“But you, when you fast…” Matthew 6:17 “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted…” Acts 13:2 Looking ahead we can clearly see an exciting and challenging time before us. With a clear divide politically as well as disturbing actions concerning the lives of our unborn children it is important that we set aside time to recognize and receive from God. As we all know the many issues of life seem to lead us in all different directions. Although these issues are often important, even essential, we do much better when we have a clear sense of God’s direction through life’s challenges. With that in mind it is my deep desire that we join together in prayer and fasting looking to God to reveal His direction for us in the days and months to come. As followers of Jesus Christ it is imperative that we look to Him for strength, enabling, correction and direction in every area of our lives. It is essential that we allow Him to review our lives and make the necessary adjustments and improvements that He determines are needed. Psalm 46:10 instructs us to “be still and know that He is God” which speaks of settling yourself before God that you may know Him and His will.  Jesus also cautioned and encouraged His disciples concerning life’s priorities and needs when He said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). As a leadership team we ask that everyone join together in prayer and fasting from Sunday evening, January 27th through Friday February 1st. We will have group meeting times listed on our website as well as some very helpful and instructive information concerning fasting and prayer. I realize that as I ask this church family to join together in prayer and fasting that some have never fasted. For some the thought of going extended periods without food is not appealing at all. First, Jesus would not ask us to do something that was not beneficial for us to do, nor would He ask us to do something that was pointless.  Fasting and prayer belong together for you cannot benefit spiritually when you fast physically unless you are in prayer. The fast that God calls us to (Isaiah 58) is the fast that puts Him first and seeks His will. Biblical fasting is done for many reasons such as to:

1. Obey God (Isaiah 58:6)
2. Deny the flesh and discern His will (Daniel 9:3)
3. Strengthen the spiritual man (Matthew 4:2)
4. Honor God; without seeking attention from men. (Matthew 6:16)
5. Open our eyes and heart to what God desires to do and is doing. (Acts 13:2,3)

Fasting is not a way to redirect the hand of God, rather it is a discipline that helps us to see the heart of God. Fasting helps to awaken us so we can hear what God is saying. Also, in a very intriguing way, fasting invokes the power of God in a given situation or need. (Mark 9:29) A fast may be done in various ways; Daniel was led by the Spirit to abstain from the Babylonian delicacies (Daniel 1:8). Jesus fasted from food. The early church regularly fasted and prayed for God’s strength and direction. How you fast or what you fast from is between you and God (read Isaiah 58). I encourage you to sit before Him and allow Him to lead in this time. He will lead you in prayer, reveal His love and guide you into all truth when you put Him first. “Is this not the fast I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke?”  Isaiah 58:6 I look forward to what God will reveal to us and the opportunities He will open as we settle our hearts before Him.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-25