“Fasting closes the door to carnality, and opens the door to spirituality”

Background:

At a very early age I was introduced into one of the cornerstones of Christianity, FASTING, by my Pastor who often led a fasted lifestyle often going on 40 day fasts. As a result I witnessed many miracles in our small church and I grew up under a Pastor who had the Christ likeness of a true Man of God sharing at all times the revelation of the cross and the glory of God. Fasting has been much neglected by the body of the Church.

Spiritual awaking: The coming spiritual awakening will only come to the world through prayer and fasting.

The most powerful agent known to man is fasting and prayer. Fasting is the amplification of prayer. It will bring one closer to God more quickly than any other way known. This one bible truth I bring to you today, will I believe, be revived again in these last days.

Almighty worldwide revival of spiritual power will sweep over this world, with signs and miracles in these last days. I want to tell you in 2010 The practice of fasting is old as humanity. More than two thousand years ago fasting was a custom advocated by school of the natural philosopher, Asclepiades, for curative purposes. The Roman historian, Plutarch said “Instead of using medicine fast a day.” Traces of ancient fasting are to be found in ancient Chinese and Hindu writings, the Indians also practiced it. It was used for religious purposes, as a method of restoring health. In the olden days it was recognized and the value of a fast, but today people look at fasting as a certain way to the grave.

Again it is the lack of knowledge that leads to much misunderstanding and therefore I will look at exactly what fasting is and what it is not shortly.

Fasting is the cornerstone of Christianity, yet seldom taught on.

Islam demonstrates that fasting is one of their four foundation pillars and mandate 30 days every year to fast.

The Bible addresses fasting in approximately one third of the text akin to the quantum reference to prayer yet as I have said it is much neglected. Satan is cheating many from this glorious experience.


History:

I want to tell you in 2010 how a few people came to Los Angeles in 1906 and started a ten day fast and prayer season and the Holy Spirit fell. If there were any sectarianism fasting broke it down. Mother Cotton was one of the early members who stated the result of the Azusa revival was due to fasting and prayer.

In 1946 a group of people came in prayer together in San Diego, from various denominations to hear the teaching of Jesus Christ’s Gospel concerning prayer and fasting. Some of these Christians entered into fasting. They were burdened to see the Lord, move in a special way. Many wanted to see a worldwide revival for salvation and healing of mankind and the restoration of the gifts of the Spirit.

Amazing results came as these Christians united in fasting and prayer. Many were healed in this revival. They witnessed thousands of souls coming to Christ. A continuous chain of fasting, all night prayers meetings were conducted. In the next revival meeting 3,000 souls were saved. From this event many crusades were held across America for prayer and fasting.

I believe there is a great truth in prayer and fasting, since Jesus, when speaking of the devil in the lunatic child whom the disciples could not heal, declared "this kind cometh out by prayer and fasting." Fasting with prayer has a place.

Scientists can now harness the power of material atom. As the Creator is greater than that which He has created, so is the power of Christians through fasting and prayer, greater than the power of the atom unleashed.

In Matt 4:4 Jesus shows what value the world will place on food when the son of man cometh for us: "as in the days that was before the flood, they were eating and drinking. So shall also the coming of the son of Man be." Jesus is not criticizing the eating to live. But is greatly condemning the living to eat. That is so prevelant everywhere. It is a sign of the last days.

Satan fears to see God’s children fast.

The coming of the Lord is near, and the lack of fasting explains the great falling away, the losing of their first love.

Three pillars of Jesus from Matthew 6 include: Alms giving, prayer and fasting. Fasting was a prominent part of the Christ’s life.

We do not fast to merit favour or as a penance.

Paul has inspired more men and woman to fast Acts 9.9


Fast Now:

What is fasting?

Let‘s just clarify the misconceptions on the subject.

When the door of carnality closes the spiritual door opens.

Fasting digs into the Spiritual oil well to fuel revival.

The word fast I believe is misunderstood and people have trouble getting to grips with understanding what Jesus said, "Nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matt.17:20-21.

Satan tries to deceive the average Christian on this subject.

The Webster Bible dictionary defines fasting as ‘abstinence from food, especially as a religious observance (fast: “”To abstain from food. “) Now what does Webster say about water, as a food, we may ask the question, “Is water food?”

   1. Webster‘s definition of food, and it reads as follows: Food: nutriment; nourishment in form of solid form.
   2. Food and water- drinking are two different things. To do without water results in thirsting, and thirsting means, a great desire to drink.”
   3. One should not associate abstinence from water with the subject of fasting (this confusion has prevented many from fasting; many have been deprived of some of the very great blessings.)
   4. Fasting and starvation are two completely different things
   5. Fasting is for spiritual purpose
   6. Fasting has always been a normal part of relationship with God.


Psalm 42:

Food feeds the carnality of the flesh, water does not. Water is not stimulating, while food is. We pointed out the definition of fasting does not exclude water drinking, and does not mention Jesus thirsted forty days. In Scripture, it is called fast and not thirst.

The fast of Jesus:

It is quite evident that Jesus took water when he fasted forty days. There are four things that bear witness to this in Matt, 4:2-11 “when he fasted”.

   1. Jesus fast was a fast not a thirst. He was led by The Holy Spirit following his baptism.

   2. He was afterward hungered; it does not say He afterward thirsted. It is evident Jesus when feeding the 4,000 (Mark 8.3) bread and fishes were offered after they had been fasted for three days, and Jesus according to scripture did not offer them water, because they had no need of it. Water was available in the springs and brooks nearby.

   3. Satan knew he was not thirsty because he did not tempt him with water said command these stones to be made bread.

   4. The answer that Jesus gave to Satan is evident. Man shall not live by bread alone, but every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.


I would like to invite you to fast in 2010 and witness the breakthrough power of the living God.

These are

   1. A partial fast during the day and opening in the evening with a meal.
   2. Fasting completely one day a week, water only.
   3. Consecrated fast (water only).



Tips to prepare you for a fast:

Be Specific- Why you are fasting?

Decide what to fast?

How long?

What to Expect?

How to end? Don’t over eat.

Fourth day – Leave all meats and fried foods in diet.

Third day - Before eat mostly green vegetables, cooked or otherwise.

Second day – Eat choice of any live foods. Dried and fresh fruits nuts etc.

These foods contain life substances for the body.

Final day - Eat fresh fruit diet.

Then begin the fast the next day.

Approximately one pound of weight is lost daily.

Naturally all suggestions should take medical advice before following.

Take off now!


The great awaking is coming soon!

You will experience breakthroughs, revelation, direction, health, power, spiritual gifts, and faith to believe the impossible.

Almighty worldwide revival of spiritual power will sweep over the world with major signs and miracles in these last days. I would love to hear from you, write today with your testimonies and questions..

In His Service Shaneen Clarke


About Shaneen:
Shaneen Clarke is a London-based international Christian conference speaker, Bible teacher, Christian Evangelist and businesswoman.

For the past twenty years, she has traveled the world addressing conferences and churches. She is also a prolific host on Christian television and radio, both in the UK and America.

Her dynamic style and spiritual insights have seen her invited to speak with international Christian leaders, Christian motivational speakers and inspirational speakers from around the world.

My Value

I am VALUABLE to God and to people because I am created in his class of being.

I am VITAL because Gods plan involves me.

My HERITAGE is to have Gods best to enjoy his companionship and to use his wealth and power for the good of myself and others.

I am CREATED for life, love power, prosperity and dignity.

The seeds of Greatness are in me. God never created me to be a nobody, but a real somebody.

I therefore recognize myself value that god designed me for his lifestyle and now i know he planned life’s best for me as child.

I shall no longer discredit or demean or destroy what God CREATED in his own image and values so much.

I welcome Gods friendly voice he reminds me of his divine orgin, of my high purpose and of his love plan to help me achieve enjoy and share his best in life. From my book Dare to be Great... Order now! on Amazon 

 

On the 20th January 2009, America saw the historic inauguration of the new incoming President, Barack Obama. For many, this represents a daring move, and a time for change. I am exciting write about how the Lord has laid on my heart the word "dare." If you've read my recent book, Dare to Be Great, you may even be making some daring changes in your life right now!

Just before writing this blog, I picked up the magazine Christianity and read about an event in London called "Daring to Do." Inspiration speakers and traveling evangelists from all over were highlighted. All attendees were encouraged to speak about creative ways to reach their generation, including the above commissioned graffiti wall painting that was on display the Daring to Do event. Young people from all dioceses throughout England showcased the ambitious new ways they are doing a mission work.

Daring to do, change, stand for values, live a life for Christ this is what 2009 is about: To be set apart and not of this world. The Bible says in Daniel 11:32 that people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits. Standing, doing, being more like Christ is what we need in this society. We have tragically seen our society fall away from Christian values, beliefs, and principals. Many people have become reliant on the world’s system and less reliant on God’s system. And the world's system has fallen! Banks have collapsed, businesses with disillusioned motives and beliefs have been exposed. People’s traits, character and true nature have been opened. What has been hidden under carpets has now been brought to the table.

I dare you to clean out what’s hidden in your closets. This is a year of new beginnings and change. Now it is the time to make changes within you and in your world. As we are currently witnessing a poignant moment in time both politically and economically, now is the time to capture the spirit of a darer. 

• I dare you to be set yourself apart from this new generation. Believe for a year of success, a year of more faith, a year of more fruit in your life!
• I dare you to fast to see the change in you.
• I dare you to stand for your beliefs in the work place, stand for your rights, and stand for your values.
• I dare you to change your character, your habits, and your heart to be more like Christ!
• I dare you to  stretch your faith, to stretch your mind, step out of the box of limitations that this world has given to think beyond the worldly system as it is bound to failure but Gods way is beyond the worldly system.
• I dare you to make this your year of change! Position your year for greatness. What you sow this year is what you reap not just at the end of the year but for life.

Dare to Do Graphic:
Copyright 2009 by Church of English (Youth Evangelism)
Artist: Sarah Hicks
Used with permission

The fundamental reason why we do not have revival, in our lives is because we’re content to live without it. That’s right, because WE ARE CONTENT TO LIVE WITHOUT IT!!  Can you imagine?

We’re not seeking God –we’re seeking miracles, we’re seeking big crusades, we’re seeking quick fixes. In Numbers 11, Moses said to God, ‘You’re asking me to carry a burden I can’t handle. . Do something or take me!’ Wow that is desperation. Ever felt as desperate as this?

Rachel in Genesis goes to Jacob and throws herself down in despair. She says, “Give me children or else i die.”   

I read many years ago,” The situation is desperate but the Saints are not”.

The great Revivalist Andrew Murray wrote the book entitled “Absolute Surrender” which highlighted that the desire that God puts into your heart He will fulfill. This one comment really helped me; I thought of it a hundred times. In fact, to get this out of my heart, I want to say the same to you all - those of you who are struggling in the quagmire of helplessness and doubt. The desire that God puts into your heart, He will fulfill.

The Holy Spirit wants to Partner with you right now to fulfill his plan on earth.  I have learned that God has guaranteed His work in us. You can experience revival rather than read about it!

God’s makes his best people in loneliness. The secret of God’s power in your life, is praying in secret. In fact God’s best people are made in the secret place (Matt. 6:6). You can’t show off when the door’s shut and nobody’s there. You can’t display your gifts. You can impress others, but you can impress God. This is the key to the power of revival in your life. The private waiting room is where revival starts.

Key points:

Try to keep a daily time with your Master/ CEO.

Ask Him for the desire for revival.

Learn to wait on God.

‘We’ve said that prayer changes things. No!  Prayer doesn’t change things. Prayer changes people and they change things’. - Leonard Ravenhill

Don’t just read about revival become a revivalist!  Go for it!

- Shaneen