Fasting Tuesday

Here is last week's Tuesday email that I sent out, enjoy!

Hey New Life!

Thanks for responding to this call to fast the rest of the week and believe for a breakthrough in the lives of people connected with New Life Community Church. I’m going to attempt to write something each day in regards to fasting that will help us stay strong during this time and prepare for the breakthroughs that will happen on Sunday, January 18th when we bring ALL our prayer requests and needs that Sunday morning!!

In Matthew 6, Jesus is talking and sharing about key parts to a person’s lifestyle. In all three circumstances he uses the word “when.” That is important to know because that sets up the whole idea that this will happen or needs to happen in a person’s life.

I Corinthians 10:13 talks about temptation and says “when you are tempted.” It shows us and reminds us that temptation comes. We need to understand that principle of life and I think most followers of Jesus get that idea. Temptation will come, what are we going to do about it?

So in Matthew 6, Jesus uses the word “when” and that should perk our ears up and get our attention. He is not implying you might do this, but rather that this is a regular part of your life.

The first thing Jesus talks about is in verse 2 – “when you give”
Jesus expects his followers to give. Give to the needs of others that are around you, give to God your tithe and offerings. GIVE! Not give at the end of the year, or give as some kind of new year’s resolution. Giving is a regular part of a Jesus follower’s life. Give your time, your passions and YES your money.

The second thing Jesus talks about is in verse 5 – “when you pray”
Jesus expects you and me to pray. And why not?! The Bible shares that if you ask you will receive. It says that prayer is powerful and effective. It says that if you lack wisdom, God will give generously and not rebuke you for asking. It says to pray about everything, pray continuously! The Bible is full thoughts on prayer, different people’s prayers, victories through prayer. Basically, if you are a follower of Jesus then prayer needs to be an active part of your daily life!

The third thing Jesus talks about is in verse 16 – “when you fast”
Jesus expects believers to fast. Why would this be a third expected component of your life and mine? Jesus knew that fasting takes you to a whole nother level with God! What am I talking about? Let me illustrate it with an event in Jesus’ ministry.

There was a boy who was demon-possessed and was brought before the disciples in Matthew 17. They were unable to help the boy, but when Jesus came into the scene He was able to heal him. When the disciples asked Jesus why He could and they could not He said in verse 21 “this kind of demon won’t leave except by prayer and fasting.”

Before Jesus public ministry began, after being baptized in water, he went and fasted for 40 days. At the end of the fast, it’s interesting that Satan tempted him with turning stones into bread. Fasting needs to be an active part of our lives as believers. It’s not for the pastors and teachers of churches only. It’s for all of us!!

Something happens when we take time to focus our lives on God and His agenda!! As I was writing this, I saw God do a breakthrough here at the church and I believe with all my heart that the breakthrough came as a result of the fasting that has begun through those of us at New Life Community Church!!!

I love you all and keep fasting and praying for God’s breakthrough!!!
Pastor David


If you feel like "Where's my breakthrough God?!" Remember that He is fighting and working on your behalf! Make sure you fight too!!