Why Fast?

Why fast?  That's a question that lots of people have. In fact, it's not even a talked about topic in most of our churches and therefore, it leaves us ignorant concerning it.  In short, it is drawing close to God.

God clearly teaches in His Word that if we would draw close to Him, then He would draw close to us.

Fasting is not an easy thing, to say the least.  It is primarily abstaining from foods for a pre-determined period of time that is set by the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.  The purpose is for us to break out of our normal routine to come apart and spend some rich, intimate, and quality time with the Lord to get closer to Him.

Over the past several years, my family and I have committed to a lifestyle of prayer and fasting to press in closer in relationship with our heavenly Father.  We've seen many miracles happen in our lives and those around us as a result.  I am thankful for faithful teaching from such men as Jentezen Franklin and Stovall Weems on the subject of fasting.  I have read their books, heard their sermons, and studied it for myself.  Fasting is a choice and not a requirement.  However, it is one of the best choices we can make as Christians.

If you are not on the 21 Day Fast with us at Bridges of Hope Fellowship, I would encourage you to jump in and start today.  It will change your life!  Be sure to stop by the info wall in the foyer and pick up a copy of "Your Personal Guide to Prayer & Fasting."  It has some great tips and pointers, especially if you are fasting for the first time.

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you press into Jesus and draw closer to Him!

The Journey Begins

Today is a special day in my life and the life of our church at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  Today, we begin our annual 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting to clear our minds and bodies so that we can have a greater awareness of God's presence and greater clarity in hearing His voice.  Also, I'll be kicking off our message series from Joshua 10:12-14, "Sun Stand Still."  If you live in or around McMinnville, Tennessee, I hope you'll join us on Sundays at 9:30 or 11 a.m.  You choose!

This year, we are calling it the "Sun Stand Still" fast as we are asking people to believe God to do the impossible in their lives and in the life of our church.  What might it look like if we were to dare to ask God for the impossible?  People would be healed, souls rescued from the destruction of hell and their sin, marriages restored, financial doors opened, and so on.  It literally could start a revolution of audacious faith in our church and the body of Christ!

In beginning my fast, I want to focus on one Scripture this morning,

“Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts.
See if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24

F. B. Meyer was one of the greatest Christian writers of the centuries. As a pastor, Meyer was successful, but not as he ought to have been. He had two friends, Charles Studd and Hudson Taylor, great men in the history of the church. They seemed to have victory day by day—joy and power in their lives. Meyer watched them. One day he went to Studd and said, “You have joy in your life that I don’t have.” Studd said, “There is nothing I have that you can’t have. Have you given everything to God?” 

Meyer went back to his room that night and began to pray. In his heart there had been something he did not want to yield to the Lord. It seemed like a small thing, but it was standing between him and victory. He wrestled with God that night until finally he came to the place where he had to do something. He took a bunch of keys out of his pocket and said, “Lord here it is. This key ring represents my life. I give it over to you.” And he said, “It seemed as if the Lord said to me, ‘Are all the keys there?’  ‘Yes Lord, they’re all there except one small key, a key to a little cupboard. But it’s just one little key.’ The Lord handed the keys back and started to walk out the door. I said, ‘Wait Lord. Don’t go. Here’s that key. I don’t believe I can give it to you, but I will hold it out. Please take it.’ The Lord took those keys, every one of them, and went into that cupboard and began to do a work, and my life was transformed.’”

So I have to ask myself and you a few questions in regard to this passage.  Is there some little key like that in your life or mine?  Some little cupboard where we say, “Lord, you can be Lord of all—except this.” Have we yielded?

I want to invite you to take this 21 Day Journey of Prayer & Fasting with me and watch God move in your life in 2013.  Usually, the first 3 days we ONLY have water and fruit juices.  The remaining 18 days is the Daniel Fast, which means no meats, breads, sweets, or dairy.  Basically, you eat all fruits and vegetables on the Daniel Fast.  If you'd like some tips or more information, visit http://www.gethope.info/ministries/fasting/index.html 

Fasting Day 6

Today is day 6 of 21 in our corporate fast at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  So far, so good!  Thankful for the spiritual discipline of fasting as it helps us keep our focus on the right things.  It actually makes our focus sharper. 

Fasting will empty you of all that is of YOU (the flesh) so that you and I may be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. It de-clutters us, if you will.  It also has some physical benefits, such as detoxification and natural healing for the body.  During this time, it also allows you to break bad habits such as smoking, drinking, caffeine, etc. 

Hang in there and don't give up or COMPROMISE during the fast!  God will honor your faithfulness and obedience.

Fasting Devotional Day 6

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 13

Observation:

It was no doubt that Saul was under a lot

of pressure to lead the people into battle. Though he had been given specific instructions
 on how to proceed, he felt compelled
to offer the burnt offering himself. Instead of worshipping in the Lord’s way, Saul chose to
do it how he saw fit. This was a huge mistake
that cost Saul the anointing as king.
 
Application:

No matter what your instincts might be telling

you, it is NEVER the prompting of the Holy
Spirit to go outside of God’s will to get things
done. As a leader, this will remove you from
God’s covering, in addition to everyone you
have been charged to lead.
Prayer:

“Father, I thank You for the Holy Spirit that

guides and prompts me in Your ways. Thank
You that You never leave me or forsake me.
Help me to always choose Your ways over my
own, for Your ways are higher than mine. In
Jesus name, Amen.”

Fasting Day 3

It's day 3 of the 21 Day Fast at Bridges of Hope Fellowship.  Today has come with some temptation to eat the type of foods that I shouldn't eat. However, with each temptation, my spirit has been strong and overcame the flesh.  In short, I didn't give in.  lol  Tonight will be our last meal of the Daniel Fast until after our break tomorrow, in which we'll be doing a day of total fasting with water and juice only. 

I am excited for my Bridges of Hope family!  I am already hearing great news of God moving in their lives and situations.  By the time we get finished on January 28th, we will all be on shouting ground.

I hope the devotionals being presented here are of help to you as you faithfully continue the fast.  Be sure to spend lots of time in the Word.  As you do, read prayerfully, pray expectantly, and reflect with great anticipation of what God is about to do in your life.  God is speaking, if you will listen.

Fasting Devotional Day 3

Scripture:

Read 1 Samuel 11

Observation:

The Israelites were under attack. Was there

anyone that could save them? Note some
interesting symbolism here: Nahash means
“serpent.” Jabesh means “dried up.” The
“eye” is symbolic of vision and whenever
“right” is mentioned, as in the “right hand of
God,” it symbolizes authority. Clearly, the attack
was a spiritual one.

Application:

When our relationship with Jesus feels

“dried up”, our enemy attacks. Have you
ever considered compromise as an option?
Compromise comes from a lack of vision
and authority over the enemy. Today, ask
the Holy Spirit to reveal any compromise in
your life and where you need to be recommitted
to Christ. Respond in obedience and
Jesus will restore both your authority and
your vision so you will experience victory!

Prayer:

“Lord, my desire is to follow You with all of my

heart, soul, mind, and strength. Please help
me today to see any of the areas of my life
in which I have intentionally or unintentionally
allowed compromise to creep in. Today, I
recommit my life completely to You.  Awaken
my soul and fill me with Your presence. Amen."