FASTING Who has fasted in the Bible and why Jesus - before beginning his ministry (Matthew 4:1-2) Moses - before receiving the commandments 40 days, he did this twice (Exodus 34:28,  Deut. 9:18)  Daniel -  fasted to receive an answer to a vision - 21 days (Daniel 10:1-3)  1. WHY Because the Bible said so 16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matthew. 4:4 Helps us focus. The point of a fast is to focus on a particular issue, need, concern, or desire. Determine the point and be very intentional. Reminds us that God is our provider of every good and perfect gift  “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” Matthew 6:30-32 NLT You may notice one day that the things you once desired before your fast don’t even cross your mind. You realize there are things in life we don’t NEED, we just WANT it. Fasting helps us not become so dependent on material things in our life but instead hunger for the Lord -KEY POINTS Fasting must center on God. If you fast for any reason other than to center on Him; His will and His desire, it will be in vain True and False Worship 3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. 4 What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. Isaiah 58:3-4 NLT Fasting is not about the show to others, it is about the intimacy and heart position of the person fasting before the Lord, refer back to Matthew 6:16-18 Fasting is a discipline, not a punishment. Don’t use the biblical discipline of fasting to ease your guilt or need to punish poor behavior. You don’t need to punish yourself you just need to repent. Listening for God’s voice- as you pray and begin to draw near to the Lord during your fast, take time to just listen  2. HOW TO PREPARE Pray to prepare your heart for the fast Pray for God wisdom and understanding  Pray against temptations (you should also do this daily) What can you fast What are things you can’t live without? Must have daily things. Truth of the matter is, you CAN live without those things but you cant “LIVE” without a relationship with Jesus  Make different choices Instead of cookies, choose carrots. Instead of soda choose water. Instead of fast food, choose nutritious meals. (MENTION DANIEL FASTING) STAY AWAY FROM SWEETS Try not eating anything with sugar Tech fast. gaming systems, computer, TV show, social media etc Don’t start with a 21 or 40 day fast start small and build on that. 3. WHAT WE DO INSTEAD It's not that you're temporarily cutting these things out of you life to sit and do nothing. The time that you would normally spend eating a meal, scrolling through social media, or whatever else you plan on fasting, spend that time with God instead. Pray, do a devotional, put on some worship music, sit in silence and just listen to the Father. If you are fasting for a specific cause or reason, pray into that situation, pray the will of God over it Keep in mind, fasting and praying is not always going to immediate results, everything is in Gods timing, trust Him Just because you mess up doesn’t mean you need to give up or start over. Just pick up where you left off.  The enemy would love nothing more than for you to stop your fast. He’ll do everything to tempt you. Transformational Moments Is the Lord calling you to fast? Are you willing to temporarily cut things out of your life that you don’t need to grow in your walk with God? Will you fast for lost souls to be saved on Easter?