July 23, Prayer & Fasting
Would you be willing to fast and pray with me during the month of August. September 7th we kick off our fall series entitled, "Thin Ice" (much more to come soon). I want to have one or more people fasting and praying for the 31 days during the month of August. I have personally signed up for all four Wednesdays. Anytime the subject of fasting is brought up people always ask why?
Why fast?
1. It is expected
Matthew 6:16
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Notice the key word here, "WHEN" not if or might but when.
2. Prepares us spiritually
Matthew 4:2
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Christ was about to begin his three years of ministry and it started with 40 days of fasting.
3. Christ set the example
Once we except Christ into our lives we begin a transformation process, striving to be more like Christ. This transformation will not be complete until we're sitting at the feet of Jesus.
When I bring the topic of fasting up I'm amazed that the majority of Christians do not fast and have never tried. I recently heard someone say they don't do well fasting all day, they fast a meal. In America we've allowed food itself to become a God. We have such a plentiful supply and we love partaking of it.
If you've never tried fasting, let me encourage to set a day to the side and and fast. Every time you have a hunger pain, pray. Pray at the top of every hour. That is the purpose of fasting, not to rely on physical food but to rely on the power and strength of Jesus.
If you'd be willing to fast one (or more if you'd like) day during August please let me know.
Couple of other thoughts:
1. Getting ready to leave for Virgina in a little while. Speaking at a camp next three nights.
2. Won't have acess to a computer so doubt I blog for a few days.
3. Please pray about the meeting on Friday. Let you know the results on Saturday or Sunday.
Why fast?
1. It is expected
Matthew 6:16
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Notice the key word here, "WHEN" not if or might but when.
2. Prepares us spiritually
Matthew 4:2
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Christ was about to begin his three years of ministry and it started with 40 days of fasting.
3. Christ set the example
Once we except Christ into our lives we begin a transformation process, striving to be more like Christ. This transformation will not be complete until we're sitting at the feet of Jesus.
When I bring the topic of fasting up I'm amazed that the majority of Christians do not fast and have never tried. I recently heard someone say they don't do well fasting all day, they fast a meal. In America we've allowed food itself to become a God. We have such a plentiful supply and we love partaking of it.
If you've never tried fasting, let me encourage to set a day to the side and and fast. Every time you have a hunger pain, pray. Pray at the top of every hour. That is the purpose of fasting, not to rely on physical food but to rely on the power and strength of Jesus.
If you'd be willing to fast one (or more if you'd like) day during August please let me know.
Couple of other thoughts:
1. Getting ready to leave for Virgina in a little while. Speaking at a camp next three nights.
2. Won't have acess to a computer so doubt I blog for a few days.
3. Please pray about the meeting on Friday. Let you know the results on Saturday or Sunday.
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