A series of articles, in blog format, contributed by our pastors and elders.
Fast Facts about Fasting
Written by Marty Barrett
Wednesday, 28 January 2009 21:48
This article is a bit late. In the last twenty four hours I have been involved with:
Five dreadful things! (Don't ask) Four calling folks, (Don't wonder) Three weddings, (In process) Two meals from love, (The Hammonds and The Johnsons) And a dear friend who's moving to D.C. (Mark Pendleton) (Sing the words to The Twelve Days of Christmas) Sing the words out of the parentheses!
As far as I know, the only day God commanded a fast to Moses was the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur. However, fasting was practiced by many, commanded by the priests and the prophets, and practiced, commended, prophesied, and expected by Jesus. On one occasion when the disciples asked why they were unable to cast out a demon, Jesus answered, "This kind comes out by prayer and fasting."
Here are a few fast facts on fasting. Hardest Fasts:
Moses did two forty day fasts, back to back, without food or water. Deuteronomy 9:1-20. (Out of this came two copies of the 10 Commandments. God spared the lives of most Israelites, and Aaron, the high priest, who led the people in making the Golden Calf. God was going to kill Aaron, but Moses, fasting, prayer, and pull won God's heart.)
Elijah did one forty day stint without bread and water and walked alone through the desert to Mt. Sinai. I Kings 19:1-10. (He had just called fire out of heaven, killed the prophets of Baal, and called for rain. Jezebel threatened his life. He ran away and sank into depression. He asked God to kill Him. Instead, God sent an angel to give Elijah food and water. The meal gave Elijah strength to journey to God's mountain in forty days. God rebuked and vindicated Elijah. He also gave him a servant, Elisha to serve Elijah and provide companionship. God ignored Elijah's desire for death by making him ascend into heaven in a tornado. If you ask God to kill you, you might want to rethink that. (Unless you like riding on whirlwinds))
Note: These fast facts are kind of slow. (That is only because of the parentheses)()()()()()
Jesus went without food for forty days and forty nights. Matthew 4:1-2 (You might have expected more of Him. God didn't. The Lord faced Satan head after the fast.)
Do not try any of the above at home, alone, on a feeling, after stopping your meds, intuition, burning bush, or walking on water without talking to your psychiatrist, regular physician, Dr. Susan Trawick, one of our church nurse brigade, or the Session.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 28 January 2009 21:52 )
A Call to Fast
Written by Marty Barrett
Monday, 26 January 2009 22:13
This Saturday the all Session and non Session elders will be meeting to open their hearts and minds to seek the Lord and share their thoughts in where we are as a congregation. A number of things face us at this time. We are ready to continue the building process, but the present economy is raising some questions. It is a time to count the cost, as the Lord commanded. We want to be as sure as possible that He has called us to build. If that is reaffirmed faith must rise to count cost and bring to completion God's will for us as a people. My prayer is that God will speak to the elders in a fresh way. To that end I have called for the congregation to spend time fasting and listening for the Lord. Ricki Lee Hagen confirmed the call on Sunday. Pray especially that will make Himself known through revelation, his Word, the Spirit, and united hearts.
The first mention of fasting is in Leviticus23:26-29 in connection with the day of Atonement. The verse calls for people to deny themselves or to fast. I encourage you to deny yourself of something and you pray. Verse 29 says that anyone who"does not deny himself will be cut off from his people." That is a pretty serious consequence for failing to fast. This was a call for the Israelites. Let the Lord lead you this week. Ask Him to reveal to you what you should do. It may be food or something else that we may hold dear to our hearts. Ask Him to reveal any sin that is troubling you and repent, believing in the blood of Jesus for forgiveness and ask for the Holy Spirit to give you the power to change. Then do it.
Jesus taught that if we would be His disciple we should deny ourselves and take up our cross. This is a daily dying and rising again. It is figured in our baptism, which is an event and an ongoing reality.
"Speak, Lord, your servants are listening." In Jesus name. Amen.
Marty Barrett
Last Updated ( Monday, 26 January 2009 22:16 )
From Pastor Marty - May 2008
Written by Marty Barrett
Monday, 05 May 2008 15:20
Since the Vacation Bible School of the summer of 2007, our Bridge Community at New Covenant has been transforming. Last Wednesday evening we had 24 young people. Since Karen moved to minister to the babies and toddlers, six teenagers have shown up. If we included mothers, we would be at about 30. Something is happening.
"My Father's house shall be a house of prayer for the nations."
Last Sunday, Apostle Donn Thomas preached on Spiritual Warfare against New Covenant That the recent suffering is a sign of God's favor, and we are to press in against the enemy. In Christ, God has created and new spiritual race of people, who are born from above and not from the earth. During a prayer time Felicia stepped and spoke Spanish, "Jesus sets us free from sin." Something shifted in the service. The power of God was evident at the altar as many were prayed for and received that clear signs of God's presence and grace. Healings occurred, burdens were lifted, and needs were met. A young doctor from Columbia was able to minister in Spanish to some of our saints.
"My Father's house should be a house of prayer for the nations."
Yesterday, Pastor Ann gave a many layer message on the power of Christ. Speaking biologically, she said, "There is no such thing as race. We all come from one blood." That is what scripture seems to say as well in Genesis. We are adding a Hispanic Bible Study. Something shifted.
"My Father's house shall be a house of prayer for all nations."
During Communion Angelo Cartegena translated the prayers at communion. The table opened. Something shifted. God was present in prayers. Carlos, and husband of Brenda came and received prayer. God was present in power.
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