Tag Archives: Daniel Fast

Fasting together: Changed!

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Fasting together: Changed! January 31. Mix of emotions. You can read all of our previous posts here!

You did it! Even if you were tempted to cheat, accidentally forgot, or even purposely went off of the fast and back on again, you have accomplished something amazing. Do not beat yourself up if you weren’t perfect during the fast. You will be more diligent as you continue to make fasting a regular part of your spiritual and physical lifestyle.

Fasting has so many health benefits. Some studies show it is effective against cancer; it could also reduce the risk of developing cancer, guard against diabetes and heart disease, help control asthma and even help ward off Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

We do not take the best care of ourselves with our hectic lifestyles and eat-on-the-run schedules. Regular fasting will detox your body and get rid of poisons. It gives your digestive system a much needed rest. It will reduce your blood sugar, which will in turn break down fat. It can even correct high blood pressure and will definitely improve your immunity.

There are spiritual benefits that are out of this world!

  • Has the Lord spoken to your heart during the fast?
  • Have prayers been answered?
  • Do you feel as if you have drawn closer to the Savior?

Even if you started your fast for a particular reason, and still do not see an answer, do not despair. God will answer at just the right time, always ON time.

Fasting is never wasted before the Lord if it is done for the right reasons. We have mentioned many times that it is so much more than just going without food. If that is all you are doing then it truly was just a diet program.

But when you are desperate for a move of God in your life, fasting will help bring those results!

Fasting helps move everything else out of the way so you can hear HIS voice more clearly. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 KJV.

Fasting will break strongholds in the demonic world!

The disciples could not cast the evil spirit out and had to get Jesus to help. That is when He told them it would take prayer AND fasting.

The prophet Daniel found out how real it was when the angel showed up to meet with him after his 21 day fast: “Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” Daniel 10:12-13 KJV.

Fasting will definitely strengthen your prayer life. It will help you die out to the flesh and be sensitive to the power of the Holy Spirit.

I pray this month of devotion has been a blessing to you, no matter how often, how many days or which way you chose to fast. And I hope WE ALL will continue to draw closer to the Lord through regular fasting and prayer.

Plenty more available in my book, The Daniel Fast, A Devotional. Check it out!

The Holy Ghost Fell

The Daniel Fast: And the Holy Ghost Fell

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One more day of our 31 Days of Fasting in January. You can read past posts here!

Every time I read the amazing story of Cornelius I get goose bumps. You too? Are you familiar with this devout man? Let me tell you what God says about him…

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” Acts 10:1, 2 KJV.

A centurion was a captain over 100 soldiers; he was a fairly important man. The Bible says he was devout, he feared God, meaning he revered Him, and made sure those in his household did the same. He also gave of his tithes and offerings and prayed to the Lord always.

Why did the Lord insist that Peter go and visit Cornelius?

There were a couple of reasons. One of them Peter wasn’t so crazy about at first. The Jews and the Gentiles didn’t mix. The Gospel had not yet been preached to the rest of the world and the Jews had pretty much determined it belonged to them exclusively.

When Peter fell into a trance on the rooftop he saw all of these unclean animals that the Israelites were not supposed to eat and the Lord told him, “Rise Peter, kill and eat!”

Peter immediately said, “No way, Lord! I have never eaten anything common or unclean!” (I’m taking liberty to paraphrase just a little here). This happens three times and then the vessel with the unclean animals was taken away and Peter woke up.

Immediately, there was a knock at his door. The Lord spoke to Peter and told him that he was to go with these men and that He had sent them, not to worry, not to doubt. What a promise!

Cornelius had also heard from God to send for Peter and when Peter arrived he told him what had happened,

“And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing…” Acts 10:30 KJV.

So Peter realized that this was BIG. And he preached the first sermon to the Gentile people by saying these famous words:

“Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons…”

He preached for a couple of moments and ended up with “…that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:37-43 KJV.

Now, here come the goose bumps!

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” Acts 10:44-46 KJV.

Is this why Peter was sent to the devout Christian man, Cornelius?

  • Did he not already serve God?
  • Did he not pray every day?
  • Was he not a good man?
  • Didn’t he pay his tithe?
  • Didn’t He fear God and give Him reverence?
  • Didn’t he give to the poor?
  • Why then did he need Peter to come?
  • What else did he need to know?

Cornelius needed MORE….

While Peter was PREACHING, the Holy Ghost literally FELL on those that were listening, just like it did in the second chapter of Acts.

The Holy Ghost Fell

How do we know something actually happened? Because the WORD says so. “For they HEARD them SPEAK with TONGUES and MAGNIFY GOD.” Acts 10:46 KJV.

God sent Peter to tell Cornelius that there was more for him, there was power to keep him; the Comforter had come!

He needed to be re-baptized in the Name of Jesus and he needed the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Well, you may say, that was then and this is now. If the Bible says it isn’t so, then it isn’t so. But if the Bible says it is for us today…

Peter cleared up that confusion in Acts 2:39 when he said, “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” 

Over and over in the Book of Acts (the birthing of the Church) they repeat the example:

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them, And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4 KJV.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38 KJV.

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:14-17 KJV.

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” Acts 19:1-6 KJV.

Such wonderful words; such confirmation! Look at Ephesus again. Paul asks them, “Have you received the power (Holy Ghost) since you believed?” Remember, the Lord said you would receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you. (Acts 1)

The people at Ephesus hadn’t even heard of the Holy Ghost. So Paul, just like Peter, asked how they were baptized. They replied, “John’s baptism.” But John’s baptism was only a baptism of repentance and he pointed them to the One that should come after. Once again, what did they do?

They were baptized in the name of the LORD JESUS.

Then what happened?

They spoke with tongues and prophesied. They spoke with tongues and magnified God.

Remember, Jesus told them to “…wait for the promise of the Father…” and that He would “send the Comforter…” He did that in the Upper Room. (Acts 2) They were waiting just like He said and the Holy Ghost came as a mighty rushing wind. And it continues to be poured out even today.

Brothers, sisters, we are Acts CHAPTER 29! “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:39 KJV.

Cornelius fasted, he believed, he received; he and his household.

And the Holy Ghost fell!

In these last days we need that infilling of His spirit more than ever. The prophet Joel prophesied that the Holy Spirit would be poured out in the last days. Surely we are living in those last days. We are very likely the people that will see the coming of the Lord in our lifetime, maybe even sooner than we think. We need the power of God, the indwelling of His spirit, within us, alive and working through us. He wants to use you to be a sharer of the Gospel. Be blessed as you fast, pray and seek the Lord.

Don’t forget to grab your copy of The Daniel Fast Devotional! Good for any fast, it is a great, simple read with devotions for every day of a three week fast. Get yours on Amazon here!

 

Why does the lion roar?

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Why does the lion roar? Winding down our 31 days of Fasting Together! You can read any missed posts here. Be blessed!

“Does a lion ever roar in a thicket without first finding a victim? Does a young lion growl in its den without first catching its prey?” Amos 3:4 NLT.

God has given Satan permission to rule on Earth until He comes again for His Bride. Since that time, there has been a constant struggle for good and evil. Satan, the slanderer, was cast out of heaven after he revolted, wanting more power, authority and control; He wanted to be like God. He took one third of the angels with him in the fall and has been trying to increase his army for centuries by stalking and devouring his prey.

The lion roamed freely in the Middle East when Peter warned us to “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). Today, we are most familiar with a lion that we see in a concrete jungle. He is subdued, maybe even tame, just sitting around waiting for something to happen. It was not so in Peter’s day. He used the analogy of the lion as a comparison to the devil for good reason.

Spiritual warfare is real; it is active and alive just as much today as it was thousands of years ago. Satan is still vying for that #1 position and he wants to destroy anyone who follows Jesus Christ, his archenemy.

Lions are a unique breed. A pride of lions typically includes about five females and two males and their young. Lion prides that have plenty of food available to them have no trouble being territorial. They will go along and mark their space with their own bodily fluids and also by roaring. The male prides are by nature the most vocal whereas the females and young cubs are usually silent. Each male has its own distinctive sound.

“We know that we are of God and the whole world is in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19).

The roar of a lion exudes power. Even though they might look a little comical trying to pull off a giant roar there seems to be a feeling of great accomplishment to the perpetrator when he exhales his cry of muscle. Does that sound familiar? Satan’s biggest weapon is intimidation and fear yet he can only go as far as the Lord will allow him.

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19.
To answer the question in Amos 3:4: Does a lion roar without a victim? No, he will not unless he can see it and has it in his grip. He will roar when he first spots the creature, leaving it paralyzed with fear. It would, under normal circumstances, perhaps be swift enough to escape but the terrifying sound of a lions’ roar renders it helpless. He then will roar over his catch, usually inviting others to enjoy the take with him.

The devil is much the same way. He prowls, looking for opportunity to sneak up on us, catching us when we are most vulnerable and then pounces quickly for the attack. Satan means adversary, or enemy. He is just like a lion circling his prey, hoping to catch one straggler that is weak and has left the security of the Shepherd. He wants to intimidate! The color of a lion’s coat is a natural disguise, they blend into their surroundings and even though they can weigh up to 500 pounds and be ten feet long, they are still nearly invisible.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.” Luke 22:31. Jesus knew the enemy was prowling after Peter, looking for an opportunity to trip him up. He fell asleep when he should have been praying. He jumps up and hastily cuts off the ear of Malchus and then he ultimately denies his Lord. Peter was being stalked. He was being hunted!

Satan also wants to accuse us of past wrongs or bring guilt upon us to make us think we have not been forgiven. That kind of guilt is not from God and will keep us from believing in the grace and mercy of the Lord. This is where Satan uses his hunting ability to its fullest advantage. He knows that those who do not pray, who have become complacent, are easy prey.

The lion will roar at any time of the night but most usually just before the sun comes up. The air is thinner and the sound would travel further. Sometimes, if conditions are right, the lion can be heard roaring miles away. Our archenemy is just as stealth in his attacks. So many of our fears come upon us at night when we are alone and vulnerable.

He doesn’t destroy right away but to those that may have dropped back a little from the herd he attacks first. He may cause great pain by pinning down his victim and inflicting wounds of doubt, fear and overwhelming failure.

Understand how very real spiritual warfare is. Author and pastor, A.W. Tozer knew this. He had visited Africa many times, maybe even living in lion country. He remarked once after a difficult trial in his life this: “But I will tell you something – it is a delightful thing when you know that you are close enough to the adversary that you can hear him roar! Too many Christians never get into “lion country” at all!”

He makes it all sound glamorous. He didn’t mean it that way at all. He was saying that because spiritual warfare exists, and it will not be going away any time soon, we, as children of God, should not be afraid of our enemy if we are in relationship with Jesus Christ. He overcame death, hell and the grave! We also can overcome any situation that presents itself if we know Him.

If you aren’t doing anything for God, you do not pose a threat to the devil. If you do not pray, fast, witness in your walk and talk, you do not give Satan anything to be concerned about. Maybe you aren’t even on his target list because he already has you right where he wants you. Complacent, satisfied with the status quo, maybe a little smug thinking you can handle things all alone.

Friend, this is so dangerous! We must recognize the works of the enemy of our souls! “…so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11.

 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”  2 Corinthians 2:3-6.

The weapons that God has given us are more powerful than the roar of any lion! They are divinely powerful to destroy fortresses. Powerful enough to destroy  speculations (rumors, gossip) and every arrogant or proud argument raised up against the knowledge of God. In the Holy Ghost, we are able to take every thought captive. Every thought! And the last line is so important. We are ready to punish all disobedience. When? When our obedience is complete.

Let us resolve in this new year to be on guard against the wiles of the devil and his schemes. Praying every day and fasting on a regular basis , pouring ourselves into the Word and living in an atmosphere of praise will bring victory and overcoming power. Greater is HE that is in YOU than he that is in the world!

How are you coming along with your fasting? Be sure and pick up a paperback or Kindle copy of The Daniel Fast – A Devotional! With 21 days of devotions depicting actual Biblical fasts and how they relate to us today, it is a valuable resource to have handy for years to come. Also includes recipes for each day of the fast and three days of preparation devotions and information on fasting! Available now on Amazon!

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