Where Are My Keys? - Part 2

Excerpt taken from Journey to Promise - Chapter 3 - Part 2 

 - "Where Are My Keys?" 

Copyright (c) 2024 LaDonna K Sanders 

Transcript

Welcome to Healing Waters! Today, we're exploring Chapter 3 – Where Are My Keys – Part 2, focusing on the tools God gives us to live with faith and purpose. I'm LaDonna Sanders, and we'll discuss three key tools: the Word of God, Praise, and Fasting—vital for victory and growth.

Let's start with the first key: The Word of God."

The Word of God Is a Key

The Word of God is a key you can trust. Unlike human opinions or cultural trends, the Bible is unchanging and rooted in God's promises. It is our ultimate reference point, our weapon against negativity, and our guide through life's challenges.

Think about this: No matter what your circumstances, statistics, or even your body might tell you, the Word of God has the power to overrule it all. Isaiah 55:10-11 says, 'So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please.'

God's Word is full of creative power. It brings life, peace, and wisdom to those who embrace it. That is why having His Word in our hearts and on our lips is essential. John 6:63 reminds us, 'The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.'

So, how can you apply this key? Start by immersing yourself in Scripture. Let it guide your decisions, shape your thoughts, and strengthen your faith. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, 'All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.'

The Word of God is more than text—it is a living, active force in our lives."

Praise Is a Key

Next, let's discuss praise. Did you know that your praise has power? When you praise God, you invite His presence into your circumstances. Psalm 22:3 says, 'But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.' When you enter into praise with your whole being, you are exalting God above the situation and circumstances. You are declaring that, despite how I feel, or how the situation or circumstance may appear, Lord, I believe that You are God Almighty! Lord, You have all authority here, and You alone can change this situation. For that, I thank You, and I praise You! Praise is your thanksgiving for the things the Lord has already done, and a welcome, an invitation to the Lord to stand up and rule in your affairs.

 Please understand me, praise is not an attempt to manipulate God—it is about acknowledging His greatness. It is about lifting Him up and recognizing His mercy, power, and grace. And here is the fantastic part: Praise dismantles the enemy's plans.

One of my previous pastors, Elder Elvin Rhone Jr., used to say that praise is like an earthquake to Satan's schemes—it shuts him down. Praise dismantles the enemy's plans.

Psalm 8:2 puts it this way: 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger.'

Praise is a tool, a weapon, and a key that can transform your situation. When you are under spiritual attack or feeling weighed down, praising God can usher in strength and victory. Praise will cause the feeling of anxiety and depression to flee; I dare you to try it! Isaiah 61:3 says, God gives us 'the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.'

So, take a moment today to praise Him—sing a song, say a prayer, or declare His goodness. You will be amazed at how it lifts your spirit and changes your perspective. 

Fasting Is a Key

Finally, let us explore Fasting. Fasting, paired with prayer, is a powerful key for spiritual growth. It is more than just abstaining from food—it's about drawing closer to God and allowing Him to work within us.

Isaiah 58:6 describes fasting as a way to 'loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free.' It's a tool for breaking negative patterns and seeking God's guidance and deliverance.

Fasting is also a way to 'die to self,' a concept Paul explains in Romans 8:13: 'If you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.'

As believers, Fasting helps us mature and align our hearts with God's will. It strengthens our faith, humbles us before God, and clears the way for us to receive His direction. Ezra 8:21-23 shows how Fasting brought protection and clarity for the Israelites as they sought God's guidance.

  Ezra 8:21-23 says, There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. (NIV)

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of fasting in Matthew 6:16-18, teaching that it should be done privately and sincerely. 

Matthew 6:16-18 - "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the [a]hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you [b]openly.

In Mark 9, the Bible describes a scenario where the disciples are praying with little to no success for the healing and deliverance of a young mute boy from tormenting spirits. Jesus intervenes, prays for the child, and sets him free, then explains that some breakthroughs are only possible through prayer and Fasting.

Mark 9:29 – So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."  

If you are facing a challenge or seeking spiritual growth, consider fasting as a means to achieve these goals. It's a key that unlocks courage, direction, and transformation."

Three Keys to Transformation

 Today, we've explored three powerful keys: The Word of God, Praise, and Fasting. Each one is essential for a victorious Christian life.

Friends, the Word of God is our foundation and ultimate authority. Praise invites God's presence and silences the enemy. Moreover, Fasting helps us mature in faith and align our hearts and live with God's will.

As you go about your week, I challenge you to apply these keys. Speak God's Word over your life, praise Him in every circumstance, and consider fasting as a way to draw closer to Him.

Thank you for joining me on Healing Waters. If this message blessed you, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and don't forget to subscribe for more spiritual insights.

Until next time, I am LaDonna K Sanders. Stay blessed!