fasting for revivalTrue vs. false fasting

fasting for revivalIsaiah 58:1-14

“Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason; and others have utterly disregarded it.” —JOHN WESLEY

Isaiah 58:1-12

v5 “Is such the fast that I choose,a day for a person to humble himself?

Is it to bow down his head like a reed,and to spread sackcloth and ashes under

him? Will you call this a fast,

and a day acceptable to the LORD?”

v6 “Is not this the fast that I choose:to loose the bonds of wickedness,to undo the straps of the yoke,

to let the oppressed go free,and to break every yoke?

What it is not?

Manipulating God - Attempt to gain something from God in return for skipping a meal/dish (Isaiah 58:3a)

Mismanaging Life - Go about our daily routine pursuing our usual pleasures (Isaiah 58:3b)

Mistreating Others - Displaying sinful attitudes towards others such as gossip, anger, jealousy etc. while fasting (Isaiah 58:4, 9b)

Misbehaving with Others - Engaging in sinful actions that hurt others while fasting (Isaiah 58:4)

Fasting becomes futile when we do any of the following:

Isaiah 58:2-5,9

http://pithlessthoughts.blogspot.com/2010/03/orthograph-55-lenten-morning-routine.html

What it is?Freedom/Liberation in our self

from sin - as the Holy Spirit begins to show our true sinful attitudes, addictions and nature

from law - God reveals and breaks all Pharisaic attitudes and actions we display before God

Liberation in our dealings with others

from attitudes - first thing that happens is that it exposes our sinful attitudes towards others

from actions - helps us not just mistreating but giving ourselves sacrificially to meet others’ needs.

Fasting becomes fruitful when the following occur:

Isaiah 58:6,7

Fasting & Our Self“More than any other Discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. This is a wonderful benefit to the true disciple who longs to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface.” - Richard Foster, “Celebration of Discipline”

Blessings of fasting

Light - contrast to darkness - sadness, lack of joy, feelings of

guilt as a result of living a life addicted to sin - all changed to holy living

Healing - contrast to sickness that results from an

indulgent lifestyle and stress to accomplish fleshly goals - God begins his healing work

Guidance/Protection - contrast to lostness as a result of pursuing worldly dreams - God reveals His will

God’s presence - contrast to

disconnected lifestyle separated to God - ultimate blessing of God’s presence realized

Isaiah 58:8,9