ASH WEDNESDAY MEDITATION

Matthew 6:1-16

Have you ever thought about what fasting means?  We break fast each morning.  We may do a 12-hour fast for some medical tests, but spiritually, what is fasting?

Fasting is the setting aside of something (it isn't necessarily always food) so that we may intentionally and intensely focus on GOD.  In the Bible, people fasted during times of trouble and grief, when they were seeking God's will and guidance, or when they were struggling with their own sin.  Jesus fasted in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry, death and resurrection.

Fasting is about the deepening of our relationship with GOD.  It is not a burden to be moaned and graned about.  It is not a way of earning spiritual brownie points with GOD or to brag about our own spirituality and righteousness.  All of these behaviors take the focus off GOD and puts it on us.

Fasting is an act of worship that is a result of our belief in the promises of GOD and the Gospel.  Yes, iut does cause discomfort -- sometimes both physically, emotionally and spiritually -- as we confront our self-centered desires and their roots.

Yet, it does give us the opportunity to further develop the fruits of the Spirit of love, humility and self-control -- and always, always to experience grace.

Fasting is an exchange.  As we consider what we will "give up for lent," what will we replace it with?

If we give up a certain kind of food, what about using the craving as a reminder to pray.  What about using the money we would have spent on that food to do some good in the name of Christ?

If we decide to fast one meal a week, how will we spend that time with GOD?

If we give up an activity, like an hour of screen time a day, how could we use that time in loving GOD through our physical and spiritual self-care, or loving our neighbor through encouragement and service?

Fasting is sacrificial living that results in a deeper, more meaningful relationship with GOD through Christ and a deeper appreciation for the costliness of the gift of grace which has redeemed us through Christ.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CHRISTIANS AND COFFEE BEANS

Image
1 Peter 1:17-23 John 17:14-19 Potatoes, eggs or coffee beans? Which are Christians called to be? We're going to find out as we explore what it means to be “in the world but not of the world” in today's message, “Christians and Coffee Beans.” Put three pots of water on to boil. When the water begins to boil, put some potatoes in one, eggs in another pot, and coffee beans in the third point. Boil for 20 minutes The potatoes went into the pot hard. After boiling in the hot water, they are now soft, easily broken up and mashed. The eggs, with their fragile shells and soft centers, are also changed. They are now hard-boiled. The coffee beans are different. While they look the same as they did when they were put into the water, they have transformed the water. The water has taken on the smell, taste and color of the coffee Jesus was not of this world, yet he came into the world to redeem the world by his death and resurrection an...
Read more

OATHS -- GONE WITH THE WIND?

Image
Leviticus 19:11-12 Matthew 5:33-37 Even if we've never seen the movie, Gone with the Wind, we're probably familiar with Scarlett O'Hara's oath. Framed by the sunset, Scarlet raises her fist in defiance and says, “As God is my witness, I will never be hungry again!” In today's passage from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus leads us into a new understanding of oaths and profanity. Did the character, Scarlett O’Hara in the movie, Gone with the Wind , take the Lord’s name in vain when she made her famous oath? “As God is my witness, as God is my witness, they’re not going to lick me. I’m going to live through this and when it’s all over, I’ll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. If I have to lie, steal, cheat or kill. As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again. Leviticus 19:11-12 tells us not to take oaths, make promises that profane the Lord’s name, that is take the Lord’s name in vain. Scarlett’s oath is a profane ...
Read more

ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER

Image
"...  and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds...  " --  Hebrews 10:24  ( Amplified Bible) "Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing."  -- I Thessalonians 5:11 (NRSV)       To encourage means to:   give support, confidence, or hope to someone; give support and advice to someone to help them do or continue to do something; thelp stiulate development.  Encourage and building each other up go hand in hand.  Here are some ways we can encourage and build each other up which will in turn help us become healthy, thriving churches. 1.  Have high regards, great respect and favorable thoughts for each other. 2.  Be thoughtful and intentional when you speak.  Consider where someone is coming from and choose wisely your words. 3.  Be gracious.  When someone makes a mistake, be quick to forgive...
Read more