IT'S TIME

Starting tomorrow, we are beginning our corporate 21 day fast as we do every January.

So today I wanna talk to you briefly on fasting

We are prone to think of fasting in a negative term. But I want to share a story with you that puts fasting in a more positive light.

I remember once Missionary Steve Mills was preaching here at Liberty. By the way, he will be here next month February 19 and 20th for a church planting conference. You’ll be hearing more about that in the coming weeks from Pastor Richard.

Steve Mills said that a man who happen to be bald, went on a 30 day fast. At the end of the fast all his hair grow back.

You should have seen the look on Pastor Sam’s and my face. We both looked at each other and was like oh my goodness our hair can grow back if only we would fast for 30 days.

So you see people fast for all types of reasons

Religious or spiritual obligation.  Some people fast as part of their religion to strengthen their faith, increase patience and humility.

To lose weight

Mental clarity. Some people find that when they fast they are able to think more clearly and become more disciplined. 

To cleanse the body. Some people use fasting as a way to "detoxify" the body. They may eliminate some or all food types in an attempt to cleanse the body. 

Now let me tell you a story that’s a little more serious. It’s about me fasting last year.

My story of fasting last year

December 2021 I purposed in my heart that 2022 I was going to fast more. I just felt the Holy Spirit leading me in that direction.

So in January 2022 came and jumped right in and begin our corporate fast.

At the start of my fast I was reading the book The Holy Spirit by John Bevere for the 2nd time. Just growing in my knowledge of Him.

At the end of the 21 day fast I begin reading the book, A Fasted Life (Living A Lifestyle Of Intimacy And Power With God) by Philip Rener.

As I was reading the book, the Holy Spirit begin speaking to me, saying It’s Time to fast. So I purposed in my heart to go on a three day fast, and the Holy Spirit immediately said no seven.

So I asked God what type of fast He wanted me to go on He said water. I ask if I can have some Juice He Said yes.

I asked God can I watch television He said no sports

And what I discovered as I spent time in the presence of the Lord I wasn’t missing nothing. I didn’t need sports. All I wanted was to spend more and more time with Him.

Time praying, studying, worshiping, conversing with him. He would wake me up at 1, 2, 3 in the morning and I will stay up and just be in His presence. It was so amazing.

He supplied every need

He healed my body

He restored a relationship

He became my satisfaction

I even set up on my phone meetings with Holy Spirit and reminders to so I wouldn’t forget.

As I was preparing this message, I really felt God was saying the main point He wanted me to share with you guys today was IT’S TIME.

God gave me a word for our church and I’m going to share that at the end.

I believe there will be clarity in 2023

While preparing for this message, I ask God what to title this message.

He said two words ITS TIME

I thought that’s a strange title for a message on fasting

So I just ponder it in my heart.

The next day I asked God what did he mean by its time?

And as I sat on my couch to pray, meditate, and spend time with Him, this is what he said to me

Many of you have been praying for your kids to come into the kingdom. It’s time!

Many of you have been praying for your spouse. It’s time!

Many of you have been praying for your family members. It’s time!

Many of you have been praying for your neighbors. It’s time!

Many of you have been praying for your coworkers. It’s time!

The church has been praying to the Lord of the harvest to bring in Laborers. It’s time!

Mini of you have been praying for your finances. It’s time!

Many of you have been praying for your health. It’s time!

The time of healing is here!

Many of you have been praying for direction and clarity It’s time!

Many of you have been praying to understand the word of God. It’s time!

Many of you have been praying for your heavenly language. It’s time!

Many of you have been waiting to get direction and clarity for your next step in ministry. It’s time!

It’s time to awaken to the things of God!

Many of you have been praying for a nation to turn to the Father. It’s time!

It’s also time to stop all the backbiting, gossiping, it’s time to get rid of all anger, bitterness, and Rage and pride

It’s time to seek God first. It’s time to turn from our wicked ways

It’s time to forgive those who have harmed you!

It’s time to forgive those who have offended you!

It’s time to make things right!

There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time

This is the time to take this fasting season seriously

This is the time to humble yourself, pray, seek the face of the Lord, and turn away from evil. Then the Lord will hear you and forgive your sins and restore your land.