Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Paul and Barnabas have established several new Churches as a result of their missionary journey. Before they returned to Antioch, they ordain elders to take care of the various […]

Acts 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Several of the prophets and teachers in Antioch had been fasting for the purpose of ministering unto God. As these men put the things of God as a priority in their life, they clearly heard the voice […]

Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
In Antioch there were a group of prophets and teachers who were ministering unto the Lord and while they were fasting, God showed this group of men that God […]

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
In this passage we receive two commandments from Christ that are designed to assist us in our daily walk […]

Proverbs 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
There are better ways to please the Lord than bringing sacrifices. It is true that we do not offer sacrifices of animals as the Jews did in the Old Testament. However, this verse is still applicable to our lives today. Have […]

Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Paul and Barnabas by their faithfulness had brought many people to the Lord. However, it was their calling to travel and share the gospel with many cities. As such, […]

Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
God had a special calling for Barnabas and Saul. However, God did not just come to Barnabas and Saul and tell them what they were to do. While God […]

Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Sin places a heavy burden upon your life; it oppresses you and places upon you a yoke of unrighteousness. God does […]

I Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Elijah had just seen God answer his prayers to bring fire from heaven. Elijah had just seen God answer his persistent prayer of brining rain back to […]

Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

When Jesus came down out of the mountain after being transfigured, a man came to him with a son who was a lunatic. Jesus healed this man�s son. While Jesus was up in the mountain, this man had brought his son to the disciples and had asked them to heal his son. However, the disciples were unable to heal the son despite the fact that Jesus had previously given them the authority to cast out devils.

Shortly after this miracle, the disciples asked Jesus why they were unable to heal this man. Jesus replied that they could only heal this man if they had prayed and fasted. The disciples had the power but they did not have the right mindset. Just because Jesus had given them the general authority, they needed to humble themselves and ensure that their life was right before God before they fought the spiritual battle of removing a devil from another man. Until they were mentally ready, God was not going to enable them to do great things for HIM. God needed their mind and heart to be in the right place because if it were not, the disciples would have been more proned to take credit for the miracle rather than giving God the glory that HE is due.

Matthew 6:18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Christ commanded you that when you fast, you are to do so in such a way that you do not receive the praises of man. Instead, Christ commanded that you behave in such a way so that God is the only one who knows you are fasting. One of the purposes of fasting is to draw closer to God so that you can hear HIS voice for your direction.

Since the purpose of your fast is to draw closer to God, Christ�s commandment that you fast in a way that God can reward you makes sense. Why would you fast for God but expect men to praise you? That would be like a man winning the Boston marathon and expecting the Olympic committee to give him a gold medal.

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where for forty days HE did not eat. After forty days, of fasting, Satan came unto Jesus and said, �If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.� Jesus was the Son of God and all HE needed to do was say the words and the stones would have become bread for HIM to eat. Jesus however understood that God was leading HIM and that while HE understood that HE would have to eat soon, HE also understood that HE needed to follow God�s timing for HIS life.

Ruth 2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

Scripture tells us that Ruth was a virtuous woman and that the entire community recognized the virtue that dwelled within her. One of the things that Ruth did to demonstrate to Boaz and the community that she was virtuous occurred when she arrived in Bethlehem. Ruth diligently sought for a way to support Naomi and herself. Ruth did not go out and beg, but instead, she must have taken the time to understand the law how she was entitled to follow the reapers in the field and pick up that which they dropped.

Proverbs 31:28a Her children arise up, and call her blessed;

Solomon received many benefits by carefully examining the character of the woman he desired to marry. Solomon�s mother taught him that if he took the time to examine the character of the woman he desired to marry, he would be blessed in many different ways. However, Solomon would not be the only person who would be blessed because he found a virtuous woman. Solomon�s wife also would receive blessings because she took the time to add virtue to her life. The virtuous woman who has willingly given of herself to make others in her life great will receive the blessing that her children recognize what she has done in their life.

Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Paul was in Lystra when some Jews came from Iconium and Antioch who persuaded the people to stone Paul. The people of Lystra presumed Paul was dead and dragged him out of town. However, God was not done with Paul and Paul arose and walked back into town. The next day, Paul left Lystra to go with Barnabas to Derbe.

Paul had been called of God to be a missionary. Paul may have been stoned and left for dead but that did not stop him from preaching the gospel. Paul was bold for Christ because he understood what God�s purpose was for his life and Paul strived to obey God. Paul not only strived to preach the gospel in new places, but he also was willing to go back to the places he was persecuted for righteousness sake so as to fulfill God�s purpose.

Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.

Cornelius was a Roman who dwelt among the Jews. However, because of the Jewish influence, he developed a fear of God that transcended to his entire house. Cornelius allowed his fear of the Lord to change himself. He no longer prayed to the false gods but prayed to the one true God. Cornelius changed so much that he used his abundance to help those who were less fortunate then him.

While Cornelius was a godly man and he feared the Lord, he still knew something was lacking in his life. He abstained from food for a period of time until an angel came and told Cornelius where Peter was and how to get him. When Cornelius had a need, he turned to God and God answered his prayer.

Acts 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Saul had been religious and was trying to kill the Christians. Now Saul
had been touched of God and he was sharing with others the good report
that Christ was the Son of God. In the matter of a very short period of
time, Paul had been filled with virtue and his entire life had changed.
Paul had spoken to God and God blinded him and then three days later,
after much prayer and fasting, Ananias came and laid his hands upon him
so that he received his sight. At the same time Saul had received his

Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Jesus had been upon a mountain with Peter, James and John. While he was up on the mountain, a man brought his son to Jesus� disciples and asked them to help his son by casting out the demon that was in his son. Jesus� disciples had seen the power of Jesus and they believed that they too could cast out this demon for the glory of God. Nonetheless, their efforts to cast out this demon failed. When Jesus returned, this man then asked Jesus to heal his son. Jesus cast out the demon that was in this man�s son.

Daniel 6:16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

Darius was king over Babylon and he had been tricked into passing a law that stated that no one could ask a petition any man or god for 30 days. The people were only allowed to petition the king. Daniel violated the law and as a result, he was condemned to die in a den of lions. Darius was not a Jew and did not believe in the God of the Jews. Yet, Darius had seen God�s hand upon the life of Daniel and understood that the God Daniel served was alive and could save Daniel from the den of lions.

II Chronicles 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.

The children of Moab and of Ammon arose to do battle against Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Rather then run and raise an army, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout the land. Jehoshaphat went to the temple and reminded God that it was by HIS power that the land was given to them and that the nation had built the Lord�s temple. Scripture is clear that all of Judah came before God seeking HIM in this trial. Scripture tells us that even the little ones, the children, and the wives stood before God.

Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan and fast ye for me, neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Esther understood that the Jews were about to be destroyed. Esther did not know what to do since the king had not bidden her to come into him for a period of time. Mordecai, Esther�s uncle, asked her �whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?� Esther�s response was to commit to going before the king even though it may mean her life, but she requested that Mordecai gather all the Jews together and that they humble themselves by fasting.

II Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Paul is looking back at his life and he proclaims that he has fished the race that God has assigned to him. Paul knows that since he has fought the fight that God has placed before him, that he is entitled to heavenly rewards. Paul may have suffered many afflictions running the race assigned to him by God, but upon his death, he received great rewards.

Your purpose in this life is not to gain accolades here on earth, but to hear in heaven, well done thou good and faithful servant. Jesus told you that when you fast and when you pray, you are supposed to do it in such a manner as to not gain the attention of men. You are to fast and pray for the spiritual benefit and for God�s glory. You know that Jesus said that you can only serve one master. You cannot serve both God and the world. If your expectation in this life is for the praises of man and earthly treasures as your reward for doing the will of God, then you are losing track of your real purpose as a Christian.

God and the world are at war with one another. God desires that you do that which is right in HIS eyes whereas the world desires you be like them and do that which is right in your own eyes. Therefore, you must be in the world but not of the world. Your focus should not be for the praises of man and earthly treasures when doing the things of God.

Paul understood that he was striving for spiritual rewards and this gave him the strength to push through the afflictions that he suffered on this earth. If Paul had his sights upon earthly rewards, he would have been discouraged at doing the will of God and possibly would have quit the race that was set before him. Paul was doing great things for God and Satan would have liked nothing more then that Paul stopped the ministry. However, Paul was focusing on things above and not things on this earth. Paul was able to finish the race set before him because he had his eyes in the right spot.

You are faced with many decisions to make on a daily basis. You must examine your life and determine if you are fighting the fight that God has for you. Is your focus upon finishing the race that God has given to you or is your focus on simply getting by with the minimum effort spiritually so that you can enjoy the things of this world. You must learn to be like Paul who totally dedicated his life to doing the will of God. Yes, there were times where he was not as active preaching the gospel such as the time when he was in Corinth making tents. Nonetheless, during this time at Corinth, he was able to disciple Aquila and Priscilla who later were active in serving the Lord.

Where is your focus? Is it on doing God�s will and receiving God�s rewards, or is it upon enjoying the praises of man and man�s treasures? Your focus must be on finishing the race that God set before you. God desires that you keep the faith. You have committed your life to the Lord, do not look back, instead, keep your hand to the plow and ensure that you fulfill the will of the Father. It takes faith to strive to put God first, but HIS grace is sufficient for you. Your purpose in life is not to be comfortable here; your purpose is to glorify God in all that you do. Keep the faith.

I Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

This scripture reminds you of the obligation to provide for those who God puts in your care. Paul uses some strong words to bring the point across that if one does not take care of their own family they have denied the faith. You can probably hear someone say that the reason they did not have money to take care of their family was because they were giving to a missionary or they were not working as much as they could so that they could be at church ministering for the needs of others. However, Paul is extremely clear, your first obligation is to those who God places in your care.

You have an obligation to take care of the needs within your family. However, this does not mean that you have an obligation to ensure that you are keeping up with the Jones prior to your taking care of the needs of others. Those who God has placed in your care are first among your duties of which you must provide for.

One of the key elements of your faith is a demonstration of your love one to another. The world is looking at how you are treating those around you. If the world sees that you cannot even provide for your own family, then the world does not want any part of your faith. Why would someone desire to enter a religion that appears to require all your money and all your time?

In addition to how the world looks at your faith, your own family will be examining your faith. Why would your children desire to follow you in the faith if all they see is that they had to suffer a lack of provision because of the sacrifices of your time and money? Faith is to be alive and powerful, but if your own family does not see the power of faith because of your lack of provision, then your faith is worthless.

The demonstration of your faith must begin in the home. You need to learn first to live by faith with your daily provision. As the Lord provides and takes care of you then you can expand out and watch the Lord use you in many ways. If you cannot be faithful over the small things, why should God trust you to be faithful over large things?

Jesus condemned those who made a public showing of their fasting and prayers. Those who are spiritual for the praise of men will receive their reward from man. You are not to be seeking the praise of men; you are to be seeking the praise of God. This means that you do your basic duty so that God is glorified. God is glorified when you demonstrate your love for your family when you take care of their needs before you take on extra obligations by taking care of others needs.

The world is watching you to see if your faith is something that they desire to make their own. They are not only examining your walk with the Lord but they are also looking at your family to see if this faith that you proclaim to be life changing is really something that they desire to make their own. Christians who talk the talk but do not walk the walk do more to deter others from accepting the faith then anything else. This is why it is so important that you demonstrate your faith to the world and to your family by ensuring that you are following God�s priorities. Your faith is not just a doctrine; it is a way of life.

Judges 20:26-27 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the Lord, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. And the children of Israel enquired of the Lord, for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

The nation of Israel had just heard of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah that was from the tribe of Benjamin. The men of Gibeah were perverse and were willing to commit lewd acts on both men and women who traveled through their town. As a result of their perverseness, they killed a woman. When the rest of the nation heard this, they gathered together and they demanded that Benjamin hand over the men from the city of Gibeah. The tribe of Benjamin refused and the children of Israel cried out to God for direction. The children of Israel were not going to battle against their own kind absent having clear instruction from God.

The children of Israel understood the seriousness of the issue before them and as such, they were not quick to make a decision but instead took the time to pray about it. They understood that there was wickedness in the land that needed to be destroyed. However, they were not going to administer their punishment absent the Lord�s direction. They took the time to hear God and ensure that they did not punish Benjamin out of anger.

The nation of Israel was angry, but they ensured that they did not let their anger control their actions. Instead, they wisely waited and sought the Lord to ensure that their direction was controlled of God and not by passion.

The Lord desires to direct your steps. HE allows you to experience certain things so that you can serve HIM by taking care of it here on this earth. You must allow the Lord to direct your steps. If you allow yourself to be controlled by anger, then Satan will be able to control your actions and you may do more damage then good. You cannot afford to allow yourself to be controlled by passion and anger. Instead, you must use passion and anger to cause yourself to go before God and seek direction.

If the nation of Israel would have attacked immediately, they still may have won and they still would have done the will of God. Nonetheless, by attacking in anger, their attitude would have shown. In addition, the nation of Israel would have constantly been wondering if they had done the Lord�s will in almost utterly destroying a whole tribe. Great dissention would most likely exist between Israel and Benjamin had Israel attacked in anger. However, because they sought the Lord�s will, after Israel corrected Benjamin, Israel was in the position to help Benjamin restore itself.

There is no such thing as a small decision with God. Every decision that you make should not be rash but should be made fully understanding the will of God for your life. Rarely is there a decision that you must make that you must make when your passions are enflamed. Jesus set an example for you when HE saw the wickedness in the temple of the Lord and HE came back the next day to cleanse the temple. You understand that God desires to lead you and guide you in the way you should go. By faith you will take the time to seek HIS will for your life and ensure that you do not simply react to circumstances around you but that you seek HIS will and you obey HIS voice.

Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Paul was aboard a ship bound for Rome. However, a winter storm had arisen that was controlling the ships direction. The sailors could not control the ship and everyone feared that they were about to die. For fourteen days, Paul had not eaten anything. God had told Paul that he was going to preach in Rome and it appeared that a huge storm was going to curtail God�s direction. However, God sent an angel to Paul in the midst of the storm and assured Paul that that God has not changed HIS mind and that everyone would be saved.

Acts 18:20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

Paul had reached the city of Ephesus and while he was in the synagogue the people requested that Paul stay with them. Paul had such rough treatment in so many towns and now here is a town that is opening its arms for him to stay and preach the gospel. However, Paul knew that he was supposed to go to the feast in Jerusalem and as such, he told the people of Ephesus that he would return if the Lord allowed him.

By faith, Paul understood that he was supposed to go to Jerusalem for this particular feast. Paul had taken the time to understand the Lord�s timing for his life and Paul would not allow Satan to distract him from the Lord�s timing by giving him a hospitable reception. It would have been so tempting to stay where the fruit was ripe. However, Paul understood, that he needed to go where the Lord told him to go when the Lord told him to go if he desired the Lord�s blessing on his life.

Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard see, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Jesus had just healed a boy possessed with a devil. Jesus� disciples had previously attempted to heal the boy but were unsuccessful. The disciples then approached Jesus asking why they could not cast out the devil. Jesus responded with this profound statement regarding the power of faith.

With faith, nothing is impossible. Jesus used a word picture that demonstrates how by faith we can do anything. I wonder how many Christians have read this verse and have tried to move a mountain. Faith is a powerful tool in the hands of a Christian. However, as we have learned, a Christian�s faith has many enemies which destroy the effective work that we can do through faith.