Post by GOPFounder on Apr 11, 2013 18:10:49 GMT -5
~ JOIN THE GOD OVER PORN COMMUNITY IN OUR 3 DAY FAST ~
Fasting is a form of worship. The purpose of all worship is to change the worshiper
in ways that have social and interpersonal impact. We worship not just to gratify ourselves,
but also to become empowered to change the world! Elmer Towns
Beware of Improper Motives: Isaiah 58:3,4 - On the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all
your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You
cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
Prayer and fasting are improper when persons seek….
• to fulfill selfish desires and ambitions
• to manipulate God
• to elevate their status or advance their personal agenda
• to promote false piety, legalism, or religious duty
Beware of Improper Manner
Prayer and fasting are improper when they…
• draw attention to self, “When you fast, do not look somber asthe hypocrites do, forthey disfigure theirfaces
to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received theirreward in full. But when you fast, put
oil on your head and wash your face.” Matt. 5:16-17
• are attempted without sufficient seriousness and respect,
• are conducted while continuing in sin,
• are conducted while continuing to pursue selfish desires in pleasure and business,
• are conducted while harboring improper or ungodly attitudes,
• are conducted while promoting or continuing injustice, oppression, or impropriety,
• are conducted without drawing aside daily and dedicating ample time for sincere seeking for God, quiet
communion with God, and devoted prayer to God.
Proper Motives
God's word reveals that He honors and blesses when the fast…
• focuses on God and honors Him. (Although you will receive spiritual blessings, this is not a proper motive for
fasting,)
• has a spiritual purpose (Although you will likely experience physical benefits such as weight loss, this is never
a proper motive for spiritual fasting),
• causes individuals to humble themselves and submit to God's authority and His Word,
• deprives our natural desires in order to focus on the spiritual aspects of our nature.
Proper Manner
Proper Manner
What is a spiritual fast suppose to accomplish? "It is not wrong to fast, if we do it in the right way and with the
right motive. Jesus fasted; so did the members of the early church. Fasting helps to discipline the appetites of
the body and keep our spiritual priorities straight. But fasting must never become an opportunity for
temptation. Simply to deprive ourselves of a natural benefit (such as food or sleep) is not of itself fasting. We
must devote ourselves to God and worship Him. Unless there is the devotion of heart there is no lasting
benefit.-- Warren W. Wiersbe
Read Isaiah 58:6-8 to discover types of biblical fasting
• Lose the bands of wickedness- freeing ourselves and others from addictions to sin.
Matthew 17:21 - "This kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting." A demon possessed boy was delivered by
Jesus after the failure of the disciplesto do so.
• Undo the heavy burdens- to solve problems, inviting the Holy Spirit's aid in lifting loads and overcoming
barriersthat keep ourselves and ourloved onesfrom walking joyfully with the Lord. Ezra 8:23 - "So we fasted
and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer." Burdened with embarrassment about having to
ask the Persian king for an army to protect them, Ezra fasted and prayed for an answer.
• To let the oppressed (physically and spiritually) go free - forrevival and soul winning, to identify with
people everywhere enslaved literally or by sin and to pray to be used of God to bring people out of the kingdom
of darkness and into God's marvelouslight.I Samuel 7:6 - "So they gathered together at Mizpah, drew water,
and poured it out before the Lord. And they fasted that day, and said there, 'We have sinned against the Lord.'"
Samuel led God's people in a fast to celebrate the return of the Ark of the Covenant and to pray that Israel might
be delivered from the sin that allowed the Ark to be captured in the first place. Thisfast is appropriate for those
going on a mission trip.
• To break every yoke - conquering the mental and emotional problemsthat would control ourlives and
returning control to the Lord. The “bad attitude” fast. I Kings 19:4,8 - Elijah goes without food when he fled
from wicked Queen Jezebel'sthreat to kill him. In the aftermath of a great victory, God shows Elijah that he is
not in control and Elijah sinksinto depression. Although it is not called a "fast", God sent an angel to minister to
Elijah in the wilderness.
• To share our bread with the hungry and to care for the poor -to meet the humanitarian needs of others.
I Kings 17:16 - God sent the prophet Elijah to a poor,starving widow -- ironically so the widow could provide
food for Elijah. She was willing to without to provide for his need, even to the point of death. Just as Elijah's
presence resulted in food for the widow of Zarephath,so presenting ourselves before God in prayer and fasting
can relieve hunger today.
• To allow God's light to break forth like the morning - bringing clearer perspective and insight as we make
crucial decisions. Acts 9:9 - "And he (Paul) wasthree days withoutsigh, and neither ate nor drank." After
going three days without food and praying for three days, Paul was visited by the Christian, Ananias, and both
his eyesight and his vision of the future were restored.
• So your health shall spring forth - to gain a healthierlife orfor healing. Daniel 1:8 - "Daniel purposed in
his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he
drank." God guided Daniel and histhree friends not to eat pagan foods, making them more healthful than others
in the king’s court. God can heal through fasting but we must recognize the limitation of thisfast.
• That your righteousness shall go before you - that our testimonies and influence for Jesus will be enhanced
before others. Luke 1:15 - "He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine norstrong
drink." John the Baptist"s vow required him to fast from or avoid wine and strong drink. This was part of his
adopted lifestyle that designated him as one set apart for a special mission.
• That the glory of the Lord will protect us from the evil one - Esther 4:16; 5:2 - Fast for me .. and my maids
and I will fast… and I will go to the king… and she found favor in hissight." Esther risked her life to save her
people from threatened destruction by Xerxes, king of Persia. Prior to appearing before the king, Esther, her
attendants and her cousin Mordecai all fasted to appeal to God for His protection. May be used to intercede
before God for your pastor or leaders during a time of great attack on the church.
Four Kinds of Fasting (Dr. Rex Russell, What the Bible says About Healthy Living)
1. The normal fast is going without food for a definite period during which you ingest only clear liquids(water
and/or juice). The duration can be 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 1 month or 40 days. Extreme care should be taken for
longer fasts, which should only be attempted after medical advice from your physician. Judges 20:26 – Israel
fasted for one day.
2. The absolute fast allows no food or water at all and should be short. Moses fasted for 40 days; but this
would kill anyone without supernatural intervention and should never be attempted today.
3. The partial fast is one that omits certain foods or is on a schedule that includes limited eating. It may consist
of omitting one meal a day. Eating only fresh vegetables for several days is also a good partial fast. People with
hypoglycemia or other disease might consider this kind of a fast. Example: Daniel
4. A rotational fast consists of eating or omitting certain families of foods for designated periods. For example,
grains may be eaten every fourth day. The various food families are rotated so that some food is available each
day.
You can also fast from something other than food: (some examples)
Prayerfully ask God about this fast.
REMEMBER: Whatever fast you choose is between you and God, we just want you to join us as we all seek to hear from God and sit at His feet.
Ask yourself, "What should I give up [sacrifice] for God?" "What has been replacing God in my heart and life?"
If you have any questions email us info@GodOverPorn.org
You can also fast from something other than food: (some examples)
- T.V.
- Social Media/Blogging
- Secular Music/Shows
- Internet
- Video Games
Prayerfully ask God about this fast.
REMEMBER: Whatever fast you choose is between you and God, we just want you to join us as we all seek to hear from God and sit at His feet.
Ask yourself, "What should I give up [sacrifice] for God?" "What has been replacing God in my heart and life?"
If you have any questions email us info@GodOverPorn.org
