FORTUNES FROM FASTING

Click here to download the First Fruit Fasting message:  – 250122- (EPISODES OF JOY)                                                           WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT                               2022 FIRST FRUIT FASTING EXERCISE    Jan. 24 – Feb. 13, 2022                                                                                                  (Day 2) Theme:           EPISODES OF JOY Texts:              Jer.33:10-13; Zeph.3:14,15; Jn.15:11; 16:24 In our introductory message, we saw that the practice of the first fruit principle can contribute immensely to the success of a believer hence the message First Fruit Factor. We also saw that it was practised before the law by the first family and firmly commanded by the Lord with the attached blessing of overflow (Pro.3:9,10). Today, we shall be looking at another important practice essential for abundant living. Topic:            FORTUNES FROM FASTING Subtexts:       Isa.58:1-7; Matt.17:14-21 Fasting is the act of abstaining from food for a given time which can be voluntary or involuntary. It is involuntary when circumstances arise that nothing to eat is procurable (e.g. Exo.34:28; Deut.9:9; 1Kgs.19:8; Matt.4:3; 2Cor.6:5). It is great wisdom to convert periods of lack to opportunities for fasting. Voluntary fasts always stem from religious motives whereby some objective is being sought by the partakers (1Sam.7:1-6; Est.4:15-17). It was ambiguously described as an affliction of soul (Lev.16:29; 23:27; Num.29:7) and humbling of self (2Chro.7:14; Ps. 35:13). When elective or optional, it is recommended that partakers especially those of middle age bracket and above stay hydrated. There is also a type of affliction of the soul where there is partial eating of food. This is called Daniel’s fast. (Dan.10:1-3). Though there is no direct injunction for a believer to fast, the age-long practice is expected to be a norm (Matt.6:16-18; 9:14,15; Acts 13:1-3). There are spiritual additives that potentiate a fast viz. prayers, praise/worship, scripture reading/meditation, expression of kindness to others, etc. (Isa.58:5-7). Likewise, fasting periods are not a time of indulgence in carnal desires like entertainments or legitimate pleasures (Isa.58:9,13; 1Cor.7:5). Fasting exercise has the capacity to create fortunes in the life of partakers, breaking stubborn yokes of the evil one, and unleashing tremendous wealth in the hitherto starved area of life (Matt.17:20-21; Esth.4:16; 5:1-2). Fasting can eliminate the condemnation of the mind created by wrongdoing; however, this does not substitute for necessary restitution where applicable (1Sam.7:6; Lk.19:27), and smoulders the flames of sorrow or grief from the loss of a precious thing (cons. 1Sam.31:13). Aside from the leveraging of the spirit man over the flesh, regulated fasting has the effect of healing the physical body through weight loss and other physiologic changes   (Heb.10:10; Gal.5:17; Col.3:5; Isa.58:8). Saints of old that tremendously influenced their generations, were not casual fun-seekers who ate without discretion (Eccl.10:16-17) but were rather people that pummeled their bodies to release the potentials of the spirit-man (1cor.9:27). The early church fasted and conquered their generation, and so the end-time church must fast to stay victorious, irrespective of age (cons. Lk.2:37; Matt.9:15; Ps.92:12-15). As saints fast, the intensity of their voices will be relentless in heaven, sensitivity to the spirit will increase, implements of war will be potentiated and results will be glaring. (Eccl.10:10). At this period of episodes of joy when favour and fortunes will flourish in the fellowships, regulated fast is a necessity to sustain the flow.