Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God.

David was a man after the Lord’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). He is seen often in Scripture seeking God and seeking the face of God. He desired to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life (Psalm 27:4). This is the attitude all should have, but above all, the righteous believers should carry this attitude in their heart and earnestly seek God in all things. Prayer and fasting are the key to seeking the Lord.

I have spoken on fasting before, and that it was an act many did and do in the times of mourning to seek restoration or repentance. In the end, there is a reward of feasting and joy. Fasting is a time of waiting, and waiting is often difficult, but it is a humble act of desire for God. In a prayer to God, David gives the true essence of fasting when he says, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:8) This is how we are to seek God when we desire guidance or petition our requests. He desires us to desire Him. It is a true act of a love relationship to humble oneself and show a sacrifice. Fasting is a demonstration of sacrifice.

Fasting is mentioned in scripture probably 70 or more times and often tied with prayer. It is not simply an act of giving up food and counting down the days in which you can once again eat in celebration. It is not an act in which you do and continue to rebel or act the same as you do when you are not fasting. It is not an act that you boast about or complain about. It is an act which requires righteousness, sincerity, and humility. It is an act of justice and compassion (Isaiah 6-7); it is an act of repentance and mourning (Joel 2:12-13); it is an act of devotion and obedience (Ezra 8:21-23; Daniel 10:3).

In his beatitudes, Jesus instructs on how to fast righteously (Matthew 6:16-18). Like prayer, fasting is to be in silence, and without boasting or showing others that you are fasting. It is not to be said that you are fasting, but simply fast in humility. As you fast, you pray, both of which are done in secret so that only the Father knows of what you do and will reward you.

In the time of Zechariah, the Israelites were in captivity, and for 70 years they fasted four different months, and for their righteous fasting, God turned their fasting months into joyful festivals for Judah (Zechariah 8:18-19). Also, in the time of Esther, before she consulted the king, she called to all the Jews to fast for three days (Esther 4:15-16). This led to the saving of the Jewish nation from annihilation and established the Feast of Purim (Esther 9). 

As it is written, there is a time for every season (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and therefore there is a time to fast and a time to feast, but only a righteous fast will be rewarded. The fast will lead to the feast just as mourning leads to joy.  

Last week, we started a new series that teaches why we believe what we believe. It is a different look at the Bible, to help children grow in the Lord and get to know Him. Last week’s lesson, the little lambs learned about the creation of the universe as we explored the cosmos and the Big Bang Theory, and how we are all created uniquely. This week we will be discussing the creation of man. Sunday school meets the same time as service at 10AM. You can drop your children off upstairs at 9:45.

I look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow with songs of joy and dancing before the great Creator. If for some reason I do not see you, may the Lord bless you with joy and peace, and may He comfort you, heal you, and draw you near to Him when you need it.

God bless you

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)