FASTING
Mark 2:18-22
“A time will come when the Bridegroom will be taken from them and on that day they will fast”.
Matt 6 In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught about 3 keys to live in Kingdom life.
1) Prayer
2) Giving
3) Fasting
This is an expected practice to Jesus ….
There are many misunderstandings about fasting.
1) Its’ something people did in the past therefore becomes religious and ritualistic. But its not true because the Korean church has grown to nearly a million due to prayer and fasting.
2) Abstinence is not fasting. In Old Testament, fasting means ‘to cover up your mouth;. In New Testament, not to eat is a biblical fast to do without food. Do not fast because of diet, anorexic, health etc. This is not biblical. Therefore, abstinence is not a biblical fast.
Fasting is therefore to QUIT eating for an agreed period of time – agreement between God and you and other believers. Do it to the glory of God for your life and the community.
When you fast from food, continue to drink water unless it is an extreme fast – waterless. We should never go beyond 3 days unless the Lord tells you.
Moses in Duet 9:9, 18.. it was a supernatural fast and a miracle.
Fasting is not ritualistic or unenjoyable. Mark 2:18 Jesus was questioned why his disciples did not fast. It was time to feast because he was with them.
Fasting is not an option; just like feet washing etc. John Wesley said this, “The man who never fasts is no more on the way to heaven than the man who never prays”.
It is the fruit of our salvation. Matt 6:16
When you fast; not if you fast.
Jesus is physically taken away and sits in heaven at the right hand of the Father.
In that time, they will fast – no option!
They fast because of a fiery love for their absent bridegroom.
It is a means of communing with your absent bridegroom.
Jesus on earth – no need to fast because they can fellowship with Him. But now, is to know Him deeply and intimately.
Not that you need to when we are born again but it is an option to try and practice regularly. Fast out of a PASSION for JESUS!!!
Fasting brings results … eating versus spiritual life?
Matt 6:18 Secret fasting would be openly rewarded.
May not be immediate or exact results – like prayer. Gradual and sharper and clearer as God responds to your fast.
What is a bad fast? Isa 58
1) Done with wrong motives – 71 references out of 7 are a bad fast.
2) Look religious – Isa 58:2 . Create a wrong impression for others and God. You really don’t want God; just look like you want Him. Zech 7:5. Luke 18:9-14. The example of the Pharisee who fasted and prayed regularly. But his prayer was ABOUT HIMSELF. When you try to mpress God and others, you are not fasting for God.
Also, do not be secret about it too! There is no need to lie. Just share humbly without boasting!
3) Be religious – Isa 58:3. Don’t make God respond to you by twisting His arm. David tried to fast to stop judgment against his family because of his sins. 2 Sam 12:15-23. God did not respond!
4) Feed religious spirit – Isa 58:3-4. Fast even as you sin. Use God’s grace to cover up rebellion against God. 1 Kings 21:9-14. Jezebel orders a national day fast to conceal her plot to murder Naboth and take his vineyard… to cover up for herself.
5) Form of godliness – Isa 58:5. Don’t fulfill a ritual by having a form of godliness and yet denying its power. 2 Tim 3:5. Enter into fasting by faith and trust that God will do something in and through you by Jesus.
What is a good fast? Isa 58
God will give it to those who are responsible.
1) Do it with a right motive.
2) Answer God’s call – Isa 58:6. Obey God’s prompting. Joel 1:14 Declare a holy fast and set apart for God. Seek the Lord to se when you should fast, how long and the nature of the fast. It could be for a week, certain meals, corporate fast (1 July). Just like a prayer; seek the Lord’s will and sanctify your expressions of righteousness by responding.
3) Satan fears fasting – Isa 58:6. Speaks of cards, chains and yoke where slavery, bondage and oppression be broken.
4) Fast with mercy – Isa 58:7. Lifestyle to help others. Feed the hungry, give shelter, clothe the naked and help your own family. Matt 6:2,5,16. Pray and giving to those in need. Neh 1:4 – He sat down and wept for his people and their needs.
5) Fasting for transformation – Isa 58:9. To change your own life. To do away with finger pointing and malicious talk. Fast to change in behavior. (Paul in Acts 9:9) Because of fasting, recognize our bad behavior, repent and seek God to change their lives. Fast to discover secret or hidden sins of your life. Ask God to see the condition of your heart.
Ree Howells says … Angry resistance to enter a fast brought him to see his selfish appetites and he didn’t know he had such lust in him. He was agitated and this was proof of the grip it had on him.
Ahab was a wick king and he repented of this sin through fasting (1 Kings 21:27).
6) Fasting for revelation – God brings knowledge to your spirit. Eph 1:17-18; 3:19 Paul went blind. People had to be led as they stumbled around. Many of us are like that. Paul prayed that the eyes of the people’s heart will be enlighten so that they might know the love of Jesus that surpasses knowledge. How to get revelation? Seek God’s voice through faith, intimacy with Jesus and openness to the Holy Spirit. Believe for and expect revelation. Fasting opens the door too! Isa 58:8. Your light will break forth like the dawn!
Fasting for 3 levels of REVELATION.
1) Through the word. Reading the bible because of the Word of God is the inspired word. Read in faith and expect God to speak to us. Fast and ask for revelation and the ability to receive the word. Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the illumination of the 10 commandments. Exo 34:28. Daniel got the inspired words of end-times when he fasted. Dan 9:3.
2) Gifts of the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor 12:7-11 . The words of knowledge, wisdom, discernment of spirits, prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues. Joel 2:28. Pour out your spirit on all peoples.
3) Interpreting God’s Word – When you have a word, or a dream or vision or prophecy and you are not sure what its saying, ask the Lord for an interpretation. Daniel asked God to interpret his dreams and vision. Dan 1:17-20, Dan 5:12. Dan 1:12. They went into partial fast to receive revelation from God. Dan 9:3.
How do we apply? Wisdom through revelation and fasting. Acts 13:2 .. set Paul and Barnabas apart for the work.
Fasting also releases ;
1) Healing – supernatural anointing to release sickness.
2) Holiness
– transformed by the Holy Spirit combined with faith
– Overcome self indulgence – Example of Eve eating the forbidden fruit
– Self deception – Think differently Rom 12:1,2 God centered thoughts especially in the area of fasting.
– Addictions to food, sex, sleep or comfort. Tame these cravings or it controls the body and allows the enemy to hold us bondage.
3) Protection – Matt 6:13 “Deliver us from the evil one”.
4) Doors to Answers – Jer 29:13 “When you seek me with all your heart, you shall be found of Him.
5) God’s presence – Fasting enhances communion and worship .. You have a taste of heaven.
6) Door to deliverance – Repent with fasting and demonic forces will be broken and family chaos broken.
7) Guidance – pressure of the Holy Spirit and the authority of the Word.
8) Provision – prosperity.
9) Anointing and revival.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Trip to Malacca
We had such an enjoyable and fun trip to Malacca knowing that God protected and guided us throughout the entire journey.
We want to thank God for good weather, safe trip and most of all the wonderful company that we cannot take for granted. Indeed God has blessed us with such an accomodating team of friends and believers. Of course, we are grateful for all the laughter and boo boos .... hee hee!
As I was sharing during our devotion together, the story of Noah's ark had many lessons to teach us. Gen 8-10
1) About God - When God SAW wickedness, He was grieved with pain.
2) About Noah - We can learn about
a) His Preparation Time
- How He was disciplined, how he found favor with God, He was a righteous and blameless among His people, He walked with God and was obedient, He did everything God commanded, He built altars to God.
- How hard he worked and the effort he put in to build the ark as He prepared for the flood.
b) His Waiting Time
- He had to wait 100 years before the flood came.
- He trusted in God and was patient even though he might have been jeered or sneered.
c) He had a community who believed in him.
- He needed to live for the next generation. Gen 9:12
- He was passionate and zealous about his call from God and he went all the way to pursue it.
God has a purpose and destiny for each of our lives and He will take time to prepare us. Each of us has a different, unique and special call so we must take time to seek the Lord and ask Him for His clear direction and guidance.
Let's start preparation NOW!! Come and RISE UP to be a community of PASSIONATE, LOVE-SICK Brides for the kingdom....
Much love ....
We want to thank God for good weather, safe trip and most of all the wonderful company that we cannot take for granted. Indeed God has blessed us with such an accomodating team of friends and believers. Of course, we are grateful for all the laughter and boo boos .... hee hee!
As I was sharing during our devotion together, the story of Noah's ark had many lessons to teach us. Gen 8-10
1) About God - When God SAW wickedness, He was grieved with pain.
2) About Noah - We can learn about
a) His Preparation Time
- How He was disciplined, how he found favor with God, He was a righteous and blameless among His people, He walked with God and was obedient, He did everything God commanded, He built altars to God.
- How hard he worked and the effort he put in to build the ark as He prepared for the flood.
b) His Waiting Time
- He had to wait 100 years before the flood came.
- He trusted in God and was patient even though he might have been jeered or sneered.
c) He had a community who believed in him.
- He needed to live for the next generation. Gen 9:12
- He was passionate and zealous about his call from God and he went all the way to pursue it.
God has a purpose and destiny for each of our lives and He will take time to prepare us. Each of us has a different, unique and special call so we must take time to seek the Lord and ask Him for His clear direction and guidance.
Let's start preparation NOW!! Come and RISE UP to be a community of PASSIONATE, LOVE-SICK Brides for the kingdom....
Much love ....
Maturity in Christ
God will give us shepherds after His own heart who will lead us in knowledge and understanding. Jer 3:15
He is training is to be DYNAMIC LEADERS by :
1)Know that You are chosen - Jer 1:5,6,10; Eph 4:1,2
God really loves and likes you. He is not mad or sad with you. In fact, He delights in you. Zeph 3:19
2) Know that God will allow us to walk through testing and trials in order to mature us - Eph 4:13
We can find comfort in His Word.
3) We need to be seperated from sin, worldly pleasures, unholy things and ungodly people. Eph 4:22-24, Eph 5:5-7
This pleases the Lord.
May we find Him faithful as we continue to press on to maturity ...
He is training is to be DYNAMIC LEADERS by :
1)Know that You are chosen - Jer 1:5,6,10; Eph 4:1,2
God really loves and likes you. He is not mad or sad with you. In fact, He delights in you. Zeph 3:19
2) Know that God will allow us to walk through testing and trials in order to mature us - Eph 4:13
We can find comfort in His Word.
3) We need to be seperated from sin, worldly pleasures, unholy things and ungodly people. Eph 4:22-24, Eph 5:5-7
This pleases the Lord.
May we find Him faithful as we continue to press on to maturity ...
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Thank You
Dear All,
Thank you so much for your love and support this last week when grandma passed on. It was indeed an eventful week .... of literally battling for a lost soul ... I believe that in the depth of my heart, she called out to Jesus at the last moment.
My little nephew, on the day, we went to pick bones to scatter in the sea actually saw his great grandma (cho cho) in the heavens... I believe that little children see things that we do not...
Even for my job situation, God is SOVEREIGN.
I am still claiming Micah 2:13 that God will break open the way and will go before me.. He will break through the gates and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the Lord at their head!
Thank you so much for all your love, prayers and gift during my family's time of berevement.
Thank you so much for your love and support this last week when grandma passed on. It was indeed an eventful week .... of literally battling for a lost soul ... I believe that in the depth of my heart, she called out to Jesus at the last moment.
My little nephew, on the day, we went to pick bones to scatter in the sea actually saw his great grandma (cho cho) in the heavens... I believe that little children see things that we do not...
Even for my job situation, God is SOVEREIGN.
I am still claiming Micah 2:13 that God will break open the way and will go before me.. He will break through the gates and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the Lord at their head!
Thank you so much for all your love, prayers and gift during my family's time of berevement.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
BC’s Prophecy for Am’s Net
This serves as a reminder for us to press on to what God has helped us to see ahead of us ....
This is God’s word for your network …As your hands are joined together, this is what God is saying to you – to continue to grow deeper and closer in unity in the bond of love and in the Lord Jesus and as your hands are joined together it is a symbol and a sign to you that you have put your hands to the plough and don’t look back.
God’s word to you is from Philemon Chapter 1:4-7 because your love and your faith in the Lord Jesus that you have for the Lord Jesus has been brimming over and this brimming over has gone to over to other believers that is why people have been added to your network that has been back slided believers and also brimming over to other non-believers.
Your hospitality to others delights the Lord and the Lord takes great delight as He sees the hands of hospitality that we extended to the many who need that love and the warmth of the Lord.
And in this year as a network, God is saying this to welcome those who are outside of the family of Christ into God’s family, be active in sharing your faith constantly because your testimony of Christ’s love and goodness will keep showing up in the good things that you do and people will recognize Christ in everything that you do and say.
So in a nutshell, God is saying this to share the gospel through your acts of love, hospitality and kindness.
This is God’s word for your network …As your hands are joined together, this is what God is saying to you – to continue to grow deeper and closer in unity in the bond of love and in the Lord Jesus and as your hands are joined together it is a symbol and a sign to you that you have put your hands to the plough and don’t look back.
God’s word to you is from Philemon Chapter 1:4-7 because your love and your faith in the Lord Jesus that you have for the Lord Jesus has been brimming over and this brimming over has gone to over to other believers that is why people have been added to your network that has been back slided believers and also brimming over to other non-believers.
Your hospitality to others delights the Lord and the Lord takes great delight as He sees the hands of hospitality that we extended to the many who need that love and the warmth of the Lord.
And in this year as a network, God is saying this to welcome those who are outside of the family of Christ into God’s family, be active in sharing your faith constantly because your testimony of Christ’s love and goodness will keep showing up in the good things that you do and people will recognize Christ in everything that you do and say.
So in a nutshell, God is saying this to share the gospel through your acts of love, hospitality and kindness.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
TGIF
You may want to consider this as an option for the coming TGIF as I have asked each of us to pray about what we would like to do as you begin to take on this challenge to rise up and trust the Lord to give you sheep …. Meh meh ….. You are each going to rise us as the SHEPHERD! In Jer 3:15 … You will be the shepherd after the heart of God … who will lead with wisdom and understanding and knowledge….
It is my prayer that we would really be seeking the Lord during the Mon – Wed Fasting and Prayer Time for a clear direction and clear mandate from the Lord so that we could be very focused and NO LONGER BE UNDISCIPLINED, WEARY OR TIRED …. But instead be able to RISE UP with so much PASSION AND LOVE AND ENERGY TO SERVE THE LORD.
The time is coming when it will be night and we will not be able to serve the Lord any longer. Therefore, while it is still day, let us encourage each other and all the more as we see the Day of the Lord approaching that we would heed the call and really desire to serve the Lord in whatever capacity that He has urged us to.
You know, we I study the Scriptures and all the more see the signs and times around us, I am excited in my spirit that God is about to do something BIG AND GREAT for us.
So, let’s be praying much in the Holy Spirit and as we begin to seek the Lord with all our hearts, He will be found by us … Like John, in John 3:38 we want to incline our ears to hear the voice of the Bridegroom so that when we hear His voice, we will wait and listen and be filled with tremendous JOY and indeed our JOY will be made complete.
I want to encourage us to bring friends and family for the coming Easter Sunday worship celebration …. Its going to be a glorious time for them to receive the Salvation of the Lord!!!
Rise up, u mighty army …
Am
It is my prayer that we would really be seeking the Lord during the Mon – Wed Fasting and Prayer Time for a clear direction and clear mandate from the Lord so that we could be very focused and NO LONGER BE UNDISCIPLINED, WEARY OR TIRED …. But instead be able to RISE UP with so much PASSION AND LOVE AND ENERGY TO SERVE THE LORD.
The time is coming when it will be night and we will not be able to serve the Lord any longer. Therefore, while it is still day, let us encourage each other and all the more as we see the Day of the Lord approaching that we would heed the call and really desire to serve the Lord in whatever capacity that He has urged us to.
You know, we I study the Scriptures and all the more see the signs and times around us, I am excited in my spirit that God is about to do something BIG AND GREAT for us.
So, let’s be praying much in the Holy Spirit and as we begin to seek the Lord with all our hearts, He will be found by us … Like John, in John 3:38 we want to incline our ears to hear the voice of the Bridegroom so that when we hear His voice, we will wait and listen and be filled with tremendous JOY and indeed our JOY will be made complete.
I want to encourage us to bring friends and family for the coming Easter Sunday worship celebration …. Its going to be a glorious time for them to receive the Salvation of the Lord!!!
Rise up, u mighty army …
Am
Friday, March 04, 2005
REND YOUR HEART
We are encouraged to fast and pray next week (lunch)
7-8 March
As i was seeking the Lord about this time of prayer and fasting, He reminded me of a passage in Joel 2:1-14 about the 'PERHAPS' of God.
God really wants our heart, not just our garments. He wants us to return to Him because He is gracious and compassionate, be slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.
And as we are committed to FAST, PRAY, WEEP and even MOURN,
'Who Knows' or 'Perhap' ... in vs 14, God may turn and have pity and leave a behind a blessing - grain offering and drink offerings for the Lord your God.
So, imagine if we do not pray? The perhaps of God might not come through for us .... we really want to experience a corporate and personal BREAKTHROUGH.
praying with n 4 u,
am
7-8 March
As i was seeking the Lord about this time of prayer and fasting, He reminded me of a passage in Joel 2:1-14 about the 'PERHAPS' of God.
God really wants our heart, not just our garments. He wants us to return to Him because He is gracious and compassionate, be slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.
And as we are committed to FAST, PRAY, WEEP and even MOURN,
'Who Knows' or 'Perhap' ... in vs 14, God may turn and have pity and leave a behind a blessing - grain offering and drink offerings for the Lord your God.
So, imagine if we do not pray? The perhaps of God might not come through for us .... we really want to experience a corporate and personal BREAKTHROUGH.
praying with n 4 u,
am
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