After this chapter, only one more to go and you have read directly from the book, "Fasting" by Jentezen Franklin. The stories and personal testimonies are really good, it's worth the purchase. The first passage to look up is...
2 Chron. 7:14-15
Though you do not fast to be cleansed of sin (the blood of Jesus is the only solution for sin), you should enter a fast seriously, having repented of any known sins. Fasting will even bring hidden things to the surface so you can repent.
When you fast your appearance should be normal, and you should not draw attention to your "affliction" of fasting through your actions, your treatment of others, or your temperament. Though your focus should be on your own needs, the needs of others should be on your heart as well. God said... Isa. 58:6-9
Matt. 5:14
...in our lives as children of God, our light will break forth and be apparent to others--I imagine much like the glow on the face of Moses when he descended the mountain after spending time with God.
The Lord says that when you fast, "your righteousness shall go before you" (Isa. 58:8).
Your faith, your right standing with God, will cause you to move into areas where you would not have moved if you had not fasted. Doors will open to you that were not opened before, and your influence will go out like ripples in a pond.
There are people whose lives can be forever made better because of your righteousness going forth with influence.
When you fast, Isaiah said, "The God of Israel will be your rear guard" (Isa. 52:12).
Isa. 54:17
...the devil wants fasting to remain the best-ket secret in the kingdom.
Isa. 58:10-12, KJV
In...situations you face that are just overwhelming and you don't know how to find your way through the darkness of obscurity and confusion, God will cause your light to shine on the path you are to take.
...another benefit of fasting: the Lord will guide you continually. Though the path before you may be obscure, when you fast and pray in faith, God will reward you and guide you. "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it." (Isa. 30:21).
When you fast you begin to lay a spiritual foundation that not only affects your life, but God says you will also affect the generations to come after you. I don't just fast for myself; I fast for my children, my future grandchildren, and so on. I have laid a foundation through my devotion to God that He will build upon because He found an inroad to my family.
Fasting can end the demonic attack on your family. Fasting can break the generational curses. When you fast, you lay a new foundation of blessing that will be transferred over to your children and your children's children. "And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, teh Restorer of Streets to Dwell In." (Isa. 58:12)
Personal thought of mine after reading this chapter...
It should never be the reason we fast--to get something in return. It should stem as an act of obedience and a desire to know Him more intimately. Should HE decide to bless us because we fasted...that is gravy my friend!
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