Daily Devotion

January 28, 2017

Fasting | Day 21


Excerpted from Jentezen Franklin's 21-Day Fasting Bible Study

21 days ago we embarked on a journey together with one goal in mind: "Return to Me.”

"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart,with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing JOEL 2:12-14

We have talked about the concept of returning to Him and rending your heart, your very soul; bearing it all and laying at the foot of the cross. In week two, we talked about the many obstacles and roadblocks the enemy will use to try to keep you from Jesus through distraction and deception. And in week three, we talked about returning to your purpose and finding your identity in Jesus—another kind of returning to Him.

Today we celebrate the journey. Today we come before the Lord, probably a little thinner than we were when we started, but grateful for what we have encountered.

Be careful as you begin to put solid foods or meat back into your diet. Don't eat too much, too fast, or you could find yourself not feeling well. This was never a physical challenge, but rather a spiritual journey. Carry what you have learned and let this be the beginning of "all things new" as opposed to the end of a season. It is a beginning, and we are grateful for being allowed to be a part of your experience. You are loved. You have an amazing purpose. You are appointed and you are anointed. God is with you and you have the tools to continue to grow. Use them wisely and regularly. Go in God's grace.

Think About It

Consider this prophetic scripture passage your commission going forth:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. ISAIAH 61:1-3

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