FAITH JOURNAL

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good , for those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

This is one of the most difficult passages to obey because this requires our heart to believe and walk in it. Our feelings get in the way when we don’t understand why things happen the way they do. Or, when relationships don’t work out, or you don’t get the job you want or your hectic schedule seems to keep you from doing what you want seems to NOT work together for the "good."

Why God would allow pain and suffering or when conflicts at work keeps us up at nights. Or when marriage life is starting to become more of a chore than “marriage.” Even having children and doing all that you can for your child seems to take a life burden. You love them and God gave them to you but when life is out of control or busy, it seems that you can’t see how God can work things out for the “good.”

You have to ask yourself what is “good” and who defines it?

When we define “good” it doesn’t seem to look or hope the way we want that “good” to look. To be honest most people don’t really know what that “good” is. I think that is the issue in most cases. It is we ourselves that define what “good” is and that “good” doesn't always work out the way we hope and it seems like it’s beyond our control. For many of us, this "goodness" that we create on our own, seems to break apart when life conflicts come our way.

This is the reason why God first tells us in order for that “good” to be “good” we must “love God.”  Jesus’ first two commandments are for us to “Love Him” with all our hearts, soul, and mind” (Luke 10:27).

God wants to give us the “good” but He requires us to “Love Him” beyond anything else.

When Eunice brought up her article (Something to Consider: Does the Bible contradict itself?) on Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother …, he cannot be my disciple” the word “hate” had a unique understanding. She wrote, “.. the strong word choice here was deliberate and used on a comparative basis in order to show just how great the difference must be between our devotion to Jesus and our devotion to to everyone and everything else.”

So when God is saying “Love Him” or setting a devotion to Him beyond all else first means for us to prioritize God first. Meaning that when you set God as first before you do anything else or that when life issues come your way, you seek Him first and ask God about all your concerns.

It means for us to talk to Him first before talking to others  about life issues. In order for us to know what “good” is we have to speak to the one who is the giver of all that we know to be true and “good.”  When we do this and give devotion to Him then what we thought was our own “good” is nothing in comparison to what God’s “goodness” is for us.

We can only see possibly one step ahead of us but God sees a 100 feet in the front, back and the side. We can only see what we see but God sees us in all different directions. And this is where we have to “trust” in God who sees us in all our direction of life.  

This is why when scripture tells us “And we ‘know’ that for those who love God…” the word “know” means that we have a relationship with God on a daily basis. Without the relationship we will not know how “all” things can work together for “good." God not only shows us what "good" is for us but He also sees the "greater good" 100 feet in front, back and the side of us. Things we cannot see, He will see for us when our devotion is given to Him.

So God will turn and make something “good” from the “bad” situations of our lives when we walk in that “trust” in Him through a relationship that does not waiver but steadfast. We must do our part in loving God first and He will surely make everything work out according to His purpose and plan for you.

Even if you're rushing off to work, school or whatever you're doing, take a time and spend a few moments with the Lord. Prioritize Him first and you will witness the “goodness” of His work in you.

Blessings,
Pastor Joseph

For many believers, the validity of the Bible may be an unquestionable aspect. For them, it is a true and everlasting guide on how to live life because the very backbone behind it, an all-knowing and all-powerful God, is without blemish and carries all wisdom and power (Psalm 19:7). It is assumed that every word in the Bible has been placed to perfection for the benefit of those who choose to believe in it because every word was breathed out by God (2 Timothy 2:18).

However, some may be skeptical or outright disagree with the validity of the Bible due to supposed contradictions. The following statement is a conclusion drawn by the

American Atheists association :

“What is incredible about the Bible is not its divine authorship; it’s that such a concoction of contradictory nonsense could be believed by anyone to have been written by an omniscient god. To do so, one would first have to not read the book, which is the practice of most Christians; or, if one does read it, dump in the trash can one’s rational intelligence –– to become a fool for god, in other words.”

These are some very strong claims that can be burdensome for any Christian to address– no matter what point of their spiritual journey they are in. It may make you wonder: Does the Bible really have contradictions? How can it be trustworthy if it does?

To set a foundation of what we’re unpacking, a contradiction is defined as “a proposition, statement, or phrase that asserts or implies both the truth and falsity of something.” In other words, the statement alone must declare that something is either true or false; it cannot be both. The atheist association provides several examples of so-called Bible contradictions on its website and, when the logic above is applied, the excerpts do seem contradictory on surface level.

The following verses are listed under the “Family Relationships” section:

“Honor thy father and thy mother…” Exodus 20:12

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26

The first verse comes from the Old Testament and it lists one of ten commandments God gave to the Israelites through Moses. The commandments were given to the chosen people of God as guidelines on how to conduct themselves as a group completely set apart from the rest of the world. The word “honor,” or “kabad” in Hebrew, can also be interpreted as glorify, respect, prize, or to show reverence. This command firstly encourages familial stability but, when the rest of the verse that wasn’t included on the website is taken into account, it’s also an example of how God promises goodness and restoration for those who make the choice to obey and follow Him.

When we honor and respect our parents, God says that our “days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). The Lord wasn’t giving His people commandments for His own enjoyment, nor to try and take control over them. All of God’s commands were made in His people’s best interest and He desires to bless and reward them as they make the decision to obey.

The second verse fast forwards to the New Testament when Jesus is addressing great crowds that have accumulated as a result of experiencing His healings and miracles. In this verse, Jesus is making it very clear to this large group of people that following Him is not an easy journey. We must be willing to lay everyone and everything down to be His disciple, even our own selves. Jesus should be our number one priority and all other relationships should be of lower importance.

“Miseó,” the Greek word for “hate,” can also be interpreted as love less or esteem less. It can be confusing to think that Jesus used such a strong word, especially because it is more widely known that Jesus’ main message throughout His ministry was to love our neighbors and enemies (Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 5:44). However, the strong word choice here was deliberate and used on a comparative basis in order to show just how great the difference must be between our devotion to Jesus and our devotion to everyone and everything else. The verse also does not explicitly mention mothers and fathers (as Exodus 20:12 reads) but everyone else as well.

Luke 14:27 further raises the stakes of what it truly takes to follow Jesus by comparing it to bearing a cross– which ultimately leads to death on a cross. This is a call for those who desire to be Jesus’ disciples to surrender all self-seeking ambitions and interests until one’s life comes to an end. Although these points seem surprising and harsh, Jesus was graciously revealing the whole truth about following Him fully, and how we can do so, to avoid any confusion about what it means or doesn’t mean to follow Him. In essence, Jesus was directing His disciples to prioritize God above all else.

In the simplest way possible, Exodus 20:12 refers to a God-given command on how we should treat our parents, with respect and honor, while Luke 14:26 refers to where our priorities should lie as a follower of Jesus.

As you can see from this article alone, an analysis to truly understand the context of two verses takes much more effort than to just read them and make snap judgements. My hope and prayer is that when anyone is faced with opposition or accusations related to the Word, the first inclination would not be to get discouraged, but to be motivated to dive deeper into the Word and seek the Lord for guidance and discernment. Questions like these should not bring about more doubt, but be used as an opportunity to be more intimate with God and build your faith. When we desire to understand God’s Word more and make the effort to do so, He will surely guide you and provide understanding (Proverbs 1:5).

Here are some points to keep in mind if you are ever faced with the statement “The Bible is full of contradictions” or if you don’t know where to start in your journey to understand the Word on a deeper level:

• Ask the other person for specific instances in the Bible where there are contradictions. If they can provide specific examples, ask them if they are willing to search for the deeper context within each verse to have a better understanding.

• Start your quiet time or research of the Word with a prayer. God wants us to learn more about Him and know His truth (James 1:5). There is immense power in simply asking the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you understanding as you read.

• If you are stuck or confused on a specific verse, start by asking yourself the 5 W’s: who, what, when, where, why? These simple questions can help you learn more about where and how that verse fits on the timeline of God’s Word.

• In the 66 books of the Bible written by 40 different authors over the course of 1,500 years, they all proclaim the one true God and only one way to salvation. Though each author wrote with their own unique writing styles and personalities, they recorded exactly what God intended. The differences in writing styles or emphasis are not the same as contradictions. All the authors’ unique emphasis are all streamlined to give a cohesive connection about God.  

Some more things to consider:

• Have you ever come across verses in the Bible that were confusing or seemingly contradictory?

• What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and His Word?

• How can you encourage those around you to analyze the Bible in a deeper way?

SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 19:7 (ESV)

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;”

2 Timothy 2:18 (ESV)

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Exodus 20:12 (ESV)

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

Luke 14:26-27 (ESV)

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple,”

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 5:44 (ESV)

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Proverbs 1:5 (ESV)

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”

James 1:5 (ESV)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

“Something to Consider” is a thought-process through the lens of the Bible, helping believers

process current issues pertaining to the culture of our time.

Eunice Sung
Journalist
“Fervently seeking God for His truth to be revealed, only by His grace and strength.”
sungeunice16@gmail.com

What is Fasting?

It will be helpful to begin our discussion by providing a definition for fasting. What is fasting? Fasting refers to the practice of intentionally and willingly refraining/abstaining from food, beverages, or both for a determined amount of time to instead focus on, work towards, or achieve a desired result, outcome, or goal.

 

What is not included in the biblical definition or meaning of “fasting”?

The call to Biblical fasting is not about refraining from using the internet, social media, television, video games, electronic devices or any other sort of entertainment, routine, or fun activity. Escaping, refraining, or abstaining from these other things for a period may be helpful to one’s spiritual health and growth, however this is not the same as the call to biblical fasting; these actions are in the biblical category that include the call to “deny” self (Luke 9:23; Mark 8:34; Matthew 16:24) and the call to “lay aside every weight” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

May we not make the mistake of confusing the meaning of biblical fasting with the meaning of these other actions or spiritual disciplines. Biblical fasting specifically involves the abstaining from food and beverages; these other acts of self-denial are also very important and can be helpful additions to or work in conjunction with the practice of biblical fasting, but they must not be defined as the discipline of biblical fasting.

If you are led by the Lord to also deny yourself from music, television, social media, or any other thing, then let it be specifically a refraining from those types of entertainment and activities that are not of God. The Bible teaches us that: “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything” (1st Corinthians 6:12). Ungodly entertainment and activity distract and deter our hearts and minds away from the Lord and they prevent us from being sensitive to or even hearing clearly from the Lord. Especially while participating in a time of fasting led by the Lord, the type of entertainment that we enjoy, read, listen, watch, and participate in should be about and honoring to the Lord ( The goal is not to tune the world out or turn the world off, but to cultivate and nurture an environment in your life and activity that enables you to better hear from the Lord, through His word and through prayer. The Bible, Christian worship/praise songs, Christian books, etc.. are important resources to utilize to grow and strengthen our relationship with the Lord. May we be reminded: “ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  (Philippians 4:8)”  

 

What are Four Main Types of Fasting found in Bible?

 

(Please Note: it is recommended that you please seek a medical professional/physician if you are uncertain about starting a fasting journey)

 

1.       Full/Complete/Comprehensive Fasting

This type of fasting involves the intentional refraining/abstaining from both food and beverages for a prolonged amount of time (for days or weeks). This fast includes no foods or beverages.

 

 

Biblical Examples :  Nehemiah 1:4 // Ester 4:1-17 // 1st Samuel 31:13 // 2nd Samuel 12:15-23 // 1st Chronicles 10:12 // Luke 2:36-38 // Acts 9:9-19 // Acts 13:1-3 // Acts 14:19-23

 

For those who are medically healthy and able to participate in a Full Fast (from all foods and all beverages), this is the suggested plan for fasting. The only beverage that may be allowed (if needed) is water; it is NOT biblical fasting or a biblical approach to drink any other fluid or beverage or mixture besides plain and clean water.

 

2.       Partial/Selective/Specific Fasting

This type of fasting involves the intentional refraining/abstaining from specific/certain types of food and beverages for a determined amount of time (for days or weeks). This fast includes only vegetables and water , but no other foods or beverages.

 

Biblical Examples : Daniel 1:8-21 // Daniel 10:2-3

 

For those who are beginners to fasting, those who are still nursing, those who have severe medical conditions, or those who have dietary restrictions, or those who are elderly, this Partial Fast is the suggested or recommended plan for fasting; this is a lighter strenuous course for fasting. The only beverage that may be allowed is water; it is NOT biblical fasting or a biblical approach to drink any other fluid or beverage or mixture besides plain and clean water.

 

To provide more specific guidance regarding the Daniel Fast : All meats and animal products are prohibited (meat, eggs, fish, dairy, etc), as are sweeteners prohibited (any added sugar, natural sweeteners like honey or agave, etc), no caffeine, no alcohol, no solid fats, no yeast, no additives, and no processed foods. The Daniel Fast generally includes vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes, seeds, nuts, and water.

 

3.       Intermittent/Alternating/Occasional Fasting

This type of fasting involves the intentional refraining/abstaining from both food and beverages for a determined amount of time each day or for specific days out of the week. Intermittent fasting , for example, includes consuming one meal a day.

 

Biblical Examples : 1st Samuel 7:6 // 2nd Samuel 1:11-12 // Judges 20:26 // Luke 18:12 // Acts 10:30

 

Please note : the portion size for this one meal per day must be the typical and regular portion size that you would normally eat for that meal. Water is the only beverage that is recommended for this fasting plan.

4.       Supernatural/ Miraculous Fasting

This type of fasting involves the intentional refraining/abstaining from all foods, beverages, and water for a prolonged amount of time ( for weeks ). This fast includes no foods, water, or beverages.

 

Biblical Examples : Deuteronomy 9:9 // 1st Kings 19:8 // Matthew 4:1-2

(Please Note: this type of fasting is NOT being recommended)

What are some reasons for Fasting?

There are two main reasons why people may decide to practice fasting. People may practice fasting for religious (spiritual) reasons/purposes or for non-religious (non-spiritual) reasons/purposes. An example of a non-religious reason why people may practice fasting is to seek after physical health benefits: weight loss, body detoxification/cleansing, etc. However, in this article we will discuss the practice of fasting for religious (spiritual) reasons/purposes. Many people practice fasting for religious reasons; however, for a follow of Christ, it is very important for us to approach fasting from a Biblical perspective by going to the Bible to help us understand and participate in this spiritual discipline and practice in a way that brings honor, praise, and glory to the Lord.

 

The practice of fasting in the Bible is often accompanied by prayer and is usually associated with times of worship ( Luke 2:36-38 ), mourning (2nd Samuel 1:11-12; Nehemiah 1:4; Ester 4:1-3; Joel 2:12-17), repentance (1st Samuel 7:6; Daniel 9:1-19; Jonah 3:1-10), deep spiritual need (2nd Samuel 12:15-23; Psalm 69:10; Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29; Acts 9:9) or seeking the Lord for wisdom/guidance/direction/strength/confirmation regarding an important decision, situation, event, or journey (Ezra 8:21-23; Ester 4:4-17, Matthew 4:1-2; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:19-23)

 

Should believers practice Fasting Today?

To help us in our journey to gain a better understanding about Biblical Fasting, a very critical point must be introduced into our discussion. In Matthew 6:5-15 , Jesus gives instructions for praying in a way that brings honor, praise, and glory to the Lord. In this passage, Jesus uses a specific phrase that is so instrumental and vital to our understanding of this entire portion of Scripture regarding prayer; Jesus uses the phrase “ when you pray ” three times (in verse 5, verse 6, and again in verse 7). Jesus did not say ‘If you pray’ or ‘just in case you pray’ or any other phrase such as these, but instead he said: “ when you pray ” . By using this phrase, Jesus is teaching us that prayer should be an expected, a normal and a regular part of our life as followers of Christ; a life of prayer is not to be rare and optional in the life of a believer.

 

This idea is not new or foreign to the teachings of Jesus, it was included in what is known as his ‘Sermon on the Mount’ (Matthew 5, 6 and 7); In this teaching, Jesus also uses the phrase “ when you give ” twice (Matthew 6:1-4) and “ when you fast ” twice (Matthew 6:16-18). The healthy practice of giving, prayer and fasting should be an expected, a normal and a regular reality and discipline in the life of a follower of Christ. Jesus gives instructions, helps us understand, and provides us with guidance on how we must exercise these lifestyle spiritual disciplines in a way that brings honor, praise, and glory to the Lord.

 

When should we Fast?

Fasting is not to be viewed as a rare occurrence or an optional practice in the life of a believer in Christ. An awesome portion of Scripture that points to the necessity of the spiritual discipline of fasting in the life of the believer is found in Matthew 9:14-17; the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast ?” (Emphasis added). Whether these men knew it or not, they were making a very insightful and perspective observation; as they watched, examined, and studied the behavior and lifestyle of the disciples that were devoted followers of Jesus, they noticed and realized that Jesus’ disciples did not engage in the spiritual discipline of fasting at all. Jesus’ response to them was a lesson for them and is a very important reminder for us today as well. Jesus replied: “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast ” (emphasis added). Jesus’ disciples had no need for fasting because He (the Christ, God present in human form) was physically there with them and all they needed was physically present, available, and accessible within and through Christ.

 

A parallel account of this event is found in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 2:18-22) where Jesus’ reply to the same question was made even clearer : “ Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast .   The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day ” (emphasis added). Therefore, Jesus prepared and provided them with the understanding that when He would no longer be physically present with them, then and only then will they have need for the spiritual discipline of fasting as a regular and normal part of their life and ministry.

 

We find a third account of this event in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 5:33-39) and we find another observation regarding the disciples of John the Baptist. Luke 5:33-34 says: “ And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink. And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will  fast in those days ” (emphasis added). They were coming to examine and investigate to see if Jesus was the true Messiah and the one that John the Baptist had been preparing them for. It appears that the disciples of John the Baptist (who along with John the Baptist had been awaiting and preparing for the arrival of Christ’s 1st Coming) were taught that fasting was to be an expected, a regular and a normal part of their life and lifestyles. May I be so bold as to suggest that we (The disciples of Christ of today ) should have lives and lifestyles where we “ fast often and offer prayers ” as we await and prepare to meet the Lord, Christ, and King at His 2nd Coming.

 

What is the Main Purpose of Biblical Fasting?

The Bible teaches that: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord  weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2). Furthermore, the Bible explains that: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:25). Left only to ourselves, with our plans, our will, our way, etc.. (without God) leads only to wrong decisions, harm, destruction, and death. We are all called by Scripture to: “ Trust in the Lord  with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord , and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8) . When we hear the admonition and warning to “turn away from evil”, we rarely realize or receive the understanding that in God’s sight: engaging in our own decisions without Him, our activities without Him, our deeds without him, our plans without Him, our ideas without Him, our will with Him, and refusing to “acknowledge him” in all our ways is seen by God as ‘sin’ and as “evil.” The spiritual discipline of prayer is so beneficial in helping us navigate through our decisions; but we must not forget that God has also given us the spiritual gift of fasting to equip and prepare us as well.

 

The main purpose for participating in the spiritual discipline and practice of biblical fasting is for it to be an act of complete surrender to Lord and humbling of self to seek after the Lord’s heart, His thoughts, His mind, His purposes, His perspective, His will, and His plan in any situation and through any circumstance. The Bible teaches us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1st Peter 5:5; 2nd Samuel 22:28). We must always remember the Lord’s declaration, He proclaims: “ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord . For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

 

The Bible teaches us that “ Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do” (1st Corinthians 8:8). Therefore, fasting is not a way for us to earn or pay for anything from God. Fasting is not about trying to manipulate or control God. Fasting will not make God to do anything that is outside of His will or His character. Biblical Fasting is about surrender, being changed by God and coming into agreement with God’s plan; it is about being spiritually prepared, equipped and empowered to carry out your role in His divine plan and purposes. The spiritual discipline of Fasting is a gift from the Lord; He has given us this as way to help us in becoming spiritual prepared/positioned, in humbling ourselves, focusing our attention on the Lord, enhancing our sensitivity to spiritual truths/realities for any situation, and empowering us to come into agreement with God’s Will with the right motives and perspectives from the heart. (Ex: Ezra 8:21-23; Psalm 35:13; Romans 6:12; Romans 8:12-17)

 

How should we be Fasting?

Jesus teaches us that when we fast, it can be a challenging journey, but it should not be viewed by the believer as a burden or duty. Fasting is a privilege that we get to experience and participate in as a form of worship in spirit and in truth to the Lord. In the passage that we discussed above (Matthew 6:16-18), Jesus explains to us that we must not let how we practice the discipline of fasting be physically or outwardly obvious in such a way that it shows any attention seeking behavior or is being done to “be seen by others”. We are not called to fasting so that we can get approval, recognition, respect, or praise from other people. Also, Jesus teaches us that when we fast , we must do so in such a way that it is honoring and pleasing in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. We must be mindful of the motive and condition of our hearts and let that be reflective in the quality care that we have for ourselves (both inwardly and outwardly) during our time of fasting. God will reward those who practice fasting in a biblical way that honors Him and brings glory to His Name.

 

We invest a significant amount of time each day on the activity of eating and drinking. We spend a considerable amount of time making choices about food and beverages, in the purchasing, moving, deciding, planning, preparing, sharing, enjoying, distributing, partaking, eating, drinking, packing, storing, and everything else that is involved with activity of eating and drinking. Biblical Fasting provides us with the opportunity to redirect and use our desire to satisfy our physical hunger as a catalyst or internal heart cry to choose instead to satisfy our spiritual hunger and desire for the Lord. Instead of receiving your physical energy and strength from eating and drinking, chose instead to seek spiritual energy and strength from the Lord.

 

Moses teaches us about the Lord, reminding us by saying: “ And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord ” (Deuteronomy 5:3). Moreover, Jesus proclaims that: “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4). The act of fasting is a physical, mental and a spiritual journey. During your time of fasting, instead of choosing to fill up your stomach with food and beverages, you will choose instead to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-21) and fill up on the Word of God (Colossians 3:16-17). The goal is to focus and seek the Lord when your physical body feels hungry. Jesus reminds us that we are to “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41). Do not surrender or cave into the temptation of the physical food, but instead enjoy and consume more of the spiritual food/nourishment that flows from God’s word. When you fast , physical hunger can be overcome and satisfied by letting your spiritual hunger be satisfied and fulfilled in the Lord.

 

When you fast, prayer is key and plays an important role in helping you remain faithful, strengthened, and consistent with the decision and conviction that Lord impresses upon your heart before, during and after your time of fasting. The spiritual disciplines of both Prayer and Fasting are especially amazing when practiced together. Biblical fasting helps to focus our prayers, cultivate an undivided heart/mind, strengthen our confidence/faith in God and intensify our determination to seek the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Biblical fasting helps to renew our reliance and dependance upon the Lord and His Word. Jesus reminds us to: “ ...seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

 

May we never forget: “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)

 

May we proclaim with the Lord Jesus: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work” (John 4:34).

 

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1st Corinthians 10:31).

 

At all times, but especially during the time of fasting, may we be mindful to rely on Christ to fulfill all our needs, now and forevermore. Amen (Philippians 4:19 ).  

What is the will of God for you?

What is the will of God for you in this season of life or what is the will of God for your work, relationship, finance, and so on? Especially when you have to make a decision or plan things out in life. Many believers are wanting to know what is the will of God for me ?

We know what Jesus said about the greatest commands or two great obedience we must do, “Love God and love your neighbor” ( Matthew 22:34-40 ). We also know the desire of God, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” ( John 3:16 ). We also know that God has given every follower of Jesus the “Great Commission” or the highest priority of assignment above all other assignments, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …” ( Matthew 28:18 ).

 

What then is the will of God?

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

So, another way of saying this is, “Not everyone who says, ‘Jesus, Jesus,’ will enter the God’s kingdom but the one who ‘does’ or ‘obey’s’ the will of God , desire, or plan of God will enter heaven.” There is much to unpack just within this one verse and in the entirety of 21-23, because these same people have also prophesied in Jesus name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name (v. 22) but will not enter the kingdom of heaven. These people did supernatural works in Jesus’ name, yet Jesus himself says, “And then will declare to them, ‘I never knew you ; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (v. 23) and continues with, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).

The word, “knew you” means a deep relationship or intimate relationship, meaning these people did miracles under Jesus’ name, but they didn’t have a deep relationship with God. Jesus’ will is for us to have a deep relationship with Him above ALL else and Jesus knows you personally when you “obey” His words. When you “obey” His words, then your house will be built upon the rock.

The parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21:28-32 , gives us a clear picture of what it means to do the will of God.

28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘ I will not ,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went . 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘ I go , sir,’ but did not go . 31 Which of the two did the will of his father ?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him .

 

This is a very powerful illustration of the will of God. The Father gives the first son a command “ go and work in the vineyard ” but like many of us in the beginning, we don’t follow God’s command initially like loving God with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength as Jesus commanded. So, the first son says, “ I will not ” which means he is rejecting God’s Words and rebelling against God. In essence, he is sinning against God.

 

What is very interesting is in Matthew 4:17, Jesus comes on the scene and delivers his first message to the Jews, declaring, “ Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The word “ repent” means “ change of mind ” and the first son eventually repented before his father and “ went ” meaning he eventually “ obeyed ” his father’s word.

 

Many of us associate the word “repent” with being “sorry” and because of guilt or shame, or that we sin (rebellion against God), we “repent” and we “repent” each time we sin, but God is not asking us to say, “sorry,” He is wanting us to change our mind.

 

Why? and What is the difference?

When we apologize or say sorry, it impacts one particular behavior or instance, but when we “repent,” or “change our mind,” our entire perspective of all sins changes direction. Our projection and direction of our soul (identity) heads towards heaven and the Holy Spirit helps us to overcome all obstacles when we truly change our course of direction. Remember, what controls all of our body, including our emotions is our mind. When we just say, “sorry” or “apologize” we will just face another or different issues, and it becomes an unending cycle of saying, “I’m sorry.” We don’t overcome or change, but “change of mind” takes us on a new perspective because our mind is headed in a new direction.

 

When we “ change our mind ” we’re able to move our entire mind towards the light. We were projected towards darkness, but with the true heart of “repentance” God helps us turn to the light “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Changing our mind helps us to see the mind of Christ, which would in turn help us see God’s truth. This is how repentance works, by changing our mind, we change the direction of our walk, and as more steps are taken towards God, we see more of Him. The more we see God, and as we walk closer to Him, we can hear God’s voice clearly.

 

Thus verse 30 makes sense about the condition of our heart in doing God’s will, “And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘ I go , sir,’ but did not go .” The other son clearly did not move or obey on the father’s command. In other words, we can say with our lips, I believe in Jesus and even read the bible, but don’t actually follow or do what God says, then we will never understand the will of God. Moreover, James 1:22 tells us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

 

Once we “change our mind” through God’s working in our hearts, we desire and want to seek, follow and obey His words. “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” ( 1 John 5:14 ).

 

The only way we can know God’s Will is for us to repent to God and have the confidence and assurance through our prayers that heaven will hear us.

 

So, in closing of knowing God’s Will

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Repentance will change the course of your direction, and it will change your life. Once you begin your journey of obedience to His will through God’s Words, you will hear His voice and you will have freedom to do His will.