Deliverance (3)

“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’”” (Matthew 4:4).

We are familiar with this bible story, when Jesus was led up into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. This was after Jesus completed a forty day fast before commencing his ministry. Satan took the opportunity to temp Jesus, because he knew that he was tired and hungry. The antidote for the devil’s temptation was the written word of God. John taught us that in the beginning was the word, the word was with God and the word was God (John 1:1). Fasting is a strategy to undue the heavy burdens of sin, to break yokes of bondage and to set the oppressed free (Isaiah 58:6).

Fasting helps to destroy the works of the flesh and is a good strategy to help with breaking sinful habits. The discipline of fasting helps to put the works of the flesh under subjection. Jesus also taught his disciples about the boy who needed deliverance, that some types of deliverance required fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21). Jesus also scolded them about their unbelief and said that they needed faith. In addition to fasting and prayer, we need to develop a sound understanding of the word, which increases faith. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Many people have been involved in marathon fasting and prayer sessions for weeks at a time, without seeing results. This can be due to an approach which views this as a spiritual exercise, rather than to develop intimacy with God. A lack of understanding of the scripture, can cause our prayers to go amiss (James 4:3). We have to remember that is not in our own strength that we gain victory, but by the spirit of the Lord. I am not against fasting and prayer by any means. What I am trying to convey, is the importance of fasting that is based on firm understanding.

Many people want to pray hot, spirit filled prayers without the knowledge of the word. An effective prayer strategy is praying the word of God. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). In essence, teaching people the word of God can set them free from the chains of bondage. Although Jesus fasted for forty days, he used the word to resist the devil’s temptations. Knowing the word will teach you how to resist the devil and to stand firm against his schemes. We need a biblical understanding to support effective fasting, prayer and deliverance.

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.

Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.

I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.

I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young

Published
June 8, 2022June 8, 2022

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    Deliverance (3)

    “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’”” (Matthew 4:4). We are familiar with this bible story, when Jesus was led…

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