Proverbs 22 on November 22nd

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (Proverbs 22:3, NLT)

As a congregation, we are continuing our reading program. On October 18th, I challenged our congregation to read one chapter in the book of Proverbs each day. Whatever the date is on that particular day, I encouraged each person to read that chapter in the book of Proverbs. Therefore, today we should be reading Proverbs 22. Again, our objective is to gain God’s wisdom as we approach a new decade.

It is imperative that we be prudent people in the upcoming years. In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches His disciples a story involving ten virgins. Five were wise, but five were foolish. The only difference between these two sets of individuals was that one group was prepared when the door (of opportunity) opened, and one group was unprepared. One group took precautions, and the other group did not.

As Bishop of our church and organization (United Pentecostal Council of the Assemblies of God), I am determined to make sure that we do not miss our opportunity when the Lord opens His wonderful doors for our good. However, that means we must be able to foresee (see what’s up ahead) what God is doing, and the doors He is opening. One of the best ways to prepare ourselves is to fast, that is, to go without food or particular kinds of food. Fasting opens our eyes to see what God is doing in ways that we would not see otherwise. For only the Holy Spirit (who is the oil in our lives) can prepare us for where God desires to take us.

Beginning Monday, January 4th, Pentecostal Tabernacle will be going on a ten-day Daniel Fast (read Daniel Chapter 1). The purpose is to consecrate ourselves (set ourselves apart from our regular activities) to God so that we might foresee, take precautions, not proceed blindly, and thus avoid suffering consequences from which it may take years to recover.

We will conclude our consecration together on Wednesday Evening, January 13th. On that day, the church will be open all day starting at 6:00 AM.

I believe that in taking this precaution in the month of January, God is going to honor us in ways that will benefit not only us, but those whom He has chosen us to help during the upcoming decade.