WHAT IS FASTING?
1. Fasting is making a space for God in your busy life.
-Fasting is not hunger strike it is seeking God and being in tune with Him. It is not to manipulate God to do what you want but it is allowing ourseleves to know His plan and align our live to it.Fasting in essence becomes meaningless when we dont deliberately set apart/consecrate a time to seek and meet God. To have a meaningful and fruitful time with Him.
That means also that we have to let go of the things that we know will contaminate our fast. Things that will shift focus from God. I dont mean you dont go to work or do the daily routines but i want you to spend ample/quality of time in God's presence and lesser on TV, Internet, Party and loud environments.
When you fast you spirit is specially open. it means you can be susceptible to both good and evil. So be careful what you listen to, watch and involve during the entire duration of the fast. SEEK GOD AND HIS WILL FOR YOUR LIFE.
2. Fasting is gaining rewards. Fasting isn't just abstaining from food it also follows rewards. When you focus on the rewards of the fast it will not let you focus on the hunger of the fast. It means fast with a purpose. Ask from God anything that in accordance to His will and the scripture that will be void of selfishness like salvation for relatives and family, personal healing, campus revival and awakening, business oppurtunities, wisdom in studies etc. The nation Israel fast for a purpose and they experience the sweet reward as they seek God and God blessed them. Isaiah 58: 6-13 lists all the rewards when we fast.
3. Fast with friends or groups.
Two is better than one, if one falls some one can help him up. Fasting with friends is joureying with friends. it is not fun to be at the top of mount everest alone, it is memorable with group of friends who will inspire you, hug you and give you a tap on your back. Thre nation Israel gather togteher when they fast. When you feel the pain of hunger or the temptation to eat just call a friend and he will pray for you. If you see visions of friend chicken and french fries, call a friend and he will strengthen you. find time to pray with your pratners pr group everyday of the fast. It makes your fast meaningful, memorable and inspiring.
4. Fast before you undertake a mammoth task. The nation Israel seek God before they do something gigantic. They seek God's help and direction. As a result they have always been victorious. What's the mammoth task you perceive to undergo this year? Is it a new business?change career? moving to a new community? praying for the man or woman you will marry?restoartion of broken relationships? what course to take? what carreer to pursure? God is at work and he shall direct you.
For the ministry this year, the mammoth task is to WIN people ( im praying that we will reach our 1000 attendance in our youth services) RAISE more leaders im praying for 200 committed leaders and FINANCIAL STABILITY for the church. Ultimately life change. I believe this year will be the last year we stay in our current facility. we are moving to a bigger and better one!
5. Lastly, The ultimate blessing of Fasting is intimacy of our relation ship with God. He is the ultimate reward of our fast. Seek God. God told Abraham that He is his greatest reward not Isaac nor the multitudes promised to be his inheritance. Seek God for in him is all what we long and desire for!
Grace and strength be with you this entire duaration of the fast.
See you everyday 6-7pm at the center as we culminate everyday with a prayer maranthon.
What's your list>?
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