Warring in the Spirit

  • July 19, 2010 3:16 pm
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. —Ephesians 6:10
 
 

 

The teaching of spiritual warfare in this passage presents 2 essential components.

1. You must be strong in the Lord and in “the power of His might”

2. You must put on the full armor of God.

Both are essential

Ask yourself this question, “Are you in the Lord? To be strong in the Lord, you must first be in the Lord. Not sure? Reading these three scriptures may help:

  • Romans 8:2
  • Colossians 3:3
  • Galatians 2:20

　

Now, let’s look again at Ephesians 6:10, at the part that says, “in the power of His might…”

Might is an inherent force. For example, have you ever watched Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)? Essentially, it is a form of fighting where they mix martial arts and boxing. When those fighters enter the cage, their muscles display their might—even before they use them! Muscle is the reserve of strength or what we would call, inherent force.

Power is the exercise of might. When a UFC fighter uses his might to fight his opponent, then power is released. In other words, the reserve of strength is actually in operation.

Now, let’s bring that back to Ephesians 6. God has vast reservoirs of might that can be realized as power in our Christian life. But, His might does not work in me as I sit passively. His might works in me as I rely on His strength, and step out to do the work He has called me to do. Do you know “the power of His might?” It is important not to let our thinking get polarized to effectively flow in this biblical truth. Let me give you some examples of “getting polarized:”

  • I do everything and God does nothing. Have you ever seen anyone who pretty much acts as the lord of his or her own life? Such a person is not likely to be experiencing the power of the Lord’s might.
  • I do nothing and God does everything. Some people just sit around waiting for a miracle and fail to engage in the will of God for their life. While God is certainly able to move miraculously in any situation, the person who takes this stance never experiences moving in “the power of His might.”

The key is to rely on the Lord’s might by faith, and then do the work that He has called me to do.

PUT IT ON

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. – Ephesians 6:11

Put on the whole armor of God
TAKE YOUR STAND
Are you prepared to take your stand against the devil’s schemes? We express the strength we have in God by taking our stand. Satan’s schemes against us come to nothing when we stand against them in the power of God.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places] – Ephesians 6:12

THE STRUGGLE

Our struggle is not actually against flesh and blood. The same thought is shared in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, which says: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

If the fight is not against (flesh and blood) people, then what are we fighting? Let’s read the rest of Ephesians 6:12… “but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]:”

In this scripture, the Apostle Paul uses a variety of terms to refer to our spiritual enemies. We should regard them as being on different levels and of different ranks, however, they all have one common goal: to block, stop, or cause the Christian to stumble. 

According to Ephesians 1:20-21, when Jesus was raised from the dead, He was seated at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. This positioned Him far above all authority and power, as well as every name that can be invoked. Jesus’ position of ultimate authority is not just for our future experience in heaven, but also in the present age—right now! So, no matter what rank or power a spiritual entity has, Jesus out ranks them all.

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. —Ephesians 6:13

Put ALL of the armor on! 

When the evil day comes: On some days, evil will come around. Be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith. – 1 Peter 5:8
 
Be able: Without the strength of God and the protection of spiritual armor, it is impossible to stand against the attacks of spiritual enemies. You are simply not able to do it alone.
 
 STAND!
 
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. – Ephesians 6:14-15

BELT: The belt of truth buckled around your waist. John 8:44 calls the devil “the father of lies.” Which father are you following? Wrap yourself in the truth and stay there.

BREASTPLATE: The breastplate of righteousness. Job 29:14 says—I put on righteousness like it was my clothing.

BOOTS: Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Readiness means be prepared. The gospel provides the footing for everything we do. However powerful the rest of your body is, if your feet are not properly fitted and ready, it slows you down. You become easy prey for the enemy. The Jewish historian, Josephus described shodding as studding the sole bottoms with thick, sharp nails so as to ensure a good grip on the ground. The military successes both of Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar were due in large measure to their armies’ being well shod. This enabled their troops to undertake long marches at incredible speed over rough terrain.

TAKE IT WITH YOU

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. —Ephesians 6:16-17

Beside the armor we wear, there are additional pieces we must pick-up and take with us. These pieces of armor we need from situation to situation, as the moment or the battle demands. In those critical moments, we need to:

  • Take the shield of faith
  • Take the helmet of salvation.
  • Take the sword of God’s Word.
    • Faith is represented as a shield. Faith can protect us from attack. If the enemy is shooting at you, faith will squelch it.

    The helmet of salvation protects us against discouragement and the desire to give up. It gives us hope in knowing that we are saved, but also that we will be saved from the trial we are in. It is the assurance that God will triumph. This stabilizes our emotions.

    To effectively use the sword, we must regard it as the Word of God. If we are not completely confident that the Holy Spirit inspired the infallible documentation of Scripture, then we will struggle to use the sword effectively.

    PRAY THE WHOLE WAY!

    Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. —Ephesians 6:18

    Pray, pray, pray… The idea is all kinds of prayer or prayer upon prayer. Some people like group prayer, individual prayer, silent prayer, shouting prayer, prayer walking, kneeling in prayer, soaking prayer, eloquent prayer, groaning prayer, constant prayer, praying in tongues, fervent prayer – just pray! When the battle is “on” we should use every kind of prayer that the Lord bring to our mind. During times of trial, when we stop praying we start to say the wrong things. “We’re doomed… we’ll never make it… I quit… I give up…” The devil uses discouragement to grind us to a halt. So keep praying, always, with all prayers.

    For all the saints: Once we get this working for ourselves, we can help others in the battle. The soldier isn’t only concerned for his or her own safety, they feel an instinct to protect and battle on behalf of others.

    Shattered Image

    • April 27, 2010 5:54 pm

    Shatter the Old Image!

    You are not presently all that you are going to be.  God has more in store!  What may look like a delay, a disappointment or a failure in your eyes, is only a part of the “forming” that God is doing in your life right now.  Don’t be afraid to shatter the old “image” and the old patterns of behavior — someone much better looking is just on the other side! 
     
    For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. — James 1:23-24

     

    Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. — Galatians 5:1

     

    For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. – Galatians 5:13

     
    But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. – Romans 6:22
     
    For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. — Romans 8:2
     
    My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, — Galatians 4:19

     

    lori Enjoy your day!

     
     Lori Greenwood, ThD

    www.lorigreenwood.org  

     

    Word of Truth Christian Center

    You’ve Got the Goods!

    • April 20, 2010 9:50 pm

    You’ve Got the Goods!

    Everything is a seed!  Your time, your talent, your finances, your ingenuity — whatever you’ve got can produce results.  So, what are you waiting for?  Plant whatever “seed” you’ve got and watch God multiply it and bless it!

    “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

     

     

    Don’t hold on to what you’ve got in your hand – 

    “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do [so].” (Proverbs 3:27)

     

    Give and it shall be given – “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)

    Minister one to another with whatever gift you’ve got – “As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

    lori Enjoy your day!

    Lori Greenwood, ThD

    www.lorigreenwood.org

    Fasting: Do You Have Parasites?

    • January 29, 2010 9:51 am

    Do You Have Parasites?
     

    The following is an excerpt from chapter 1 of my book, A Walk in the Wilderness:Wilderness 
      
    Parasites:
    During the first prolonged 21-day fast that I did, I kept a journal of parasites that were eliminated from my body.  I was surprised (shocked actually) to see what was living off of my body!  Statistically, 85% of North Americans unknowingly have at least one form of digestive parasite.
     
    In America, the number one cause of persons being infected with Ecoli bacteria is from drinking tap water.  It is also probable that most forms of parasites enter our bodies through tap water.  Fasting is a method to rid the body of parasites.

     
    As you seek the Lord and desire to serve Him more, are you considering fasting?  Read on…
     
     
    How Scriptural is Fasting?

     

    Dr. GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

     

    Last week we looked at Mark 8:3.   

     

    Acts 27:9 — Paul making reference to the annual day of atonement
     

    Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them. 

     
     

    Blessings,
    Lori Greenwood, ThD
     
    Visit the church online: www.wotcc.org

    fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.

    Spiritual Intelligence

    • January 14, 2010 8:32 pm

    Spiritual Intelligence

     

    Be still.  Be sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit.  Only by His Spirit will you know whether to intercede, to rebuke, to act or to decree a thing. In the spirit you will discern attacks against you. The Holy Spirit will give wisdom to know when and how to fight. It is only by the Spirit that you will know when to shout and when to be silent.  He has infinite wisdom and resources at His disposal.  He has everything you need to overcome every situation.
     
    Galatians 5:16 — This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
     
    Matthew 11:15 — He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

     
    Romans 8:4 – That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  

    lori Enjoy your day!
    Lori Greenwood, ThD

    www.lorigreenwood.org

    Ignite Your Spirit

    • October 16, 2009 10:28 am
    Fasting Facts

    October 16, 2009                                                                      

     
    Dear Friend,

    Ignite Your Spirit
     
    Restore Your Health. Revive Your Soul. Ignite Your Spirit.  Discover the POWER of fasting — body, soul and spirit! 
     
    Fasting is a powerful force.  It is a weapon against demonic forces.  It is a method to restore health, slow the aging process, and maintain the body.  It is one of the most overlooked and underutilized tools available to every believer!

    · Fasting frees us from our own negative words. (Isaiah 58:6)
    · Fasting causes healing to spring forth speedily.  (Isaiah 58:8)
    · Fasting will lift spiritual yokes of oppression.  (Isaiah 58:9)
    · Fasting will break generational curses, bringing spiritual growth.  (Is. 58:11-12)
    · Fasting is a method to delight yourself in the Lord; bringing the desires of your heart.  (Isaiah 58:14)

    Nearly 10 years ago, I was struggling with a mountain of health problems.  I had been to see a number of doctors, specials, therapists and neurosurgeons.  I had been through a range of tests to attempt to uncover the source of the conflicts within my body.  I had been tested for Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, Anemia, Cancer, and Crone’s Disease.  In addition, I had struggled with a variety of strange neurological problems that had far reaching effects, from the lost of the use of my left hand and arm, to significant loss of vision, loss of memory, and unbearable nerve pain.  I remember, one day, I sat down to re-evaluate some ministry goals that I had hoped to accomplish over the coming year, when I came to the stark realization that I probably wasn’t going to be alive in one year’s time.

    Even in light of the fact that I had taught for several years on the topic of healing, straight out of the Bible, I was not seeing the manifestation of health.  When the thought first came to me, “You won’t be here in a year,” I was tempted to rebuke the devil – but somehow I knew it was the small still voice of God warning me.  In all honesty, I accepted it as a warning from the Lord. I sat down with my husband, and we talked candidly about what it would take for him to raise two little girls on his own.  We made some changes to my life insurance policy, and “covered the bases.”  Then, I went to the Lord and repented. 

    At that time, I had a pattern of fasting one, 24-hour period, once every week.  I had continued that pattern for nearly three years and had extended it slightly to include a few three-day fasts, and a few seven-day fasts.  Yet, over the last year of extensive health problems, the Lord had continually dropped a number into my spirit… 21. 

    I had known for that entire year that the Lord was asking me to go on a full 21-day fast.  Every time I prayed and asked the Lord to heal my body, He would give me that number… 21.  Yet, in all that time, I had refused to do what the Lord was saying.  (I just didn’t think I could.)  But when you find yourself out of options, you are willing to do just about anything.  So, I repented.  I told the Lord that I would take an earnest look at what it would take to accomplish what He was asking.  I asked myself one question, “Lori, are you willing to trade your time to train your flesh?”

    The next day, I entered “flesh training.”  I took it seriously.  I hired a nutritionist and health expert.  I spent time talking to a medical doctor.  I began to read.  I began to change my diet and my dietary choices.  Within about 3 months of training time, I entered into a 21-day fast.  Three weeks later, I emerged a new person.

    While it is still inconclusive as to what, exactly was wrong with me, it appeared that I had Autotoxemia – a form of blood poisoning caused by toxins in the body.  Systematically, by divine design, my body, once freed from the routine of daily digestion, set about to “problem-solve” throughout my system.  The body corrected itself, rid itself of toxins, and renewed and restored itself to a quality of life that I had not experienced for many years.

    There are many reasons I wound up in this state.  There were many mistakes made, pains suffered, and lessons learned – the hard way.  Throughout the journey, there were many valuable experiences and discoveries, many of which I share in my book, A Walk in the Wilderness. 

    We are three-dimensional constructions of a marvelous Creator.  We are spirit, soul and body – all intricately intertwined.  Health and healing are the products of understanding with a greater fullness that we are three-dimensional persons.

     
    Since then, I have done a 21-day fast every year for the last 7 years.  While the results from each fast were different, there were also some consistent factors.  Each time, my faith level has risen and my vision has expanded.  As the years went by, I entered each 21-day fast knowing that I was positioning myself for the miraculous.  Every time God calls me into a long-haul fast, He calls me to change — and change has been my reward.  What are you waiting for? 
     
    Interested in fasting?  Click here to get started.
     

     

     
     
    How Scriptural is Fasting?

     

    Dr. GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

     

    Last week we looked at Matthew 6:16-18 and Matthew 9:14.  Here are a few more:

     
    Jeremiah 36:6-9 — Baruch reading Jeremiah’s scroll

    Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD’S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities. It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great [is] the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.  And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of the LORD in the LORD’S house.  And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, [that] they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Do you have a question or testimony on fasting?  Email it to info@lorigreenwood.org

     

     

    I’ll send you more fasting information next week!

     

    Blessings,

     
     
    Lori Greenwood, ThD
     
    Visit the church online: www.wotcc.org

     

    fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.

     

    More Fasting Facts

    • May 2, 2009 6:25 pm
    How Scriptural is Fasting?

     

    Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

     

    Last week we looked at Numbers 6:3-4 and Luke 4:1-2.

     

    Here are a few more scriptures:

     
    Job 33:19-20 – Fasting as a result of pain or sickness: “Man is also rebuked with pain on his bed and with continual strife in his bones, so that his very being finds food repulsive and his soul loathes the choicest meal.”

    Luke 5:33 – John’s disciples and the Pharisees fasted: “And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise [the disciples] of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?”

     
     
     

    Q&A on Fasting

    This week’s question comes from the United Arab Emirates:
     
    Q: What does “7-day fast” mean? No water, no food for 7 days? Can our body stay that way for long? I get tremendous headaches, stomach pain, and tired.. been tired for the past 2 weeks.

    A: I NEVER recommend fasting without plenty of water.  A human being can die of dehydration in as little as 3 days time.  Having said that, I would define a 7-day fast as one week without food.  Drink water.  Take fluids.  If you are experiencing headaches, stomach pain and feel fatigued, it may be an indicator that the fast is working!  When fasting, your body will feed off of toxins in your system — a sort of self-cleaning is occurring.  The symptoms you have mentioned are typical of a body in “detox mode.”

     

    The Pre-Fast Preparation

    • April 17, 2009 8:45 am

    PRE-FAST PREPARATION — If you remember from last week’s fasting blog, I mentioned that some may be contemplating entering a fast to coincide with Moses original 40-day fast as recorded in the book of Exodus chapter 34. (April 19 to May 28, 2009) If this sort of endurance fasting is new to you, you may be wondering if 40 days is something that is within your reach, or not? 

     

    When I was still pretty green in ministry, I was encouraged by Pastor Bob Rogers to begin to develop myself in fasting.  Little did I know where I was headed!  Dr. Rogers is the pastor of Evangel Prayer Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and has trained-up a large church of fasters. His church engages in something they call the Pre-Fast Diet when they’re getting geared up to enter long fasts.  While fasting brings you closer to God and is a scriptural way to humble yourself, there are also physical benefits to fasting, like weight loss.  Fasting should not be confused with dieting, howbeit, altering your dietary habits heading into a fast can really help you go the distance.  With that in mind, I’d like to share Dr. Rogers pre-fasting menu with you!  Read on –
     
    Below is a pre-fasting diet which will help you prepare your body for a long fast. It not only cleanses the body from toxins, but stimulates metabolism of your body. You will probably lose seven to twelve pounds in one week, depending on your present body weight.

     

    Cabbage Vegetable Soup — 6 large green onions, 2 green peppers, 1 or 2 large cans of tomatoes, 1 bunch of celery, 1 large head of cabbage, 1 pkg of Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Season with salt, pepper, curry, parsley, etc., if desired, or 6 bouillon cubes. (Note: Half of this recipe was made and used according to following instructions by two people for four days. We kept it continually hot in a crock pot.) Cut vegetables in small to medium pieces and cover with water. Boil fast for ten minutes. Reduce to simmer and continue cooking until vegetables are tender. This can be eaten anytime you are hungry. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want at any time of the day. This soup will not add calories; the more you eat, the more you lose. If eaten alone for indefinite periods, you would suffer malnutrition. Fill a thermos in the morning if you will be away during day.

    Day One 

    All fruits except bananas. Your first day should consist of all the fruit you want, except bananas. Cantaloupes and watermelons are lower in calories than most fruits. Eat only your soup and fruits the first day. For drinks – unsweetened tea, cranberry juice, or water. Day Two 

    All vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed with all the fresh, raw, or cooked vegetables of your choice. Try to eat green, leafy vegetables and stay away from dry beans, peas, and corn. Eat all the vegetables you want along with your soup. At dinner time on this day, reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Eat all the soup you want this day, but don’t eat fruits. Day Three 

    Mix day one and day two. Eat all the soup, fruit, and vegetables you want. You CAN’T have a baked potato this day. IF YOU HAVE EATEN AS ABOVE FOR THREE DAYS AND HAVE NOT CHEATED, YOU WILL FIND THAT YOU WILL HAVE LOST FIVE TO SEVEN POUNDS.

    To read Day Four and more, click here.
     
    How Scriptural is Fasting?

     

    Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

     

    Last week we looked at Leviticus 16:29-31 and Luke 2:37

     

    Here are a few more scriptures:

     
    Leviticus 23:14 — Fasting occurred before the wave offering was made: “And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”

    Mark 9:29 – Fasting brings deliverance power: “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

     
     
     

     

     

    Q&A on Fasting

    This week’s question comes from Pastor Robinson in Nigeria, who asks:

     

    Q: I want to know the hours of fasting, if one takes a fast from 6am to 12pm, 6am to 3pm, 6am to 6pm — can you tell me is this the proper way of fasting?

     

    A: The bible outlines a few different times and lengths of fasts.  I’ll cover them here in order from shortest to longest. 

     

    Half Day — In the Old Testament, the Jewish nation had a habit of observing a half-day fast where they abstained from taking any food from the time they awoke until 3:00 PM in the afternoon. 

     

    1 Day — A 24-hour fast occurred on the Day of Atonement.  Jeremiah 36:6 

     

    3 Day — There are fasts of 3-day duration recorded in Esther Ch. 4 & Mat.15:32. 

     

    7 Day — A 7-day fast broke a curse off of a nation in 1 Samuel 31:13 

     

    14 Day — The Apostle Paul and the crew of the ship he was on endured a 14-day fast as recorded in Acts 27:33. 

     

    21 Day — Daniel fasted for 21 days.  Read Daniel 10:3 

     

    40 Day — Moses, Elijah and Jesus all fasted for 40-day durations. Exodus 24:18, 1 Kings 19:7-8, Matthew 4:1-2.

     
     

     Do you have a question on fasting?  Email it to info@lorigreenwood.org

    fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.

     

    Blessings,

    Lori Greenwood, ThD

    Do You Know What Time It Is?

    • April 9, 2009 1:25 pm

    April 10, 2009                                                                       

     

    Do you know what time it is?  Are you aware of the season of God that we are standing in?  We have just entered Pesach, or Passover.  You might be wondering, “Well, what does that have to do with fasting?” 
     
    At the very first Passover, the children of God began their exodus from Egypt.  For ten days they trekked out into the wilderness following the pillar of fire, until they came to Mount Sinai. There, the Jewish nation set-up camp at the base of the mountain while Moses spent the next 40-days up on the mountain with God.  Moses fasted for the entire 40-day time period.  On our calendar, that would fall from April 19 all the way to Shavout (or Pentecost) which starts at sunset on May 27, 2009
     
    As in years past, God has been speaking to me about fasting in this season. Maybe God is talking to you about fasting in some capacity as well? 
     
    When it comes to fasting, coaching people can be a funny thing.  While we all want to think about fasting as a spiritual discipline (which it is) the most complicated part about getting others to embrace this form of intercession has a lot to do with training the flesh to cooperate!  With that in mind, I’m going to be sharing information with you over this fasting season that not only contains spiritual truth, but has coaching keys to help you “manage your body” through the process.  (I’ll try to cover everything from weight loss and skin break-outs to bodily elimination and fatigue. Doesn’t that all sound fun?!)  As always, I’ll continue to share scripture and field your questions as well.  So, be looking for more information to come over the next few weeks!
    How Scriptural is Fasting?

     

    Lori GreenwoodThere are nearly 70 references to fasting in the Bible.  Each week, I’ll share a few verses with you.  Searching the bible will help you discover more about fasting for yourself. 

     

    Last week we looked at Exodus 34:28 and Psalm 69:9-10

     

    Here are a few more scriptures:

     
    Leviticus 16:29-31 — On the Day of Atonement:  

     

    On the appointed day in early autumn,you must spend the day fasting and not do any work. This is a permanent law for you, and it applies to those who are Israelites by birth, as well as to the foreigners living among you.

       On this day, atonement will be made for you, and you will be cleansed from all your sins in the Lord‘s presence.
       It will be a Sabbath day of total rest, and you will spend the day in fasting. This is a permanent law for you.

     

    Luke 2:37 — The prophetess Anna fasted:  

    And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.

    Q&A on Fasting

    Q: I’m less than 48 hours into a fast and everything hurts.  I have a headache, my stomach hurts, and I feel really run-down.  Is this dangerous or a sign that I should eat something?

     

    A: Headaches, slight nausea, bad breath, and run down feelings are signs that the fast is working. When you fast, your body purifies itself by feeding off of toxins in your system. After about three days the headaches and hunger pains cease.  You may also experience unusual things like bleeding gums, a coated tongue, shaky leg muscles, eye pain — all of these things can be signs that toxins are being cleared out of your system.  Everything you are feeling (while uncomfortable) is a strong sign that your body is “taking out the trash,” and you’re on your way to a healthier you!

     
    Do you have a question on fasting?  Email it to info@lorigreenwood.org

    fasting  Interested in learning more about fasting?  Click here.
     
     
    Read a fasting article here.

     

    Blessings,

     
    Lori Signature
     
    Lori Greenwood, ThD