During the beginning of March 2010, the church I attend asked the people to fast. Throughout the course of the week I had numerous people tell me that people questioned why they were fasting. Many people also commented that the church should not ask anyone to fast and that it was not Biblical.
I placed this subject on a back burner due to the controversy it brings. Over the past three days during my daily scripture reading I read two different verses in two different books of the Bible that talked about fasting. This prompted me to look more into the biblical aspect of it.
I certainly remember growing up and giving up something for Lent each year. As Easter approaches there are many who are still honoring this. This can be considered a form a fasting in today’s fast paced world. I have found that fasting appears numerous times throughout the Bible. The Master Study Bible refers to fasting as an act before God in the privacy of your pursuit of God. The early churches fasted to seek God’s will for the church leaders.
The three main forms of fasting in the Bible are:
•No food only water (Luke 4:2)
•No food or water for no more than 3 days (Ezra 10:6, Esther 4:16 & Acts 9:9)
•Fruits, Vegetables and water only (Daniel 10:3)
I personally find it ironic that people would question why people would fast and actually state it is not Biblical. I welcome the idea of fasting when I need to hear God. Fasting is a private matter between you and God. Boasting or advertising your fast to make people think you are righteous or Holy is not Biblical. In Matt 6:16, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for doing just that. Jesus did not appoint any fasts during his time on earth, however He did fast for 40 days and 40 nights prior to being tempted by the devil (Matt 4:2-3).
I would urge anyone seeking God for Confession of Sins, Mourning, Heartfelt Prayer, Personal Afflictions or any Major Decisions to fast prior to talking with God. This will truly assist in cleansing the body and soul so you can truly listening and hear God’s answer.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
When studying scripture I have found it important to read prior verses along with verses after the actual verse I am studying. This provides me with a greater understanding of it.
This verse was prophesied by Isaiah between 740 and 700 BC – The reasoning for the message was due to King Ahaz wanting a sign from God. Ironically this verse is also found in Matthew 1:23 when the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, which was written in 50 and 60 AD.
The name Immanuel means “God with us”.
These words are similar to the words used in the New Testament.
John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
1 Timothy 3:16 – “He appeared in a body.”
As I read this verse I also noticed the “The Virgin” is an indication that shows how God’s plans are set. “The Virgin” is pointing to a specific person (Mary). If this was prophesied as “A Virgin” it would leave the impression or emphasis the “The Virgin” was not yet picked. This I feel is very significant for as it states in Psalm 139:16 – “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them became to be.”
I wonder what God has already written in His book for me? I know I need to open my heart in order to hear Him and allow Him to guide me.
I urge each of you to take time daily to sit and ask God the questions you have. Then take a moment and relax, clear your mind, open your heart and listen.
Remember it may not always be what you have pre-determined the answer should be and it may not be what you want to hear.
However God provides us with three answers: Yes, No, Maybe in my time and will. It is always your decision to walk on the narrow or wide path.
When studying scripture I have found it important to read prior verses along with verses after the actual verse I am studying. This provides me with a greater understanding of it.
This verse was prophesied by Isaiah between 740 and 700 BC – The reasoning for the message was due to King Ahaz wanting a sign from God. Ironically this verse is also found in Matthew 1:23 when the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, which was written in 50 and 60 AD.
The name Immanuel means “God with us”.
These words are similar to the words used in the New Testament.
John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
1 Timothy 3:16 – “He appeared in a body.”
As I read this verse I also noticed the “The Virgin” is an indication that shows how God’s plans are set. “The Virgin” is pointing to a specific person (Mary). If this was prophesied as “A Virgin” it would leave the impression or emphasis the “The Virgin” was not yet picked. This I feel is very significant for as it states in Psalm 139:16 – “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them became to be.”
I wonder what God has already written in His book for me? I know I need to open my heart in order to hear Him and allow Him to guide me.
I urge each of you to take time daily to sit and ask God the questions you have. Then take a moment and relax, clear your mind, open your heart and listen.
Remember it may not always be what you have pre-determined the answer should be and it may not be what you want to hear.
However God provides us with three answers: Yes, No, Maybe in my time and will. It is always your decision to walk on the narrow or wide path.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Today as best I can, I am going to be still. I am not going to charter thoughtlessly. I will remember that I don't have to defend myself or make sure people think of me the way I want them to. Today I don't have to get my way. Today, before I make decisions, I will try to listen for God's voice. I am not going to be tossed around by anxiety or anger-I will take those feelings as prompts from the Spirit to listen first. In each of these situations I will ask God "How would you like me to respond? I will live in stillness."
Today as best I can, I am going to be still. I am not going to charter thoughtlessly. I will remember that I don't have to defend myself or make sure people think of me the way I want them to. Today I don't have to get my way. Today, before I make decisions, I will try to listen for God's voice. I am not going to be tossed around by anxiety or anger-I will take those feelings as prompts from the Spirit to listen first. In each of these situations I will ask God "How would you like me to respond? I will live in stillness."
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