October 16: FASTING

Believe it:

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV)

Live it:

We can learn three lessons from today’s text.
1. Fasting should be practiced. Fasting is a spiritual discipline often admired, but seldom practiced. Jesus said, “When you fast…” not, “if you fast.” Jesus’ disciples made a habit of fasting, and so did Biblical characters and well-known Christians throughout history. It’s not something done only for emergencies, but it should be a natural part of a disciple’s life.
2. Fasting should be combined with action. When we think of someone fasting, it may bring up an image of a downcast person on their knees praying, looking pale, somber, and hungry, with a great need of a mint. Very few see the word “fasting” as synonymous with action. Fasting is seen as something that stops action so a person can focus on his or her own spiritual life. Notice the verbs in today’s verses: loose, untie, share, provide, clothe. Fasting should be combined with activity, centered on others, not spiritual navel gazing.
3. Fasting results in blessings for ourselves and others. Today’s text presents a clear picture of the true fast. Rather than focusing on not eating, it emphasizes heightened concern for others. The common concept of fasting is that of an intensely personal, self-centered discipline. God turns that idea on its head. True fasting affects one’s own spiritual life as well as the lives of those around us.

Share it:

Fast this week. Lift up in prayer someone who is far from God; if possible, demonstrate God’s love through an act of kindness.

My prayer today: for the physical structure where the meetings will take place

-Pray that there will be no accidents, especially in the children’s department.

-Pray that everything will function as it should in the building.

from God’s City, My City