Gen. 15:1
In the life of a believer, there should always be more private than public ministry to God. When you read about Jesus, you do not see Him praying in public nearly as much as you see Him praying in private....Out of these times in private devotion, public demonstrations of God's power would be poured forth in healings, raising the dead, abundance, and more. Victories are not won in public but in private. That is why fasting, whether corporately or individually, is a private discipline. Where there is little private discipline, there is little public reward.
Matt. 6:1, 2-4
Fasting is a sacrifice born out of expectancy. That is not to imply that fasting is a manipulative tool to get something from God, but a "reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1) that God rewards openly. Job went through a devastating trial and lost everything. Yet he prayed, he fasted, and he remained faithful to private devotion. Job said, "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12, KJV). And God "restored Job's losses" and gave him "twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10). The Bible also says that He "blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning" (v 42) and even gave him more sons and daughters.
Gen. 41:39-45
1 Kings 3:10-13
Dan. 6:1-4
Isa. 58:8
Fasting humbles you and brings clarity, even allowing you to get unforgiveness and bitterness out of your heart. Some people have tried and tried to truly forgive someone but have never been able to let the matter go. Begin a fast, and trust God to work that in your heart. Fasting helps you "spring clean" in a spiritual sense because it makes you sensitive to teh desires of the Lord. Unforgiveness, bitterness, and the like can all be linked to illnesses, fatigue, stress, and more.
When you fast and pray you should expect miracles to follow.
Fasting will also overcome sexual addictions and demonic powers. It will break great sin off people. In Matt. 17:21, Jesus said of that stubborn demon that "this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting," There's a phenominal story in the book of Judges, chapters 19-20, where fasting made the difference in a major battle against a people overcome with sexual perversion.
God will also target your children who are beng led off and destroyed by the enemy's devices.
Joel 2:28
Many times the rewards of fasting come after teh fast, though from time to time answers can come during the fast. Look at teh story of Hezekiah's son, Manasseh, who became king of Judah (2 Chron. 33:1-13).
Maybe you have rebellious children or sons and daughters whoa re committing fornication, but I'm telling you, fasting and praying will absolutely break those spirits off their lives.
Jentezen shared a story of one of his church members who had been praying for her son for 15 years. After his dad had killed himself he turned his back on God. 15 years later, he and his new wife who was a Budhists came to church right when her fast had ended and Jentezen had extended an altar call at which time, the two of them gave their hearts to Christ.
"Your Father...will Himself reward you openly" (Matt. 6:4). God does not lie. God is no respecter of persons. What He ahs done in our church, in the lives of our members, He will do for you when you set your heart to see Him through fasting.
Have a great weekend everyone!!!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
"Come, and you will see."
This morning while reading John 1:35-42 something pretty exciting occurred to me.
I've been reading how that John is pointing others to Jesus. He isn't spending a lot of time giving history about himself, he simply answers questions very briefly in Chapter 1. He spent more time elaborating on who Jesus is. I shared with a wonderful group of ladies last night that I feel we should always make HIM a part of our introductions when sharing things about ourselves to those who don't know us that well. That's a whole other blog posting.
In vs 35 it says the next day John was there "again"(in Bethany). Being in the right place is as important as doing the right thing. If we're not, we missing out. It was there when John saw the Lord passing by, he pointed his two disciples to Christ, "Look, the Lamb of God."
Bringing their attention to Jesus, they then followed Jesus. Not only did Jesus see them following Him, HE recognized it. He asked them, "What do you want?" I just loved that. I've personally answered this same question just recently when it was brought to my attention in a Bible study. The story goes on to say that they, the two disciples answered HIM with, "Where are you staying?" Jesus replied, "Come, and you will see." Guess what? They did just what He said, they went. In turn, He did what He said He would do, He showed them. They spent the day together. He invites us to come so we CAN see. It's that simple. We just have to take the time to spend with Him. They took a whole day. I had to ask myself, when was the last time I took my day off and just spent it with HIM?
Later in vs 40, Andrew followed John's example, which is something I too should do, and went to find his brother Simon so he could tell him about the Messiah. Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Of course verse 42 tells us that Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas. No introduction was necessary. Jesus knew who he was, who we are and at that point, Jesus changed Simon's name. Christ always brings about change.
I pray that I will be contagious in telling others about Him. I pray that what I do and say points others to Him. I pray that I will follow Him daily. He said, "Come, and you will see." I don't want to miss out on a thing He wants to show me and I won't if I give Him my time.
Lord, help me to follow YOU, wherever, doing whatever! I want to "come and see!"
I've been reading how that John is pointing others to Jesus. He isn't spending a lot of time giving history about himself, he simply answers questions very briefly in Chapter 1. He spent more time elaborating on who Jesus is. I shared with a wonderful group of ladies last night that I feel we should always make HIM a part of our introductions when sharing things about ourselves to those who don't know us that well. That's a whole other blog posting.
In vs 35 it says the next day John was there "again"(in Bethany). Being in the right place is as important as doing the right thing. If we're not, we missing out. It was there when John saw the Lord passing by, he pointed his two disciples to Christ, "Look, the Lamb of God."
Bringing their attention to Jesus, they then followed Jesus. Not only did Jesus see them following Him, HE recognized it. He asked them, "What do you want?" I just loved that. I've personally answered this same question just recently when it was brought to my attention in a Bible study. The story goes on to say that they, the two disciples answered HIM with, "Where are you staying?" Jesus replied, "Come, and you will see." Guess what? They did just what He said, they went. In turn, He did what He said He would do, He showed them. They spent the day together. He invites us to come so we CAN see. It's that simple. We just have to take the time to spend with Him. They took a whole day. I had to ask myself, when was the last time I took my day off and just spent it with HIM?
Later in vs 40, Andrew followed John's example, which is something I too should do, and went to find his brother Simon so he could tell him about the Messiah. Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Of course verse 42 tells us that Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas. No introduction was necessary. Jesus knew who he was, who we are and at that point, Jesus changed Simon's name. Christ always brings about change.
I pray that I will be contagious in telling others about Him. I pray that what I do and say points others to Him. I pray that I will follow Him daily. He said, "Come, and you will see." I don't want to miss out on a thing He wants to show me and I won't if I give Him my time.
Lord, help me to follow YOU, wherever, doing whatever! I want to "come and see!"
Chapter 7-You Shall be Filled- Fasthing by J. Franklin
I hope you guys are learning a lot from this book. I certainly am. Here are the notes I took directly from J. Franklin's book on Fasting. Don't forget to look up the examples he supplies for us via scripture. That is the most important part of all we read.
Matt. 4:4
In Colbert's book Toxic Relief, he states, "We may be actually starving from a nutritional standpoint, while at the same time becoming grossly obese...Sadly, we really are digging our graves with our forks and knives!"
In that sense, it is easy to see how our physical lives again parallel our spiritual lives. We can become overnourished on a hefty diet of church programs and activities, religious structure, and traditions of men and yet be severely undernourished when it comes to the deeper things of God.
Matt. 5:6
When you begin to develop a hunger for the deeper things of God, He will fill you.
Hungry in Flesh...Hungry in Spirit
Hungry people are desperate people, and they are hungry for more of God than they have ever had. They are breaking out of religious rules, regulations, and traditional thinking and breaking through to more of His presence, more of His power to turn situations around, more of His healing power, and more of His miracle-working power! Only Jesus satisfies that hunger!
Fasting stirs a hunger in your spirit that goes deeper than the temporary hunger you experience in your flesh. When you hunger for God, He will fill you.
Matt. 8:5-13
In this day, God is saying, "I'm looking for somebody who wants something. I'm looking for somebody who will do more than show up, but they will hunger for that which I want to place in them!"
Matt. 12:1-8
...when you hunger for more, you will receive more. God will break all the religious rules for you. When you hunger for God, He will break the rules of man and cause His favor to come on your life.
Anybody can be normal. Normal is overrated. Someone has to say, "But I want more! Lord, I'm hungry! I'm going to have to push tradition aside! I'm going to have to push religious rules aside! I'm going to have to push all of the rituals aside because I'm starving to death, and I just can't do 'church as usual' any longer." My suggestion is to begin pushing the plate aside. Show God that you are serious. We must get to the place where we are desperate for God again. We must begin to desire Him more than food or drink. Let us be filled with the Bread of Life instead of the refuse of religion. Begin to make fasting a regular discipline, and see how GOd answers your hunger!
Are you hungry for more of Him? Are you desperate for more of Him? Are you at a point in your life where you feel stuck, discouraged, just wandering around from place to place, need some answers to some questions, need some emptiness filled, ETC? If so, why not add fasting to your prayers? Anybody?
Matt. 4:4
In Colbert's book Toxic Relief, he states, "We may be actually starving from a nutritional standpoint, while at the same time becoming grossly obese...Sadly, we really are digging our graves with our forks and knives!"
In that sense, it is easy to see how our physical lives again parallel our spiritual lives. We can become overnourished on a hefty diet of church programs and activities, religious structure, and traditions of men and yet be severely undernourished when it comes to the deeper things of God.
Matt. 5:6
When you begin to develop a hunger for the deeper things of God, He will fill you.
Hungry in Flesh...Hungry in Spirit
Hungry people are desperate people, and they are hungry for more of God than they have ever had. They are breaking out of religious rules, regulations, and traditional thinking and breaking through to more of His presence, more of His power to turn situations around, more of His healing power, and more of His miracle-working power! Only Jesus satisfies that hunger!
Fasting stirs a hunger in your spirit that goes deeper than the temporary hunger you experience in your flesh. When you hunger for God, He will fill you.
Matt. 8:5-13
In this day, God is saying, "I'm looking for somebody who wants something. I'm looking for somebody who will do more than show up, but they will hunger for that which I want to place in them!"
Matt. 12:1-8
...when you hunger for more, you will receive more. God will break all the religious rules for you. When you hunger for God, He will break the rules of man and cause His favor to come on your life.
Anybody can be normal. Normal is overrated. Someone has to say, "But I want more! Lord, I'm hungry! I'm going to have to push tradition aside! I'm going to have to push religious rules aside! I'm going to have to push all of the rituals aside because I'm starving to death, and I just can't do 'church as usual' any longer." My suggestion is to begin pushing the plate aside. Show God that you are serious. We must get to the place where we are desperate for God again. We must begin to desire Him more than food or drink. Let us be filled with the Bread of Life instead of the refuse of religion. Begin to make fasting a regular discipline, and see how GOd answers your hunger!
Are you hungry for more of Him? Are you desperate for more of Him? Are you at a point in your life where you feel stuck, discouraged, just wandering around from place to place, need some answers to some questions, need some emptiness filled, ETC? If so, why not add fasting to your prayers? Anybody?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Chapter 6-God's Coming to Dinner? "Fasting" by J. Franklin
For those of you who are following my notes that I've taken directly out of Jentezen Franklin's book on "Fasting", please, please look up the scriptures. I wish I had time to type out the stories he shared but time will not permit. While his stories are good, God's Word is what makes a difference in our lives. I would highly recommend this book.
Ps. 50:12-15
As a believer, you can pray, read your Bible, adm go to church week after week and still be losing sight of your first love. It is not that you don't love teh Lord, but the business of life can bring you to the point of losing your freshness, your enthusiasm, and your sensitivity to His Spirit and what pleases Him.
What if God were hungry and all we have to feed Him is our same dulle religious routines day after day? Just like ending up with meat loaf on the table every night, I can just hear our heavenly Father sighing, "Religion again?"
God does not need our routines. He does not savor heartless activity. He does not want our "leftovers" when He can get "fed" elsewhere. True worship that comes from our hearts feeds Him and satisfies Him; it is something He desires--and deserves. Our religiosity of going through the motions once a week does not please Him as much as our obedience to His Word.
...Fasting is a constant means of renewing yourself spiritually. The discipline of fasting breaks you out of hte world's routine. It is a form of worship--offering your body to God as a living sacrifice is holy and leasing to God (Rom. 12:1). The disciplines of fasting will humble you, remind you of your dependency on God, and bring you back to your first love. It causes the roots of your relationship with Jesus to go deeper.
God desires to move powerfully in your life. His plans for you are always progressing and developing.
There are dimensions of our glorious King that will never be revealed to the casual, disinterested worshiper. There are walls of intercession that will never be scaled by dispassionate religious service. But when you take steps to break out of the orinary and worship Him as He deserves, you will begin to see facets of His being you never knew existed. He will begin to share secrets with you about Himself, His plans, His desires for you. When you worship God as He deserves, He is magnified.
David was a man who fasted often, and not just from food. He knew that to worship God was to magnify God. His invitation to all of us to "magnify the Lord with me" (Ps. 34:3) still stands open today.
When you worship, you magnify God. Your enemies or circumstances may seem to be so large and so powerful that they are all you can see. But when you worship, you not only magnify God, but you also reduce the size and power of everything else around you. David said, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears" (Ps. 34:4). God will hear you when you set your heart to worship Him. When you magnify the Lord, you shrink the supposed power of your enemy, the devil. The greatest thing you can do in teh midst of a battle is magnify the Lord.
John 4:23, 29, 32, 34
His disciples returned with food, but He told them He was not hungry. He said, "I have food to eat of which you do not know...My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (vv. 32, 34) The worship of that woman had so satisified Jesus that He was no longer hungry for natural food. The disciples were busy gathering food, but she took time to worship and feed Him that which He most desired.
What is God saying about you? Is it, "Religions again?" Or does He dine with you, fellowship with you, and share with you deep secrets and plans for the future? If you are in a rut or a routine where your worship just isn't cutting it, if you have not heard God speak to you in a long time, if your circumstances seem to be the biggest obstacle in your life, stop everything and begin a fast. One day, several days, some food, all food--the details are not as important as your heart's desire to satisfy God with your worship and sacrifice.
Ps. 50:12-15
As a believer, you can pray, read your Bible, adm go to church week after week and still be losing sight of your first love. It is not that you don't love teh Lord, but the business of life can bring you to the point of losing your freshness, your enthusiasm, and your sensitivity to His Spirit and what pleases Him.
What if God were hungry and all we have to feed Him is our same dulle religious routines day after day? Just like ending up with meat loaf on the table every night, I can just hear our heavenly Father sighing, "Religion again?"
God does not need our routines. He does not savor heartless activity. He does not want our "leftovers" when He can get "fed" elsewhere. True worship that comes from our hearts feeds Him and satisfies Him; it is something He desires--and deserves. Our religiosity of going through the motions once a week does not please Him as much as our obedience to His Word.
...Fasting is a constant means of renewing yourself spiritually. The discipline of fasting breaks you out of hte world's routine. It is a form of worship--offering your body to God as a living sacrifice is holy and leasing to God (Rom. 12:1). The disciplines of fasting will humble you, remind you of your dependency on God, and bring you back to your first love. It causes the roots of your relationship with Jesus to go deeper.
God desires to move powerfully in your life. His plans for you are always progressing and developing.
There are dimensions of our glorious King that will never be revealed to the casual, disinterested worshiper. There are walls of intercession that will never be scaled by dispassionate religious service. But when you take steps to break out of the orinary and worship Him as He deserves, you will begin to see facets of His being you never knew existed. He will begin to share secrets with you about Himself, His plans, His desires for you. When you worship God as He deserves, He is magnified.
David was a man who fasted often, and not just from food. He knew that to worship God was to magnify God. His invitation to all of us to "magnify the Lord with me" (Ps. 34:3) still stands open today.
When you worship, you magnify God. Your enemies or circumstances may seem to be so large and so powerful that they are all you can see. But when you worship, you not only magnify God, but you also reduce the size and power of everything else around you. David said, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears" (Ps. 34:4). God will hear you when you set your heart to worship Him. When you magnify the Lord, you shrink the supposed power of your enemy, the devil. The greatest thing you can do in teh midst of a battle is magnify the Lord.
John 4:23, 29, 32, 34
His disciples returned with food, but He told them He was not hungry. He said, "I have food to eat of which you do not know...My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (vv. 32, 34) The worship of that woman had so satisified Jesus that He was no longer hungry for natural food. The disciples were busy gathering food, but she took time to worship and feed Him that which He most desired.
What is God saying about you? Is it, "Religions again?" Or does He dine with you, fellowship with you, and share with you deep secrets and plans for the future? If you are in a rut or a routine where your worship just isn't cutting it, if you have not heard God speak to you in a long time, if your circumstances seem to be the biggest obstacle in your life, stop everything and begin a fast. One day, several days, some food, all food--the details are not as important as your heart's desire to satisfy God with your worship and sacrifice.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Chapter 5-Swatting Flies "Fasting" by Jentezen Franklin
Eph. 5:8-10
Fasting is not just a physical discipline; it can be a spiritual feast. Once you "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps. 34:8), your hunger for more of His presence eclipses the limitation of your understanding. God is knows more about what you need that you do. All the fasts in the Bible--whether one day or forty-days--brought reward.
Just as spraying pesticides for a full 40-days wipes out an infestation of flies, when we enter into a season of forty days of fasting and prayer, we can break free of the bondages in our own lives and in the lives of the next generation.
Mark 1:13
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FORTY
Throughout the Bible, the number 40 represents cleansing and purifying. The flood in Noah's time took 40 days to cleanse the earth of wickedness. Moses's life could be divided up into 3 different seasons of forty: he spent 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the desert, and 40 years delivering and bringing the people of God to the Promised Land. He also fasted for 40 days on two occasions: the 1st time while receiving the Law of God in the form of the 10 Commandments, and the 2nd time interceding for the sing of the people.
Jonah 3:5, 7-9
Their humility (people of Ninevah) repentance, and worship were seen by God, and they were rewarded with mercy instead of judgment.
Elijah fled to the desert to escape the deadly threats of Jezebel. God sent an angel to feed him and watch over him as he rested. When he had eaten the meal the angel prepared for him, he went the next 40 days without food. During that time, he spoke with God and received new direction. His insecurities and doubts were removed, and the oppression of the enemy was broken. The word Elijah received during that 40-day fast affected even the next generation.
Flies represents demons in the Word, as do other animals.
Matt. 13:4,19
Mark 16:18
Luke 10:19
Ps. 22:12
Eccles. 10:1
Flies hinder teh annointing in your life. Your worship gets polluted by flies of lust and perversion. We are supposed to walk in that pure anointing that pierces hearts, breaks yokes, delivers from bondages, and heals the sick. It's time to get rid of the "flies" in your business, your marriage, your mind, your house. They cannot stand the power of the Holy Ghost and the intimacy of the presence of Jesus that comes from 400 days of bombarding heaven.
Some might say, "But 40 days is a long time!" Is it really? ... all Muslims--old, young, even children--fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days. It is a form of worship for them, helping them focus on spiritual things instead of eathly needs. Did you know that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the US?
The scandals and corruption on the front pages of our newspapers and the gross perversion that is prevalent on every level of society tell us how much we need revival in this country. How much more should we, as Christians, devote ourselves to fasting and prayer? God promised, "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land? (2 Chron. 7:14)
Take Daniels' fast as an example. For 3 weeks he said he "ate no pleasant food" (Dan. 10:3). Generally, "pleasant food" is thought to mean more festive foods, such as sweets and the like.
According to Dr. Colbert's research, Americans consume roughtly 11,250 pounds of sugar in a lifetime! If you fasted from just sweets for 40 days, you would rid your body of many toxins and probably shed several pounds. For some of you, it would be a major sacrifice!
God sees the sacrifice. When you go out with people at the office to a steakhouse and you choose to have the garden salad, baked potato (no Bacon bits), and ice water instead of that medium-well, 24-ounce T-bone steak, God takes notice. You're cleansing, you're purifying, and you're destroying flies!
Can you forgo the Snickers bar in the afternoon to be delivered from a recurring sin? To have more of hte presence of Jesus in your life, can you drink water instead of sugary, caffeinated drinks for 40 days? Do you want to do more than just swat at those flies of doubt and confusion that inundate your thoughts?
Like Jesus told the disciples at the well in Samaria, when you open yourself to know the will of the Father and do the will of the Father, no steak or cake compares. Nothing can fill you and satisfy you like that. Get ready for the presence of Jesus like you have never had before.
Makes you think, huh? More food or more God?
Fasting is not just a physical discipline; it can be a spiritual feast. Once you "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps. 34:8), your hunger for more of His presence eclipses the limitation of your understanding. God is knows more about what you need that you do. All the fasts in the Bible--whether one day or forty-days--brought reward.
Just as spraying pesticides for a full 40-days wipes out an infestation of flies, when we enter into a season of forty days of fasting and prayer, we can break free of the bondages in our own lives and in the lives of the next generation.
Mark 1:13
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FORTY
Throughout the Bible, the number 40 represents cleansing and purifying. The flood in Noah's time took 40 days to cleanse the earth of wickedness. Moses's life could be divided up into 3 different seasons of forty: he spent 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the desert, and 40 years delivering and bringing the people of God to the Promised Land. He also fasted for 40 days on two occasions: the 1st time while receiving the Law of God in the form of the 10 Commandments, and the 2nd time interceding for the sing of the people.
Jonah 3:5, 7-9
Their humility (people of Ninevah) repentance, and worship were seen by God, and they were rewarded with mercy instead of judgment.
Elijah fled to the desert to escape the deadly threats of Jezebel. God sent an angel to feed him and watch over him as he rested. When he had eaten the meal the angel prepared for him, he went the next 40 days without food. During that time, he spoke with God and received new direction. His insecurities and doubts were removed, and the oppression of the enemy was broken. The word Elijah received during that 40-day fast affected even the next generation.
Flies represents demons in the Word, as do other animals.
Matt. 13:4,19
Mark 16:18
Luke 10:19
Ps. 22:12
Eccles. 10:1
Flies hinder teh annointing in your life. Your worship gets polluted by flies of lust and perversion. We are supposed to walk in that pure anointing that pierces hearts, breaks yokes, delivers from bondages, and heals the sick. It's time to get rid of the "flies" in your business, your marriage, your mind, your house. They cannot stand the power of the Holy Ghost and the intimacy of the presence of Jesus that comes from 400 days of bombarding heaven.
Some might say, "But 40 days is a long time!" Is it really? ... all Muslims--old, young, even children--fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days. It is a form of worship for them, helping them focus on spiritual things instead of eathly needs. Did you know that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the US?
The scandals and corruption on the front pages of our newspapers and the gross perversion that is prevalent on every level of society tell us how much we need revival in this country. How much more should we, as Christians, devote ourselves to fasting and prayer? God promised, "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land? (2 Chron. 7:14)
Take Daniels' fast as an example. For 3 weeks he said he "ate no pleasant food" (Dan. 10:3). Generally, "pleasant food" is thought to mean more festive foods, such as sweets and the like.
According to Dr. Colbert's research, Americans consume roughtly 11,250 pounds of sugar in a lifetime! If you fasted from just sweets for 40 days, you would rid your body of many toxins and probably shed several pounds. For some of you, it would be a major sacrifice!
God sees the sacrifice. When you go out with people at the office to a steakhouse and you choose to have the garden salad, baked potato (no Bacon bits), and ice water instead of that medium-well, 24-ounce T-bone steak, God takes notice. You're cleansing, you're purifying, and you're destroying flies!
Can you forgo the Snickers bar in the afternoon to be delivered from a recurring sin? To have more of hte presence of Jesus in your life, can you drink water instead of sugary, caffeinated drinks for 40 days? Do you want to do more than just swat at those flies of doubt and confusion that inundate your thoughts?
Like Jesus told the disciples at the well in Samaria, when you open yourself to know the will of the Father and do the will of the Father, no steak or cake compares. Nothing can fill you and satisfy you like that. Get ready for the presence of Jesus like you have never had before.
Makes you think, huh? More food or more God?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Chapter 4-Every Assignment Has a Birthplace- "Fasting"
Don't forget, read the passages that are listed. I hope this is helpful to all of you who are interested in learning more about fasting. That's why reading the passages are so crucial. Enjoy! For those of you just tuning in...these are my notes taken directly from the book, "Fasting" by Jentezen Franklin
John 10:27-28
If you are a parent reading this book, I want you to know that even children can begin to understand these concepts, and it is important that they learn them at a young age.
...it was during a 3-day fast that God revealed His assignment for my life. I was praying and seeking His will. That is when He called me to preach.
Every assignment, every call of God, every direction from Him starts somewhere. God has specific assignments for your life. But how do you discover them?
The answer can be found in the appeal Paul made to the Romans: "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1). Remember the 3 Christian duties I covered in the first chapter? Giving, praying and fasting. That is how you "present" your body to God as a "living" sacrifice. Fasting keeps you sensitive to His Spirit, enabling you to live holy. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom. 12:2)
I am convinced that we will never walk in the perfect will of God until we seek Him through fasting. Paul was fasting when God called him and shared the assignment for his life
(Acts 9:7-9). Peter was fasting on the rooftop when God gave him a new revelation and called him to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Fasting prepares the way for God to give you fresh revelation, fresh vision, and clear purpose.
Joel 2:28
What are we waiting for when we read scriptures like 2 Chronicles 7:14? Can you imagine if believers in America really took hold of this, if they humbled themselves (fasted) and prayed? God would heal our nation and send revival!
Fasting is what prepares you for a new anointing.
But if He is going to pour out new wine, our wineskins will have to change.
Mark 2:22
...if you look at this passage, Jesus had just finished telling the Pharisees that His disciples would fast once He was gone. Fasting is what prepares you for a new anointing (vs 20). If you want new wine, new miracles, new closeness, new intimacy with Him, then it's time to call a fast and shed that old skin for the new.
Fasting is a tremendous weapon and a source of power in the life of a believer...I am not the greatest preacher; I don't have the brilliant mind that some have, but God said He is no respecter of persons. When you honor and worship God by presenting your body as a living sacrifice through fasting, you too will know His assignments for your life.
2 Chron. 20:3-4, 13, 15, 17!!!!!!!!!
Do you want God to tell you what you need to do at this time in your life? Fast, worship, and seek Him. Be still and see the salvation of the Lord! I'm ready for some of those victories where it takes me longer to bring the victory home than it took to fight the battle! Press in like Jehoshaphat in times of great distress--you and your whole family, perhaps even your entire church. God will deliver you and show you His plan!
SATAN HATES WHEN YOU FAST
Satan gets disturbed--and defeated--when you decide to do more than be a Sunday-morning Christian. He has probably tried repeatedly to distract you from reading this chapter already. The devil knows fasting releases God's power.
Have you ever wondered why, of all things, Satan tempted Jesus at the end of His fast by provoking Him to turn stones into bread? ...Jesus came to serve others, not Himself. Further, He was determined to complete the fast God had called Him to finish. Jesus knew that some of the benefits of fasting cannot be released otherwise--and so did the devil! When Jesus returned from that 40-day fast, He immediately began to do mighty miracles, "healing all who were oppressed by the devil" (Acts 10:38). Satan needed to get Jesus focused on His appetite because if he didn't, Jesus was going to receive power from God that would change the world.
John 10:10
Do you think the enemy wants you to believe that nothing is impossible for you? He knows he is defeated, but he doesn't want you to know it or to walk in that realm of God's power. That is why it is so crucial for him to get you distracted. Don't allow the enemies in your life to cause you to focus more on your appetite or circumstances than on the promises of God that are released when you employ the powerful weapon of fasting.
John 10:27-28
If you are a parent reading this book, I want you to know that even children can begin to understand these concepts, and it is important that they learn them at a young age.
...it was during a 3-day fast that God revealed His assignment for my life. I was praying and seeking His will. That is when He called me to preach.
Every assignment, every call of God, every direction from Him starts somewhere. God has specific assignments for your life. But how do you discover them?
The answer can be found in the appeal Paul made to the Romans: "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1). Remember the 3 Christian duties I covered in the first chapter? Giving, praying and fasting. That is how you "present" your body to God as a "living" sacrifice. Fasting keeps you sensitive to His Spirit, enabling you to live holy. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom. 12:2)
I am convinced that we will never walk in the perfect will of God until we seek Him through fasting. Paul was fasting when God called him and shared the assignment for his life
(Acts 9:7-9). Peter was fasting on the rooftop when God gave him a new revelation and called him to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Fasting prepares the way for God to give you fresh revelation, fresh vision, and clear purpose.
Joel 2:28
What are we waiting for when we read scriptures like 2 Chronicles 7:14? Can you imagine if believers in America really took hold of this, if they humbled themselves (fasted) and prayed? God would heal our nation and send revival!
Fasting is what prepares you for a new anointing.
But if He is going to pour out new wine, our wineskins will have to change.
Mark 2:22
...if you look at this passage, Jesus had just finished telling the Pharisees that His disciples would fast once He was gone. Fasting is what prepares you for a new anointing (vs 20). If you want new wine, new miracles, new closeness, new intimacy with Him, then it's time to call a fast and shed that old skin for the new.
Fasting is a tremendous weapon and a source of power in the life of a believer...I am not the greatest preacher; I don't have the brilliant mind that some have, but God said He is no respecter of persons. When you honor and worship God by presenting your body as a living sacrifice through fasting, you too will know His assignments for your life.
2 Chron. 20:3-4, 13, 15, 17!!!!!!!!!
Do you want God to tell you what you need to do at this time in your life? Fast, worship, and seek Him. Be still and see the salvation of the Lord! I'm ready for some of those victories where it takes me longer to bring the victory home than it took to fight the battle! Press in like Jehoshaphat in times of great distress--you and your whole family, perhaps even your entire church. God will deliver you and show you His plan!
SATAN HATES WHEN YOU FAST
Satan gets disturbed--and defeated--when you decide to do more than be a Sunday-morning Christian. He has probably tried repeatedly to distract you from reading this chapter already. The devil knows fasting releases God's power.
Have you ever wondered why, of all things, Satan tempted Jesus at the end of His fast by provoking Him to turn stones into bread? ...Jesus came to serve others, not Himself. Further, He was determined to complete the fast God had called Him to finish. Jesus knew that some of the benefits of fasting cannot be released otherwise--and so did the devil! When Jesus returned from that 40-day fast, He immediately began to do mighty miracles, "healing all who were oppressed by the devil" (Acts 10:38). Satan needed to get Jesus focused on His appetite because if he didn't, Jesus was going to receive power from God that would change the world.
John 10:10
Do you think the enemy wants you to believe that nothing is impossible for you? He knows he is defeated, but he doesn't want you to know it or to walk in that realm of God's power. That is why it is so crucial for him to get you distracted. Don't allow the enemies in your life to cause you to focus more on your appetite or circumstances than on the promises of God that are released when you employ the powerful weapon of fasting.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
How Much? How Long? How Healthy? Chapter 3-"Fasting"
Job 23:12
Exod. 34:27-28
It was during a 40 day fast that Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Esther 4-7
When Haman ordered the annihilation and plunder of all Jews, Esther called for all the Jews of her city to join her on a 3-day fast from all food and water. As a result, the Jews were spared...
Hannah, greatly distressed over not being able to bear a child, "wept and did not eat." God heard her plea, and the prophet Samuel was soon born. 1 Sam. 1:7
Judah, Ezra, the people of Nineveh, Nehemiah, David and Anna are also among those whose fasts are noted in the Word. In addition...Joshua fasted 40 days, Daniel partially fasted 21-days, Paul was on at least 2 fasts: one for 3 days, one for 14-days, Peter fasted 3 days, and we know that Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness.
There are 3 types of fasts found in Scripture: Absolute fast, normal fast and the partial fast.
Absolute Fast: Extreme & should be done only for very short periods of time. You take in nothing--no food, no water. Depending on your health, this fast should be attempted only with medical consultation and supervision.
Normal Fast: You typically go without food of any kind for a certain number of days. You do drink water and plenty of it! Depending on the length of the normal fast, you may also choose to take clear broth and juices in order to maintain your strength.
Partial Fast: This can be interpreted in many ways. The way it CANNOT be interpreted is to include that time between about 11 PM and 6:00 AM-when you're sleeping! This fast usually involves giving up particular foods and drink for an extended period of time.
The most commonly used example of a partial fast is found in the book of Daniel. He and his 3 companions refused to eat choice meats and sweets, asking instead to have only vegetables and water. In chapter 10, he began another fast, taking no sweets, no meat, and no wine for 3 weeks.
The duration of fasts can vary. There are significant numbers we find in the Bible, which include 3 days, 7 days, 21-days and 40-days. But there are also references to half-day fasts adn 24-hour fasts.
The length of time that you choose to fast should depend on your circumstances, but don't get bogged down in the details.
Don't bite off more than you can handle. There is no need to be heroic and attempt a 40-day fast if you have never fasted a day in your life. Just start. Once you discover the benefits, you'll be on your way to making it a life practice. For most folks, a 3-day fast is very practical. A "Daniel fast," eliminating meat, bread, and sweets for 21-days is a fast just about anyone can handle as well. If it means something to you, it will mean something to God. After all, when was the last time angels were released to speak mysteries to you like the archangel Michael spoke to Daniel?
On longer fasts, I drink water, juice, and even broth when I feel I need a little extra strength. The local Chic-fil-A has grown so accustomed to our annual fasts at Free Chapel that they now readily strain their chicken noodle soup so we can buy just a cup of broth!
TIPS: Whenever you begin a fast, remember, if it doesn't mean anything to you, it won't mean anything to God. Without being combined with prayer and the Word, fasting is little more than dieting. Fasting itself is a continual prayer before God. There may be days when heaven opens and your heart is prompted to deep times of prayer. There may be other days when your energy is sapped and you just cannot seem to focus in prayer at all. Don't condemn yourself. God sees your sacrifice. When you are fasting, it's not the time to sit in front of the TV. Why would you torture yourself with all those food advertisements anyway?
Fasting is like spring cleaning for your body!
When you begin longer fasts, it is not a good idea to gorge yourself the days before. You should actually begin tapering off your food intake in preparation.
...when you begin, try to drink at least one gallon of purified water throughout the first day. Purified or distilled water flushes the toxins and the poison out of your system...Water is the faster's best friend.
I often get a headache the first day or two...it is likely your body getting rid of the toxins that have built up over a period of time. ...fasting...it gives your whole digestive system a break, and, medically speaking, that is very healthy. If you experience a headache while fasting, it is a sign that you needed to fast.
When you fast for at least 3 days, your digestive system shuts down...some feel sluggish, have headaches, and can't sleep, and, let's face it, you are going to get hungry! If you will keep drinking plenty of water and juice, those toxins that poison your body will get flushed out, and you will find what can only be described as a sweet place in the fast!...you find a deeper place in God where the rest just does not matter.
As you begin a fast, you will notice a sort of coating on your tongue for a few days. It is a sign the fast is helping your body eliminate toxins. Tests have proven that the average American consumes and assimilates four pounds of chemical preservatives each year. These build up in our bodies and cause illness and disease. Periodic fasts are necessary to flush out the poisons.
Don Colbert, MD author of the book, "Toxic Relief " says, "Fasting does not only prevent sickness. If done correctly, fasting holds amazing healing benefits to those of us who suffer illness and disease. From colds and flu to heart disease, fasting is a mighty key to healing the body."
Dr. Oda H.F. Birchinger, who supervised more than 70,000 fasts stated, "Fasting is a royal recovery and regeneration of the body, mind and spirit." "Fasting can heal and help rheumatism in the joints and muscles, diseases of the heart, circulation, blood vessels, stress-related exhaustion, skin diseases--including pimples and complexion problems, irregular menstrual cycles and hot flashes, disease of respiratory organs, alergies such as hay fever and other eye diseases."
Dr. Tanner decided at the age of 50 to fast 43-days without food. He did so under strict medical supervision. At the conclusion of the fast, he was much healthier. At age 60 he fasted 50 days and in the middle of his fast, he said he saw the unspeakable glorief of God. At 77 he fasted 53 days, and among other things that happened, his once thin, gray hair was replaced by new black hair! Dr. Tanner lived to be 93 years old.
Fasting slows your aging process. Moses fasted often, including two 40-day fasts and the Bible says, he was 120 old when he died. (Deut. 34:7)
When you fast drink plenty of water...great flushing agent. One of the signs that these toxins and poisons are being eliminated can be seen by the concentration of toxins in your urine. The urine turns darker because the disease-causing poison and toxins locked in your body because of terrible diets begin to be washed out.
It is also proven that fasting sharpens your mental process and aids and improves your sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, and all sensory faculties.
Fasting breaks the addiction to junk food. Fasting can break the power of an uncontrollable appetite.
Each year I encourage all the members of Free Chapel to join us in our 21-day fast. If in 21-days you can become a new person, why go the rest of your life feeling sick, weak, overweight, and run down? Why not take a radical step of faith? We have only one life to give to God--let's get control of our bodies and go for God with the best we have!
Now that's some food for thought!
Exod. 34:27-28
It was during a 40 day fast that Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Esther 4-7
When Haman ordered the annihilation and plunder of all Jews, Esther called for all the Jews of her city to join her on a 3-day fast from all food and water. As a result, the Jews were spared...
Hannah, greatly distressed over not being able to bear a child, "wept and did not eat." God heard her plea, and the prophet Samuel was soon born. 1 Sam. 1:7
Judah, Ezra, the people of Nineveh, Nehemiah, David and Anna are also among those whose fasts are noted in the Word. In addition...Joshua fasted 40 days, Daniel partially fasted 21-days, Paul was on at least 2 fasts: one for 3 days, one for 14-days, Peter fasted 3 days, and we know that Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness.
There are 3 types of fasts found in Scripture: Absolute fast, normal fast and the partial fast.
Absolute Fast: Extreme & should be done only for very short periods of time. You take in nothing--no food, no water. Depending on your health, this fast should be attempted only with medical consultation and supervision.
Normal Fast: You typically go without food of any kind for a certain number of days. You do drink water and plenty of it! Depending on the length of the normal fast, you may also choose to take clear broth and juices in order to maintain your strength.
Partial Fast: This can be interpreted in many ways. The way it CANNOT be interpreted is to include that time between about 11 PM and 6:00 AM-when you're sleeping! This fast usually involves giving up particular foods and drink for an extended period of time.
The most commonly used example of a partial fast is found in the book of Daniel. He and his 3 companions refused to eat choice meats and sweets, asking instead to have only vegetables and water. In chapter 10, he began another fast, taking no sweets, no meat, and no wine for 3 weeks.
The duration of fasts can vary. There are significant numbers we find in the Bible, which include 3 days, 7 days, 21-days and 40-days. But there are also references to half-day fasts adn 24-hour fasts.
The length of time that you choose to fast should depend on your circumstances, but don't get bogged down in the details.
Don't bite off more than you can handle. There is no need to be heroic and attempt a 40-day fast if you have never fasted a day in your life. Just start. Once you discover the benefits, you'll be on your way to making it a life practice. For most folks, a 3-day fast is very practical. A "Daniel fast," eliminating meat, bread, and sweets for 21-days is a fast just about anyone can handle as well. If it means something to you, it will mean something to God. After all, when was the last time angels were released to speak mysteries to you like the archangel Michael spoke to Daniel?
On longer fasts, I drink water, juice, and even broth when I feel I need a little extra strength. The local Chic-fil-A has grown so accustomed to our annual fasts at Free Chapel that they now readily strain their chicken noodle soup so we can buy just a cup of broth!
TIPS: Whenever you begin a fast, remember, if it doesn't mean anything to you, it won't mean anything to God. Without being combined with prayer and the Word, fasting is little more than dieting. Fasting itself is a continual prayer before God. There may be days when heaven opens and your heart is prompted to deep times of prayer. There may be other days when your energy is sapped and you just cannot seem to focus in prayer at all. Don't condemn yourself. God sees your sacrifice. When you are fasting, it's not the time to sit in front of the TV. Why would you torture yourself with all those food advertisements anyway?
Fasting is like spring cleaning for your body!
When you begin longer fasts, it is not a good idea to gorge yourself the days before. You should actually begin tapering off your food intake in preparation.
...when you begin, try to drink at least one gallon of purified water throughout the first day. Purified or distilled water flushes the toxins and the poison out of your system...Water is the faster's best friend.
I often get a headache the first day or two...it is likely your body getting rid of the toxins that have built up over a period of time. ...fasting...it gives your whole digestive system a break, and, medically speaking, that is very healthy. If you experience a headache while fasting, it is a sign that you needed to fast.
When you fast for at least 3 days, your digestive system shuts down...some feel sluggish, have headaches, and can't sleep, and, let's face it, you are going to get hungry! If you will keep drinking plenty of water and juice, those toxins that poison your body will get flushed out, and you will find what can only be described as a sweet place in the fast!...you find a deeper place in God where the rest just does not matter.
As you begin a fast, you will notice a sort of coating on your tongue for a few days. It is a sign the fast is helping your body eliminate toxins. Tests have proven that the average American consumes and assimilates four pounds of chemical preservatives each year. These build up in our bodies and cause illness and disease. Periodic fasts are necessary to flush out the poisons.
Don Colbert, MD author of the book, "Toxic Relief " says, "Fasting does not only prevent sickness. If done correctly, fasting holds amazing healing benefits to those of us who suffer illness and disease. From colds and flu to heart disease, fasting is a mighty key to healing the body."
Dr. Oda H.F. Birchinger, who supervised more than 70,000 fasts stated, "Fasting is a royal recovery and regeneration of the body, mind and spirit." "Fasting can heal and help rheumatism in the joints and muscles, diseases of the heart, circulation, blood vessels, stress-related exhaustion, skin diseases--including pimples and complexion problems, irregular menstrual cycles and hot flashes, disease of respiratory organs, alergies such as hay fever and other eye diseases."
Dr. Tanner decided at the age of 50 to fast 43-days without food. He did so under strict medical supervision. At the conclusion of the fast, he was much healthier. At age 60 he fasted 50 days and in the middle of his fast, he said he saw the unspeakable glorief of God. At 77 he fasted 53 days, and among other things that happened, his once thin, gray hair was replaced by new black hair! Dr. Tanner lived to be 93 years old.
Fasting slows your aging process. Moses fasted often, including two 40-day fasts and the Bible says, he was 120 old when he died. (Deut. 34:7)
When you fast drink plenty of water...great flushing agent. One of the signs that these toxins and poisons are being eliminated can be seen by the concentration of toxins in your urine. The urine turns darker because the disease-causing poison and toxins locked in your body because of terrible diets begin to be washed out.
It is also proven that fasting sharpens your mental process and aids and improves your sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, and all sensory faculties.
Fasting breaks the addiction to junk food. Fasting can break the power of an uncontrollable appetite.
Each year I encourage all the members of Free Chapel to join us in our 21-day fast. If in 21-days you can become a new person, why go the rest of your life feeling sick, weak, overweight, and run down? Why not take a radical step of faith? We have only one life to give to God--let's get control of our bodies and go for God with the best we have!
Now that's some food for thought!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Dethroning King Stomach-Cha. 2, "Fasting"
I could stop at the title of this chapter and be convicted! LOL!! Don't forget to GRAB your Bible and read the passages provided. It speaks louder than any words I can copy from this book. Whether or not you agree with every statement I've posted...we really haven't a leg to stand on when it comese to disagreeing with God's Word, right? ;)
Luke 4:1-2
...fasting means crucifying what I refer to as "King Stomach." And in case you don't know who King Stomach is, just move this book out of the way, look down, and introduce yourself.
Every year our entire congregation at Free Chapel participates in a twenty-one-day fast... Once you make the decision to fast, even if it's just for a day, God sees the desire of your heart. He will provide you with the grace to endure and see the breakthroughs you need come to pass. However, you will have to choose to dethrone that "dictator within."
Gen. 3:6
They (Adam and Eve) literally ate themselves out of house and home. They ate themselves out of the will of God for their lives. They ate themselves out of God's provision and plan for their lives and out of His magnificent presence.
Ezek. 16:49-50
...it is interesting to note that the inhabitants of those cities were not only guilty of homosexuality, according to the account in Genesis, but as we see here, they were also guilty of gluttony (fullness of food). Along with their other sins, their excessive loyalty to King Stomach carried them right into damnation!
Gen. 25:34
Esau sold his coveted birthright because of his allegiance to King Stomach. God had a plan, a destiny, a will for Esau's life, but his lust for food and instant gratification was more important.
Heb. 12:15-17
Num. 11:4-7, 18-20, 34
God heard their murmuring and complaining...He sent them quail in such a great abundance they stacked it two and a half feet deep! And they ate and ate, and while the meat was in their mouths, thousands of them died and were buried there...(vs 34) that place became known as Kibroth Hattaavah, which means "The Graves of Lusters," as a memorial to those who ate themselves right out of the Promised Land.
Matthew Henry wrote, "Those who are under the power of a carnal mind, will have their lusts fulfilled, though it be to the certain damage and ruin of their precious souls."
I want you to understand that there are some "promised lands" and some "promises" that God has for you...but some of them will never be realized as long as King Stomach rules your appetite and controls your life.
God wants to pour out supernatural blessings in our lives, but they will never be realized if we are not willing to seek Him in fasting and prayer.
God knows there is never a convenient time to fast.
In our busy lives there is always a holiday, birthday, office lunch, or something that creates a bump in the road, so we talk ourselves out of beginning a fast. My advise to you, just jump in and do it, and everything else will take care of itself! If you have never fasted before, just do it for one day and you will see what I mean.
The reason we fast corporately at Free Chapel at the beginning of every year is based on principles that have been adapted from Dr. Bob Rogers's book 101 Reasons to Fast. There are 3 reasons starting the year with a fast is a good practice. First, by doing so, you set the course for the rest of the year. Just as beginning your day with prayer sets the course for the rest of the day and covers anything that may happen, the same is true of beginning the year with a fast. You set the course for the entire year by what you do with those first few days of each New Year. You can carry that even further to give God teh first part of every day, the first day of every week, teh first portion of every dollar, and the first consideration in every decision.
Secondly, "Blessings will happen for you and your family throughout the year because you fasted in January." In fact, it was around Thanksgiving when I got the call to go to the bank. When I arrived, a man and his wife met me and said, "Here is a million dollars for the building program." I had forgotten about the fast we had done ten months prior, but God hadn't....
This third point is so powerful. When you fast at teh beginning of the year and pray, you release teh principle found in Matt. 6:33: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" If you seek Him first in the year, get ready for all these "things" to be added to your life throughout the rest of the year!
Have a great day!
Luke 4:1-2
...fasting means crucifying what I refer to as "King Stomach." And in case you don't know who King Stomach is, just move this book out of the way, look down, and introduce yourself.
Every year our entire congregation at Free Chapel participates in a twenty-one-day fast... Once you make the decision to fast, even if it's just for a day, God sees the desire of your heart. He will provide you with the grace to endure and see the breakthroughs you need come to pass. However, you will have to choose to dethrone that "dictator within."
Gen. 3:6
They (Adam and Eve) literally ate themselves out of house and home. They ate themselves out of the will of God for their lives. They ate themselves out of God's provision and plan for their lives and out of His magnificent presence.
Ezek. 16:49-50
...it is interesting to note that the inhabitants of those cities were not only guilty of homosexuality, according to the account in Genesis, but as we see here, they were also guilty of gluttony (fullness of food). Along with their other sins, their excessive loyalty to King Stomach carried them right into damnation!
Gen. 25:34
Esau sold his coveted birthright because of his allegiance to King Stomach. God had a plan, a destiny, a will for Esau's life, but his lust for food and instant gratification was more important.
Heb. 12:15-17
Num. 11:4-7, 18-20, 34
God heard their murmuring and complaining...He sent them quail in such a great abundance they stacked it two and a half feet deep! And they ate and ate, and while the meat was in their mouths, thousands of them died and were buried there...(vs 34) that place became known as Kibroth Hattaavah, which means "The Graves of Lusters," as a memorial to those who ate themselves right out of the Promised Land.
Matthew Henry wrote, "Those who are under the power of a carnal mind, will have their lusts fulfilled, though it be to the certain damage and ruin of their precious souls."
I want you to understand that there are some "promised lands" and some "promises" that God has for you...but some of them will never be realized as long as King Stomach rules your appetite and controls your life.
God wants to pour out supernatural blessings in our lives, but they will never be realized if we are not willing to seek Him in fasting and prayer.
God knows there is never a convenient time to fast.
In our busy lives there is always a holiday, birthday, office lunch, or something that creates a bump in the road, so we talk ourselves out of beginning a fast. My advise to you, just jump in and do it, and everything else will take care of itself! If you have never fasted before, just do it for one day and you will see what I mean.
The reason we fast corporately at Free Chapel at the beginning of every year is based on principles that have been adapted from Dr. Bob Rogers's book 101 Reasons to Fast. There are 3 reasons starting the year with a fast is a good practice. First, by doing so, you set the course for the rest of the year. Just as beginning your day with prayer sets the course for the rest of the day and covers anything that may happen, the same is true of beginning the year with a fast. You set the course for the entire year by what you do with those first few days of each New Year. You can carry that even further to give God teh first part of every day, the first day of every week, teh first portion of every dollar, and the first consideration in every decision.
Secondly, "Blessings will happen for you and your family throughout the year because you fasted in January." In fact, it was around Thanksgiving when I got the call to go to the bank. When I arrived, a man and his wife met me and said, "Here is a million dollars for the building program." I had forgotten about the fast we had done ten months prior, but God hadn't....
This third point is so powerful. When you fast at teh beginning of the year and pray, you release teh principle found in Matt. 6:33: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" If you seek Him first in the year, get ready for all these "things" to be added to your life throughout the rest of the year!
Have a great day!
Notes from Chapter 1-"Fasting" by Jentezen Franklin
Ever wonder about fasting? I've always been interested in knowing how or the right way to fast.
I do know from personal experience that the times I have fasted, have been some pretty incredible experiences and the closeness I felt is indescribable.
These are some of the things that I personally found interesting in Chapter 1. If you don't read the passages provided, the words posted will only be words of another human so I strongly suggest, Get out your Bible and READ THE SCRIPTURES!!!! I'd like to get feedback from those of you who might be reading these notes. Everything posted are quotes taken directly from the pages of this book written by J. Franklin.
Every assignment has a birthplace. When God has placed a dream inside you that only He can make possible, you need to fast and pray.
When i find myself growing dry spiritually, when I don't sense that cutting-edge anointing, or when I need a fresh encounter with God, fasting is the secret key that unlocks heaven's door and slams shut the gates of hell.
Since you are reading this book, you are probably not content to go through this year the way you went through last year. you know there's more. You know there is an assignment for your life. You know there are things that God desires to release in your life, and there is a genuine desperation for those things gripping your heart.
Matt. 6:1-18
Suggestion: Highlight, underline and/or circle in this passage these words..."When you give...When you pray...When you fast..."
What is fasting? I first want to clarify what fasting--biblical fasting- is NOT. Fasting is not merely going without food for a period of time. That is dieting--maybe even starving--but fasting IT IS NOT. (EMPHASIS MINE)
...biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.
Ps. 42:1-3, 7
Fasting brings one into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord. "Deep calls unto deep". David was fasting. His hunger and thirst for God were greater than his natural desire for food. You will soon realize that fasting is a secret source of power that is overlooked by many.
Ecc. 4:12
When giving, praying and fasting are practiced together in the life of a believer, it creates a type of threefold cord that is not easily broken.
In the Beatitudes, specifically in Matt. 6, Jesus provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. That pattern addressed 3 specific duties of a Christian: giving, praying and fasting. Jesus said, "When you give..." and "When you pray..." and "When you fast." HE made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of Christian life. As much attention should be given to fasting as is given to giving and to praying.
The three duties of every Christian are giving, praying and fasting.
What answers to prayer are not getting through? What bondages are not being broken because we fail to fast?
Matt. 17:20-21 (KJV)
...I think a lot of people stop at the part of this passage where it reads, "and nothing shall be impossible unto you." but Jesus didn't because He knew there was more---much more.
When you faithfully follow the three duties of a Christian, God rewards you openly.
If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives?
Luke 5:34-35
According to the words of Jesus, it is the duty of every disciple and every believer to fast.
Jesus didn't expect His disciples to do something He hadn't done as well. 1 Pet. 2:21
Luke 6:40
Matt. 6: God delights in giving rewards...He says that when giving, praying and fasting are practiced in your life, He will "reward you openly."
An example of open reward can be found in Daniel...his fasting--ever partial fasting of certain foods--brought about the open reward of God, who blessed Daniel with wisdom beyond that of anyone else in that empire. In chapter 10 of Daniel, he ate no choice breads or meats and drank no wine for three weeks. His fast broke the power of the delayer and released the angels of God so that God's purposes could be revealed and served.
Do you desire to know God's will for your life, whom you should marry, or what you should do in a critical situation? Whether you desire to be closer to God or are in a need of great breakthroughs in your life, remember that nothing shall be impossible to you. Fasting is truly a secret source of power!
That's it for Chapter 1! Stay tuned...
I do know from personal experience that the times I have fasted, have been some pretty incredible experiences and the closeness I felt is indescribable.
These are some of the things that I personally found interesting in Chapter 1. If you don't read the passages provided, the words posted will only be words of another human so I strongly suggest, Get out your Bible and READ THE SCRIPTURES!!!! I'd like to get feedback from those of you who might be reading these notes. Everything posted are quotes taken directly from the pages of this book written by J. Franklin.
Every assignment has a birthplace. When God has placed a dream inside you that only He can make possible, you need to fast and pray.
When i find myself growing dry spiritually, when I don't sense that cutting-edge anointing, or when I need a fresh encounter with God, fasting is the secret key that unlocks heaven's door and slams shut the gates of hell.
Since you are reading this book, you are probably not content to go through this year the way you went through last year. you know there's more. You know there is an assignment for your life. You know there are things that God desires to release in your life, and there is a genuine desperation for those things gripping your heart.
Matt. 6:1-18
Suggestion: Highlight, underline and/or circle in this passage these words..."When you give...When you pray...When you fast..."
What is fasting? I first want to clarify what fasting--biblical fasting- is NOT. Fasting is not merely going without food for a period of time. That is dieting--maybe even starving--but fasting IT IS NOT. (EMPHASIS MINE)
...biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.
Ps. 42:1-3, 7
Fasting brings one into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord. "Deep calls unto deep". David was fasting. His hunger and thirst for God were greater than his natural desire for food. You will soon realize that fasting is a secret source of power that is overlooked by many.
Ecc. 4:12
When giving, praying and fasting are practiced together in the life of a believer, it creates a type of threefold cord that is not easily broken.
In the Beatitudes, specifically in Matt. 6, Jesus provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. That pattern addressed 3 specific duties of a Christian: giving, praying and fasting. Jesus said, "When you give..." and "When you pray..." and "When you fast." HE made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of Christian life. As much attention should be given to fasting as is given to giving and to praying.
The three duties of every Christian are giving, praying and fasting.
What answers to prayer are not getting through? What bondages are not being broken because we fail to fast?
Matt. 17:20-21 (KJV)
...I think a lot of people stop at the part of this passage where it reads, "and nothing shall be impossible unto you." but Jesus didn't because He knew there was more---much more.
When you faithfully follow the three duties of a Christian, God rewards you openly.
If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives?
Luke 5:34-35
According to the words of Jesus, it is the duty of every disciple and every believer to fast.
Jesus didn't expect His disciples to do something He hadn't done as well. 1 Pet. 2:21
Luke 6:40
Matt. 6: God delights in giving rewards...He says that when giving, praying and fasting are practiced in your life, He will "reward you openly."
An example of open reward can be found in Daniel...his fasting--ever partial fasting of certain foods--brought about the open reward of God, who blessed Daniel with wisdom beyond that of anyone else in that empire. In chapter 10 of Daniel, he ate no choice breads or meats and drank no wine for three weeks. His fast broke the power of the delayer and released the angels of God so that God's purposes could be revealed and served.
Do you desire to know God's will for your life, whom you should marry, or what you should do in a critical situation? Whether you desire to be closer to God or are in a need of great breakthroughs in your life, remember that nothing shall be impossible to you. Fasting is truly a secret source of power!
That's it for Chapter 1! Stay tuned...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Method of Study
Good Morning!
I've shared with some of my friends recently the method that Anne Graham Lotz has used while studying her Bible, for years. I implemented these steps in my Bible study time this morning and now I can see why she possesses such wisdom. Hopefully some will rub off on me! ;)
Get out a notebook OR type it on your computer which is what I did. You can always print it off and compile it in a notebook.
Here are the abbreviated steps she uses in case you too would like to try it out for yourself...
Step 1: Read God’s Word; a brief passage of scripture (one paragraph or so 2-8 verses).
Step 2: What does God's Word say? List the facts (no paraphrasing)
Make a verse-by-verse list of the outstanding facts, pinpointing the most obvious facts. Do not paraphrase or put His words into your own words but actually using words from the passage.
Step 3:What does God's Word mean? Learn the lessons.
Review the list of facts you just made and look for a lesson or spiritual principle to learn in each fact. Ask yourself, "What are the people in this passage doing or not doing that I should be or not be doing? Is there a command I should obey? A promise I should claim? A warning I should heed? An example I should follow?
Step 4: What does God's Word mean to me? Listen to His voice.
Take lessons or principles from step 3 and put them in the form of a question you could ask yourself, your spouse, your child, a friend, a neighbor or a coworker. Listen for God to speak to you personally through His Word.
Step 5: How will I respond to God's Word today? Live it out.
Listen to God speak to you personally through the passage. He may not speak to you through every verse, but He WILL speak. When He does, record the verse number, what it is He seems to be saying to you and your response to Him.
You can find her detailed instructions in most of her books but I thought this might help someone to get started.
Have a great day and don't forget to read, list, determine what it means, what is it saying to you personally and live it out!
I've shared with some of my friends recently the method that Anne Graham Lotz has used while studying her Bible, for years. I implemented these steps in my Bible study time this morning and now I can see why she possesses such wisdom. Hopefully some will rub off on me! ;)
Get out a notebook OR type it on your computer which is what I did. You can always print it off and compile it in a notebook.
Here are the abbreviated steps she uses in case you too would like to try it out for yourself...
Step 1: Read God’s Word; a brief passage of scripture (one paragraph or so 2-8 verses).
Step 2: What does God's Word say? List the facts (no paraphrasing)
Make a verse-by-verse list of the outstanding facts, pinpointing the most obvious facts. Do not paraphrase or put His words into your own words but actually using words from the passage.
Step 3:What does God's Word mean? Learn the lessons.
Review the list of facts you just made and look for a lesson or spiritual principle to learn in each fact. Ask yourself, "What are the people in this passage doing or not doing that I should be or not be doing? Is there a command I should obey? A promise I should claim? A warning I should heed? An example I should follow?
Step 4: What does God's Word mean to me? Listen to His voice.
Take lessons or principles from step 3 and put them in the form of a question you could ask yourself, your spouse, your child, a friend, a neighbor or a coworker. Listen for God to speak to you personally through His Word.
Step 5: How will I respond to God's Word today? Live it out.
Listen to God speak to you personally through the passage. He may not speak to you through every verse, but He WILL speak. When He does, record the verse number, what it is He seems to be saying to you and your response to Him.
You can find her detailed instructions in most of her books but I thought this might help someone to get started.
Have a great day and don't forget to read, list, determine what it means, what is it saying to you personally and live it out!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
OUCH!
Ever complained about anything? Ever complained about something more than once, twice or even a dozen times? How about constantly? Unfortunately, I have. Yes, I’ve confessed it and sought forgiveness and HE has been faithful and just… (1 John 1:9)
As I was going to bed, I thought I would grab one of my Bibles off my shelf, as my everyday Bible was downstairs. I wasn’t looking for a certain one but I remembered talking with some friends earlier in the week about the “fruit of the Spirit” when that particular Bible (NIV Fruit of the Spirit Bible) caught my attention.
I was going to turn and read 1st thru 3rd John as I made reference to it in a conversation I had with a friend of mine over dinner tonight. As I was flipping through, making my way to the back of the Bible, a page caught my attention with this in BIG and bold letters… “JESUS SPEAKS OUT on the Fruit of the Spirit: S E L F – C O N T R O L.” I’ll admit, I lack a lot of this in my eating, lack of exercise (none to be quiet honest), discipline in keeping my opinions to myself sometimes, in the way I respond and/or react in certain situations, in relationships, and I’ll just stop with these as this list could go on for a LONG time, I’m sad to say.
As it captured my attention I focused on some of the verses listed but when I came to a certain one, I tried to remember what I had read in the close of Anne Graham Lotz’ book this morning and the method she has used for years to study scriptures. When I began to slow down and really see what this verse was saying, phrase by phrase, something occurred to me, actually more than one thing and I’d like to share it with you in hopes that if you answered yes to any of the first few questions I asked you at the beginning, it might help put things in perspective. It FLAT WORE ME OUT personally, and I got myself some much-needed correction. "He disciplines those He loves…"(Heb. 12:6)
Mark 14:36 (NIV)
“Abba, Father,” [Jesus] said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup ---PUT ON THE BREAKS. Slow down and read it again. Before I finished reading just this much, knowing where this particular scripture was going as I’m sure you do…I had to STOP and sit a minute when I got to the part, “Take this cup”. Jesus, calling on His Abba, His Daddy, His Father, knowing undoubtedly, that everything is possible for HIM. Here’s what, “Take this cup” said to me…
Take the taste of death, take from me the innocent blood I’m going to shed for people who hate me, who will scorn and mock me, take this cup filled with the unmerciful and undeserving beatings that I’ll receive, take the crown of thorns that will be bent into my scalp, take from me the nails that will be driven through my hands and feet, take from me the sword that will pierce my side, take from me the six hours that I will hang, my body aching with excruciating pain, unclothed, while insults are being hurled at me, and take the pain I’ll feel for having to leave my mother and my friends as I look at them from the cross that I am pinned upon and the sadness I’ll feel as I stare at a lost and dying world who denies YOU.
The verse doesn’t stop there…it goes on to say…”Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Regardless of all that HE went through and all that HE so willingly gave and did for us, it was HIS Father’s will that Jesus sought to do.
I hardly think I have reason to complain about anything. Unfortunately, I’m sure I will again because of the flesh that I am. I pray that I will remember that I had to spring up from my bed before I could go to sleep and write about this and the fact that Jesus didn’t complain. He simply asked, “take this cup from me” yet surrendered to the will of His Father for me, for you, for all of us. Do we really have anything worth complaining about? If our circumstances were as HIS was at the time HE prayed this, then maybe?
A note that was in this Bible reads like this, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). And how did Jesus walk? He gave up every right to walk in his own selfish direction. He walked paths that pleased His Father, paths that led to destinations that made all of heaven rejoice…”
Father, thank You for your sweet discipline, Your gentle ways, Your Word and how it speaks to correct and teach us (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Thank You for taking my place and loving me enough to do so. I love You and I long to do YOUR will. Help me to remember that any discomfort that I may experience along the way, pales in comparison to what You went through because of Your unfailing love for me. In Jesus’ Name!
As I was going to bed, I thought I would grab one of my Bibles off my shelf, as my everyday Bible was downstairs. I wasn’t looking for a certain one but I remembered talking with some friends earlier in the week about the “fruit of the Spirit” when that particular Bible (NIV Fruit of the Spirit Bible) caught my attention.
I was going to turn and read 1st thru 3rd John as I made reference to it in a conversation I had with a friend of mine over dinner tonight. As I was flipping through, making my way to the back of the Bible, a page caught my attention with this in BIG and bold letters… “JESUS SPEAKS OUT on the Fruit of the Spirit: S E L F – C O N T R O L.” I’ll admit, I lack a lot of this in my eating, lack of exercise (none to be quiet honest), discipline in keeping my opinions to myself sometimes, in the way I respond and/or react in certain situations, in relationships, and I’ll just stop with these as this list could go on for a LONG time, I’m sad to say.
As it captured my attention I focused on some of the verses listed but when I came to a certain one, I tried to remember what I had read in the close of Anne Graham Lotz’ book this morning and the method she has used for years to study scriptures. When I began to slow down and really see what this verse was saying, phrase by phrase, something occurred to me, actually more than one thing and I’d like to share it with you in hopes that if you answered yes to any of the first few questions I asked you at the beginning, it might help put things in perspective. It FLAT WORE ME OUT personally, and I got myself some much-needed correction. "He disciplines those He loves…"(Heb. 12:6)
Mark 14:36 (NIV)
“Abba, Father,” [Jesus] said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup ---PUT ON THE BREAKS. Slow down and read it again. Before I finished reading just this much, knowing where this particular scripture was going as I’m sure you do…I had to STOP and sit a minute when I got to the part, “Take this cup”. Jesus, calling on His Abba, His Daddy, His Father, knowing undoubtedly, that everything is possible for HIM. Here’s what, “Take this cup” said to me…
Take the taste of death, take from me the innocent blood I’m going to shed for people who hate me, who will scorn and mock me, take this cup filled with the unmerciful and undeserving beatings that I’ll receive, take the crown of thorns that will be bent into my scalp, take from me the nails that will be driven through my hands and feet, take from me the sword that will pierce my side, take from me the six hours that I will hang, my body aching with excruciating pain, unclothed, while insults are being hurled at me, and take the pain I’ll feel for having to leave my mother and my friends as I look at them from the cross that I am pinned upon and the sadness I’ll feel as I stare at a lost and dying world who denies YOU.
The verse doesn’t stop there…it goes on to say…”Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Regardless of all that HE went through and all that HE so willingly gave and did for us, it was HIS Father’s will that Jesus sought to do.
I hardly think I have reason to complain about anything. Unfortunately, I’m sure I will again because of the flesh that I am. I pray that I will remember that I had to spring up from my bed before I could go to sleep and write about this and the fact that Jesus didn’t complain. He simply asked, “take this cup from me” yet surrendered to the will of His Father for me, for you, for all of us. Do we really have anything worth complaining about? If our circumstances were as HIS was at the time HE prayed this, then maybe?
A note that was in this Bible reads like this, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). And how did Jesus walk? He gave up every right to walk in his own selfish direction. He walked paths that pleased His Father, paths that led to destinations that made all of heaven rejoice…”
Father, thank You for your sweet discipline, Your gentle ways, Your Word and how it speaks to correct and teach us (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Thank You for taking my place and loving me enough to do so. I love You and I long to do YOUR will. Help me to remember that any discomfort that I may experience along the way, pales in comparison to what You went through because of Your unfailing love for me. In Jesus’ Name!
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