PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 9:14-17
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?” (Matthew 9:15)
To fast is to abstain from food for spiritual purposes.
In the old covenant, there was only one mandated fast, tied to the Day of Atonement.
But there are more examples of times when people chose to fast themselves.
Voluntary fasting expressed a mournful, urgent seeking of God in tough situations.
Why do Jesus and his disciples not practice voluntary fasting?
Because they are not mourning, they are celebrating the arrival of God’s mercy.
In Jewish weddings of the time, the groom’s arrival started the celebration.
Jesus is showing John’s disciples and the Pharisees that he is God’s messiah.
He fulfills the Day of Atonement fast by making atonement for us!
As Jesus followers we may fast, but we do not need to.
In difficult times, we may voluntarily fast to intensify our prayer.
At the same time, we may also celebrate in times when we sense the joy of Jesus.
Even in hard times, we may celebrate Jesus, because He does change everything.
Has Jesus brought joy to your life, and are other people noticing?
PRAYER
Lord, even though I don’t always feel it, you are bringing love, joy and peace into my life. May this fruit show more and more in my life, and may people notice it and wonder why.
“new wine into new wineskins – Following Jesus is to enter into a new paradigm – Sitting at the bedside of a faithful follower of Jesus who is limited by the consequences of a stroke – makes you think – now what? I just know that without Jesus – what would be her hope – yet with Jesus there is – whatever the limits are. I think of Joni – and others who despite their limitations have made a tremendous impact – bearing witness to the hope we have. Yes – we can be setback – but living in the ‘Jesus paradigm’ we have access to ‘power’ beyond ourselves. Laying on your back – not able to move – makes you realize – you got to look beyond yourself. We are new wineskins – new temples!
Jesus fasted longer than any – 40 days.
But a new way has come for the people. Emmanuel. Jesus walking among the people. That is pure joy. God among us. Celebrate. The joy of the Lord is my strength. May others see that joy in my living for Jesus. Happiness is . . . walking with my Saviour.
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
He Heals The Broken-Hearted And They Cry No More
He Heals The Broken-Hearted And They Cry No More
He Heals The Broken-Hearted And They Cry No More
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength!
He Gives Me Living Water And I Thirst No More
He Gives Me Living Water And I Thirst No More
He Gives Me Living Water And I Thirst No More
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength!
He Fills My Soul With Laughter
Ha, Ha, Ha … Ha, Ha (Ha Ha)
He Fills My Soul With Laughter
Ha, Ha, Ha … Ha, Ha (Ha Ha)
He Fills My Soul With Laughter
Ha, Ha, Ha … Ha, Ha
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength!
If You Want Joy You Must Ask For It
If You Want Joy You Must Ask For It
If You Want Joy You Must Ask For It
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength!