Fasting, Prayer and Giving yourself to God

Hey,

So today I heard one of the religious songs '10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)' that I love and find inspiring which I haven't heard for ages so that's a great thing about coming home to my old church 'St John's, Knights Meadow' as well and seeing everyone that I haven't seen in a while of course.

If you haven't guest from the title, Sundays talk was all about fasting and since I hadn't had breakfast as I normally don't I was hungry by the end, but it was interesting and there was a lot to think about so here we go.


Inter-testament: Tobit 12:8-10

"Prayer is good when accompanied by fasting, almsgiving, and righteousness."




Matthew 6:16-18

"And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do. They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. When you go without food, wash your face and comb you hair, so that others cannot know that you are fasting - only you Father, who is unseen, will know you do in private, will reward."


Fasting has become less about emergency and more about clearing your mind to make decisions. In the early times when the old testament is talking about it was normal to fast and it continued to be throughout the new testament because as this scripture demonstrates Jesus said to do this.


Matthew 4:1-2

"Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. After spending 40 days and nights without food, Jesus was hungry."

This scripture shows that Jesus didn't just teach it but he did it and therefore live it. You may have had experiences that shake your confidence, but just remember Jesus has also been through this and though these experiences his identity has been tested like each and everyone of you.

Fasting is about declaring that 'Lord, I'm yours' and pressing though anything the interrupts your growth in your relationship with God


Matthew 22:36-38

"'Teacher' he asked, 'which is the greatest commandment in the law?' Jesus answered 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and the most important commandment."

Jesus could teach it because he lived it.

Praise from people doesn't last, such as for success in something, but if your heart is in God then his praise will never run out because it is part of who you are.



Act 13:2-3


"While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to do the work to which I have called them.' They fasted and prayed, placed their hands on them, and sent them off."

Its part of being who you are. Fasting can be anything, for example; not using your mobile phone for a period of time.

Only you know what you can do and what God is calling you to do.






Connecting to God is a Ocean of Love as you find that you are just waiting and praying.


Where do you fit in with this?







Amy xx