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Developing a Lifestyle of Fasting: Is 21 Days Enough?

1/26/2016

22 Comments

 
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Developing a Lifestyle of Fasting: Is 21 Days Enough?
By: Pastor ODC
​
Aaaah!!! Can’t you hear it?  There is a collective sigh of relief, a great exhale echoing from sanctuaries across this country, as several churches are concluding their 21- day collective fast.  Can’t you hear the sentiments of these prayer warriors?  Sentiments that range from, “I didn’t think I was going to make it!” to “I can’t wait to get home because there’s a piece of chocolate cake with my name on it!”  Questions?  Why are we so excited to get to the end of our fast?  Why are we so quick to abort the discipline we practiced during our fast and return to indulging in our fleshly desires?  Why do we fast so intensely for the first 21 days and never consider fasting individually or collectively for the remaining 344 days of the year?  Seriously, why do we find it so difficult to practice this enriching spiritual discipline that opens us to receive from the riches of God through Christ?
Jesus makes it clear that He expects for us to fast.  Jesus desires that His followers fast routinely, not periodically and definitely not once a year. One day Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees because His disciples did not fast as John the Baptist disciples had.  Jesus replied, “As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.  The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day” (Mark 2:19b – 20, ESV).  Friends, today is that day!  While the bridegroom (Christ) is away, we should fast and pray.  Yes, Jesus commands us to fast and fast often!  Furthermore, Jesus told us that some things could only be accomplished through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29, KJV).  Moreover, Jesus gave us the example of prayer and fasting at the opening of his ministry, He practiced this discipline in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4/Luke 4).  Fasting is a spiritual discipline that all mature believers should exercise regularly for our good and for God’s glory.  Consider the following spiritual rewards of fasting:
  • Recognizing and discerning God’s voice within the chaos of our crazy world.
  • Refreshing our minds, bodies, and spirits in the presence of God as we are detoxed of ungodly thoughts and actions.
  • Reprioritizing our priorities, preventing physical and spiritual burnout.
  • Retrieving power to do great works for the glory of God that require supernatural strength.
  • Receiving answers to personal questions that weigh heavy on our hearts and minds.
These benefits can be ours abundantly when we commit to fasting regularly.  We must go beyond the first 21 days of the year so that our efforts to engage in this discipline are more than a religious ritual, a sacred routine, or spiritual box that we check off.  We must develop a lifestyle of fasting!!  Friends, I must admit that I have often did my “21 days” and would only engage in this powerful practice again when things got bad enough in my life, and I felt the need to “seek the Lord, seek His face.”  But, this year I’m going to do better, fasting will not be a goal to cross off my New Year’s list but a part of my efforts to reach my number one goal in life: a more intimate relationship with Christ.  No longer will fasting be a spare tire I reach for when the tires of my life seem to be punctured and running low on air but a sustaining force for my regular routine.  This year I’m going to recharge routinely by connecting with God’s power through prayer and fasting.  This year I’m going to fast more so that God can do more through me.  Seriously, 21 days is not enough; I’m developing a lifestyle of fasting.  Will you please join me?  Join me in submitting to the Master’s will, and when the 21 days are up, we will be fasting still.


22 Comments
JFoster
1/22/2016 08:34:55 am

Wise words from a wise man. Thank you for this convicting word and for challenging me to be better!

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Pastor ODC
1/22/2016 11:29:15 am

God be praised!! I pray for wisdom and the good sense to apply the wisdom to my life. Thank you for commenting on the blog. May God continue to bless you and your pen!

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Camella
1/22/2016 11:07:00 am

Yes and Amen. So often in the body of Christ do things because it's "trendy". As believers WE must do what God requires. Yes fasting is imperative but so is stewardship AND soul winning.

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Pastor ODC
1/22/2016 11:32:48 am

Amen! Yes, "trendy"!! We must make sure that fasting doesn't become a church trend with no spiritual significance!! Thank you for commenting. Be blessed!!

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Andre Carter
1/22/2016 11:17:52 am

I am with you bro. I want to walk in a more intimate relationship with Jesus, and just prayer alone can't get me there (it is going to cost me something). I appreciate you for sharing your heart bro.

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Pastor ODC
1/22/2016 11:36:30 am

Amen Bro!! It will cost us something to gain deeper depths in Christ. "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). It begins with deny the flesh!!

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Marion
1/22/2016 11:18:14 am

Whoa! I think out of all of your blog posts this one stands out more! It screams less of me and more of YOU Lord! Last year was full of disappointments, uphill journeys, things I could not phantom why? However trials did however improve my prayer life....my personal relationship with GOD....my FAITH....help with my temptations. This post is very inspiring and motivating. This is a New Year and it has started out a little bumpy but my FAITH continues to grow even stronger. I will join you. Whatever GOD has for me, I want it because I know it's GOOD and for my good! Thanks for the enlightenment! Continuous fasting and prayer.....Ok Pastor now you poppin'! Good stuff! Blessings to you!

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Pastor ODC
1/22/2016 11:39:30 am

Thank you for joining me Marion!! I like that...I'm poppin' now! LOL!! May God continue to bless you and thank you for all the encouragement!! Be blessed!!

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Glenda
1/22/2016 11:38:36 am

Powerful words!! More often we should listen when we are being told to fast by the Holy Spirit. We tend to wait until we are told by man. God has something in store for all of us. It's up to us individually to hear Him and do as we are told!

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Pastor ODC
1/22/2016 11:52:12 am

Amen! You just said a mouth full!! When the Holy Spirit tells us to fast we must be obedient. God is often trying to bless us through fasting but we forfeit the blessing because we fail to obey. It does appear that many people only fast when they are instructed to do so by man! Thank you for sharing Glenda!! Be blessed!!

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Brenda
1/22/2016 11:40:28 am

Yes, we should all set a goal for our spiritual growth and remember what task the Lord has given us.

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Pastor ODC
1/22/2016 11:53:35 am

Amen!! Thanks for posting Brenda. May God bless you with His favor!!

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DEA AND NRS. COLEMAN
1/22/2016 02:03:07 pm

PASTOR, SOME CALL FASTING A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE, CONNECTED WITH BIBLE STUDY AND MEDITATION. YOU HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO MY WIFE AND I. YOU HAVE MADE US MORE AWARE AND KNOWLEDGE. PRAY THAT GOD CONTINUE TO LEAD AND GUIDE YOU THAT YOU CAN CONTINUE TO BE OUR SHEPARD.

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Pastor ODC
1/22/2016 08:04:08 pm

Thank you Deacon and Sister Coleman. It is indeed a joy to serve as your pastor. Your prayers and support are a blessing to me. I pray God continues to bless you and the Tabernacle family as we work together for His glory! Thanks for your support and the sentiment you've shared on the blog. Be blessed!

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Stephanie
1/22/2016 04:07:10 pm

Awesome word and revelation Pastor. We got to have power in these times. As you stated somethings only come thru fasting and praying. God bless. May God continue ti o use you as his instrument to empower the people.

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Pastor ODC
1/22/2016 10:58:44 pm

Thank you Stephanie! God be praised!! You are so right, the church needs more power to minister in this world today. I believe that many churches are in a state of dormancy because they are full of faithlessness and people who do not pray. The old saying is right...little prayer, little power...much prayer, much power...no prayer, no power! Be Blessed

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Rodney
1/22/2016 08:58:25 pm

Pastor Culliver I throughly appreciate this insightful blog post. This is a must read for every believer that's interested in moving from intentions to actions. Thanks for the shared wisdom my brother on a spiritual discipline that is often misunderstood. Peace!

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Pastor ODC
1/22/2016 11:05:13 pm

Thank you Pastor! I agree many people have misunderstood this discipline to their detriment because they will never receive the vast benefits it offers. Moreover, moving from intentions to actions....that will preach!! Thank you for the encouragement brother. Be blessed!!

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Chiquita Brown
1/23/2016 04:41:57 am

Wow!! Well said!! This has truly inspired me and as a "mature" Christian I agree that Fasting should be included in our spiritual lives more frequently!!!

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Pastor ODC
1/24/2016 01:13:09 am

Thank you Chiquita. God be praised!! I'm glad it inspired you and I echo your sentiments. Be blessed!

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Mildred
1/24/2016 11:20:22 pm

Thank you for this blog and the encouragement! Knowing the primary reason for fasting is to have a closer walk with God, I have got to ask God to give me the strength and will power to once again fast. I do know and truly believe that through fasting and praying, we experience a renewing of strength, joy and spiritual growth. All believers should fast to establish a better relationship and deeper fellowship with God!!!

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RETA GEORGE-MILES
1/26/2016 06:19:21 am

THIS MINISTRIES HAS THE INSPIRATION, ANOINTING AND IS ORDAINE BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO EQUIP HIS PEOPLE. MORE FASTING AND PRAYING THE BETTER WE ARE TO DEFEAT THE ARROWS OF SATAN. JESUS REMIND US THAT CERTAIN THINGS COULD NOT BE ACCOMPLISH UNLESS WE FAST AND PRAY. THIS IS A MUST AND IS IMPERATIVE FOR OUR CHRISTAIN GROWTH. MOUNTAIN IN OUR LIFE CAN BE MOVE THROUGH FASTING. THANK YOU PASTOR FOR BRING IT BACK TO THE FORE FRONT OF OUR LIVE. PLEASE CONTINUE TO FEED US THE BREAD OF LIFE THAT WE SO DESPERATELY NEED. BLESSINGS ON YOU PASTOR

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    Pastor ODC is the Senior Pastor of Tabernacle Church in Selma, AL and a graduate of Beeson Divinity School.  He is a biblical scholar/student with social consciousness that challenges society to examine itself in light of the scripture.  He also encourages believers to fulfill their divine purpose to the glory of God.  His writing is compelling, convicting, and challenging.

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