Fasting for Finances

God said through Isaiah the prophet, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen...To share your food with the hungry" Isa. 58:6a & 7a.

Financial stress is a leading cause for conflict in marriage relationships. Consumerism easily tempts us to believe that things and possessions will make us happy. Fasting for your finances is a powerful way of getting on "track" in your spending and financial discipline. Stewardship is different than ownership in that everything belongs to God. I am simply a manager of His estate. It is more than simply being financially responsible because my financial decisions are guided by a personal relationship with God.

Don't use this kind of fast to get "rich" but to realign yourself with God's purposes for your finances. You might ask, "what are God's purposes for trusting me with financial resources?"
One purpose is to help someone who has a need. It may be your neighbor, a friend, or someone you don't even know.

When you are faithful with a little responsibility, God trusts you with more. The key is to maintain a lifestyle that is simple enough, so that when you do get that raise, or receive additional revenue, you will be in a position to give it to kingdom work. When you see yourself as a funnel that God can use to bless people who need help, lookout.

Have a great day.
Pastor Larry

Fasting for Your Marriage

A second reason to consider an extended fast is to increase intimacy in your marriage. Use this part of Isaiah 58 as you pray and fast for your marriage "to untie the cords of the yoke". "Cords of the yoke" are those unhealthy patterns of relating to each other that block intimacy in your marriage. This kind of fast focuses on tearing down the walls that block intimacy. This can be painful, but result is worth it.

Fasting for your marriage will increase your intimacy quotient. While fasting does not preclude you from identifying things you need to work on, it will make you more sensitive to your spouse and teachable in the hands of God.

Allow me to caution you if you are planning to fast for your marriage. In the initial stages of an extended fast, it isn't uncommon for someone to get a bit edgy and grumpy. Your body is adjusting to not eating. Be careful that your fast doesn't become counter productive to what you are trying to achieve. :)

Have a great day.
Pastor Larry

Fasting for a Spiritual Breakthrough

Studies have shown that fasting has many physical benefits. Fasting can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, it can provide relief from arthritis, it can help you loose weight, it can improve your mental and emotional outlook on life. Here are three different kinds of fasts that you may want to consider.

Three Kinds of Fasting

1. The normal fast is going without food for a defined period of time. It can be for a day or for 40 days.

2. The absolute fast is going without food and water, but should only be for a short period of time.

3. The partial fast is where you refrain from eating specific meals and/or certain foods.

Fasting to Break an Addiction

If you have an addiction that has mastery over you, consider fasting as a way to break it. Isaiah 58:6 says, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of wickedness and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"

Declare a fast to overcome a specific sin in your life. I encourage you to start with a three day fast where you drink only liquids. Renounce anything that has control over your mind. Ask God to help you break free through the power of the Holy Spirit. Cry out daily for deliverance. Forgive anyone you have blamed and accept responsibility for your actions. Spend time meditating on the truth of Scripture. Imagine what your life would be like without this sin to weigh you down. Keep a record of your prayers and feelings as you fast.

Let me know how I can pray and support you. I will post another type of fast on Tuesday.

Pastor Larry

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