Prayer: Father, may I see the world and Your Word as You see it, as You perceive them. Give me understanding, I pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 69 key: vs.10-11
10 For zeal for Your House consumed me—
the insults of those who insulted You have fallen on me.[b]
11 When I wept and fasted—
that became a reproach to me.
Attention: When the topic of fasting comes up, I used to think only in terms of going without food for a period of time or days. There are biblical accounts which record differing types of fasting. Here is a link to a list created by Living Waters Church https://livingwatersleroy.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/10-TYPES-OF-FASTS-IN-THE-BIBLE.pdf
This list is one which includes Isaiah 58, one of the most important passages in the Bible. Why? Because this conversation with God reveals His heart and desire. We fast, give and pray according to our own desires. Isaiah is a mouthpiece for God, declaring His desires. Rather than fast, how about going out among the people and “releasing the bonds of wickedness, untying the cords of the yoke, share our bread with the hungry, bring the homeless poor into your house, when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh and blood (6-7)?”
I am convicted. How about you? God promises distinctive results if we will fast His way. He promises “healing will spring up speedily, righteousness will go before you, and the glory of Adonai will be our rear guard.” He will have our backs! He also promises to “answer when we call.” You will notice the decline of “finger pointing and badmouthing, our light will rise in the darkness and your gloom will be like the midday. Adonai will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in drought and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered, (well-tended) garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail. He promises more, I hope you read it.
Action: I will embrace and engage in being and doing the fast which God wants today. I will share food with someone who is hungry.
Yield: Our communities will be better places when I yield to the fast God wants.
Engage: When I engage in the fast with God declares, I will be obedient.
Relationship: When I love others, I am loving God.
Prayer: Father, the world will be changed when I become Your slave and a servant to the world. Help me to be who You designed me to be. Amen.
Memory Verse: Isaiah 58: 6-7
6 “Is not this the fast I choose:
to release the bonds of wickedness,
to untie the cords of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to tear off every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
to bring the homeless poor into your house?
When you see the naked, to cover him,
and not hide yourself from your own flesh and blood?
Music Video: Chris McClarney ~ Breakthrough (Lyrics)
Remember, “Abide in Jesus, today!”
Good post!