Biblical fasting

May we see the power and the actual gift fasting is and how much we need to walk in this spiritual disciplineFasting is a spiritual disciplineLet’s not redefine fasting.  It’s not an absence of watching TV or the internet, it means to cover the mouth (tsom in Hebrew).  It is connected to abstaining from foodLet’s not redefine it, and dumb it down to mean something else.What does the Scripture say about fasting?1. Primarily it is a sign of repentance.  Not just confession but repentance, a turning away. A sincere turning, bringing forth the fruit of repentance. Getting God’s eyes and attitude towards sin, not just a godly sorrow, but an anger against sin, it becomes odious.  Proverb 8:13. 2 Corinthians 7.1. 1 Samuel 7:62. Fasting is associated in mourning for the dead. 1 Chronicles 10:123. It is also a seeking for God to have mercy about a situation 2 Samuel 12:164. It is used for seeking for God’s intervention in times of crisis 2 Chronicles 20:35. Fasting can be for God’s protection Ezra 8:21-236. Fasting is used for favor and a turning in the eyes of earthly authorities or government Esther 4:167. Fasting is connected to a longing for the return of Jesus and a readiness for His return Matthew 9:14,15.  Fasting brings an eternal perspective in our lives, living in righteousness…. A crown of righteousness 2 Timothy 4:8.  Not ashamed before Him at His coming8. Fasting for seeking for guidance/ direction and receiving revelation for His calling Acts 13:1-39. Fasting is for appointing of church leadership/ elders/ pastors Acts 14:23. Understanding how serious it is to be appointed a leader and the warfare that comes with it.10. Fasting increases faith and expels unbelief Matthew 17:20,21  Jesus addresses the disciples unbelief not the size of the demon, This “kind” is addressing in the context, unbelief. 1. Fasting cannot be void of living rightly and corresponding actions of humility - Isaiah 58:3-7.  Our fasting is hypocritical if we are fasting (a sign of humility) but actions are self centered2. Fasting is always accompanied with prayer.  It’s the other wing of the bird.  It’s Daniel 9:3.  It’s not just abstaining from food, it opens up more time for prayer that normally would be given for eating.  It’s a sign that God                                        3. Fasting MUST be with right motive. Zechariah 7:5, Matthew 6:16-18.  Not for the eyes of men, for selfish reasons, but for the glory of God and His great Namesake                                                                                                      Remember Jesus fasted, in Luke 4, Jesus went into the wilderness filled but after fasting returned in the “power” of the Holy Spirit.  2 Corinthians 6:5, it as a regular part of Paul’s life as well.  2 Corinthians 11:27The message finishes with my testimony how I came upon fasting and how it changed my life and how it filled me with faith to see the miraculous.  Bill Bright’s book fasting for the coming revival