THE MYSTERY BEHIND FASTING
Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Matt. 17:21 "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting"
The scriptures in Isaiah chapter 58 gives us an idea of the purpose of a proper fast and this is far from the popular concept of depriving oneself from food and other necessities of life. A proper fast should among other things bring about :
1) the humbling of the body and bringing it in subjection to the Holy Spirit Isa. 58 vs 3, Ps. 35:13
ii) stimulation of our appetite in to doing the Lord’s pleasure and not ours Isa. 58:3 this requires consciously doing acts of love because we won't be heard if our fasting results in quarreling Isa. 58:4.
Fasting is a period of reconciliation with those we have offended and forgiveness of those who have offended us and to pursue after peace. A married man who engages in fasting while oppressing his wife, would not receive answers to prayers , the scriptures says in 1Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTIC OF A PROPER FAST? Worship is a private and personal experience with God with undeniable testimonies. The scriptures says in Matthew 6:6" But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. " Fasting should be done secretly and what is done in secret will be rewarded openly
It requires helping others in practical ways not for personal reward but to the glory of God. To truly help, one must be willing to inconvenience oneself in other to be a blessing to someone else.This requires a heart that is fully sold-out to God which is another purpose of fasting. It is for personal sanctification (Isa. 58:9.) and a time to get detached from anything that competes with God for our affection ,
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A PROPER FAST ? A proper fast results in good health Isa. 58:8, 11 and protection from God from seen and unseen forces ). 58:8) .Guidance while faced with complicated situations in life is another benefit from fasting Isa 58:9-10
The scriptures shows us instances of fasts such as that of Moses while receiving the ten commandments Deut. 9:9, 18 Exodus 34:27 Elijah fleeing from Jezebel z(1King 19:2). Jesus after the baptism Luke 4:1-2. These are divinely inspired fasts that shouldn't be done except instructed by the Holy Ghost.As you read this receive grace for the increase of your faith in Jesus name.
Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Matt. 17:21 "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting"
The scriptures in Isaiah chapter 58 gives us an idea of the purpose of a proper fast and this is far from the popular concept of depriving oneself from food and other necessities of life. A proper fast should among other things bring about :
1) the humbling of the body and bringing it in subjection to the Holy Spirit Isa. 58 vs 3, Ps. 35:13
ii) stimulation of our appetite in to doing the Lord’s pleasure and not ours Isa. 58:3 this requires consciously doing acts of love because we won't be heard if our fasting results in quarreling Isa. 58:4.
Fasting is a period of reconciliation with those we have offended and forgiveness of those who have offended us and to pursue after peace. A married man who engages in fasting while oppressing his wife, would not receive answers to prayers , the scriptures says in 1Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTIC OF A PROPER FAST? Worship is a private and personal experience with God with undeniable testimonies. The scriptures says in Matthew 6:6" But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. " Fasting should be done secretly and what is done in secret will be rewarded openly
It requires helping others in practical ways not for personal reward but to the glory of God. To truly help, one must be willing to inconvenience oneself in other to be a blessing to someone else.This requires a heart that is fully sold-out to God which is another purpose of fasting. It is for personal sanctification (Isa. 58:9.) and a time to get detached from anything that competes with God for our affection ,
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A PROPER FAST ? A proper fast results in good health Isa. 58:8, 11 and protection from God from seen and unseen forces ). 58:8) .Guidance while faced with complicated situations in life is another benefit from fasting Isa 58:9-10
The scriptures shows us instances of fasts such as that of Moses while receiving the ten commandments Deut. 9:9, 18 Exodus 34:27 Elijah fleeing from Jezebel z(1King 19:2). Jesus after the baptism Luke 4:1-2. These are divinely inspired fasts that shouldn't be done except instructed by the Holy Ghost.As you read this receive grace for the increase of your faith in Jesus name.
Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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