FASTING FROM SIN - Bulletin 07-27-14

“FASTING FROM SIN”

I once knew a married couple who for several years set aside each Monday as their fasting day.  Then in the late afternoon, they would come together and read (out loud) 10 chapters in the Bible along with some discussion.  Afterwards, they’d go to a diner or small eatery and have a meal celebrating the day.  Is that great stuff or what?  I love it!!  

Of course this is only one way to fast; there are many.  The fasting that’s been on my heart for the last several months is a fasting of the heart; a fasting from sin.  God shares through Isaiah the prophet, a FASTING He desires (ISAIAH 58), when His people:  

1. Break the chains of injustice
2. Get rid of exploitation in the workplace
3. Free the oppressed
4. Cancel debts
5. Share our food with the hungry
6. Put clothes on the shivering ill-clad
7. Be available to our own families

“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.  Then when you pray, God will answer.  You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'”  (Isaiah 58:8-9)

1. Get rid of unfair practices
2. Quit blaming victims
3. Quit gossiping about other people's sins

Then your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.’”  (Isaiah 58:10b) 

God is good all the time!  Mr. Steve