Title: When You Fast
Memorize: All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Mark 9:29 (Nkjv)
[29] So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
Message:
Fasting involves staying away from food, mainly to humble your spirit and bring you closer to God. However, fasting is not limited to food; people also fast by staying away from things that give them pleasure. While fasting, some young people indulge more in watching movies, visiting friends, and talking with colleagues for many hours to pass the time, neglecting the spiritual activities that truly make fasting efficient.
When you are fasting, plan to spend time with God to enjoy fellowship with Him. Begin by repenting of any sin the Holy Spirit brings to your mind and ask for God’s forgiveness. This is essential so that sin will not hinder your communication with Him. Also, spend time to worship God before making your requests known to Him in prayers. Take breaks to study Bible passages and keep a notebook and pen nearby to record the ideas, insights, directions, and instructions that He impresses on your mind. When you turn down the distraction of worldly pleasures by fasting, you can hear God more easily.
Action Point
Set aside one day each week to fast and pray.
HYMN 20 – CHRISTIAN, SEEK NOT YET REPOSE
1 Christian, seek not yet repose;
Hear thy guardian angel say,
“Thou art in the midst of foes:
Watch and pray!”
2 Principalities and powers ,
Mustering their unseen array,
Wait for thy unguarded hours:
“Watch and pray.”
3 Gird thy heavenly armor on;
Wear it every night and day
Ambush’d lies the evil one:
“Watch and pray.”
4 Hear the victors who o’ercame;
Still they mark each warrior’s way;
All with one sweet voice exclaim,
“Watch and pray!”
5 Watch, as if on that alone
Hung the issue of the day;
Pray, that help may be sent down:
Watch and pray.
6 Hear, above all, hear thy Lord,
Him thou lovest to obey;
Hide within thy heart His word
“Watch and pray!”
Bible Reading In One Year: Exodus 15:19-17:7; Matthew 22:1-33
AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE