What Jesus said about fasting.

“And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.”    
Luke 5:33-35 (KJV).

From our opening scripture, we can see from the words of Jesus that fasting is required of us now as his disciples.
In 2nd Corinthians 6:3-6, we see that Paul who is also one of the disciples of Jesus fasted often. He said, “Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;”  Paul fasted regularly. In 2nd Corinthians 11:23 - 27, Paul the Apostle recounted some of the things he went through for the gospel sake. He said in verse 27, “In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”

Why is it important we fast? Fasting helps us to check the desires of the flesh. It has been proven that if you like food and sleep a lot, you are likely going to be an immoral person. This is why as a Christian it is important that you discipline your body, and one of the ways to do that is by fasting.

Fasting would also help you to subdue the flesh and other lustful desires, and it would also help you to develop the virtue of self control. If you are having an issue with self control, I recommend that you join us in this Word based fast. Spend time to study, hear and meditate on the Word of God each day as you fast. As you do, the Word will sanctify you and clean up your heart even as you fast today.

PRAYER
Father I thank you for your grace that is heavy upon me in this fast. I ask that you expose every seed of falsehood that has entered my belief system and let the influence of your Spirit increase in me over my senses and all carnal desires in Jesus Name. Amen.

Isaiah 58:6-14, Matthew 9:14-17.

DOING THE WORD
Read Ezra 1:1 and pray that God will stir up the heart of Political leaders to favor God’s righteous course for this nation.