1st Session
“Center of Fasting” Joel 1:14 speaks to the TIME of fasting. “Announce a time of fasting;
call the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring the leaders and all the people of the land
into the Temple of the Lord your God, and cry out to him there.” (NLT) This
I also want to call your attention to Ecclesiastes 3:1 that says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (NIV)
The fasting time when God called is relating to something specific God wants to happen, say and perform among his people. He spoke to their present unrest condition to bring them to a place God wanted for them safety and restoration.
Faith – responds by drawing near to the Lord through fasting.
Fellowship – your undivided attention spending time with him.
Relationship – Special access to our Father through communication and permission to approach him. His response to your call is through your relationship with him.
Obedience – speaks to you loving God. Jesus asked Peter a question. In John 21:15, After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?
Listening – Adhering to the instructions.
Repenting – opening your eyes seeing where you miss the mark. Slowing down.
Intercession – crying out to God. Speaking to him on behalf of others.
The lesson focus was – Preparing for a fast. Introduction of fasting the “right” and “wrong” way to fast. Set time for favor, healing, instruction, and breakthrough.
Supporting Scriptures
Matthew chapter 6 Wrong ways to fast and what is pleasing to the Lord.
Isaiah chapter 58 the fasting behavior that is acceptable to the Lord.
Mark chapter 11:25 “when you pray forgive…”
Visit my social media pages to see noted pictures posted as study/medication guides over October.
2nd Session
The Center of Fasting Purpose is to prepare you for what God desires to perform in your life. You don’t walk into surgery without instructions. You often come without food because anesthesia is involved. The surgery process can require you to fast before the operational adjustment is performed.
God is examining your heart. David said in Psalm 26:2, “Test me, O Lord, and try me; examine my heart.” Fasting is an alignment of the heart from which comes our behavior.
As you prepare to fast understand
o He cares about me.
o He loves me.
o He desires to hear from me.
o God is interested in having a deeper relationship with me.
Fasting is a featured presentation. Spotlight. Highlight. It is a calling in the life of the believer.
To Sanctify also means to consecrate. To set aside for a specific use or reason. Designation. It is also an appointed time. God called the people away for a specific reason Joel 2:12 -13
Fasting is an opportunity to elevate your faith Romans 14:23 whatever is not from faith is sin. Whatever done with done is sin.
Evidence of me giving you my heart is vulnerability.
Physically
Mentally / Emotionally y wide open
Trusting God to take care of you (protection, provision, family, strength, health, wholeness)
Romans 8:37-39
Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
While you are fasting, you must have focal points and objectives.
o Spend time with the Lord. To deepen your relationship with Him.
o Fasting is “longing for the Lord.” Seeking His presence.
o Eliminate distractions (disconnect, ungodly character, attention deficit)
o When you seek God, you receive Breakthrough (freedom, tough things, blockages, hindrances, inabilities, answers)
o Pray against – Spiritual Forces against your progress Ephesians 6:12
o Stay in the word of God – Make His word your meal.
o Wait on the Lord (be aware of Impatience) Psalm 27:14
o Pay attention that you will be at war with being uncomfortable; it’s called “the flesh” Galatians chapter 5
o Note you may be limited in what to eat or activities, but you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. Philippians 4:13 God is not limited by anything. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you ask or think. Ephesians 3:20
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