SHUT HIM UP II
Dearly Beloved, I bring you greetings in the name that is above every other name, Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, and the soon coming King. I trust that you are having a wonderful and refreshing time so far in God’s presence. I know that October will not leave you the same way, there shall be tangible evidence of this moment of consecration in the name of Jesus.
Beloved, I don’t want you to take it as one of those things, or just another religious exercise. Yes, I know we fast every year during October, but every fast is different. This is why God gives us different themes to help us focus on what He wants to do in the season. In this season, God wants us to put a stop to the works of the adversary.
“This is the kind of fast I have chosen: Loosen the chains of wickedness, untie the straps of the yoke, let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke.” – Isaiah 58:6 (GW)
Our text makes it very clear that in fasting, we take our place as the righteousness of God in Christ and shut the devil up. This is why fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but about spending time in the Word and prayers. It is giving God our full attention so that our flesh can be subdued and our spirit man can fully dominate, and then we can receive all that God has ordained for us.
A lot of times our circumstances can become so loud and intimidating, to the point where we cannot hear when God is speaking to us, neither can we see a way out of it. It is at this time that we need to subdue our flesh through fasting and truly focus on God and His Word so that we can shut up every lying tongue that is speaking contrary to the Word of God.
Beloved, you must make up your mind to settle some long-standing issues in October. There will be no carryovers in the mighty name of Jesus. No matter what the issue is, there is a way out, and you will find it this month in the name of Jesus. Shut out the distractions, and give yourself fully to this spiritual exercise. Just like our text says, chains shall be broken and yokes shall be destroyed. You must have your own evidence in the name of Jesus.
If you haven’t written down your expectations for this month, I want to encourage you to go ahead and write it down, demand big from your God, and watch Him exceed your greatest expectations. Remember you are not fasting to twist God’s arm to do anything because Jesus has already done it all. You are fasting because you want to possess the free gifts Jesus already paid the price for you to have (Romans 8:32).
I believe God for you that this will be a month filled with incredible testimonies. Every area of your life shall be completely transformed and the grace of God will be made manifest. The works of the devil militating over your life, business, career, family are destroyed in the name of Jesus. I bless you today in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Maranatha
In His Royal Service
Dr. Mike Okonkwo
The Presiding Bishop
