Christian Living
Many people today are judged by their status through social media. Likes, shares, and views provide a sense of approval, appreciation, and acceptance. Some spend their days and nights watching their smartphones and computers, waiting for positive affirmation. But as we’re surrounded by a society which desires such attention, we cannot forget the only ‘like’ that matters.
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus shares a parable about a man traveling into a far country. He provided different talents to his servants. One servant received five talents. Another receive two. Then another one. Each servant received enough talents according to his ability.
After the man had departed, the servants with five and two talents traded and doubled what they received. However, the servant who received one talent placed his talent in the earth.
What is fasting?
Fasting is a means to mourn before the Lord and petition Him on behalf of yourself and others because of sin or oppression (demonic or human), or pending judgment.
When should you fast?
1. When you mourn over/for the life of another (due to illness, life circumstances, etc.) (2 Samuel 1:1-16, 12:16-23; Psalm 35:11-14).
2. When your heart mourns over the sin-filled state of the people (1 Samuel 7:3-17; Nehemiah 9-10; Isaiah 58:1-14; Daniel 9:1-23; Joel 2:12-27; Jonah 3:1-10).
3. To avert pending wrath or punishment of God for disobedience (1 Kings 21:17-29; Jonah 3:1-10).
4. To cast out certain demons (Matthew 17:14-21).
5. To seek help from the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:1-30).
6. To gain greater understanding and insight from the Lord (Daniel 10:1-14).
Personal Responsibilities in Fasting
1. No eating or drinking (completely or partially). Sometimes the Lord will provide specific guidance and timelines.
2. Call urgently upon the Lord (Daniel 9:1-9).
3. Repent and turn from sinfulness (Nehemiah 9:2; Isaiah 58:3-4; Jonah 3:8).
4. Humble yourself before God and man (Daniel 10:12; Isaiah 58:5).
5. Engage in good works (Isaiah 58:6-7).
6. Do not appear to others to be fasting. Fast in secret (Matthew 6:16-18).
7. Abstain from sexual intercourse (1 Corinthians 7:1-5).
After presenting his offering to the Lord, Cain was angry over the Lord’s disapproval (Genesis 3:3-5). In His interactions with Cain, the Lord provided four things that we often experience in our lives as well: Opportunity, Warnings, Punishment, and Grace.
In today’s age, many people are goal-oriented; filling up a checklist of goals and completing them as quickly as possible. Studying the Bible is often no different.
There are many times in our lives when we don’t want to be godly. We want to hate, be angry, not forgive, and be outright ugly. We want revenge and show we’re not ‘the one’ to mess around with. We allow our anger to take over and take the lead in our lives, but in these moments, we must set our sights on another way.
Regardless of what may have occurred in your life over the past year, you could probably agree that you’re not the same person. The events of the past year have shaped you into who you are today—good or bad, better or worse, you are different.
If you take a moment to think about the last year, you’ll remember some highs and lows. There may have been some challenges and some triumphs. Maybe you accomplished a long-awaited goal or failed to accomplish something you were hoping to complete. Maybe a friendship was lost. A friend or family member may have passed away. Or you experienced some tragic event.
Only God knows what the next year holds for you, but you have today.
There are times when we face difficult situations that seem overwhelming and impossible to overcome. These situations cause us to be scared, angry, and consumed with anxiety. We want to know everything will turn out alright, but we can’t see it. It seems that the opposing group is having their way. They may have the position, authority, money, and resources to be ‘victorious’ over us, but we have someone on our side that they don’t…the Lord.
How you see your life developing may be different from God’s blueprint.
1. We dream of greatness. Growing up, we often think of being a doctor, nurse, firefighter, or a professional athlete. We dream of being in front of the largest crowds, cheering fans, and living lavishly. As time and opportunities come into focus, some (if not all) of our dreams change…reality sets in.
1. You know what to expect. When you receive a box of chocolates, you expect to a delicious treat. Before opening the box, you’re already looking forward to eating some of your favorite chocolate.
In a similar fashion, the Bible is filled with many inspiring stories, messages of hope, and words of wisdom to keep us free, peaceful, and loving.
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