Fasting Devotion Day 10
READ
“‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high. Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the LORD? “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am. ’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,” Isaiah 58:3-9 NKJV
THINK
Its so easy for us to be critical of the people of Israel but they are such an accurate example of us. As New Testament Christians no matter how well we know that the God of the Universe desires a relationship with us we are always tempted to turn towards religion. Somehow we feel that if we are doing the right thing then God isn’t worried whether or not we have the right heart. As your pastor let me remind you that the God of heaven desires that you and I become more and more a reflection of His love!
One of the greatest expressions of love is that of giving. God loved the world, so he gave us His son. (John 3:16) God loved…and God gave. One of the best ways we can show the love of God to others is to give of ourselves to them: give of our time, resources, love and abilities.
Just remember that this time we are spending has less to do with what we are putting in our stomach and more to do with what we are putting in our hearts. Our God isn’t impressed by an empty stomach or a sugar free week but delights in our passion and devotion to Him!
1. Do you love God and give yourself to Him completely? In what areas of your life are you holding back and why?
2. In what ways could you show the love of God by giving to others?
PRAY
Satan isn’t afraid of us as a church seeking our own but the moment the church starts really living for the world hell trembles. Join me in praying that we will always have eyes outwards and open hands ready to serve this world that needs Jesus through our lives.
“‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high. Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the LORD? “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am. ’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,” Isaiah 58:3-9 NKJV
THINK
Its so easy for us to be critical of the people of Israel but they are such an accurate example of us. As New Testament Christians no matter how well we know that the God of the Universe desires a relationship with us we are always tempted to turn towards religion. Somehow we feel that if we are doing the right thing then God isn’t worried whether or not we have the right heart. As your pastor let me remind you that the God of heaven desires that you and I become more and more a reflection of His love!
One of the greatest expressions of love is that of giving. God loved the world, so he gave us His son. (John 3:16) God loved…and God gave. One of the best ways we can show the love of God to others is to give of ourselves to them: give of our time, resources, love and abilities.
Just remember that this time we are spending has less to do with what we are putting in our stomach and more to do with what we are putting in our hearts. Our God isn’t impressed by an empty stomach or a sugar free week but delights in our passion and devotion to Him!
1. Do you love God and give yourself to Him completely? In what areas of your life are you holding back and why?
2. In what ways could you show the love of God by giving to others?
PRAY
Satan isn’t afraid of us as a church seeking our own but the moment the church starts really living for the world hell trembles. Join me in praying that we will always have eyes outwards and open hands ready to serve this world that needs Jesus through our lives.