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Why was Nehemiah afraid? |
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Nehemiah
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In Nehemiah 2:2, was Nehemiah afraid because of the fact that King Artaxerxes saw him "downcast" (1:4) or fear from what the King's response would be of his request (2:5)? |
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Why was Nehemiah afraid? |
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Nehemiah
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Nolan-
According to my bible's commentary "Nehemiah is afraid to appear sad at an inappropriate time before the king because cupbearers were to hide their emotions for the king's sake. To violate this was punishable by death." So in Chapter 1 he was afraid, but in chapter two I think he was afraid the king would refuse. As a cupbearer, he was privy to a lot of the king's confidential conversation and was very trusted, not someone easily replaced.
Debbie |
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Why was Nehemiah afraid? |
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Nehemiah
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Nehemiah was deeply grieved about the condition of Jerusalem. I'm very sure that he was afraid the king would not let him go to rebuild it. However, I think that the main reason he was afraid was because a sad countenance was a crime punishable by death. prayon |
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Why was Nehemiah afraid? |
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Nehemiah
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Excellent answers both prayon and Debbie (glory777)!
Here is some more information on a 'Cup-bearer'..
"Cup-bearer: An officer of high rank with Egyptian, Persian, Assyrian, and Jewish monarchs. The cup-bearer of the king of Egypt is mentioned in connection with Joseph’s history (Gen. 40:1-21; 41:9). Rabshakeh (q.v.) was cup-bearer in the Assyrian court (2 Kings 18:17). Nehemiah filled this office to the king of Persia (Neh. 1:11). We read also of Solomon’s cup-bearers (1 Kings 10:5; 2 Chr. 9:4)." (Easton's Bible Dictionary)
"CUPBEARER A high ranking official in the courts of Ancient Near Eastern kings. The cupbearer was responsible for serving wine at the king’s table and protecting the king from poisoning. The cupbearer was often taken into the king’s confidence and had no small amount of influence on the king’s decisions. The “chief butler” of the Joseph story (Gen. 40:2) was a cupbearer who was overseer of a staff of his own. Nehemiah was the highly esteemed cupbearer for Artaxerxes (Neh. 1:11; see also 1 Kings 10:5; 2 Chron. 9:4). The Rabshakeh may have been the title given to cupbearers in the Assyrian court (2 Kings 18:17-37; Isa. 36:2)." (Holman Bible Dictionary)
Nolan!
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Can Nehemiah help in rebuilding of our y |
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Nehemiah
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My minsitry is in a rebuilding stage.
How can Nehemish help? As we face the rebuilding of todays families and training young people to be role models for the future generations?
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Can Nehemiah help in rebuilding of our y |
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Nehemiah
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i4kivu2, Welcome to the forum.
-Nehemiah first prayed, as well as having a passion (1:1-11)
Everying needs to start with prayer
-He gave his purpose to his king (2:1-9)
Let your pastor know want you want
-He planned what to do by surveying the damage (2:11-16)
Before you start see where the needs are
-He presented his plan to the leaders (2:17-18)
Let people know what you want ... may they want to rebuild
-People had their place to rebuild the wall (3:1-32)
We don't want to just rebuild our family (individualism), but to be connected with others (unity)
-When plots of opposition came, they prayed and posted a guard (4:9)
Be prepared for opposition, even by those near by
-The pupose remained united, whether rebuilding or standing guard (4:16)
... always prepared to fight, knowing God would fight for them (4:20).
God wants us to grow into a healthy body
I hope this helps,
Searcher |
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How should Christians view war? |
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Neh 1:1
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Can anyone reccommend me a good book about Christians and war? My father is a hard core new ager pacifist and has a real problem with Christian churches because they do not denounce war from the pulpit. I am pretty confused on the subject myself. Can you recommend any books? Thanks!
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How should Christians view war? |
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Neh 1:1
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THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION IS FOUND IN THE BIBLE BOTH IN PSALMS AND IN THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH WHERE YOU FIND THAT GOD HIN SELF GAVE THE PLANS FOR WAR AND EVEN GRANTED HIS PEOPLE FAVOR FOR THE TASK ALSO YOU MUST REMEMBER THAT THE WORD SAYS THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD SUFFERETH VIOLENCE BUT THE VIOLENT TAKE IT BY FORCE THE WORD ALSO SAYS THAT HE TEACHETH OUR HANDS TO WAR. |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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What is the spiritual significance of fasting? How often do Christians fast? What role does fasting play in a Christian's spiritual walk? |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Hi Nolan: I have fasted only a couple of times - it was for the specific purpose of focusing upon the Lord in my distress. To me, a fast is a way to concentrate solely upon the Lord's sufficiency; it heightens my awareness of my absolute need of Him. I personally feel that it is a private matter between the believer and the Lord. (Mt.6:16-18) I looked at scriptures on fasting using the search function and most fasting seems to be a response of a humble and repentant heart. In instances where I have chosen to fast, there was a HUGE degree of grief associated with it - mourning for loss, weeping over sin that separates, etc. In one instance, God honored my request, but that was not the most siginificant thing about the experience of the fast. He met me in the pit of despair and raised my head above the level of my tears; showered me with His tender love and mercy. God has been so faithful to "lift me up!"
The church I attend called upon the people to fast for a specific request before the Lord. So, people fasted and prayed, and God said, "No." I suspect that many became disillusioned and disappointed. I believe that without Godly wisdom and instruction, a fast should never called for as otherwize it could be seen as a "mantra" or a talisman to "get our own way." (I am not suggesting that this would ever be your interpretation!) I am glad that you asked the question for it will be interesting to read how others approach this subject. |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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This is an excellant question, one which I think the real answer just does not jump out at you from any one verse. However, Matthew 17:21 has the key to fastings purpose. I believe thet you will see pure fasting is when one has all their attention devoted to a piticular prayer request, and their attention is so focused that eating would be a distraction. The attitude of completly praying woth no interference is very difficult for me, and perhaps for most, I think.
Please check this out as this only my thoughts, I believe fasting is always accompanied with prayer. Jesus said that the religous leaders fasted so others could see their "suffering for GOD" , which was not at all what our Father desires. Ever notice that many fasting people have to tell others they are fasting? Scripture says not to let it show on our faces that we are fasting. I personally do not fast not only for medical reasons, but perhaps my spiritual growth or learning has not gotten to that point. I believe fasting allows for drinking of water and juice or tea, coffee.
Friend, perhaps more than "fasting" I find to develope a prayer relationship with the Father, a very awesome and at times difficult "act of faith". Prayer does not come automatic to me. I have to be settled down, and confess my sins, then I give adoration to my Father, the thanksgiving, and suplications(meaning prayer requests. So I use CATS for my personal prayer life. Be strong in the LORD friend, and faithfull in prayer. I hope my sharing helps in some small way. from farout@onemain.com |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Greetings Mommapbs!
Thank you for responding! :-) You have provided me with some very good insight as far as what happens during fasting- like grief or mourning for loss, and the reasons for fasting in the first place..
Fasting is different from prayer, which is direct communication with God.
But at the same time, fasting is not a "complete prohibition" from something.. So, on the outward, could it be described as a "limited prohibition"?
When one fasts, I come to the reasoning that:
1) A person is beginning to fast for a reason..
2) Concentration upon God intensifies through prayer and/or studying Scripture..
3) There is a "resolution" or "coming to terms" during fasting..
4) Fasting is concluded with a "new resolve"..
If this is so, then how does one come to a 'resolution' during fasting? I have never fasted for more than 15 hours straight.. And I must admit that I haven't learned much about the 'actual experience' of fasting.
Here are some examples that I found that helped me to construct the '4 level fast' above: fasting for freedom from addiction (Matt. 17:20,21), fasting to solve problems (Ezra 8:21-23), fasting to bring people to the Lord (1 Sam. 7:1-8), fasting to break crippling fears and other mental problems (1 Kings 19:2-18), fasting to provide for the needy (1 Kings 17:12), fasting for insight and decision making (Acts 9:9-19), fasting for health and physical healing (Dan. 1:12-20), fasting for an influential testimony (Matt. 3:4; Luke 1:15), and fasting for protection from Satan (Esther 4:16).
In each of these examples, it seems that there was a specific reason for a fast that in turn led to a deeper devotion, which led to a resolution, and then to a new resolve..
Does anyone else have any thoughts on fasting?
Thank you! |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Greetings farout!
Thank you for your input! So you believe that the level of your spiritual growth impacts whether or not you feel "up to" fasting? At what point should you be ready (spiritually) to undergo fasting?
Also, you have stated that fasting demands an 'undivided attention'. I think that that thought is very good! Is this attention focused on coming to a resolution? Or is it focusing upon Scripture? Thank you for your input, my friend! And yes, your sharing did help!
Blessings to you,
Nolan |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Great scriptures and observations! Thanks Nolan!
You asked,"How does one come to a 'resolution' during fasting?" I believe that God brings the resolution to you. Could your experience with fasting be perhaps more experimental than intentional? Forgive me if that query causes you a little upset.
You write,"I have never fasted for more than 15 hours straight.." First of all, fasting is not about a length of time. I'm wondering, what caused you to stop? Either God showed up and there was resolution, (therefore the fast is concluded) or you decided not to wait for Him. . .
By your own admission (you) "haven't learned much about the 'actual experience' of fasting." Don't deny yourself this great privilege! When you purpose in your heart to fast before the Lord-this can be structured in a myriad of ways-let Him guide you!
Ephesians 5:10 encourages us to "Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord." Blessings to you! |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Greetings again Mommapbs!
Thats Ok! Your question does not bother me at all, my friend! When I fasted for 15 hours, I was in the company of some fellow saints in my church, and we prayed for a "cleansing of the church" while we fasted; that the Lord would remove the stain of sin in our church. But even though I underwent fasting, I used the time to study Scripture and came to the "resolution" that we had done our part by praying and bringing it to God's attention, and that God would do all of the rest.. As it turned out, the people eventually repented of their sins and the church has become much closer because of the acknowledgment and repentance of sin.
However, I have never taken the notion of fasting "lightly", and I have never focused on the length of time that I had fasted. I just knew how long it was that we were there because someone had reminded me.. I do not believe that my experience was at all 'experimental' in any way, and I have not denied myself the privilege of fasting, even though I confess that I have not fasted consistently or nearly as often enough as might be expected..
But thank you anyway for your support!
Your Brother in Christ,
Nolan |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Dear Nolan,
These questions are great! I would like to share my experience with fasting. I have done a study on fasting in the last few years. I have experience with fasting itself.
There are different calls for fasting...from the Lord himself, from others and lastly yourself. I have personally experienced all three ways. The reasons are varied and some you won't even know about till later or maybe not till you arrive in heaven!
The fasting from a call to fast from someone else in my experience was for support purposes...supporting their decision and determination to obey the Lord in whatever or maybe they are earnestly seeking deliverance for a wayward family member....that is just an example...the main reason to fast being to support the person who called the fast.
Fasting for yourself...I think Mommapbs did a good job of explaining that...it is to draw closer to the Lord ....to be delivered from some besetting sin...to intercede on behalf of someone else for whatever...lots of reasons for making a decision to fast for yourself.
When the Lord calls you to fast....it might be for one specific purpose or many! You just never know what will result from fasting if you get a direct order from the King! I am currently going thru a fasting of 40 days....the Lord instructed me on this one...I had never done more than three days before so this is a stretcher for me. The Lord had specific instructions on how to fast and when. I won't go into detail here on the forum but suffice it to say...He will make it plain to you what, how and when if He calls you to fast. I am aware that this particalar fast is personal....I know the Lord will speak to me about some things and He has some blessings to impart during this time...among other personal things...this is also fasting for my family...for my local church....we are currently going thru some changes in worship services...and lastly for the church worldwide in general. This is all I am aware of at this time.
Please, keep in mind these are my own experiences. I pray the Lord will bless you thru your own experiences with Him in worship, prayer, fasting...whatever! Blessings in Christ,
Hugger |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Hello Hugger!
Thank you for offering your valuable insight! I appreciate your explanation of fasting as a "calling".. That is a very good thought! I have known people who were moved to pray for others without having a prior knowledge of that person's condition or why they are praying, and I find it very interesting that the Lord would call us to fast in this way as well.
I appreciate your encouragement, and your wisdom gained through experience is invaluable! Thank you for your reply!
Blessings to you,
Nolan |
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how to quiet the world while you fast? |
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Neh 1:4
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I am attempting to fast now and find it difficult to pray "all day". By that I mean, on my knees no one around prayer. I have been able to read the bible more hence all of my recent postings. I am just seeking clarity in my life. |
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how to quiet the world while you fast? |
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Neh 1:4
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I'm sure that there are some excellent texts on fasting for further insight into the mechanism of fasting. The intent of the heart during the fast is what counts, not staying on your knees! A fast brings you into an overwhelming awareness of God; who He is and your relationship with Him.
As you go about your daily activities, there will be reminders during your fast to draw close to God. Praise (prays!) Him and do take time to spend in His Word.
You write: "I am just seeking clarity in my life." May I encourage you to seek God first? Ask Him to reveal HIS plans for you - only then will everything be clear! Blessings to you during this awesome time with God! |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Scripture ... Matt 4:2, 6:16-18, 17:21; Acts 13:2-3, 14:23 ...
Nolan, Cruise life is tough :-) ...
Jesus said says when in the Sermon on the Mount, and does this with prayer and giving. He fasted as He prepared for His ministy (Matt 4:2).
Matt 17:21 deals with faith. Fasting is linked with prayer. I think it increases our focus on Him.
In Acts 13:2 the church fasted before The Lord made the call to send out Barnabas and Saul. Then they fasted an prayed before they sent them out (vs 3).
Prayer and fasting are link when elders were appointed (Acts 14:23).
So I think we should fast (and pray) to help us focus on Him. Yes, feast on the Word, too.
S |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Thank you Steve!
I've received many good answers concerning this topic of fasting!
- Nolan |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Nolan, I saw the answers ... I added my tought. Plus, I hear it is good according to medical doctors. S |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Of course,
It is unhealthy to overindulge yourself (gluttony), which is soundly condemned in the Bible.
Here is the entry for "gluttony" according to Nave's Topical Bible..
"General scriptures concerning
Exo_16:20; Exo_16:21; Exo_16:27; Num_11:32; Num_11:33; Deu_21:20; Deu_21:21; Pro_23:21; Pro_30:21; Pro_30:22; Ecc_10:17; Isa_22:13; Amo_6:4-7; Luk_12:19; Luk_12:20; Luk_12:45; Luk_12:46; Luk_21:34; Rom_13:13; Rom_13:14; 1Co_15:32; Phi_3:19; 1Pe_4:3; Jud_1:12;
INSTANCES OF
Esau
Gen_25:30-34; Heb_12:16; Heb_12:17;
Israel
Num_11:4; Psa_78:18;
Sons of Eli
1Sa_2:12-17;
Belshazzar
Dan_5:1;"
- Nolan |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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What the Bible says about . . . fasting
http://wbsa.logos.com/article.asp?id 2820
Commanded, Lev. 16:29-31, Lev. 23:26-32
Proclaimed, Ezra 8:21-23
Observed on occasions of public calamities, 2 Sam. 1:12; afflictions, Psa. 35:13; Dan. 6:18; private afflictions, 2 Sam. 12:16; approaching danger, Esth. 4:16; ordination of ministers, Acts 13:3; 14:23. Accompanied by prayer, Dan. 9:3; confession of sin, 1 Sam. 7:6; Neh. 9:1,2; humiliation, Deut. 9:18; Neh. 9:1; reading of the Scriptures, Jer. 36:6. Habitual: by John's disciples, Matt. 9:14; by Anna, Luke 2:37; by Pharisees, Matt. 9:14; Mark 2:18; Luke 18:12; by Cornelius, Acts 10:30; by Paul, 2 Cor. 6:5; 11:27. In times of bereavement: of the people of Jabesh-gilead, for Saul and his sons, 1 Sam. 31:13; 1 Chr. 10:12; of David, at the time of Saul's death, 2 Sam. 1:12; of his child's sickness, 2 Sam. 12:16,21-23; of Abner's death, 2 Sam. 3:35. Prolonged: for three weeks, by Daniel, Dan. 10:2,3; forty days, by Moses, Ex. 24:18; 34:28; Deut. 9:9,18; Elijah, 1 Kin. 19:8; Jesus, Matt. 4:2; Mark 1:12,13; Luke 4:1,2. See Humiliation; Humility.
(2.) They must afflict their souls. They must refrain from all bodily refreshments and delights, in token of inward humiliation and contrition of soul for their sins. They all fasted on this day from food (except the sick and children), and laid aside their ornaments, and did not anoint themselves, as Daniel, Le 10:3,12. David chastened his soul with fasting, Ps 35:13. And it signified the mortifying of sin and turning from it, loosing the bands of wickedness, Isa 58:6-7. The Jewish doctors advised that they should not on that day read those portions of scripture which were proper to affect them with delight and joy, because it was a day to afflict their souls.
There is more I want to say about fasting and about Nehemiah, but I am new and it's late. But I wanted to start with what the Bible says.
Sandra Hall |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Greetings Sandra!
Thank you for that information! The best way of understanding or getting a clear picture on the Biblical meaning of fasting is by looking at all of the occurrences of fasting in the Bible itself, and you have given us a very extensive list on that! Thank you. I will also have to investigate that logos site where this information came from. And feel free to post some more information regarding Nehemiah!
Welcome to the Study Bible Forum!
Nolan |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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I've been studying out fasting in the Bible since last year and fasting periodically. There are no biblical laws that command regular fasting for the Christian. Freedom does not mean license, but opportunity. Abstaining from food is an opportunity to gain humility while crying out to God. We are commanded to deny ourselves as Christians and that is the term used for fasting in Leviticus 16:29.
When Jesus was asked why his disciples did not fast, Jesus replied "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with the? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast." (Matt 9:15)
It seems clear that we are expected to fast, for after His ascension, we read of the disciples fasting (Acts 13:2, 3).
Motives are extremely important in fasting, as we are shown that fasting to impress is not worthy of eternal reward. Fasting must center on God. We must do it to worship Him first. In Zechariah 7:5, God asks the people ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted?'
There are secondary purposes as well, but first and foremost we must not fast for the benefits but to worship.
The secondary purposes are important too, tho. Fasting will reveal pride, anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, fear, etc. if they are within us. In all the secondary values of fating, such as increased effectiveness in prayer, decision-making, deliverance from bondage, physical well-being, revelations, we can expect God to reward those who diligently seek him.
A wonderful source (that I have been drawing from for this particular message) for practicals in fasting is Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster. Amazon.com has some of the pages from the book that you can browse. The pages don't deal with fasting, but with meditation, the first of the spiritual disciplines he discusses.
To summarize, I have come to the conviction through the vast number of instances of fasting throughout scripture and through Matt 9 that fasting is expected. It's role is to increase our reliance and personal worship of God. It will serve to reveal those acts of our sinful nature that have not been submitted to God, and give us the strength to fully submit to God and gain the fruit of the Spirit.
Sandra |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Wonderful post Sandra!
It is quite clear that you've taken a lot of time to study the subject of fasting and I am thankful that you have shared your experiences with us.
I cannot put into words the difficulty that I sometimes have in just focusing on God in prayer for long periods of time. My mind constantly wants to wander and center on other things! The longest prayer that I have ever prayed was about 10 minutes. Beyond that, I begin to lose my concentration. My prayer life is constant, but it goes in little sessions here and there, when my mind is completely focused on the Lord. However, when I am at work or even at this Forum, I am conscious of still thinking about the Lord, even though He may not be in the "forefront", so to speak..
So when I think of fasting, not only is it a sacrifice of time, but it is also a sacrifice of something that we normally need, use, etc.. I've never fasted for more than about 16 hours straight from anything, and that is perhaps something that I should consider "stretching" myself in.. But it is not the length of time that we fast, but it is like you said: to increase our reliance and personal worship of God. And that reference to Zechariah 7:5 is eye-opening!
You've written an excellent post on fasting and have given me much to think about! :-)
Thank you!
Nolan |
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Neh 1:4
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Dear Nolan,
Fasting is not easy for me and I have difficulty skipping more than 2 meals, EXCEPT when I'm feeling God's hand on me. When I'm upset then fasting makes sense, because then I can devote all my time to crying out to God. And that has only really happened a couple of times. I pray for a more compassionate and tender heart so that I may get more upset about the lost, for example, and feel more genuinely moved, as Nehemiah did, by situations. I admire Nehemiah's heart so much. He was a highly placed official in the King's court, yet he humbled himself and was genuinely mournful when he heard the news about Jerusalem. How much such a heart is to be admired.
The big contrast to Nehemiah's mourning and fasting is the Pharisaical practice of fasting. I have the Online Bible, which I highly recommend BTW, and it includes various commentaries, which are great additions to one's own understanding of a scripture. Luke 18:12, where the Pharisee prays proudly and disdaining the tax collector, has an interesting reference to habitual fasting. Poole's commentary has this to say about it:
-- Ver. 12. Twice in the sabbath, saith the Greek, but that is ordinary, to denominate the days of the week from the sabbath; the meaning is, twice between sabbath and sabbath. Those learned in the Jewish Rabbins tell us, that the Jews were wont to fast twice in a week, that is, the Pharisees and the more devout sort of them; once on the second, another time on the fifth day (which are those days which we call Monday and Thursday). From whence some tell us that Wednesday and Friday come to be with us fasting days or fish days. The Christians in former times, thinking it beneath them to be less in these exercises than the Jews, would have also two fasting days each week; and those not the same with the Jews, that they might not be thought to Judaize. If that custom had any true antiquity, I doubt not but they fasted after another rate than the papists or others now do, who pretend a religion to those days. But neither was the Pharisees practice, nor the practice of Christians, in this thing to be much admired or applauded. For fasting was always used in extraordinary cases; and the bringing extraordinary duties into ordinary practice usually ends in a mere formality. It is a good rule, neither to make ordinary duties extraordinary or rare, nor yet extraordinary duties ordinary: the doing of the first ordinarily issues in the loss of them, and quite leaving them off; the latter, in a formal lifeless performance of them. --
SO here we see a possible explanation of eating fish on Fridays practiced among the Catholics. And the lifelessness invoked because of the ordinariness of the practice. Also, it was commanded on the day of atonement back in the Leviticus, and was useful in times of extraordinary need. But I don't believe it was intended for Christians to lower fasting to an ordinary practice. It is a form of worship that is special and called for by distress or extraordinary need. That is my conviction from reading the bible and I'd love to hear what other folks understand about this spiritual discipline.
To respond to your sharing about your difficulty praying . . . I go in stages. Most days I am in "continual prayer" but I realize that my faith is built when I pray. I have had some answers to my prayers that have been powerful and it wasn't because I prayed at length. During one difficulty I prayed for God to reveal the truth and all that needed to be revealed in the situation. He revealed the truth of the situation and went further to reveal the sin in my life that I needed desperately to repent of. I wasn't expecting Him to be so faithful and thorough!!! :) But I count it up to joy to received God's discipline through my prayer.
Fasting can be like that, too. Sometimes our worship can be more intense than others, and when we're fasting is likely to be so.
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Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? |
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Greetings again, Sandra!
As is my custom and practice, I leave the Forum when I become weary of it, and I have spent the best part of this day away from it... But I thank you for your lengthy response!
You have mentioned some very excellent points about fasting and prayer, and have said some good things about sin being revealed that needs to be repented of. I can understand where one who is upset or beset by sorrow will be much quicker to fast (and fast for longer periods of time) than one who isn't! If I was grieving for a loved one who recently passed away, then I would need to grieve and fast for a time just to be at peace. I liked your sentence about "our worship can be more intense than others", since I keep telling people that there is no such thing as "becoming 'too close' to God!" :-)
I really enjoy the Online Bible as well, it being one of my "core" resources that I always use! I also have E-Sword, Theophilos, QuickBible NASB (Search) and QuickVerse Deluxe, which are invaluable, as well as my many commentaries, Study Bibles and books of every kind. But I have not mentioned all of my resources here, and I will not do so, as to fill up this post with needless information..
My strength is not in fasting or in the mastering of it, but I haven't given up on possibly learning, with time and a lot of patience, like Nehemiah! :-)
I have obviously much to learn from people like you, who have an excellent grasp of the truth of fasting, and what it takes to truly set your mind to fasting. I will take everything that you have stated into consideration, and I will ponder all that has been said. Keep up the excellent posts!
Your Brother in Christ,
Nolan |
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what is the importance of fasting? |
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Neh 1:4
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what is the importance of fasting? |
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