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Is your spouse addicted to porn? This study will help to find strength to face life’s challenges.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly place”  (Eph 6:12, NKJV).

Every day over every city there is a war going on in the spirit realm. Darkness and light are battling it out for the souls of the city, and the results are evident in the natural as we see both godliness and evil manifested in the lives of the people. Mankind participates in that war by giving power to darkness through sin, or by giving power to the light through prayer, fasting, and righteous living.

Even though Daniel’s prayer for his nation was heard the very first day, and his prayer was immediately responded to, it was three weeks before the angel was able to get through the spiritual battle with a message for Daniel.  Daniel’s fasting and continued prayer contributed to victory for the angel and ultimately for his nation. (Daniel 10:12-14)

If we want to see change in the natural, we first have to have victory in the spiritual. Be confident that when you engage in prayer, fasting, and righteous living, you are using weapons that will impact the spirit realm and change the atmosphere in your city, preparing a way for a greater openness to the gospel among the people.

“Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle” (Psalm 144:1, NKJV).

Questions: There is a spiritual war going on continuously. What is the battle about? How are you participating in this war?

About the Author Emmie Stanley

It might surprise you to learn that the tradition of fasting has very little to do with food

In his article, “Fasting: Is it Healthy?” Darren Hewer explores many aspects of fasting from its health benefits to potential pit falls.   Throughout history people have fasted, for a variety of reasons.  Some fast an act of worship, others do it to create time for prayer and contemplation.  As with all changes to your diet, if you are considering a fast, be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Fasting is often associated with the season of Lent which began a couple of weeks ago.  Some time ago I found a blog post about fasting written by a Catholic Nun.  While I am not Catholic myself, I found her perspective both insight and refreshing.

Sister Julie writes:
Eventually I learned more about fasting in a variety of religious traditions as well as an overall aesthetical practice, a spiritual discipline. I realized that fasting is not about denial but about freedom … freeing ourselves from the things that bind us and keep us from right relationship with ourselves, with others, with creation and with our God. Fasting from food is one form of fasting.

We eat simply (if at all) and only what is necessary. This has a profound effect on the body and frankly feels very good. It also lends itself to a clearness of mind. Just as our body and mind are affected, so also is our spirit. Our fasting from food is a way of simplifying, getting down to basics, clearing oneself to be in a place of openness, receptivity. It gives us a chance to take stock of where we are in our life and what we need to do to continue to grow in life and love. (from anunslife.org)

Sounds lovely doesn’t it? I know that Lent has already started, but there’s still time to put some of that space and freedom to work in your life.  Have you ever participated in a fast? If so, I’d love to hear what you learned from it.

Lent is the period of the year leading up to Easter, starting on Ash Wednesday and concluding on Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter). Usual Lent activities include fasting (sometimes from a particular food or type of food, like meat or sweets) and an increased focus on prayer. (If you would like help praying or would like someone to keep you accountable to pray during Lent, contact us to be matched with a mentor!)

This year I took a bit of a different approach to Lent: I gave up playing video games. To some that may sound frivolous, but this gives me an extra half an hour to an hour per day that I can spend reading my Bible and other books, as well as being in prayer. If you’re looking for some different ways you can spend Lent this year, check out our article Reclaim Lent: Find Some Breathing Room!

Are you participating in Lent this year, either by giving something up or in some other way? Let us know how in the comments!

The concept of fasting has been one that I have rolled over in my mind many times and tried to grasp from many angles. Is it about physically afflicting ourselves in an attempt to show God we are really serious about something? Or maybe to twist His arm and force His hand, implying that we have done this thing so now He owes us? I keep thinking there has to be a lot more that can be understood about this powerful spiritual weapon.

While I still feel like I am a long way from fully grasping the extensiveness and power of fasting, there are a few things that are becoming clearer to me. I am starting to see the greater value in this is not in what I am giving up (food or what ever it may be), but rather it is in what I am investing.

Investment costs something. For me it has become a time to get “eyeball to eyeball” with my heavenly Father, to put aside extra time to listen, learn, ask questions, seek answers, to allow Him to shine His light on areas of my life that need to be cleaned up. It goes beyond laying down something tangible, to actually laying down “me” – my time and my agenda in order to more clearly see Him.

Oh I still find value in voluntarily abstaining from food or other things, as it helps to keep me mindful of my commitment to seek the Lord in a very deep way for a period of time.  But it is not in itself the main thing. It is my experience that this kind of investment pays huge dividends in my relationship with my loving Savior, as I see both Him and myself more clearly.

“Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you: The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am’” (Isaiah 58:8-9, NKJV).

Questions: What does the word “fasting” mean to you? Take some time this weekend to do some research on fasting.

About the Author Emmie Stanley

“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

Today’s technology lets us connect with anyone at any time. If telephones and email weren’t enough, we now have texting and Twitter to add to the mix. We have to make an effort to NOT be connected. And we expect that when we want a response, we’ll get one quickly.

My grandparents were late arriving to a recent family get-together. We worried that they were lost, driving aimlessly, trying in vain to locate the restaurant. Naturally I pulled out my cell phone to call them, but quickly realized my grandparents don’t own a cell phone.

It’s hard to remember a time before we had the ability to be in constant communication and get instant feedback. And maybe this helps explain why it can be frustrating to not hear a clear word from the Lord, especially in times of distress. We call, and seemingly there is no immediate reply. How do we respond when, amidst deep discouragement, we don’t receive the instant divine feedback we’ve been conditioned by our culture to expect?

At times like these, it’s helpful to remember a simple but powerful fact, that God is with us always. Always. (Matthew 28:20) If you are attempting to serve Him faithfully and fully in faith, He is pleased with you, even if you see no immediate results and have no earthly reason for confidence. (Hebrews 13:16) We are “sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1) because we place our trust in God, who has demonstrated His trustworthiness based on His divine character.

By the way, my grandparents were a little late arriving, but were able to find the restaurant on their own. Unfortunately, in the meantime we lost my mom, who rushed out of the restaurant to look for them.

We must be patient and trust that God is in control. Although we cannot know definitively why things happen since we know now only in part, we will someday know fully (1 Corinthians 13:12) and in the meantime we have God’s word, the Bible, to instruct and enlighten us as much as God chooses to reveal. We may not see the dark cloud’s silver lining, but if we are following God faithfully, we should harbor no guilt or fear. Instead be confident in the wisdom and love of our Lord, whose loving sacrifice of His Son cleanses us of all sin and fills us with His Holy Spirit, full of mercy and grace.

Question: What about your life tries your patience, and how can the things that cannot be changed be offered up to God to help us through?

About this Author: Darren Hewer

Uncovering Fasting
Denying ourselves. We do it to wriggle into a wedding dress or swimsuit. We do it as we train for an athletic event. We’ll go without to achieve a promotion. We’ll put our own desires aside when a close friend has a need. When our child has the flu, we drop everything. But when fasting is the subject, denying ourselves feels too uncomfortable. We rarely consider practicing this spiritual discipline. Read the full article.

Take action: Why not try one of many free online interactive studies available in our series “About God“?

You said it: This week Hannah shared on the “One Another” devotional, saying “Yes, this article touched my heart for sure. It is challenging however, when time and time again we seek reconciliation and it is blocked and rejected … It is hard to keep going back. I know the call is to go back and try again but I am wondering if the call is to sometimes just live with the disharmony … A disharmony I can’t fix on my own. It is a challenging article, thank you.” Join the conversation on the daily men’s devotional and women’s devotional!

Article: Looking for Love
When it comes to love, I’m not a critic or a pessimist. I’ve met. I’ve dated. I’ve loved. I’ve really loved. I’m not convinced by my own where-to-meet-a-man list. I’ve never met a guy through mutual interests, I’m not going to audition for online dating, and wandering around an art gallery has never garnered anything but a greater appreciation for art, not men. Read more

On the devotional blog: We Serve God by Serving Others
Many people have the misconception that being “called” by God is something only missionaries, pastors, nuns, and other church leaders experience. But the Bible says everyone is called to serve God by serving others. We are not saved by serving, but we are saved for serving. The Apostle Paul gives three insights related to this … Read more on the men’s devotional blog

Coming up next week: This week join us for daily online chats like Refreshing a Thirsty Soul. Join us in the chat room March 8th 2009 @ 10:00 pm EST for the Refreshing a Thirsty Soul chat! (See also our full chat calendar.)

If God is Real, then Why …
Why is there evil in the world? What about all the wars that have been caused in the name of Christianity? Is there really such a thing as morally right and wrong? Does God even exist? Canadian philosopher Michael Horner explores these questions and more in a series of articles discussing the top 7 questions he is asked about the deeper topics of life. Question 1: “Why is there evil and suffering?” While acknowledging that the world is filled with an appalling amount of evil and suffering, Horner claims that God has done something about the problem. Read the full story

Take action: Why not try one of many free online interactive studies available in our series “About God“?

You said it: This week Laura commented on “Dealing with Despair: Dark Moments of the Soul” saying, “I have been receiving your e-mails for a few weeks and have not responded until now. This has really spoken to me at this dark point in my life. My 21 year marriage is disintegrating, we are on the brink of bankruptcy, my daughter will be leaving for college soon and tells me daily that she hates me and worse. … I find myself sinking deeper and deeper into despair when I know that I can just lean on the everlasting of Jesus. I guess I am feeling way too overwhelmed to know what to do or where to run.” Join the discussion on TheLife.com!

Blog: Is Beauty Skin Deep?
It’s not hard to understand why a woman would want to be beautiful, but what continues to amaze me is that there is no set standard for what “beautiful” looks like. International Women’s Day is March 8th. As part of the celebrations there is a campaign going on in Chennai, India promoting the idea that Dark is Beautiful. The campaign “seeks to draw attention to the toxic effects of skin colour bias and also celebrates the beauty and diversity of all skin tones.” Read more

Article: Fasting: Is it Healthy?
At its most basic level, fasting is abstaining from food and liquids, or sometimes just solid food. But is fasting healthy? Can fasting be used to lose weight, or detoxify (detox) harmful materials from the body? As we approach the season of Lent when many choose to fast, these are important questions. Read more

Coming up next week: This week join us for daily online chats like Refreshing a Thirsty Soul. Join us in the chat room March 8th 2009 @ 10:00 pm EST for the Refreshing a Thirsty Soul chat! (See also our full chat calendar.)

Fasting to lose weight

Medical experts agree that fasting is not a safe or beneficial way to lose weight. Although it may help you lose a little weight in the short term, it presents numerous health risks and is not a long-term solution. Weight lost due to fasting usually is regained quickly. In fact, fasting can actually make weight problems worse.

Dr Joel Fuhrman explains that “Fasting is not a weight loss tool. Fasting slows your metabolic rate down so your diet from before the fast is even more fattening after you fast.”¹ After fasting, your body will quickly try to regain your “set point”, whereas if you lose weight more gradually, by changing your diet and combine that with exercise, this effect will not be as pronounced.

Fasting to detox the body

Lately various schemes to detox the body have become popular. Dr Michael Ho (famous for the “DR-HO Dual Muscle Therapy System”) makes numerous claims about his Digestive Detox system, including that it “helps cleanse and detoxify the intestinal tract by promoting regular bowel movements” which “help eliminate built-up toxins, parasites and worms from the digestive system.”²

However, such products are not supported by the medical field. Research has concluded that “detox diets do no more than the body’s own natural system to get rid of toxins.” Similarly, suggestions that fasting can somehow clear toxins from the body is repudiated by most medical experts, who suggest that drinking plenty of water, along with getting enough sleep and getting fresh air, are all that are needed.³

What’s the point of fasting?

If fasting isn’t useful for dieting or detoxing the body, why bother with it at all?  Traditionally fasting was a spiritual exercise. It is mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, where people like Moses, King David, and others fasted to humble themselves or to focus more on spiritual matters rather than merely physical ones. Fasting is also found in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions.

Jesus taught about fasting, and commented that:

When you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.⁴

For him, fasting was all about focusing on prayer and your relationship with God. Although most biblical fasts were for a single day, Jesus once fasted for 40 days! This is feat that has been repeated by others in recent times such as Dr. Bill Bright who fasted for 40 days as a time of spiritual renewal.  He later described the experience as being “a great blessing.”⁵ He undertook this fast after many years of doing smaller fasts.  If you are considering a long fast be sure to consult your doctor first.

The role of fasting today

Today the tradition of fasting continues in several different ways. One of them is Lent, a forty day long tradition commemorating the forty days Jesus spent in the desert. It is celebrated during the forty days (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter, which is the celebration of Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection. During Lent many Christians will fast or give up a certain cherished food or activity in order to try to spend more time in spiritual contemplation.

In a society that often over-emphasizes the feverish pursuit of material things to the detriment of development of our spiritual lives, fasting is a way to focus on things that are more important. Have you ever felt like something important is missing from your life? Perhaps it’s time to take the spiritual component of your life more seriously, maybe for the first time? If so, here are some links you might be interested in exploring.

Who is Jesus? To explore this complex question, you may find these short articles or an interactive online study to be thought-provoking.

Another option is the article Who did Jesus think he was anyways? which explores Jesus’ own self image.

1. Susan Seliger, “Is Fasting Healthy?,” WebMD, n.p. Cited 25 February 2009. Online: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/is_fasting_healthy

2. “Benefits of DR-HO’S® Digestive DetoxTM,” Dr. Ho Website, n.p. Cited 25 February 2009. Online: http://www.drhonow.com/digestive-detox-benefits.php

3. “Scientists dismiss detox schemes,” BBC News (3 January 2006), n.p. Cited 25 February 2009. Online: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4576574.stm

4. Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 16-18. (New Living Translation)

5. Kerry Batchman, “Fasting for 40 days,” Today’s Pentecostal Evangel (March 11, 2001), n.p. Cited 25 February 2009. Online: http://pentecostalevangel.ag.org/conversations2001/4531_bright.cfm