True fasting!

 True fasting!

Isaiah 58:6-7

“The kind of fasting I want is this: remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. When you call me, I will respond. 

For a long time I have fasted at the beginning of every year. I will always start my new year doing the 21 day fast of Daniel. I always believe in the importance of fasting and praying. These are crucial in the Christian life. Your prayers don't need to be perfect; pour out your heart to him instead. 

Every year people make so many New Year's resolutions. There is nothing in the bible that speaks for or against making New Year's resolutions. As the New Year is about to begin the subject of making resolutions and new goals always seem to come front and center. “The heart of the man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” Proverbs 16:9. We all have made promises that we haven't been able to keep. Many of these resolutions turn out to be something too hard to pursue after many obstacles and people rather quit halfway through. We are living very difficult times. My goal has always been Jesus' center. This year, my main goal is to get closer to God. I desire to grow in spirit and truth. I desire to try something that I call “being the change”. I don't want to be like everyone else; instead, I desire that I become that change. Year after year I have seen how cold and far from God people have become. The satisfaction of sin in people and how far we are from God each day. There is so much sugar-coated teaching and preaching. The intent of a gospel is certainly not to offend people. Words can motivate someone to do the right thing, or they can drive people away. Their main goal, without even realizing it, is to soothe the itching ears of those they are preaching or trying to teach. While offending others should never be the purpose, we do not do anyone any good by sugar-coating the truth or watering the gospel as many are doing today. We are living in the end of times. There is no time left.  Disobeying God's law and lack of fear for him will lead to a road to death. The bible clearly says: “The Love of many will grow cold”. 

The Christian life if full is a journey filled with both abundance and challenge.  “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who remains in me and I in him, he bears much fruit” (John 15:5). This year my goal is to “be the change” by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

As we all enter 2025, take a fresh look at your prayer life and uncover habits that may be holding you back from a deeper connection with God. “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Let pray,

Father God let this new year be a fruitful year. Help be a better sample to those unbelievers by having a good pure testimony in speech, conduct, love, in faith and in purity. Father help us this year to get closer to you. Father, makes us a blessing to our family. We pray that in 2025 you restore all families. Lord, bring unity. Thank you and we praise you for the gift of family life. We ask you to bless all families and to especially assist all families who are suffering because of brokenness. You always intend for family life to be a gift for us. In the name of Jesus. AMEN