Believers United in Fasting and Prayer

Walking in the Armor of Light in the Midst of the Darkness

by Craig Peters

a Considering the current state of things in

the world, is it not time for sincere
believers to lay aside their doctrinal
differences and to unite in a way never
before seen our days? We cannot ignore
the fact that we are living in dire times.
And for that reason, this document sends
forth an urgent plea for the worldwide
body of believers to become unified
through fasting and prayer.

Many countries are teetering on the brink

of social and economic collapse.
Nations and governments are embracing
policies which are deeply immoral and/or
increasingly dictatorial.
Less than two months ago, twenty-one of
our Christian brothers were murdered by
Muslim militants who beheaded them on
the northern shores of Libya. Not many
weeks later, thirty Coptic Christians were
shot through the back of the head and then
completely decapitated by their Islamic
executioners. Such mass murder would
feign
become
widespread
and
commonplace, unless the Unseen Hand of
the Most High is moved to oppose and
defeat them.
In America, persecution of Christians has
become increasingly militant and policies
have been / are being set in place which
result in impossible-to-pay fines, seizure,
and even imprisonment. The children of
home schooling families are being seized
by government officials, places of
business are being fined outrageous
amounts for simply standing by their
convictions, and people are being
imprisoned for giving honor to a Creator
who provided foods for our health,
healing, and nutrition.

To be sure, there is nothing in this article

that requires you to put aside personal
convictions in matters of faith and
doctrine. We trust in the King of heaven
and earth that the Spirit is well able to lead
His people into all truth1 and to teach them
anything He would like them to know, or
to do, or even to change.2 But this article
does set forth an urgent call for a unity
like that which was formed by the
founding fathers of the United States of
America:
We are seeking for believers
to unify over matters which are
far greater and far weightier than
ones particular denomination,
or doctrinal persuasion.
The matter is urgent beyond description
and the time is now. This document sets
forth an urgent plea for the entire
believing world to become unified in a
very special, powerful, and edifying
manner as we seek the Most High together
over the dire state of thingsmatters that
are not only grave beyond description, but
which now seem to be rapidly
degenerating, almost by the hour:

1
2

And the number of nations on the earth

now setting themselves against Israel and
the Jewish people is rapidly increasing. In
what seems to borderline on mass, mob
hysteria, entire populations are being
swayed in opposition to Jews everywhere
through vicious accusations and antiSemitic policies. Many are setting forth a
hypocritical defense in favor of those who
are sworn to Israels annihilation while
vilifying Israel for defending herself

John 16:13
Philippians 1:6

against the openly warring nations and

peoples who proudly boast of their
determination to carry out such
unthinkable destruction. Of course, all of
this displays the hatred which many world
leaders have against anything related to
the Creator of the Universe, including
Israel, the People of the Land.
*

followers, And if you fast, however,

He did say to the multitudes,3 And when
you fast4
Accordingly, the Saviors teachings5
along with those of the earliest, first
century believers6make it clear that they
understood the importance fasting7 as the
most powerful weapon one could wield in
spiritual warfare against the otherwise
undefeatable powers of darkness.

Any one of the things just outlined above

should be enough to bring us before the
Most High and to unite all believers in a
newfound zeal before His Throne with
continual times of fasting and prayer on a
massive and worldwide scale. Any one of
them should have been enough, but we
have outlined no less than five. Does
anything more dire need to occur before
we are jolted into this long overdue
action? Knowing and praying about the
need to unite believers in fasting and
prayer, one dear lady recently wrote
something similar to the following:

hwhy 8 is the Source of Light and, as seen

in the example of Moses, those who draw
near to His Presence with fasting-derived
humility will also be those who emanate
with a significant measure of His great
Light and Splendor.9 And as the light of
hwhy shone upon Moses (and later on the
Messiah), so the light of His splendor will
shine upon those who empty themselves,
upon those who humble themselves before
Him via the Heavenly-Ordained way that
is revealed in fasting with prayer. And it is
believed the Light of hwhy, thus obtained,
will push back and trample down the
forces of darkness that now seek to engulf
the world.

If not us, then who?

And if not now, then when?
Now is the time for believers to unify
through individual and corporate times of
fasting and prayer. And we need to unify
in a way that has never before been seen in
these modern times.

Matthew 5:1, 7:28-29

Matthew 6:16
5
See the study The Messiah Teaches Fasting in the
Beatitudes:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/193324641/The-MessiahTeaches-Fasting-in-the-Beatitudes
4

In the study that follows, the author is

sending forth a worldwide appeal for the
start and continuation of unbroken and
relentless times of fasting and prayer
among all those who believe in the
Messiah of Israel. If you believe the
Savior came 2,000 years ago, that He died
for the sins of the world, and that He now
reigns on high (that He has been given all
authority in heaven and on earth), then you
are asked to join the army of those
multitudes who will be committing to
regular times of fasting and prayer,
henceforth. As many others have so aptly
pointed out, our Messiah did not teach His

Mathew 9:14-15, 1Corinthians 6:5, 2Corinthians

11:27, James 4:6-10
7
When we speak of fasting, it is always understood
that such times are to be accompanied by much prayer
and seeking hwhy. See Daniel 10:1-3,12 which shows
us Daniels times of fasting began with prayer and that
it was characterized by prayer above all else.
8
The Set Apart Name of the Creator. This article
renders the Name of YHWHthe Mighty One of
Israelas it appears in the Hebrew Scriptures. This is
the Name which our Messiah teaches us to set apart
(Matthew 6:9-10)to honor with the greatest
reverence in prayer and living.
9
Exodus 34:28-30, Isaiah 60:1-3

We live in critical and increasingly

dangerous times. And over the years, we
have heard many who are responding to
these dangers by calling upon the
believing world to arise in prayer and to
confront the forces of darkness. We
concur that such prayers are now more
important than ever as the enemies of light
are presently spawning terror and horrific
mass murder on a global scalea scale
that not only appears to be unstoppable,
but that is also on the rise in nearly every
corner of the world.

revival, their various messages and efforts

lasted for many hours.
Yet absolutely nothing was heard
about the single, most important thing
needed for authentic revival:
fasting and prayer.
More recently,11 another Bible teacher12
spoke at length about individuals
obtaining more wisdom from hwhy. While
he cited many relevant Scriptures, this
sincere man still failed to teach anything
about the one thing that would yield the
greatest wisdom possible.

But will prayers, alone, be enough

to stop the onslaught? And why are
there so many who believe in the Savior,
yet they still fail to take up the most
powerful spiritual weapon of all?

Sadly, he never even hinted at the

consummate act of righteousness that
empowers us in the Spiritbringing a
fullness of knowledge, wisdom, and
understanding into ones heart and
mind: fasting and prayer.

The author of this present article believes

Scripture will indicate prayer, alone, is not
nearly enough to win the ultimate victory
in these days of darkness. Consider, first
of all, the place that fasting has not been
given among sincere believers:

In contrast, many centuries ago, an

Israeli man in Babylonian captivity read a
prediction in the scrolls of the prophet
Jeremiah. And as a result of that prophecy,
this man was deeply moved; for he had
read a prediction that stated Israel would
be brought back to the Land after 70 years
of captivity in Babylon. The person to
whom we refer was also a prophet, and
upon understanding such great things, how
did he respond? The time of restoration
was now upon his nation! We first ponder
what he did not say. Why did he not say
something like this?

In the early 1980s, a book was read

which spoke of releasing the power of the
Spirit to work in our lives. Yet anyone
completing this work would still be left
wondering how the believer is to
experience the authentic power of
righteousness which the Spirit imparts:
The volume was completely devoid
of any teaching on the very thing that
brings about the power of the Spirit
in the life of a believer: special
times of fasting and prayer.

Everyone knows the Word of hwhy

will not fail, so there is really no need to
seek the Most High about this matter. Ill
just wait around and watch as His Word is
fulfilled; Israel will be surely brought
back to the Land because He
said it would be so.

Still many years ago,10 I heard a wellmeaning group of men expound on the
need for revival. They were dear souls
who had long since given their lives to
serve the Savior. And they spoke at length
about prayer, study, and spiritual service.
Together, in a sincere hope to spark

11

(around 2007)
(known in his congregation as rabbi and one who
believes in the living Messiah)

12
10

(the summer of 1995)

Yet this was not the way Daniel13

responded. His response was one of
fasting with prayer. He sought hwhy with
times of relentless fasting, prayer, and
humility.14 If this was Daniels response
surrounding the promise of restoration,
should our response be any less? And how
much more so, considering the Messiahs
sobering question about whether or not He
would even find the Faith on the earth
when He returned?15 And since eSwhy 16
also stated the gates of the grave would
not prevail against His Assembly,17 we
further realize there will be a great
warfare18 taking place over the lives of
those who are seeking to walk uprightly in
these Last Days. So, as believers, we
should also gain a better understanding of
what must be done to partake in such
battles and to emerge victoriously.

individual believers in fasting and prayer

across a period of just 7 days.
We pray that this article will show there is
simply no other way for believers to defeat
the spiritual forces of wickedness in high
places. Scripture reveals the obedient
Daniel participated in this great warfare:19
We see he fasted and prayed across 21
days20 before a spiritual victory was won
in the heavens as Gabrielwho was later
assisted by Michaelbattled against and
defeated a spirit being who was referred to
by the messenger as the prince of the
kingdom of Persia.21
As we proceed, the reader need not
imagine there is anything in this study that
ever lessens the great importance of prayer
during those times when we are not
fasting. On the contrary, Scripture assures
us the earnest prayer of the righteous has
much power.22 Drawing Near is easily
one of the most important messages23 in
the Book of Hebrews,24 for it is only in
drawing near that we are clothed in the
armor of His Light, bringing victories that
we have never before seen in our lives and
bringing the light of deliverance25 into the
lives of those for whom we pray and
petition. Yet we will see how times of
fasting are so special (and necessary)
because they fuel our prayers beyond
measure, resulting in petitions which are
yet more earnestburning with that
authentic ardor26 which can only be
ignited by the fire of the Spirit of hwhy
and emanating from the life of one whose
righteousness is ever increasing, ever

What would it be like if all those who

believe (worldwide) would commit to
regular times of fasting and prayer? And
what advances would be seen in the
Kingdom of hwhy if, on any given day, we
had 10,000 believers, worldwide, fasting
and praying for the Light of hwhy to shine
forth upon all the forces of darkness? And
what if those 10,000 soon became
100,000? And what if the 100,000 soon
became 1,000,000? And what if the
1,000,000, not long hence, became
10,000,000? Can you imagine? To have,
on any given day, 10,000,000 believers
fasting and praying, worldwide, would be
a power beyond measure. And if this latter
scenario became a reality, it would
translate into 70,000,000 days of
13

19

14

20

(who was also a prophet)

Daniel 9:1-27, 10:1-19
15
Luke 18:7-8
16
This is the Name of the Messiah in Hebrew, and it is
the equivalent of the Hebrew name for Joshua
(transliterated as Yahoshua or Yahushua). Many
Messianic Jews have shortened this Name to Yeshua.
17
Matthew 16:18
18
Daniel 10:1

Daniel 10:1
Daniel 10:1-3
21
Daniel 10:13
22
James 5:16
23
(if not the most important)
24
Hebrews 4:15-16, 7:25, 10:1
25
Psalm 80:3, 7, 19
26
Contrast Nadab and Abihu, who offered strange fire
before hwhy. Leviticus 10:1-2

Living Elohim.32 The stark contrast which

this teaching sets forth might well be
shocking for any who take it to heart; yet
it all confirms the words of a dear writer
from many decades ago who rightly
declared that prayerlessness is sin.
Drawing near to hwhy (in prayer) is not
only our Ultimate Source of love, light,
wisdom, victory, joy, and unshakable
peace, but drawing near is really life itself.
That His very Presence is our Source of
life and vibrancy is the truth we must
internalize and act upon. We only cleave
to hwhy if we are engaging in continual
prayer and are then walking out the
resulting obedience. And this is precisely
what Moses said to those who still
lived/survived after Israel had been led for
forty years through the wilderness:
But you that did cleave unto
hwhy your Elohim are alive,
every one of you, this day.
Deuteronomy 4:4

growing, and ever abounding through the

brightness of the splendor of the Sovereign
Creator who dwells within. In His Light,
we see light27 and the darkness cannot
overcome it.28 And as we progress in times
of fasting and prayer, this light will
increase yet more and more.29
Finally, readers will notice the importance
of our company of united believers being
continually submitted to the will of hwhy.
This includes being submitted to any and
all victories which He will choose to
decree for His Kingdom in the days,
weeks, months, and years ahead. These are
victories for which we must seek and find;
and we must do so in the HeavenlyOrdained way that pleases Him the most:
through fasting and prayer.
Prayer: The Most Important
Aspect of True Worship
In Psalm 73, Asaph declares that drawing
near to Elohim30 is something of most
significant goodness:

Prayer will always be the consummate act

of True Worship. Regardless of whether or
not we are seeking hwhy across a set apart
time of fasting-derived humility, prayer
will remain the most important element of
True Worship. While many have been
bothered by such statements, the truth of
the Scriptures will clearly show this to be
the case. Nor in stating this do we
minimize the importance of Bible study.
Actually, if we are continually drawing
near to the Presence of hwhy, through
prayer, we will see and learn exceedingly
more truth from the Scriptures than we
would have otherwise. In the Presence of

But as for me, drawing near to

Elohim is my good: I have put my
trust in the Sovereign hwhy, that I
may declare all Your works.
Psalm 73:28
And within this song, Asaph contrasts
those who continually31 draw near with
those who unfaithfully depart from the

27

Psalm 36:9
John 1:4-5
29
Proverbs 4:18
30
Elohim is the transliteration of the Hebrew word
Myhla rendered as God in our English Bibles.
While this word may initially appear to be quite
foreign, it is used more today than you might realize.
Its short form, El, appears in many names common
today: Gabri-el, Micha-el, El-i-jah, Ari-el, Dani-el,
Isra-el, Nathani-el.
31
The Hebrew word for continually is dymt/tamid
and it does not mean 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The context seen throughout Scripture indicates the
word continually means at regular, appointed times.
28

32

See Psalm 73:27-28. An evil heart of unbelief is a

heart that departs from the Living Elohim; it is a
hardened and prayerless hearta heart that will not
continually draw near in reverent prayer (see Hebrews
3:7-13, 4:6-16). The quote in Hebrews over not
hardening ones heart is from Psalm 95a song that
speaks to believers with the exhortation, Come, let us
worship and bow down. Psalm 95:6

hwhy is light, and when we obtain that

Light, our minds are powerfully
enlightened, enabling us to see and
understand still more of the great truths
hidden within His Word:

Before Honor is Humility

The fear of hwhy is the instruction of
wisdom, and before honor is humility.
Proverbs 15:33
It is an inescapable spiritual principle in
the Kingdom of Elohim: hwhy gives the
greatest honor to those who are walking
before Him with reverent humility. While
He opposes the proud,37 hwhy is pleased to
bestow increasing favor and honor upon
those who are humble before Him. Above
all else, fasting is the means by which we
enter into this humility before the Most
High. We see this truth many times in the
Word, and David even wrote of the matter
directly:

For with You is the fountain

of life: in Your light, we see light.
Psalm 36:9
Recall, it was after 80 days of fasting and
prayer33 that the face of Moses shined with
the Light of hwhy;34 and by this example,
the Spirit teaches us the path to still
greater light and splendor as we seek the
Face of El Shaddai. Apart from fasting and
prayer, we are not fully seeking His
Kingdom and His righteousness.
In His Presence is Light. Yet hwhy will not
give the honor of His light and splendor to
anyone who is proud and lifted up. The
example seen in all the prophets is that
humility goes before honor. We humble
ourselves35 in the sight hwhy through times
of fasting-derived affliction and humility.
And as we grow in this humility, we also
grow in favor and knowledge: hwhy
imparts more and more of His Spirit to
enlarge our hearts and, thus, our sphere of
service before Him. So let us ponder how
Scripture
shows
this
otherwise
unattainable humility comes through that
wholehearted seeking which is only
defined by times of consistent fasting and
prayer. We have seen that prayer is the
consummate act of True Worship. Yet our
prayers are the most powerfully energized
by that special humility which is only
attainable through setting apart times of
consistent fasting and prayer.36

But as for me, when they were sick,

my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled
(afflicted) my soul with fasting
Psalm 35:13 38
Fasting-derived humility results in the
believer being empowered by the Presence
and Spirit of hwhy39 because the Most
High loves to dwell with those who are
meek and lowly in heart:
For thus says the High and Lofty
One that inhabits eternity, whose Name
is set apart: I dwell in the high and set
apart place, with him also that is of a
contrite and humble spirit; to revive
the spirit of the humble, and to revive
the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 57:15
Fasting-derived humility is the road to
promotion in the Kingdom of hwhy
less food at any given meal. While adopting this
lifestyle certainly qualifies as commendable selfcontrol, it is not fasting and it will not cause its
adherents to enter into the level of humility and
affliction which was experienced by the prophets of old
(and which resulted in the powerful working of the
Spirit we see in the Scriptures).
37
Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6
38
For other such texts, see Psalm 69:10, Matthew 5:36, James 4:6-10, 1Peter 5:6
39
James 4:5, Revelation 11:3

33

Exodus 24:18, 34:28, Deuteronomy 9:9, 11, 18, 25,

10:10
34
Exodus 34:29
35
Matthew 5:3,5, James 4:6-10, 1Peter 5:6
36
Some Bible teachers have successfully removed this
opportunity for fasting-derived humility from their
followers by teaching what is often referred to as a
fasted life. A fasted life basically means just eating

because the Most High will not entrust His

treasures of light to those who are proud
and lifted up.40 The Spirit of hwhy loves to
dwell in the midst of a humble and contrite
heart. Times of fasting and humility break
up the fallow ground of the heart,41
preparing the soil for rain of the Spirit,42
thus, causing the seed of the implanted
Word43 to grow/increase.44

We must see these difficultiesspawned

as they are by the forces of spiritual
darknessas a call to battle in the
spiritual realm:
The people of the Most High
cannot respond with anything less
than the greatest weapon of all.
Only through fasting and prayer can we
muster the greatest light that the favor of
hwhy will so lovingly bestow upon us from
His Presence in the Heavens.

Those who continually draw near to the

Most High have also learned the greatest
spiritual lesson of all: the Presence of
hwhy is the individual believers absolute
greatest need. For these believers, prayer
is not some act of drudgerysome mere
duty to be checked off however many
times per day. Prayer is drawing near to
the Greatest Being in the Universe with
the intent to worship Him, to hear His
Voice, to love Him, and to do His will.
And when our Greatest Need becomes our
Greatest Joy, then the Spirit can truly
begin to reign and prevail through us in all
the earth.45 Such is the Presence of hwhy.

The Armor of His Light

Who clothes Yourself with light
as with a garment
Psalm 104:2
While we often hear teachings about being
clothed in the armor of light, we wonder
how many have realized the armor of light
which clothes us is really a portion of that
Light which surrounds the very Presence
of hwhy? For no mortal can emanate with
any amount light apart from that portion of
Light which hwhy Himself would give us.
In Psalm 104, we read about the light of
hwhy with which the Most High is clothed:

And the Presence of hwhy is certainly the

worlds greatest need at this dark hour.
For the clouds of still greater darkness are
now seen on the horizon; and the
approaching darkness would feign
swallow up the small amount of dwindling
light that presently remains on the earth.

Bless hwhy, my soul. hwhy my Elohim,

You are very great; You are clothed with
honor and majesty: Who covers Yourself
with light as with a garment
Psalm 104:1-2
The apostle Paul taught the first century
believers about being clothed with the
armor of this light:

40

See the following studies for more details on this

matter:

The Yoke of Fasting-Derived Meekness and

Humility:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/49181380/The-Yoke-ofFasting-Derived-Meekness-and-Humility

The night is far spent, the day

is at hand: let us, therefore, cast off
the works of darkness; and let us
put on the armor of light.
Romans 13:12

Some of the Major, Spiritual Principles Behind

Fasting:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/49202810/Some-of-theMajor-Spiritual-Principles-Behind-Fasting

And to the Ephesians, he wrote that we

have been called to battle against invisible,
spiritual forces in the heavens; and
prevailing in this warfare requires nothing
less than the armor of His Light:

41

Hosea 10:12
Hosea 6:3, Isaiah 44:3, Hebrews 6:7
43
James 1:21
44
2Peter 3:18
45
Romans 5:17
42

10 Finally, be strong in hwhy, and in the

strength of His might. 11 Put on the
whole armor of Elohim, that you may
be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against
blood and flesh, but against the
principalities, against the powers,
against the world rulers of this darkness,
against the spiritual lawlessness in the
heavenlies. 13 Therefore, take up the
whole armor of Elohim, that you may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand. 14 Stand,
therefore, having girded your loins with
truth, and having put on the breastplate
of righteousness, 15 and having shod
your feet with the preparation of the
Good News of peace; 16 withal taking
up the shield of faith, wherewith you
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts
of the evil. 17 And take the helmet of
salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit,
which is the Word of Elohim: 18 with all
prayer and supplication, praying at all
seasons in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto in all perseverance and
supplication for all the set apart ones
Ephesians 6:10-18

around us.47 The simplest things seem to

escape us: It is the light of hwhy that drives
out the darkness and it is the armor of His
light that empowers us to stand in the evil
day. Yet this armor may only be donned
through prayer in His Presence. And as
His light increases upon the believer (and
it does so exponentially through times of
fasting and prayer), the Spirit can more
fully use that person to bring down the
kingdom of darkness and its powers of
lawlessness.
Becoming Mighty Before Elohim:
The Weapons of Our Warfare
For though we walk in the flesh, we do
not war according to the flesh: for the
weapons of our warfare are not of the
flesh, but mighty before Elohim to the
casting down of strongholds
2Corinthians 10:3-4
The Messiah was a prophet mighty in
deed and word before Elohim and all the
people.48 It is before Elohimby abiding
in His Presence in prayerthat we
become mighty in deed and word. We see
the Messiah returned from His forty days
of fasting in the wilderness in the power
of the Spirit.49 His mighty deeds and
words before Elohim were in fasting and
prayer across those forty days. Only
afterwards was the Messiah seen to be
mighty in deed and word before all the
people: He returned in the power of the
Spirit and many mighty deeds were
witnessed.50 And all the prophets of old
were empowered in this same manner.

Believers have been called to battle

spiritual forces against which we are
absolutely powerless! Apart from the
Presence of hwhy, we could never prevail
in such a conflict. Yet every time we draw
near to hwhy, He draws near to us,46 and
this is how the believer is clothed in the
armor of His Light. As His light grows
within and around us, we become
spiritually stronger. And as the face of
Moses shined from communing in His
Presence across those times of fasting on
Mount Sinai, fasting with prayer is the
means by which this armor of light
becomes still brighter and reflects even
more of the splendor of hwhy to those
46

Simply put, it is impossible to abide in the

Presence of hwhy and not be transformed
and empowered, to some degree, by the
Light of His Countenance.51
47

Isaiah 60:1-3
Luke 24:18-19
49
Like 4:14
50
Luke 4:14, 31-41, 5:3-9, 12-28, 6:17-19, 7:1-17
51
2Corinthians 3:17-18
48

James 4:8

But what determines the degree? If His

Light is without limit (and it is), then what
determines the amount of light He shines
upon us (and through us to others)? It all
relates to those times we draw near. And
it relates to the importance of drawing
near with our heartsa drawing near
which becomes immensely powerful when
we are fastinghungering and thirsting
for His Presence and His righteousness.
While we all receive that initial salvation
through believing in the shed blood of the
Messiah, the writer of Hebrews has clearly
indicated perfection (a word which really
means completion) is only for those who
draw near:

growth. As we draw near to the Most High

in love and submission, we also
acknowledge His Presence is our very
Source of life and sustenance.54 And
whenever we draw near, what hwhy
chooses to bring to pass always remains
completely within His jurisdiction. This is
why the humble believer always attributes
the power to hwhy alone.55
While we can read about taking up the
whole armor of Elohim,56 about being able
to stand in the evil day, we receive further
instruction in this matter from the example
of Daniel. How can we take up this armor
in the most powerful way? To know more
of the answer, we should ask ourselves:
How did Daniel partake in the battle
against spiritual forces of lawlessness in
the heavens? Across twenty-one days,57
Daniel sought hwhy with fasting and
prayer.

Therefore, He is also able to

save them to the uttermost that draw near
to Elohim through Him, seeing He ever
lives to make intercession for them
For the Law can never
perfect those who draw near.
Hebrews 7:25/10:1

And while Daniel himself did not

defeat the forces of darkness, the
record shows us he was certainly
a significant factor in the battle.
We have to believe Daniels example was
provided to show us how to prevail when
wrestling against the principalities of
darkness. Daniels struggle against the
spiritual forces of lawlessness in the
heavens gives much more meaning to the
petition we are taught by eSwhy the
Messiah:

Together, these texts from the Book of

Hebrews show us something that generally
escapes the believing world:
The spiritual progress that brings
perfection/completion only comes to those
who draw near; it only comes from being
in the very Presence of hwhy (in prayer).
For we may only obtain transforming
Light 52 in the Presence of the Most High.
And we may only draw near to Him
through the blood of the Messiah.
The lack of prayer in His Presence
explains why many believers fail to make
the spiritual progress that they so sincerely
desire.53 Many are simply unaware of the
principles involved in authentic spiritual

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,

in the heavens and upon the earth.
Matthew 6:10
Yet if we are not following the example of
Daniel and all the prophetswho battled
spiritual forces of darkness through times
of fasting with prayerare we really

52

2Corinthians 3:17-18
This includes the lack of power to break the bonds of
sin. Isaiah 58:6 Because believers fail to enter into the
power of righteousness obtained through fasting, they
also fail to experience the power of righteousness that
the Messiah came to give us. 2Timothy 3:5

53

54

Daniel 5:4, 23
1Chronicles 29:11, Matthew 6:13
56
Ephesians 6:10-18
57
Daniel 10:1-3
55

capable of fulfilling this petition58 in the

way hwhy intended? It is somewhat
overwhelming to realize that, with this
prayer, the Messiah was teaching us to
oppose and pray against the forces of
darkness in the heavens59 that bring
lawlessness upon the earth. And in the
context of this prayer, eSwhy was also
revealing a great deal about fasting.60 So
the Messiah expects our petitions for the
Fathers will to be done in the heavens
would be accompanied by times of
consistent fasting. So the question then
arises: Can we rightly/successfully pray in
this manner apart from those times of
fasting and prayer that result in bringing
forth the light that defeats the kingdom of
darkness? And the apostle Paul plainly
taught: every believer should be joining in
the battle against these unseen forces that
cast darkness upon the earth.61 Putting it
all together, Daniels life makes it quite
clear just how we are to join in the conflict
(and how we are to emerge victoriously).

grow less, depending upon the condition

of the soil.63 It also means we can fail to
grow. And worse still, it means we can
also die64 from lack of spiritual nutrition
as the thorns and thistles completely choke
out all that was once good.65 So what will
maximize our growing conditions in the
spiritual realm?66
Nothing prepares the heart before hwhy in
the manner that occurs through fasting and
prayer. And the Spirit reveals that
preparation of heart does not really even
occur apart from times of fasting-derived
humility. Fasting-derived humility brings
the greatest indwelling of the Spirit67 by
which hwhy writes His Word upon our
hearts and minds. Considerable spiritual
progress will be the result. The prepared
heart is a heart that is ready to hear and to
do the Word of hwhy. Through Hosea,
hwhy said it like this:
Sow to yourselves in righteousness,
reap according to kindness; break up
your fallow ground; for it is time to
seek hwhy, till He comes and rains
righteousness upon you.
Hosea 10:12

But He Gives Greater Favor:

Growing in the Favor and
Knowledge of hwhy
But grow in the favor and knowledge
of our Sovereign and Savior,
eSwhy the Messiah
2Peter 3:18
That fact that we can grow in favor and
knowledge implies many other things. If
we can grow in favor and knowledge, this
means we can also grow more,62 or we can

To be the most effective, the Word of

hwhy must grow in good soil.68 As we see
through the prophet Hosea, fasting breaks
up the fallow ground of the heart and
prepares the soil for maximum benefit as
the believer continually receives the rain
of His Spirit.69 In the process, we are
empowered to know and to do the will of
hwhy more fully. Many make the mistake
of thinking that Bible study is the means
by which the believer grows in favor and
knowledge. But Bible study is not

58

(i.e., Matthew 6:10)

Compare Matthew 6:10 with Ephesians 6:12
60
Remember the context: as He taught this, the Master
was revealing a great deal about fasting and prayer in
what is now called The Sermon on the Mount. See
the study The Messiah Teaches Fasting in the
Beatitudes:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/193324641/The-MessiahTeaches-Fasting-in-the-Beatitudes
59

61
62

63

Luke 8:15
Revelation 3:2
65
Matthew 13:7, 22, Hebrews 6:8
66
1Peter 2:1-2
67
James 4:6
68
Matthew 13:3, 8, 18, 23
69
Hosea 6:3, Isaiah 44:3, Hebrews 6:7
64

Ephesians 6:10-12
1Timothy 4:15

10

effective apart from prevailing prayer. To

have the best results, our study of His
Word must be preceded by (and then
accompanied by) ongoing preparation of
heart; this preparation of heart only comes
through times of continual/regular fasting
with prayer.

Nothing contributes more powerfully

to our decrease and His increase
than fasting-derived humility.
Fasting-derived humility results in the
believer being empowered by the Presence
and the Spirit of hwhy because the Most
High dwells with those who are meek and
lowly in heart. While He bestows upon all
believers that initial favor that leads to
salvation,72 hwhy longs to bestow upon us
still greater favor73favor that we have
not known in times past. And there is no
limit to this additional favor that leads to
greater revelation, greater obedience, and
greater service in His Kingdom. Yet it
only comes as His Spirit abides more
greatly within us. And, as we have seen,
His Spirit cannot fully dwell within us
apart from humility.
hwhy longs for His Spirit to dwell more
greatly within us,74 and yet, He is often
hindered. Those who decrease through
fasting and prayer are also those who have
stepped out of the way so hwhy can impart
still more of Himself. When James wrote
to the believers of this matter, he spoke of
removing all such hindrances through
fasting-derived humility. Consider what
this first century believer wrote about
fasting and the affliction, mourning, and
humility that accompany such special
times of seeking hwhy:

If we are those who practice affliction

and humility through fasting-fueled
prayer, our understanding of His Word
shall advance far, far beyond what it
ever would have been otherwise.
For it is through fasting-derived humility
that His Spirit will be freed to more fully
write His Word upon our hearts and
minds.70 While the Most High is not
limited, hwhy cannot abide with any form
of pride, and times of fasting progressively
remove any inner hindrances so we can
become clean vessels. The apostle Paul
spoke of this very thing; and he indicated
if a man cleanses himself from the
dishonorable, he will then become a
vessel preparedfit for the Masters use
and prepared for every good work.71
Removing all that is not of hwhy is the
means by which we decrease. We find an
amazing picture of this in the words of
John the Immerser concerning the
Messiah:
He must increase, and I must decrease.
John 3:3

Do you think that the Scripture speaks in

vain? Does the Spirit which has taken
His abode in us desire enviously? 6 But
He gives more favor. Therefore He says,
Elohim sets himself against the proud,
but gives favor to the lowly. 7 Submit
yourselves, therefore, to Elohim. Resist
the devil, and he will flee from you. 8
Draw near to Elohim, and He will draw
near to you. Cleanse your hands,

Nothing better describes what occurs

through our times of sincere fasting and
prayer. During such times, we better learn
how to put aside all that detracts from our
relationship with Him; we are humbled in
His Presence; and as we decrease, the
Spirit of the Messiah within us will then
increase.

72

Ephesians 2:8-9
James 4:5-6
74
James 4:6, Isaiah 44:3

70

73

Jeremiah 31:33-34, Hebrew 10:8-12

71
2Timothy 2:21

11

Agagite, hated the Jews and he had used

twisted means to convince King
Artaxerxes to decree a death sentence
upon the Chosen People. At the time of
the mandate, the king was still unaware
that his wife, Esther, was a Jew. So what
was the response of the queen in this dire
situation? The laws of the land declared
that to enter before the king without
having been bidden would bring death for
Esther: she could not simply go into the
kings presence unless he had specifically
called for her. So Esther commanded all
the Jews to join her in fasting and prayer
across a period of three days:

sinners, and purify your hearts, you

double-minded. 9 Be miserable, and
mourn, and weep: let your laughter be
turned to mourning, and your joy to
heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the
sight of hwhy, and He will raise you up.
James 4:5-10
In their less-than-spiritual condition,
James instructs these believers to enter
into fasting-derived humility because he
knew this would lead to the exaltation and
victory hwhy gives by imparting more of
His favormore of His Spiritmore of
His Presence. Which brings us back to the
lesson He would teach us over and over
again: the Presence of hwhy is our greatest
need. And can we ever have too much of
that Presence? We think not.

15 Then Esther commanded to answer

Mordecai: 16 Go! You gather together all
the Jews who are to be found in Shusan,
and you fast for meand neither eat nor
drinkthree days, night nor day, and I
and my maidens will fast alsoand in this
manner, will I go in unto the king, though
it is not according to the law; and if I
perish, then I will perish. 17 So Mordecai
departed and did according to all that
Esther had charged upon him. 5:1 And it
came to pass, on the third day, that Esther
put on her royal apparel, and stood in the
inner court of the house of the king, over
against the house of the king. And the king
was sitting upon his royal seat, in the
royal house, over against the opening of
the house. 2 And it came to pass, when the
king saw Esther, the queen, standing in the
court that she obtained favor in his eyes.
And the king held out to Esther the golden
scepter which was in his hand; so Esther
drew near and touched the top of the
scepter. 3 Then the king said to her, What
troubles you, Queen Esther, and what is
your request? Unto the half of the
kingdom, it shall be given to you. Esther
4:16-5:3

Up to Half of the Kingdom

We should not fail to contemplate actual,
historical examples of those who have
sought and found the favor of hwhy. And
we should note the favor of hwhy, thus
found, was not there before they had
entered and emerged from their times of
fasting-derived humility. When we
humble ourselves before hwhy, He surely
responds with increased and increasing
favor.75
In the first example, we consider the truelife story of Nineveh and the prophet
Jonah. Jonah had been instructed by hwhy
to warn that He would be destroying the
great city of Nineveh in 40 days. In
response, the people repented of their
lawlessness and the Hand of hwhy relented
from His original intent. They obtained
favor in His sight because they repented
and humbled themselves before Him.76
In the second example, we consider the
true-life story of Queen Esther and the
persecuted Jews in Persia. Haman, the
75
76

The favor which Esther and the Jews

obtained before hwhy, in heaven,

James 4:6, 2Peter 3:18

See Jonah 3:1-10

12

translated into miraculous favor before the

king of Persia. And that favor was no
small amount: up to half of the kingdom.
What would change in the Body of the
Messiah, if we sought and found such
favor before hwhy through times of unified
fasting and prayer in these critical days?
We believe much would change for the
betterespecially since hwhy has already
promised to make the latter splendor of
His House greater than the former.77

on the northern shores of Libya. In light of

Daniels 21-day fast, was the number 21 a
coincidence?81 Is the Redeemer of Israel
now calling all of His people to lay aside
differences and to untie in a cause far
greater than anything we have previously
sought in our walk with Him? There are
many other concerns that surround us and
there are many other schemes that the
powers of darkness would attempt to use
against us. Are you ready, dear reader, to
join us in the only kind of battles that will
bring decisive victories for the Eternal
Kingdom?

Let There Be Light:

The Light of hwhy Banishes the Darkness
hwhy declared the end from the beginning.
Even as His light shined out of the
darkness on the First Day of Creation, so
hwhy will shine His light once more.
Ultimately, our need is not for hwhy to do
this thing or that. Our singular need is
simply for hwhy to shine His light upon us
and upon the world. Major victories for
His Kingdom will ensue as His light
increases upon us. The Messiah tried to
teach us this in His Words about seeking
first the Kingdom of Elohim and His
righteousness:78

In closing, we pray all readers will join us

in this matter of fasting-derived humility
as we draw near to the Throne of Favor
and lift up one another in these critical
days. Ultimately, it will be our overall,
individual and corporate contributions
that, when unified, will become powerful
beyond measure. May all of His people
become one in their seeking the King of
Heaven and Earth. Our Messiah will soon
rend the heavens and come down, and by
seeking Him all the more earnestly at this
time, He will surely find a people
prepared. t

If we obtain, in His Presence, the

things of greatest spiritual importancea
greater ability to hear His Voice, a greater
ability to know and to do His willthen
all our other needs will be met
practically by default.79

C.P.

5/15/2015

The author of this study is a

Messianic pastor who ministers
the Word of hwhy, in part, through
free articles provided to edify the
worldwide Body of believers.

As we continually obtain the light of His

countenance, everything else will take care
of itself. The light of hwhy will banish and
defeat the forces of darkness and, with His
light, deliverance comes automatically. 80
hwhy expects us to offer up prayers on
behalf of our fellow believers. My zeal
burns over having 21 brothers who faced a
horrendous death and yet died fearlessly

The Postscript appears on the following

pages with a few additional thoughts for
those who wish to learn more about the
basics of fasting. Also provided are
contrasts showing what fasting is,
and what fasting is not.

77

Haggai 2:6-9
Matthew 6:31-33
79
Romans 5:10
80
Psalm 80:3, 7, 19
78

81

13

Daniel 10:1-3

Where Do I Begin?
Those with little experience in fasting may
naturally wonder where (and how) to
begin. Keep in mind fasting is something
into which a person must grow.

What Fasting Is
And What Fasting Is Not
For those who have not studied fasting,
considerations over what this act is
along with what it is notwill provide
instructive contrasts and may be helpful to
those still wanting to learn more.

Fasting requires a consistency

which is empowered by the leading
of the Spirit and that is fed by the spiritual
hunger and thirst of one who values
the Presence of hwhy above all else.
Depending on age, schedule, and overall
health, some will be able to fast more
often than others. But that is not the
important thing at this time. The most
important thing, and the thing of greatest
value, is that each believer does
somethingconsistently. Many may begin
by fasting across one meal and using the
time otherwise spent (preparing food and
eating) to draw near to the Most High with
a time dedicated to special prayer. Others
may be led (and able) to commit to fasting
one day per week, or even one day every
other week. Perhaps others will be led
(and able) to set apart times to fast more
frequently (if they are not already doing
so).

Fasting is the faith-expression of those

whose physical hunger and thirst are
manifestations of their spiritual hunger
and thirst for the Most High.82 These
things are the action-based expression83
that we long for the Presence of hwhy
above all else.
Fasting is preparation of heart84 to hear
the Voice of hwhy and to do His will.
Fasting is a time period that begins with
prayer85 and is, thus, sanctified86 by
prayer. And if it is to be an authentic fast,
prayer, humility, and communing with
hwhy are the things which will
characterize this set apart time.
Fasting is not a marathon to see how
long we can go without physical
sustenance. The overriding thought across
these times should not be our desire for
food, but our desire for His Presence.
Fasting is an act of worship by which we
hunger and thirst for righteousness (which
believers learn is synonymous with the
very Presence of hwhy). Because faith
without works is dead,87 we cannot say we
hunger and thirst after righteousness if we
do not fast to bring about the physical
hunger and thirst indicative of those who
seek Him.88 For the physical hunger and
thirst is the tangible, personal89 yet

And to emphasize what we have already

written: The most important thing, and the
thing of greatest value, is that each person
does somethingconsistently. As one
moves forward with consistency, the
process becomes easier and increasingly
blessed.
We also send forth the hope that entire
congregations will choose to begin setting
apart certain days to fast and pray as a
unified body. Ultimately, it will be our
overall,
individual
and
corporate
contributions that, when unified, will
become powerful beyond measure.

82

Psalm 42:1, 63:1, 84:1-2, Matthew 5:6

James 2:17-20
84
2Chronicles 12:14, 15:12, 19:3, Ezra 7:9-10
85
Daniel 10:2-3, 11-12
86
(set apart, Joel 1:14, 2:15-17)
87
James 2:14-18
88
Psalm 42:1-2, 63:1-2
89
Matthew 6:16-18. Personal here means in the
sight of hwhy (compare Matthew 6:18 and James
83

14

outward90 faith-expression of the inner

spiritual hunger and thirst which drives us
to seek His Presence.
Fasting is a special time to afflict and
humble ourselves before the Most High
and to express specific burdens of the
heart. Affliction91 is brought on by times
of vigilance, hunger, thirst, and weakness.
Fasting in the face of trials, obstacles, and
difficulties is the most humble way we can
bring our concerns before hwhy. During
fasting and prayer, we show our complete
dependence upon Him. And while our
petitions may or may not be answered in
the way we might expect, across a time of
fasting and prayer, we prepare our hearts
to accept whatever the Almighty does or
does not do. Yet He so often works
miraculously in response!
Fasting is a time of mourning92 and
repentance93 over the state of things
around us.94 We mourn living in a fallen
world filled with tragedies by those who
are madly rushing away from the Most
High. Fasting is a time of personal
repentance over anything where we fall
short. And in one of the many spiritual
ironies within His Kingdom, it is those
who are broken95 who find true healing
and wholeness. Yet many refuse to be
broken.96

Fasting works because we have drawn

closer to hwhy. He, in turn, draws near to
us,97 and the light of His countenance that
shines upon us will bring some aspect of
deliverance sooner or laterthough it is
often sooner, since we have entered into
the preparation of heart that gains such
favor in His sight. Through fasting, we
learn that deliverance from hwhy is
obtained by drawing near to His lightfilled Presence. The Light of hwhy brings
miraculous deliverance simply by us
having drawn near.98
Fasting is not forcing the will of hwhy to
meet our demands.99 Fasting is actually
just the opposite: it is complete submission
to His will100 over any matter that we
bring before the Most High and it is giving
Him the splendor for being able to do
exceeding abundantly beyond all that we
ask or think.101 When fasting, we actually
seek and find complete rest and peace in
hwhy, even in the face of the most difficult
of circumstances. Through fasting we
continually turn over the burdens of our
heart to the only One who can bring about
change. Yet we must embrace letting Him
do it in His way and in His time.
Potentially, fasting is a special time in
which a small or large group of people
or even an entire congregationcan set
apart to seek hwhy over special concerns.
Some have mistakenly excused themselves
from this powerful aspect of corporate
worship by erroneously interpreting the
words of eSwhy over fasting privately:

4:10). The meaning here is clear: we do not fast for

showto be seen of men; we fast before Elohim, in
the sight of hwhy. [And since fasting for show would be
quite the opposite of humility, hwhy would disregard it
anyway.] Yet some have used this Matthew text as an
excuse not to engage in corporate fasting. Yet in Acts,
we see the entire congregation fasting together before
laying hands on Paul and Barnabas. Acts 13:1-3
90
(i.e., directed toward hwhy Himself)
91
James 4:9
92
Isaiah 61:3, Matthew 5:5, 9:14-15, James 4:9
93
2Chronicles 7:14
94
Psalm 119:136, Lamentations 3:48, Ezekiel 9:4
95
Psalm 34:18, 51:7, 147:3, Isaiah 57:15, Matthew 5:3
96
Psalm 95:6-8, Hebrews 3:7-8

.. that you be not seen of men to fast

Matthew 6:18

97

James 4:8
Psalm 80:3, 7, 19
99
(And no being in the Universe is capable of forcing
His will anyway.)
100
Psalm 37:31, 40:8, Isaiah 51:7-8
101
Ephesians 3:20
98

15

But does this mean entire congregations

are unable to unite in times of fasting with
prayer? May it never be. It is clear the first
century congregation of believers in
Antioch (which included apostles) did not
hesitate at the opportunity to seek hwhy
together:

...that you be not seen of men to fast,

but of your Father who is in secret
Matthew 6:18
We fast to be seen of hwhy (not men).
When speaking of fasting, James wrote of
precisely the same thing: he stated we are
to be seen of hwhy when fasting:

Now there were at Antioch, in the

assembly that was there, prophets and
teachers: Barnabas, and Symeon (that was
called Niger), and Lucius of Cyrene, and
Manaenthe foster-brother of Herod, the
tetrarchand Shaul. 2 And as they
ministered to the Sovereign, and fasted,
Ruach haQodesh102 said, Separate me
Barnabas and Saul for the work
whereunto I have called them. 3 Then,
when they had fasted and prayed, and laid
their hands on them, they sent them
away. Acts 13:1-3

Humble yourselves in the sight of hwhy.

James 4:10
We humble ourselves/fast before the
Father; we do this in the sight of hwhy; we
do not seek (or need) any kind of
approval, or recognition, from men.
Yet the great majority have so twisted
these words of eSwhy 104 that they even
persecute men who step forth to teach
believers about fasting. So the Adversary
has largely prevailed to keep people in the
dark about this most powerful aspect of
True Worship. But when people fail to
teach the proper meaning of Scripture,
they run a severe risk of losing their
reward in the Kingdom. So the meaning
of eSwhy should be taken at face value,
and not twisted in the way that so many
have done. Nothing in all of Scripture
forbids corporate fasting, and nothing
forbids us from teaching all the things
which the Messiah taught us. Quite to the
contrary, we are to teach all nations all
that the Messiah taught.105 And fasting is
the subject matter of every Beatitude.

This example indicates the entire

congregation partook in a fast to set
apart/commission Shaul and Barnabas for
their ministry-service. So the Messiah
could not have been forbidding times of
assembly-wide fasting and prayer.103
So what was He teaching? When He spoke
of privately fasting, the Savior was
teaching us about motive:

The Set Apart Spirit of hwhy

Yisrael corporately fasted on many occasions:
Joshua 7:6-11 (Joshua and the elders of Yisrael all
fasted together).
2Samuel 3:30-35 (David, and all those of Yisrael who
were with him, fasted and mourned over the death of
Abner).
Esther 4:15-17 (Esther and all the Yahudim/Jews in
Shushan fasted and prayed together for three days to
seek the favor of hwhy before the queen entered to see
the king and appeal for the lives of the Yahudim).
Ezra 8:18-23 (Ezra fasted and prayed with some 258
Levites and teachers as they sought the favor of Elohim
for protection in traveling from Babylon to Yisrael).
Leviticus 23:26-32 (All Yisrael fasts and prays once a
year on Yom haKippurim/the Day of Coverings).
102
103

Fasting is a special time to direct our

thoughts toward hwhy. It is a special time
to hear His Voice106 and to fulfill the
Shema107 in a special way. Many believers
today miss the mark by having an
improper view of things horizontal: they
compare themselves with others instead of
104

Matthew 6:16-18
Matthew 28:18-20
106
Genesis 26:4-5
107
Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 22:35-38, Mark
12:28-30
105

16

comparing themselves with hwhy. As soon

as we begin comparing ourselves with
others, we are already without wisdom.
Shaul said it like this:

hwhy across 40 days as he received the

Tables of the Ten Commandments.108 The
Spirit
of
Elohim indicating
the
significance of humility before hwhy as He
writes His Torah upon our hearts:

For we dare not class ourselves or

compare ourselves with some who
commend
themselves;
but
these,
measuring themselves by themselves, and
comparing themselves among themselves,
are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12

Fasting is the means by which the Spirit

of hwhy is especially empowered to write
His Torah upon our hearts and minds.
Recall the principle that we must decrease
for the Spirit of the Messiah within us to
increase. This is that greater favor of
which James wrote; and he directly related
this increasing favor to times of fasting
and repentance. The New Covenant
prophecies show us it is by the Spirit that
hwhy inscribes His Torah upon the hearts
and minds of those who believe:

We are failing as soon as we begin to

compare ourselves with others, or even
with ourselves. Fasting is a time to draw
near and compare ourselves with the One
True Elohim. Those who fail to be both
humbled and awed by drawing near to
Elohim are taught not to look to others,
but to hwhy, alone. When we humble
ourselves in the sight of hwhy, He is the
only one we are seeing. This shows the
flagrant foolishness and punishable pride
of the Pharisee who stood in the temple
and compared himself with the
publican/tax collector:

But this is the covenant that I will make

with the House of Yisrael after those days,
says hwhy: I will put My Torah in their
inward parts, and in their heart will I
write it; and I will be their Elohim, and
they shall be My people. Jeremiah 31:33
A new heart also will I give you, and a
new spirit will I put within you; and I will
take away the stony heart out of your
flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
27 And I will put My Spirit within you,
and cause you to walk in My statutes, and
you will keep My ordinances, and do them.
Ezekiel 36:26-27

And He spoke also this parable unto

certain who trusted in themselves that they
were righteous, and set all others at
naught: 10 Two men went up into the
temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and
the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee
stood and prayed thus with himself,
Elohim, I thank You that I am not as the
rest of men: extortioners, unjust,
adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I
fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all
that I get. Luke 18:9-12

The above Scriptures show us the Spirit of

hwhy is in total agreement with His
Torah.109 And when He imparts still more
of His Spirit, we are increasingly able to
uphold His spiritual110 Torah.111

If this Pharisee had been truly humbling

himself in the sight of hwhy, he would not
have been lifted up against anyone,
including the publican. No one can be
lifted up when comparing oneself with the
Eternal Elohim.

108

Deuteronomy 9:9, 11
And when Yisrael of old violated that Torah, the
Spirit of hwhy was grieved. Isaiah 63:9-10
110
Romans 7:12, 14
111
Romans 8:1-9. Through true faith, we uphold the
Torah. Romans 3:31 And those who do so, faithfully,
will be accounted worthy to attain to the First
Resurrection. Romans 2:13, Luke 20:35, Philippians
3:7-14
109

The prophet Moses was in fasting and

prayer, communing in the Presence of
17

included in any publication without the

authors written permission.

Other Studies on Fasting

There are so many things of profound
edification which surround the truth of fasting
and prayer. A better understanding of this
topic not only renovates our understanding of
the Bible, but as we enter a life that is lived
with fasting-derived humility, we will begin
to impact the Kingdom of hwhy for His
Names sake; and he will shine forth His
splendor and honor into all the earth. There
are certainly too many facets of this topic to
cover in a single study. Over time, readers
may wish to read and ponder the following
articles. These studies are given in a suggested
order for progressing and learning; however,
this is just a suggestion:

hwhy El Shaddai will rebuke

anyone who copies these truths for
republication and/or who subsequently
attempts to reproduce and sell them.
Isaiah 55:1-2, Micah 3:11, 1Peter 5:2

We believe most copyrights have been abused

worldwide in religious circles as false
shepherds and other merchants feed on the sin
of the people. These many abuses have filled
the worship house of hwhy with money
changers who hinder True Worship by
robbing and oppressing the poor.112 Many
have turned reverence and the worship of
hwhy into a means of great, personal gain.113

1. The Messiah Teaches Fasting in the Beatitudes

http://www.scribd.com/doc/193324641/The-MessiahTeaches-Fasting-in-the-Beatitudes

We assert such things were never meant to

be.114 Hence, this copyright is intended to
allow for free distribution of the Word of
hwhy with the following, minimal limitations:

2. Some of the Major, Spiritual Principles Behind

Fasting
http://www.scribd.com/doc/49202810/Some-of-theMajor-Spiritual-Principles-Behind-Fasting

This document may be copied and

distributed (or freely printed in its pdf
format): 1. If it is left unaltered. 2. If it is left
in its entirety. 3. And if it is given away at
absolutely no cost. Matthew 11:5, Luke 4:19,
Galatians 2:10

3. Humble Yourselves in the Sight of YHWH

http://www.scribd.com/doc/23224168/HumbleYourselves-in-the-Sight-of-YHWH
4. The Yoke of Fasting-Derived Meekness and
Humility
http://www.scribd.com/doc/49181380/The-Yoke-ofFasting-Derived-Meekness-and-Humility

Neither this article, nor any portion of this

article, may be included in any publication
which is sold. This stipulation applies
regardless of the nature of the organization or
the nature of its sales, meaning: profit or
nonprofit. Further, whether an organizations
publication is of a religious nature, or
otherwise, this stipulation still applies.

5. The Wisdom of Daniel and Fasting-Derived

Humility
http://www.scribd.com/doc/147309054/The-Wisdomof-Daniel-and-Fasting-Derived-Humility

With the exception of our first stipulation

(i.e., the one specified under the first bullet
point giving permission to photocopy the work
in its entirety), publishing any portion of this
work without the authors written permission
is strictly prohibited.

6. The Three-Day Fast: Living and Walking in

Resurrection Power
http://www.scribd.com/doc/23255584/The-Three-DayFast-Living-and-Waiking-in-Resurrection-Power
*

PC

Personal Copyright 2015, by the author.

gematria303@hotmail.com
This document may be freely copied and
distributedelectronically or in printed
formif it is left unaltered and if it remains in
its entirety. It must also be given away
without cost to recipients, and it may not be

112

Zechariah 7:10
Micah 3:11, 1Timothy 6:5-10, 1Peter 5:2
114
Isaiah 55:1,2, Mark 11:15-17
113

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