Monday Writing by Cathy......1/2/17

Good Morning,

Cathy Friberg shared info that she researched in her monthly writing about fasting which Cathy titled, "WHEN YOU FAST......." So  many people have no wisdom about fasting and why and how a person goes about fasting.  There is some valuable information in this writing about how you can fast, and there are many ways that fasting may be entered into. Cathy wrote, "I hope and pray this has been an inspiration to pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord through fasting. I would suggest doing further reading and research on fasting before you begin any fast. We should always use common sense and the Holy Spirit's guidance in regards to abstinence from food."

Today is the actually first "real" day of the New Year...back to normal living in the first real day of the New Year. Praying that it is a day when you put into effect activities that will help you to become closer to a genuine knowing of God and getting closer to Him. See Philippians 3:4b-14 with special attention to verses 13 - 14.

So Happy 2017 and God bless

Corinne & Cathy

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Today's Writing

Is shared by
Cathy Friberg
member of our
  Monthly Writing Staff

"WHEN YOU FAST......."

In pondering what to write about this month, the Holy Spirit prompted me toward the subject of fasting. Hmmm......let's see, "Father, do you really want me to broach that topic? It's certainly not a popular one, especially in my book." I've always wondered why the Lord has given me such a passion for prayer and yet not much affinity for its accompanying fasting. Yet, I knew that this was my God appointed topic for January. 

Feeling quite inadequate to talk about or be an inspiration on this subject, I felt led to look up online articles on fasting. Lo and behold, there are people who are quite knowledgeable and confident in this area. So, in an effort to encourage the readers and myself, I would like to share some material which I found.

"Fasting is an exceptional measure, designed to channel and express our desire for God and our holy discontent in a fallen world. It is for those not satisfied with the status quo. For those who want more of God's grace. For those who feel truly desperate for God.

Fasting's spiritual purposes include:

strengthening prayer (Ezra 8:23; Joel 2:13; Acts 13:3)

seeking God's guidance (Judges 20:26; Acts 14:23)

expressing grief (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:11-12)

seeking deliverance or protection (2 Chronicles 20:3-4; Ezra 8:21-23)

expressing repentance and returning to God (1 Samuel 7:6; Jonah 3:5-8)

humbling oneself before God (1 Kings 21:27-29; Psalm 35:13) 

expressing concern for the work of God (Nehemiah 1:3-4; Daniel 9:3

ministering to the needs of others (Isaiah 58:3-7)

overcoming temptation and dedicating yourself to God (Matthew 4:1-11)

expressing love and worship to God (Luke 2:37) "

Taken from "Desiring God. Sharpen your Affections With Fasting"

"Guideposts" lists five spiritual benefits of fasting: "1) a soul cleansing,  2) a new desire for God,  3) a deeper praise,  4) a sensitivity to God's voice  5) a new satisfaction"

Charisma Magazine states that:

"Jesus himself often fasted as part of His ongoing life of prayer. Throughout history, men and women whose lives have displayed the power and provision of God made fasting part of their spiritual arsenal. And this is the reason that we as believers continue to engage in it ; to tap into God. "

Charisma recommends: 

"A fast is replacing physical food with spiritual food. Fill your fasting time with prayer and study of the word. Let the Lord set your fast. Don't impose upon yourself a fast to which the Lord has not called you."

I hope and pray this has been an inspiration to pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord through fasting. 

I would suggest doing further reading and research on fasting before you begin any fast. Some people have health issues or family or job responsibilities which may not allow food fasts. There are different seasons in our lives which we must respect. We should always use common sense and the Holy Spirit's guidance in regards to abstinence from food. We can fast from television, a favorite treat such as chocolate, or other earthly pleasures if our life situation is not conducive to abstaining from food.

"You Raise Me Up"

Selah

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Here is an uplifting

New Year's graphic.

Thank you, God,  for new beginnings.

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Prayers are lifted up daily for 

you by the Devotional Writers

and the Monthly Writing Staff

of Women's Focus Ministries.

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