The February Fast

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”  Isaiah 58:6

“This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”  Mark 9:29

As a church, we are committing the month of February to fast for the Lord to loose the chains of spiritual bondage, set the captives free, and lead us to be the church Jesus calls us to be. With each one of us taking a spiritual stance in our walk with Christ together, the Holy Spirit will be unleashed and we will all be changed for the better.

Isaiah 58 is filled with many benefits when you take the time to fast. Now the goal of fasting is not to experience these benefits. You can’t help but live out consequences when you humble yourself before the Lord and truly seek Him with all of your heart. Take the time to read the whole chapter and allow God to speak to your heart.

Many Christians are just going through the routine of following Christ. Their relationship with the Lord has grown cold or apathetic and they are not alarmed by that. Many find themselves helpless before the Lord because of a stronghold they have thought would be a way of life. If there is a sin that cannot be broken with more discipline then it could be termed a besetting sin. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that your temptation is not unique. Others face it as well. Unfortunately, many people believe the lie that they have to live with it. Yet this verse says there is a way out.

By committing to fast during the month of February, you are making a commitment to take control of your physical appetite so you can develop the strength to take control of your emotional appetite. You give up food as a demonstration of the commitment of your will. When you make a choice to fast, you are saying that you want to strengthen your spiritual appetite and grow closer to God.

In the Old Testament, fasting played an important role in the life of the believer. They had several national days of fasting. One was called the national Day of Atonement. In Leviticus 23:27, it states that they shall afflict themselves on that day. That literally means to fast and abstain from food for reasons of feeling sorry for your sins and confessing them to God. The Day of Atonement was so sacred that if one of them were disobedient, they were cut off from the people (Leviticus 23:29).

Next week I will describe different fasting options. There is no right or wrong way to fast. As a matter of fact, here is what Elmer Towns says in his book, A Beginners Guide to Fast, “Fasting is not required of Christians, this means you don’t have to do it. As a matter of fact, some who have never fasted may be more spiritual than some who do fast. There are some grandmothers who are effective intercessors, but they have never fasted once. Why? Because they continually live so close to God, that they don’t have to fast to get closer to God.” The key is to stay committed to the terms and times you have established for your fast. If you want to read more on fasting, then go to any of Elmer Towns’ books and read a Biblical basis and his practical experience with this discipline.

During the month of February, I will be preaching a series of messages on fasting. Begin praying now for the Lord to help you as you prepare.

It was good to have 10 baptized last Sunday. I always enjoy hearing the different testimonies and seeing God move among our congregation. I love being a part of this church. God is doing amazing things among us.

Looking forward to growing and maturing in the faith as we fast in February.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org