Today at 5pm, on the Sabbath—a day of rest, no work, and no food—I was watching a Derek Prince sermon on the Day of Atonement. The house was peaceful. I was sitting in my reclining seat, the room warm, candles glowing, a scented candle burning inside the wood fire, and my wife quietly scrolling on her phone.
As I listened, my eyes became heavy, and I drifted into a brief sleep. In that moment, I found myself still seated, but now in a room that felt somehow older, almost from another time. Then a middle-aged woman appeared, dressed as someone from the Middle Ages. She came near my left side and bowed down as a servant, holding out a piece of bread shaped like pita. With a soft voice, she said, “Here.”
I turned my head to see who she was. At that very moment, I woke up—my head still turned, almost losing its balance as I came fully awake.
The very first thought that entered my heart was “temptation.” And I said, “Thank You, Lord,” because I understood the message. As I prepare to introduce fasting to my church, the Lord was showing me what many believers will face: the quiet, gentle, seemingly harmless temptations that come to draw us away from our purpose.
The bread looked simple. The voice was soft. The posture was humble. But the meaning was clear. When we set our hearts to fast unto the Lord, temptation often comes softly—presented politely, even kindly. Yet its aim is the same: to break the fast, to turn our eyes from the spiritual to the natural.
This small experience reminded me that fasting is not only about abstaining from food—it is about strengthening the inner man, resisting the subtle invitations that seek to detour us, and learning to say, “No,” because our hearts are fixed on Him.
May this encourage you, my brothers and sisters, to stay steadfast in your fasting. Temptation may come gently, but the grace to overcome is stronger still.
You know, sometimes we look at our situation and whisper quietly to ourselves… “I just don’t have enough faith.” We pray… but doubt still lingers. We say the right words… but fear speaks louder inside. We read about healings. We hear about healings. We even see healings. But somewhere deep down, we say… “That’s not within my reach.” Have you ever said that in your heart? Have you ever believed for others — but struggled to believe for yourself? Then listen carefully… Because I want to take you to a story that can reignite your faith. A story that proves — God still responds when faith speaks. It’s the story of a Roman centurion in Matthew chapter 8. This man wasn’t a preacher. Not a prophet. Not even a Jew. He was a Gentile soldier — a man trained to give orders and expect instant obedience. A man surrounded by idols and false gods… yet something in him recognised the true authority of Jesus. And that faith… stopped Jesus in His tracks. When the centurion said, “Just speak the word, and my servant will be healed,” Jesus marveled. Imagine that — the Creator of heaven and earth… amazed at a man’s faith! He turned and said, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” Think about that for a moment. Not even among the chosen people — the children of God’s Kingdom! Not among His disciples. Not among the religious leaders. But in the heart of a Gentile soldier. What does that say to you? Could it be that Jesus is still searching today — not for perfect people, but for believing hearts? Not for those who know the Word, but for those who trust the Word? The centurion didn’t need a touch. He didn’t need a sign. He didn’t need to see proof. He simply believed the Word was enough. So let me ask you: Is God’s Word enough for you? When you pray — do you still wait for a feeling, or do you stand on what He said? Do you believe that what He has spoken — He will do? Then Jesus said something prophetic: “Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven.” In other words — there’s already a table set. The seats are ready. The invitation is open. Not to the perfect. Not to the religious. But to anyone who believes. Maybe you’ve felt like an outsider. Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I’m too far gone. Too broken. Too late.” But faith pulls out a chair and says, “You belong here.” So let me ask you again — Are you standing outside when God has already invited you in? Are you letting doubt keep you from sitting down with faith?
Then Jesus said something few wanted to hear: “But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness.” He was saying, “Don’t think you’re safe just because you belong to a group… or a church… or a tradition.” You can have religion without a relationship. You can have knowledge without trust. You can have truth on your lips, but unbelief in your heart. So let’s be honest for a moment — Do you go to church, but still question whether God will move for you? Do you pray, but quietly prepare for disappointment? Do you say ‘Amen’… but live as though the Word might not work? Faith isn’t just believing that God exists. Faith is believing His Word is enough, even before you see the result — just like that centurion did. Then Jesus turned to him and said, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And in that very moment — his servant was healed. The miracle didn’t wait for the man to go home and check. It didn’t wait for the evidence. It happened the moment he believed. Faith speaks before the evidence shows up. Faith acts while the world still doubts. Faith says, “It’s done,” even while your eyes still see the problem. So… what are you saying today? Are you speaking faith — or waiting to see proof before you speak?
Maybe your situation looks impossible. Maybe your prayers feel unanswered. Maybe your heart is tired of hoping. But hear me — God is still looking for faith that believes His Word over the evidence. Faith that doesn’t wait to feel it before it believes. Faith that doesn’t wait to see it before it speaks. The centurion didn’t see the healing — he believed it. And he walked away knowing that what Jesus said… was already done. So I ask you: What are you waiting to see before you believe? What promise have you left lying on the table because doubt felt safer than faith? Jesus is saying to you today: “As you have believed, so let it be done for you.”
Golden Nugget When you take God at His Word — Heaven moves on your behalf. Faith is not wishing — it’s knowing. It’s not hoping He might — it’s trusting He already has. Because when Jesus speaks… it is finished. So next time you speak something in the name of Jesus — Believe in your heart. See it done. Speak it done. Walk as if it’s done. And you’ll discover — When faith speaks… God moves.
A Story About Healing, Faith, and the Power to Change Lives
There’s a man whose story begins in tragedy — a child struck by a car, his tiny body broken, his life hanging by a thread. Doctors said he would never survive. But he did. His name is Curry Blake, and that near-death moment became the first chapter in a lifelong journey that would touch countless lives around the world.
Years later, as he grew into a man of deep thought and conviction, Curry didn’t chase fame or comfort — he sought understanding. Why do some people suffer while others recover? Why do prayers seem to work for some but not for others? These questions led him to study the life of another man who had walked a similar path of faith and healing: John G. Lake, a missionary and revivalist who saw extraordinary results through faith and compassion.
Over time, Curry became the General Overseer of John G. Lake Ministries, carrying the same torch — not just preaching, but training ordinary people to live what they believe. His message was simple: healing and freedom are not for a few, but for all. And soon, reports of healing began to pour in — not because of one man, but because thousands of people were learning to care, to pray, and to believe that change was possible.
But here’s the part that draws both believers and skeptics together: Curry’s story isn’t only about miracles. It’s about human transformation — about how faith, discipline, and compassion can awaken something powerful inside all of us.
If you’re a Christian, his teachings might remind you that Jesus didn’t just speak words — He acted. He healed the broken, touched the untouchable, and set captives free. Curry’s work challenges believers to do the same: to live a faith that’s alive, not theoretical. And if you’re not a Christian, there’s still something deeply human in his message. Healing, after all, comes in many forms — emotional, physical, spiritual. Whether you see it as divine power or the power of love and intention, it reminds us that people can change. Hope can rise. Compassion can heal wounds words cannot.
At the heart of his story is a truth that transcends religion: When we believe in something greater than ourselves — whether that’s God, love, or the human spirit — we begin to heal not just bodies, but hearts.
Curry Blake teaches that faith isn’t blind; it’s courageous. It steps out when logic says “impossible.” It keeps loving when others give up. And it believes that no life, no matter how broken, is beyond restoration. So whether you walk with faith or curiosity, his life stands as an invitation — to look deeper, to keep an open mind about healing, and to never underestimate the quiet power of a heart that refuses to give up.
Paul knew the storm was coming. He had warned them, told them it wasn’t a good time to sail, but the captain and the owner of the ship thought they knew better. The weather seemed fine at first, a gentle breeze pushing them along, and they figured Paul was just being overly cautious. But then, out of nowhere, the wind turned. And it wasn’t just any wind—this was Euroclydon, a violent northeastern storm, the kind that made even seasoned sailors afraid.
For days, the ship was tossed around like a leaf in the wind. The men worked frantically, throwing cargo overboard to keep the ship from sinking. They didn’t eat, barely slept, and fear wrapped around them like the cold sea mist. They thought they were going to die. But in the middle of that chaos, Paul stood up. He wasn’t a sailor, he wasn’t the captain, but he had something none of them had—peace.
“Men, you should have listened to me,” he said, not to boast, but to remind them that wisdom often comes before disaster. “But take heart! Not a single one of you will die—only the ship will be lost.” And then he told them something incredible. “Last night, an angel of God came to me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’” In other words, no matter how bad the storm got, God was still in control.
Sure enough, after two weeks of being beaten by the wind and waves, they ran aground on an island—Malta. The ship was wrecked, but every single person made it to shore, just as Paul had said. And because of that storm, Paul ended up in a place where God worked miracles. A snake bit him, and he didn’t die, shocking the locals. He healed the chief’s father and many others, and the people of Malta, who had never known the true God, saw His power firsthand.
The storm seemed like a disaster, but it was actually part of God’s plan. That’s how it is with life, isn’t it? We try to avoid trouble, but sometimes, no matter what we do, the storm comes anyway. And when it does, we have a choice—panic like the sailors, or trust like Paul. Because in every storm, there’s a purpose. Sometimes, God is redirecting us. Sometimes, He’s teaching us to let go. And sometimes, He’s just showing us that no matter how hard the wind blows, He’s still in charge.
This is the essence of faith—trusting that God knows what He’s doing, even when the waves are high and the sky is dark. Just like fasting requires faith that God will sustain us, the storms of life require faith that He will lead us safely to shore.
This is the message of The Rich Feast, The Poor Fast—learning to trust God’s timing, His provision, and His purpose, even when the winds howl around us. Because whether in feasting or fasting, in calm or in storm, God is always faithful.
Read how this book can transform your mind. Never preached in most churches today.
🌅 Testimonial: A Journey of Transformation and Spiritual Awakening
Good morning, brothers Noel. As I delve into “The Rich Feast The Poor Fast,” I am captivated by its eloquence and depth. The chapters on stewardship, humility in wealth, and the symbolism of 40 days resonate deeply with me. Initially questioning their connection to fasting, I now see their profound significance and wisdom. I look forward to sharing more insights once I complete this enriching read!
Currently, I find myself on day 3 of a water fast—a spiritual journey that I felt called to as preparation for a longer, deeper fast ahead. Unsure of its duration, I’m listening intently to my body and spirit for guidance. In this pivotal time, I seek Biblical wisdom to illuminate my path.
Fasting has already unveiled a deeper connection to my faith and purpose. It’s not merely about abstaining from food; it’s a transformative experience of self-discovery and spiritual renewal. Each moment of hunger and introspection brings me closer to understanding the divine plan for my life.
As I continue this journey, I invite you to join me in exploring the transformative power of fasting at The Rich Feast The Poor Fast. Together, let’s embrace the spiritual awakening that comes from aligning our physical discipline with our spiritual growth.
May our hearts and minds be open to the wisdom of fasting, guiding us toward a deeper connection with God and ourselves.
Bridging the Testaments: Peacemakers and the Fulfillment of Scripture
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus redefined the concept of peace, calling His followers to be active agents of reconciliation. Speaking to a crowd longing for deliverance from Roman oppression, He introduced a radical vision of peacemaking that emphasized restoration, harmony, and divine kinship. This message echoed and fulfilled Old Testament teachings on peace, particularly Isaiah 9:6, which foretold a “Prince of Peace,” and Psalm 34:14, which urged believers to “seek peace and pursue it.”
Jesus’ beatitude calls believers to live out their divine identity by reflecting God’s character as the ultimate reconciler. To be a peacemaker is to actively work for healing in relationships and communities, embodying the wholeness (shalom) God desires for all creation. This pursuit is not passive but intentional, requiring forgiveness, unity, and advocacy for justice and harmony in personal and societal contexts.
For modern Christians, Matthew 5:9 is both a challenge and an invitation. It reminds us that peacemaking aligns us with Christ’s mission and secures our place as “sons of God.” In a world often marked by conflict, this beatitude calls us to embody the peace of Christ, bringing reconciliation and joy wherever we go.
Read more on how Jesus bridges the Testaments: Explore More >>
The Importance of Faith, Prayer, and Fasting in Overcoming Life’s Challenges
One common misconception about Christian fasting, particularly in reference to Old Testament practices, is that it no longer holds relevance today or is not a commandment for modern believers. Some use this misunderstanding as a reason to bypass the spiritual discipline of fasting, yet such an approach overlooks its vital role in the Christian life.
In the ancient town of Capernaum, a father approached Jesus with a heart full of hope and sorrow. His son, plagued by severe epilepsy, had not found healing even after the disciples tried and failed to help him. With unwavering faith, the father turned to Jesus, believing that only He could restore his son’s health.
Jesus responded to His disciples, saying, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). Jesus demonstrated that even the smallest measure of true faith is powerful enough to bring about miraculous results.
He then revealed something essential: “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). In this statement, Jesus illuminated the need for spiritual discipline in facing specific challenges, making it clear that certain trials require not just prayer, but also fasting to draw closer to God’s power and intervention.
This moment took place right after Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain, where His divine glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John. As His face shone like the sun and His clothes became radiant, Moses and Elijah appeared, and a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5). Following this powerful experience, Jesus descended with His disciples to find a crowd gathered, and a grieving father who sought healing for his son.
The father shared the boy’s tragic history, recounting how the spirit often threw him into dangerous situations, attempting to destroy him. He pleaded, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us” (Mark 9:21-22). Jesus responded, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23). The father, deeply moved, cried out, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
In that moment, Jesus, moved by both authority and compassion, commanded the unclean spirit to depart, and the boy was immediately healed. The crowd stood in awe of the power and mercy displayed before them. Through the intersection of the father’s faith and God’s miraculous power, healing and restoration came to the boy.
Later, the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast him out?” (Matthew 17:19). Jesus explained, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). He further stressed the significance of prayer and fasting: “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).
Through this experience, Jesus underscored the power of faith, prayer, and fasting in strengthening spiritual resolve and deepening one’s connection with God. The disciples came to understand that true faith, no matter how small, combined with the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting, had the power to overcome even the most difficult obstacles. Jesus showed that with steadfast faith and devotion, believers could unlock God’s limitless power and face any challenge, no matter how daunting.
As the disciples continued their journey, they applied these teachings in their ministry, witnessing miracles, healings, and divine interventions, all fueled by their deep faith and connection to God.
“The spirit of man rises when the mind and heart unite, for the belly is a great obedient servant.”
