September 22nd, 2022
john
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is turning burdens into blessings.
One example of this is Nehemiah, who heard the report from Jerusalem, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
Nehemiah responded to this news with weeping. Then he prayed and fasted before God. After that, he took action by building a wall in Jerusalem. It was finished in just 52 days. His story is found in the book of Nehemiah in the Bible.
Sometimes, God puts burdens in our heart, which stir us to action when we see someone in trouble. An orphan or widow in distress, a marriage that is falling apart, the homeless, the sick, or a family who suffered loss from a storm. We can take those burdens to God and ask for opportunities to reach out with the love of Jesus.
Turning our burdens into blessings is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Q and A Segment explores the question, “What is fasting and what is the purpose of fasting?”
Fasting is a commitment to go without food for a period of time for spiritual purposes. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert. Members of the early church fasted and worshiped God before sending out Barnabas and Paul for the Lord’s work.
In the book of Joel, the LORD called for His people to return to Him with all their heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning. So, fasting is a sign of brokenness before God and a reflection of our serious commitment to God.
Fasting sometimes turns us to God for a spiritual breakthrough. Pastor David Mathis of Cities Church in Minneapolis writes, “Christian fasting turns its attention to Jesus or some great cause of his in the world….whether it’s fighting against some sin, or pleading for someone’s salvation, or for the cause of the unborn, or longing for a greater taste of Jesus.”
In Isaiah 58:6, the LORD says, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to see the oppressed free and break every yoke?”
God can work through the fasting and prayer of His people to tear down spiritual strongholds and build up our faith in the Year of Exploration.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com