It’s Wednesday and we’re midway through our annual fast. Sometimes people think they’re fasting to get God to do what they want Him to do. That attitude keeps us from experiencing the beauty of the fast. It keeps us locked in our selfish personal suffering, and we miss growing in the intimacy of surrender. The fast is an exercise is silencing and removing hindrances in our interactive relationship with the Holy Creator God.

In our daily reading today, Joshua has an encounter with “the Commander of the army of the Lord.” Joshua is getting ready for war, so he asks this Commander, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” What was His response? “No.” The question is never, “God, are You for me or against me?” He covers with favor those who walk with Him. We walk with Him and by walking with Him we come under His umbrella of blessing and move according to His agenda.

My son, Towah, and I read the Bible together each morning and share what we believe the Lord is speaking to us. This morning he said, “You cannot be under the shield of God unless you live your life in servitude to God.” And we’re not just servants of God but children and friends of God. We serve because He loves and we love, and we were designed for such intimacy as this.

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.”

– Psalm 5:11-12

Lord, help me to remain under Your umbrella of blessing and favor, walking in obedient intimacy with You. Keep me from following selfish agendas or being distracted by the noise of adversaries. What does My Lord say to His servant? Speak, for you have all of my adoration and attention.

2022 ANNUAL FAST:

• Jan 7, 7:00pm – Annual Fast Meeting
• Jan 8, 6:00pm – Annual Fast Meeting
• Jan 9, 10:30am – 2021 Testimonies & 2022 Words

Make sure you take a moment to watch the message from Sunday by clicking on the above image. This will help you participate and grow with us. If you need any additional info, please let me know.

Let’s walk in our divine design and calling together!
Matt

Matt Neese
Wellspring.Live

• 01/05 Genesis 5, Psalms 5, Joshua 5, Matthew 5:1-26
• 01/06 Genesis 6, Psalms 6, Joshua 6, Matthew 5:27-48
• 01/07 Genesis 7, Psalms 7, Joshua 7, Matthew 6
• 01/08 Genesis 8, Psalms 8, Joshua 8, Matthew 7
• 01/09 Genesis 9, Psalms 9, Joshua 9, Matthew 8
• 01/10 Genesis 10, Psalms 10, Joshua 10, Matthew 9:1-17
• 01/11 Genesis 11, Psalms 11, Joshua 11, Matthew 9:18-38
• 01/12 Genesis 12, Psalms 12, Joshua 12, Matthew 10:1-23

DAILY WORD FOR JANUARY 5TH

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16 ESV

Your good works are things done in faith and obedience. Your Father is glorified because you are faithfully acting as His representative. When you seek Him and He gives you direction, he also anoints you for the task. His anointing sets you apart and “brands” you. You’re like a giant neon sign for the Kingdom.

In obedience and faith, you are a source of great light. You cannot be hidden and everyone around you is affected by your godly life (“all in the house”). So shine! Bring glory to your Father and light to the earth!

The world around you is stumbling in thick darkness. When you seek God and operate in faith, it’s like activating a spotlight. Some will draw near you, desiring the warmth, vision, hope, and salvation of Father God’s presence in you. Some will hate you and throw rocks to extinguish the light that frustrates their evil plans or forces them out of complacent slumber. But you must shine for the light is now your identity. In restored intimacy with your Father, this is who you are and who you were made to be. Shine!