Encounter #6:

Fasting and Filling

Read: Mark 2:18-22

Jesus states in Matthew 6:16-18 when you fast... He didn't say if you fast.

Fasting is a Christian discipline. Many people of the Bible fasted: Moses, Elijah, Ezra, Daniel, Esther, David, the Nations of Israel and Nineveh, as well as Paul, the Disciples, and of course, Jesus, Himself. Jesus stated that while He was here on earth His followers didn't need to fast, but when He would leave, they needed to fast. Therefore, we need to be fasting.

Why fast? Instead of eating we can pray and draw need to God. We can re-dedicate and re-commit ourselves to God's service. We can seek the Lord for guidance, wisdom and direction during our fasting. Physically our body will be cleansed of toxins. And by the Holy Spirit strongholds will be be broken in us and those we are praying for. Read Isaiah 58.

Jesus is the Bridegroom, we are His guests. His children. He is coming back again. Until then we need to “turn our plates over” for a meal or two, for a day or more, and seek Him. He wants to refill us with His power.

The new wine of the Holy Spirit will be poured into us as we replace our “old wine-skins” with His new life, ways, thinking and living. God's purposes cannot be poured into our “old self.” We are a new creation in Him (2 Corin. 5:17). We can now feast on Him. He is the Bread of Life. The Holy Spirit is our “new wine.” The Word will refresh you. Fast and be filled with His Presence.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to give me the strength and grace to fast. I need wisdom, deliverance, healing and direction. Those I know need your invasion into their lives. I want to feast on your goodness, mercy, love, and favor in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Application: As the Lord leads you, take time to fast a meal or two for a certain period of time and seek His face. Agree with other believers to join with you. Ask the Holy Spirit to re-fill you with His Presence and Power. Feast on His Word. Receive the Lord's strength, grace, wisdom and direction.

Encounter Jesus: Receive His power through the Holy Spirit now.