Fasting

 Fasting:

                      Hello and welcome to My Little House of Prayer Ministry Bible Study. So glad you could join us. Bella included. She groaned a lot when I was typing this message. She is all about the treats. I think we all are. All about the treats. (Hahahahahahaha) 

               Let’s look at Isaiah 58 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. 3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. 4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? 6 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 reward. 9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; 10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: 11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. 12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. 13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

                          In verses 1-5 The Lord describes how not to fast if you want to fast correctly. If you want answers. Real answers. Answers that bring change. This is an example. There are relationships that are failing right now. They get advised to go on a fast for restoration of that relationhip. They go on a fast. They don’t get that relationship restored. The questions arise. “Why?” “What did I do?” The answer is that most go on a fast to change the other person. They didn’t listen when the Holy Spirit spoke up to change them. You see a fast is to change you. Not the other person. It is to improve your hearing of His still, small voice. I can’t tell you how many times I am met with, “Yeah, but…”  3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. 4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. You see; death, hate and darkness only beget more death, hate and darkness. The israelites asked the same questions to God, that we do today. Why haven’t you heard me and answered me? Why won’t you force them to see things my way?

                In verses 6- 11, The Lord explains to us why and how we are to fast.  6 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 reward. 9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; 10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: 11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. I love 10-11. If you fast with the correct intentions, I will answer you. I will guide you. I will show you truth. I will help you to see what you don’t see now. 

                      The Lord doesn’t like to just put a bandaid on it. He wants to make all people whole. Talk about putting healthcare out of business when we decide to fast correctly. I have a funny testimony concerning this. A few come to mind right about now. Hahahahahaha When I first was saved by the Lord Jesus Christ, He began to teach me to fast correctly. He wanted me to see people as He sees them. The fast helped improve my hearing. At the same time, I was working on a SNF unit. A unit designed for the terminally ill. Patients weren’t sick enough for the nursing home. But, were too sick to go home. Every day was an adventure with the Lord. We had a blast on that unit while I worked there. He taught me so very much there. People woke out of comas on that unit on a regular basis when I worked there. But, one day, the Lord really created a miracle. As long as I live, I will always remember this one.  The Lord had put me on a fast. That same day a gentleman came as a patient on my floor. He could not sleep because of the nightmares of falling. All he would do was scream and curse. He was absolutely miserable. The second afternoon, I went in my office to do documentation, when the Holy Spirit started giving me one scripture after another. When I was done dictating the scriptures, I realized that I had written down the Roman Road. Salvation scriptures. So the day I went to his room while I was making my rounds,  I checked on a plant seed we had planted. It hadn’t grown yet. As I was giving Him his ice and water, I spoke up and said,” Sir your plant won’t grow if you keep cursing like that.” I said it with a slight giggle. He giggled back and apologized. Then, I told him that I was praying for him. He replied, “Thank you.” But before he could say another word, I answered back, “Yeah. But my God answers me. And He told me to give you these scriptures.” His sister went to crying, “I asked God to send someone. And he has.” I told him, “ I could either read them to him, or he could read them later.” He said he would read them later. Whether he read them or not. My responsibility was to deliver the truth to him. So, I left his room to finish my rounds with other patients. No sooner had I stepped out of his room, He starts screaming for help. He fell backwards on his pillow. The nurse and I run into his room. She is trying to calm him down. He kept screaming, “I’m a sinner and I’m going to hell.” Then, He’d confess all of his sins. The nurse is trying to convince him that he was going to be alright. The Holy Spirit kept saying to me, “He’s right. He’s a sinner going to hell.” Finally, I spoke to the nurse, “ Let me talk to him. I know that I can calm him down.” She left the room to go tell the boss that I was shoving Jesus down the patients throats. But, in the mean time, I told him that this was all orchestrated by the Lord. That He wanted not only to save his soul. But, heal him. He prayed the prayer of salvation. I prayed for his healing. After I left the room, he fell fast asleep. He didn’t wake up until the psychiatrist came and woke him up. He got mad at the dr. and said, “ Man I was sleeping. I don’t need you. Jesus healed me and saved my soul. Leave me alone.” hahahahahahaha How you like. The Lord showed up as a psychiatrist and took away the need for a human one! Hahahaha

                           You see, when you fast to change yourself in a situation, your hearing improves. I had a family member that when I accepted the Lord’s salvation. And was led to attend an Assembly of God church, He ranted and raved that I had left the Catholic church and my blood family. (Keep in mind, he had also recieved the Lord’s salvation and was attending a baptist church.) He did this for a while. But, I was on a fast and praying in tongues asking the Lord what to say. All of the sudden I replied, “ Have I preached to you in any way? Have I shoved my beliefs on you in any way? Have I demanded that you worship only where I worship? “ To which he replied, “No.” “Then why do you persecute me?” The voice on the other end was silent for a minute. Then he said, “You’re right. I’m so sorry. I have to go for now.” A month later, he called with a laundry list of questions! We have had that kind of relationship ever since. We can talk about Jesus for hours! 

              I have another testimony about this. We were talking about Jesus on my friend’s phone. I was living at her home for a while. Well needless to say, I began to talk with a raised volume in my voice. She couldn’t hear the excitement on the other end. Hahahaha So, she begins to tap her fingers on the counter while glaring at me. I thought she needed the phone. So, I told him I had to go for now. Would call him back later. When I hang up, she replies, “How dare you talk to your father like that. He’ll never come to Christ now!” I’m grinning now, and she is becoming more indignant with me. Finally, I told her about the testimony I just shared with you. Yes this is the same person. All of a sudden, she begins to cry. “Man. I wish I could talk to my dad about Jesus like that. I wish I had that relationship that you have.” 

                        The reason I am sharing this testimony is because the key was that I was on a fast that the Lord would have. 6 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 reward.

                A true fast is to change you. One day, the Lord put me on a no speaking fast. And, if you know me, you know that that is a real fast. Hahahahaha I love to talk. But, I could write what I wanted to say. When you have to write, you have to think about what you are wanting to say. After the third day, my english had changed. So much so that I now look forward to that kind of fast. He’s only had me go on this one twice. I am asking when we can go on that one again. If you are going on a fast only to get something out of it. You are not fasting. Remember, you reap what you sow. If you pray for others, your prayers return to your own bosom. When I talk about your own personal gain, I mean things like losing weight. If you want to lose weight, call it what it is! A diet. Fasting is about the heart of God. Hearing Him more clearly. Being able to pray effectively. James 5:16 says, 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much

                 Do you want your prayers to avail much, go on a fast. Do you want to pray effectively, go on a fast. Do you want to speak effectively into a person's life, go on a fast. Do you want to see souls saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit, go on a fast. Do you want to see miracles happen, go on a fast. Do you want to see true revival take place, go on a fast. Do you want strength to be able to stand firm on God’s word in the midst of adversity, go on a fast. Do you want to be used effectively by the Holy Spirit, go on a fast.

                        Remember I said your hearing will improve as you go on a fast? I have a testimony concerning how loud the flesh can get when you are doing something for God. Flesh is never for doing something for the Lord. One fast I went on, lasted 3 days. The first night I had a weird dream. I was running from someone who wanted to kill me. They shot a huge hole in my belly. I was running with my hands on my belly. Trying to hold everything including the blood in. I woke up that morning asking the Lord what was all that about. I went on to the intercessory prayer meeting at 6:30am. Everyone, including me, was trying to wake up. So, it was very quiet. All of the sudden, I got the revelation and began to laugh uncontrollably. I couldn’t stop. The Holy Spirit spoke up and said, “Your flesh is telling you that you shot a hole in it, and it wants you to fill it up.” hahahahahaha Isn’t that hysterical. Told my flesh to shut up that we were on a fast and not stopping. Yes, you heard me right. I spoke to my flesh. You can too. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And, Romans 8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

                So, if you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, May I introduce Him to you? Will you accept our invitation (His and mine) to become part of the family of God? Please pray with me. Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Let me say welcome to the family of God! We are so excited about your decision to follow Christ. 

              Now if you have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit, Let me be the first to pray with you. Lord Jesus, thank you so much for offering this wonderful gift to me. First, of salvation. Now, the precious Holy Spirit. I Accept your gift of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I praise your Holy Name and want to know you more. The Holy Spirit promises to help me know you more. Thank you Lord. In Jesus name amen. 

        Now, begin to praise and thank Him for it. Open your mouth by faith. Let the words roll out. You will feel a bubble in your stomach. Don’t be afraid. That is the rivers of water that Jesus talks about. Let it come out. You may just have one syllable to start. That’s o.k. As you pray that one syllable, He will cause that language to grow. Just remember to praise and thank the Lord for it. For those who don’t speak in tongues right away, quit focusing on the gift. Focus on the giver of the gift. When you do that long enough, you will begin to speak in tongues. Remember He loves you and wants you to make heaven your home more than you do. He loves you and so do I. 

                  Now, seek the Lord in prayer. Wait as long as you have to. He will speak to you about what to fast. How long to fast. Even when to fast. I promise you He will answer you. This is His heart. Now, nothing comes to you without a fight. Your flesh will be the one to put up the biggest fight. “That’s not God. This isn’t right. You’re missing God right here.” The enemy will place temptation in your path. He loves to distract us from the real objective. But, fight with Ephesians 6:10-11 I will be teaching on the armor of God. But, that is another lesson. 

               Father, I thank you for all of those who tuned in or attended today. I ask you to bless them going in and bless them going out this week. Meet all of their needs this week, Lord Jesus.  Speak to us about fasting. When, how long and what to fast. We want your will, oh Lord. Not ours. We want revival, miracles, and most of all salvation of souls. Thank you, Lord Jesus. I seal these prayers with your precious blood, Lord Jesus. And, I call it done in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. 

                 Thank you so very much for being with me today. Hoping this helped and encouraged you in any way. If you got something out of today's message, please be sure and let me know.  If you need prayer for anything, private message me. Have a blessed week. Until we meet again next week. Same time. Same Jesus channel. hahahaha.