Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church

January 10, 2010                                                                            Steven J. Mattis, Pastor

Series: Forty Days of Prayer and Fasting

            Pt. II, “Practical instruction on Fasting” Matt. 4:1-2, 9:14-17

We are beginning our second week of Prayer and Fasting as a congregation. We are seeking God for  Spiritual Breakthrough, Personal Spiritual Renewal and fresh Corporate Encounters with God.  There are other purposes each of you may have.

I.  Jesus and fasting.  Matt. 4:1-2, Matt. 6:16, Matt. 9:14-17

·         Jesus led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he fasted 40 days

·         Jesus said, fast for your Father who sees in secret.  He will reward.

·         Can the “Friends of the bridegroom mourn while he is present?”

When the bridegroom is taken away, they will (mourn) and fast.

·         Unshrunken cloth and New wine.  Fasting brings about Newness.

II.   Practical dimensions of fasting.

·         O.T. – mourning, repentance, Strength, protection, guidance.

·         N.T. – grace, God’s will, lay down an appetite, gateway to super.

·         Fasting can be food, media, but is always about self denial.

·         Fasting brings us to what is most important Living Bread/Water.

III.  Guidelines for fasting.

·         Don’t fast when sick or have some diseases.  Seek doctors advice.

·         Take extra time when you fast.  Fasting is not magic.

·         Listen for the “voice/nudging” of the Holy Spirit.

·         Begin with a partial fast.  Fast one meal/day. Spend time with God

·         Work up to longer fasts.  Stay hydrated. Expect God to speak.

Random ideas:

Core message of NT is power, changed lives, transformation, newness

Only God’s presence lifts us out of mediocrity and releases joy/power

God’s healing and power and conditional.  II Chron. 7:14

God is attracted to the fasted life, prayerful life it shows humility.

Renounce the “natural” to release the “spiritual.” Grain of wheat.

We don’t need Madison Ave./marketing, we need God’s presence.

The Kingdom of God does not come to the casual observer!