What if I told you fasting is more than just abstinence from food, but a powerful tool for kindling zeal and breaking free from the chains of persecution. It's Day 12 of our 21 day fast. Today, we're going to talk about Fasting For Zeal and Deliverance From Persecution. We'll look at a couple of accounts of fasting from the Psalms. DISCLAIMERS: Remember, fasting does not move God. Fasting moves us. It puts us in a position to receive from God.   I am not a medical professional, and nothing in this podcast should be taken as medical advice.  Please fast responsibly. If you have any underlying health issues or unhealthy relationship with food, do not fast. And if you are going on an extended fast, it's a good idea to check with your doctor first. Father God,  In the quiet of this moment, we come before You, seeking the grace to embrace both the wisdom of the Old Covenant and the transformative love of the New. Like David, we acknowledge that vengeance belongs to You alone. And we take it a step further, taking to heart the somewhat radical teachings of Jesus under the New Covenant. He taught us to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who mistreat us. In this spirit, we lift up our hearts and voices in prayer, not only for ourselves but for those who oppose us. Father, give us the strength to pray for our enemies, for in doing so, we unleash the power of Your love and forgiveness, not just in their lives but just as profoundly in ours. Help us to see them through Your eyes – as precious creations, worthy of Your sacrifice, and deserving of our prayers. As Jesus and Stephen modeled ultimate forgiveness even in their final moments, empower us to extend the same grace to those who hurt or betray us. Our prayers for them reveal Your boundless mercy and are a step towards healing our own hearts. We seek to develop a spirit of zeal, not borne of anger or malice, but kindled by Your love and guided by Your wisdom. In praying for our enemies, let us find deliverance from the burdens of bitterness and the shackles of shame, as we transcend our fleshly instincts and embrace unconditional love and forgiveness. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.Amen ----- Thank you for joining me on Meditating The Word today. This is Cheree, reminding you that you are in my prayers. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.  Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. ---- Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/earth-in-bloomLicense code: PKB2GOTPFQSZZFD7 Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/sonder-house/dreaming-elliott-jacquesLicense code: 5HBP1CI7GED7IEQD Back Roller mentioned: https://amzn.to/3O9XWEJ #commissionsearned Fasting Resource: Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship With God by Jentezen Franklin -- https://amzn.to/4b2vUVq - #CommissionsEarnedOR, listen to the audiobook free: https://amzn.to/4b4216Y - #CommissionsEarned #meditatingtheword #podcast #fasting #fastingandprayer #forgiveness #zeal #deliverance