Prayer & Fasting!

Our Elders/ Council spent a lot of time recognizing how God has moved and blessed, and that we must, as a Body of Believers, give ourselves to continuing to pursue the Lord and what He is doing.

Prayer and Fasting are imperative in truly being found in God's will, and seeing His grace poured out, and glory being given to Him.

Instead of seeing prayer as the last resort in a difficult moment, we need to understand it as the normal starting point for the Church.

If you notice Jesus' teaching found in Matthew 6:16-18, it begins with, "And when you fast." The Lord didn’t debate fasting on the part of His people. He encouraged it in saying, "and when you fast" but He also removed it from the place of showiness. It is done between you and God, not for the benefit of others.

Wesley stated, "It is not all, nor yet is it nothing. It is not the end, but it is a precious means thereto; a means which God Himself has ordained, and in which therefore, when it is duly used, He will surely give us His blessing." Vo. 5 works

Wesley further noted in the same sermon that, "as to the nature of it, all the inspired writers, both in the Old Testament and the New, take the word, fast, in one single sense, for not to eat, to abstain from food."

Fasting for extended periods is recorded in scripture, fasting for a day or portion, and abstaining from pleasant food. All of these are part and parcel of fasting.

During the course of this year, we want to encourage personal fasting and prayer for our own growth, and for the growth of the Church. In both, we are seeking for God to be glorified as we seek His face and for many to come to salvation.

Make 2012 a year of seeking Him, Christ our Center, through prayer and fasting. When you find yourself feeling the spiritual "blues," give time to prayer and fasting. There will be times we call the Church to prayer and fasting. Our next Solemn Assembly is March 18th and the week leading up to that Gathering will be designated as a time to pray and fast for God to pour out His Spirit in reviving the Church.

Remember Jesus' words, "When you fast." He expected His people to use this spiritual discipline to seek Him.

Blessings as We Seek Him Together,

Pastor Henry