It's the last day of the fast and, similar to yesterday's thoughts, I want to ask a pertinent question, "So, why." Why were we fasting? Why were we praying?
I ask "Why?" because it points to motive and motivation. Are we fasting for selfish movtives or selfless? Last year's fast was focussed on Isaiah 58 and God is very clear about having right motives in fasting. Have I sought The Lord for what I would get out of it? Have I tried to make a deal with God? Have I worshipped, prayed and even sacrifices for my own comfort and pleasure instead of God's? God works in our lives for His good pleasure (Eph. 1:5,9; Phil. 2:13; 2 Thess. 1:11).
I had an interesting conversation with someone about church cultures. Specifically about chrismatic/Pentecostal church cultures. He noticed that many churches of our persuasion tend to be "bless me" clubs. Testimonies are often of the sort that indicate that God wants them to have a better car, bigger house and a more lucrative job. Often offerings are linked to these blessings. People are left with the impression that salvation is free but everything else you might want out of your relationship with God costs.
Does that mean that God doesn't intend to bless us? No. God blesses us becaue He loves us. God brings increase to our lives so that we can in turn use it to increase His Kingdom. You may need a bigger house for the sake of the Kingdom. You may need a better wage for God's sake and not merely your own. Our lives, every part of it, is for His pleasure and glory.
Thankfully, I know from the prayers I have heard during our evening meetings that this fast has been done from a heart of worship. This is praise to God. This is to please Him. That is the other half of the conversation I had with that man. He appreciated that we have testimonies like ones about people sharing Christ with others.
Happy to be moving forward as a church,
Merril
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