WHAT IS A "GOD-CHOSEN" FAST?

 WHAT DOES THE OLD TESTAMENT SAY?

Key points from Isaiah 58:6-12:

• It should loose the bonds of wickedness.
• It should lift heavy burdens from us.
• It should free the oppressed.
• It should break every yoke of bondage.
• It should be to share what we have with the hungry.
• It is to provide shelter for the poor.
• It is to provide necessities for people who have little.
• It is to connect with one's family.

What are the pre-conditions?

• We must remove the yoke of sin from our midst.
• We must stop pointing the finger, accusing one another.
• We must help those that need food and other assistance.

What are the results?

• Your light, your inner man, will shine forth.
• Your healing shall come quickly.
• Your righteousness shall precede you.
• The glory of the Lord, His esteem, shall protect you.
• You shall call on the Lord and He shall answer and be what you need.

WHAT DOES THE NEW TESTAMENT SAY?

Key points from Matthew 9:14-17:

• The Pharisees asked why Jesus' disciples didn't fast, and Jesus answered by asking if the friends of the bridegroom could fast (mourn) when the bridegroom was still alive.
• Jesus said the friends will fast when the bridegroom is taken away.
• Jesus said no one puts a patch of new unshrunk cloth on an old garment.
• Jesus said no one pours new wine (fermenting) into an old wineskin or it will burst. New windeskins must be used.

WHAT IS A GOD-CHOSEN FAST? THE ANSWER:

• It's purpose is to change the person that is fasting, for the good.
• It is to bring us closer to our family and community.
• It is a fast that brings financial and fiscal blessings to the one fasting.
• It is to bring the same blessings to those around us.
• It must be based on pure hearts and motives.
• It is to conform us to the image of Jesus!

A GOD-CHOSEN FAST IS NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING GOD'S MIND OR GETTING SOMETHING WE WANT BY ENTICING OTHER BELIEVERS TO PARTICIPATE! IT MUST BE FOR GOD'S AGENDA, NOT OURS! FASTING FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN GOD'S WILL IN SCRIPTURE IS A WORK AND A WASTE OF TIME AND EFFORT! IT IS SELF-CENTEREDNESS AND OUTSIDE OF LOVE!