life September 29, 2017

WE SHALL CRY

There are basically three types of fasts. A Normal Fast is abstaining from all food, solid or liquid, but not from water. A Partial Fast is abstaining from certain types of foods. Daniel did not eat the “king’s food.” He had only water and vegetables. Some may drink fruit and vegetable juices. An Absolute Fast is abstaining from water and food for one to three days. A person can go about forty days without food but only about three days (unless God intervenes) without water (Esther 4:16).] “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: HERE AM I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend [devote] yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then YOUR LIGHT WILL RISE IN THE DARKNESS, And YOUR NIGHT WILL BECOME LIKE THE NOONDAY.” (Isa. 58:9-10) [Fasting reveals the things that control us. We camouflage what is inside of us with food and other good things. When these securities are removed and our attention is focused on God, the junk in our life will surface and we can deal with all those unwanted items.] “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, WITH PRAYER AND FASTING, COMMITTED THEM TO THE LORD, in whom they had put their trust.” (Acts 14:22-23) [When Jesus confronted the father of a demon possessed child (who the disciples unsuccessfully tried to cast out), He said to the father:] “How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” (Mark 9:21-22) [Jesus taught the father and His disciples a great lesson:] “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by PRAYER AND FASTING.” (Mark 9:24, 28-29) [It is unfortunate that most people do not fast because it’s to “uncomfortable” for them, but as we OUGHT TO CLEARLY SEE fasting should be a NORMAL PART of a Christian’s life!]

Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that COMMIT YOUR LIFE TO THE LORD WITH PRAYER AND FASTING TODAY!
-Bill Stockham

cry