9th to 15th January 2010

The past few days past like a blurr as I concentrated on the fast. Today (15th) is the twelveth day of the fast. Have lost about 4 to 5 kilos but still having some strength to exercise after taking some fruit smoothies. Having interesting visions and dreams. These always increases each time I fast so it is quite normal. But some things God reveals might take time to understand and digest. This fast is going to be a powerful fast for those who partake of it. It is the season of revival and visitation and this fast can only increase our receptivity to God. For those who are fasting remember the basics:

(1) A fast is basically a surrender to the Lord and not a demand made of God. (2) A fast is a humbling of oneself before God. (3) A fast is a method of repentance before God. (4) A fast is the putting down of the flesh so that the spirit man can take ascendancy in our lives. (5) A fast is an opportunity to spend more time with God without the flesh coming into the picture.

Visions and dreams increase in most people during times of a fast. We need to take note of the messages that come through them. They are not perceived intellectually but rather received spiritually. There should be no attempts at interpreting them but rather let the message be formed and stand out on its own. There can be continuation type of dreams and visions that take place during a prolong forty day fast. It helps to take notes and write them down. The impressions and messages received during a fast are usually very important. This, of course, does not mean that every message or impression of the fast is important for part of it could be self-awarness analysis and healing-type dreams and visions. Once we are completely cleansed (John 15:3) then we are ready for the true messages of God. It takes sometimes the first part of a prolong fast to cleansed ourselves of our own thoughts, ideas, desires, ambitions, dreams, visions and plans. It takes time for those who have never fasted before to empty the trash can of our heads, emotions, desires and hearts. I know that Jesus has cleansed all of us with His precious blood. So this is more in reference to the application of His blood and Word into our lives then our own self cleaning. Truly only the pure in heart shall see God (Matthew 5:8). The same Greek word for ‘pure’ (from the root word ‘katharizo’) is used in John 15:3 when Jesus said that His Word has made them clean. Obviously this cleansing and purification takes time for we are told in Hebrews 4:12 that the Word (logos) of the Lord is sharper than a two edged sword separating spirit and soul. It is during the fast that we can put aside the needs of our flesh and body and examine the areas that lie between our spirit and soul. Most of the time when we eat three hearty meals a day, we are only conscious of our inner life and our body. Only in a deep fast can we differentiate between the levels of inner life – spirit consciousness and soul consciousness.

I am looking forward to the all night prayer tonight.

Papa God, we continue to fast and pray for all our loved ones, friends and partners in the ministry, students and members of Your church that during this time, we would all recieve an inner cleansing of our hearts, spirits and souls. Let the cleansing be so deep that we can truly hear the voice of God and see God. Reveal your self during this time of fasting and consecration to each one. In Jesus Name. Amen.