Definition – To separate; to make holy; to sanctify

It is an inner and outer preparation made for pure fellowship/communion with God. It is the removal of things that distract us from intimate closeness with The Lord. It’s making a difference between the unclean and the clean in our lives as it relates to fellowships, motives, practices, and behavior.

When engaged in an intentional focused time of consecration, fasting and praying is enjoined.

What does it mean to fast?

Fasting in the Old Testament (Hebrew) is defined as covering your mouth as in no food intake. In the New Testament (Greek), it is defined as to abstain – which includes not only of food but also of unhealthy and unprofitable conversation (mouth gate). It may also include your visual exposure such as tv programming, movie selections, etc. (eye gate), and music choices that are not edifying to your spirit (ear gate). 

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that clears the heart (spirit) and soul and causes you to have a heightened sensitivity and awareness of God and the things of God. When fasting is engaged in pursuit of God, it causes a greater hunger for the will of God to be done in and through your life. It is important to stay hydrated when fasting by drinking water or other beverages that provide electrolytes for the body. Carbonated  and caffeinated beverages are not recommended during this time. The only time that is recommended not to drink any beverage is when God CLEARLY and EXCLUSIVELY instructs that directive. Otherwise, remain hydrated. And of course, last but not least, one may experience physical weight loss when fasting.

Why is prayer so important while fasting?

Prayer is communion and fellowship with God. It is talking to God. Prayer keeps your focus and connection on God preventing distractive interference from the person of your pursuit. It keeps you in perfect alignment with the Father whereby His will becomes your will and as a consequence, you experience increase in spiritual power in your life. And finally, when prayer is joined with fasting, it exponentially increases your effectiveness in spiritual warfare against demonic activity.

So in essence, consecration is a matter of the heart. If your heart is not pure, the consecration doesn’t matter.  Let nothing taint your heart. Guard your eye-gate by letting the light of the word of God come in by reading or television. Guard your mouth-gate by speaking life not death (negative). Guard your ear-gate by carefully scrutinizing who and what you listen to. Whoever and whatever you listen to gets the right to influence your life and can affect your faith. 

So as we engage in this consecration, let’s pursue God that we may become even more obedient, loving, compassionate, caring, diligent, stronger, faithful, hospitable, and giving. 

God Bless You And May Grace Be Unto You!!!

Equipping,

Bishop H