Topic: Fasting Influences You—Not God [Friday, March 10th]
Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words (Daniel 10:12).*_
The important thing about fasting is the “purpose” of the fast. There’re those who emphasize fasting for long periods, like forty days, the way Jesus did. Well, the quality of a fast isn’t so much the longevity as it is the purpose. Some people erroneously think that the longer the fast, the more God is moved to answer them; no! God isn’t altered or influenced by your fasting. Your fasting only influences and affects you.
Fasting helps you to become more conscious of the divine nature in you. I’m not talking about the kind of fast that’s done amidst all the distractions imaginable, but the kind where the flesh is completely subdued. I’m referring to the kind where you separate yourself from the rest of the world and spend time to pray, study, and meditate on God’s Word. At such times, it becomes easy for the Lord to get your attention, minister to you, and transform your life, because your affection is fully set on Him.
Through this kind of purposeful fasting, your spirit stands up like a giant; your humanity or the influence of the flesh wanes and your divinity rises. At such a time, when you utter a word, it transcends the arena of the human mind; it proceeds from your spirit with the potency and energy of the Holy Ghost. Hallelujah!
*PRAYER*
*Precious Lord, my heart rejoices at your Word today. I’m launched into higher realms of prosperity, blessings and glory. I walk in your perfect will for me, because I’m led by your Spirit from within, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*
*Further Study:* *||* *Acts 13:2* As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. *||*
*||* *Acts 14:23* And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. *||*
*||* *1 Timothy 4:7-8* But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. *||*
*Daily Scripture Reading*
*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Mark 14:27-52,
Numbers 27-28
*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Matthew 21:33-46,
Exodus 19
