITTLE FURTHER WITH GOD IN FASTING
Key Scriptures:
Mark 14:32-36; Luke 22:40-42; Mark 6:48-51; Mark 10:46-48; Luke 19:1-5; Luke 24:13-16; Luke 24:28-32; Luke 17:14-19; Ruth 1:14-17; Ruth 2:3; Esther 4:13-16; Esther 5:3-8
Any time we engage in fasting and prayers, we are learning to draw much closer to God. We are moving from a comfortable state in our lives and saying, Jesus, I am tired of the status quo. In today’s message, Pastor Franklin, give us examples of various personalities in the gospels, who had to go a little further with Jesus in order to realize their breakthroughs. It is my prayer that after listening to this sermon, you will be encouraged to take ownership of your spiritual life.
Key Points:
The Lord will test you.Sometimes, God will ask you to go just a little further to see if you desire to reach past where you’ve already been. You never know what God might be doing just a stone’s throw away. Don’t ever think you have arrived. You could be one hallelujah away from a miracle.
Go further than you’ve ever gone before. Go further in your giving, worship, devotion, and praise. Don’t settle for being normal or average. Spiritual comfort can be your place of destruction. You can be in the place of prayer and worship, and never actually pray or worship. Don’t stop short of your breakthrough; go a little further!
If you go further than you’ve ever gone, you’ll get more than you’ve ever had. It may not happen all at once, but if you go a little further and obey what God said, you’ll get a miracle. When you go a little further and thank God for all He has done, you won’t just get healing, but wholeness.
God releases blessings when you’re married to Him. When you’re married to God, you cleave to Him, you’re in a covenant with Him, and you stay with Him no matter what He takes you through. When you cleave to Him, even in suffering, God releases His blessings into your life.
Material things can’t take care of what you need. You need the authority and power only God can give you. When you get the King, you don’t get half the kingdom, you get the whole thing!
Shalom and Peace to you.

FASTING HELPS YOU FIX YOUR HEART ON JESUS

FASTING HELPS YOU FIX YOUR HEART ON JESUS
“…My heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music…”
Psalm 57:7
Psalm 57 was written while David was hiding in a cave to escape from King Saul. David was going through various challenges during that session of his life, however in verse 7 he said his “heart is fixed on God”. Meaning he is firmly anchored in God. His heart and mind is fully set on God to be his deliver, to lead him through the challenges. Whom do you fix your eyes on during challenging moments in your life? Note that we go through seasons of wilderness to prepare us for greater blessings. You need to hold on tight to Jesus and nothing else, because He is your anchor and rock. The storms and heavy winds may come and shake you strongly, but because you are firmly rooted in Him, you will prevail in the end. I pray that this message will encourage you to fix your eyes and heart firmly on Jesus rather than any human being or material possession. Let us listen to Pastor Javon Ruff of Free Chapel.
Shalom and Peace to you.

FASTING: REPLACE YOUR FOOD WITH PRAYERS AND THE WORD

FASTING: REPLACE YOUR FOOD WITH PRAYERS AND THE WORD
2 Kings 7:3-20
In today’s sermon we learn from Pastor Franklin that fasting is hungering for God. When you fast from food, you help create a deeper hunger for God. There is a hunger hormone in your body that triggers when it’s time to eat. The only thing that will appease that feeling is eating. You don’t have to remember to be hungry; your body tells you! When we fast, we activate our spiritual hunger hormone. It may not feel enjoyable physically when we fast, but you are fulfilling your spiritual hunger. Every two or three hours, you’ll feel that spiritual hunger pang. When you were lost, you didn’t seek God, He sought you. But once you are saved, you get to seek Him. If you will seek Him first, He will be found by you—and do amazing things on your behalf.

MESSAGE TO MIGRANTS IN VARIOUS NATIONS OF THE WORLD

MESSAGE TO MIGRANTS IN VARIOUS NATIONS OF THE WORLD
 
Jeremiah 29:1–32 (GW):
"...4 This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all those who were taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses, and live in them. Plant gardens, and eat what they produce. 6 Get married, and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons, and let your daughters get married so that they can have sons and daughters. Grow in number there; don’t decrease. 7 Work for the good of the city where I’ve taken you as captives, and pray to the LORD for that city. When it prospers, you will also prosper..."
8 This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Don’t let the prophets or the mediums who are among you trick you. Don’t even listen to your own dreams. 9 These people are prophesying lies to you in my name. I didn’t send them, declares the LORD.
Like Jeremiah, I have come to remind you of what God told the people of Israel who went into exile because they disobeyed his word. This time you are not in exile, but are blessed to be in another country. Whether for school, job, family or seek asylum. It doesn’t really matter. What is important is that you are blessed to be in whatever land you live in now. Why do I say consider it blessed? It is because we all have reasons why we had to move from our countries to settle in another land. And if that purpose has been met or partially met, you need to be thankful to God.

THE KINGDOM REQUIRES YOUR HEART AND MIND_PART 3

THE KINGDOM REQUIRES YOUR HEART AND MIND
(PART 3)
 
THE TESTIMONY OF A TRANSFORMED MINDSET
Let me share with you the testimony of Ambassador Norman, a 70 plus year old student I encountered at the School Of The Kingdom online class.
“Like most believers, my Christian life began in a local church where I served and volunteered my skills and abilities. After many happy years there, a paradigm shift took place when I discovered the Kingdom of God and began to pursue it. Here is a simple realignment I followed that helped keep my thinking focused.
CHURCH MINDSET
 KINGDOM MINDSET
Build the church
 Advance the Kingdom
Add members
 Make disciples
Maintain programs
 Transform culture
Serve in ministry
 Function in my assignment
Follow the leader
 Follow the King
 
Kingdom advancement happens when people within the church begin to live as sons and daughters, and become Ambassadors, not just servants or volunteers. The church, then becomes a base of kingdom influence, equipping the saints for rulership and dominion in every sphere of life. (See Eph. 4:11-14)
We must also keep a balanced view by never giving up on the church, remembering that Jesus still loves His bride. But recognize that;
Every institution must serve the Kingdom of God, not the other way around.
The goal is not bigger churches, but greater dominion of Christ in people, systems and nations.
When the Holy Spirit governs a congregation, the church becomes an outpost of the kingdom where the culture of Heaven is practiced on earth.”
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, note that the Kingdom theology is not meant for you to leave your church and join my fellowship or another church. No, that is not the purpose. Because I still attend my Catholic Church and even serve on the Sanctuary on Sundays. Your problem is not the church or changing of churches. It is simply your inability to seek the truth for yourself. Therefore, you are still drinking milk and not maturing in your faith. You think you are matured, but I am sorry to say some of us are not. Let me tell you why.
1 Corinthians 3:1–4 (NIV):
1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?
This Kingdom theology is supposed to shift our mindset so that we will be transformed inside out. The Kingdom desires your heart and mind. You can only influence and impact the life of other people when you are transformed yourself. In Luke 6:39 (NIV): Jesus also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? Therefore, my call to you is don’t just desire spirituality or the Kingdom of God, but seek it with all diligence then you will get revelation.
 
You can reach us by Email:
thechristianmigrant@gmail.com
 
Shalom and Peace to you.