Fasting
A way to stay close to God
An insert that was included in an old Good News magazine presented the following information regarding fasting. Because we are coming up to the Day of Atonement soon, this information should be of value to you. Here is the insert as it appeared:
God expects us to fast (Matt. 6:16-18; 9:14-15). It shows that we really want to humble ourselves and depend on God.
God was able to bless many people after they humbled themselves through fasting. King Ahab’s life was prolonged (I Kings 21:17-29). Nineveh was spared from destruction (Jonah 3:4-10). Jesus was able to resist Satan’s temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). The early Church leaders were guided in decision making (Acts 13:1-3).
The biblical example of a true fast is not partaking of either food or liquid (Ex. 34:28). The Bible records one-day fasts (Lev. 23:27, 29). It also teaches that two or three-day fasts are appropriate on occasions (Esther 4:16). However a person’s physical condition must be considered. If a person is not in good health, the advice of a licensed medical doctor should be obtained to determine if a fast is medically prohibited in his or her case.
Avoid seeking your pleasure, doing unnecessary work or justifying your carnal ways during a fast. Don’t view it as a form of penance designed to force God to do what you want (Isa. 58:3-4). Don’t do it to be seen of men (Matt. 6:17-18). Rather, let God reveal to you any areas where you are self-centered or weak.
Consider selecting a specific purpose to concentrate on while fasting. It might involve over-coming a personal problem, receiving guidance in decision making, gaining better understanding or seeking blessings needed in God’s work or in someone’s life (Isa. 58:6-7; Esth. 4:16).
Pray, study God’s Word, and meditate. Admit where you have sinned (Dan. 9:1-19). Thinking about God’s greatness and your need to depend on Him (Jas. 4:9-10; I Pet. 5:5-6). Seek a deeper understanding of God’s will and the strength to live it (Isa. 58:10-11). Make changes that will increase the love you show toward God and your fellowman (Rom. 13:8).
After drawing closer to God, make your requests known. Also give thanks for your blessings (II Chron. 33:11-13; Phil. 4:6).
Reap the rewards of a better attitude, more understanding and more direct intervention by God (Job 22:29; Ps. 9:11-12; Prov. 22:4).
Fast often enough to stay close to God. By doing so you’ll be much stronger spiritually (Matt. 23:12).
Monday, October 20, 2008
Fear God
Plain Truth
Jan 1969
Q&A
"Isn't this a contradiction: God commands people to fear Him,yet I John 4:16,18 says, God is love, and perfect love casts out fear?"
There are two kinds of fear, one of which is a necessary part of perfect love!
Most people today are enslaved by harmful fears - chronic fears of danger and phobias of darkness, shadows,loneliness, blood, travel; fear of being unattractive to others; a morbid fear of death; etc.; ad infinitum. Such unreasoned, chronic fears and worries rob people of contentment. The other kind of fear - the helpful kind - is fear of the bad result of wrong action. Proper fear stems from wisdom and knowledge. It warns of genuine dangers so we can take action to avoid them. The fear of God is in this category. Thus, "The fear of the Eternal tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil" (Prov. 19:23).
Proper fear takes two forms. One is the natural fear of physical danger the warning we need to protect this temporal life. The other is spiritual fear for our eternal protection. Spiritual fear is called the fear of God. The fear of God warns us of those things which make life miserable and endanger our eternal life. It is a learned fear. We have to learn about the power and authority of God - that He gives life and also takes life. Spiritual, Godly fear is founded on living faith. Noah believed and feared God! This resulted in his being saved alive when the whole world perished (Heb. 11:7). Godly fear warns us that God will punish sin and wickedness (Prov.16:6). It warns us to turn away from sin because it ends in death (Rom. 6:23). This kind of fear saves our lives! The fear of God is the instruction of wisdom (Prov. 15:33). God's Word tells us right from wrong - it warns of the consequences of sin and describes the blessings of righteousness (Ps. 1). Godly fear supplies motivation and furnishes impetus to obey His Word, to avoid pitfalls and mistakes that injure us. God is love (I Jobn 4:8). He loves us (Rom. 5:8) and wants us to enjoy life forever in His Kingdom. His commandments are love (I John 5: 3) - they point out the way of love and blessings. When we fear to disobey God, we are given the incentive to carefully weigh our thoughts and actions in the light of His Word and to avoid what is wrong. Thus, we are guided into the way of love that ends in every right result (Psalm 16:11). We become imbued with LOVE. The confidence and love which result, drive out and conquer the unreasoned, harmful, enslaving fears of man.
This good kind of fear is like the healthy fear and reverence instilled in children by loving parents who teach their little children to fear to touch a hot stove Or run into the street. We are God's children, and He wants us to avoid the pitfalls of life. Thus, we fear and revere Him; and this fear to disobey teaches us perfect love. God's fear is good for us. It is really part of perfect love - the force that leads us to learn and live by the law of love. That is why a loving God tells us to fear Him!
Jan 1969
Q&A
"Isn't this a contradiction: God commands people to fear Him,yet I John 4:16,18 says, God is love, and perfect love casts out fear?"
There are two kinds of fear, one of which is a necessary part of perfect love!
Most people today are enslaved by harmful fears - chronic fears of danger and phobias of darkness, shadows,loneliness, blood, travel; fear of being unattractive to others; a morbid fear of death; etc.; ad infinitum. Such unreasoned, chronic fears and worries rob people of contentment. The other kind of fear - the helpful kind - is fear of the bad result of wrong action. Proper fear stems from wisdom and knowledge. It warns of genuine dangers so we can take action to avoid them. The fear of God is in this category. Thus, "The fear of the Eternal tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil" (Prov. 19:23).
Proper fear takes two forms. One is the natural fear of physical danger the warning we need to protect this temporal life. The other is spiritual fear for our eternal protection. Spiritual fear is called the fear of God. The fear of God warns us of those things which make life miserable and endanger our eternal life. It is a learned fear. We have to learn about the power and authority of God - that He gives life and also takes life. Spiritual, Godly fear is founded on living faith. Noah believed and feared God! This resulted in his being saved alive when the whole world perished (Heb. 11:7). Godly fear warns us that God will punish sin and wickedness (Prov.16:6). It warns us to turn away from sin because it ends in death (Rom. 6:23). This kind of fear saves our lives! The fear of God is the instruction of wisdom (Prov. 15:33). God's Word tells us right from wrong - it warns of the consequences of sin and describes the blessings of righteousness (Ps. 1). Godly fear supplies motivation and furnishes impetus to obey His Word, to avoid pitfalls and mistakes that injure us. God is love (I Jobn 4:8). He loves us (Rom. 5:8) and wants us to enjoy life forever in His Kingdom. His commandments are love (I John 5: 3) - they point out the way of love and blessings. When we fear to disobey God, we are given the incentive to carefully weigh our thoughts and actions in the light of His Word and to avoid what is wrong. Thus, we are guided into the way of love that ends in every right result (Psalm 16:11). We become imbued with LOVE. The confidence and love which result, drive out and conquer the unreasoned, harmful, enslaving fears of man.
This good kind of fear is like the healthy fear and reverence instilled in children by loving parents who teach their little children to fear to touch a hot stove Or run into the street. We are God's children, and He wants us to avoid the pitfalls of life. Thus, we fear and revere Him; and this fear to disobey teaches us perfect love. God's fear is good for us. It is really part of perfect love - the force that leads us to learn and live by the law of love. That is why a loving God tells us to fear Him!
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