Did anybody really fast in the bible? How about Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Jesus, Paul, the apostles, various nations including the Israelites, and the New Testament church?
What about fasting in the Old Testament? There was actually a commanded day of nationwide fasting for the Jews. It was the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29-31: 23:26-32; Num. 29:7). The purpose was to remind the Jews of the sins they had committed, and God’s grace in spite of their lawless deeds. The removal of food was for the afflicting of the soul. It was a purification process. It forced God’s people to realize that they depended on Him for everything, both physical and spiritual. If one were to fully examine fasting in the Old Testament, they would find several instances in which individuals or groups did so and various reasons why: wartime, illness, enemies, death, forgiveness, uncertainty, and remembrance.
What about fasting in the New Testament? Jesus was questioned about fasting, and he taught about how to do it properly (Matt. 6:16-18, 9:14-17). He fasted for forty days before his trial in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-2). He assumed his disciples would also fast (Matt. 9:14-15). The primitive church engaged in fasting regularly (Acts 13:1-3; 14:21-23). Paul mentions it as something he engaged in often (2 Cor. 11:23-27). Reasons for fasting in the New Testament include: performing miracles, obtaining peace of mind, help in marriage relationships, missionary journeys, overcoming temptation, requests for boldness in preaching, and many more.
Why should I fast? This question seems to paramount for most people. What is the purpose? Is it commanded? If I do not fast, is it a sin of omission? The true purpose of fasting in the spiritual sense is to humble oneself. The Psalmist said, “…I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer would return to my own heart” (Psa. 35:13). When we take away the physical, we force ourselves to depend on the spiritual. We remember that God alone can give us what we need. Fasting gives birth in the Christian to a spirit of contrition and humility which God promises to bless (Isa. 57:15). It is not a question of whether or not one must fast, but rather and understanding that one should.
For how long should I fast? There is no exact time-frame for the execution of purposeful and meaningful fasting. There are biblical accounts of one day, three day, seven day and even forty day fasts. A similar question frequently considered: How often should I pray? It seems that the one who asks for a time-table is in essence working to quit. Fasting becomes effective in the same manner as does prayer. It must be done to be fully discerned. The best way to do anything effectively is to do it often. Ultimately, the frequency and length of fasting is up to the individual. But limiting fasting will not help one to understand it.
What is fasting, really? The present culture misunderstands fasting on many fronts. People rarely take the time to practice spiritually what the bible demands. When people discuss taking something away to begin a spiritual revival of self, what do they offer up? There were no reasons in the days of Christ to fast for health’s sake. People did not fast to cleanse out their digestive tract or to remove toxins. The entire concept of dieting was not present in their society. Fasting, then, was taking their sustenance away. It was not saying no to Krispy Kream donuts for a month. The biblical doctrine of fasting, as with all doctrine, becomes meaningful when it is done according to the divine scheme. One must study and observe it in its original state, practice and evaluate and try again.
Is it okay to pronounce a fast? Christ reminded his followers that fasting is not for show (Matt. 6:16-18). On the individual level, it should be between the person and God alone. But there are numerous examples in which both nations and kingdoms fasted, requesting divine involvement. Visionary leaders will realize the continued need for the church to fast today and ask for God’s providential and intervening activity. We pray for such. Fasting adds to our prayer fervent dedication toward our goal. It raises the stakes. It demands that we prove our desire for that which we are praying. It helps us take an active part in God’s solution.
Whose responsibility is it, to fast? Fasting cannot be a ritual. It cannot be forced or demanded. It is not something done to be seen of men. It takes no effect without repentance as an attachment. It remains as a spiritual opportunity. While it is not an ordinance commanded by the church, it can be of great spiritual benefit to those who are willing to make the sacrifice. The spiritual giants of the past fasted. The Son of God fasted. The early church fasted. The word of God is quick and powerful, and the Holy Spirit continues to sound forth his living message from ages before our own. Are we listening?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Difference Makers
In the heart of every person, in the very essence of their being, is the need to matter. Some people want to be loved. Some people want others to know they are loved. Some people just want to do things that will ensure they will not be forgotten. In some way or in some fashion, we all want to make a difference.
You can make a difference in words. Words of encouragement in their proper time change lives. When a young man gets up for the first time to serve in worship, the right recognition of what he has done will make him want to do it again. Most preachers will tell you that the reason why they are preaching has much to do with people who voiced a belief in their ability to minister.
You can mae a difference in actions. One of the greatest things that was ever done for me was actually done for my father. When he first lost his ability to see well, two of our neighbor's boys showed up at our house, and without even knocking, they mowed our yard. I will never forget that act of kindness. It reminded me that we had friends, and that my father was not going to go through his adjustment alone.
You can make a difference in example. People are often mistaken in thinking that you have to be well known, or somehow very prominent for your example to matter. But I can tell you that people who have had the greatest influence in my life by way of example are people who the majority of the world will never know. The person who is always kind...The person who nevers misses worship...The person who does what they say they are going to do...The person who has never and will never say something negative about somebody else...The person who is unselfish.
When I think of the passing of Jim Bill McInteer this week, I am reminded that he was a difference maker. He changed the world and helped to shape the church for the better. He did it with the right words, with the right actions, and with the right example. "...Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?" (2 Sam. 3:38).
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." ~ Matthew 5:13
You can make a difference in words. Words of encouragement in their proper time change lives. When a young man gets up for the first time to serve in worship, the right recognition of what he has done will make him want to do it again. Most preachers will tell you that the reason why they are preaching has much to do with people who voiced a belief in their ability to minister.
You can mae a difference in actions. One of the greatest things that was ever done for me was actually done for my father. When he first lost his ability to see well, two of our neighbor's boys showed up at our house, and without even knocking, they mowed our yard. I will never forget that act of kindness. It reminded me that we had friends, and that my father was not going to go through his adjustment alone.
You can make a difference in example. People are often mistaken in thinking that you have to be well known, or somehow very prominent for your example to matter. But I can tell you that people who have had the greatest influence in my life by way of example are people who the majority of the world will never know. The person who is always kind...The person who nevers misses worship...The person who does what they say they are going to do...The person who has never and will never say something negative about somebody else...The person who is unselfish.
When I think of the passing of Jim Bill McInteer this week, I am reminded that he was a difference maker. He changed the world and helped to shape the church for the better. He did it with the right words, with the right actions, and with the right example. "...Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?" (2 Sam. 3:38).
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." ~ Matthew 5:13
Monday, March 1, 2010
Proofreading
As I was driving Sunday evening down the main highway that runs through our little town, I read a billboard for a local business that made me laugh. It said, "SMART CARDS, BUY ONE GET OEN FREE." That was not my typo. That is exactly what the sign said. It was a glaring mistake. So far, to my knowledge, the sign has not yet been changed. It made me wonder if anyone has seen that sign yet and decided to purchase a "smart card."
We are human. We make many mistakes. As a preacher, I sometimes misquote a Scripture. Sometimes I use poor grammar. Sometimes I just call out the wrong text. When I write articles, the good people who work here in our office help to make them better through proofreading and adjusting. I proofread everything I write several times, and still some of the worst mistakes get through.
Being a Christian does not imply perfection. Christianity as a whole is just the opposite in some senses. Claiming Christ is a declaration of dependence. It is a recognition of one's own individual guilt. It is a plea for help, and mercy, and grace!
A large part of what it takes to be a Christian is the humility to let other people proofread your life. Elders, friends, parents, spouses, and others who truly care about you will take the time to look over the book you are writing and help you make some corrections. I used to hate when my mother would look at my schoolwork and tell me I did something wrong. Part of my problem was that I was too lazy to do anything twice. Another part was that I was too proud to accept my imperfections, or that I could try harder or do better.
As time has passed I have learned that being under authority is not a hindrance, but rather a safeguard for my soul. Our God is the chief proofreader of our lives. He is here to make what we think, what we say, and what we do, more excellent. He is helping us to write a better story.
"...I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." ~ Jeremiah 31:33
We are human. We make many mistakes. As a preacher, I sometimes misquote a Scripture. Sometimes I use poor grammar. Sometimes I just call out the wrong text. When I write articles, the good people who work here in our office help to make them better through proofreading and adjusting. I proofread everything I write several times, and still some of the worst mistakes get through.
Being a Christian does not imply perfection. Christianity as a whole is just the opposite in some senses. Claiming Christ is a declaration of dependence. It is a recognition of one's own individual guilt. It is a plea for help, and mercy, and grace!
A large part of what it takes to be a Christian is the humility to let other people proofread your life. Elders, friends, parents, spouses, and others who truly care about you will take the time to look over the book you are writing and help you make some corrections. I used to hate when my mother would look at my schoolwork and tell me I did something wrong. Part of my problem was that I was too lazy to do anything twice. Another part was that I was too proud to accept my imperfections, or that I could try harder or do better.
As time has passed I have learned that being under authority is not a hindrance, but rather a safeguard for my soul. Our God is the chief proofreader of our lives. He is here to make what we think, what we say, and what we do, more excellent. He is helping us to write a better story.
"...I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." ~ Jeremiah 31:33
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Apathy
Apathy (def) - "a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation and passion."
Not caring is not normal. God created man, and in doing so he gave him a moral conscience (Acts 17:26-27). The apostle Paul even discussed the moral code sometimes obeyed by people who are ignorant of the law of God (Rom. 2:14-15). So it is expected that certain things matter to us: How we conduct ourselves, how we see others treated, right and wrong, causes worth making sacrifices for, et cetera.
This is why apathy is unhealthy, and in many cases, just plain sinful. In doing a study on apathy, one will find that it exists more often in people with mental illnesses. It is commonly associated with depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, schizophrenia, Schizoid Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and other diseases. This should tell us, that when a person does not care about the things that everyone should care about, something is wrong upstairs. Now it is one thing to have a disease that you cannot control which causes you to be apathetic, and it is another thing to choose not to care. Perhaps we could describe the latter condition without the letter "a", "pathetic."
With regard to the Christian life, there are some things for which every child of God should care. One should care about faithfulness to God, the unity and direction of the church, humanity's ideas and treatment of the Godhead, the Bible, their personal relationship with God and man, sin and its consequences, those who are less fortunate for any reason, and one should care when they see another person being mistreated.
The list could be longer, but the point is that it is important to remember what matters and what things should affect us.
Plato once said that, "The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves." If this has some truth in it, what about the spiritual state of Christians who stop caring...who is governing them?
Are you bothered with being bothered, or do you still have the type of conscience with which God would be pleased? God wants a people who have a heart for Him, who care about what He cares about. Be very careful and guard you heart! Satan isn't just looking for people who are set on evil, he is looking for people who are too lazy to care!
“So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man." ~ Acts 24:16
Not caring is not normal. God created man, and in doing so he gave him a moral conscience (Acts 17:26-27). The apostle Paul even discussed the moral code sometimes obeyed by people who are ignorant of the law of God (Rom. 2:14-15). So it is expected that certain things matter to us: How we conduct ourselves, how we see others treated, right and wrong, causes worth making sacrifices for, et cetera.
This is why apathy is unhealthy, and in many cases, just plain sinful. In doing a study on apathy, one will find that it exists more often in people with mental illnesses. It is commonly associated with depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, schizophrenia, Schizoid Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and other diseases. This should tell us, that when a person does not care about the things that everyone should care about, something is wrong upstairs. Now it is one thing to have a disease that you cannot control which causes you to be apathetic, and it is another thing to choose not to care. Perhaps we could describe the latter condition without the letter "a", "pathetic."
With regard to the Christian life, there are some things for which every child of God should care. One should care about faithfulness to God, the unity and direction of the church, humanity's ideas and treatment of the Godhead, the Bible, their personal relationship with God and man, sin and its consequences, those who are less fortunate for any reason, and one should care when they see another person being mistreated.
The list could be longer, but the point is that it is important to remember what matters and what things should affect us.
Plato once said that, "The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves." If this has some truth in it, what about the spiritual state of Christians who stop caring...who is governing them?
Are you bothered with being bothered, or do you still have the type of conscience with which God would be pleased? God wants a people who have a heart for Him, who care about what He cares about. Be very careful and guard you heart! Satan isn't just looking for people who are set on evil, he is looking for people who are too lazy to care!
“So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man." ~ Acts 24:16
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
WET PAINT!
You saw the sign. It said, "WET PAINT!" So, naturally, you had to take a closer look. "Yeah," you thought, "It does look like it is still wet." But, you wondered if it had dried completely. Perhaps it would not rub off at all. You could not contain yourself. You just had to touch it and find out! Just you had suspected...you have paint on you now! As my five year old likes to say, "Well, duh!"
Human beings are hard to figure out sometimes. If we see someone staring up into the sky, we look up, too. When we stand waiting for an elevator, it is never enough that someone has already pushed the "up" button. We have to push it, too. We just can't leave well enough alone.
Why are we this way? No matter how independent we may be, there are times when we are going to be followers. If this were not true, we could never hope for heaven. Our salvation rests on the very principle of discipleship. Since we are followers, worshipers, and disciples...signs matter! Friendships matter! Commandments matter! Choices matter!
In one of Christ's discussions with the apostles, referring to the religious error of the Pharisees, he said, "Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch" (Matt. 15:14). Jesus was relating the simple principle that reminds us don't have to learn the hard way.
It is our stubborn pride that often leaves us walking away painted. We were unwilling to listen. We were unwilling to yield. We were unwilling to consider the inevitable direction of the path we were walking down. When our lives seem to be filled with more questions than answers, rather than do our own thing, the better solution would be to trust in God. Our way is the wrong way. God's will has been given to us so that we will not fall so far and hurt so much.
So consider the purpose of the sign, and make the application. "WET PAINT!" means "WET PAINT!"
"And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." ~ 2 Peter 1:19
Human beings are hard to figure out sometimes. If we see someone staring up into the sky, we look up, too. When we stand waiting for an elevator, it is never enough that someone has already pushed the "up" button. We have to push it, too. We just can't leave well enough alone.
Why are we this way? No matter how independent we may be, there are times when we are going to be followers. If this were not true, we could never hope for heaven. Our salvation rests on the very principle of discipleship. Since we are followers, worshipers, and disciples...signs matter! Friendships matter! Commandments matter! Choices matter!
In one of Christ's discussions with the apostles, referring to the religious error of the Pharisees, he said, "Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch" (Matt. 15:14). Jesus was relating the simple principle that reminds us don't have to learn the hard way.
It is our stubborn pride that often leaves us walking away painted. We were unwilling to listen. We were unwilling to yield. We were unwilling to consider the inevitable direction of the path we were walking down. When our lives seem to be filled with more questions than answers, rather than do our own thing, the better solution would be to trust in God. Our way is the wrong way. God's will has been given to us so that we will not fall so far and hurt so much.
So consider the purpose of the sign, and make the application. "WET PAINT!" means "WET PAINT!"
"And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." ~ 2 Peter 1:19
Monday, February 8, 2010
What is Written
There are some things in life that are often taken for granted. A sunset. A meal. Our health. It is not that we don't appreciate them, it is just that we are so used to them being there for us. Yet, at any time, if any of these underated blessings were instantly removed from us, there is a good possibility that would be devastated.
Among these great blessings, often forgotten, is God's written word. Again, it is not that we do not love the Bible. It is not that we never read the Bible. It is not that we don't know that it is what saves us and what will judge us in the end. It is simply that we do not contemplate often enough the power and the influence of the Holy Spirit's written word.
In the realm of religion the Bible is used, but by the majority this use is abuse. The Bible is used for speculation. The Bible is used to justify human activity. The Bible is used to support causes. The Bible is used as a spare tire, only when people are in trouble. The Bible is used like an epiphany, a genie, and a myth.
What I am finding, day by day, is that the simple and unchanging word of God has become my strength. The commands have built my fortress. The accounts of its history have become my heritage. The love of God, communicated within its pages has become my heartbeat. The story of Jesus has become my theme.
There is nothing more important in life, than to take some time to read what God has written. There will be many things I will regret doing in my lifetime. But one thing I know for certain, I will never regret even one second I have spent in God's Holy Word.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." ~ Romans 1:16-17
Among these great blessings, often forgotten, is God's written word. Again, it is not that we do not love the Bible. It is not that we never read the Bible. It is not that we don't know that it is what saves us and what will judge us in the end. It is simply that we do not contemplate often enough the power and the influence of the Holy Spirit's written word.
In the realm of religion the Bible is used, but by the majority this use is abuse. The Bible is used for speculation. The Bible is used to justify human activity. The Bible is used to support causes. The Bible is used as a spare tire, only when people are in trouble. The Bible is used like an epiphany, a genie, and a myth.
What I am finding, day by day, is that the simple and unchanging word of God has become my strength. The commands have built my fortress. The accounts of its history have become my heritage. The love of God, communicated within its pages has become my heartbeat. The story of Jesus has become my theme.
There is nothing more important in life, than to take some time to read what God has written. There will be many things I will regret doing in my lifetime. But one thing I know for certain, I will never regret even one second I have spent in God's Holy Word.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." ~ Romans 1:16-17
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Just Where Do You Think You’re Going?
When Paul wrote to Galatia he immediately addressed a problem many still have today: walking away. He said in Galatians 1:6, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to another gospel.” During this time, Judaizers had come into the church at Galatia to persuade the members to trade in their new-found Christian liberty for the old bondage of the law. It seems as though they were having success, appealing to those who were still babes in Christ to turn back to the familiar comforts of the law.
In essence, Paul asked the Galatians, “Just where do you think you’re going? Why are you going back to an imperfect way?” Paul reminded them that salvation was founded through the grace of God in Christ Jesus. God had constructed a plan through his love and grace to redeem mankind, because the law was insufficient, temporary, and only a tool to bring Israel and the rest of the world to the time of the saving Messiah (3:24,25). Justification came through faith and obedience to the plan God worked through Christ. The new and living way was to be the only way!
Sometimes don’t we act just like the Galatians? Isn’t it true that although called by the gospel we often end up obeying laws of imperfection that once left us condemned? How often do we commit sins that we’ve committed once before? How often are we persuaded to live according to worldly concepts that we should have once and for all abandoned for Him?
How sad God must be when one who has obeyed the truth falls back into sin and fails to reestablish a relationship with Him. Such are like the thorny soil (Matt. 13:22), who let cares and deceitfulness choke out the message of salvation. Also as the rocky soil (Matt. 13:20,21), some may receive the word with joy, but endure only for a while. When tribulation and persecution arise they leave the faith, because the word had not taken root in their hearts.
Why do we seek for help in the wrong places (Matt. 6:33)? What do we think we’ll solve if we leave the Lord? During Christ’s ministry some of His disciples went away and walked with Him no more (John 6:66). Jesus then asked the twelve if they wanted to leave as well. Peter said correctly, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (v. 68).
If we are going to live eternally with our God we have to grow ever nearer to Him. The only way is in Jesus (John 14:6). God has left us the means to stay in that way (John 14:4). If you choose another path, just where do you think you’re going?
In essence, Paul asked the Galatians, “Just where do you think you’re going? Why are you going back to an imperfect way?” Paul reminded them that salvation was founded through the grace of God in Christ Jesus. God had constructed a plan through his love and grace to redeem mankind, because the law was insufficient, temporary, and only a tool to bring Israel and the rest of the world to the time of the saving Messiah (3:24,25). Justification came through faith and obedience to the plan God worked through Christ. The new and living way was to be the only way!
Sometimes don’t we act just like the Galatians? Isn’t it true that although called by the gospel we often end up obeying laws of imperfection that once left us condemned? How often do we commit sins that we’ve committed once before? How often are we persuaded to live according to worldly concepts that we should have once and for all abandoned for Him?
How sad God must be when one who has obeyed the truth falls back into sin and fails to reestablish a relationship with Him. Such are like the thorny soil (Matt. 13:22), who let cares and deceitfulness choke out the message of salvation. Also as the rocky soil (Matt. 13:20,21), some may receive the word with joy, but endure only for a while. When tribulation and persecution arise they leave the faith, because the word had not taken root in their hearts.
Why do we seek for help in the wrong places (Matt. 6:33)? What do we think we’ll solve if we leave the Lord? During Christ’s ministry some of His disciples went away and walked with Him no more (John 6:66). Jesus then asked the twelve if they wanted to leave as well. Peter said correctly, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (v. 68).
If we are going to live eternally with our God we have to grow ever nearer to Him. The only way is in Jesus (John 14:6). God has left us the means to stay in that way (John 14:4). If you choose another path, just where do you think you’re going?
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