Charisma Magazine

Jesus expected His disciples to fast. He told them, “‘When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

‘But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you’” (Matt. 6:16-18, NIV).

When God spoke to Moses in the burning bush on Mount Sinai, He told the newly appointed leader to tell the people who ask who sent him that "I Am" sent him. God's love is limitless, and He cannot be defined by titles, denominational affiliation or other man-made descriptions. But we can rejoice that the Great I Am will be whatever we need Him to be in our time of trouble. To learn more about this spiritual truth, watch the video below.

What does success look like? How do you measure success for your life? Are there different criteria for every person’s success? Who or what finally determines whether or not we have succeeded in life?

Responses to these questions will be as varied as the people who answer them. Most people desire to be successful, and have defined—consciously or unconsciously—what success means for them personally. But for Christians there are objective criteria for evaluating success. The most important of these is obedience.

Thirty years ago, prophetic ministry dramatically altered the course of my life. God sent a seasoned prophetic woman all the way from Israel to Dallas in order to have a three-minute telephone conversation with me via a radio program.

This encounter completely changed my career and life expectations and thrust me into ministry. It is an example of the power of true prophetic ministry-something that is desperately needed in difficult times.

Intercessory prayer is one of the most valuable weapons of spiritual warfare. When we slip to our knees to communicate with God, He spiritually transforms our hearts and we send out prayers that effect change in the world in ways we could never imagine. The Bible says we "ought to always pray" and never let up. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you with a passion for prayer and watch Him work through you in 2010. To listen to a New Year's prayer by Sharyn Culp, click here.