Friday, May 4, 2007

Fast so you can Last... (Matthew 17:20-21)

Fasting has many benefits for the believer, both spiritual and physical. Today we will talk about some of those benefits.

Physical benefits of fasting:
1. Allows the digestive system to rest.
2. Helps unclog the system and eliminate poisons.
3. Rest, fever and fasting are parts of God’s design to fight infection.
4. God designed our bodies to heal themselves at the cell level.

(please note these are not the only benefits, there are many more. These are just a few to get you started.)

Spiritual benefits of fasting:
1. Draw closer to God
2. Help in crisis situations.
3. Guidance.
4. Protection.
5. To reach the masses (in times of revival).
6. Freedom

However, To gain freedom in any area of our lives, we must learn discipline. When we submit to prayer and fasting, it helps us to develop a more disciplined Christian lifestyle. The goal of discipline is FREEDOM. If the result is not freedom, something is wrong. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Remember: When God sets you free from past or pet sins, STAY FREE (don’t go back and pick up those sins again).

Learn not to move in self, but to look to God for help!