Use the links (ctrl+click) on the scriptures to access the bible verses.
2015 has arrived, the New Year resolutions are in place, and the rat-race has begun!
But wait a moment; have we consulted with, and received direction from the Lord?
Seeking God’s face, wisdom, heart, and strength are critical to the success of any venture, even ventures as timeworn as starting a new year on the right footing! This is ‘the place to be’.
As children of God, it is important to set out a time to fast and wait on God! It is often the practice to do so at the beginning of the year; a time such as NOW!
Fasting involves denying yourself of something pleasurable or needful; it allows your body to be relegated to the background, and your spirit (the real you) to come to the fore, and to soar. Food, drink, and specific personal activities we enjoy are some examples of things we can deny ourselves of during periods of fasting. We hear more clearly from God when we sacrifice and put our bodies under.
Prayer to God is encouraged during fasting. It is two-way communications with our Maker and His Christ – Jesus. Even though it only takes a short time to make our requests known to God, it does take God some time to respond. This is why a period, usually lasting a couple of weeks, should be set aside at the beginning of the year for fasting and prayer.
Would you join God’s people at this time to be with Him, enquire at His feet, and hear from Him? Would you want to know what His purpose is for you this year? Would you ask for His wisdom, an obedient heart, and the strength to execute His mandate? Remember that God speaks to those who wait on Him, values complete obedience over everything else, and delights in us when we walk in sync with Him!
The ‘place to be’ right now is the place of waiting, praying, and listening! God awaits; lets us join Him!

Lesson of the Week

1. Deny yourself for God’s sake. (Luke 9:23).
2. Pray, listen, and wait for God’s response (Daniel 10:1-14).
Cut out your normal pleasures for a season.
Denying yourself of something you ordinarily enjoy reduces the power your body has over you, and allows your spirit to be more sensitive to God’s leading. You will be able to pray more sincerely, hear better, and rejoice in the presence of the Father.
Set a time (preferably daily) for personal prayer. Read the scriptures, and meditate quietly on your readings. Allow God to minister to your heart.
God often speaks through His written Word. Read the bible prayerfully, internalize what you have read, and spend a few minutes thinking on it. Stay close to other Christian brethren at this time; the Lord sometimes speaks through others for our benefit. Be patient as you wait for God’s response to your prayers; His times are not our times, and His ways are not our ways.
As the Israelites refused to move until God’s cloud lifted and moved, so must you be at this season. The Lord will strengthen and reward you as you dedicate this period to Him!  
Stay in place, and be blessed, Amen!

Weekly Nugget: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalms 27:14; KJV).
Dr. Kene D. Ewulu ministers from Columbia, South Carolina, The United States.
All scriptures were linked from www.biblegateway.com

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