April 1, 2015
Amazing things can happen through our dedication and commitment. Case in point is an incident in the lives of five men.
“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13.2-3)
There were five men in a church who served as prophets and teachers. As they went about their service, they devoted themselves for a period of time to the practice of fasting. In fact, fasting is twice mentioned here: a specific call from the Lord was received as they were fasting, and prayer and fasting accompanied the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas to that work. And what a work it was! This marked the beginning of the first of three missionary tours that resulted in many new churches, and eventually letters that would comprise over half of the New Testament. We are immeasurably blessed through what resulted from the practice of fasting by these men.
I recently had an interesting and ironic conversation about fasting while eating a piece of cake. Aside of that irony, I reflected back on a time in my life and service when fasting was a regular part of my lifestyle. There were rich and tangible blessings that perhaps at least in part resulted from the habit of fasting then.
The misguided religious leaders in Jesus’ day regularly practiced fasting, but were none the better spiritually because of it. Fasting, in and of itself, does not guarantee spiritual insight and vitality. But, the lack of its practice can be at least as detrimental. If the Lord’s voice and calling was abundantly clear during a period of fasting, as recorded in Acts 13, then such possibilities exist today for those who discipline themselves to fast.
I seriously doubt any of us approach the prospect of fasting with any great enthusiasm, but the potential good and blessings that could result hopefully stirs an interest and desire to practice it. By denying our physical appetite, we just might find our spiritual appetite stirred and satisfied in ways we could not otherwise imagine.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13.2-3)
There were five men in a church who served as prophets and teachers. As they went about their service, they devoted themselves for a period of time to the practice of fasting. In fact, fasting is twice mentioned here: a specific call from the Lord was received as they were fasting, and prayer and fasting accompanied the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas to that work. And what a work it was! This marked the beginning of the first of three missionary tours that resulted in many new churches, and eventually letters that would comprise over half of the New Testament. We are immeasurably blessed through what resulted from the practice of fasting by these men.
I recently had an interesting and ironic conversation about fasting while eating a piece of cake. Aside of that irony, I reflected back on a time in my life and service when fasting was a regular part of my lifestyle. There were rich and tangible blessings that perhaps at least in part resulted from the habit of fasting then.
The misguided religious leaders in Jesus’ day regularly practiced fasting, but were none the better spiritually because of it. Fasting, in and of itself, does not guarantee spiritual insight and vitality. But, the lack of its practice can be at least as detrimental. If the Lord’s voice and calling was abundantly clear during a period of fasting, as recorded in Acts 13, then such possibilities exist today for those who discipline themselves to fast.
I seriously doubt any of us approach the prospect of fasting with any great enthusiasm, but the potential good and blessings that could result hopefully stirs an interest and desire to practice it. By denying our physical appetite, we just might find our spiritual appetite stirred and satisfied in ways we could not otherwise imagine.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 9:25 AM
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