Some Things We Dare Not Forget
By Pastor Jack Hayford
Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which
I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that
you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the
holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the
Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:1-2).
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning
our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting
you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all
delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3)
Truth stands on its own, but in our hearts and minds its application
needs the buttressing effect of “remindings.”
If you groan, as I do, over the steep moral decline of our nation,
let the words on this page summon you to a rededication of yourself
to prayer, fasting, and intercession.
As God's people, there are some things we dare not forget.
Only prayer can bring kingdom power.
Jesus’ instruction in Luke 11:1-4 and Matthew 6:9-13 is
clear. The love and power of the Father’s will and rule can
only be known earth-side if the redeemed will call out for it. Prayer
is no gamble. It is no bingo match or waiting to see if you get
the door prize. Prayer works. “Ask and you will receive”
(Luke 11:9 paraphrase). We aren't to substitute prayer for action,
but activity will never substitute for prayer. He who prays without
working is in ignorance; but he who works without praying is a fool.
Only fasting can break some hellish bondage.
The episode of the child's deliverance recorded in Matthew 17:14-21
is poignant and pointed. It is poignant because the boy is set free
from the torment of demonic power; it is pointed as Jesus underscores
the irreplaceable key to that liberation: prayer and fasting (v.
21).
Fasting is not a crowbar wedging God into action. It is not a mark
of peculiar holiness—but it leaves its mark on peculiar hellish
situations. While there is no substitute for the power of the blood
of the Cross in freeing mankind, fasting is an instrument that can
break barricades to the application of that power.
Only intercession can guarantee good government.
First Timothy 2:1-4 not only commands believers to intercede
for those who hold governmental leadership, but it describes a society
of peace and quiet which can result. I am often asked my feelings
about certain candidates during election years. I’ll tell
you my response: I pray for them all! One of them is God’s
man or woman for the job of strengthening this land in righteousness.
I don’t discourage political involvement - not at all. But
let every believer intercede.
Together, let us roll back the encroaching darkness and extend
the light and glory of Christ upon the face of our nation. Intercession,
energized by the Holy Spirit, is the key
(James 5:16-18).
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Jack
Hayford Ministries
14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405-2233