THE CULTURE OF A BIBLICAL CHURCH: STARVING FOR MORE, A TIME FOR FASTING – PT 2

DR. LARRY LAMB

• If you follow Jesus long enough, there will be seasons when you long for a deeper, more relationship with Him.

“By fasting, we are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the Word of God.”

Richard Foster

• When we fast, it’s a time to draw to God concerning spiritual values.
• What occurs in our while we fast takes precedence over anything that happens in our physical bodies.
• Some individuals may lack the physical, emotional, or spiritual strength to fast. This could be the opportunity for us to fast in hopes of a breakthrough for someone .
• The Old Testament leader Moses faced a fierce battle from the Amalekites. Moses and the people of Israel experienced a breakthrough when others stepped in to help. Moses didn’t request their assistance; they recognized a need and decided to help.
• Exodus 17:11-13 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.
• Do you know anyone in need of a breakthrough? Someone seeking Christ?

• Do I over food?
• Do I insist that my desires be fulfilled while giving attention to restraining my desires to cultivate a closer relationship with Jesus?
• Do I have a sensitive spirit to begin a time of fasting for the need of ?
• Do I have the to admit that the control of this world dominates my way of living and not the power of Christ in me?
• 1 John 2:15-16 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.
• Do I have the to ask what my next step with fasting could be?
• Do I have a spirit, or have I developed a hardened spirit over the years?

1. Pray – God, are you leading me to a time of fasting? (24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, or 40 days).

2. What will I fast and pray for?

3. Don’t brag about it.

Matthew 6:16-18 And 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. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 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.

4. Journal your thoughts.

5. Get the right time.

6. Accept that our flesh is accustomed to being catered to and will seek spoiled-like attention. When that occurs, say, “No.”

7. Go into a liquid fast with juice, smoothie, and water.

8. Don’t dread the beginnings of a fast.

1. My needs to be rooted in drawing closer to the Living God.

2. I am letting go of the physical to possess the rich abundance from God’s table. My need is to feast from God’s .

“Unchain my soul from anything that hinders the reality of heaven in my life.”                   Gretchen Rodriguez

• Colossians 3:1-3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

3. I’m asking the Living God to dislodge the debilitating that strangulates the actual version of how God sees me.

Some will be called to a time of fasting. How will you know? You’ll know.

Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I know that the penalty for my sin is physical, spiritual, and eternal death. I acknowledge that I can’t do anything about my situation. But I know that You came to pay the penalty for my sin. I trust in You alone as the One who died in my place. I repent of my sin and trust in You as the only One who can place me in an eternal relationship with the living God. I desire to be Your child. I desire to live as Your child. In Your name. Amen.

If you have made a decision for Christ today please let us know by clicking this link and filling out the form.