Twice in the last week the most studied passages of the gospels worldwide have spoken the same sentiments from our Savior. First was from John 14:

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you ... Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

And then today the most studied gospel passage in the world was from Luke 12

29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind.30 For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things shall be yours as well. 

In Medjugorje, Heaven suggested that the most important scripture passage of them all for our times is the parallel verse from Matthew chapter 6 beginning with verse 24.

Matthew’s version begins by telling us that we cannot serve money as our master. When there is a conflict between money and the Commandments such as working on the sabbath, we must make God our Master.

Having issued that call to repentance, Matthew’s passage then also tells us to worry about nothing:

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Along those lines let us record to how Jesus prepared for the violent storm which the apostles feared threatened their lives:

He slept peacefully in the back of the boat, knowing the Father would care for them.

And in yet one other powerful scriptural passage let us recall that when Peter trusted the Lord and focused on Jesus, Peter was able to walk on water but when Peter’s focus shifted to the potential threats around him, he began to sink.

So today, let us take heart and renew our commitment to trust the Lord in every area of our lives. Let us praise Him for making that which seems problematic into blessings, confounding the enemy’s most meticulous plans. And let us praise Him – no matter how negative the headlines may be, He can renew our nation and take America to heights it has never been before.

In closing, today while fasting let us be sure to begin our prayer time by praising Him and savoring His presence.  With outstretched arms, let us greet the Lord today and everyday singing to our Mighty Lord as scripture repeatedly exhorts us to do. If you are looking for three or four praise songs to start your time with our Lord (Remember praise is the most important part of our prayer - let us resolve not to rush over it), here are a few that lift our spirits and we enjoy. We welcome hearing your favorites ...

I Speak Jesus - Charity Gayle

Holy Spirit - Francesca Battistelli

First - Lauren Daigle

What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong

Thank you for fasting with us today – your effort is changing history and you will be glad you made the effort for all of eternity.

(In full disclosure we have a graduation celebration today and I will only fast for two meals.  I will add extra fasting to my schedule in the days ahead.)