Isaiah 58 Fast
God's Chosen Fast....
"And you will become Repairers of the Breach and
Restorer of Streets to Dwell in." Is 58:12
"And you will become Repairers of the Breach and
Restorer of Streets to Dwell in." Is 58:12
2020 Isaiah 58: Invitation to God's Chosen Fast
Join the Global Upper Room for 24 hours of worship followed by 21 days morning and evening prayer and usher 2021 in through the gates.
Is this not the fast I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house, the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' Isaiah 58:6-9a
If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your darkness shall e as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones: You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Those from among you shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell in." Isaiah 58:9b-12
As we enter a new year of 2021, we invite you to the "Global Upper Room." As many churches and ministries call for fasts during this time, we are calling for a fast concerning our speech and attitude that can complement any food fast. Why? Isaiah 58:6 states it is God's "Chosen fast." What makes it his "Chosen Fast?" The use of our words! Isaiah 58:9b goes on to say "If you take away the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness," v. 9b, "You will become Repairer of the Breach and Restorer of Streets to Dwell in," v. 12. The accuser of the brethren has ramped its attacks over 2020 impacting our lives individually, corporately and are catalyzing world events in unprecedented ways. Proverbs 18:21 says, "The power of death and life are in the tongue." Our words are our warfare and it is vital for us to understand their impact. The evidence of twisting and turning truths endangering the spread of God's purposes and gospel lies in how we handle our words and is reaching a crisis on the world stage. As such, we, as Christians, are being called to a high level of accountability for our words.
How can we grow in being influential for the Kingdom in days of increasing adversity? Isaiah relays the keys in Isaiah 58:6-12. In these verses lie the components of "God's chosen fast." Isaiah 58:6-9a parallels what Isaiah 58:9b-12 explains. The pivotal verse is Isaiah 9b! The promises of controlling our tongue carry significant catalytic weight for the Kingdom. Isaiah promises, "Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am,'" Isaiah 58:9a. God can then make us "Repairer of the Breach and Restorers of Streets to Dwell in," Isaiah 58:12. These are vital promises to apprehend for a world in vital need of the Truth of God's Word and the power of His love to heal and repair.
Finally, the last verse of this chapter speaks to the hour we are in "The mouth of the Lord has spoken," v. 14. The decade of the 2020's in the Hebraic calendar is the decade of the 80's (5780), we are reminded that 80 in Hebrew is the word "Pey," or mouth. What has been spoken in the past will be delivered and established, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (See From cutting-edge Prophetic to Apostolic Delivery). This chapter carries keys for the coming decade. This is a global call and has been approved by leaders in the Global Watch from Israel, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia, Latin America, North America, and Asia.
How to participate:
Is this not the fast I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house, the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' Isaiah 58:6-9a
If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your darkness shall e as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones: You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Those from among you shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell in." Isaiah 58:9b-12
As we enter a new year of 2021, we invite you to the "Global Upper Room." As many churches and ministries call for fasts during this time, we are calling for a fast concerning our speech and attitude that can complement any food fast. Why? Isaiah 58:6 states it is God's "Chosen fast." What makes it his "Chosen Fast?" The use of our words! Isaiah 58:9b goes on to say "If you take away the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness," v. 9b, "You will become Repairer of the Breach and Restorer of Streets to Dwell in," v. 12. The accuser of the brethren has ramped its attacks over 2020 impacting our lives individually, corporately and are catalyzing world events in unprecedented ways. Proverbs 18:21 says, "The power of death and life are in the tongue." Our words are our warfare and it is vital for us to understand their impact. The evidence of twisting and turning truths endangering the spread of God's purposes and gospel lies in how we handle our words and is reaching a crisis on the world stage. As such, we, as Christians, are being called to a high level of accountability for our words.
How can we grow in being influential for the Kingdom in days of increasing adversity? Isaiah relays the keys in Isaiah 58:6-12. In these verses lie the components of "God's chosen fast." Isaiah 58:6-9a parallels what Isaiah 58:9b-12 explains. The pivotal verse is Isaiah 9b! The promises of controlling our tongue carry significant catalytic weight for the Kingdom. Isaiah promises, "Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am,'" Isaiah 58:9a. God can then make us "Repairer of the Breach and Restorers of Streets to Dwell in," Isaiah 58:12. These are vital promises to apprehend for a world in vital need of the Truth of God's Word and the power of His love to heal and repair.
Finally, the last verse of this chapter speaks to the hour we are in "The mouth of the Lord has spoken," v. 14. The decade of the 2020's in the Hebraic calendar is the decade of the 80's (5780), we are reminded that 80 in Hebrew is the word "Pey," or mouth. What has been spoken in the past will be delivered and established, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (See From cutting-edge Prophetic to Apostolic Delivery). This chapter carries keys for the coming decade. This is a global call and has been approved by leaders in the Global Watch from Israel, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia, Latin America, North America, and Asia.
How to participate:
- Commit to join in the Global Upper Room January 1-22. Register on-line (You must register to receive more information on the calls and connections). Calls will be held daily, 6am and 3pm Jerusalem time.
- Jerusalem time conversion: 6am/3pm
Sydney 3pm/12 MN
London 4am/1pm
Izmir 7am / 4pm
Berlin 5am/ 2pm
Guaycil 11-12MN day before/8am
- Jerusalem time conversion: 6am/3pm
- We encourage a food fast along with the fast of our thinking and words
- We would encourage an accountability partner in this fast.
Scriptural focus:
1. Prepare our spirit and soul to line up with the right attitude in a time of fast.
2. Fast from thinking and speaking negative, critical words or gossip. Speak life and blessing over others and ourselves. Our words can break the bonds of wickedness.
3. Be purposeful about ministering to the needy, the poor, the disenfranchised/homeless, and the drug addicted.
4. Ready ourselves to receive the blessings and promises of God's Word that come with being obedient to steps 1 and 2.
Isaiah 58:9 Look at Isaiah 58:10-12. A 40 day fast will strengthen us and our communities:
Be a part and see transformation grow in your community!
1. Prepare our spirit and soul to line up with the right attitude in a time of fast.
- Is 58:1-5 Exhorts us to remove religious forms of fasting that is outward in expression, but does not take a wholehearted approach to God.
- Take time to repent, and rid yourself of selfish desires, anger, bitterness, self-righteousness towards others. Is 58:3, "In fact in the day of your fast you find pleasure and exploit all your laborers, Indeed you fast for strife and debate. And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, to make your voice heard on high."
- Clean up your plate towards any offense you may hold towards another with action to restore relationship. "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Mt. 5:23
2. Fast from thinking and speaking negative, critical words or gossip. Speak life and blessing over others and ourselves. Our words can break the bonds of wickedness.
- Is 58: 6 “Is this not the fast that I have Chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness. To undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?”
- Is 58:9b “If you take away the yoke from your midst. The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness.”
- Pro 18:21, “The power of death and life is in the tongue”
- Luke 6:45, “Not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what goes out.”
- Eph 4:29-32 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Col 3:8; Ps 39:1-4)
- James 5:9 “Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.” Mt. 12:36
- Suggested action steps:
- Refuse condemnation, and receive conviction that releases you from old disqualifying thoughts or strongholds
- Repent for wrongful thinking or taking on curses towards yourself and feeding on them rather than on God's faithfulness (Psalm 37:3)
- Repent of word curses, or offenses towards others that keep strongholds of opinions against them. Rather, release and pray for those who persecute you and ask God to fill your heart with compassion. This releases you from the curse and places you under the blessing of God (Matthew 5:44). The issue is then placed into God's all knowing and wise hands. He is the judge, and deals with His children in wise and wonderful ways that will always bring life.
- Forgive your brother who has offended you or spoken words against you, chose to bless and not curse, Matthew 5:11
- Make a point of complimenting someone daily by acknowledging their value to your life...even those who are difficult or challenging in your life.
- Acknowledge and bless the giftings of those around you (you'd be surprised at the response!)
- Reconcile with God and man through action and seek renewed relationship where there has been brokenness..
- Refuse condemnation, and receive conviction that releases you from old disqualifying thoughts or strongholds
3. Be purposeful about ministering to the needy, the poor, the disenfranchised/homeless, and the drug addicted.
- Isaiah 58:7 “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him and not hide yourself from your own flesh?”
- Isaiah 58:10 “If you extend your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul.”
- Compassion releases the healing power of Jesus: Mt. 14:14 “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” Mt. 14:14 (Mt. 15:32; Mk 1:41, 6:34; 8:2; Lu 10:33)
- Suggested action steps
- Take time to reach out to those in your sphere who you know are being challenged to listen or minister to them.
- Take interest in others. When in conversation with others, engage with them with active listening and ask them questions about themselves.
- Make efforts wherever possible to pray for and reconcile with your brother. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Matthew 5:11-12
- Ask God for strategy to reach the lost or meet needs of those around you.
- Actively pray for those needing healing and believe in faith for God to accomplish it.
4. Ready ourselves to receive the blessings and promises of God's Word that come with being obedient to steps 1 and 2.
- Is 58:8-9a “Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of The Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, Here I am.”
- Is 58:11-12 “Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell in.”
- 2 Peter 1:4 NIV “And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”
- Ps 1:1-4 (Ps 5, 37) “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
- Suggested action steps
- Meditate daily on His Word and apply it to your circumstances.
- Declare His Word over trials you are facing and do not give up until you see the answers manifest
- Allow the goodness of God to be your focus. Goodness of God leads to:
- Repentance: Romans 2:4
- His Glory: Exodus 33:19
- His Power: 2 Thessalonians 1:11
- Scriptures to review and align us with God's Word:
- Matthew 18:15-20
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
- Matthew 5:1-12
Isaiah 58:9 Look at Isaiah 58:10-12. A 40 day fast will strengthen us and our communities:
- We will call on the Lord and He will answer, Is 58:9a.
- "Your light will shine in the darkness" Isaiah 58:10
- Isaiah 58:11:
- The Lord will guide you continually
- He will satisfy your soul in drought
- Strengthen your bones
- Be like a watered garden and spring of water whose waters do not fail
- To renew covenant with God and with each other
- Strengthened alliances with other believers spanning family, local community, and international relations.
- And finally, Isaiah 58:12 promises, "Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In." Isaiah 58:10-12
Be a part and see transformation grow in your community!