March 4

In Mark 9:29 we read where Jesus declares that such miracles, the deliverance of the boy whom the disciples had been unsuccessful in helping, could only be accomplished by prayer and fasting. Yet, we know that the time between the father's plea for help and Jesus praying for the boy does not qualify for a fast. That would be like us trying to justify the time in between our meals as fasts! Too, the disciples had prayed for the boy to no avail so again we find Jesus' command about prayer and fasting rather cryptic.

I believe that Jesus is trying to tell us that it is a lifestyle of prayer and fasting that prepares a person to be effective in such moments. And not only prayer and fasting, but all of what we teach as spiritual pathways at City Life: scripture, prayer, worship, fasting, relationship, reaching, gathering, accountability, service, generosity, stewardship, and rest. Show me a person whose life is defined by these pathways and I'll show you a person who has been to the top of the mountain and is ready to minister in power.

Pastor Fred