In my 21 day fast daily reading from YouVersion.com, I was reminded about staying clear on our focus for the fast. In Isaiah 58, God responds to His people who were complaining that He was not answering their fast the way they wanted.
Remember, fasting is not a hunger strike to get God to do what you want, but our coming into AGREEMENT with His Word, to be in ALIGNMENT with His will, to receive our ASSIGNMENT in His Kingdom.
In chapter 58 we discover what He wants for you during this fast. Pray that God will empty you of all that is you and fill you with all that is Him.
Remember, fasting is not a hunger strike to get God to do what you want, but our coming into AGREEMENT with His Word, to be in ALIGNMENT with His will, to receive our ASSIGNMENT in His Kingdom.
In chapter 58 we discover what He wants for you during this fast. Pray that God will empty you of all that is you and fill you with all that is Him.
Isaiah 58:4-8 (MSG)
4 You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight. You fast, but you swing a mean fist. The kind of fasting you do won't get your prayers off the ground.
5 Do you think this is the kind of fast day I'm after: a day to show off humility? To put on a pious long face and parade around solemnly in black? Do you call that fasting, a fast day that I, GOD, would like?
6 "This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts.
7 What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.
8 Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The GOD of glory will secure your passage.
Isaiah 58:9 (MSG)
9 Then when you pray, GOD will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.' "If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins.
Take a few minutes to read chapter 58 in its entirety and let God show you promises that you need to claim. Write them in your journal and BRING THEM WITH YOU TO OUR SUNDAY CELEBRATION tomorrow – I will be talking about those promises.
As you prayerfully prepare for tomorrow why not be a BRINGER, and bring someone with you.
Blessings,
PT
Good morning Pastor terry, Just want to say thank you for posting a message everyday it helps me stay focused on my purpose for this fasting. The start of this week was realitively good for me managing without my favorite foods. I didn't connect to this blog till Thursday night and realized my focus was managing my food intake more than the messages i hope to receive. I am adding prayer and reflection to my mid day rather than skipping lunch and working through it.
ReplyDeleteAnyway thanks for taking the time. see you Sunday.
Hi, Pastor Terry,
ReplyDeleteI am participating in this fast. Thanks for the daily blog and thanks for cheering us on with the Word of God... It's an energized blessing!
Blessings to you & yours,
Rhonda Sloan. (Columbia S.C. )