Making your Fasting Effective part 2 - Apostle Joseph Simwela
18m | May 22, 2023*How to make our fasting effective part 2*
*Text*
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
*Isaiah 58:6-7 NLT*
As you purposefully or routinely choose to fast - there are thousands of orphans, widows,the aged, the poor around you - who are fasting on daily basis just because they don’t have food? Or no appetite just because justice is being denied to them due to their status of ''*being a no body in society*''
Take that which you have saved during your fasting and visit them - they will make your fasting effective.
Give and remember them in prayer and you will surely be remembered.
Your fasting could be meaningless if all that you did not eat, you take them at once in the evening.
Many of you are like that - the breakfast and lunch you skipped, you still take them at 4 pm and then have your usual dinner at 8 pm. Think of those not having what to eat, bless them with food or anything valuable.
The bottom line is, extending love to others - let your sacrifice be a true sacrifice by letting it go to others.
A sacrifice is called a sacrifice by its value - Do not start fasting just because there is no food in the house, or the quality of food is not of your type - do it when you have everything - remember its a sacrifice.
What are you giving up in your fasting?. ....
For mothers or fathers, make sure you still buy good relish for the children or the rest in the house while you embark into your 14 days fasting.
It is not Proper saving a good diet till you finish fasting - such fasting is not looked with favour before the Lord.
Fasting is giving up something, the more you give up, the more it becomes effective
Again, your fasting must be spiritual, the goal is to meet the Lord and not showing people how good you are at fasting.
*Text*
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
*Matthew 6:16-18 NLT*
Your fasting is between you and God - don’t announce around or behave in away of showing off that you know how to pray - God remains silent in such kind of fasting.
However, group fasting - Church or family are encouraged since you have the common goal.
*Text*
Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.
*2 Chronicles 20:3 NLT*
Group fasting must still be made known only to the group or members for its effectiveness.
As a family, a Church or smaller gathering - there are situations which need group fasting.
It could be Church growth, family curses or limitations - consider group fasting.
When did you ever hold a family fasting?... . Or A group fasting?. . . .
Group Fasting's are very important. . .
You can organize for three days or 7 days With teachings and prayers during each day.
This allows the Lord to heal your family and generational curses are uprooted.
If you happen to organize a family fasting and am around your location, am always ready to be your guest during such moments to boost up your spirit with the word and prayer - you can always invite.
*Family fasting is powerful*
Another thing you need to engage during your fasting for tangible results is *Proper breaking*
Don't break your fasting with one eye on the clock and the other on food whilst seated in Kitchen or dining.
*Text*
while I was still speaking in prayer and extremely exhausted, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me about the time of the evening sacrifice.
*Daniel 9:21 AMP*
Angels appear few minutes before breaking your sacrifice Or fasting and how you break your fasting matters.
Angels will meet you in the prayer room, at the time when you are hungry and exhausted - they are searching for the praying man.
Don't break your fasting without offering an evening sacrifice - that is a prayer whilst hungry and exhausted.
End your fasting at a higher note in prayer, a prayer that will make you forget that its time up. Most answers are given as we finish the program.
Many of you will be found in Kitchen 10 minutes before breaking your fasting, you must offer an evening sacrifice. . . .
When your day was filled with the word, prayer and spiritual activities - you don't fill hungry to the point of simply waiting for time and food.
*You must engage yourself spiritually during fasting. . .*
Lastly, your fasting program is like a prayer offering to God, and prayer is a conversation - you need to hear what God has for you.
Seeking does not stop at knocking the door, you must wait for the door to open. You must remain tuned to the voice of the Lord even after breaking your fasting.
After the program or fasting, make sure you still remain close to God for the answers, he will speak while you are silent. Avoid more time on TV and other disturbing things.
Have more quality time of yourself, just thinking, reflecting and meditating on the word of God.
Like I have said, Fasting is like a prayer, you were talking to God, the moment you break, its time to now tune yourself to listen from God. . . .
*Avoid TV, don't have more time on social media and chatting, be in your room just thinking.. . .the Lord will speak in your thoughts - fasting continues after the breaking time, be smarter.*
As I close this serie of teachings on Fasting, let me just remind you that there are somethings in this life that will not hear prayer alone but with fasting. Make fasting as part of your life by scheduling it frequently.
Jesus spoke in Matthew 17:21,
*Text*
However, this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting. ”
*Matthew 17:21 HCSB*
Your situation has taken long my dear, . . . try mixing your prayer with fasting
If you have fasted for 3 days as a long one. . .try 7 days. . . . . .
If your long fasting was 21 days and never saw a change . . then try 28, 40. . .
Sometimes we say to God, I will not break my Fasting till I see results. . . 100 days plus, can go, then 150, 200. . . whilst in search of your destiny.
Its in your hands, don't let someone remote control your life
*I pray for you, May your fasting be in line with scriptures today and may our heavenly father be faithful to your request and situations - in Jesus name!!!*
