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It's Bible-study time. Get your bibles, and
let's enjoy studying the Word together.
Topic: Fasting
Many people make New Year’s
Resolutions that they have no intention of keeping.
One of the things that everyone must consider is that how you
start off the New Year makes a difference.
Let’s look at “Fasting and Praying” as a wonderful start.
Get your Bible and look up scriptures pertaining to fasting and
praying. What a blessing it
will be to you!
There are so many blessings and benefits of
teaming “Fasting and Praying” not only at the beginning of the
year, but throughout the year.
For what are you believing God this coming year?
I encourage you to put this powerful and rewarding spiritual
principle to work in your daily life this year and watch things change
in your favor. A good way to
learn about Fasting is to read the entire 58th Chapter of Isaiah.
In a nutshell, biblical fasting is deliberately abstaining from
food for a specific period of time for the purpose of communication and
a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Evangelist Jentezen Franklin lists nine (9) reasons for Fasting:
·
The Disciples Fast
Ref: Hebrews 12:1;
Mark 9:29; Isaiah 58:6
·
Purpose: Freedom from
additions to sin
·
The Ezra Fast
Ref: Ezra 7:14-17;
Ezra 8th Chapter;
Deuteronomy 28:2
·
Purpose: For help with
financial troubles
·
The Samuel Fast
Ref: I Samuel 7:3; 2
Chronicles 7:14
·
Purpose: For national
revival
·
The Elijah Fast
Ref. I Kings 19th
chapter
·
Purpose: For negative
emotional feelings and habits
·
The Widow’s Fast
Ref: I Kings
17:10-16; Isaiah 58:6-7
·
Purpose: Humanitarian needs
of others
·
The Paul Fast
Ref: Acts 9th Chapter
·
Purpose: Major life
decisions
·
The Daniel Fast
Ref: Daniel 10:2-3;
Daniel 1:15
·
Purpose: Health and healing
·
The John the Baptist Fast
Ref:
Matthew 3:1-4; Matthew 9th Chapter, Matthew 11:1; John 1:6-7
·
Purpose: Influence on others
·
The Esther Fast
Ref: Esther 4th
Chapter
·
Purpose: For protection
against danger
·
*Note: You should also read
the Book of Jonah,
and you will see another FAST for the entire nation to be
forgiven. Note that
everyone fasted by order of “The Leader”.
·
____________________
There are several types of fasting:
(Note: Be sure to
consult your doctor if you are on medication)
The Full Fast—drink only liquids, especially water.
Clear broth and 100% fruit or vegetable juices are acceptable in
order to maintain your strength.
Partial Fast. There are many
“partial” fasts where individuals give up something pleasant.
One such fast is “The Daniel Fast”
This Fast is found in Daniel, Chapter 10.
This fast is a fast from meats, sweets, breads and any drink,
except water, for a specific time period.
Another example of a partial fast would be to abstain from
sweets, caffeine or give up one meal for a specific number of days.
A Corporate Fast—A Corporate fast is a join fast of believers for a
specific purpose that can yield powerful results.
The Esther Fast is a great example of this fast.
Jentezen Franklin lists the
following “Fasting Tips for Godly Women!
For the wife and mother, fasting can reap eternal rewards for your
family. If you are entering
into your fast with a heavy heart for your family, here are some ways
you can focus on those needs:
Pray specifically
for your children, your husband, your
Every time you get a free moment, call out their names before God.
Set aside a specific time each day to pray.
Study God’s Word for wisdom and guidance so that you can be a godly
influence and leader in your family.
Pray for His direction and that He will open your heart to His leading
in the Scripture. Consider
all the benefits of Isaiah
58:
- Deliverance
- Healing
- Protection
- Compassion
- Provision
- Restoration
Teach your family about the power of fasting by example.
Note:
Although this article addresses wives and mothers, it would do
any woman of faith good to follow these tips.
______________________________
If God is leading you to Fast, initiate Your “Fasting Plan”
Which fast will you choose to start the New Year?
What are you believing God for?
When will you start?
It will be of great benefit to you if you will get a Journal and label
it “Fasting and Prayer” Journal.
List, by date, your
prayer requests, experiences that God gives you during your fast and, of
course, miracles and blessings received.
As you review your Journal form time to time, this will stimulate
and encourage you even the more to continue on in growing in the Lord,
and know that God will honor the sacrifice that you make!
Be Blessed in your endeavors!
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