Birds, Flowers and Worry Matt 6:25-34

Sermon Nuggets Monday July 18. Worry

Verses-

Matt 6:25-34

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Birds, Flowers, and You

There is much we could say about worry. I'm reminded of a poem about a cow; "The worried cow would have lived till now if she had saved her breath; but she feared her hay wouldn't last all day, so she mooed herself to death."

Or I'm told of the spinster who sat weeping beside a well.

"What's the matter?" she was asked, "Oh! It's terrible, Someday I might get married, and then I might have a child, and then the child might come down here, and climb up, and fall in the well, and get drowned. Oh, what a cruel, cruel blow!"

It is easy for one person to tell another person not to worry.

Indeed, people can quote passages of Scripture that say do not worry.

But to someone who is worrier quoting a Bible verse and telling them they are a poor Christian doesn't really help them stop worrying, indeed it usually makes things worse.

The Apostle Paul wrote to be anxious for nothing, but a few lines down he talked about concerns he though about. In other words you can go ahead and be concerned but don't let your concern become anxiety. Yet interesting when he talked of the concern he had for all churches he used the same word that is translated worry. That word merizo means to divide and nous mind. Literally means dividing the mind.

Unhealthy worry indeed affects us in many negative ways. The Apostle

Paul admonishes us to resolve our anxieties rather than retain them.

There are situations that are healthy if worry is caused by the natural desire for self preservation in dangerous situations. Constructive worry leads one to emotional mastery over the perceived threat and therefore enables one to cope better with stress.

The context of Jesus statement implies anxious concern over things you can't do much about, or things that hold greater concern than what they should. Many people make a problem much bigger than what it really is and anxiety causes it to get all out of proportion.

Remember Jesus taught not to put your treasurers on earth but in heaven. Earthly treasures are lost, stolen and if accumulated will all be left behind. We need to store up treasures in heaven and keep our attention on God. If we gaze our focus on God and eternal things the things of this world will not have it's grasp on us. and that also includes worry over material and earthly things even food and clothes.

The one who trusts God is one who will not have a problem with undo anxious concern and worry. Jesus gives us solutions to worry, He doesn't just tell us don't do it, but practical ways to remove it.

Pastor Dale

Sermon nuggets Tues July 19- Perspective

Matt 6: 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Being aware of God's Perspective helps reduce Worry.

Stop focusing on the matters of this world and become aware of things that matter to God. I find that the greatest source of anxiety and worry is when I think of self and others, weakness, and inability, inadequacies, and all the things that can go wrong. So many people worry about things they cannot change. I suppose the future possibilities capture our anxiety more than anything. People worry about what might happen, what might go wrong. Only 8% of what could happen actually does. All the attention threat energy, feeling and perceptions are centered on ourselves and our inadequacies.

Jesus wants us to center on God. Look at things from God's perspective through the illustration of the birds and flowers and the value that we have in God's eyes. The main point of Jesus' illustrations isn't how well God takes care of birds and flowers, but what a great God that we have who even takes care of birds and flowers so well. In other words think about the greatness of our God and focus your thoughts on Him. Worship reduces worry.

What do we think about when we think about God? Simply that God is big enough to take care of your problems or help you through it. But also let’s not lose God's perspective. Some of the things we worry so much about don't mean diddly. Yes we have economic concerns. We have a society that is under financial pressures. But when we see the damage in various parts of the world and war tragedies, hen we see protests exploding in many countries and natural disasters increasing then we in the USA really don’t have much to complain about compared to the rest of the world.

We can't complain about he price of meat when we think of those that have no bread. We really can't complain of the price of new blue jeans when we think of the homeless and abused, the persecuted and suffering In our society when many Christian have closets full of clothes and refrigerators that are too small to contain all we want to store, when we have comfortable beds, conveniences, cars and houses have anxious concerns over the thing we own and over the things we do not yet own and want more there is sin in that from God's perspective.

One radio announcer was interviewing a little girl and asked her age. “I’m 8,”

“And how old would you like to be?”

“Five.”

“Why five?

“Then I'll live longer."

We can take care of our bodies and live longer, but we see a 5 or 8 year old and think they don't have a concept of life yet. Wait until your are 70 or 80 then you have a perspective. God is showing us that compared to millions and billions of years, What is a mere 70 or 80 years?

Jesus looks at the things that God loves and see how they are cared for. Bird don't worry about food, yet God sees to it they are fed. My wife enjoys watching the various kinds of birds in our area and does some things to attract them. Gods' given abilities to protect and care and feed the birds that are of little value. We become confident that God can take care of our situation.

Said the robin to the sparrow: I would really like to know,

Why those anxious human being rush about and worry so.

Said the sparrow to the robin, "Friend I think that it must be

That they have no heavenly Father such as cares for you and me."

If God spends so much time and energy creating and carrying for birds that are not eternal, what about the part of creation that is eternal? If birds are of value to God then we can trust him, since Jesus never died for the birds, nor the flowers. He died for you. You are of more value than birds and flowers.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds July 20 Provisions

Verses Matt 6: 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Being aware of God's Provisions helps reduce worry.

We need another vision of how God does marvelously provide and we rest in his provisions. If God gave us life, we can trust him for lesser things such as food and clothes. Worry doesn't help anyway. Nothing we can do except trust in most situations and if the flower is so clothed and beautiful for one day, what about the clothing that God' wants to place on you for all eternity.

Worry is characteristic of the pagan the atheists, the one who does not know or understand about God. Pastor Foreman says, "The cure for worry is a deeper knowledge of God, a complete letting go of oneself and resting in Him"

There are many times when I quote the adage-Hindsight is better than foresight. We learn so much through the difficulties of life, and the uncertainties. Yet, for the one who trust God even though they do not know what is going to happen, thinking how God had helped, sustained and provided for us causes us to relax in trusting him and praying for our needs and letting him do what He does. Think about what God has done, and realize he will not stop caring for you. When we come to him does He run from us? When conviction and confession come what is God's response? Damnation? No, He provides for us salvation and forgiveness. He gives us what we need for kingdom living that we might carry out his purpose, and indeed to carry out his purposes he gives us what we need to do that.

I am humbled when I think of my weaknesses and inabilities, realize that for whatever task or place of service God calls me he will give me grace to do what he wants, so He is honored, not me. We are never without the resources to carry out what his will is to be carried out. Will God call us into situations and places that He is incapable of handling? We should start to worry when we are living in sin and not according to God's will and purpose for us. Anxiety may very well tell you that all is not right spiritually. Give God complete control of your life, confess sin, confess worry and then watch what He is able to do. Worry happens when we want to provide instead of letting God provide. We want to take care of our problem instead of doing it God's way or in God's power.

Now that does not mean we sit and wait for God to provide our needs while we do nothing. God's doesn't provide by our sitting and expecting him to drop down stuff in our laps. He is not our servant to carry out our commands and requests. But since God provided all the beauty of a lily, he will see to it there are avenues to have our needs met. Solomon didn't even come close with all his wealth of the world Ah, but the clothing that radiates isn't spun and woven. Not from furs, and French designers, nothing gold and silver, but purity and righteousness, and joy and peace that comes from within. All that other stuff goes out of style and is stolen and moths eat, but who can take away the Holy Spirit? How can one take away joy and peace and security from the Father. Pagans worry about eating and dressing and so will our world, but we need to realize we have one who will care for us.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 21 Priorities

Verses Matt 6: 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Being aware of God's Priorities helps reduce worry

Jesus tells His followers not to be worriers insteadgrow in trust in God and keep proper priorities in life. It is our habit to concentrate on things we need in this world to the neglect of the most important relationship beyond this world. Things of this world capture us and so much of our time and attention. Indeed we worry about the economy. We worry about foreclosures. We worry about jobs. We worry about health. We worry about children, grandchildren, spouses, friends. For those things make up our life.

Jesus says let the most important priority take over. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This will be the theme and topic of my sermon this coming Sunday.

Romans 8:28 is still in the Bible "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose." worry says no God, you are a liar, you word is untrue. Trust says, though, I don't understand, God does and I am putting myself in his care and under his control and he won't let anything happen out of his ultimate will.

When Jesus points to all the things we worry about they will shortly be gone. Even this life is short lived from God’s perspective. So then, what should be our priorities? This is not a call to poverty it is a call to putting eternal things ahead of temporary things. It is acall to godliness instead of worldliness.

When I was growing up worldliness was taught to be smoking, drinking, going to movies, dancing and gambling. But worldliness from Jesus perspective is giving undo worry and attention to money, physical appearance, food, clothing, and relationships.

Someone wasasked to be under the employ of Queen Elizabeth Queen of England. Asthey inquired about their needs, the Queen was quoted to have said,"You take taker of my business and I will take care of yours." That'show it is with Jesus.

We have a dog, two parakeets and about a dozen fish. They are pets. Those two birds are fun to watch on occasion. They are a pretty white and blue. I see how they relate to one another and which one is dominant and submissive. Yet they cower when I come to the cage and get upset when I put my hand in their cage to change their water and give them more food. I try to talk to them but they don’t respond back.

I have zero attachment to the fish. However, I have to clean the pond of algae and keep the filter bubbling so they have oxygen. Even in the winter, since the pond is outside, I have purchased a tank heater to keep them going.

At least the dog wags will acknowledge my presence when I came into the house. For all the problems she can be he gives me the impression every day I might mean more to her than just food and a means to go outside. Of all the cope pets she is the only one who show me some love. When she wants out I let her out, when she wants in I let her in. She will look at me when food is low. We’ve learned to communicate on some level.

I love my children deeply. Can you begin to imagine that I would do any less for Bryan and Justin that I would for my pets? Even though they are grown now I find I want to be sure they are safe and provided or. If we feed and care for our dog, don't you think we will surely feed and care for our children? All my pets would die first before I would neglect my children. That's the same with God. So stop worrying.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri July 22 Principles

Verse Matt 6: 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Being aware of God's' Principles help reduce worry.

As Jesus says “therefore” He is making a concluding remark on this topic of worry. The reminders are so important in our life where our attention keeps pointing to things that in the long run do not matter.

Truths and principles Jesus stated are reasons to trust and not worry.

1) Material things don't last, Value the Kingdom concerns. Put yourself under God's care who has a plan for your life and will carry it out beginning now and throughout eternity. We need to prepare for eternity, not store up things here for we're not going to be here very

long. Anxiety, if anything, will shorten our life, not lengthen it.

2) Give to God what you can’t control anyway. God made your life and body and that is God's responsibility. You can't even determine when you life or die. You can take all kinds of vitamins, exercise, eat properly but life and death is the Lords.

Now what is more important? Your life or the food you eat? Your

body or the clothes you put on it? Obviously your life and body are more important. If God already cares for your life and body don't you think he is trustworthy to take care of food and clothes and all the other things.

3) God knows. What he began in you he will complete. Focus on what God has done in the past and is doing. The future is His and He already knows it. Seek His Kingdom and His righteousness that is our part. He is sovereign and has everything else under control.

4) Use what God give you. God calls us to be faithful with the gifts and abilities that he has given. We are to work and use them the best we can. We are to work and labor, recognize and utilize medicines, and exercise, physicians and proper dietary programs. These are provisions from God as well. Use them. Trust God. Do what you can do and let God do the rest. He calls for a yielded heart God does not use ravens to feed us but farmers, and fishermen, butchers, and grocers. The birds do not sit in their nest, unless they are baby birds, but they leave their nests and God directs them to places of food, sometimes your bird feeder is the provision that God allows.

Hudson Taylor was on a ship in route to China when a huge storm arose. He took of his life preserver as a testimony that he trusted God and felt if he wore it, it was demonstrating a lack of faith. However, afterwards he thought the use of such means ought not to lessen our faith in God and our faith in God ought not to hinder our using whatever means he has given us for the accomplishment of his own purposes. Is it not a provision from God that we have life preservers and is it any less of a provision from God we use them if they are available for our use? Just because things may not be miraculous done does not mean He doesn't do them. His hand sustains and protects.

5) The more we focus on Him the less the problem. There are things

that are out of our hands and control and we cannot do anything about.

Give those things completely to God and watch what He does with them.

Ish 26:13 Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on

thee."

One put it well when he said, "Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand."

Pray about all things and be obedient to what you know you should be doing. Rest in the comfort of His presence, peace, and power.

Pastor Dale

More on Fasting Matt 6:16-18

Sermon Nuggets Tues July 5 Why Fast?

Verses Verses: Matt 6:16-18

16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Why Fast?

Previously last week we looked at some questions regarding fasting. What is it? Who should Fast? And What are other ways to Fast?

This week consider some other questions. Today and tomorrow I thought I’d share some thoughts on Why Fast-There may be more but I’ll give 5. The first two are:

1) To seek God intensely when there is a great or urgent need.

Ezra 8:22-23 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”

When Ezra was told he was going to be attacked he showed great faith in the Lord by not desiring to ask the King for protection but trusting in God. Now that attack was imminent, he called on the people to fast and pray to God for deliverance from his enemies and he did.

Anna the older woman at the temple ached to see the deliverance by God for her people. God granted her permission to see the Messiah before she was to die. She was moved to show that even food wasn’t as important as being in the presence of God.

It is common when situations call for special prayer that righteous people will fast and make urgent prayer more important that food.

2) To seek a deeper intimacy or forgiveness with God. Hunger for God is more important than hunger for food. To set some aside to be with family is important. To set times aside to be with your spouse allows for greater intimacy and sharing. It is also the case when an extended time to be with God and focus on his word, prayer, and thought will put us in a frame of mind to seek the things above instead of the things below.

Some of the times that have been most rewarding is when I have taken days aside to do little more than retreat to spend more time in prayer and allow myself to be quiet to let Him speak to me. By praying an fasting one has a desire to change and God desires to see our growth in faith in Him.

We mentioned already that the practice recorded in the Bible usually centered around fasts for sin. Some people recognized they were under judgment or pending judgment of God and were sincere in wanting even more than eating to get right with God. Repentance brings sorrow. For some it is a means to overcome sin by pleading and praying for spiritual freedom in a certain area in their life, and asking God to forgive and empower them in times of temptation.

You remember Nineveh was under judgment of God at the time of Jonah’s message, but they repented and wept and fasted and Gods blessing and forgiveness came to them. It came from the heart.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds July 6 Why Fast

Verses Acts 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Why Fast - continued

3. Fasting is observed for special anointing or seeking revival.

There are experiences in our lives when we do not feel like eating. Sometimes that happens at a death or tragedy or accident, or surgery, or awaiting news of a newborn baby. Many people do not feel like eating when your mind is not on food. Can you imagine that happening spiritually, where your attentions toward God are such that food does not really matter?

Certainly sorrow is a common illustration of fasting. People grief kept them from food and would draw them to call upon God for strength and for mercy, for peace and for presence.

Along with that praying was a concern or request as people poured out their heart to God like Hannah at the temple who wanted a child. Fasting is always associated with prayer and communion with God. But she wanted a special anointing in her personal request to God. AS it was with the church in Antioch, they fasting asking God fill and use Paul and Barnabas for their special task of sharing the gospel to the pagan gentiles.

Some like David Brainard would pled and cry for the souls of the Indians, as a missionary whose heart was so burdened for the lost that he would spend days in the woods fasting and praying before going to preach to them that he might be filled with the Spirit of God for revival. Was it any wonder that God rewarded them who sought him for spiritual reasons. The reward mentioned by Jesus is also a personal one. We fast for ourselves. Does this mean just in heaven or are there spiritual reward on earth? Certainly a closer walk with God affect and frees our spirit from earthly things.

In Exodus 24 Moses prayed and fasted for Israel that they might experience conviction and repentance, and openness to God. In Jesus ministry he prayed an fasted for his servants and for his disciples. People became so important to him that he went without food to present them before His Father in Heaven. Daniel in the OT. was able to interpret the Dream for King Nebachanezzar. He prayed and fasted that he might have the knowledge to reveal to the King his dream. Queen Esther prayed and fast as did Jews with her as she presented herself to the King thereby leaving open the possilbity of being killed. But she did not do so for herself, but for the salvation of the Jews.

4. Fasting was practices to bring deliverance to those in bondage, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. Jesus told his disciples regarding the boy with a demon,

Matt 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

Greed is one of our basic human sins. Self control is meaningless unless it includes the control of our bodies and our passions. The beginning of self control is the control of our passion. For one who lets his bodily urges control him is one that will not live very victoriously. This is true with sexual control, emotional control, and even the desire for foods, healthy and unhealthy. It is no secret that our society has the greatest problem with over consumption of food, as well as pleasure, and selfish lusts. To the experience filled generation everything becomes a bore, they’ve seen it all, heard it all, bought it all, tried it all. But God is not a commodity to be bought to experienced for our pleasure, but His, and when we so no to the things that get in the way we may be surprised what true fulfillment really is.

5. Needing to Focus on the will and purpose of God.

With all the personal and worldly distractions it is easy to keep our focus off from God and put it on so many other things. It is in times of prayer and sometimes fasting that the will of God is seen more clearly, the Scriptures become more personal and the direction for doing the work of God more important.

. In praying and fasting it is the desire to have more of a change in my life and really mean it than trying to change God’s mind. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan he taught us an important lesson. Man does not eat by bread alone, but every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. We would do well to take our lunch times on occasions and pray and read the Bible instead of eat.

Fasting more than anything allows us the discipline and reverence for God. A disciplined person can do what needs to be done when it needs to be done, undisciplined persons cannot act when emergencies come. This isn’t just for food, but a disciplined life knows how to say no to sex, to television, to music, to pleasures for time and devote self to prayer and to meditation and re-evaluation of priorities in one’s life. We need to have the ability to do without things for awhile.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 7-Where to Fast

Verses- Matt 6: 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Where to Fast

That seems like a funny question. Yet Jesus does address it. The Pharisees would answer by going out in public and the streets and steps to the temple where crowds would gather in great numbers coming in and going out. Jesus is pointing out the hypocrites who love to practice piety so as to get the admiration of others. That is as far as their reward goes.

Certainly there were times when a Holy Fast was declared. There were national fasts.

While teaching in Russia on a short term mission experience I found it interesting that the church would fast every Thursday before the communion service to be held on Sunday. Following their Thursday night church service people would eat at the church breaking their fast. Sometimes a church calls for a fast. Sometimes to participate as a group helps encourage one another to community prayer and devotion.

Jesus gives us our first and most important reason not to fast: Do not fast if you are doing so to be noticed by men. Jesus said that those who look somber and try to make others feel sympathy for them or respect for them because they are fasting are just hypocrites. They are play actors. They are not doing it for God or even for themselves they are doing it to gain attention by other people. Men might praise you, but God will not.

He is telling them to fast in secret. Don’t broadcast it. Do it at home or go by yourself when you are not eating to spend private time with Jesus.

I was eating lunch with other pastors. On was not eating. I asked him if he was feeling alright. He answered, “Yes, I am fasting today.”

I thought to myself if I was fasting I probably wouldn’t pick a day when I am to have a lunch appointment or plan to be with others during a meal. But I needed to see a friend who humbly and quietly participated in a fast without seeking to bring attention to himself, or guilt others.

There are some who teach a person can fast for a few days to get whatever they want from their deep pocketed god. They will say, “Fast a few days and ask for a boat, and God will provide. Fast for a few days and you’ll receive money to cover your debts. Fast for a few days and God will give you the job you want.”

I don’t find this in Scripture. While fasting may make us ready to know God’s will and pray accordingly, it will never be the means to manipulate God into conforming to our will and wants. If you fast as though you are seeking to get your wishes it is like blowing out the candles on a Birthday cake hoping your wish will come true, you will soon be disappointed in God and disillusioned with the idea of fasting.

The best place to fast is in private. I may be in your home, it may be on a retreat, it maybe carrying out the regular activities of the day, but at lunch or dinner time seek to get away by yourself for prayer and private meditation.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri July 8 How to Fast

Verses- Verses: Matt 6:16-18

16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

How to Fast

Jesus said, don’t, be like the hypocrites all disheveled and acting as if they are in pain. Anoint your head and wash your face. Some would mess up their hair and put ashes on it, even whiten their faces to look more pale. that is sin. Jesus said, Instead let your fast be private between you and God. Anoint your head, brush your hair and get ready for the day. Oil is like hair cream. Look presentable, clean and dress appropriately for each day. Don’t go around being proud of being humble. Don’t be proud in your giving in your prayer nor in your fasting. And it is definitely wrong to fast thinking you are better than others who don’t.

I think of Luther’s criticism against monks when he was in the Catholic Church. He wrote when they would not eat meat, “I really dare say that in what they termed fasting in the papacy, I never saw a genuine fast. How can I call it a fast if someone prepares a lunch of expensive fish, with the choicest spices, more and better than for two or three others meals and washing it down with stronger drink, and spends an hour or three at filling the stomach until it is stuffed? Yet that’s the usual thing even among the very strictest of monks. Therefore I say that never in my whole life, have I seen a facet in the entire papacy that was really a Christian fast.”

We are not to advertise ourselves, but discipline ourselves, not seeking reputation but humility and concern, In other words Jesus showed the How is an attitude that is right with God.

When Jesus was lead by the Spirit, he went into the dessert. Perhaps if there is time you feel you’d like to spend with God I will encourage you to do so and consider fasting. If you have a medial problem seek the doctors advice first. Never fast if you are on certain medicine, or have diet related medical problems as diabetes, hypoglycemia, blood pressure problems, nutrition deficiency or things like that. Nor should small children, pregnant women, ill, and elderly fast. There is no command that we fast, but to pray sincerely before the Lord. It is for spiritual purposes, and personal purposes. Are you wrong if you don’t? No. I think you might be missing out on a part of devotion that God has for you to learn significant lessons in your life and possibly for others.

If you consider trying to fast, maybe you would want to start by skipping meals and using those times for special prayer. If two meals during the daylight hours every time your stomach reminds you that it wants food, pray. You’ll probably play more that day than any others. Maybe you wish to liquid fast for day, or use fruit, or even sometimes go with all food or drink, not in the 100 degree weather however. The importance is more in the motive than in the methods.

John Westly shared that during his fast days he would read large portions of Scriptures, nap, pray, look up certain verses on subject and petition the Lord concerning problems. He would sing hymns and listen to music, He would memorize passage and would wait until the Word would speak to him. He would often preach and people would say it was as if the voice of God was speaking to them through Mr. Westly for he preached with a spiritual power that was sensed to be greater on such days.

The passage is about alms giving, prayer and fasting. It relates to private devotion and service, prayer and intercession it is reward from God who knows our hearts. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. What he is really concerned about is our priorities, Food helps us evaluate that.

Pastor Dale

Fasting part 1- Matt 6:16-18

Sermon Nuggets Mon June 27 Fasting

Verses: Matt 6:16-18

16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

FACTS AND FALLACIES ON FASTS

It is difficult when a bachelor speaks on marriage; It is hard to accept when childless couples give wisdom on raising children; It seems inconsistent when a young man talks about aging, or a fat person speaking on fasting.

My subject is fasting. I speak on the subject because I need to. I need to because it is in the Bible, and I need to because I need to. Perhaps most believers are ignorant of the subject, because so little is really said or preached on it. There are lots of Scriptures that address the subject. Now there is a call again for Christians to fast and pray like I have not heard before. For that I am encouraged.

One of the reasons I like to go through books and passages is that I might address the parts of the Bible I like as well as the parts that I want to skip; the parts that are easy to understand as well as the parts that are more difficult to understand. The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is authoritative for faith and practice. This is profitable for us for teaching, our reproof, for our correction for our training in righteousness. I hope this will be profitable for you as you seek to have God bring home truths to you. So let’s ask some questions on the topic of fasting.

1) Who Should fast?

There is no question that fasting, meaning not eating of food for a particular length of time, was cultural. There were many nations and people of societies that fasted to earn favor for their gods and pagan deities. There were commands also in the Old Testament to the people to have regular fasts. They were required to have one national fast, called the Day of Atonement and this was for all Jews, were not sick or pregnant. In those cases the people would give a special offering for the needy in place of the nation fast. Beside that one time during the year the Israelites would have 2 other times that most would fast and not eat. That was also the New Years and special times when there was national calls for penitence, contrition of heart, or humiliation before the Lord. Judges 20:26 “Then the Israelites all the people, went up to Bethel and there they sat weeping before the Lord,

They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord,”

In the Scriptures we have many incidents recorded of private fasts for times of sorrow. people who have lost loved ones, or if there was a loss to a war, or grief and people personally cried out to God in their pain and sorrow. There are illustrations of people praying by fasting desirous of wisdom, seeking the face of God and pleading for direction as they lead an army, a nation, or even personal family issues.

But some Christians will say that is for the Old Testament people living under the law, not for us who live under the dispensation of grace. Well, what does the Word say?

In our passage Jesus is speaking to the Kingdom people- we who have been changed by the power of the Holy Spirit and made to be his sons and daughters. “When you fast.” It is implied that we will.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues June 28 Who Should Fast

Verses- Matt 9:14-17 Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"

15 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

16 "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse.

17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

(NIV)

Who Should Fast?

I began commenting yesterday a bit on the culture at that time and how Jews would practice fasting and have days and times it was expected to fast. We are aware of how the Muslims practice each year a fast during their month of Ramadan. The dates actually change so that within 34 years a faithful Muslim will have fasted every day of the year.

Because of the traditional practices of fasts Jews today have developed addition times when they fast. There is a fast for the firstborn for newborn males commemorating the fact they were saved from the plague of the firstborn in Egypt. They commemorate the breaking down of the wall of Jerusalem by Nebuchanezzar in their 4^th . They remember the tragedies of the people including the Fast of Esther as it was talked about in that book. They recall by fasting the fall of Jerusalem and the tearing down of the temple by the Romans. It is tradition to fast on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the most holy day of the Jewish year. This is a time to confess sins on behalf the people as well as individually.

It is also part of the teachings of Muslims and Jews that it excludes the very young, very old, sick and other times when society understands there should be exceptions.

So in practicing traditions it was pointed out that Jesus and his followers didn’t observe some of the cultural fasts at his time. “How is it that we and Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast? Jesus answered. How can the guest of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them and then they will fast.”

Does that mean the disciples didn’t fast while Jesus was with them, but did after he left? Some will say that means the time from the crucifixion until the resurrection. The implication was sorrow caused the disciples to fast, but after Christ arose, there was feasting and there is always feasting since the presence of Christ is with us always through the Holy Spirit.

Some will say fasting is no longer expected by Christians since we perpetually celebrate his resurrection and life with us in the presences of the Holy Spirit.

It seems to me if that is the proper interpretation then the apostles were wrong when throughout Acts it’s recorded they fasted and prayed. Acts 13:2-3 “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

In other words the Old Testaments saints fasted, Israel fasted, Jesus fasted, the apostles fasted, and the early church, long after Jesus ascended into heaven. Almost 20 New Testament references are cited.

When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount he condemned hypocrisy. It is hypocritical to give money to the poor when you are giving to boast your own reputation. It is hypocritical to pray when you pray for the recognition of man. It is hypocritical to fast when you do so to make it a show to impress other folks. But when you give alms, when you pray and when you fast, which people of the Kingdom will do, then do it private unto the Lord, not unto men. It doesn’t say if you give and if you pray and if you fast, but when you do. So if it does include us, then we need to know more about it.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds June 29 What is a Fast?

What is a Fast?

The dictionary tells us a fast is to keep from eating all or certain foods, as in observing a holy day, or to eat very little or nothing. According to the commentaries , the cultures of Jesus day practiced different kinds of fasts. There was the plain food fast of eating vegetable or beans and not other meats or delicacies as practiced by Daniel. There was normal fast meaning no food but only water. Most commonly one day from sundown to sundown, but it also was common not to eat during day light hours. There was an extreme fast, as recorded for Moses who for 40 days was up on Mt. Siani and he did not eat food or drink. In the custom of Israel an extreme fast usually lasted only one day.

Part of understanding a fast was to recognize the place of food in the Bible. Food was not only for survival but for pleasure that we might enjoy what God has given and some of us have more pleasure than others in eating. There is also the fellowship we enjoy in sharing and giving, and eating with one another. There is the spiritual dimension of food. God can be blessed for providing our needs and our enjoyment. It is a means of worship, thanksgiving and blessing from and to God. Food can have symbolic use as wine and bread at communion.

Biblical fasting was to refrain from eating some or all food for spiritual reasons. Of course there are many types of fasting that do not have specific spiritual reasons. Fasting should not be confused with hunger strikes for political reason, nor to be confused with dieting in order to lose weight. It has spiritual significance.

The morning meal as we begin our day is breakfast. The word means break our fast. After 12 hours of not eating, supposedly sleeping we break our time of fast and by eating it’s called break fast.

But, Jesus witnessed fasting as a spiritual activity as a means of people measuring their spiritual health. Scribes and Pharisees would love to parade their piety among the people and did so with making sure others knew they would deprive themselves food for God’s sake. Many would wear special clothes if it was for mourning, sack-cloth and ashes were known to be part of the culture of Israel, when they would put ashes on their heads. Many Pharisees and other leaders would fast twice a week. They would not eat food during daylight hours, but eat something before the day, or after the sun set.

A personal fast is most effective when instead of eating a meal you use that time to pray and read and think as you set this time for you and God. We will comment more about this tomorrow.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs June 30

What is a Fast? continued

Within our culture many liturgical churches practice the observance of Lent the 40 days prior to Easter that is suppose to be a time when they do without something, as a symbol of a fast, or not eat meat to deny themselves some personal pleasure in preparation of the Holy Season. Generally, we do not practice lent as it historically has no Biblical basis. But if some want to practice personal discipline and use that time to meditate on God and pray there certainly isn’t anything wrong with that if it is sincere and from the heart.

In a previous church there we had a fast designed to identify with the Hungry of the world and give the money normal spent for our food that day to World Relief, plus any extra that God would lay upon our hearts. I was reminded that when I was hungry I could go in a few hours to my refrigerator and stop discomfort, but many 1,000 of people had no place to go to stop their hunger. That fast made me thankful and praiseful for what Blessing God gave me, but it also made me more seriously aware of the poor who need more than our nickels and dimes. They need our prayer and witness to meet physical needs as well as spiritual hunger in their lostness for eternity.

David Smith a British author wrote a book called, Fasting, a Neglected Discipline.

His definition of a Biblical fast is as follows: “Fasting is an age old practice, common in most religions which involved the cessation of eating for an agreed time, but required the drinking of water at least, unless extreme circumstances deemed otherwise. The practice was commanded by God in the O.T. times, in order that men might have an annual reminder of their sinful nature and was assumed, by Jesus, to be a spiritual duty to which believers would sometimes resort. When practiced by Christian there is no ulterior motive, since the glory of God alone is the object in view;

To a Christian, fasting involved the whole man and symbolizes total discipline. Except on special civic, or local church , days of penitence, Christian fasting is of necessity private and secret. To the Christian fasting is not a ritual to be indulged in regularly, but source of intimate delight even though it may involved heart searching and sorrow; for the value of this discipline lies not in its immediate effect, but in the results which flow from its practice, and the gradual effect which it has upon the individual believer.” Pg. 25.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Friday July 1 Other fasts

1 Cor 7:5

5 Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.(NIV)

Other Fasts

Although most fasts are related to refraining from eating and/or drinking. There are other fasts that relate to certain kinds of foods for certain lengths of time. Typically a fast is not the same as a diet. As diet is a desires to change eating patterns for a period of time or for goals to lose weight, or control diabetes, or allergies. A fast is for the purpose of individual or group desire for spiritual discipline.

Since the Bible speaks on all topic so we Paul’s instructions for married couples to refrain from sexual relationships for the purpose of devotion to prayer. This is not in the Old Testament, but rather for church people. The importance is for prayer, or seeking Gods’ will, or spiritual self control.

Let me ask how is your prayer life? How often do you just skip devotions because you do not have time? How often have you skipped a meal because you just do not have the time?

Jesus said, “Matt 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'". More important than food for Jesus was time to spend with God, His Father, and delight in His will and Word. How can we better hear the words of God as oppose to the words from the world. I typically spend a half hour each day watching the news. I listen to the weather and watch what happened in the sports world. I listen to answers from good questions. I can give you an update on politics and Minnesota government shut down. Last night I said my silent farewell to Mike Fairbourne, the weather man, who is retiring after 34 year by watching his tribute. Those items are perhaps the more positive things that comes through the TV screen. There are shows to entertain us, but the spiritual need of our hearts to neglected.

A fast it to break away from normal activity to be in the presence of God, the reading of his word, and meditation. It would be great to call a fast from TV watching, or computer games. A fast might be from shopping or cell phone use. As outside activities take more of our discretionary time we realize we do not have time for prayer or devotions.

I go on retreats to get away form the work and home and routine in order to experience God in a different setting. It becomes important to set priorities, goals, and just be in the presence of God. As we know, we always are, but He does not always have my attention.

Jesus instructed the disciples involved with spiritual conflict with demon possession that it is a battle than needs prayer and fasting.

In reading a book by Dr. Koch on demonology and the work of Satan, he fears most American do not know the first thing of serious prayer. We don’t yearn to be with God and consistently uplift the spiritual warriors before the throne of God. We don’t fast and pray and do not recognize the seriousness of the spiritual battle as they do in other countries. Dr. Koch pointed out the extreme importance of preparing ourselves spiritually by not eating and praying at length to totally be motivated by God’s desires and not our own.

Maybe there is an activity that you might refrain from and use that time to get better acquainted with God and His truth.

Pastor Dale