May 24, 2006
The Word May 24, 2006
The Power of Praise Through Fasting
-So far, we have learned two forms of praising God, one, verbally and two, in our fasting. Today, I would like to address fasting. When we fast it is a way of opening up ourselves to God. We are giving up something to have a communion with God. Think about the Old Testament; they were always putting forth sacrifices before the Lord. Fasting is our form of setting scarifies before the Lord.
-The giving up of food is the most common type of fast that most Christians observe. However, that is not the only type of fast there is. Let’s look at the story of a young lady named Tina. Tina is a Christian woman who wants a closer, personal relationship with God. One thing she loves to do is shop. Lately, she seems to be spending the majority of her time shopping and less time trying to develop her personal relationship with her heavenly Father. After all, the first commandment clearly states that we are to put nothing before God (Deuteronomy 5:7).
-A three-week fast from doing any personal shopping might be a good idea for Tina right now because she is putting her shopping before her devotion towards God. Remember, we fast to enhance our communion with God. So while Tina is fasting from personal shopping, she needs to spend her time studying the Word while focusing on her thoughts on the Lord. Whatever type of fast we are called into, it is important that we just don’t go on with our day-to-day routines. We need to spend that time getting a better understanding of God’s will for our lives.
-Another important aspect of fasting is, that we need to be directed by the Holy Spirit into a fast. Jesus said that he did nothing until the father told him to (John 5:19 & John 8:28). We need to operate under that same mindset. No matter how hard we try we cannot bear fruit without abiding in God, “without me ye can do nothing,” (John 15:5) God is not going to bless the outcome of a fast that he did not ordain.
-The Last thing that we need to understand about fasting is, it is something that is between God and yourself. If you consult a minister about a certain fast that you feel you have been called into, that is all right. We just need to ensure that we do not go around telling everyone about our fast.
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6: 16-18.
“Lord, please show me how and when to fast according to your way and purpose.”
The Power of Praise Through Fasting
-So far, we have learned two forms of praising God, one, verbally and two, in our fasting. Today, I would like to address fasting. When we fast it is a way of opening up ourselves to God. We are giving up something to have a communion with God. Think about the Old Testament; they were always putting forth sacrifices before the Lord. Fasting is our form of setting scarifies before the Lord.
-The giving up of food is the most common type of fast that most Christians observe. However, that is not the only type of fast there is. Let’s look at the story of a young lady named Tina. Tina is a Christian woman who wants a closer, personal relationship with God. One thing she loves to do is shop. Lately, she seems to be spending the majority of her time shopping and less time trying to develop her personal relationship with her heavenly Father. After all, the first commandment clearly states that we are to put nothing before God (Deuteronomy 5:7).
-A three-week fast from doing any personal shopping might be a good idea for Tina right now because she is putting her shopping before her devotion towards God. Remember, we fast to enhance our communion with God. So while Tina is fasting from personal shopping, she needs to spend her time studying the Word while focusing on her thoughts on the Lord. Whatever type of fast we are called into, it is important that we just don’t go on with our day-to-day routines. We need to spend that time getting a better understanding of God’s will for our lives.
-Another important aspect of fasting is, that we need to be directed by the Holy Spirit into a fast. Jesus said that he did nothing until the father told him to (John 5:19 & John 8:28). We need to operate under that same mindset. No matter how hard we try we cannot bear fruit without abiding in God, “without me ye can do nothing,” (John 15:5) God is not going to bless the outcome of a fast that he did not ordain.
-The Last thing that we need to understand about fasting is, it is something that is between God and yourself. If you consult a minister about a certain fast that you feel you have been called into, that is all right. We just need to ensure that we do not go around telling everyone about our fast.
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6: 16-18.
“Lord, please show me how and when to fast according to your way and purpose.”
posted by Phybee | 7:27 PM
1 Comments:
I understand what you are saying. There is a lot more that can come from what I write. However, please understand that when I write these I allow the Holy Spirit to guide me. If you see more insight, that is the Holy Spirit of God giving you deeper insight on the topic. We could spend a life time on one verse. The Word of God is a living word. Every time I read a scripture, depending on what I am going through, I get something different out of it. When you read these writings, please feel free to add your insight as the Holy Spirit leads you.
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