The Power of FASTING

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will REJOICE and be glad in it.
On this Monday morning my heart is filled with thanksgiving for so many things. First of all, my wife just emailed to me what she shared on her blog today, and it made me cry. Not bitter tears, but tears of remembrance and thanksgiving.
Secondly, I am thankful for the wonderful day that we had yesterday in all three of our services. In our morning services, a large percentage of people responded to the altar call that they had “lost their cutting edge” and weren’t as close to God as they needed to be.
God spoke into my heart a truth that is so challenging, and it is this, “YOU ARE AS CLOSE TO GOD RIGHT NOW AS YOU WANT TO BE.” Think about that. If something is lacking in your relationship with God, whose fault is it? Who are we going to blame? God hasn’t moved. Amen?
Then, last night we had 85 sign up for our 21 day Daniel fast. I was hoping for 60 last night, and was overwhelmed at the response. I am excited about what God is about to do in and through us.
All this week, I want to talk with you about the IMPORTANCE, and POWER of fasting. For those of you that are not aware of it, we begin a 21-day Daniel Fast this Sunday, March 2nd, and continue it until March 22nd. You can read about the Daniel Fast in Daniel chapters one and ten. If you were not in church last night, and would like to sign up for the FAST, please call the church office and tell Beth that you would like to sign up. God has placed it within my heart for us to have 120 going through this fast simultaneously. Can you imagine what miracles that we are going to see through this time of consecration and dedication to the Lord? I am excited.
Even if you do not attend our church, why don’t you consider joining the fast with us? If you would email me at: rustyblann@yahoo.com I would be happy to share some thoughts with you about the fast and the type of food that you can eat and should avoid, etc.

Let me share with you what Isaiah 58 says about the power of fasting:

Isaiah 58:6-8 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? (7) Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? (8) Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward.

There are NINE aspects or benefits of fasting in these two verses:

1. “To loose the bands of wickedness” (Isaiah 58:6) Freeing ourselves and others from addictions to sin
Matthew 17: (21) But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

2. “To undo the heavy burdens” (Isaiah 58:6) To solve problems, inviting the Holy Spirit’s aid in lifting loads and overcoming barriers that keep ourselves and our loved ones from walking joyfully with the Lord.

3. “To let the oppressed (physically and spiritually) go free (Isaiah 58:6)-for revival and soul winning, to identify with people everywhere enslaved literally or by sin and to pray to be used of God to bring people out of the kingdom of darkness and into God’s marvelous light.

4. “To break every yoke”-conquering the mental and emotional problems that would control our lives, and returning the control to the Lord.

5. “To share (our) bread with the hungry” and to care for the poor-to meet the humanitarian needs of others

6. To allow God’s “light to break forth like the morning (Isaiah 58:8) brining clearer perspective and insight as we make crucial decisions.

7. So “thine health shall spring forth” (Isaiah 58:8)-to gain a healthier life or for healing.

8. That “your righteousness shall go before you” (Isaiah 58:8)-that our testimonies and influence for Jesus will be enhanced before others.

9. That “the glory of the Lord” will protect us from the evil one

There TRULY is power in FASTING and PRAYER. I pray that you join with us during this fast as we break away from INSANITY: “Doing what we’ve always done and expecting different results.” Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

Today’s “THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR” reading: February 25, 2008 (Monday) I Samuel 4:1-I Samuel 7:17

This week’s MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 58:6-8

Isaiah 58:6-8 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? (7) Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? (8) Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward.