January 9th, 2023
1/9/23
Well, this is practical!
Throughout this first week of this brief 21-day fast we are going to look straight at scripture and ask- then stop and answer- the natural question that flows from it. Let your heart fill up with anticipation for what God is going to do that is so much greater than anything we are sacrificing for it! Let’s begin with words from the ancient prophet Isaiah.
"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 him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
-Isaiah 58:6-9 NIV
We often think about what our fasting might lead God to do, but what sort of behaviors should show up in our lives as we draw close to God? I made it easy and underlined those. It turns out fasting is not some ethereal exercise disconnected from our daily lives, it guides our daily lives!
Pray with me. God as I am fasting, what behaviors do I need to add or subtract from my own life to honor you?
Well, this is practical!
Throughout this first week of this brief 21-day fast we are going to look straight at scripture and ask- then stop and answer- the natural question that flows from it. Let your heart fill up with anticipation for what God is going to do that is so much greater than anything we are sacrificing for it! Let’s begin with words from the ancient prophet Isaiah.
"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 him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
-Isaiah 58:6-9 NIV
We often think about what our fasting might lead God to do, but what sort of behaviors should show up in our lives as we draw close to God? I made it easy and underlined those. It turns out fasting is not some ethereal exercise disconnected from our daily lives, it guides our daily lives!
Pray with me. God as I am fasting, what behaviors do I need to add or subtract from my own life to honor you?
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