Fasting for A Spiritual BreakthroughIt has been br...

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8206963474867448562.post-55825402031186628872007-08-31T23:27:00.000-04:002007-08-31T23:27:00.000-04:00Fasting for A Spiritual BreakthroughIt has been br...Fasting for A Spiritual Breakthrough It has been brought to my attention that we may need more information on the fast, what it will look like, day-to-day, the purpose and other details. I am glad this was brought to my attention before we entered the fast, so I could provide it for you. I would like to discuss the spiritual benefits, the type of fast and the day-to-day sacrifice of the fast. We are Fasting for a Spiritual Breakthrough! The Type of Fast: We will be going through a 21-day Disciple's Fast. The purpose of this type of fast is “loose the bands of wickedness” (Isa. 58:3) – freeing ourselves and others from addictions to sin. Key Verse: “This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21 KJV) Jesus cast a demon from a boy whom the disciples had failed to help. Apparently they had not taken seriously enough the way Satan had his claws set in the youth. The implication is that Jesus' disciples could have performed this exorcism had they been willing to undergo the discipline of fasting. Some of the spiritual benefits of the fast are: 1. Primary means of restoration. Humbling ourselves by fasting (Ps:35:13) opens the way for the Holy Spirit to do his special work of revival in us. 2. Fasting provides more time to pray & seek God's presence, and to repent, because we are more focused on the Lord. 3. The Holy Spirit uses fasting to reveal our true spiritual condition, leading to brokenness, repentance and character change that allows Him to work in an unusual and powerful way. 4. We become better able to understand truth... “One point at a time was made the subject of investigation. The scriptures were opened with a sense of awe. Often we fasted, that we might be better fitted to understand the truth.” (Review & Herald, July 26, 1892) 5. Fasting inspires determination to accept God's revealed plan for our lives. 6. Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit can do a more intense work in us. 7. Fasting transforms prayer into a richer, deeper and more personal experience. “It is in the order of God that those who bear responsibilities should often meet together to counsel with one another, and to pray earnestly for that wisdom which He alone can impart. Talk less; much precious time is lost in talk that brings no light. Let brethern unit in fasting and prayer for wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally” (Gospel Workers, p. 417) Day-to-Day Fasting: For 21 full days you are encouraged to fast from the following: ● Sweets (cakes, pastries, pies, cookies, sodas and sweet drinks) ● All meats (chicken, fish, beef, turkey, etc.) ● Coffee and caffeinated teas and sodas ● Secular TV programming with the exception of the news. ● Theater Movies and forms of similar entertainment. ● Video Entertainment (video games, etc.) NOTE: Many of the things that you will sacrifice during this fast will allow your mind and body to be cleared and purified in order to give yourself more fully to this season of intensely seek the face of God. Full 24-hour food fast from 4:00 p.m. on Mondays until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. Details will be provided in the Fasting for a Spiritual Breakthrough packet you will receive Children’s Fast details will also be in the Fasting for a Spiritual Breakthrough packet that you will receive. The Spiritual Breakthrough packet that you will receive will contain: ● The daily prayer targets ● A corresponding biblical text ● A prayer for the day ● Space for notes/journaling ● All of the information above The packets will be available @ church on September 8, 2007, our kickoff Sabbath. I hope this information helps. Please ask if you need more information. Pastor ArringtonBeacon Light SDA Church - Annapolishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16191579934779825897noreply@blogger.com