FASTING DAY 3 - River of Life "Daniel Fast- THE BLESSING"

Two days ago, we talked about the motivation of fasting.

Yesterday we spoke about the how, the mechanics of fasting.

Today lets talked about a reason for fasting. The INTENTIONAL DECISION of fasting!

THE BLESSING NOT JUST THE BOWL

There are health benefit to fasting from food. I get all kinds of fasts on Facebook. & there is nothing wrong with that. But that is not a Biblical fast. A Biblical fast is not about the how- But the WHY!

A Biblical fast is always about meeting with God.

-Sometimes to answer a question.

-Sometimes in the seeking of power in a great problem.

-Sometimes to go deeper into God.

BUT there is always an INTENTIONAL interaction with God to get His BLESSING.

I would say fasting is always about revival- the need of life in some way. To bring God’s life in someway – into some part of our darkness in someway. Fasting is an INTENTIONAL DECISION. No one accidentally fasts food. I would make sure your bringing God into that time is an INTENTIONAL DECISION! Do not plan on finding the time. The world, the flesh & the devil will keep you very busy. You need to make time, to set time aside. & to do things that are spiritually significant to you. Both in time & in place. Humans need spiritual marker. In the Bible we see Abraham, everywhere he went he built an altar to God. (Gen 12:6-7, 12:8, 13:14-18, 22:9-14.) The nation of Israel when they would BLESSED in an experience with God. They would plant a tree or leave stones of remembrance, in the middle of a river, or on the bank of the sea. (Joshua 4:21-24 etc), That is why an altar at the front of a church is so special & so important…. They are significant. They are the places we remember to INTENTIONALLY bring God’s life into are darkness or the place of power to do His future will.

I love the story of Rodney “Gipsy” Smith – I shared it on Sunday. He was seen as 2nd only to the Booths in the formation of the salvation Army. He was known as a great singer. With a song it was said he would move whole crowds. But he was more known as a revivalist & a powerful preacher. & it was said with a sermon he could move whole cities. He said of his songs or words, “they were only powered by his time away with God in prayer & fasting”.

The night before the 1st day of a crusade (a series of meetings) he would do something astonishing. Whether it was in a hotel room, or in the room as a guest house. He would shut himself away, close the door to an empty room. There he would with a piece of chalk draw a circle on the floor. He would then kneel in that circle – & cry out to God to touch, BLESS & revive the man in the circle- him!

----Abraham build altars ----Gipsy Smith drew chalk circles.

Both men were INTENTIONAL in their desire to meet with God. Over the next few days as you are fasting. May I encourage you to be INTENTIONAL, about both the BOWL & the BLESSING of fasting. Of the BLESSINGS do not find the time. BUT make the time, set the time apart. For me it is the morning, at a place in my house where I am alone or of course at the altar in our Church. May I suggest you find your altar or find your piece of chalk today?

If you are INTENTIONAL in your time of seeking God’s BLESSING-

God will not be disappointed you I promise you!

        - I got my chalk ready…. What about you, do you have yours?

Blessings Pastor Thom.