The Transformative Power of Fasting and Prayer
Exploring the profound impact of fasting on spiritual growth and connection with God, this content delves into the purpose and benefits of fasting as described in Isaiah 58:3-9. It emphasizes the importance of genuine fasting that extends beyond rituals to cultivating mercy, righteousness, and intimacy with God, as exemplified by a quote from Bill Bright. Discover how fasting can break bondages, shift hearts from selfishness to mercy, and bring about a deeper relationship with the divine.
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The Value of Fasting January 5, 2014
Introduction Growing in Fruits of Spirit in 2013 Restoring Passion in our Hearts for God in 2014 Ps 57:7-8, Awaken my soul One of clear biblical ways desire is awakened in our hearts is through prayer and fasting
Isaiah 58:3-9 Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' "Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
Isaiah 58:3-9 "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? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
Purpose Of Fasting 1. Breaks bondages of wickedness. v.6 It will release people from their oppression Releases genuine spiritual power in your life to face darkness 2. Changes a selfish heart into a heart of mercy. v.7 Re-establishes correct priorities on God Brings a breakthrough in our lives
Purpose Of Fasting 3. Brings God s righteousness to forefront of our lives. v.8-9 Light of gospel going forward, healing virtue coming from our lives Deeper level of intimacy and communication with God will follow
Bill Bright Quote I believe the power of fasting as it relates to prayer is the spiritual atomic bomb that our Lord has given us to destroy the strongholds of evil and usher in a great revival and spiritual harvest around the world. Bill Bright, Founder Campus Crusade for Christ
Motivation For Fasting Produces great spiritual results often leading to a breakthrough.
Marilyn Hickey Quote Abstaining from food is often God's way of showing that His desire for us is that we regain mastery over all things associated with our flesh in order to subdue our flesh and elevate our emphasis on spiritual matters. God's promise is to help us as we overcome the flesh and put all carnal temptations into subjection. Marilyn Hickey, Bible Teacher
Motivation For Fasting Produces great spiritual results often leading to a breakthrough. Food was enticement devil used in Garden of Eden to cause them to stumble. Calls us to re-divert our attention back to God and His commandments. Devil will become loud in our minds as we begin. We are suddenly aware of what is good and evil.
Motivation for Fasting "It seems that when I fast the world seems much more black and white, at least for a period of time. I see right and wrong much more clearly. I see good and bad, blessings and cursings, benefits and negative consequences, what is godly and what is ungodly. I am much more discerning about what lines up with God's commandments and what falls into the category of 'man's commands.'" Unknown
Invitation to Fasting Will you join us for a time of prayer and fasting beginning tomorrow, January 6? 3 days of prayer & fasting culminating with night of Prayer & Worship, January 8, 7pm. Resource for fasting & prayer: http://www.ccci.org/training-and- growth/devotional-life/7-steps-to-fasting/02- how-to-begin-your-fast.htm
