Why Fasting Changes More Than Your Appetite

I'm not really a soccer fan, but I I'm not really a soccer fan, but I really enjoyed watching the World Cup really enjoyed watching the World Cup really enjoyed watching the World Cup the last few weeks. I really did. And the last few weeks. I really did. And the last few weeks. I really did. And so, I think one of the reasons I like so, I think one of the reasons I like so, I think one of the reasons I like watching the World Cup, the reason many watching the World Cup, the reason many watching the World Cup, the reason many of you like watching it, though you of you like watching it, though you of you like watching it, though you probably don't follow soccer like I do probably don't follow soccer like I do probably don't follow soccer like I do or don't understand it, or don't understand it, or don't understand it, is is is it's like a form of the Olympics, isn't it's like a form of the Olympics, isn't it's like a form of the Olympics, isn't it? it? it? In other words, the whole world come In other words, the whole world come In other words, the whole world come together. In this case, together. In this case, together. In this case, we celebrated it here by having the we celebrated it here by having the we celebrated it here by having the games in North America. And, you know, games in North America. And, you know, games in North America. And, you know, everybody comes from all over the world. everybody comes from all over the world. everybody comes from all over the world. They bring their country's colors, their They bring their country's colors, their They bring their country's colors, their flags, their customs, flags, their customs, flags, their customs, the cheers, the songs, all that the cheers, the songs, all that the cheers, the songs, all that focuses on this one event to see who's focuses on this one event to see who's focuses on this one event to see who's going to be the best soccer team on the going to be the best soccer team on the going to be the best soccer team on the planet. planet. planet. Now, what's interesting about Now, what's interesting about Now, what's interesting about the World Cup, it's the same as the the World Cup, it's the same as the the World Cup, it's the same as the Super Bowl or the World Series, is that Super Bowl or the World Series, is that Super Bowl or the World Series, is that when you break away when you break away when you break away from from from the game to a commercial, the game to a commercial, the game to a commercial, all the commercials, most all of them, all the commercials, most all of them, all the commercials, most all of them, feature athletes feature athletes feature athletes not in the game, usually, but doing not in the game, usually, but doing not in the game, usually, but doing what?

Training, isn't it? Training, isn't it? It shows them running around a track. It It shows them running around a track. It It shows them running around a track. It shows them trying to clear hurdles. It shows them trying to clear hurdles. It shows them trying to clear hurdles. It shows them grabbing those big ropes. I shows them grabbing those big ropes. I shows them grabbing those big ropes. I know you've never done this, and know you've never done this, and know you've never done this, and flapping them on the floor. flapping them on the floor. flapping them on the floor. Jumping, plyometrics, weight training, Jumping, plyometrics, weight training, Jumping, plyometrics, weight training, and then it shows them hydrating and then it shows them hydrating and then it shows them hydrating themselves with some type of, I don't themselves with some type of, I don't themselves with some type of, I don't know, special sports drink or special know, special sports drink or special know, special sports drink or special electrolytes, or it shows them taking electrolytes, or it shows them taking electrolytes, or it shows them taking this protein powder, or having some this protein powder, or having some this protein powder, or having some little gadget on their cell phone or little gadget on their cell phone or little gadget on their cell phone or something that helps them something that helps them something that helps them train and prepare for the big game. train and prepare for the big game. train and prepare for the big game. So, we, especially in the in the Western So, we, especially in the in the Western So, we, especially in the in the Western world, have bought in to that, haven't world, have bought in to that, haven't world, have bought in to that, haven't we? I mean, we've committed by and large we? I mean, we've committed by and large we? I mean, we've committed by and large as a culture to physical workouts. as a culture to physical workouts. as a culture to physical workouts. The importance of dieting, eating, of The importance of dieting, eating, of The importance of dieting, eating, of protein, and balance. We have focused on protein, and balance. We have focused on protein, and balance. We have focused on that for a good 50 years now in our that for a good 50 years now in our that for a good 50 years now in our culture, but so many times culture, but so many times culture, but so many times we fail to do the same thing, put the we fail to do the same thing, put the we fail to do the same thing, put the same amount of intentionality same amount of intentionality same amount of intentionality intentionality, intentionality, intentionality, and focus on the most important thing and focus on the most important thing and focus on the most important thing in all of our lives.

in all of our lives. in all of our lives. The Bible puts it this way in 1 Timothy The Bible puts it this way in 1 Timothy The Bible puts it this way in 1 Timothy 4:8 as Paul is writing to someone he's 4:8 as Paul is writing to someone he's 4:8 as Paul is writing to someone he's training by the name of Timothy. He training by the name of Timothy. He training by the name of Timothy. He says, "For physical training is of some says, "For physical training is of some says, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all value, but godliness has value for all value, but godliness has value for all things holding promise for both the things holding promise for both the things holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." present life and the life to come." present life and the life to come." Paul knew that his people in that day in Paul knew that his people in that day in Paul knew that his people in that day in Ephesus in Greece, where this was taking Ephesus in Greece, where this was taking Ephesus in Greece, where this was taking place, were also obsessed with training place, were also obsessed with training place, were also obsessed with training and athletics. It was a big part of and athletics. It was a big part of and athletics. It was a big part of their culture. their culture. their culture. And so here, what does he do? He takes And so here, what does he do? He takes And so here, what does he do? He takes that cultural obsession with training, that cultural obsession with training, that cultural obsession with training, preparation, getting ready, athleticism, preparation, getting ready, athleticism, preparation, getting ready, athleticism, and he pivots to focus and he pivots to focus and he pivots to focus and to compare it and to compare it and to compare it to spiritual formation, to working out to spiritual formation, to working out to spiritual formation, to working out and being intentional about our training and being intentional about our training and being intentional about our training in in in godliness or in following him. godliness or in following him. godliness or in following him. That's why we've been looking this That's why we've been looking this That's why we've been looking this summer at spiritual formation. And summer at spiritual formation. And summer at spiritual formation. And spiritual formation basically describes spiritual formation basically describes spiritual formation basically describes the process of how we become more like the process of how we become more like the process of how we become more like Christ.

Christ. Christ. Spiritual formation, as we've seen, Spiritual formation, as we've seen, Spiritual formation, as we've seen, involves intentional involves intentional involves intentional practices. practices. practices. It It doesn't just happen by kind of It It doesn't just happen by kind of It It doesn't just happen by kind of floating around, all right? No, it's floating around, all right? No, it's floating around, all right? No, it's intentional. intentional. intentional. What are some of the intentional What are some of the intentional What are some of the intentional practices that we looked at? Well, we practices that we looked at? Well, we practices that we looked at? Well, we looked at silence and solitude. Number two, we looked at the spiritual Number two, we looked at the spiritual practice, intentional practice, of practice, intentional practice, of practice, intentional practice, of meditation. meditation. meditation. And today, we're going to look at the And today, we're going to look at the And today, we're going to look at the third third third aspect, the third aspect, the third aspect, the third practice in spiritual formation that practice in spiritual formation that practice in spiritual formation that we'll get to in a little bit. But I need we'll get to in a little bit. But I need we'll get to in a little bit. But I need to say this parenthetically, this is to say this parenthetically, this is to say this parenthetically, this is important. important. important. Spiritual formation, Spiritual formation, Spiritual formation, intentional practices, intentional practices, intentional practices, don't don't don't save you. save you. save you. They don't save you, but they help They don't save you, but they help They don't save you, but they help sanctify you. sanctify you. sanctify you. To use theological terms. In other To use theological terms. In other To use theological terms. In other words, spiritual formations are means of words, spiritual formations are means of words, spiritual formations are means of grace that God's given us to help us grace that God's given us to help us grace that God's given us to help us grow and understand him better, and also grow and understand him better, and also grow and understand him better, and also to be able to apply to be able to apply to be able to apply his life, his reality, his truth his life, his reality, his truth his life, his reality, his truth to our families, to our families, to our families, to our business, to our school, to every to our business, to our school, to every to our business, to our school, to every aspect of our lives.

aspect of our lives. aspect of our lives. Today, we're going to look at a critical practice of spiritual formation practice of spiritual formation that we all need to that we all need to that we all need to participate in. How do we get there? Well, How do we get there? Well, if you're a parent if you're a parent if you're a parent and you have a child who's sick or and you have a child who's sick or and you have a child who's sick or hurting, you will do hurting, you will do hurting, you will do anything anything anything to help to help to help your child. your child. your child. You'll do anything, you'll climb any You'll do anything, you'll climb any You'll do anything, you'll climb any mountain, sacrifice anything in order to mountain, sacrifice anything in order to mountain, sacrifice anything in order to help your child who is sick. help your child who is sick. help your child who is sick. Many years ago, when the New Testament Many years ago, when the New Testament Many years ago, when the New Testament was written, there was a situation where was written, there was a situation where was written, there was a situation where a father had a son who was really sick. a father had a son who was really sick. a father had a son who was really sick. He was possessed by an evil force that He was possessed by an evil force that He was possessed by an evil force that was so intense that it would cause this was so intense that it would cause this was so intense that it would cause this son to go into convulsions, to throw son to go into convulsions, to throw son to go into convulsions, to throw himself in a fire, and this father was himself in a fire, and this father was himself in a fire, and this father was absolutely distraught. Finally, he heard absolutely distraught. Finally, he heard absolutely distraught. Finally, he heard about a group of people who may give his about a group of people who may give his about a group of people who may give his son help. So, he took son help. So, he took son help. So, he took his son in front of this group of men.

his son in front of this group of men. his son in front of this group of men. We call this group of men We call this group of men We call this group of men disciples, the disciples. Can you help disciples, the disciples. Can you help disciples, the disciples. Can you help me? Can you help us? And they tried to me? Can you help us? And they tried to me? Can you help us? And they tried to help the the father with the son. They help the the father with the son. They help the the father with the son. They tried and tried, but they could not tried and tried, but they could not tried and tried, but they could not succeed. So, finally, the father succeed. So, finally, the father succeed. So, finally, the father took the son before the leader of this took the son before the leader of this took the son before the leader of this group group group who was known as who was known as who was known as Yeshua Yeshua Yeshua Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. And he went to Jesus and said, "Lord And he went to Jesus and said, "Lord And he went to Jesus and said, "Lord Jesus, I I tried uh to to get help from Jesus, I I tried uh to to get help from Jesus, I I tried uh to to get help from your disciples, but they could not help your disciples, but they could not help your disciples, but they could not help me. They couldn't me. They couldn't me. They couldn't release and heal my son." "Why did they fail? "Why did they fail? Why couldn't they do it?" "This type "This type of help of help of help this type of healing only comes this type of healing only comes this type of healing only comes through the power of prayer through the power of prayer through the power of prayer and fasting."

And he cast And he cast the demonic power and force out of the the demonic power and force out of the the demonic power and force out of the boy, out of this father's son, boy, out of this father's son, boy, out of this father's son, and healed him. of prayer and fasting. He doesn't go of prayer and fasting. He doesn't go really on to explain what he meant by really on to explain what he meant by really on to explain what he meant by that. that. that. But we know For thousands of years For thousands of years men and women and young people men and women and young people men and women and young people from around the world have engaged in from around the world have engaged in from around the world have engaged in these intentional these intentional these intentional practices of spiritual formation. practices of spiritual formation. practices of spiritual formation. Silence, solitude, Silence, solitude, Silence, solitude, meditation, meditation, meditation, and the third one we're looking at and the third one we're looking at and the third one we're looking at today, Fasting. Fasting. There's power There's power There's power in fasting.

in fasting. in fasting. In Matthew chapter 6, I invite you to In Matthew chapter 6, I invite you to In Matthew chapter 6, I invite you to turn with me in your Bibles to that. turn with me in your Bibles to that. turn with me in your Bibles to that. Matthew is the very first book in Matthew is the very first book in Matthew is the very first book in the New Testament. the New Testament. the New Testament. Turn to Matthew. If not, Matthew is Turn to Matthew. If not, Matthew is Turn to Matthew. If not, Matthew is going to be on the screen right in front going to be on the screen right in front going to be on the screen right in front of you. Matthew 6:16 following is one of of you. Matthew 6:16 following is one of of you. Matthew 6:16 following is one of the key passages in the entire Bible the key passages in the entire Bible the key passages in the entire Bible that talks about that talks about that talks about fasting. fasting. fasting. This is Jesus speaking here. He says, This is Jesus speaking here. He says, This is Jesus speaking here. He says, "When you fast, do not look somber as "When you fast, do not look somber as "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure the hypocrites do, for they disfigure the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others that they are their faces to show others that they are their faces to show others that they are fasting. fasting. fasting. In other words, they are posting online In other words, they are posting online In other words, they are posting online and social media, 'Hey, look at me. I'm and social media, 'Hey, look at me. I'm and social media, 'Hey, look at me. I'm spiritual. I'm fasting.' Truly I tell you, they have received Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Like smiley face, their reward in full. Like smiley face, their reward in full. Like smiley face, hearts. hearts. hearts. That'll go a long way. That'll go a long way. That'll go a long way. But when you fast, But when you fast, But when you fast, put oil on your head, wash your face so put oil on your head, wash your face so put oil on your head, wash your face so that it will be not be obvious to others that it will be not be obvious to others that it will be not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your that you are fasting, but only to your that you are fasting, but only to your father who is unseen, and your father, father who is unseen, and your father, father who is unseen, and your father, God the Father, who sees what you have God the Father, who sees what you have God the Father, who sees what you have done in secret will reward you. It's done in secret will reward you. It's done in secret will reward you. It's interesting when you look at these interesting when you look at these interesting when you look at these passages in 1 Timothy 4, it says, passages in 1 Timothy 4, it says, passages in 1 Timothy 4, it says, "There's value "There's value "There's value value value value in training for godliness. There's value in training for godliness. There's value in training for godliness. There's value in fasting. There's a reward in fasting.

in fasting. There's a reward in fasting. in fasting. There's a reward in fasting. And as you look at this passage, notice And as you look at this passage, notice And as you look at this passage, notice Jesus says, Jesus says, Jesus says, "Not if "Not if "Not if not if not if not if you fast, but when you fast, but when you fast, but when you fast." you fast." you fast." Fasting is one of those givens Fasting is one of those givens Fasting is one of those givens in Christian spirituality. in Christian spirituality. in Christian spirituality. Fasting. Fasting. Fasting. When I think about fasting, I think When I think about fasting, I think When I think about fasting, I think about Jesus about to launch his about Jesus about to launch his about Jesus about to launch his three-year ministry. three-year ministry. three-year ministry. Remember before he launched his three Remember before he launched his three Remember before he launched his three years ministry, he spent 40 days in years ministry, he spent 40 days in years ministry, he spent 40 days in fasting and preparation for the launch. fasting and preparation for the launch. fasting and preparation for the launch. I think about the Didache that we I think about the Didache that we I think about the Didache that we studied a few months ago. The Didache it studied a few months ago. The Didache it studied a few months ago. The Didache it said in this early first second century said in this early first second century said in this early first second century of the church, they would fast on of the church, they would fast on of the church, they would fast on Wednesday and Friday. They would skip Wednesday and Friday. They would skip Wednesday and Friday. They would skip basically breakfast and lunch and break basically breakfast and lunch and break basically breakfast and lunch and break the fast at dinner. When I was getting ready for the When I was getting ready for the mountain retreat with our high school mountain retreat with our high school mountain retreat with our high school students, and we have a group of students, and we have a group of students, and we have a group of students over here, junior high students over here, junior high students over here, junior high students. That's right.

Who are getting ready to go on the creek Who are getting ready to go on the creek week. We're going to pray for them in a week. We're going to pray for them in a week. We're going to pray for them in a few moments. When I was getting ready few moments. When I was getting ready few moments. When I was getting ready for the mountain retreat, one of the for the mountain retreat, one of the for the mountain retreat, one of the things I did was I didn't fast from things I did was I didn't fast from things I did was I didn't fast from food. I simply fast from the news and food. I simply fast from the news and food. I simply fast from the news and did a fast from entertainment and media. did a fast from entertainment and media. did a fast from entertainment and media. Why? Because I was getting ready for Why? Because I was getting ready for Why? Because I was getting ready for that mountain retreat. I want to try to that mountain retreat. I want to try to that mountain retreat. I want to try to receive guidance from God as to what he receive guidance from God as to what he receive guidance from God as to what he wanted to say to our students as we went wanted to say to our students as we went wanted to say to our students as we went to the mountains. to the mountains. to the mountains. So, we fast many times to prepare So, we fast many times to prepare So, we fast many times to prepare ourselves ourselves ourselves to do something for the Lord or to to do something for the Lord or to to do something for the Lord or to prepare ourselves that we deem is really prepare ourselves that we deem is really prepare ourselves that we deem is really important and vital and critical in our important and vital and critical in our important and vital and critical in our lives. lives. lives. Now, in scripture, you see people Now, in scripture, you see people Now, in scripture, you see people fasting for all kind of different fasting for all kind of different fasting for all kind of different reasons. reasons. reasons. Many times you see people fasting over a Many times you see people fasting over a Many times you see people fasting over a brokenness over sin. brokenness over sin. brokenness over sin. They're they're They're they're They're they're they're they're broken. They're they're they're they're broken. They're they're they're they're broken. They're they're they're devastated. Oh God, I I I can't they're devastated. Oh God, I I I can't they're devastated. Oh God, I I I can't get rid of this habit. God, we have get rid of this habit. God, we have get rid of this habit. God, we have engaged in something that has displeased engaged in something that has displeased engaged in something that has displeased you. So, we want to go and enter into a you. So, we want to go and enter into a you. So, we want to go and enter into a time of fast.

time of fast. time of fast. Many times we see people uh fasting also Many times we see people uh fasting also Many times we see people uh fasting also over a time of grief. over a time of grief. over a time of grief. They're going through a time of loss and They're going through a time of loss and They're going through a time of loss and brokenness. So, they will skip meals and brokenness. So, they will skip meals and brokenness. So, they will skip meals and they will fast in order to receive they will fast in order to receive they will fast in order to receive comfort and to remember their loved one comfort and to remember their loved one comfort and to remember their loved one who has passed. who has passed. who has passed. Other times we see people uh fast in Other times we see people uh fast in Other times we see people uh fast in scripture when they feel helpless scripture when they feel helpless scripture when they feel helpless over life. over life. over life. In other words, life has thrown them In other words, life has thrown them In other words, life has thrown them something so difficult, something so difficult, something so difficult, maybe so random, so intense. They're maybe so random, so intense. They're maybe so random, so intense. They're like, "I have no idea where to go, no like, "I have no idea where to go, no like, "I have no idea where to go, no idea what to do. I'm going to spend time idea what to do. I'm going to spend time idea what to do. I'm going to spend time fasting so I can focus on God and hear fasting so I can focus on God and hear fasting so I can focus on God and hear him." him." him." There's a great story in 2 Chronicles There's a great story in 2 Chronicles There's a great story in 2 Chronicles uh chapter 20 where King Jehoshaphat is uh chapter 20 where King Jehoshaphat is uh chapter 20 where King Jehoshaphat is being invaded by three different being invaded by three different being invaded by three different enemies. enemies. enemies. They're attacking him in three different They're attacking him in three different They're attacking him in three different ways and Jehoshaphat doesn't know what ways and Jehoshaphat doesn't know what ways and Jehoshaphat doesn't know what to do. to do. to do. He's like, "God, this is an impossible He's like, "God, this is an impossible He's like, "God, this is an impossible situation. How can we go to battle?

situation. How can we go to battle? situation. How can we go to battle? We're getting hit from these three We're getting hit from these three We're getting hit from these three different fronts. different fronts. different fronts. This is impossible." This is impossible." This is impossible." And so, he seeks the Lord and the Lord And so, he seeks the Lord and the Lord And so, he seeks the Lord and the Lord speaks to him and tells him, "Listen, speaks to him and tells him, "Listen, speaks to him and tells him, "Listen, Jehoshaphat, the battle Jehoshaphat, the battle Jehoshaphat, the battle is not yours, it is mine. is not yours, it is mine. is not yours, it is mine. The battle belongs to the Lord." The battle belongs to the Lord." The battle belongs to the Lord." And Jehoshaphat was fasting, his people And Jehoshaphat was fasting, his people And Jehoshaphat was fasting, his people were fasting, and he received the word were fasting, and he received the word were fasting, and he received the word from God that he should put the choir from God that he should put the choir from God that he should put the choir and the worship leaders on the front and the worship leaders on the front and the worship leaders on the front line. line. line. Which was some of us here, I agree with Which was some of us here, I agree with Which was some of us here, I agree with that. But, no, he put all of them on the that. But, no, he put all of them on the that. But, no, he put all of them on the front lines, and they began to praise front lines, and they began to praise front lines, and they began to praise and worship the Lord, and they did not and worship the Lord, and they did not and worship the Lord, and they did not fire one shot. They did not do anything, fire one shot. They did not do anything, fire one shot. They did not do anything, and they won that battle. and they won that battle. and they won that battle. All of that happened because they were All of that happened because they were All of that happened because they were seeking to hear God seeking to hear God seeking to hear God in the midst of a helpless and in the midst of a helpless and in the midst of a helpless and impossible situation. impossible situation. impossible situation. So, when you think about fasting So, when you think about fasting So, when you think about fasting from a biblical perspective, we can see from a biblical perspective, we can see from a biblical perspective, we can see from this passage in Matthew 6 that from this passage in Matthew 6 that from this passage in Matthew 6 that fasting, first of all, fasting, first of all, fasting, first of all, is a covert is a covert is a covert operation.

operation. operation. Unless it's a congregational fast or Unless it's a congregational fast or Unless it's a congregational fast or community fast, fasting is covert. It's community fast, fasting is covert. It's community fast, fasting is covert. It's not something you should tell people not something you should tell people not something you should tell people about. It's not something you should about. It's not something you should about. It's not something you should post about. It's not something you post about. It's not something you post about. It's not something you should brag about. should brag about. should brag about. Okay? Okay? Okay? Fasting also is about helplessness. Fasting also is about helplessness. Fasting also is about helplessness. It's about brokenness. It's about It's about brokenness. It's about It's about brokenness. It's about neediness. It's about showing our neediness. It's about showing our neediness. It's about showing our dependence upon him. So, if you are So, if you are pragmatic here today, if you have a you pragmatic here today, if you have a you pragmatic here today, if you have a you utilitarian proclivities, and you're utilitarian proclivities, and you're utilitarian proclivities, and you're wondering, "Why should I fast? What are wondering, "Why should I fast? What are wondering, "Why should I fast? What are the benefits of fast? What's the value? the benefits of fast? What's the value? the benefits of fast? What's the value? What's the reward?" as Christ said in What's the reward?" as Christ said in What's the reward?" as Christ said in Matthew 6. Matthew 6. Matthew 6. Well, Well, Well, you know, if we got really pragmatic and you know, if we got really pragmatic and you know, if we got really pragmatic and drilled it down, we could talk about all drilled it down, we could talk about all drilled it down, we could talk about all the medical benefits of fasting. Reduces the medical benefits of fasting. Reduces the medical benefits of fasting. Reduces your insulin, inflammation, weight loss, your insulin, inflammation, weight loss, your insulin, inflammation, weight loss, you know, your your your metabolism. you know, your your your metabolism. you know, your your your metabolism. Fasting, regular fasting, helps in all Fasting, regular fasting, helps in all Fasting, regular fasting, helps in all that.

that. that. So, you got to start somewhere, but So, you got to start somewhere, but So, you got to start somewhere, but that's not what we're talking about here that's not what we're talking about here that's not what we're talking about here today. today. today. We're talking about what God's word We're talking about what God's word We're talking about what God's word talks says to us about fasting and talks says to us about fasting and talks says to us about fasting and perhaps these medical and physical perhaps these medical and physical perhaps these medical and physical benefits can be thrown in. But why benefits can be thrown in. But why benefits can be thrown in. But why should you fast? Why should we all fast? should you fast? Why should we all fast? should you fast? Why should we all fast? First of all, we fast because fasting First of all, we fast because fasting First of all, we fast because fasting refocuses your heart refocuses your heart refocuses your heart away from the good to the great. to the great. So, when I fast, So, when I fast, So, when I fast, I'm putting aside the food. I'm putting aside the food. I'm putting aside the food. I'm putting down the fork, something I'm putting down the fork, something I'm putting down the fork, something that's good. Food is good, eating is that's good. Food is good, eating is that's good. Food is good, eating is good, bread is good to focus on the great, to focus to focus on the great, to focus intensely upon God. intensely upon God. intensely upon God. Professor Eugene Merrill says this. He Professor Eugene Merrill says this. He Professor Eugene Merrill says this. He says that fasting is a theology of says that fasting is a theology of says that fasting is a theology of priorities. priorities. priorities. He summarizes it says by fasting is is a He summarizes it says by fasting is is a He summarizes it says by fasting is is a theology of priorities in which theology of priorities in which theology of priorities in which believers express undivided and believers express undivided and believers express undivided and intensive devotion to the Lord.

intensive devotion to the Lord. intensive devotion to the Lord. So, fasting is not simply about closing So, fasting is not simply about closing So, fasting is not simply about closing your mouth to food. your mouth to food. your mouth to food. It's about opening your heart to what It's about opening your heart to what It's about opening your heart to what God is trying to do and say in your God is trying to do and say in your God is trying to do and say in your life. life. life. Fasting. Fasting. Fasting. There's power There's power There's power in fasting. There's power in setting in fasting. There's power in setting in fasting. There's power in setting aside time aside time aside time to pray to pray to pray as we looked at last week, to meditate as we looked at last week, to meditate as we looked at last week, to meditate deeply on God's word in order to hear deeply on God's word in order to hear deeply on God's word in order to hear his voice, his voice, his voice, to receive direction and guidance and to receive direction and guidance and to receive direction and guidance and power in your life. That's why we fast. That's why we fast. We're not fasting in order to We're not fasting in order to We're not fasting in order to somehow manipulate God. No. somehow manipulate God. No. somehow manipulate God. No. We're fasting We're fasting We're fasting because we want to receive more grace because we want to receive more grace because we want to receive more grace from God, power from God, and to see him from God, power from God, and to see him from God, power from God, and to see him move through our lives.

move through our lives. move through our lives. Fasting refocuses our heart, our minds, Fasting refocuses our heart, our minds, Fasting refocuses our heart, our minds, and our bodies from something good and our bodies from something good and our bodies from something good to something great. to something great. to something great. Also, fasting Also, fasting Also, fasting reveals what controls reveals what controls reveals what controls you. you. you. Richard Foster said, "More than any Richard Foster said, "More than any Richard Foster said, "More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the other discipline, fasting reveals the other discipline, fasting reveals the things things things that control He talks about a story about a He talks about a story about a businessman who decided to go on a fast. businessman who decided to go on a fast. businessman who decided to go on a fast. And he thought the fast was going to be And he thought the fast was going to be And he thought the fast was going to be about how in the world can I refrain about how in the world can I refrain about how in the world can I refrain from eating food? How can I do that? How from eating food? How can I do that? How from eating food? How can I do that? How can I stop doing that? And he was can I stop doing that? And he was can I stop doing that? And he was worried about how can he stop eating worried about how can he stop eating worried about how can he stop eating food? But when he started fasting a food? But when he started fasting a food? But when he started fasting a little bit, that wasn't the problem. little bit, that wasn't the problem. little bit, that wasn't the problem. The problem wasn't overcoming the hunger The problem wasn't overcoming the hunger The problem wasn't overcoming the hunger pains. The problem wasn't skipping pains. The problem wasn't skipping pains. The problem wasn't skipping meals. The problem was once he started meals. The problem was once he started meals. The problem was once he started doing that, he realized that he had a doing that, he realized that he had a doing that, he realized that he had a lot of massive anger issues in his life.

Someone else may realize who start Someone else may realize who start fasting, "Well, I've got some serious fasting, "Well, I've got some serious fasting, "Well, I've got some serious issues with pride in my life. I've got issues with pride in my life. I've got issues with pride in my life. I've got some serious issues of trying to control some serious issues of trying to control some serious issues of trying to control everything and everybody that I need to everything and everybody that I need to everything and everybody that I need to let go of. I've got some serious let go of. I've got some serious let go of. I've got some serious resentments that I'm holding on to and resentments that I'm holding on to and resentments that I'm holding on to and somehow the fasting gives space in your life for God to work gives space in your life for God to work and to convict you of something or and to convict you of something or and to convict you of something or someone that you're holding on to." It reveals the underlying force It reveals the underlying force that may be controlling and dictating that may be controlling and dictating that may be controlling and dictating your life. below the surface, beyond the surface, below the surface, beyond the surface, and into the roots of what's going on and into the roots of what's going on and into the roots of what's going on fast.

What what are you What what are you attached to? What are you holding on to attached to? What are you holding on to attached to? What are you holding on to that God says you need to let go of? Many times fasting Many times fasting reveals that. Fasting refocuses us on something good, Fasting refocuses us on something good, food, to something great, food, to something great, food, to something great, praying in intense devotion to God. praying in intense devotion to God. praying in intense devotion to God. Fasting reveals what controls us, Fasting reveals what controls us, Fasting reveals what controls us, what we're holding on to, what we're holding on to, what we're holding on to, and fasting and fasting and fasting also revives also revives also revives your capacity your capacity your capacity to feast to feast to feast on on on God. Do you remember when Jesus was fasting? Do you remember when Jesus was fasting? And once again his And once again his And once again his disciples said, "Hey, what are you disciples said, "Hey, what are you disciples said, "Hey, what are you doing? How do you have this energy? How doing? How do you have this energy? How doing? How do you have this energy? How do you have this power? You're not even do you have this power? You're not even do you have this power? You're not even eating." And Jesus said, "I have food eating." And Jesus said, "I have food eating." And Jesus said, "I have food that you don't even know about."

that you don't even know about." that you don't even know about." And that's the spiritual food, the And that's the spiritual food, the And that's the spiritual food, the spiritual strength he had on feasting spiritual strength he had on feasting spiritual strength he had on feasting and communing with his heavenly father. Fasting, Fasting, refraining from refraining from refraining from food, skipping a meal, of several meals, food, skipping a meal, of several meals, food, skipping a meal, of several meals, allows you to revive that capacity in allows you to revive that capacity in allows you to revive that capacity in your heart, in your mind, in your spirit your heart, in your mind, in your spirit your heart, in your mind, in your spirit to feast on God, to feast and to to feast on God, to feast and to to feast on God, to feast and to meditate on God's holiness, to feast, to meditate on God's holiness, to feast, to meditate on God's holiness, to feast, to meditate on God's power, to feast, to meditate on God's power, to feast, to meditate on God's power, to feast, to meditate on God's love and God's grace. meditate on God's love and God's grace. meditate on God's love and God's grace. As we allow our physical hunger to As we allow our physical hunger to As we allow our physical hunger to awaken in us this spiritual hunger awaken in us this spiritual hunger awaken in us this spiritual hunger that's so deep and so real that's so deep and so real that's so deep and so real that only God can fulfill. We hunger for his holiness, his love, We hunger for his holiness, his love, and his infinite mercy.

and his infinite mercy. and his infinite mercy. Fasting Fasting Fasting revives all of this revives all of this revives all of this in our lives. Refocuses, Refocuses, reveals what's below the surface, reveals what's below the surface, reveals what's below the surface, and revives and revives and revives this capacity this capacity this capacity that we all have that we all have that we all have to really feed and worship and focus on to really feed and worship and focus on to really feed and worship and focus on God, his character, his promises for us. Some of you here who are Some of you here who are listening to this message today, you listening to this message today, you listening to this message today, you have fasted, it's a regular part of your have fasted, it's a regular part of your have fasted, it's a regular part of your life, you've done it before, and you're life, you've done it before, and you're life, you've done it before, and you're like, "Yes! like, "Yes! like, "Yes! Amen! Preach it. It's real." Amen! Preach it. It's real." Amen! Preach it. It's real." And you could testify today. And you could testify today. And you could testify today. Others of us are saying, Others of us are saying, Others of us are saying, "Fasting? "Fasting? "Fasting? Really? Really? Really? You think we should fast? How do I fast?

You think we should fast? How do I fast? You think we should fast? How do I fast? What does fasting look like?" Well, I What does fasting look like?" Well, I What does fasting look like?" Well, I mean, I'm not going to get into the the mean, I'm not going to get into the the mean, I'm not going to get into the the details of it, but you just need to details of it, but you just need to details of it, but you just need to start start start fasting. fasting. fasting. Start fasting. Now, be wise, right? If Start fasting. Now, be wise, right? If Start fasting. Now, be wise, right? If you're about to do two-a-days, guys, you you're about to do two-a-days, guys, you you're about to do two-a-days, guys, you know, you're student football in August, know, you're student football in August, know, you're student football in August, fasting is not your season to fast, all fasting is not your season to fast, all fasting is not your season to fast, all right? Not that we ever use use sports Not that we ever use use sports analogies or anything, but think about analogies or anything, but think about analogies or anything, but think about fasting as it's not the offense that you fasting as it's not the offense that you fasting as it's not the offense that you run every single game, it's that special run every single game, it's that special run every single game, it's that special play you put in. Got it? play you put in. Got it? play you put in. Got it? It's that fake reverse, double reverse, It's that fake reverse, double reverse, It's that fake reverse, double reverse, it's that, you know, lateral pass, it's it's that, you know, lateral pass, it's it's that, you know, lateral pass, it's the old Statue of Liberty play. Coach, the old Statue of Liberty play. Coach, the old Statue of Liberty play. Coach, is someone help me? So, yeah, fasting is is someone help me? So, yeah, fasting is is someone help me? So, yeah, fasting is something you put into your your game something you put into your your game something you put into your your game plan, if you would. plan, if you would. plan, if you would. As you're doing life, as you're seeking As you're doing life, as you're seeking As you're doing life, as you're seeking to grow with God. But just start to grow with God. But just start to grow with God. But just start fasting, there's no either way. What is fasting, there's no either way. What is fasting, there's no either way. What is fasting? It's primarily to stop eating fasting? It's primarily to stop eating fasting? It's primarily to stop eating for a while, that's what it is. for a while, that's what it is. for a while, that's what it is. It's skip a meal, skip two meals, skip It's skip a meal, skip two meals, skip It's skip a meal, skip two meals, skip three meals, drink water. There are three meals, drink water. There are three meals, drink water. There are other ways to fast, we can fast from other ways to fast, we can fast from other ways to fast, we can fast from media, as I talked about, you can, you media, as I talked about, you can, you media, as I talked about, you can, you know, fast from certain activities, but know, fast from certain activities, but know, fast from certain activities, but by and large, it has to do with food.

by and large, it has to do with food. by and large, it has to do with food. And be wise when you fast. And be wise when you fast. And be wise when you fast. But start fasting. But start fasting. But start fasting. I remember years ago I was fasting, I I remember years ago I was fasting, I I remember years ago I was fasting, I had a 24-hour fast, and I broke my fast had a 24-hour fast, and I broke my fast had a 24-hour fast, and I broke my fast with a pizza. Let me tell you something, with a pizza. Let me tell you something, with a pizza. Let me tell you something, that is a rookie mistake, so I can tell that is a rookie mistake, so I can tell that is a rookie mistake, so I can tell you that. Don't do that. you that. Don't do that. you that. Don't do that. All right? All right? All right? But start fasting. You You can simply But start fasting. You You can simply But start fasting. You You can simply start where you are. Start with one start where you are. Start with one start where you are. Start with one meal, say, "Hey, I'm not going to eat meal, say, "Hey, I'm not going to eat meal, say, "Hey, I'm not going to eat breakfast this Wednesday, so I can spend breakfast this Wednesday, so I can spend breakfast this Wednesday, so I can spend time with the Lord." So, maybe you've time with the Lord." So, maybe you've time with the Lord." So, maybe you've been listening to this series been listening to this series been listening to this series on spiritual formation, and you go, on spiritual formation, and you go, on spiritual formation, and you go, "Hey, that's great. Silence and "Hey, that's great. Silence and "Hey, that's great. Silence and solitude, I wish I can do that. solitude, I wish I can do that. solitude, I wish I can do that. Meditation, I need to do that. I just Meditation, I need to do that. I just Meditation, I need to do that. I just don't have the don't have the don't have the time." Listen, time." Listen, time." Listen, fasting fasting fasting will give you space and time will give you space and time will give you space and time to spend time with God. Fasting will to spend time with God. Fasting will to spend time with God. Fasting will give you that space in your schedule give you that space in your schedule give you that space in your schedule when you need it to spend time in when you need it to spend time in when you need it to spend time in silence and solitude before him. So, silence and solitude before him. So, silence and solitude before him. So, start fasting, ask God to lead you, start fasting, ask God to lead you, start fasting, ask God to lead you, start simply, start simply, start simply, and watch what he does in your life.

Someone put it this way, they said, Someone put it this way, they said, "Fasting "Fasting "Fasting doesn't change God, fasting changes doesn't change God, fasting changes doesn't change God, fasting changes me." me." me." Fasting changes me. Fasting changes me. Fasting changes me. It's not about manipulation, it's about It's not about manipulation, it's about It's not about manipulation, it's about transformation. transformation. transformation. Think about Esther. Think about Esther. Think about Esther. You know Esther in the Old Testament? You know Esther in the Old Testament? You know Esther in the Old Testament? Her people were threatened, the Jewish Her people were threatened, the Jewish Her people were threatened, the Jewish people, to be wiped out. people, to be wiped out. people, to be wiped out. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. They were going to be wiped out. They were going to be wiped out. They were going to be wiped out. She didn't know what to do, so what did She didn't know what to do, so what did She didn't know what to do, so what did she do? She fasted. She fasted because she do? She fasted. She fasted because she do? She fasted. She fasted because she had to appear before the king to she had to appear before the king to she had to appear before the king to plead with him that there was a plot to plead with him that there was a plot to plead with him that there was a plot to kill his people. So, she fasted for 3 kill his people. So, she fasted for 3 kill his people. So, she fasted for 3 days and 3 nights, and somehow the king days and 3 nights, and somehow the king days and 3 nights, and somehow the king gave her favor and and listened to her gave her favor and and listened to her gave her favor and and listened to her request, request, request, and he and he and he abolished and wiped out the attack on abolished and wiped out the attack on abolished and wiped out the attack on Esther's people, the Jewish people, Esther's people, the Jewish people, Esther's people, the Jewish people, which could have destroyed them at that which could have destroyed them at that which could have destroyed them at that moment in time. moment in time. moment in time. But as she prepared for this biggest But as she prepared for this biggest But as she prepared for this biggest moment in her life, she did have a day spot, if you read the she did have a day spot, if you read the scripture, go read it. She did, Esther.

She also She also fasted. fasted. fasted. And God gave her power, and God And God gave her power, and God And God gave her power, and God delivered her and delivered her people. delivered her and delivered her people. delivered her and delivered her people. Yeah.