July 18, 2016 - FASTING

Day 200 - Leviticus Monday (chapters 16-18)

“It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict yourselves.” (Leviticus 16:31 ESV)

In the Old Testament God commanded only one annual fast on the Day of Atonement. While we are not commanded to fast today, it is still a great way to stay close to Him. However, we do not have to follow Jesus’ example of 40 days.

HOW YOU MIGHT FAST

“Consider fasting for a meal or two before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. Spend your extra time studying God’s word and singing Communion hymns.

Fasting during Lent can be a wonderful way to remember the perfect obedience of Christ and His sacrifice for your salvation. Money spent on food may be donated to the poor.

You might follow this routine for a daylong fast: 
(1) rise before dawn and eat breakfast; 
(2) examine yourself as you would prior to partaking in the Lord’s Supper; 
(3) offer your life to God in penitent prayer; 
(4) go about your day, breaking your fast at evening.

If you are diabetic, fasting could be hazardous. Check with your doctor. Do not consider fasting as a dieting program.

If abstaining from food is not possible, consider abstaining from something else. For example, turn off your television and spend time in prayer and study of God’s Word.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 185)

Lord God, help me to learn to spend time with you in prayer and the study of Your Word. And if fasting is something You want me to do, bless me in that endeavor too. Amen. 

May the Lord be with you today and always!

Pastor David Paape 

The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based.  http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf