Monday, February 27, 2017

Resurrected Life - Fasting (HP10)

Mat 6:16-18  “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
 
Our Lord knows that all our prayers, charitable works, and fastings done in secret are sincere, needy, truthful, important, etc.

Isaiah 58:6-8  “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard."
 
Before we fast we must ensure that we are free from wickedness, evil and the flesh but are merciful and righteous, then His healings will quickly be upon us.

Isaiah 58:3-4  ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high."
 
God will not accept the sufferings (afflicting the souls during the long complete fast) of the wicked and sinful, for He told them not to fast at all. Brethren, as often as possible, let us be ready for the complete fast initially of up to 3 days.

"In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure" - Is God referring to the dieting on fruit juices, etc. for beauty or health reasons of the heathen as the 'pleasurable fasts'?

Philippians 1:29-30  For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only t believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
 
Brethren, we are called to suffer for it is by suffering (in purifications or corrections) that will help us to bear fruits of the righteousness.

1 Peter 2:20b-21  But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
 
Our Lord suffered for us, so why not offer ourselves willing to suffer (3-7days of complete fast in secret) for the sick, oppressed, fearful, addicted, poor, needy, pitiful, sorrowful and suffering, then God Himself will reward us openly.
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1 Pet 5:10  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.