Pondering Thoughts of My Soul

Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline taught in the Bible.  To fast, you voluntarily reduce or eliminate food or drink for a specific time or purpose.  While fasting, you are praying to God, focusing on seeking His will in your life.  The spiritual benefits of fasting are growing a more intimate relationship with God and receiving supernatural revelation and wisdom.  Remember Noah?  God told him to go to the city of Nineveh and preach to the evil people there.  He proclaimed that in 40 days, Nineveh would be overthrown by God because of their sin.  The people of Nineveh believed Jonah and the king proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, as did all the people, young and old, in the city.  Because of their repentance and turning away from sin, Nineveh was saved.  Today, we are called to fast and pray, especially during the time of Lent, the forty days before Easter.  For your obedience, God will greatly reward you.  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of fasting to grow self-discipline and a greater relationship with You.  Remind us often, Lord, of how much Jesus suffered for us on the cross.  Keep our focus on You, Lord, during this Lenten time.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.  Joel 2:12-13. “Even now, ” declares the Lord, “Return to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, and mourning.  Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.”