Podcast Summary: “Fasting To Unburden Your Soul”

Real America’s Voice | iHeartPodcasts | Guest: Jentezen Franklin
Date: January 10, 2026

Episode Overview

In this spiritually rich episode, Pastor Jentezen Franklin delivers an inspiring sermon for Real America’s Voice. The central theme is the powerful practice of fasting—not as a religious ritual, but as a means to “unburden your soul.” Against the backdrop of the network’s annual 21-day fast, Franklin weaves scripture, personal stories, and practical advice, urging listeners to embark on a fast that draws them closer to God. He uses Deuteronomy 18 as his launching point, focusing on the call to bring our burdens (shoulder), offenses (cheek), and appetites (stomach) to God during this season of fasting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Call to True Fasting

• Not Just a Tradition: Franklin warns against fasting simply because it’s a church tradition. “Don’t just join a fast because it’s the tradition of our church. It’ll do you no good. I do this because I am desperate for God.” (03:16)
• Start With Humility: He underscores that fasting is an act of humility. “You cannot humble yourself in prayer and God not exalt you.” (04:08)
• Fasting For All: Recognizes that not everyone can do a total food fast and encourages each person to seek a personal approach, even if that means fasting from things like toys, games, or desserts.

2. Practical Tips and Humor Around Fasting

• Accountability Matters: Advises to have an accountability partner to stay committed. “Go on and commit. Go on and say, I’m going to do this and here’s what I’m going to do.” (05:52)
• Family Fasting Stories: Shares a humorous family story about his niece attempting to fast from Barbie dolls and then deciding, “I’m going to fast cigarettes,” despite being a child. (07:59)
• Types of Fasts: Discusses the Daniel fast, total fasts, and partial fasts—emphasizing the need for personal conviction rather than legalism.

3. Linking Fasting With Scriptural Engagement

• Read the New Testament: Challenges the congregation to read nine chapters of the Bible each day during the 21-day fast, which would complete the entire New Testament.
  “If you read nine chapters a day, you can read through the entire New Testament.” (15:59)
• Saturate in the Word: Explains the necessity of replacing physical hunger with spiritual hunger, quoting Jesus: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word.” (17:15)

4. Deuteronomy 18: A Framework for Unburdening the Soul

Franklin explains that in Deuteronomy, priests are given the shoulder, cheek, and stomach of the sacrifices, and ties each to aspects of fasting:

a. Shoulder = Burdens

• Lay Down Your Burdens:
  “Shoulders speak of burdens. I want you to bring me your shoulders.” (19:06)
• Transfer Your Worries: Fasting is a time to lay down worries—especially about family, health, and work—before God, referencing Matthew 23 and 1 Peter 5:7.

b. Cheek = Offenses

• Release Offense and Bitterness:
  “He says, I want you to bring me your cheek... If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other also. Turn the other cheek.” (25:44)
• The Danger of Bitterness: Franklin warns against letting emotional injuries “turn you in the opposite direction” towards unforgiveness.

c. Stomach = Appetites

• Surrender Fleshly Desires:
  “Give him your stomach. Give him those wrong appetites.” (39:23)
• Check Spiritual Hunger: Encourages replacing the hunger for things with a hunger for God.

5. Fasting as Pathway to Breakthrough

• Deliverance from Oppression: References Isaiah 58, saying fasting can “loose the bonds of wickedness” and “undo heavy burdens.” (24:41)
• Corporate Support: Encourages communal support, likening it to Simon helping Jesus carry the cross.

6. Illustrative Stories & Memorable Examples

• Rediscovering Treasure: Shares the story of a relative who hid $2,000 in his Bible and rediscovered it during a fast—an analogy for finding spiritual treasures when returning to scripture. (45:47)
• Personal Reflection: Franklin confesses his own anxieties about family and the future, demonstrating vulnerability and relatability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I dare not go into this new year thinking my brilliance, my talent, my gifting, my career skills are enough. I desperately need Him.” (04:19)
• “Don’t get super spiritual, walking around like you’re something special because you’re fasting. It actually ought to give you a burden for people.” (09:32)
• “My yoke is easy and my burden is light. So cast all, cast all, come unto me, all you who are weary…” (24:07)
• “Make the decision to forgive your last year slap. If you got slapped last year, emotionally, let it go.” (29:37)
• “I don’t want any appetites in my life that you can’t satisfy in your word.” (42:41)
• “Every time at a new year I feel this thing of ‘Can I do this again?’...God takes it to another level—and it never has to stop. It’s up to us. Do we hunger for it?” (47:35)
• “Don’t be bitter. Get better.” (53:19)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:17] Opening encouragement – The purpose of fasting and seeking God in the new year.
• [05:35] The importance of honesty, humility, and personal conviction in fasting.
• [07:59] Lighthearted family story about children choosing creative fasts.
• [15:59] Challenge to read nine chapters of the New Testament daily.
• [19:06] Breakdowns of the “shoulder,” “cheek,” and “stomach” as symbolic sacrifices in fasting.
• [24:07] Invitation to lay down burdens and worries as an act of faith.
• [25:44] Teaching on releasing offense and practicing forgiveness during the fast.
• [39:23] Giving God your appetites—prayer for alignment of desires.
• [45:47] Story of rediscovering money in the Bible—analogy for spiritual treasures.
• [47:35] Encouragement that every new year brings new spiritual opportunities.
• [53:19] Closing appeal: “Don’t be bitter. Get better.” Call to worship and prayer for breakthrough.

Tone and Language

Franklin’s style is urgent, direct, and full of warmth—oscillating between gentle encouragement and preacherly fervor. There’s a frequent use of stories and humor to make the discipline of fasting accessible and less intimidating.

Conclusion

This episode serves both as a spiritual motivator and a practical roadmap for anyone embarking on a fast. Franklin’s threefold call—to bring your burdens (shoulder), your offenses (cheek), and your appetites (stomach) to God—offers a holistic approach to fasting. The challenge to read nine chapters of scripture daily and the communal accountability he fosters present listeners with actionable steps. The message ultimately reminds viewers that true fasting is less about religious performance and more about humility, surrender, and the pursuit of spiritual renewal.