March 23rd Sermon & Devotionals
- Pastor Mark Porterfield
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Five-Day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional
Sermon Audio
What I Learned About Biblical Fasting | Let It Be Week 3
Day 1: Understanding Biblical Fasting
Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18
Reflection: Start your journey by reorienting your understanding of fasting. Jesus speaks about fasting as an expected practice, not an optional spiritual exercise. Biblical fasting is inherently tied to food, a tangible expression of dependency on God for sustenance.
Meditation: Consider what it means to disconnect from one of our basic needs and connect more deeply with God. How might fasting from food help you focus on your spiritual life?
Prayer: Lord, open my heart to understand the true essence of fasting. Help me to embark on this practice with a sincere desire to meet with You and grow in faith.
Day 2: Fasting Cannot Be Ignored
Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-5
Reflection: Fasting is not just a practice for the spiritual elite or those with time on their hands. God calls His people to fast with a sincere heart, not out of obligation or for show. Consider how you may have overlooked fasting in your own spiritual life.
Meditation: Reflect on areas where you have ignored fasting. What barriers have kept you from this practice? How can you begin to incorporate fasting into your routine?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for neglecting the practice of fasting. Give me the courage to embrace it, not as a ritual, but as a genuine step towards deeper relationship with You.
Day 3: Fasting with Purpose
Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-11
Reflection: Fasting without purpose is just a bad diet. Scripture calls us to fast with intention, whether it be for repentance, seeking guidance, or interceding for others. Purposeful fasting aligns our hearts with God's will and opens the door to transformation.
Meditation: Identify a specific purpose for your upcoming fast. Is there something in your life that needs breakthrough, direction, or healing? Allow God to guide you.
Prayer: Lord, give me clarity of purpose in my fasting. Let it not be an empty tradition, but a meaningful engagement with You. May my fast bring about Your transformation in my life and the world around me.
Day 4: The Reward of Fasting
Scripture: Matthew 6:17-18
Reflection: Jesus assures us that fasting in the right spirit comes with the reward of God's attention and provision. Unlike the hypocritical fasting for human praise, true fasting draws us into the heart of God and aligns us with His purposes.
Meditation: Contemplate the rewards God promises to those who fast righteously. How might God renew or bless you through your fast?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I seek my reward from You alone. Help me fast in secret, with a heart pure in intention, that I might know Your presence and guidance in every area of my life.
Day 5: Living Out a Transformative Fast
Scripture: Acts 13:1-3
Reflection: The church in Antioch fasted as they sought God’s direction in commissioning Saul and Barnabas. Their fasting was an integral part of their worship and discernment. Fasting can prepare us for significant life decisions and empower us to remain aligned with God's mission.
Meditation: Think about a decision or situation you are facing where you need divine insight. How can you incorporate fasting as a way to seek God’s direction and power?
Prayer: Gracious God, teach me to use fasting as a tool for spiritual clarity and empowerment. May my practice of fasting deepen my walk with You and prepare me to carry out Your will with boldness.
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