A Word from Dr. Swope

Welcome to Kingdom Kalories Ministry. I invite you to listen to the first of a series of DVDs. Before you follow my advice, I want you to see me from many angles-family heritage, educational accomplishments, professional history, and worldwide service opportunities, which are continuing.

Have my fasting experiences during the past 30 years made a difference?

A bottom line answer that satisfies me is the recent report of a doctor with four degrees. In November, 2007, she said something like this: "I have had patients from 2 to 92 years of age and you are the healthiest person I have ever examined."

With these few words, I encourage you to commit to the objectives of Kingdom Kalories Ministry-learn to fast, learn to pray, and learn to share saved food dollars with our hurting world.

Are all fasts equal in value?
This question was the subject of discussion by people of ancient times when Isaiah was a prophet. He made it clear that not all fasts please God. Read Isaiah 58: 1-12, below.God-directed and man-directed fasting is not the same. God said: “What good is a fast when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fast will never get you anywhere with me.” Isaiah 58:4. As Isaiah explains so clearly, fasting is more than going without food. It is a condition of the heart and is enhanced by the way we treat other people.

The essential element of fasting is humility before a sovereign God. When He sees a heart of humility and obedience, He will cause His presence to arise within us so that others, too, are drawn to the Light, Love and Life of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 58: 1-12

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me.
“We have fasted before you! They say, ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves and you don’t even notice it!’
"I will tell you why! I respond. It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD?
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Gove clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
"Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wound will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. Yes, I am here, he will quickly reply.
Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.” NLT

Thank you for allowing me to share my vision with you.