Fasting

Isaiah 58:5-7

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

⁵ Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
    only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
    and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
    a day acceptable to the Lord?

⁶ “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

 These verses are a part of our Bible study and they jumped off the page this morning.  I don't know why I do not plug into the power that is available.  I don't know if you are like me, but so often I work harder and not smarter.  Do you put all of your umphh into things  - instead of using the tools that are at your fingertips?  It is almost like we take our scissors out to cut the grass instead of using the riding mower.  Which is easier - which would give quicker results - which would give better results? - Of course the mower would be best!  Visualize it  - can you image crawling around your yard trying to cut every blade of grass evenly!  By the time you finished - you would need to begin again.  You would be exhausted, sore, weak, tired and discouraged - I would imagine.  Now picture tackeling your task with the mower.  You fill your tank with fuel, crank it up, sit down and simply steer it around the yard.  You are done in almost no time and have a beautiful well manicured yard with very little effort on your part.

We have access to our Lord and can plug into His power in so many ways, but often find ourselves trying to take it all on ourselves.  His Word is the truth and will guide us in everything - yet it is sometimes the last place we go.  Our prayers are heard by Him, He loves to talk with us - yet we often go to nearly everyone else before asking Him.  Fasting and praying is one of the most powerful disciplines of all.  "Fasting

called by God will result in strength, not weakness.  It is a wonderful and highly effective discipline of God, but we must follow His instruction for fasting so we will be empowered rather than depleted in our battles." (Beth Moore - Seeking a Heart Like His)

Here are a few facts on fasting from Campus Crusade for Christ:

• Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the "first love" for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.
• Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting."
• Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.
• The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!
• Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
• Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others.
• Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled as I did. You will discover more time to pray and seek God's face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God.  (http://www.cru.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting/02-why-you-should-fast.htm)

Let's plug in to His Power - it's more effective and we will definitely be working smarter and not harder!