Mon.’s Devo - The Reason and Benfits of Fasting

Read: Is. 57:14-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Ps. 71:1-24; Pr. 24:9-10 God is a redemptive god. He lists man’s sins and rebellion then says in 57:18, “I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners.” God’s mercy knows no bounds! Isaiah 58 is known as the “fast chapter” because it explains why we fast. It is not to seem righteous and holy to others. It is to deprive yourself of a daily need so you will be compassionate toward those who are needy. Spiritually it is to break free those who have been bound under Satan’s power. So we mix fasting with prayer. Fasting clears our minds and spirits so that the light of Jesus can shine brighter through us. When we willingly do without as a fast to the Lord, then we won’t be forced to do it in famine. God will reward us then. There are other ways we please God: we don’t always do what we want to do but we honor God with calling holy what He calls holy. When we honor a day of rest and delight in the Lord, God will give us the promises of promotion and blessing. The last verse in chapter 59 is another great declaration for our families: “My spirit that is upon you, and my words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.” This is our prayer today.