In my experience, it’s not easy to chase the gloom away while fasting for a day or longer. Even a moderately limited diet without my favorite food (chocolate) can make me cranky. All year, I can go days without meat, but come Friday during Lent, I am tempted to whine about how much I’d like a hamburger.
I know that Jesus is not weighing one sacrifice over another or suggesting that we fake being happy. He aims straight at the heart of the matter: the intention for fasting in the first place. Am I fasting because it’s “the law,” pretending to pray to look more pious, hiding when I pray so I don’t look too holy?
God always knows the intention even when I have fooled myself. Jesus asks that we “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Let this intention guide all our actions.
Jane, It’s very ironic that you put that out for commenting. That reading of course is the usual Gospel read on Ash Wednesday. And when I hear those words, I think to myself “Yes but in a short while, I’m going to be out in public with an ash cross on my forehead. How is that a private thing?” And yet today, I was drawn to Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 which reads: Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad. I think if we are striving to do what God wants us to do, even if we fail at times (and we will), we should not be concerned about what others think. Peace and good to everyone in the LFF. (Hoping I’m not a robot).
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
After I gave my life completely to Jesus earlier this year I wanted everyone to know. I had gone from a life centered around me to a life centered around God, but selfishly I wanted everyone to take notice. God accepts boasting as long as it is about him and what he has done in your life, but I found that precept a challenge to follow at times. I am now living single at 63 so no one sees me fasting or praying, but inherently I want people, especially my family to take notice of the new creation I have become. I don’t see a checklist for heaven to include; he fasted with a smile, he prayed silently and alone, nor gave alms for recognition. As I type this I’m reminded of a song that may be the telltale sign to God and everyone else that we are not fooling ourselves or others. And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
I can relate, Rusty! I remember 23 years ago my first conversation with my husband after he filed for divorce and two days of court testimonies. We were at a restaurant, first thing he asked, “Are you seeing anyone?” I was offended and said, “No!” Then I called him the next day and told him that I lied, “I am actually seeing someone intimately…His Name is Jesus!” *** Yes, I wanted everyone to know I am dating Jesus, but the world could not accept that and they thought I went off the deep end :-( *** It took me a long time to realize that knowing Jesus myself doesn’t not relate to others but myself only! *** The only thing I did and continue to do is to know Jesus daily and to be patient with myself and mostly others! ******* It took another 15 years (to get with and on God’s plan and path - and there are still times when I get off His plan and path) before my husband and I are on the same page now. My girls: my older one Katie is not walking with Jesus and my younger one Jessi is!!! *** I wonder how long did the saints in the Bible like Abraham, Moses, Paul, etc, take for them to get with God’s plan and path and ministry!?!?! *** Bible Study Fellowship and serving the students at BSF from Sept to May keep me deep in His Word ✝️ Summer months June to August are my dry months with only LF!
Amen :)
IT IS ABOUT MY HEART IN OBEDIENCE!!! IT IS ALL ABOUT WHAT JESUS DID FOR ME AND NOT WHAT I HAVE DONE OR WILL DO!!! *** Hebrews 10:5-8,, "So when Christ came into the world, He said, “You (God) didn’t want sacrifices and offerings. Instead, You prepared a body for Me (Incarnation). You weren’t pleased with burnt offerings and sin offerings (All the good things that we do). Then I said, ‘Here I am. It is written about Me in the book. I have come to do what You want (crucified for all the sins), My God.’ ” (Psalm 40:6–8) First Christ said, “You didn’t want sacrifices and offerings. You didn’t want burnt offerings and sin offerings. You weren’t pleased with them.” He said this even though they were offered in keeping with the law (or traditions)!" *** Hosea 6:6, "I want mercy and not sacrifice. I want you to recognize Me as God (Who died for your sins) instead of bringing Me burnt offerings!" *** Psalm 51:16-17, "You don’t take delight in sacrifice. If you did, I would bring it. You don’t take pleasure in burnt offerings. The greatest sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. God, you will gladly accept a heart that is broken because of sadness over sin!" ******* Matthew 9:12-13, "Jesus heard this. So He said, “Those who are healthy don’t need a doctor. Sick people do. Go and learn what this means, ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.’ (Hosea 6:6) I have not come to get those who think they are right with God to follow Me. I have come to get sinners to follow Me.” *** Micah 6:6-8, "The people of Israel say, “What should we bring with us when we go to worship the Lord? What should we offer the God of heaven when we bow down to Him? Should we take burnt offerings to Him? Should we sacrifice calves that are a year old (according to the law and traditions)? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams? Will He take delight in 10,000 rivers of olive oil? Should we offer our oldest sons for the wrong things we’ve done? (Absolutely NOT) Should we sacrifice our own children to pay for our sins?” (A resounding NO) The Lord has shown you what is good (He has sent His Son to die and pay for my sins). He has told you what He requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God!" *** 1 Samuel 5:22, "But Samuel replied, “What pleases the Lord more? Burnt offerings and sacrifices, or obeying the Lord? It is better to obey than to offer a sacrifice. It is better to do what He says than to offer the fat of rams!" *** Ephesians 2:8-10, "God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. It is not based on anything you have done. No one can brag about earning it. We are God’s creation. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good works. Long ago God prepared these works for us to do!" Praise You, Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!!!
My text to Jessi just now, “My beloved, May God bless you, keep you and give you a restful and relaxed sleep this night in Psalm 4:6-8, “Lord, many are asking, “Who will make us successful?” Lord, may You do good things for us. Fill my heart with joy when the people have lots of grain and fresh wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep. Lord, You alone keep me safe!” Amen ✝️♥️
Lifting future Dr. Jess in prayer today!
Sending prayers for your daughter this morning, Salina. Praying that the Holy Spirit will bring her peace and clarity of mind as she moves right along on her way to becoming an MD!! How proud you must be of her!
AMEN!
Good morning, LFF. Thank you, Mellanie for reminding us "to seek first the kingdom of God." Today I am requesting prayers for the family of my sister-in-law who died of pancreatic cancer , and for our son who has to have a biopsy on a prostate lesion, and for for all those who have strayed that they will open their hearts to live a faith-filled life. Stormy, how is your journey with Journey? Irene, how was/is the el Camino? Stay cool everyone, be safe.
Oh Judy, my heart is heavy for you and your family. Sending you courage and strength for the days ahead. Hoping your son will receive clear and quick direction on treatment and healing. Amen.
Judy, sending prayers to our Lord, for your son and your sister-in-law and her family and all those who need a little extra love this day, this day that the Lord has given us.
Thank you for your words of wisdom, Ken. Will pray as you suggested. Take care of yourself, Dear Ken!
Good morning Judy F, lifting the family of your sister in law as they process the loss of their loved one. Glory be to God that she’s not suffering anymore and in the arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Prayers coming for your son and hoping for good results with his tests. Keep strong, Judy. I Praying for you too.
Judy F I will pray for you and your sister in law and her family and for your son successful surgery right now. Living faith family I heard in a homily this morning "devil drives and the Lord draws" Please Continue to pray for the souls in purgatory and those souls who have no one to pray for them. Also for all those people who are being affected by the extreme weather conditions. Check on neighbors especially those with no immediate family nearby. I am still not a robot. Ken
Deborah thank you for your words. You are an inspiration to love more deeply. I truly believe that God knows what is in out hearts and honest love for him is all we need. Blessings to all the LFF especially those needing extra hands these days. May we all go out and share God's love with others by living his true word.
Amen. :)
In my humble opinion it may be Christ is referring to the individuals need to feed it's own ego with a sort of self righteousness, that makes oneself fell holy. When we fast in solidarity with those who have not we seem to connect on a deeper level with others and God, feeding our collective Spirit insted of our individual ego. Peace be with you all!
Amen! "Occupy your mind with good thoughts, or the enemy will fill them with bad ones." St. Thomas More
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Deborah, thank you for the devotion today. For some reason this reading always reminds me of having ashes on my forehead on Ash Wednesday and then returning to my office. Do I keep them on with people thinking I am virtue signaling or do I wipe them off which could be interpreted as I am embarrassed that I went to receive them or hiding I am Catholic? I haven’t resolved this, but I usually leave them on. Sometimes I accidentally wipe them off during the day and they need to be cleaned properly. Open to your thoughts. Sending prayers to Stormy (how is Journey???), Karen and Susan. Amen.