Fasting Day 18

Expect God do destroy legalism and Pharisaic thinking.

Here is a bit of an odd scripture that I believe deals with this.

Jeremiah 17:14

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise”

Legalism is a curse, a disease of the spirit. Most of it is routed in a wounded heart that is trying to control God and people. I know that the word “legalism has also been used by people in rebellion who do not want to submit to authority as well so it is a fine balance of love and self-control.

It is not only Christians that can be legalist. Read Acts chapter 18 and 19 and see the legalism that Paul encounters and how he handles himself and those in bondage.

Love is our ruler to measure whether we are legalists or not. You can even be legalistic about not being legalistic. However, as you press into God it is easy to see what is true faith and what is deception. Place your love for God and his children above all else. Ask the Lord to keep you heart in check.

God may challenge some of your thinking. He may show you ways that you have put Him in a box. Allow the Lord to stretch you and cause you to press more into him. Psalm 103 tells us the difference between those who have true relationship verses those who may be legalist. “the children of Israel knew God’s acts but Moses knew God’s ways”

Please pray today for

- Pray for the union leaders and the unions in our region. Much of protection of and representation of the work force of this region is dependent on the unions. I know some of you have difficulty with this which means you should especially pray!
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church. I know I keep repeating this but I believe it is one of our greatest needs.
- Pray for Cornerstone TeleVision and all the other Christian Television ministries on your cable or satellite system. Many people will watch and receive strength and encouragement but they too need to be encouraged.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “Self-Control”
- Choose a country with a “S” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html