It Is Fast Approaching

During the first weekend in each September a strange spirit covers the land - strange because it is not the usual spirit of America. People from 28 states and ten foreign nations join together to pray and fast for our falling nation. Prayer is the only thing that will sustain our nation at this point. The government will not, and can not save us. A turn to morality will not, and can not save us. An upswing in the economy will not, and can not turn this country back again. What will save this nation is a return to her roots. That can only be accomplished through deep heartfelt prayer, and anguish.

For those who are watching, for those who are waiting, the spirit of prayer can be sensed across the nation like a cool, refreshing breeze. So, what is going on? - It is almost time for The Great American Fast, and it is quickly approaching.

This year's fast is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5 and will continue until Saturday, September 6 at 6:00 p.m. The individuals and churches that will be participating will meet with their God in whatever manner they see fit. We will seek God's presence at our gatherings and in our homes for a 24 hour period. I pray that even now God will hear.

While folks will be gathering from Hawaii and Alaska to Massachusetts and Florida; from the Pacific Northwest to the plains of Kansas, many will be calling on the name of the Lord seeking His face, and His face alone.

For those who can make the trip, the main TGAF observance is held in Lamar, PA at the Lamar Lighthouse Camp. We will begin Friday night with a time of self reflection,and confession of sin. This will be followed by a much needed message from one of our members from India, Kishor Senapati of Manna Ministries. Kishor is one of more than 300 Indian pastors who will be upholding America in prayer this September. He is a true man of God and we look forward to welcoming him to The Great American Fast IV..

Pastor Kenneth Codner of Grace Baptist Church in Spring Mills, PA will speak to us after a time of prayer and intercession for our crippled nation. Make no mistake; our nation is severely crippled. Our only hope is to seek God's face and plead for mercy.

This will be Pastor Codner's third time to preach at The Great American Fast in Lamar, PA. We look forward to hearing what the Lord has to say through this great man of God. He has wonderful insights into the Word and he is a bigger blessing each time he comes.

The "tabernacle" as they call it, will be open all night for people to come and seek God in prayer as they feel led. One of the most memorable prayer times I have had was at TGAF II where I spent the night in the tabernacle seeking God's presence. He was faithful to deliver. God is so precious during the night watch. It would be wonderful for many to take advantage of this uinque opportunity.

The Saturday sessions will begin Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. with another important revival message from Dave Iseminger (MI). Dave's main ministry is that of bolstering up weak churches. He invests his time in strengthening, building, and encouraging churches that are ready to close, giving them a second wind so they can continue building the Kingdom of God.

This will be followed by a panel discussion on revival. Folks of the Fast can ask or send in questions to The Great American Fast website (www.thegreatamericanfast.org) focusing on revival. Several men will be on hand to discuss the topics and answer the questions to the best of their abilities. Prayer times will be sprinkled in between as we join with those from across this great nation in prayer. We will be lifting up each other, our churches, our government leaders, our families - you name it. Still, the main focus will be Jesus Christ as we come to plead with Him on behalf of a rebellious nation gone wild.

Prison Chaplain Rick Vincent (NJ) will bring the noon message. This is a fast, so we will eat spiritual, living bread from the Word, rather than from the kitchen.

Rick also is no stranger to The Fast. He is the chaplain for Preeminence of Christ Ministries - a one of a kind prison ministry. Chaplain Vincent has developed a Bible study program for the inmates at many US prisons. After going through the Bible study these incarcerated men will be able to start local churches after they are released from prison. God has called, and is using many men from this ministry, and in the process, Magnifies Himself.

The afternoon will bring more time for prayer, and a much needed message from Pastor Larry Richmond (CT). Pastor Richmond also has spoken at The Great American Fast before. This will be his third year. When you are looking for genuine, you need look no further than the Richmond's. They have a wonderful ministry in Ledyard, Connecticut. It is an honor to have him with us again.

Some more prayer time and a final challenge will bring the weekend to a close. The ladies of Lifegate Baptist Church will provide the break-fast meal at 6:00 p.m. Saturday night.

I believe there is great misunderstanding about what revival is today. Revival is not some kind of cheap hocus-pocus meeting to feed the emotions. As a matter of fact, revival is not a meeting at all. Vive simply means to have life or to live. Re-vive means to be brought back to life - in this case, spiritual life. For the most part, American Christians are so near death they do not even realize they are dying, or need new life infused into them.

Actually revival can be summed up in one word - repentance. Our nation must repent if we are to last. Once I was talking to a preacher about revival. He said in so many words that we live in the Laodicean Age - that age of lukewarm, fuzzy, feelings. I know the passage he referred to well - " And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. .So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:14-17).

I have to admit that passage pretty much sums up 21st century American Christianity, but give me a break. What about the following verses? "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:18-20).

Jesus is waiting at the door waiting - waiting for what? He is waiting for us to repent. he has knocked, and if we open the door He will allow us to buy fine gold, goodly raiment, oh and, eye salve so we will be able to see. it is not over until it is over. And as long as there is God there is hope.

If you have not signed up yet, time is running out. I would like to invite you to join us on September 5 and 6 as we approach the gates of Heaven seeking Jesus through prayer. Go to the website listed above and add your name to The Great American Fast as we look for God to do Great things. Prayer really does a make a difference, and we need you to be a part.

Those of you who are already involved, keep the fires burning! We are not home yet.