Devotions on F.I.R.E. Year OneНамуна

"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 (Isaiah 58:3).

Do you have seasons of fasting to accompany your prayers?

Jesus assumes that His disciples fast. He declares, "When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance" (Matthew 6:16). Observe that He says "when," and not if you fast. Unfortunately, many so-called followers of God have used fasting not to draw near to God, but to draw attention to themselves. Isaiah connects self-sacrifice with God's blessing. "If you extend your soul to the hungry," our author writes in Isaiah 58:10, "And satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday."

Employment Point: Let your fast include caring for the poor and needy, and then God will honor your prayers.