“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 NIV

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NIV

How do I nurture my hunger for God?

I need to acknowledge my hunger.

I need to realize what I’m hungry for

I need to eliminate the things that suppress my hunger for God

I need to practice the things that increase my hunger for God

What is spiritual fasting?

• Fasting is a voluntary abstinence of food (or other things), for spiritual power and growth
• Fasting is expected

“When you fast…” Matthew 6:16

• Fasting helps us gain discipline, discipline leads to godliness

“…discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8-9 NASB

• Fasting demonstrates humility and dependence on God

“I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.” Psalm 35:13 NIV

• Fasting is a way of seeking God for a break through

“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 NIV

• Fasting is way of seeking God’s wisdom and direction

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:2-3 NIV

• Fasting is a way of strengthening our prayers

“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21 NKJV