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WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT FIRST FRUIT FASTING FELLOWSHIP 2025 (PREMIUM EDITION) Day 4
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Theme: RIDING ON THE HIGH PLACES OF THE EARTH
Texts: Isa.8:18, 49:5, 58:8-11,14
Topic: FASTING, A SPIRITUAL CATALYST AND ENEGIZER
Subtexts: Isa.40:28-31; Acts 13:1-4
The present day world is evidently a very ‘near mid-night mark’ of the church age, when iniquity abounds and love of multitudes at its lowest ebb (Matt.24:12). The abounding iniquity has given a favourable climate to flesh-oriented teachings; amongst which is the teaching that Christians don’t need to fast because the Bridegroom (Jesus) is with them (cp. Lk.5:33-35). But propagators of this false narrative fail to note that the apostles that were with Jesus, who pioneered the church fasted regularly after His ascension (Acts13:1-4; cp. 2Cor.11:27; 6:4-5).
For better understanding, our message shall come under the following points:
(A) Explanation Of A Fast (B) Earnings Of A Good Fast.
The Hebrew word
tsûwm (pronounced
tsoom) translated ‘fast’ means to
cover over (the mouth). So a classical fast is the act of abstinence from food and water for a given period as did Moses, Elijah, Esther and the exiled Jews, and the Lord Jesus (Exo.34:28-35; Deut.9:9-18; 1Kgs.9:8; Esth.4:15-17; Matt.4:1-2).
Fasting is called humbling of the soul (2Chro.7:14; Ps.35:13; 69:10). Though a classical fast is total abstinence, however believers have considered other modes of humbling of the soul to categorize fasts into
(i) dry fast (ii)wet fast (iii) partial fast (Daniel’s). The Dry variety is the classical one. The wet fasts are cases of abstinence from food but taking water for a given period of time.
The partial variety also called Daniel’s involves taking of plain vegetarian diet (Vegetables and water) and avoiding animal products or rich foods (Dan.10:1-3, 12-14). Here the angel Gabriel acknowledged that Daniel’s diet coupled with the discomfort taken amounted to chastening himself (Dan. 10:12).
A proper fast goes with godly exercises like reading the word, praying (worship, supplication, intercession, yoke breaking) and other spiritual
activities like preaching, visitation, etc (Acts 13:1-3; Isa.58:5-7). A proper fast does not accommodate unnecessary pleasure and carnal entertainment.
A properly conducted fast is a good investment that has great returns, which cuts across the physical, mental and spiritual spheres of existence.
Physical health benefits abound as keeping away from foods allows for ‘reshuffling of the cellular system’, eliminating of waste by-products and damaged organelles; conversion of deposited fat to energy, etc that beget good, rejuvenated health (Isa.58:8). This is called detoxification.
Mentally, the decrease in toxic materials in the blood and lymphatic system following a fast, makes it easier for one to think. Also the reduction of inflammation that follows the act may help to improve overall brain health, leading to improved mental clarity and focus.
Spiritually, fasting acts like a catalyst to speed up ‘spiritual reactions’. It boosts faith and anointing and sensitivity to spiritual signals (Matt.17:19-21; Acts 10:9-20; 13:1-4). It stimulates God’s consideration (Esth.4:15-17; 5:1-3; 2Chro.7;14; 1Kgs.21:25-29; Jonah 3:4-9). It breaks demonic strongholds against victims and generates a deterrent against demonic invasions (Matt.17:21; Isa.58, 6,12,14; 2Cor.10:3-5; Eph.1:19).
The benefits were summarized in Isa. 58:8-14 viz. one’s light shall break forth as the morning; health shall spring forth speedily; one’s righteousness shall go before him conducting him to peace and prosperity; the glory of the Lord shall be his defence. There shall be answers to prayers. The person will become recognized in his field of knowledge and he will be led of the Lord. There will be provision even during adversity. The one will recover abandoned projects and the person will enjoy Jacob’s heritage: divine prosperity and divine security (Gen. 27:27-29, 28:13-15)
By engaging in this 21 days exercise, yokes are abound to be broken, and by adopting a fasted life as did our Master Jesus, such are sure to juggle and walk in the high places of the earth.