Phase 1 Week 6 Feb 13-Feb 19, Richard Foster page 47-61

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New York Youth Leaders Association

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Feb 13, 2012, 5:41:44 PM2/13/12
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1. Matthew 6:16 Jesus said, "When you fast," do you agree that fasting
should be a normal part of a relationship with God.

2. All the way back in the beginning, in the Garden of Eden Adam and
Eve ate themselves out of the will of god for their lives. What are
some things that you want more than food?

3. Compare the statement on page 49, Biblical fasting always centers
on spiritual purposes to the one on page 50 where Jehoshaphat called
the nation to fast for the purpose of deliverance.

4. Plan a time of fasting with another student.

I look forward to reading your post

lol

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Feb 14, 2012, 8:47:47 PM2/14/12
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1. Greetings. I absolutely agree that fasting should be a normal part
of our relationship with God. In order for our spirit to connect with
His, Spirit we have to voluntarily abstain from our 'likes and
pleasures' namely : food, drink, copulation and everything in between.
Fasting is important firstly because it is a sign of penitence and
humility,causing us to see our true colors. Our deep secrets that we
have carefully hidden are brought to the fore. We start seeing
ourselves as God sees us, hence we are prompted to change course.
Secondly, voluntary is also a means of preparing ourselves to receive
divine revelation. Last but certainly not least, Jesus Christ led an
exemplary life. If He being the Son of God fasted, who am I a mere
mortal, that I shouldn't do the same.

2. I want to have a truer, deeper, fuller relationship with God, one
in which I have holy boldness.I'm praying for the day when I will
stand in the subway, bus, mall, middle of the street, ANYWHERE and
proclaim the gospel as I was mandated to do. Food is important to our
physical lives but I can go days on end without eating. I cannot,
however, as a christian go for one second without God's grace, His
mercy and His gifts. Having the gifts of the Spirit is what I crave,
because I need to be empowered for the task at hand.

3. King Jehosophat called a fast that was based on biblical
principles. He was afraid when he got the report of a vast army coming
against him and could have acted foolishly. Instead, he chose to seek
God's guidance showing that he had complete reliance on the Lord of
host. The king had a deep personal relationship with God so he turned
to his only source of help in times of trouble. As a good leader who
took his job seriously, the king in calling a national fast, no doubt
inspired his people to always remember to call on the name of the
Lord. Great Example Indeed.

4. I hereby invite Sis Michelle Stone to join me on Saturday February
25th for a 6 a.m to 6 p.m fast.
On Feb 13, 5:41 pm, New York Youth Leaders Association

michca...@yahoo.com

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Feb 15, 2012, 11:52:04 PM2/15/12
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Hi Everyone,
Fasting should be a normal part of a relationship with God. Jesus
said “when you fast” because He is expecting that we fast. The bible
presents fasting as something that is good, profitable and
beneficial. Jesus himself fasted as an example for us. We fast for a
more intimate walk with God. It allows us to take our eyes off the
things of the world and focus completely on God. Fasting as the text
states “reveals the things that controls us,” it kills the flesh and
transforms us into the image of Jesus Christ. Fasting reminds us that
we are sustained by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Some of the things I want more than food;
I crave for a closer and more intimate relationship with God to able
to see from His prospective at all times. I want to be able to use the
power He has given to me wherever I go to accomplish His work. I want
more to discern when God is speaking to me, and to accurately
interpret what he is saying and to be obedient to his instructions. I
must say that I am sometimes hesitant to move or do the things God
tells me to do. I crave to know the mind of God, to know His
thoughts, His ways and His will.
Biblical fasting always centers on spiritual purposes. Biblical fast
is intended for a deeper fellowship with God. It is an opportunity
for us to get closer to God, not for God to do what we want, as the
text states “to use good things to our own ends is always the sign of
false religion.” Fasting must be God initiated and God ordained. Once
our primary purpose is centers on God, then he takes control of our
hearts. Biblical fasting is more on an individual basis, putting our
daily necessary needs before God and allowing him to transform us.
When our relationship with God is strengthened and we get to know him
more, His people will not perish in the hands of the enemy because
when we fast God reveals to us the enemy’s plans.
When Jehoshaphat called the nation to fast for the purpose of
deliverance his objective was for a specific purpose. He feared the
Moabites and Ammonites etc. and viewed this as a time of national
treat and potential disaster. Jehoshaphat knew that God was the All
Powerful and All Mighty God so he turned to Him for help. He called
for a united fast, the whole nation, all their little ones, their
wives etc. Jehoshaphat was saying that if God did not do something,
all his people would perish in the hands of the enemy. He knew there
was no way he could escaped the hands of his enemies if God did not
intervene. His human resources were limited, so he became totally
dependent on God to fight the battle. They all fasted and God
revealed to them the enemies’ plan and instructed them on what to do.


On Feb 13, 5:41 pm, New York Youth Leaders Association
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michca...@yahoo.com

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Feb 15, 2012, 11:57:47 PM2/15/12
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Hi sis, I will join you for the fast.
> > I look forward to reading your post- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Jbl...@yahoo.com

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Feb 16, 2012, 12:30:22 AM2/16/12
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1. Oh yes my brothers and sisters! I heard a preacher say “the Bible
is not a book of suggestions, but a book of commands”. I agree with
his statement as well as what is written in the Bible. Fasting makes
you slow down and forces you to focus on God. This should be a normal
part of our relationship with God because it keeps our thoughts,
desires and dreams lined up with Gods. Instead of planning our own
“sometimes” selfish dreams, God reminds us that it is not about us,
but about kingdom of God.

2.Currently coming off a 40 day fast myself, I honestly just want to
stay in God’s presence. In His presence there is fullness of joy and
peace. He is the ONLY one who remains constant in this ever-changing
world, which is the reassurance we need to be reminded of. I need His
wisdom, guidance, protection and grace so that I can go forth and do
the things that please Him.

3. The Biblical fasts represented on page 49 pertained to people
seeking God to do something out of their human control. In all of the
examples listed, all needed God’s intervention. Their unusual time
called for unusual measures that demanded God’s supernatural power.
These stories remind us that in life, there are some situations/
circumstances that are out of our human control. Fasting is one thing
that can send supernatural power to that situation/circumstance.
In contrast on page 50, Jeoshaphat called a fast before a battle. This
example sends a message to us stating that it is PERTINENT we fast
before any “battle”. Like Jehoshaphat, fasting before a battle gives
you clear vision and guidance of what God wants you to do. It will
also help take your eyes and mind off the situation and look to God,
the one who can change things around.

4. I, along with my youth board will be fasting on March 3 all day
until 6 p.m. Our focus is that God will work on their hearts and give
our young people a deeper hunger and thirst after the things of God.
All are invited on this fast.

P.S. If anyone is looking for a GREAT book on fasting, read “Fasting”
by Jentezen Franklin. It has been a blessing to me and has opened my
eyes and mind to the secrets revealed in fasting.


Pat Blackwood

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Feb 16, 2012, 1:33:30 AM2/16/12
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1. I agree with statement #1, and to me Jesus is saying in Matt.
6:16: ..."When you fast, it is expected
to be a normal part of our intimate relationship and fellowship, I did
fast as an example for you to follow."
I am wildly enthusiastic about fasting because, fasting is the best of
the disciplines and the self-purification
process I experienced when I fast is delightful.

2.Some of the things I want more than food are: The sweet anointing of
God daily, the ability
to become all of the Spiritual Disciplines, to remember to pray for
the Peace of Jerusalem daily,
to be able to defeat my desire for material things, to live like our
brother John the Baptist,
not to yeild to secret sins and temptations, and to Love everyone even
my enemies.

3.Wow!..indeed, Biblical fasting always centers on Spiritual
purposes...(Jesus, Esther, and Jehoshaphat)
I could go on...are living legends of fastings' power. In
2nd.Chronicles 20, Jeshoshaphat called the nation
to fast for the purpose of deliverance, he was faced with attack from
3 nations that plotted to crush Judah.
In his fear, King Jeshoshphat look to God for help. But, just to back
up a little...
in 2nd.Chronicles 7:13-14 God had forewarned and instructed Judah and
us His people...."If my people, which are called by my name should do
4 things, He God will do the most 3 important and priceless things
ever!" So, Jeshoshaphat was wise to turn to God and called the nation
to fasting, prayer, praise, and worship! And God helped them in their
helplessness v.12...and victory and deliverance was won. We are so
ready to fast and pray with thanksgiving, and watch God work!

4. I am planning to fast with Mary V. Sunday 2/19/12. Thanks.

God bless NYYLA!









On Feb 13, 5:41 pm, New York Youth Leaders Association
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Pat Blackwood

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Feb 16, 2012, 1:40:05 AM2/16/12
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Michca,
I love you post, you are deep.
God bless your Ministry!
Pat

On Feb 15, 11:52 pm, "michca_st...@yahoo.com" <michca_st...@yahoo.com>
wrote:

Pat Blackwood

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Feb 16, 2012, 1:45:04 AM2/16/12
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Lol, greetings:

Wow! I am bless when I read your post, and I am praying you will
excell in Ministry.

Pat

On Feb 14, 8:47 pm, lol <lolafy...@msn.com> wrote:

lol

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Feb 16, 2012, 7:56:01 PM2/16/12
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Great. What a Allelujah time it will be!!!

On Feb 15, 11:57 pm, "michca_st...@yahoo.com" <michca_st...@yahoo.com>
wrote:

P_fe...@yahoo.com

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Feb 17, 2012, 4:01:41 PM2/17/12
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1. Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes. The key word here is "normal" part. A lot of
Christians, including myself, treat fasting like an event primarily
done in the beginning of the year or whenever the Church fast
corporately. But like all the other disciplines we are learning about,
this too is an inner thing more than an outer and it is between you
and God. The author did an awesome job, depicting what Jesus may have
meant when he said "when you fast". The conclusion is simple, is not a
command but it's a great open opportunity to continually draw closer
to God.

2. I want to be able to hear God more clearly than eating food. I want
my relationship with God to be more strong and intense, more than
eating food.

3. "Fasting always centers on spiritual purposes" when King
Jehoshaphat called the nation to fast for their deliverance from the
armies of Edom, he was seeking spiritual guidance from the Lord.
Through fasting and humbling ourselves before the Lord, deliverance
can come in many forms not just natural deliverance in our physical
realm. For example, it can be a deliverance from an ungodly
relationship, from overspending, from overeating, from religion, from
any spiritual or natural forms of bondage.

On Feb 13, 2:41 pm, New York Youth Leaders Association

P_fe...@yahoo.com

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Feb 17, 2012, 4:06:50 PM2/17/12
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(I Forgot Number 4)
4. I ask Matthew from New Life Church to fast with me Sunday Feb. 19,
2012 from morning to noon.

On Feb 13, 2:41 pm, New York Youth Leaders Association
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careforyou...@gmail.com

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Feb 17, 2012, 4:15:31 PM2/17/12
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i want to join in !
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careforyou...@gmail.com

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Feb 17, 2012, 7:17:46 PM2/17/12
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l am intrest in fast

lol

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Feb 17, 2012, 7:38:38 PM2/17/12
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I feel so elated when I read these posts, come on, a group of people,
some of whom have never met each other and yet are all so excited
about God's Word. We can through prayer and fasting trample leviathan
and it's hosts. I know Christ did not force anybody, it's still
whosoever will, but, for me "when you fast" is a command for every
christian. Voluntary fasting should be an integral part of our
christian lives,in the same way that the right conditions are
necessary for a seed to germinate,grow, bear 'good' fruit and let
those fruit remain. We cannot sit idly by and wait for trouble to come
our way to start praying and fasting. Notice King Jehosophat held fast
to the profession of his faith when trouble arose so we can safely say
prayer and fasting is synonymous with his life. Brethren, let us
clothed ourselves in our spiritual dress (the whole armor)at all times
so we can withstand those fiery darts thrown at us. God bless you

kourtney.b...@gmail.com

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Feb 18, 2012, 8:53:22 PM2/18/12
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I would like to join in Fasting tomorrow as well !!!
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michael desire

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Feb 18, 2012, 9:21:54 PM2/18/12
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In this case ,i think the modern days christians who are called (that generations) shall understand that the Lord takes pleasure in sacrificial praise.
2)and ,also the word of God says obedient worth more than sacrifices,so we need to study ,and obey to His words.
3) so when you fast ,there is a few things that take place in your life, first is consecration,2nd is sanctification,then you be able to repent.
4) when we fast ,not only we become closer to him ,but we also be able to hear him,and obey his voice.
5)as christians, we desired a fasting life, like our brother David in the bible,says" i will dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
so ,i think to have a closer relationship with Christ, we need to obstinate from every thing that is not of God,for example certain things you need,is requiring no food or water in the body,especially when we go to the doctors.
but now remenber this, Jesus name is the Bread,He ,the living water,and His name, Doctor by excellence. Jehovah Rapha.
6) fasting takes us to a complete renewal,help us think better ,act better,and live better, because it takes us to a complete communion with Christ.
7) in conclusion,fasting is the perfect formula for all believers(born again christian) because,in Him we live,and move,and have our beings.
know,that we are in a battle zone, and these kinds can only be casting  by fasting and praying.
hope all is bless.
and you fast , remenber to look at ,Isaiah, 58 v 6,7,8.
reads,
you fast , to loose the bonds of wickedness,undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppresed go free,and that you break every yoke.
share your bread with the hungry ,etc:
fasting,help you cleanse,repair ,renewed,and redeemed your selves by the blood of Jesus,during fasting ,all the yokes have been removed,no pains, no heartaches, no tears, because we are dead in the flesh,and well alive in the Spirit.
so depends,on what we are looking for, eating, drinking,watching tv,listen to rap musics,socializing,watch a ny games,shall not stop us from achieving our goal as believers,
may the Lord Bless you, keep you,guide you ,and continue to shine His light upon you.
fast, for this is the way to stay close to God.

From: "P_fe...@yahoo.com" <P_fe...@yahoo.com>
To: NYYLA <ny...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2012 10:01 PM
Subject: Re: Phase 1 Week 6 Feb 13-Feb 19, Richard Foster page 47-61

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kourtney baines romero

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Feb 19, 2012, 9:41:26 PM2/19/12
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1. I totally agree that fasting should be a normal part of developing
your relationship with God. ‘When’ is a word meaning at the time or in
the event. When you are seeking that closer relationship you are
longing and yearning to be closer to him, you will fast or have that
longing in your heart to learn more about fasting and how you can
apply it to your life.

2. I want an abundant life; I want None of me and all of you Lord. I
just want to be able to hear Gods word and move like he wants me to; I
have a longing in my heart to be closer to him and I am committed to
developing that and grower nearer to him.

3. Biblical fasting always centers spiritual purposes, King
Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord and
proclaimed the nation to fast for the purpose of deliverance. The fast
national call to prayer was called for beneficial results.


On Feb 13, 5:41 pm, New York Youth Leaders Association

twi...@yahoo.com

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Feb 20, 2012, 10:55:27 PM2/20/12
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I am way late in doing this assignment however i still feel the need
to do it so here goes
I am in total agreement with fasting being an important part of our
growing relationship with God. In fasting I believe that we make a
sacrifice which God sees and honors. It allows for the holy spirit to
commune with us on a deeper level because we when done right we are
able to quite ourselves and our desires to be able to hear from God
and do his will thus his desire being fulfilled in us . So it should
be a normal part of our christian walk.

Some things that I desire more than food is a closer walk with God,an
ability to really impact the lives that God has placed in my path to
impact,good health and love .

When king Jehoshaphat called this fast it was because he knew that in
uniting for a spiritual fast would get Gods attention and in essence
showing his faith in God knowing that he did not have the power to
accomplish victory so he engaged in this fast which also allowed his
people to do the same . I believe he led by example and that is also
important

I hereby invite lol to fast with me on wenesday of this week between
6am and 1pm

On Feb 13, 5:41 pm, New York Youth Leaders Association
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Darell

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Feb 21, 2012, 12:58:41 AM2/21/12
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Yes, I do agree that fasting should be a normal part of a relationship
with God. I believe Fasting is emptying ourselves from the things of
this world and being connected with God to renew us and give us power
over things and Satan who desires to have control over us by making
the things we need to survive seems more important than life itself.
By prayer and fasting God gives us power to overcome the attacks of
the Evil one. Then, we are able to submit our will to God and being
able to do His will, love Him and showing love to our neighbors. What
I desire most is that the Holy Spirit would lead me in everything that
I do, so that I might be pleasing unto God; walking in His will.
Seeking divine guidance or help is also spiritual, For God is a Spirit
and those who seek Him must seek Him in Spirit and in truth, but the
things that we seek for do not have to be spiritual per se.
I will be fasting along with jblu992 on Sat. March 3.

On Feb 13, 5:41 pm, New York Youth Leaders Association
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careforyou...@gmail.com

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Feb 21, 2012, 9:00:52 AM2/21/12
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fasting is according to your ablity of knowing and wanting to grow. without this tool we are not able to become sharp and welcoming the spirt to direct us.

Ava

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Feb 23, 2012, 6:27:22 AM2/23/12
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Fasting

1. I love the use the words  "when you fast" in  Matthew 6:16.  While
there is a great freedom in the statement, it carry the idea that this
is a define direction or plan of action.  Truly, its not a command,
but propelled by love and the need to experience His presence, He
anticipates that this would be a normal part of our walk.

In our recent 2012 prayer conference, Bishop Douglas Small  discoursed
on the three spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting and giving) found
in  Matthew 5 -7.  He noted that these spiritual disciples provide the
compass or map to patterning the Lord.   He further explained that
prayer engages God and then invites us to be free of the world's grip
by subduing the flesh and making it  a servant (fasting) and then we
demonstrate God's love through giving.  In essence, he said that
prayer - which engages God- should move us to fasting
- surrendering and yielding to God- which consequently should move us
to giving - ( reaching out to the world around us.   Further, Bishop
Small noted that this discipline of fasting causes one to confront the
flesh dominated self.
I believe when Jesus mentioned that His meat was doing the will of the
Father in  John 4: 34, He showed His disciples the power of a yielded
life.

In conclusion, I would say fasting in not a command, but passion for
the Lord and for doing His will makes it a normal part of our
relationship with Him.


2.  Mr. Foster question to us "have we become so accustomed to cheap
grace that we instinctively shy away from more demanding calls to
obedience." (pg 94, ebook)
Father help me to become more Christ-like that I may run to the deep
call and not run away from the  discipline it requires.
The things I need more than food are:
1. A richer, truer, purer, fuller, freer prayer life
2. A discipline life and mind (as a man think so he becomes)
3. A closer, bolder and  more intimate walk with God
4.  A more transparent life
5. More discernment
6. Sharper listening skills

3.  I think pages 49 and 50 is making a  fasting on a personal level
versus on a corporate level.  On a personal level,  we see that
fasting is more of a private matter which brings about a more intimate
and personal walk.  Also, i think one will gain better insight of how
to operate in a corporate fast. Public /corporate fast requires
oneness of mind, purpose  and unity in order to be effective.

4. I would like to join in on the March 3 fast.

On Feb 13, 5:41 pm, New York Youth Leaders Association
<youthleaderstr...@gmail.com> wrote:

Ava

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Feb 23, 2012, 6:29:02 AM2/23/12
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May the Lord continue to shine His grace upon your life as you desire
more and more of Him

On Feb 14, 8:47 pm, lol <lolafy...@msn.com> wrote:

Mary.V

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Feb 24, 2012, 2:34:54 PM2/24/12
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Hi Pat,

So sorry I missed your message, I was out of town and now I am
trying to catch up! If you don' mind we can do the fast this coming
Sunday Feb 26. BTW awesome post as always! God bless,
Mary V.

Mary.V

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Feb 24, 2012, 2:41:22 PM2/24/12
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1. Should fasting be a normal part of a relationship with God?
Absolutely! Fasting is one of those disciplines that, although is not
a commandment is an act of obedience. I believe that as Christians if
we do it or not would depend of the kind of relationship we want to
have with God. When Jesus said “when you fast” we can see that He was
expecting us to do it.
2. Adam and Eve ate themselves out of the will of God, wow! This is so
right… Many times as Christians we do the same thing, we follow the
path that satisfies our flesh since it appears to be more desirable to
the eye. We forget that God sees the whole picture and we are only
seeing what is in front of us. More than food I definitely want to be
able to follow the path that God has traced for my life, I want to be
able to follow His will and not mine. I want to able to have such a
close relationship with God to the point where everything else is not
even necessary.
3. In my opinion both statements are related. Although Jehoshaphat
called the nation to fast for the purpose of deliverance, he was
surely seeing beyond the physical battle the nation was going to
encounter. He was looking at the spiritual battle the nation was
already experiencing and only God could guide them through it all. As
a leader he looked where he needed to look, He sought God’s guidance
and protection.
4. I am hoping to join Pat to fast on 2/26/2012
Mary V.

PATRICIA R. BLACKWOOD

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Feb 25, 2012, 2:02:54 AM2/25/12
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Hi Mary,
I miss you! I fast every Sunday which makes my woship and rest day more serene....so that is a great idea.
 
Thanks!
Pat

From: Mary.V <cogsjcyou...@gmail.com>
To: NYYLA <ny...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2012 2:34 PM
Subject: Re: Phase 1 Week 6 Feb 13-Feb 19, Richard Foster page 47-61

Jbl...@yahoo.com

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Feb 26, 2012, 9:02:12 PM2/26/12
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Michael,
Yes! Fasting is a very powerful weapon that can loose heavy burdens,
break chains and yokes in the spiritual realm. We Christians must
remember to "fight" with fasting instead of "fighting" with our fists.

Jbl...@yahoo.com

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Feb 26, 2012, 9:05:02 PM2/26/12
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Amen lol

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