The Zeb McDaris Family

Fasting

Details

Category: General

Published on Saturday, 23 July 2011 22:54

Written by Super User

Hits: 198

There is a “three-fold cord” that God honors in His people. According to the Bible, Giving, Praying, and Fasting are these three things. In Matthew chapter six, our Lord taught on these three things, when thou doest alms (v.2), when thou prayest (v.6), and, when ye fast (v.16).

I want to invite you to join us for the “Revival Fast”. Beginning on September 1 and ending on September 21. Everyone can be a part. There are many different kinds of fasts, and you can be involved in some way. Below are some simple thoughts that will help you understand the different types of fasting and what to expect. The key is participation! We need everyone to help. Fast, Pray, Give and watch God work.

Fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.

What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?

Scripture References for Fasting:

Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14, Job 23:12

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:

1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting:

1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Fasting is a continual prayer before God.

What are the different kinds of fasts?

Full Fast

Drink only water, eat no food.

Liquid Fast

Drink water, juice or strained broth.

The Daniel Fast

Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and unsweetened juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

Partial Fast

A partial fast is when you replace one meal with prayer and Bible reading. This fast can be repeated every day.

Where to begin?

Setting the Goal

Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting?  Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

Preparing Spiritually

Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Deciding What to Fast

The type of fast you go on is up to you. You could go on a complete fast or you may desire to fast like Daniel. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

Deciding How Long

You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow. You may choose to fast one day each week or the entire forty days. Just be faithful and participate.

The First Day

We will begin our fast at 6:00 p.m. It is a good idea to prepare your body by eating smaller portions for a week before the fast. Also, it is good to eat fresh vegetables and fruits for a few days prior to the fast.

What to Expect

When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus' example when you fast. Spend time listening to Christ-honoring music. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God's face.

How to End

Don't overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks. If you do a complete fast for forty day fast you will need more instruction on ending your fast. We want to help you succeed.

Revival

Details

Category: General

Published on Saturday, 23 July 2011 20:34

Written by Super User

Hits: 479

Complete Submission

There is a reoccurring principal concerning this Christian life. It is the law of humility. In James 4:6-7 God’s Word says “...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God...”.  God will not work with those who throne themselves. In fact, He turns from the proud not toward them. God must be first, not your job, not your family, and not your substance.

Whoever or whatever influences your life the most is your true god. Before you will have true personal revival you will have to tare down secondary kings in your life. In doing so, you must also bow your wants, dreams, and feelings to the authority of the True Living God.

Cleansing of Sin

The Bible says in James 4:7-8, “Resist the devil, Cleanse your hand, purify your hearts”. There must be a thorough cleansing of sin.  Daily sins should be confessed and forsaken immediately. However, we must go deeper and seek out those hidden things. Things only you and God know. Perhaps you have even forgotten them but they remain unconfessed and must be dealt with.

You may pray as David did in Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts”. Allow God to look under the bed and in the darkest closet of your heart. Then, agree with God about your sin. Never suggest that your sin is not worth mentioning. If God brings it up, confess it and forsake it at once. This kind of cleansing may also mean that you go and speak to someone you have had a problem with. Whatever the sin, it stands between you and the Savior. Clean it up!

Closeness to the Savior

Now if you have completely submitted yourself to God and have cleansed yourself from sin, get as close as you can to the Lord. The Bible says, “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you” James 4:8.

The first step is yours, “draw night to God”. This step is made by obedience. If you humble yourself and confess your sin you are making the right steps toward God. Don’t stop there! At this point you have just cleaned the house. Fill the empty spaces in your life with the things of God. Use prayer and Bible reading to fill a void.

Replace ungodly music with music that brings glory to God. Replace evil talk with speaking about the goodness of the Lord. You get the idea. If this is too challenging for you and you feel it makes you to radical, start back with the first point. If you understand the value of making these moves toward God, then, you will have no problem making the commitment.

Remember the promise of God is your reward. If you are taking steps toward God, “He will draw nigh to you”.

The Christian Life

Details

Category: General

Published on Saturday, 23 July 2011 20:35

Written by Super User

Hits: 348

People are always looking for the will of God for their lives. I often hear the question, “What should I be doing?”.  These things are clearly the will of God for everyone of His children.

Read God’s Word Everyday

Heaven

Details

Category: General

Published on Saturday, 23 July 2011 20:30

Written by Super User

Hits: 318

There is a clear unchanging way to know Christ as your personal Savior. Many men have given their lives to deliver this message that could save your life forever.

Realize That God Loves You

In John 3:16 God’s word says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The Lord loves you and does not want you to die lost. God has a plan for your life and His plan begins with His love for you.

Repent of Your Sins

Every one has sinned.

In Romans 3:23 the Bible says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Sin is an act, thought, or behavior that goes against the law or teachings of a Holy God. Every one is guilty of committing sin.

Your sin must be paid for.

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death…”

If you continue in sin, you will pay for your sin by death and hell. You will be eternally separated from God. You must turn from your sin and turn to God.

Receive Christ as Your Personal Savior

Payment has been made by Christ.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

Personally ask the Lord to save you.

In Romans 10:13 God said, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Pray now from your heart. Tell God that you are a sinner and ask Him to save you. If you truly turn from your sin to God and believe in Christ, you will be saved.