Addressing the House of Praise Family
Introduction
House of Praise family, we are a church committed to honoring God in every aspect of our lives. And right now we are worshipping God with 100 days of fast
Please know that’s One of the ways we deepen our relationship with God is through fasting. This spiritual discipline is not merely about abstaining from food—it is about setting aside distractions and allowing God to take center stage in our hearts and minds.
Today, I want us to explore how fasting can help us, as individuals and as a church, to focus on God more intentionally. We will learn from Scripture and see how fasting has brought breakthroughs, clarity, and intimacy with God for His people throughout history.
1. Fasting Brings Us into Humility Before God
- Key Scripture: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
House of Praise, we are called to be a humble church—a people who recognize that we are nothing without God. Fasting is a practical way of humbling ourselves before Him. It says, “Lord, I cannot do this on my own. I need You.” - Biblical Example:
In Ezra 8:21-23, Ezra called for a fast when the Israelites needed protection on their journey. They humbled themselves, prayed, and trusted God—and He answered. - Message to House of Praise:
As a church, when we humble ourselves through fasting, we declare that God is our protector, our provider, and our source. Whether we’re seeking guidance for ministry, direction for the year, or breakthrough in personal lives, fasting positions us to rely on Him.
2. Fasting Sharpens Our Spiritual Vision
- Key Scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”(Matthew 4:4)
House of Praise, we live in a world filled with distractions. Fasting helps us remove the noise and focus on God’s voice. Just as Jesus fasted in the wilderness to prepare for His mission, fasting helps us align with God’s vision for our lives and ministry. - Biblical Example:
In Acts 13:2-3, the early church leaders fasted and prayed before sending out Paul and Barnabas. Through fasting, they received clear direction from the Holy Spirit. - Message to House of Praise:
As a church, fasting can help us sharpen our focus on God’s vision for our ministry. What are we trusting God for in this season? What does He want to accomplish through us in our community? Let fasting and prayer lead us to clarity.
3. Fasting Aligns Our Hearts with God’s Will
- Key Scripture: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)
House of Praise, fasting is not just about abstaining—it’s about aligning. It’s about saying, “Lord, what breaks Your heart will break ours.” When we fast, we focus on what God cares about: justice, freedom, and salvation. - Biblical Example:
When Esther and the Jews fasted (Esther 4:16), their hearts aligned with God’s purpose, and He used Esther to save His people from destruction. - Message to House of Praise:
Let us fast not just for ourselves but for the needs of others. Let us fast to see families restored, souls saved, and chains of sin broken in our church and community.
4. Fasting Helps Us Overcome Spiritual Battles
- Key Scripture: “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21, NKJV)
House of Praise, we are in a spiritual battle every day. Fasting strengthens us to face these battles with spiritual authority. When the disciples couldn’t cast out a demon, Jesus pointed to fasting and prayer as the tools for victory. - Biblical Example:
Daniel fasted for 21 days, seeking understanding and breakthrough (Daniel 10:2-3, 12). His fasting led to angelic intervention and answered prayers. - Message to House of Praise:
If you are facing spiritual opposition—whether in your personal life or ministry—fasting can bring breakthrough. As a church, let us fast to see God’s power move in our services, in our homes, and in our community.
5. Fasting Deepens Our Intimacy with God
- Key Scripture: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
House of Praise, fasting is not about earning God’s favor; it’s about pursuing Him wholeheartedly. When we fast, we intentionally draw closer to Him. - Biblical Example:
Anna, the prophetess in Luke 2:36-38, fasted and prayed in the temple every day. Her devotion was rewarded when she witnessed the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah. - Message to House of Praise:
Let fasting be a way for us to deepen our relationship with God. As we fast, let us seek His presence above all else. Let our worship, prayers, and acts of devotion rise to Him as a sweet fragrance to his nostrils
Conclusion
House of Praise, fasting is a gift that allows us to humble ourselves, sharpen our focus, align with God’s will, overcome battles, and grow closer to Him. Let us embrace this discipline not as a burden but as a privilege. Together, let us fast, pray, and trust God to do extraordinary things in our church, our families, and our community.
I’m Yours Truly
Andrew A Lloyds Adeleke
You can contact me
Pa@rccghouseofpraise.com
