0808 The Habit of Fasting

Lev.16:29

Great first membership class, next one in January 6th! Go to home group, 2 weeks break for conference and thanksgiving! Election in 2 days!

Conference in 12 days!

Raised to Deliver 187 days!

Internship in 237 days!

Humor: Two men were walking through the woods when a large bear walked out into the clearing no more than 50 feet in front of them. The first man dropped his backpack and dug out a pair of running shoes, then began to furiously attempt to lace them up as the bear slowly approached them. The second man looked at the first, confused, and said, "What are you doing? Running shoes aren't going to help, you can't outrun that bear." "I don't need to," said the first man, "I just need to outrun you."

Food is good, gift from God! Strength and satisfaction. (1 Cor.8:8; 1 Timothy 4:4)

Fasting should be as a habit of tithing

We grow in routing and stretch in radical

Fasting is normal part of being human. It’s not starvation which is involuntary.

Jesus said, “when”, not “if” we fast. He modeled it and expected His followers to do the same.

Fasting for as little as three days can regenerate the entire immune system, even in the elderly, scientists have found in a breakthrough described as "remarkable. Although fasting diets have been criticised by nutritionists for being unhealthy, new research suggests starving the body kick-starts stem cells into producing new white blood cells, which fight off infection. In a 2003 mouse study overseen by Mark Mattson, head of the National Institute on Aging's neuroscience laboratory, mice that fasted regularly were healthier by some measures than mice subjected to continuous calorie restriction; they had lower levels of insulin and glucose in their blood, for example, which signified increased sensitivity to insulin and a reduced risk of diabetes.

“This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you. For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord. It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.” Leviticus 16:29-31

Fasting afflicts the soul

World are fleshly

Religious are sourish (stubborn, emotional, confused in the head)

Christians are spiritual

1. Calamities of life Ezra for finances and protection Ezra 8:21 (25 tons of silver, 7500 pounds of gold) Fasting is Biblical way to humble yourself (Psalm 35:13; 69:10) [Story of Pastors fasting when church was going hard]

2. Connecting with God Jesus said they will fast when I am gone (Mark 2:20) As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul longs for you (Psalm 42:1) Jesus washed the feet of those who walked with Him (John 13:1-17) If we walk in the light, Jesus’ blood cleanses us (1 John 1:7) Ahab had issues in his heart was got dealt with by fasting (1 Kings 21:27, 20:29)

3. Calling of God Most of people in the OT fasted in crisis, Jesus fasted for His calling Israel fasted out of pain, Esther fasted out of purpose Pain should not be the only thing that motivates you toward seeking God The moment Paul gets converted, goes into day fasting (Acts 13:2, 3) When you are out of crisis, pursue your calling Anna (Luke 2:37) and Cornelious (Acts 10:30) were not in trouble when they were fasting

4. Conquering of the devil Battle against Benjamin won the battle after fasting (1 Samuel 7:6) David on death of Saul (2 Samuel 1:12), death of child (2 Sam.12:16), interceding for friends (Ps.35:13), in zeal for Zion (Ps.69:10), in prayer for himself and his enemies (Ps.109:4, 24) Johashphat in the time of invasion of Cannanites and Syrians (2 Chronicles 20:3) Jesus said this kind does not leave but by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21) “Is this not the fast that I have chosen; to lose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6 Practical: Make it a habit Take it slow Drink water Feed your spirit (u can’t control what you feel, control what you feed) Try different types of fast (full, partial) Diabetes, pregnant, physical work, kids How you enter and end your fast matters (fruit of self control will change your body) Consult your doctor