13/12/2019 - ACCEPTABLE DAY TO THE LORD

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Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord? Isaiah 58:5

To know the fasting chosen by God will save us time in useless acts that force us to do things against the Father’s will. Understand: fasting can result in something good if it is done according to the Lord´s guidance. Now, nothing that man does for himself pleases the Most High; he needs the Holy Spirit´s guidance. Never do anything contrary to Scripture. God will help you if you are faithful to Him!

The Lord does not need His children to almost “kill” themselves by fasting so much, because without His guidance, human works are of no value. The good examples given in the Bible should be imitated, as in the case of Daniel. Just as he was protected by God, so will you. But if the task has been initiated by man, it will never belong to the Lord. God knows everything, and when He tells us to consecrate ourselves, He knows the need for such.

The Lord’s appointed fasting is for the good of His work, the consecration of our lives, and the freedom we so much need. No matter your pain; for it to go out, open your heart to the Most High and tell Him of your actions. At this time, if you are in sin but honest before Him, your heavenly Father will tell you what to do. No doubt the fasting to be done will never come from your mind, but from God.

Our soul need not be afflicted but delivered from every affliction. Allow the Most High to lead your way, and you will become the person He wants to bless. Surely He will do so as long as the purpose is the one revealed by the Holy Spirit. Walking in the presence of God is more important than constantly repeating prayers or giving uninterrupted glory. The Lord wishes to rejoice your soul with His presence.

We bow our heads as a sign of submission to God, but He wants to lift it up. Your desire to go into a period of fasting and prayer in order to prepare for ministry surely came from Heaven. But if such consecration was made to pressure the Lord for more blessings, it will be of no avail. God abhors evil intentions and made up justifications, for  they are not foreseen in the Holy Book.

In the Old Testament, people used to wear sackcloth’s during fasting; thus they would be seen wailing over something and with ashes on their heads, they would receive the pity of others. In the New Testament, it is quite different. Jesus taught that we should put oil on our head so that no one notices that we are fasting (Matthew 6: 17,18). God sees in secret and in secret He also answers us.

Our fasting must be pleasing to the Almighty. The time for crying is over and the time for joy has come. Therefore, we are pleased to serve Him, and in His delight He strengthens us. Remember: the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares