FASTING BY THE SPIRIT OF FAITH

   


By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi

   "Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended. Then we will be able tour go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else’s territory." 2 Corinthians 10:15‭-‬16 NLT

   " I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm." 2 Corinthians 11:27 NLT

   Apostle Paul was in contention with persons who taught that a person's spirituality was measured by religious devotion outside the promotion of the gospel and a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. Under such religious arrangements , devotees depended on their so called 'super apostles '  for blessings 

   They demand regular fastings requiring harsh treatments of the body and depriving oneself of pleasures . The scriptures describes this "  Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires." Colossians 2:22‭-‬23 NLT

   The above scriptures teaches that a person cannot overcome evil powers through fasting .  Demons only respond to God's word. Such fastings makes a person proud and resistant to the Holy Spirit. When a persons fasts outside the promotion of a relationship with the Holy Spirit it promotes the sinful human nature. 

 There is always the tendency to backslide after experiencing a breakthrough whenever a person fasts  for things because  they never truly loved the Holy Spirit but loved the miracles he gives . The Bible says "Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord ’s miraculous deeds. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea." Psalms 106:7 NLT.  Rebellion is inevitable after receiving a breakthrough because the Holy Spirit will always demand more devotion and responsibilities after a breakthrough. To whom much is given much is expected. This is the reason why many are against the Abrahamic tithe after God has prospered them .

    Apostle Paul taught the Corinthian church that he fasted often for the expansion of God's kingdom and for the increase of their faith which comes from hearing God's word 

 True  Fasting is not for things but for a better relationship with the Holy Spirit true genuine repentance and a hunger for righteousness.  Whatever you fast for occupies the centre of your life and fasting for the kingdom of God and his righteousness ( God's way of doing things by his Holy Spirit) adds life to a person in all ramification . "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33 NLT

 Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power for stability in the face of crisis in Jesus name. 

+2348098536911, + 2348035536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com


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