Readying for Evangelism

This week many of you fasted.  I had 16 slices of bread and innumerable bottles of water.  This is my first fasts since 2002, and I am committing for an annual experience for spiritual reasons.  Of course, I crave the taste of my favorite foods! Yet, an honest admission must be made, in my case at least, that I eat not necessary because I need, but for pleasure sake.  There is nothing wrong with enjoying pleasant food!  The Fast of Yom Kippur (Judgment Day) in Israel was followed by 8 days of feasting on Sukkot!  God is inviting us all to the Feast in heaven.  My point is, when food becomes our comfort, our “run-to” solace, it may lead to addiction.  Fasting, a regular fasting, breaks unhealthy patters and reminds us of priorities.

Not everyone fasted from food.  Kids and youth in their growing stages are not to fast from necessary nutrients.  They may fast from other regular activities that are not essential – games, TV, media, computer. For some it maybe just abstaining from one meal in the late afternoon.  Now, fasting from going to the beach in October does not count J!  Your sacrifice has to be real and reasonable.

Some shared with me that they could not keep the fast for the total amount of time.  My comment is: if you can’t keep your body under subjection for the vow you made, how can you then control your spirit?  The self-control is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Prophet Daniel fasted, Esther fasted, Nehemiah fasted, Ezra, Samuel, Elijah, Paul, John the Baptist – Bible is filled with examples of spiritual heroes who fasted for specific reasons. There are different types of fasting.  One thing they all have in common – expecting God to do a miracle! If you are desperately want something and making a covenant with God is the only answer, would you try?  How seriously do you want to see evangelistic revival in our church, in our city?  How committed are you to be a part of it?

Some of you shared that this week you had opportunities to witness like never before!  I pray that your evangeliving will not be limited to one week per year, but be an ongoing lifestyle.  Every ministry of our church, everything we do outside of the church, even our worship service is Evangelism.  In addition once a year we are to harvest our efforts.  If we planted, seeded, invested – there is need to reap, collect, harvest, and also evaluate!  The two weeks of proclamation is a celebration of what we did this year.  For those who recently made a commitment it will be strengthening of faith.  For seasoned church goers it will be a reminder of purpose, a revival of passion.  For new comers, for the new interests it will be a challenge for change.  For all it will be an experience with God.  Please continue in practice of spiritual disciplines through this season of Gospel Witnessing.