When 'popular' is a good thing.

I have seen the magazine covers as I am sure you have.

Fasting is popular!

Question: Is there any value in fasting?

Sometimes I feel something very deeply in my soul . . . okay, maybe more often than the average human being. 

On the other hand, sometimes my mind is quickened by a scripture or a desire to feel closer to God; 

and still other times, my spirit is moved deep within me by the magnitude of a situation in which God's intervention or grace is needed~

a situation in which God surely must act. 

At such times, I remember this gift... fasting.

Fasting can unlock breakthroughs in the spiritual realm that cannot happen in any other way by looking to God and his power rather than our own.1 What is fasting?Fasting is denying ourselves food most commonly or possibly something else (something that is a part of our normal everyday life...social media? Netflix?) Fact is, for most reading this, we deprive ourselves of little. Therefore, it is easy to forget that our true strength comes from an Almighty God.

Christ followers fast-

 --to increase awareness of God's presence in our lives,                                               

--to increase effectiveness in praying for others (intercession)

-->>because oft times our prayers are more effective than our words

 Christ followers fast-

--for guidance in decisions 

 --for increased concentration on a spiritual matter 

 --for healing or breakthrough in physical or mental well being . . .

In Luke chapter 5, folks asked Jesus why he and his disciples were not fasting like John's disciples or those of the Pharisees, the most righteous of the law-abiding Jews. Jesus answered with a parable, but first 'Is fasting commanded in the Bible?' Nope. However, why would we refrain from the simple, humble activity if it increases our chances of seeing the mighty hand of God move? 

In most cases, fasting is a private matter between God and us, but on the other hand, one of my favorite passages in the Old Testament is not private at all! Rather we see desperate need, fasting and prayer, and a miraculous response by God.2 This entire event moves me so much! And then there was the time when the disciples were unsuccessful in casting a demon out of a boy; when they asked Jesus why they could not heal, Jesus said, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”3

We have within our community right now several who need a miraculous move of God... without naming them, would you please lift these silent requests before the Lord with me? O God, have mercy.

And you? What are you carrying, my friends across the globe?

Perhaps it is time to double down: Pray. Fast. If it is your first time, perhaps give up a single meal. The point is that you feel a craving and will be reminded to pray. Concentrate some time asking God to be merciful to these who need him so.. Loneliness, insecurity, harsh words do not have the final word!

Fasting is good for your body, it is good for your soul, it is great for your spirit. 

I love you each, I love you all ~ really I do. I awaken at night and pray for you across this continent, across the oceans, in India, Pakistan, Ghana, Antigua... in Memphis for a memorial service. God sees you.

I pray this over you - My Prayer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj_0pvIGkks

Pressing on, leaning in . . . 

Christine

Luke, #23

^{1 - pursueGOD.org}

^{2 - 2 Chronicles 20.1-30;} https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2020.1-...

3 - Mark 9.29