Happy Friday Everyone! I decided to began posting once a week because I am transitioning and will not have as much time to post.
With that being said, let's tap right in to see what's in the well...
After failing miserably time after time during fasting & praying, I realized I lacked wisdom on the matter, so I decided to purchase a book entitled The Miracle Result of Fasting by Dave Williams. People seem to believe as long as your not eating, your fulfilling a successful fast, when in actuality all you're fulfilling is a successful diet. Fasting and praying go hand in hand, in that it is impossible to conduct one without the other. Even Jesus himself found it important to fast & pray. He believed that in order to defeat his adversary and complete His assignment on earth, He needed chains broken. The major prophet Isaiah spoke of it this way: "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" Isaiah prophesied that severe demonic presence in one's life via strong holds and bondage can only be removed by this practice. So why is it that we either negate fasting all together OR we amend it to fit "our" levels of comfort? Let's continue taping into the well...
This past week I was asked to join a friend in fasting in order to loose the hand of the enemy over this person's life. Wait, what did she just say, fasting with someone else? That's exactly what I said because we must remember that our lives are NOT our own. This is why it is important for us to understand the principles associated with fasting & praying so that we can join forces to defeat the enemy for others as well. The bible says in Matthew 18:20 that when two or more are gathering touching and agreeing in the name of the Lord, He is in the midst. (paraphrasing)
There are a number of different fasts in the bible. One, Daniel, is often exercised. It is a 21 day fast allowing consummation of fruits, vegetables, fruit juices (non concentrated) and water. However although popular, this may not be the best fast for everyone. If you know your health will not allow you the absence of meat as with Daniel's fast, substitute for another item such as fish, all while fasting for healing of your sickness. While omitting certain foods as a sacrifice and testament of faith in the work of the Lord, we are to substitute the time we would usually spend watching television, movies, playing games, listening to secular music, etc. in prayer and reading biblical literature. Personally, I pray about a time i.e. 6A-6P where I refrain from eating all foods and consume ONLY water or natural juices. I also read, pray in the spirit and listen to gospel music or messages in the place of my normal activity. It is also very important to attend prayer meetings, bible studies and actively participate in praise and worship. Lord help on the days Real Housewives of ATL comes on. LOL Just kidding! Fasting uncovers a level of wisdom concerning what we embrace via eye and ear gates. Perhaps, we may enjoy watching/listening to many of the "very" entertaining shows but it is not wise because they are contaminating to our spiritual growth therefore, we must filter out our intake. Fasting must become the lifestyle of the believer in Christ. Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:16 exclaiming: "when you fast, do not look somber as hypocrites." (paraphrasing) He didn't say IF but WHEN! We MUST seek the Lord regarding specific time weekly, monthly etc. where we consecrate ourselves to fasting and praying. If you have/are experiencing generational curses, repetitious experiences, demonic interference, illness, unsafe communities, addictions etc., it's time to develop a lifestyle of fasting and praying. In Dave's book, he unveils road blocks that will make your fast in vain. They are: fasting to compete, fasting in arrogance, fasting in showy display and fasting with boasting. If any of those are means for your fast, you'll be waisting your time, because God will not honor them. So, seek the Lord today regarding your consistent fast and the next time someone you care for is under attack, you'll be prepared to react. Have a wonderful & safe weekend....
CHALL
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