February 1, 2011

Opening Hymns:
As We Gather 16 (Red)
Make Me A Servant 236 (Red)

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58 “True Fasting”

Message: A Do’s and Don’ts lesson
The scripture reading is entitled “True Fasting.” It is a message to a people who aren’t fully grasping what fasting should be. This scripture is a guideline for them and for us. It describes what they are doing wrong, and how to correctly fast.

The first three verses describe the plea of the people and on the fourth verse God answers saying “Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.” A day of fasting is not doing what we please, nor can it be raising quarrel with our neighbors. In verse five He states that merely doing the actions of “humbling oneself” is not what He intended fasting to be either. He wanted it to be something more meaningful.

Verse 6 is when the Do’s part of fasting begins. We are to: Stop injustice, free the oppressed, feed the hungry, give homeless shelter, and clothe the naked. It all comes down to serving others. The final verses reiterate the importance of serving, and it states the importance of being blessed by God if you serve and bless the Sabbath. What does that mean for us?

We are already a month into the new year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start a new years resolution. Lent is not here yet, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t begin our fast. This time we can begin a different fast, and change our idea of what fasting is. We can begin helping the world fast from spiritual “junk food” like oppression, and injustice. We can fast from selfishness and take on a servant’s heart. This year, this week, and this day we can answer the call to serve with our presence, gifts, and our time. We can answer someone’s plea for help. We can sit and talk to older adults in nursing homes who get few visitors. We can raise money for the sick, homeless, and hungry. We can stand up for the oppressed: because, with every good deed that we do the world is that much more beautiful.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, as we go forth this day, show us how to serve. Guide us, teach us, and lead us. Let us not forget the God that we love, and let us never forget Your children. Lord, show us where we are needed today and help us remember how to fast. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn:
Change my heart Oh God 50 (Red)
Trees of the Field 103 (Red)


May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God