So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. Ezra 8:23
This is the account of Ashley’s fast:
As I began my fast on September 23, 2013 I truly had no idea what was in store for me. Continue reading
Fasting
The Fast Fast! (pt 1)
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. Dan 9:3
Allow me to talk about a different kind of fasting, which I did several Morning Thoughts ago.
There is a young lady that I have known since she was 5 years old. She is like a member of my family. Her name is Courtney. Continue reading
If it’s called a Fast, then why is it so slow? (Pt 5)
Col 3:15 – And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
In the middle of a dead zone I get a text from Linda that said, “I’m so sorry! What a disappointment!”
That text would stop me from going any farther.
I stopped at the Broaddus Cemetery road on the edge of town and called.
If it’s called a Fast, then why is it so slow? (Pt 4)
Judg 6:36-40
Then Gideon said to God, “If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised.” And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water. Continue reading
If it’s called a Fast, then why is it so slow? (Pt 3)
Gal 5:16 – let the Holy Spirit guide your lives.
Though I wasn’t planning on fasting any longer than 1 day, God had another idea. While on the air at KSWP radio, something happened at 6:15 that Thursday morning.
I wasn’t reading anything or really thinking about anything but I started crying. I felt the Holy Spirit come on me so strong that I just burst into tears.
You can imagine how this affected the radio show. Continue reading
If it’s called a Fast, why is it so slow? (Pt 2)
When you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matt 6:16-18 Continue reading
If it’s called a Fast then why is it so slow? (pt 1)
I believe each Christian seeks a closer relationship with Father. Prayer and Bible reading are excellent ways to begin – there is no denying!
But look what God says in 2 Chron 7:14 – if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. Continue reading
Seek God in your relationship!
Linda and me on our wedding day in May 1979.
My teenage years were quit tumultuous. My parents got divorced, mom and I had to move from the old neighborhood into some apartments, and I lost touch with the neighborhood kids.
Even when all of us ended up in the same high school, that camaraderie we once had was gone. Continue reading
Fasting explained (part 2)
Isa 58:6
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
- Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
- Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
- Let the oppressed go free
- Remove the chains that bind people.
- Share your food with the hungry
- Give shelter to the homeless.
- Give clothes to those who need them
- Do not hide from relatives who need your help. Continue reading
Fasting explained (part 1)
Isa 58:6
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
- Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
- Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
- Let the oppressed go free
- Remove the chains that bind people.
- Share your food with the hungry
- Give shelter to the homeless.
- Give clothes to those who need them
- Do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Is there a realistic way to accomplish God’s word for fasting? There is in a spiritual way. Now I do not think that God is doing away with a traditional fast but He is expounding upon it.
- Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
Sin is the great imprisonment in our lives. Christian’s hold the key to opening and releasing the prisoners so we can free those that are wrongly imprisoned.
Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah when He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;” Luke 4:18
In the midst of this Isaiah says, “To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” Isa 61:1
You can allow the Spirit of the Lord to anoint you to also proclaim the Gospel and set free those held captive by sins grasp.
- Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
If you have a business and employees this one is easily possible for you; but does it have an application for those that do not have a business or employees?
There are people always working for you, not necessarily in the monetary or employee sense.
Some are earnestly praying for you, while others are trying to help you behind the scenes.
You can lighten their burden for you by doing them and yourself a favor – live for God!
I know a young lady that is a burden to my heart. She is constantly saying and doing things that are not morally good. She could lighten my burden by getting her heart right with God and living for Him.
Matt 11:28-30 –Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
- Let the oppressed go free.
I know you’re not the governor of the state or a warden, so how can you accomplish this?
I think more people are oppressed by their own attitude. They are held from going forward by something in the past.
Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
The truth of God’s word tells each of us how to be free from anger, hatred, and malice, which are attitude related.
Share God’s word and pray for someone to be released from these things.
- Remove the chains that bind people
A chain is something that is used to connect or hold something down. These chains take may different forms. Many are chained by fear. Fear of the water will keep you chained to the land.
2 Tim 1:7 – God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Fear does not come from God; fear comes from inside each of us.
Fear keeps us from stepping out by faith. Again, it is God’s word that banishes fear!
More next time.
Morning Thought with Pastor Tim 