January 9, 2023
Fasting to Break Bad Habits
“Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to Me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to Me and obey My commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for My name to be honored.’ (Nehemiah 1:8-9 NLT)
My child, have you struggled to try to break habits such as gossip, smoking, pride, sex outside of marriage, weight loss, unhealthy relationships, drinking, drugs, pornography, idol worship, and sexual sin among other sins, the lusts of the flesh, etc? You have desired to break free of those things that so easily beset you. (Hebrews 12:1) You have tried and felt like a failure. I the Lord your God delivered you once and you have turned back to it. You have prayed and asked Me to deliver you once again, and you will not turn back, and nothing! Stay faithful and walk it out! If you will follow Nehemiah’s instructions’s I will deliver and set, you free. He gives you the secret to breaking free from any stronghold; that challenges you! He:
1. mourned
2. fasted
3. prayed
4. repenting for his sins and the sins of his family
Nehemiah continually died to his flesh – his old nature through repentance, fasting, and prayer! (Nehemiah 1:4) He was sorrowful for his sin. He prayed O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of unfailing love with those who love Him and obey His commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying day and night. I confess that we have sinned against You. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! (Nehemiah 1:5-6) We have sinned terribly by not obeying Your commands and decrees. (Nehemiah 1:7) As he prayed, He asked: ‘Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to your servant’s prayer. (Nehemiah 1:11) Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed, repenting day and night until he was yielded entirely before Me and humble.
He shares the secret of breaking free from habits that slow you down. He gives insight into how you can break free from the sins that so easily trip you up. Nehemiah mourned! He was sorry he sinned against God and repented. Then Nehemiah reminded Me of My Word, “Please remember what You told Your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to Me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to Me and obey My commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for My name to be honored.’ (Nehemiah 1:8-9) Then be careful to obey all the instructions and commands. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on It day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is My command, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For I the Lord, your God will go with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7-9)
Pray this with me:
Father God, I humble myself before you in sorrowful repentance of the sins I have committed against You. I repent for the sins, iniquities, and transgressions of my family and me. Forgive me, Father, cleanse me of all unrighteousness, guilt, and shame, and make me white as snow in Your presence. I break the curse of ________ off my life, I sever it at the root, I curse and renounce it and command it to go back to dry lands from whence it came. In its place, I release the Word of God which has the power to save, deliver, heal, and restore me and I seal it with the Holy Spirit. I declare this day I am free from this bondage this day and whom the Son has set free is free indeed in the all-powerful name of Jesus. Amen!
