Our theme for 2009 at Christian Life Center is Forward by Faith! Sunday we'll see what it means to have faith in our 21st century world. At the same time we're beginning our 21 day fast as we start the New Year.
Jesus teaches that a life of faith requires both prayer and fasting. Prayer grasps the power of heaven, fasting loosens the hold on earthy pleasure.
Jesus himself fasted to get strength to resist the devil. Abstinence from food, or moderation in taking it, helps to focus on communication with God.
Let's remember that abstinence, moderation, and self-denial are a help to the spiritual life. To willingly sacrifice our own pleasure or enjoyment will help to focus our minds more fully on God and His priorities. The very practice needed in overcoming our own desires will give us strength to take hold of God in prayer.
Prayer is not easy work. For the real practice of prayer—taking hold of God and having communion and fellowship with him—it is necessary that our selfish desires be sacrificed.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. (Galatians 5:24 NLT)
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