“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.” – Ezra 8:21

Throughout history, God’s people have used fasting to humble themselves and seek the Lord in prayer. Fasting sharpens and focuses our prayers as we submit our flesh with all its rumbling, incessant demands to the Lord’s purposes. Is fasting in your spiritual toolbox?

Fasting was expected by Jesus (He said, “When you fast…”) though not commanded for any particular time or duration. If you aren’t currently in the habit of fasting, consider trying a fast one day soon. Skip a meal or a day of meals and let your hunger pangs remind you to pray every time they strike. Pray when you would have been preparing food or eating. Stay hydrated and stay focused on God.

Can’t fast completely for medical reasons? Consider reducing portions or limiting the kinds of food you eat to meet your medical needs whiling leaving your body wanting more or different. Let those demands and complaints remind you to pray each and every time.

When you fast, be sure to have a spiritual purpose. Have a focus for your prayer as Ezra did in this verse. He was about to lead a group of returning exiles on a long, dangerous journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. He didn’t want to ask for military protection because that would demonstrate a lack of faith. So, his group fasted and earnestly sought the Lord’s protection.

Your purpose could be to pray about a particular topic. To seek God’s guidance with respect to an important decision in your life. To confess the sins of the church or the nation. To pray for God’s Spirit to bring revival. You could pray for those in your life who are far from God or for boldness in evangelism. You could pray for the success of a mission team or an upcoming church activity. There’s no limit to what you could choose to focus your fasting and prayer on. But determine a purpose and then giving fasting and prayer a chance! #FollowJesus

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11

It is an enduring biblical truth that in Christ, we are blessed to be a blessing. Every good thing we possess- from out natural talents and learned abilities to our prized possessions and treasured resources – ultimately belongs to God. He simply entrusts those things to us to manage well on His behalf. In God’s Creation, we are stewards, not owners.

Full enjoyment of those things God has entrusted to us – time, talent, treasure, energy, enthusiasm, attention – is found as we are generous with them for the blessing of others. God, Who “gives generously to all without reproach” (James 1:5), expects us to imitate Him. He is generous toward us so we can be generous toward others.

When we’re generous to give away ourselves and our possessions for the blessing and benefit of others, it produces praise to God. When people see and feel Christ working through His people, it produces faith, hope, love, and praise. If Jesus has been generous to you, in any sense of that word, know that it’s so you can be generous toward others for the glory of God. #FollowJesus

“And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage.” – Esther 3:2

God’s people must never bend the knee in worship toward any person or object. Earlier in Israel’s exile, God had shown that His power was sufficient to protect any individuals (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) who obeyed the Lord rather than human rulers on this point. Years later, Mordecai refused to bow in homage to Haman, the king’s favorite official.

Mordecai’s disobedience was so infuriating to Haman that he set out to destroy all Jews everywhere. Was God’s power sufficient to stop that as well? Yes! In fact, in His perfect knowledge of all things past, present, and future, God had already made provision for His people. He’d already placed Esther on the throne of Persia, putting her in a position to intervene for His people. If she had enough faith and courage to do so…

The Lord had orchestrated everything from the replacement of the previous queen to the timing of the planned genocide. And Esther was faithful. With fasting and prayer, fear and trembling, Esther stepped forward and God used her to save His people and bring down Haman.

God’s knowledge of all things is perfect. His wisdom is perfect. His timing is perfect. His power is sufficient. His will and plan can’t be stopped. Not by hatred, not by governmental power, and not by mass murder. Believers simply need to hold firmly to the faith and to their integrity. We must never bow the knee, figuratively or literally, to people with earthly power. Always trust in God’s ability to care for His people and accomplish His will in His way on His schedule. #FollowJesus

“On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward.” – Zechariah 14:4

The Mount of Olives is the last place where the feet of Jesus stood before ascending to Heaven in Acts 1. It’s also where His feet will touch down upon His return in glory. Overlooking the Kidron Valley just to the east of Jerusalem, this is where Christ will return in power to defeat the forces of evil, bring His Kingdom to completion, judge mankind in righteousness, and usher in the renewal of creation.

We don’t know when that day will come, but we should be confident that it will come. When it comes, It will be glorious for those who love Jesus and terrifying for those who don’t. Christ’s return to the Mount of Olives isn’t some vague possibility or folk tale. It is our strong and confident hope in the future of this world despite its many troubles.

Until that day, whether it’s today or thousands of years from now, followers of Jesus are commanded to live quiet, faithful lives, that glorify Christ and testify to His reality. We must take up our cross daily as Jesus invited us, denying ourselves to follow, serve, and glorify Him. Out of the overflow of His love and grace toward us, we are to faithfully make disciples, near and far. That is how we live prepared for Christ’s return at all times.

Are you prepared? Are you sharing love and hope with those you encounter? Are you helping believers grow in their love and obedience to Jesus? If not, are you really prepared for what will happen at the Mount of Olives? What’s holding you back? How should you to take up your cross today? Be prepared! #FollowJesus

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

This is quite an exchange God made for our benefit! An exchange that’s 100% finished and complete for you, IF you’re in Christ. God made Jesus, His eternal Son, Who never sinned, not even once, to be sin. Not just carry a modest amount of sin on the cross, but to become sin itself as He hung dying on that Roman cross. Why? For our sake! For your sake. God did this for your benefit!!!

For what purpose? To what effect? So that…. In Christ, you become God’s righteousness. You… become… God’s righteousness!!! That’s truly extraordinary! When you put your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, repenting of your sins and receiving forgiveness in His name, you are united with Him. You become “in Christ” and He lives in you. Which means, you ARE the righteousness of God. The righteousness of Jesus Christ is now your righteousness.

It’s too much to understand, but you should certainly make your best effort to meditate on this and praise God for His kindness, grace, and mercy. #FollowJesus