(Second part)
Memory verse (Isaiah 58: 3b) “ In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and exploit all your laborers ”.
The lord told the children of Israel that the goal of their fasting was TO SEEK TO FIND THEIR PLEASURES. Fasting is not about seeking our fleshly desires. In fact fasting is for putting to death our fleshly desires. The scripture teaches that God does not answer prayers whose goal is to feed our fleshly desires (Jam4: 3). Scripture teaches that living according to the flesh produces death but not blessings (Rom8: 6). Jesus taught that we should seek the kingdom of God first and these things shall be added (Mtt6: 33). Now, these things we need them in our lives. We need money, we need clothing, we need good food, and these things are not bad at all in themselves. The problem is the lust for them. The real problem is that when the lust of these things is in our lives, they won’t help but will control us, enslave us, dominate us and finally destroy us. The scripture teaches that money answers all things, but the same bible teaches and warns that the love on money is the root of all evil (1Tim6; 10). When things control our loves, they will destroy our relationships, they will destroy our lives, they lead us to do wrong things, etc. So, seeking the kingdom of God first means, seek to know God and have a relationship with him, seek the Lord to transform your life first. God’s priority is not to settle your financial situation but to deal with your lustful desires for money. Once the Lord has dealt with the lust of your flesh then, he will add all these things that you need in life e.g. wife, money, houses, promotions, cars, big jobs, anointing, great ministry.
God wants first to deal with issues in you and not around you. God wants to change you before he changes your position. God wants to deal with your sexual immorality before he gives you a wonderful wife. God wants to bless you so much, even much more than you ever dream, but there are things and issues in your life that stand between you and God. You don’t have an idea what God can give you and use you to do, if you can allow him to first transform your life. Fasting is one weapon for putting to death the works of the flesh and praying in tongues is another weapon for edifying, strengthening your spirit. When you fast, pray more in tongues and God will do the transformation of your life (Rom8: 13).
We will continue this subject tomorrow
