What About Fasting?

“And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Jesus, ‘What commandment is the foremost of all?’ 

"Jesus answered, ‘The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel!  The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 

"'The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’  There is no other commandment greater than these.’” Mark 12:28-31

We’ve all heard that passage a few times, so we’re not surprised with what it says.  There is, however, something interesting in what the scribe says to Jesus’ answer that applies to fasting (as well as our lives in Christ):

“And the scribe said to Him, ‘Right, Teacher, You have truly stated that He is One; and there is no One else besides Him; and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbour as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.’ 

"And when Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’”  Mark 12:32-34

Many of you have asked for  additional information about fasting and Lent.  So I will be repeating some of a series from 2002.  I pray you will find it draws you even closer to the Lord.

Here in Mark, you can see the heart of fasting:  your desire to will and to focus more intimately on your Lord and His immense love for you during this time.  The power to do this comes from the attitude of your heart, not the sacrifices you may or may not choose to make. 

The point of fasting is to clearly focus on your loving heavenly Father-God; the One who died to save mankind and you from the desire to rebel against His loving care. 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  

• ·        Emily - who needs someone to sponsor her so she can stay in Australia and complete her studies in health care.
• ·        Those in the icy cold weather in the USA that they will be wise and safe from the cold.
• ·        Those in the cyclone torn areas of north Australia, recovering from floods and very high winds.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Kajal - a sweet young woman, who is living here now.  Thank you for praying for her.  She had a good first day at work.  She has just moved from far North Queensland (where all the cyclones were) and is feeling lonely.  Let the love of Christ touch her.
• ·        Me - progress has been made.  Thank you again for your support.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

·        Wezley an 18-year old who has lost her direction and way, that she will find the Lord in her life.

·        Paul N-S -has a third interview today.  He has not had work since 2012, so will greatly appreciate your prayers.

·        Elina - has not heard the results of her graduate program interview.  She says she is very grateful for your prayers. 

ONGOING PRAYERS

·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell - ministers of grace and salvation in Australia.

·        Hans - needs wisdom and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a reasonable job.

·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges. 

·        Bettina to give her strength and wisdom. 

·        Isaias & Judith (in Philippines) were called to train other Christian lay leaders and they work tirelessly in challenging conditions.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about his work there:  Ambassadors for Christ --look for Isaias Catorce.

WIDE PRAYER ISSUES

·        Pray for calm, true Christian revival and a return to founding values in the USA.

·        Jordan - wisdom in the aftermath of a world-stopping tragedy. 

·        For the tragedy unfolding in Niger and other nations where thousands are being killed regularly by Islamic radicalists.  For those in Nigeria as Boko Haram (which means "Western education is forbidden") stomps into new areas.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

·        Adrian spoke with him a few times over the weekend.  It seems once the swelling went down, the pain is not much improved in his cervical spine (neck).  He is returning to the doctor for more help with the pain on Monday.  They were to schedule a similar procedure on his lumbar spine.  He does not have a prognosis yet.  He remains thankful and hopeful in His Lord Jesus.  Thank you so much for praying for this sweet man.

·        Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home):  for understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.

·        My brother, Tim with COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease), that he has patience and wisdom to manage his health and the limitations to his breathing and to cope with the limitations. 

·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges. 

·        Audley's and Beverly's (stroke) situation and his return to the ministry. 

·        Nancy  who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury and for Fred as he cares for her. 

·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop. 

·        Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

·        Those affected and those working to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease continues to spread. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB RELATED CHALLENGES

·        Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

·        Deepak - that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS

·        That the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

·        Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life. 

·        Linda and Ian.  Rob and his daughter.  Reg.  Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Thanksgiving for their practical support over the years.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  

·        For Christ-centred revival in the USA to continue.   

·        Birgit who is in Germany. 

·        For the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (The WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!) 

·        The Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

·        Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer Room.  It is open 27/7 and there is an army or prayers waiting to serve in prayer.  Go here to learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room