Christian Living

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Forgotten Weapon

Matthew 6:16

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. (NIV)

Matthew 9:15

Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. (NIV)

Christ did not say “If we fast”, but rather, “when you fast” (Matt. 6:16)….Did you know that Jesus commands us to fast? (Matt. 9:15)

Fasting is a very important tool in the arsenal of Christian weaponry. Why is fasting so important? First, because we are commanded to fast! Second, we need to use the whole sword of the word to be victorious in battle. And to do that we must know the word. Third, fasting is an intimate act of worship between us and the Father. Religion isn’t going to get us through the pearly gates, but an intimate relationship with Jesus opens all doors.

Today the church is weak, beat down, having pity parties that we call having church. Leaving in worst shape than we came in, if you do get something from it doesn’t last.

We walk around bathing in sicknesses, disease, and poverty. I know these are hard words, but I’m not writing this to tickle your ears, I’m here to shake you from your easy chairs, I can see you now reaching for the flicker, the truth hurts! The only thing the people of this world see different between us and them is that we go to church on Sunday’s. Our fruits are no different than theirs! No wonder the unsaved of this world isn’t knocking the doors down to get in, they don’t have to go to church to get sickness, disease, and poverty. They already have that!

We pray in our services for the unsaved to walk through the doors to accept Jesus as their Lord and savior. But that’s not what is written, is it?

Mark 16:15

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. (NIV)

Yes, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

We need to hunger and thirst through fasting and prayer for a intimate relationship with our King! Two hours a week isn’t going to get it any more!

The scriptures are full of accounts of fasting. It began with Moses on top of Mt. Sinai getting the 10 commandments. The Day of Atonement. And that’s just a couple instances. In the New Testament Jesus fasted forty days and nights (Luke 4:1-14) Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit and returned from it in the power of the Spirit.

Every time we read of a Biblical fast it is associated with a direct manifestation of the presence of God, I am not saying that fasting is the answer for all the world’s problems. What I am saying is that when its done with the right motives and a righteous heart with thanksgiving and prayer, that we can have the Lord’s manifested presence in our situations and lives. I challenge you to be obedient to this command Jesus gives us, and incorporate fasting into your prayer life and see who shows up in your situation and wins the battle for you as you dance around singing praises to your King. Do not be surprised who shows up, supernatural visitations of His divine presence, ministering angels, revelations and visions.

The enemy knows all about this powerful ingredient when used with thanksgiving and prayer. Fasting, Thanksgiving, and Prayer are a mighty triune. And the father of lies doesn’t want fasting as part of your spiritual weaponry.

Those of you that fast know how Satan takes the battle to a whole new level when you fast. He will throw food in your face every chance he gets, he’ll use your wife, children, friends and even strangers. For example, (Wife) Honey will you run to the store for me. (Children) All the sudden your children who never invite you over for dinner, calls and invites you over to eat. (Friends) Let’s do lunch. When you go get your mail, nothing but food coupons from the fast food place, not even an unexpected bill!

When in your car going to and fro, it always seems you end up going down fast food row, and Satan pulls those neon signs out like their road blocks, all the stop lights are in front of food stores! When you fast he is always in your face, no longer are their seasons, they’re seconds. The time frame shortens dramatically! It’s all out war; he knows the severity of what’s just started. He remembers all to well the wilderness event with Jesus. And know your going to try mastering over him and his band of demons. He’s frightened because you have your crimson soaked robe on and he can see the fire of Jesus in your eyes. He knows you mean business, he remembers that look from long ago, and it’s the same look he saw in the wilderness! He no longer sees you, but sees Jesus in you. The manifested presence of God.

Brethren Satan doesn’t want you to have the anointing of the Spirit upon you, he doesn’t want you to lay hands on the sick and they recover, or casting out unclean spirits. Satan doesn’t want your store houses to be beyond their capacities, or your bank accounts over flowing into other people’s bank accounts. And he sure doesn’t want you to be a blessing to everyone you come across!

I challenge you to add fasting to your spiritual weaponry and see who shows up and fights the battle for you!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for being our all and all, teach us to use
your whole word, not just enough to get bye. Over fill our hearts with joy and let the victory be yours
In Jesus name

© Randall Wadley November 15, 2006

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