MAKE 2022 A YEAR OF EFFECTIVE PRAYERS AND FASTING - 2
Greetings in the Name of Jesus.
Today we shall continue on the subject of fasting.
Please read the Scripture below.
16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly (Matt. 6:16-18 KJV).
16 And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already.
17 But when you fast, perfume your head and wash your face,
18 So that your fasting may not be noticed by men but by your Father, Who sees in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open. (Matt. 6:16-17 AMPC).
Fasting is part of a normal Christian life. Many people fast but they don’t know why? Fasting is another ritual to so many.
It is very important to note that fasting is meant to assist prayers. Not all prayers require the assistance of fasting. In fact, most do not. Always remember that prayer is communication between you and God.
Your access to God has been provided by Jesus, through His sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary for you. Although this is quite clear, there are many prayer failures and it is to this end that this blog was started. We want your prayers to be more effective as you learn the art and science of prayers.
It is important to know that some obstacles, barriers and mountains in life will not move much or not move at all until fasting is added to prayers. ‘The global challenges today require fasting!’. See Dethrone COVID-19 & Enthrone Jesus! Volume 2 pp 44.
Such was the case when Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration with three of His disciples - Peter, and James, and John. On their descent, He found out that a serious problem had arisen – the case described as ‘a lunatic (moonstruck) and suffers terribly; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water’ (AMP). His father had brought him to the nine disciples for healing, but they had no success in terminating this chronic torture.
Jesus knew the root of the ailment by the Holy Spirit. He dealt with it permanently by the casting out of a devil. He said,
……..“You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again!” (Mark 9:25 AMP).
The boy became totally free. Then
28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”
29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28-29 NKJV).
Jesus is our Example (1 Peter 2:21). Let us follow Him. We can be assured of success as we do ‘great’ works and ‘greater works’ (John 14:12) for His glory as His coming date is approaching.
More grace and peace unto you.
In-Christ
Dr Cornelius Idowu
Copyright Worldwide School of Christian Empowerment