Pastor's Pen January 2015

January 2015

(Note: Pastor's Pen is published on a monthly basis)

2015 Brings Power Through Fasting

Notable powerful men in the Bible spent time in fasting and prayer. Moses is noted for two forty-day fasts. God called him aside to give him the Law of the Old Testament. David spent time in prayer and fasting. Jesus, our example, spent much time in prayer while fasting. He also said we as His followers were to fast. As you know January is a great time to put aside time to fast, pray and purposely set aside “special times” to be with God. We all need direction for 2015 and we need direction with power!

Joel 2:12-13 gives us understanding and direction on how to get closer to God. “Even now” declares the Lord, turn you even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart and not your garment, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness…”

Jentezen Franklin wrote, “The discipline of fasting releases the anointing, the favor, and the blessing of God in the life of a Christian.” This discipline brings power to the individual Christian’s life because of humility and obedience.

God promises to reward and bless true prayer and fasting. I have not found a single promise that God has failed to fulfill. Listed below are a few promises God offers to those who participate in His chosen fast in Isaiah 58:6-14:
    • He will set your free from self and your sinful nature. He will loosen the bonds of wickedness and undo the bands of the yoke.
    • He will bring freedom from oppression.
    • He will transform you into a giver.
    • He will give you the desire and ability to meet and minister to people’s needs.
    • He will allow you to see yourself as you really are.
    • God will manifest His presence with you. You will cry out and He will reply, “Here I am.”
    • He will give you more faith.

There are many more promises in chapter 58 of Isaiah; take time to read and consider the blessings allotted to you when you fast and pray. Church, we are well into our fasting together as a body and we can expect to see great things as we humble ourselves before God… On Him we lean in 2015!

Love and prayers,

~ Pastor Roberts

Archive of previous "Pastor's Pen"