Seeking God through Fasting..Craig Denison Ministries;

 Seeking God through Fasting

Craig Denison Ministries;

Weekly Overview:

Learning to seek the face of God is the foundation for experiencing the amazing life Jesus died to give us. We have available to us through Christ all the wonders, excellencies, and satisfaction we can fathom. God has granted us grace upon grace, mercy upon mercy, affection upon affection, and love upon love. When we pursue him through all the avenues available to us, a door is opened in which we discover all our heavenly Father longs to give us. May you grow in your pursuit of God this week as we study various ways we’ve been given to seek his face.

Scripture:“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” Ezra 8:23

Devotional:   

In his book, A Hunger for God, John Piper writes, “If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.” Fasting is a powerful tool for placing anything that entangles us to the depravity and longings of this world in proper perspective. It builds for us a seat at the table of God where we can drink deeply of the wonders and satisfaction found in restored relationship with our heavenly Father. May the Lord reveal to you the places in your heart which need to be realigned as we look at all God longs to do in us through the gift of fasting.

Matthew 6:16-18 says, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Fasting is a secret declaration to yourself and your heavenly Father that you want more of what he has to give you. It’s a private plea for the abundant life that can only be found in more of God and less of the world. And God responds to our pleas with his glory and grace causing the cares of this world to pale in comparison to the abundance of God’s love.

There’s something powerful that takes place when we willingly surrender satisfaction in the world to make space for more of God. God loves to respond to our hunger. In his patience he waits for us to cry out to him to bring us into the fullness of what he has for us. But in his pursuit of us he constantly whispers from his Spirit to ours, beckoning us to give up the rags of this world for the riches that come through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Whether you’re fasting food, entertainment, relationships, or anything else to make space for more of God, the intention of God for fasting is to fill you up to overflow. It’s his intention to realign your life to position you to consistently receive all he has for you. It's his intention to transform the pangs of separation from whatever you're fasting into deep prayers for more of his goodness. May you be honest with yourself and be filled with the desire to fast from that which stands in the way of you fully living the abundant life.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire for fasting. Allow truth to form your perspective on this age-old discipline.

“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” Ezra 8:23

“If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.” — John Piper, A Hunger For God

2. What do you need to fast? What’s holding you back from the fullness God longs to give you? What could you give up to create more space for relationship with him? Be honest with yourself and God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal places in your life that need the transformation that comes through fasting.

3. Commit to fasting whatever you feel would be beneficial for you. You don’t have to start with too much! This isn’t meant to be a religious exercise but rather an action performed out of a longing for more of God. Ask the Spirit to see you through this process. Ask him to strengthen you as you become weak.

Nineteenth-century author Andrew Murray once said, "Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God." May you discover the wealth of goodness that accompanies letting go of the weight of this world through fasting. And may your resolve to experience all that God has for you increase, as the cares of the world slip away.

Extended Reading: Acts 13

The Pathway of Spiritual Growth..Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Pathway of Spiritual Growth

Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 8:29

God predestined us to grow into His likeness, but this doesn't happen at the moment we are saved. While we are redeemed by the Savior's precious blood and immediately have a new heart, our transformation is a lifelong process.

The Holy Spirit enables this journey. Growth is impossible without Him, regardless of our efforts. Yet we can welcome or hinder His transforming hand.

One way we give God willing access to our lives is by obeying this mandate in Romans 12:2: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

Everyone chooses either a biblical or worldly philosophy as his or her source of truth--and that choice shapes the mind and spirit. Therefore, the Lord tells us to immerse our mind in Scripture, allowing Him to mold us into His beautiful image.

The Bible story about the Israelites wandering in the wilderness illustrates this principle. After saving them from Pharaoh's abuse, God did not bring them immediately to the Promised Land. The Lord knew doing so would bring sinful ways with them. Instead, He led them to the wilderness and gave the Ten Commandments. Only after they learned to obey and turn to almighty God were they ready for the next step.

The process of sanctification isn't always pleasant. In fact, it's often painful for us, just as it was for the Israelites. In God's amazing wisdom and love, however, He knows what we need to leave our old ways that lead to death. And He builds new character in us--full of life and joy.

Avoiding the Pitfall of Pride..Emily Rose Massey

 Avoiding the Pitfall of Pride 

By Emily Rose Massey

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, ESV).

I am no stranger to the stage. By the age of 4, I had my first dance recital, tapping away in my red polka dot ruffled dress with a big matching sequin bow, à la Shirley Temple. In high school, I belted out “Suddenly Seymour” as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. By the time I was in college, I had begun working toward my BA in Theater and Dance Performance and had performed in dozens of plays and musicals. I even worked for the Walt Disney Company as a performer at various events in St. Louis, opening for the Jonas Brothers and Raven Simone. Senior year I set it in my heart to move to Los Angeles to become a “famous actress.” But, thankfully, God had other plans. 

A few months after college graduation, the Lord met me in my pig pen, where I had wasted many years of my life living for me, myself, and I. He brought this prideful soul to the end of herself and opened my eyes to my desperate need for Christ. I repented of my sin and rebellion and surrendered my life to Christ. That was fifteen years ago this summer, and I have not looked back. Although I’m still on stage to some degree, I now use my gifts to glorify God as I sing on stage with my worship team at church on Sunday mornings. My view of the stage has completely changed, of course, yet I know I am not immune from prideful thoughts. I constantly ask the Lord to search my heart because I know how quickly any of us can step into pride or boast in our own abilities.

The book of Proverbs brings much wisdom to believers, and the topic of pride is often highlighted. We see in Proverbs 16 what happens to those who walk in pride:

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (18, ESV).

Pride brings destruction and a falling away from God’s perfect ways, causing chaos and confusion. If we are putting our trust in everything or anyone (including ourselves) but the Lord, we will constantly be disappointed and led astray and into sin. We must trust the Lord with all of our hearts, which should never be filled with more of this world or fleshly desires than God’s Word.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Like I mentioned earlier, none of us are immune from being tempted by the sin of pride; It comes very naturally to us as humans. Humility is the solution to our human pride. Humility is truly a gift from the Father. As humans, just like the fruit of the Spirit, it is difficult to walk continually in this godly trait. We need God’s help, His grace. To be granted His heavenly grace gifts, we must become humble before the throne of God. When we think we can control our life better than God, we will eventually fail. We must acknowledge our prideful, self-reliant ways if we want to experience the sustaining and empowering grace of God. Jesus did not consider equality with the Father a thing to be grasped and emptied Himself of all privileges; He humbled Himself even to the point of dying on the cross for our sins. We should long to reflect selflessness to the world, but for us to do that, we need to walk in humility and put our trust in God alone. Asking our brothers and sisters in the Lord to hold us accountable in this area is also helpful. We often have blind spots, like pride, that keep us from seeing where we may be straying away from God’s best for us. To avoid that destruction and fall, our brothers and sisters can warn us and help us stay on the right path- the path of humility and righteousness. 

Further Reading:

• James 4:6
• Psalm 75:4-10
• Jeremiah 9:23-24

 

Abide: Where to Stay When Nothing Lasts..Jeanne Doyon

 Abide: Where to Stay When Nothing Lasts

By Jeanne Doyon

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. - John 15:4-6

Abide. This word has been on my heart lately as I study John chapter 15. We don’t use the word abide much anymore—maybe never—because nothing seems to last.

Marriages fail.
Riches flee.
Cars break down.
Health deteriorates.
Friends fail.

Churches split.
Relationships cool.
Possessions break.
Quality erodes.
Nothing lasts.

But, Jesus says:

Abide. Stay. Remain. Trust that I AM your constant. I will never turn my back on you. I AM the one you can trust. When all else is falling apart, I will remain. I will be your rock and shield.

Psalm 91:1 says, Abide in the shadow of the Almighty. To me this means:

Not running ahead or lagging behind.

Under His protection
Surrounded by His presence
Shielded from my enemies
Covered with His hand

Resting in His power and sovereignty
Sure of His knowledge and leading
Trusting in His timing and care

God Covers You – Good News for Us

So when we face shattered pieces and people around us, know that God is covering you with His shadow. This is news our world needs. It is the hope that anchors us. It is the message He wants you to carry and proclaim…

God says:

I will abide. My love will remain. My grace and mercy will be poured out. Forgiveness will be found because I AM is faithful. Abide in me, and I in you (John 15).

What does Abide mean to you, and how do you need His close presence today?

Will you remain under the covering of His shadow?

A Prayer to Watch How We Live..Laura Bailey

 A Prayer to Watch How We Live

By Laura Bailey

“Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” - 1 Timothy 4:16, NLT 

Have you ever heard the saying, “Do as I say, not as I do?” I always struggled to follow the suggestion, advice, or perhaps even command of a teacher or leader with that mindset. Those in authority shouldn't only talk the talk; they have the high responsibility and honor of walking the walk. 

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he provides these words of wisdom: “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16).” In the letter, Paul offered numerous warnings about false teachers, gave Timothy instructions on dealing with people in the church, and provided general advice. But, here we see that Paul called Timothy to hold himself to a standard of godliness, that no matter what is going around him, Timothy must pay close attention to how he lived out his faith. Why was this important then, and why is the way we live so important now? Because Timothy was responsible for teaching and leading the church, his actions could quickly draw or deter people from Christ.

How we live matters.

As Christians and representatives of Jesus Christ, we are responsible for taking stock of our actions and heart motivations. Especially those of us who teach the Scriptures, lead, pastor, disciple, or mentor other believers. While only God can offer the free gift of salvation, how we live can influence others to draw closer or turn away from the gospel.

There will undoubtedly be times that we falter, make mistakes, and choose the things of this world over God; Paul does not imply we lead perfect lives. Instead, Paul is encouraging Timothy, as well as us today, to “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5), to “live not as the unwise but wise” (Ephesians 5:15-17) and “live a life worthy of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:27-30)  And when we fall short, may we quickly confess our sins privately and perhaps publicly, when necessary, seeking forgiveness and redemption. 

As God’s chosen people, we are called to bring Him glory in all we say and do. Instead of saying do as I say, not as I do, may we be people who say what Paul said, "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). May we live in such a way that people can’t help to ask about the Lord? Let our lives be living sacrifices to the Lord (Romans 12:1), choosing to think more about others than ourselves, giving God alone the glory.

Let us pray:
 
Heavenly Father, words can never express our deep gratitude that “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, (Romans 5:8).
We are so undeserving of your grace and mercy, not just for salvation, but every day. Lord, we ask that you soften our hearts to think more of others than we do ourselves. Oh, how difficult it is sometimes to lay down our selfish desires, to sacrifice for others, and forgo certain things, but we ask that we do whatever it takes to draw people closer to You.

Help us be the salt of the earth, light in the dark places. Convict us when our actions and words of our mouths don’t match our faith. For those who teach, strengthen them, and guide them to share the Scriptures with spirit and truth, Lord. Abba, Father, we plead with you to open the hearts of friends, family members, children, and all those who don’t know you as Lord and Savior. We desire that none should perish, but all would come to you. Guide our conversations, and lead us in our work and everyday lives. 

We love you, Lord, and desire to be your workmanship, to share the Good News, by living in a way that points to Christ. You alone are worthy of worship and glory; forgive us when we put other things ahead of You and Your will.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.