Who do we really fast for?

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On my third to the last day in my study of the Old Testament, the prophet Zechariah challenged me with a question from the Lord: When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? (Zech. 7:5b).

It was then I had the conviction to reconsider my actions and decisions the past two weeks. The Lord didn't deliberately reveal to me that I, and a partner, should fast for us to be heard in our prayers, but with all my stubbornness, I thought it was the best choice for me, for that person, and for the Lord. Nevertheless, it was not pleasing to the Lord, but He was kind enough to remind me - without any reprimand at all. :)

The Lord doesn't require us to fast. Sure it can give Him glory; it is also a weapon against the forces of darkness. But the most crucial question is: Why do we fast? Do we really fast for the Lord? Do we fast for His ultimate will to be accomplished in our lives? Or do we just do it out of self-conviction and wrong, oh-so-selfish motives for us to escape sin?

Bang! It hits home.

What good does fasting do if we don't promote justice and mercy?

"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'

-Zech. 7:9-10

Who do we offer our sacrifices to if we don't recognize the authority and lordship of God?

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

-Hosea 6:6

What is there to sacrifice and to burn if we don't obey the voice of God?

 But Samuel replied: 

       "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

-1 Sam. 15:22

Yes, I was wrong. Now I'm ready to get back on track, with the right mind, right heart, and right attitude! :)


Smiles,

I love Jeremiah.

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Ever since I started doing my devotions by chapter, I've been wanting to come across the book of Jeremiah. Sadly, it took me about a year to reach the book. And now that I'm finally in the middle of it, I think the Lord has spoken to me many times through this young prophet. Everyday is a new day, and every chapter gives out a prophecy - something I have to remember for myself.

God promises us a lot of things, but only if we follow Him and abide by His ways. I always stick to the fact that SIN HINDERS BLESSINGS, so anything rightfully ours is not given to us by the Lord because of our sins and disobedience.

Jeremiah was given a very difficult task by the Lord. Instead of prophesying about God's grace and blessings, Jeremiah prophesied about God's judgment on His people - and heck, nobody believed him! They continued to blind themselves by false prophecies saying that the Lord was good even though they were bad. We should always remember that God is not just some charity or foundation - HE IS A JUST GOD - and He proclaims blessings only to those who deserve them. Likewise, He commands judgment to the unworthy ones.

This is what the LORD Almighty says:

"Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you;
they fill you with false hopes.
They speak visions from their own minds,
not from the mouth of the LORD.
They keep saying to those who despise me,
'The LORD says: You will have peace.'
And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts
they say, 'No harm will come to you.'

Jeremiah 23:16-17

We shouldn't be believing that something is from God just because it is good. Sometimes, things may look ugly in our eyes, but in God's, they are the best for us. :)


Blessings,