Is this not the fast that I choose...

Isaiah 58:6-8

"Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?  Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard."

All day Saturday, I observed many people choosing the fast described in Isaiah 58!  It started Saturday morning at around 7:30, when Aaron, CJ and I hit the streets of the inner city.  I observed CJ praying in the Spirit as he fasted and broke the bonds of wickedness and released the straps of the yoke.  As we prayed for one man, I believe the oppressed went free, I believe we broke every yoke in his life, in that very moment!

We believe prayer is the most essential thing we do.  Without prayer - I believe - we will be performing many "good works" with very little effectiveness. We believe that as we act as intercessors, we prepare the ground to receive His presence.  We literally are sitting on a wall, guitar in hand, singing and interceding for the city of Norfolk.  We had a few different people come and sit on the wall - in the presence of God - and we interceded for each of them for their specific situation.  It was a powerful time, where we encountered the Presence of God and where we tilled the soil of the spiritual atmosphere, inviting the power of the Holy Spirit to come to this great city!

I observed Laura, Debbie, Adah, Blanche and her 8 year old niece choose this fast as they labored in the kitchen and prepared the food to share with the hungry.  What struck me most about them preparing the food was their passion.  They were diligent in making things perfect, for those who they would feed.  Even Adah, who's 5 years old.  I watched her cut every potato with focus and concentration.  She was passionate about making the perfect meal for the hungry - and even her at age 5 - chose this fast!

I observed Steve and Debbie observe this fast, as I watched two of our homeless friends get into the back seat of their car, on their way to spend the night at the Zollo's home.  They just wanted a shower and a good nights rest.  Steve and Debbie chose to fast last night, by bringing the homeless poor into their house.  

I observed John and Dianne Dempsey, Aaron and Monique, choosing this fast as they gave away several bags of really nice clothes to clothe the naked.  I watched those at Community Fellowship Church observe this fast as we passed out many of the coats they donated to our ministry.  I observed Freedom Baptist Church, New Life Community Church choose this fast, as we passed several of the 700+ brand new socks they donated.   I observed Jeremy and Rebekah Miller observe this fast as I passed out a really nice pair of shoes to a man who's shoe's were literally falling apart.

I observed Jacky and John, Blanche and her 8 year old niece observe this fast as they labored to ensure each one who was hungry, was served.  I watched Noah observe this fast as he passed out each drink.  I watched Ezekiel observe this fast as he labored over many bikes to ensure they were in tip top shape.  Remember, bikes are the primary mode of transportation for those who are homeless.  It's their "car" in many ways. 

I observed Tasha and Jessica choosing this fast as they gathered us in a circle in the middle of 19th street and prayed against the principalities and powers of darkness.  I saw yokes being broken and the captives being set free, as many of us laid hands on Bernard and David - breaking the power of an alcohol addiction in their lives.  

After we prayed, I observed David and Bernard praising God - David dancing wildly in the streets!  As CJ strummed the guitar I watched another homeless man - with an amazing voice I might add - lead worship to our God.  Real worship, where men were set free in a very moment and couldn't help but sing, dance, shout and laugh!  No prompting needed to lift their hands other than the prompting of the Holy Spirit in whom they just encountered!  This is the fast that we choose!  This is true fasting!  This is the mighty God that we serve - the King of Glory!  God bless you all!

"A Church Without Walls"