Category Archives: fasting

The Day the Fire Fell

A First-Hand Pentecost Vision

I saw it in a vision.

The Lord opened my eyes, and I stood among them, unseen yet present. I could feel the weight of the room—the thick air, the groaning of souls. It was as if I had been carried back through time, placed within the trembling walls of the upper room, where one hundred and twenty waited. Their faces were worn, desperate. Their knees pressed into the cold stone, and the air crackled with a hunger words could not express.

The walls, ancient and heavy with the dust of centuries, seemed to lean in with the prayers. I watched as lips moved without sound, tears ran unashamed, and hands gripped the hem of heaven itself. The Lord had told them: “Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49, NASB). And so they waited—not with passivity, but with a fervent, breaking cry.

The sun climbed higher, pouring light through small windows, illuminating swirling motes of dust. The scent of sweat and worn garments filled the air. Yet no one moved for food, no one reached for water. Their thirst was for God alone. I watched a woman collapse against the floor, her face pressed into the stone, whispering one word over and over: “Abba.”

It was not a gathering of the strong. It was an altar of the broken.

Love is breaking through when the Father's in the room
Believers gathered in deep intercessory prayer, lifting silent groanings before God, surrounded by symbols of His covenant promises.

Time passed. Hours. The desperation deepened until it was almost a sound itself—a low hum of hunger in the spirit. Peter knelt with his face buried in his hands, his shoulders shaking. I could hear his low plea, “Lord, we have nothing left but You.”

That’s when it came.

A sound—first distant, like a storm gathering beyond the hills—then rushing inward, swift and mighty. It was not the wind of earth but the breath of heaven (Acts 2:2). The stones underfoot trembled. Garments fluttered as if caught in a gale, though the air was still.

The roar filled every corner.

God in the Fire
God in the Fire

And then, fire.

It appeared, bright as the sun, fierce and holy. Tongues of flame, living and alive, danced above each head (Acts 2:3). Yet it did not burn. It filled. I saw it—how it sank into them, how their faces lifted, eyes wide, mouths opening with sounds no man had taught them.

The Spirit Himself had come.

They spoke in languages of men and angels. Words of praise, of glory, of the mighty deeds of God poured from their lips. Some wept, undone. Others lifted their hands, faces shining. Some laughed with a joy deeper than any suffering they had known (Nehemiah 8:10). The fire had not only touched them—it claimed them.

I watched as the Spirit pressed them outward, stumbling into the streets. The city gathered quickly, drawn by the uproar. Men from every nation under heaven stared in wonder as these simple, broken vessels proclaimed the glory of God in languages not their own. Parthians, Medes, Egyptians, Romans—all heard the wonders of God in their own tongue.

And then Peter—bold, blazing—stepped forward. I heard his voice, strong and certain, rise above the clamor:

“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, NASB).

The fire leapt from heart to heart.

Three thousand souls were swept into the kingdom that day.

And still, as I stood there, unseen but seeing, I knew: this was not the end. The fire was not meant for one day, one room. It was a beginning. A first spark of a blaze that would run to the ends of the earth.

I could feel it even as the vision faded—the fire has never gone out. It burns still. And for those who dare to wait, who dare to hunger, the Spirit will fall again.

Prayer:

O Lord God, El Shaddai, let us be among those who hunger for You with all our hearts. Pour out Your Spirit anew, ignite the fire within us. May we lay down every burden, every pride, every sin, until only You remain. Come, Holy Spirit, breathe on us. Let the sound of heaven once again fill our hearts and homes. In the mighty name of Yeshua, we pray. Amen.

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Guide to Biblical Fasting

Fasting has always held a special place in Scripture as a way to draw nearer to God and seek His will. In this article, we will explore the different types of fasts found in the Bible, their purposes, examples of fasting in Scripture, and practical tips for fasting safely.

What Is Biblical Fasting?

Biblical fasting is the voluntary abstention from food (or other comforts) for a spiritual purpose. Fasting is not merely about going without; it is about pressing into God for spiritual renewal, guidance, and breakthroughs. As Yeshua (Jesus) taught, fasting should not be for show but a private act of devotion (Matthew 6:16-18, NASB).


Types of Fasts in the Bible

The Bible highlights several types of fasts, each with unique purposes:

1. The Regular Fast

This fast involves abstaining from all food while drinking water. It is the most common form of fasting seen in Scripture. Yeshua fasted in the wilderness for forty days (Matthew 4:2, NASB).

Purpose: To seek God’s direction, strength, and clarity.


2. The Partial Fast

A partial fast limits certain foods or meals rather than complete abstention. For example, Daniel’s fast included only vegetables and water (Daniel 1:12, NASB).

Purpose: To remain disciplined while maintaining physical strength, often used for longer durations.


3. The Absolute Fast

This involves abstaining from all food and drink. Esther and the people of Israel fasted for three days without food or water (Esther 4:16, NASB). Paul also fasted in this way after encountering Yeshua on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9, NASB).

Purpose: Used during critical situations requiring total dependence on God.

Caution: This fast should only be done for short durations and with prayerful consideration.


4. The Corporate Fast

A group of people undertakes a corporate fast. Upon hearing Jonah’s message, the people of Nineveh fasted together in repentance (Jonah 3:5, NASB). Similarly, King Jehoshaphat called the nation of Judah to fast (2 Chronicles 20:3, NASB).

Purpose: To unite a community in prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s intervention.


5. The Supernatural Fast

A supernatural fast goes beyond human ability and requires divine intervention. Moses fasted for forty days and nights without food or water while on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28, NASB).

Purpose: These fasts are rare and demonstrate God’s supernatural provision.


Biblical Examples of Fasting

  • Moses fasted to receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
  • David fasted in repentance (2 Samuel 12:16).
  • Ezra fasted to seek God’s protection (Ezra 8:23).
  • Yeshua fasted before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2).
  • The early church fasted before commissioning missionaries (Acts 13:2-3).

Each example shows fasting’s power to deepen intimacy with El Shaddai and bring about transformation.


The Purposes of Fasting

Fasting in the Bible serves various spiritual purposes:

  1. Seeking God’s Guidance: Ezra and the Israelites fasted for protection and direction (Ezra 8:21-23).
  2. Repentance: Fasting accompanies heartfelt repentance, as seen with the Ninevites (Jonah 3:5).
  3. Spiritual Breakthroughs: Yeshua taught that prayer and fasting can only overcome some spiritual strongholds (Mark 9:29, NASB).
  4. Worship and Devotion: Anna, a prophetess, fasted as an act of worship (Luke 2:37).
  5. Strength for Trials: Yeshua’s fast prepared Him for spiritual battles (Matthew 4:2).

How to Fast Safely

Fasting is powerful but must be approached with wisdom, especially if it involves extended durations or health conditions.

1. Prepare Spiritually and Physically

  • Spend time in prayer before beginning your fast.
  • Gradually reduce your food intake to prepare your body.

2. Stay Hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water, especially during longer fasts.

3. Know Your Limits

  • If you have health conditions, consult a doctor before fasting.
  • Begin with shorter fasts and gradually increase the duration as you gain experience.

4. Focus on Prayer

  • Replace meal times with prayer and Bible reading.
  • Journaling can help you reflect on what God is revealing during the fast.

5. Break the Fast Wisely

  • End your fast with light, easily digestible foods to avoid shocking your system.

Biblical Fasts

  1. Moses: Fasted for forty days and nights while receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9, NASB).
  2. David: Fasted in repentance after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16-17, NASB).
  3. Ezra: Fasted and prayed for protection and guidance for the Israelites (Ezra 8:21-23, NASB).
  4. Esther and the Israelites: Fasted for three days for protection and deliverance (Esther 4:16, NASB).
  5. Daniel: Fasted partially, abstaining from rich foods and wine, seeking understanding from God (Daniel 1:12; Daniel 10:2-3, NASB).
  6. The People of Nineveh: Fasted in repentance after Jonah’s warning (Jonah 3:5-9, NASB).
  7. Jehoshaphat and Judah: Called a nationwide fast to seek God’s help against their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:3-4, NASB).
  8. Anna the Prophetess: Fasted regularly as part of her worship and devotion to God (Luke 2:37, NASB).
  9. Yeshua (Jesus): Fasted for forty days in the wilderness before His ministry (Matthew 4:2, NASB; Luke 4:1-2, NASB).
  10. The Early Church:
    • Fasted before commissioning Paul and Barnabas for ministry (Acts 13:2-3, NASB).
    • Paul fasted after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9, NASB).

These scriptures reflect how fasting was used for repentance, worship, seeking guidance, and spiritual breakthroughs.


Closing Thoughts

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that invites God to work deeply in our hearts. Whether you fast for guidance, repentance, or worship, remember that the heart of fasting is not about deprivation but dependence. As Yeshua reminds us, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6, NASB).


A Prayer for Fasting

Abba Father, thank You for the gift of fasting, which draws us closer to You. As we fast, help us to seek Your face with humble hearts and unwavering faith. Reveal Your will and deepen our intimacy with You. May we hunger for Your righteousness and rely entirely on Your strength. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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