Day 21 – January 22, 2023
“Little is Much!” 
Luke 21:1-4 - And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”
 
Congratulations on participating in 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer! If you are reading this blog, you probably in some way joined us at Hope Chapel on this journey. Think about it - you gave God the first fruits at the beginning of this 2023 year. To some, that may not seem like a big deal. But I believe with all my heart it is a big, big deal to God!  Everywhere in Scripture when people give God their first fruits with the right heart, He is moved toward them.

In this key passage, people are giving their money to the treasury. Jesus points out a widow. Although she gives a mere two mites (in today’s terms, that’s about ¼ of a cent), Jesus pays close attention. The rich folks give out of their extra, but she gives more than them all; she has given ALL of her livelihood. Jesus is moved!

Remember this truth: little is a lot when God is blessed by it and blesses it. God is not concerned with the amount and the performance. He doesn’t measure things the same way we humans do. It’s the heart’s condition that Jesus is after, not a religious checklist. So maybe you fasted all 21 days in some way. That’s great. Or maybe you fasted one meal and it took you 21 days to achieve that. That’s awesome.

Through the years, there have been moments when God has moved in my life in powerful ways. I look back and I have to give God the glory because I truly believe He honored the prayer and fasting that was offered to Him. So please don’t forget this time you gave the Lord in 2023. Mark it down!  In faith, I believe you will look back and praise God for His blessings too.

I’ve enjoyed spending this time with you each day. May God be exalted in 2023. This may be the year the Lord raptures His Church!!!

Praise God!
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 20 - January 21, 2023
“Breakthrough” 
Matthew 6:17–18 - But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
 
I think sometimes we have the wrong expectations about the results of our praying and fasting. We expect God ‘to do it’ during the fast. And sometimes He does.

As you know, our building project is coming to an end. A big need arose from the City of Kannapolis regarding their easement and roadwork requirements. A $201,500 need. I got this news the same week we started the 21 day prayer and fasting. I was shocked and overwhelmed. I knew we were fasting and I asked the Intercessors to pray about an unspoken request. Yesterday, I received a call that the church received a grant for $201,500.  Praise God. The Lord answered fast.

But then there are things I have prayed and fasted about in the last 21 days that He has not answered YET. Many times our breakthroughs are not fast. And I have learned that this is the case a lot of the time. With that being said, we hang on to the words of Jesus in His sermon on the mount. That is, every time we fast with the right heart (in secret), HE SEES IT. HE WILL REWARD US OPENLY.

So don’t get discouraged if your answer is not given immediately. God’s timing is perfect. Satan wants you to doubt and not believe. But trust in the words of Jesus and don’t forget Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Trust in Jesus,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 19 of 21 – January 20, 2023
“The Spirit Works”
Romans 8:26-28 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
 
If you are looking for a job, one thing your potential employer will not know about you is your work ethic. Sure, you may have an impressive resumé, have notable references and even give the right answers in the job interview, but it is not until they see your work over time that they can know whether you get things done.

The Holy Spirit gets things done! And He’s been doing so for a long time! In just these three verses, He helps, makes intercession, searches hearts, and keeps us present before God.

The Spirit works on our behalf for us. He works through spiritual disciplines (that is, the practice of training people to obey) such as Fasting and Praying.  The Spirit works to help us become Jesus’ disciples. The Spirit of God works even when we do not realize He is. And it is for our good.

We have the Holy Spirit perfectly working alongside us, and then there is us. We mess up. If we are honest, we have probably had more failures than successes. Truth is we are going to experience both in life. But to know that I have sincerely given it to God with praying and fasting takes the intense pressure of the burden of failure away. In fact, the failures, the successes, the good, the bad and the ugly (ALL of me) belongs to Him.

I have learned over the last twenty years that the Holy Spirit operating through these spiritual disciplines helps me to better live with the good and the bad. I am thankful He just keeps working in and with me. But one and the same Spirit works all these things - 1 Corinthians 12:11 

I made mention in last Sunday’s message that “prayer doesn’t just change things, it changes me.” That is exactly what God wants to do in our lives. He is changing us and making us more and more dependent on HIM.

So, as we near the end of this 21-day journey, trust that God’s Spirit is working to change you to be more like Jesus and live in peace, knowing He has it all under control. As a mentor tells me often, “Just love God and He will take care of the rest.”

He’s working it out for our good,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 18 – January 19, 2023
“Packing Heat”
2 Chronicles 20:1,3 –4,15,17 - The people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord…Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you’…
 
OK, I admit it – I like Westerns, action movies and just about any show which has bad guys versus good guys! The most exciting part is usually that big fight in the end. With courage and effective artillery, the heroes of the story finally defeat the villains.

Maybe that’s why I like reading the Old Testament...and the New Testament. Time and time again, we see people just like us, who are not perfect and often have fear, but with the Lord on their side, great victories are won!

King Jehoshaphat was informed that the Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites were coming to fight him and his monarchy. He was understandably scared, so he prayed to God and ordered a nationwide fast. “The country of Judah united in seeking God’s help—they came from all the cities of Judah to pray to God.” And what did our God do? He took care of it even while His people were praising Him! The bad guys killed each other in confusion. Not even one remained alive. God’s peoples’ fasting with prayer became a spiritual weapon.
 
There’s an expression that says “Don’t bring a knife to a gun fight” because that knife can be virtually useless against a gun. Well, I’d like to change that to “Don’t bring a worry or fear to a fasting and praying fight” because your distress will fall virtually useless. Whatever hardship or trial you are facing right now, anxiety doesn’t have to win.  Our time of Fasting can remind us of God's protection, provision, and help.

With the fire of the Holy Spirit filled inside us believers, we truly are PACKING HEAT against Satan. “Fasting is a weapon used to respond to the present and future attacks of the evil one.” (Today’s reading from the fasting guide, p. 52)  Be encouraged – our spiritual weapon of fasting and praying is not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ -  2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

No, every battle may not be as easy as Jehoshaphat’s ended up being, but with the Holy Spirit living in us, Jesus Christ interceding for us, and our Father God listening to us, that foul villain will be defeated.

Fight the good fight,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 16 – January 17, 2023
“There’s still time”
Maybe you are one who has chosen not to fast this time. That’s totally fine. But if you are still thinking about it, there is still time, whether you join us as a church family or on your own! Even a one day fast can be quite an intimate experience with our Lord and Savior. I know that personally. The missionary David Brainerd knew that (did you read his testimony yesterday, page 44?). And speaking of testimonies, Sister Ann wrote a beautiful one for us today.
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Fasting?
Fasting is not a topic I have ever chosen to write about - or  to talk about.

If I were to score myself on fasting, I would give myself a score of zero. I did fast technology -  including cell phones- for a few days, and one time I actually fasted food one day a week for several weeks.

When the suggestion would come up, I have normally tended to go with an excuse for not participating.

Verses about fasting have been read in church services I have been in, but rarely as the main part of that passage for the message on that particular day, so I could easily ignore it.

I guess I could call myself a fasting failure, a fasting flunk-out, or a fasting fizzle-outer.
Sure - I have my excuses - I mean  - my reasons.

Let’s see:
1. I will get sick if I fast.
2. I will be cranky if I fast.
3. I have to prepare food for my family anyway, so it would be hard to fast.
4.  I like food.

Food is a highlight of my day.
My days are built around when it’s time to eat again.
Those who know me well can concur…
Food comforts me and makes me happy.

But… a few years ago when I was going through one of the darkest, deepest, and most stressful periods in my life, there were many days I had no ability to pray. It was then that the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart - and sent me a three word reminder that I could not ignore: FAST AND PRAY. It was not just once, but over and over and over and over in my head - until I understood. I needed to fast and pray.

Matthew 17:21 says, ‘Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.’  This kind of what?  What was it talking about? The previous verse tells us that if we have the faith as a grain of mustard seed, we can move mountains and that nothing will be impossible unto us. I needed this kind of faith.

So I did it. My situation that I needed God to guide me through was personal, and my fasting and prayer was personal, too. Every time I felt my stomach begin to growl, I made sure to pray specifically for my need. When I would feel the rumblings of hunger, I would pray and read God’s Word. I would lay on my bed, cover myself with a blanket, and ask the Lord to hold me as I prayed. It was intimate. It was personal. It was ‘God and me’ time. The hunger was enough of a distraction to get my mind off my regular routine and focus on my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Have you ever been somewhere so beautiful and experienced something so amazing that you told others, “I wish I had the words, but I don’t?”

Not only is that how it felt, but that is still how it feels when entering into a time of intimacy with Jesus.
Fast and pray - it is worth it.
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Redeeming the time,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 15 - January 16, 2023
“Being a Light”
Isaiah 8: 6-8 - Is this not the fast that I have chosen…Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning…

Light has been on my mind a lot recently. Installing new light fixtures is part of my trade. Several of us men anointed the light poles at our New Home on Saturday. And you probably heard me emphasize ‘light’ in yesterday’s sermon (you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world - Philippians 2:15).

“Light” is a concept that also goes along with fasting. Isaiah tells us what type of fasts please God – ones where we are letting His light shine in us. When we help the hungry, the poor and the less fortunate, our LIGHT BREAKS FORTH like morning. And we should especially make time to be the light during our fasting.  "Fasting must be accompanied with goodwill and good works toward others to be effective and pleasing to God.” (Day 14, page 42)

As we enter our final fasting week, I think Bobby’s blog fits nicely with being a light to others.
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Comfort In a Hand Knitted Throw
Proverbs 11:25 - The person who blesses others will prosper; he who satisfies others will be satisfied himself.

Ministering to hurting people takes a lot of personal energy. You have to put yourself out there to help and encourage those who God places directly in your path including family and friends who are right by your side.  The terms used in the Scripture verse shows what happens when we help those who are weighed down with troubles.

Upon talking to a friend a few weeks ago, I wanted to bless someone I knew because they had a lot going on, but I didn’t know where to find something I was thinking about getting them. My friend decided to bless us both by making the person a handmade throw made with a loving heart and a simple desire to bring comfort to another.

God imparted some of His “blessings” the moment my friend picked up the yarn and a pair of knitting needles. She told me she worshipped Him freely and had loads of fun placing every knit stitch in this unique gift that was made for someone she had never met. The multiple colors made it look like a lovely field with flowers, like some of the beautiful ones you see when you are walking through the country. She blessed me by showing her heart for other people.

Do you have a heart that genuinely desires to honor Christ by providing comfort to others? Remember, when we offer others “Selfless Comfort and Love” without withholding anything, God promises to bless us time and again! He also promises to bless us in return and restore the energy we use on His behalf.

This is a prayer that my friend said she has in her heart and one I certainly think we all should share:  “Adonai, God, my earnest prayer is that You bless others through me. Make me a blessing to use as You see fit to minister to those who are hurting and need to know Your Truths.”
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Let your light shine,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 14 – January 15, 2023
“The Fast and The Furious” 
[Read Zechariah 7 in its entirety]
Verses 5-12 – “When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me? Should you not have obeyed the words which the Lord proclaimed”…But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears …refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit...Thus great wrath came from the Lord of hosts.

THE FAST! Now that the Jews had finally returned home after being exiled in Babylon, they were wondering if they really needed to continue their annual August fast for God to keep blessing them. Come on - was all that sackcloth, ashes, mourning and abstaining still necessary? So, they asked the priests and prophets.

God’s response through Zechariah came in the form of a passionate question – All those years you were in captivity, you honestly think you fasted for Me? Really?! I would rather that you OBEYED Me! I gave you My instructions through My prophets long before you were even in Babylon. There’s nothing new to say on the subject; My message has not changed! Do what I already asked you to do!

The people wanted to discuss a religious practice more than obeying God. Instead of admitting their wrongdoing and repenting, the people pridefully shrugged their shoulders, blatantly refused to obey, and tried to ignore God by covering their ears. It was an Old Testament ghosting.

THE FURIOUS!  Because His people had stubbornly and arrogantly turned a deaf ear to Him, God became furious. His anger is not the same, however, as our human expressions of this emotion; He did not lash out in fury without thinking. God’s GREAT WRATH is just, perfect, error-free, never vindictive and motivated by love.  His wrath has a redemptive purpose – of restoring us to Him! So, like a sweeping tornado, He blew His people throughout many nations, scattering them in distant lands where they would be foreigners and feel all alone (verse 14).

Many of you who have been a part of this church family for a long time have participated year after year in our January fasting time. Maybe you too have been delivered from a Babylonian experience (an addiction, an ungodly relationship, a season of preferring other things in life over God’s will and presence). I certainly celebrate with you. Yet in your journey, possibly before your great deliverance, did God ask YOU to do something? Do not ignore or cover your ears – OBEY Him. His message has not changed.

As followers of Jesus, we do not have to suffer that same furious wrath that we deserve (1 Thessalonians 5:9 - For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ), but we most certainly will have to endure His correction.  Twenty-one days of corporate, sacrificial fasting and prayer is not a substitute for obedience nor a get-out-of-punishment-and-consequences pass card.   I’d rather not be a tornado rider because of my disobedience - what about you?

1 Samuel 15:22 - Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
 
Onward in obedience.

From the Desk of Ann Farabee ~
Fasting Nuggets from our Hope Chapel Staff
Thank you to the administrative team at Hope Chapel for guiding us through this period of prayer and fasting! Your encouragement and wisdom have made a difference!

Most of you know that I am a retired teacher, so you would also know that I am a big fan of REVIEW!

Here are some of the nuggets Pastor Brian has given us to chew on as we pray and fast.
Let’s review them daily:

Day 1: A regular practice of fasting and praying is very important in seeking God’s will for our lives. It lines us up with His perfect will and reveals His purpose for us in building His kingdom.

Day 2: Fasting and praying is a way to help humble ourselves in the sight of God.

Day 3: A willing heart to try to fast is where it starts.

Day 4: Fasting and prayer accompanied by faith are mighty weapons Jesus gives us for victory.

Day 5: Why fast now? While Jesus walked the earth, His disciples were already in community with Him. But now that He is physically absent, Jesus’ disciples have the opportunity to connect to Him in greater intimacy through fasting.

Day 6: Fasting is not about being self-sufficient or completing a perfect performance. It’s about coming before God with an humble heart that is open and ready to receive Him. We need to set our hearts on being sincere.

Day 7: What if, like Anna in Luke 2:36-37, we made fasting and prayer our lifestyle? Fasting is an act of worship.

Day 8: During this fast, we need to listen to the instruction from the Lord and allow God to create the perfectly timed path for our lives. We need to be in the right place at the right time.

Day 9: And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. Nehemiah 9:3

Day 10: We cannot let our times of prayer and fasting be ambushed by distractions.

Day 11: Get out of the way of trying to fix what is happening - and let God move - in HIS WAY and in HIS TIME.

Day 12: When we have decisions to make, fasting and prayer are the best ways to get clarity. The next time we have a big decision before us, we need to be sure to spend time in prayer and fasting, seeking God for direction. We will not be disappointed!

Day 12 – January 13, 2023
“Decisions”
Acts 14:23 - “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they put their trust.” 
Decisions are a part of our lives; we make decisions every day. Matter of fact, you may have made the decision to take a break from work just to read this devotion. Hopefully, you will be blessed by His Word and glad you did.

Decisions are so important. Many times, we do not even think about them, we just make them. But our decisions shape our lives: “Who do I marry?” “What do I want to do for a living?” “How can I be saved?” In what church do I want to be planted?” “What can I do for the Lord?” On and on and on….

In Acts fourteen, we see Paul and Barnabas again. This time they are preaching to the Gentiles in Lystra, Derbe, Iconium, and Antioch. They have taught, ministered, and moved from city to city, making disciples. They knew how very important it was that the new disciples have leaders who will continue to encourage them in their faith. The Bible says they appointed elders in the churches AFTER PRAYING AND FASTING.

This may sound simple and just be a reminder, but when you have decisions to make or need the Lord’s direction, fasting and prayer are the BEST WAYS TO GET CLARITY. I know the flesh hurts during a fast, but your sensitivity in hearing the Spirit increases during fasting and prayer. The next time you have a big decision before you, be sure to spend time in prayer and fasting, seeking God for direction. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Love,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 11 – January 12, 2023
“The Darius Fast”
Daniel 6:14,18 - And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him.  Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him.

A few people at Hope Chapel are doing the Daniel Fast again this year, where you eat only veggies, fruit (including nuts), beans, whole grains, water and juice. This strict diet follows the Old Testament prophet’s pattern from Daniel 1:8-16.
 
But, there is also someone else in this same book of the Bible who fasted.  His fast has not been as popularized as Daniel’s. You won’t find hundreds of published recipe books nor a famous actor’s Instagram post about his fast.  
 
King Darius was so impressed and pleased with Daniel, one of his chief commissioners, that he decided to promote him. Others became jealous and tried their best to thwart the king’s plans but they could not find any fault in Daniel. So they came up with a way to trick King Darius into signing an evil, binding decree. Because Daniel prayed to God and not the king, he would be punished by being thrown into the lions’ den.
 
Darius was extremely distressed. He could not legally change his proclamation. His best official was now facing a violent death because of him. The rest of his government advisors were corrupt. His back was against the wall. The king struggled all day ‘TRYING TO WORK OUT A WAY’ (Daniel 6:14 AMP) to save his friend, but could not.  King Darius returned to his palace and spent the night fasting, denying himself music and entertainment and not sleeping.
 
The Darius Fast is when you finally realize YOU cannot work out a messy situation!  Perhaps you have made a mistake (maybe listened to the wrong people for advice) or have unknowingly made a situation worse. You have struggled for a while TRYING TO WORK OUT the circumstance but there seems to be no solution.
 
Return to your palace and fast and pray!  Get out of the way in trying to fix what's happening and let God move – in HIS WAY, in HIS TIME. Then be of good cheer “For He is the living God, and steadfast forever…He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…" (Daniel 6:26-27) 

Remembering what God can do,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 10 – January 11, 2023
Ezra 8:23 - So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
Because the way back to Jerusalem was going to be dangerous, even filled with robbers, Ezra wanted protection for God's people, especially as they would be carrying lots of precious treasures. But he had already told the king that the hand of God was upon them. And so, he proclaimed a fast to humble the Israelites and to ask the Lord to guide them safely on their journey.  God not only delivered them from every ambush, He blessed them. Their part: Fast AND Pray. God's part: Respond.

Usually around the halfway point of the fast, it becomes easier to return to normal daily activities. Your headaches may be gone, the cravings do not seem as intense or your desire to watch TV or binge on social media has subsided.  And so you relax.  You have happily found your new normal. You are fasting but maybe not praying as much because 'you've got this.'  You have forgotten that your way is filled with robbers like distractions from your job or your family or your good works. These robber distractions can steal those precious treasures that God has been sharing with you these past nine days. Do not let your prayer time be ambushed by them!  
 Pastor Joshua Akinyemiju of the Christian Association of Nigeria said something last year that caught my attention:  “We should remember that fasting without prayer is nothing but a hunger strike!”  I encourage you to push through and spend even more time in prayer and feeding on God's Word during this time.  Don’t just fast and continue busy-ness as usual.
 
Not sure where to start?  Hope Chapel has a prayer team that gathers on Tuesday mornings who speak English and a prayer team that gathers on Friday evenings who speak Spanish.  Each would be honored to pray with and for you or even help teach you how to pray – no judgment.
 
In the meantime, Bobby wrote:
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“Never Underestimate the Power of Prayer”
Charles Wesley was a spiritual leader and preacher in the 1700s. He was also a hymn writer who wrote over six thousand hymns in his lifetime including the famous:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
All Creatures Of Our God And King
Jesus, Lover of My Soul
And many more.

Charles came from a large family and was one of 19 children, although several of his siblings died as infants. His father was in jail twice and frequently defaulted on his debts, leaving the family with heavy financial burdens. Yet through all of this, Charles’ mother Susanna did not give up. She dedicated hours to prayer for her children and regularly spent time with each one talking about spiritual concepts.

Like Charles’ mother, you might be raising your children in the middle of hardship or you might have friends and family who are lost. But never underestimate the influence and impact that YOUR prayers can have.

I know that it’s only by the grace of God and the prayers of people who loved me, that I am personally living for God today!

You might never know the full extent of what your prayers have done, but your prayers and your attention can impact generations and generations to come!
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Praying for you,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 9 – January 10, 2023
Did you happen to read yesterday’s key passage from our fasting guide (page 30)?
 Nehemiah 9:1-3 - Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, in sackcloth, and with dust on their heads. Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for one-fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God.
 
It's hard to imagine that during their fast, the Israelites spent three full hours confessing their sins before God. That's 71 minutes longer than Sunday's entire worship service at Hope Chapel! But then I remember the SIMPLE TRUTH.  (As I mentioned a week ago, I’ll be including some reflections from our brother Bobby Moffitt’s blog during our fasting journey. Here is one of his previous commentaries.)
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“The Simple Truth”

I am flawed. Every day I miss the mark. Every day I lose patience and say things the wrong way which means I should not have said them at all.

I keep messing up. Last week I forgot to pray for someone I assured I would remember their prayer request. I saw them at church and the stress of their situation was written across their face and I was reminded that I needed to pray. I was also reminded of my negligence.

I stand in the line at the grocery store and chit chat with the cashier or another person in line with me and forget to share the Lord in some way when God opens the door and gives me a moment to open my mouth and be a light in a dark world. When I get on my bike and pull out of the parking lot, I shake my head disappointed in myself because I let that moment slip out of my hands.

I have negative and critical thoughts about someone and then I am filled with guilt. I should know better. I do know better, and yet…there were those negative and critical thoughts exploding in my mind.

The list is endless.

There is bad news and there is good news.

Bad news: I have flaws and I mess up—consistently. I am not perfect. Not even close. Sometimes I am just a big mess.

Good news: I am flawed but saved by grace. Then the good news gets even better. There is Someone who is perfect. Jesus is the perfect One. He perfectly loves me every day. He loves me although I am flawed and when I miss the mark. I am desperate for this kind of love and He offers it to me freely every day.

I don’t like myself when I mess up but I am reminded God’s grace is there for me and I can do better with His help. I want to do better. God is patient with me and He continues to work in me to make me more like Him. This gives me hope. I am deeply thankful there is hope and grace for this flawed heart of mine.

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
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Grace to you,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 8 – January 9, 2023
“Right Timing”
Acts 9:9 - For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
Have you ever looked back at a situation and thought, “I was in the right place at the RIGHT TIME. It had to be God.”?  Of course, you probably have.
 
There is a photo of my father wearing his black cowboy hat and a grin on his face. Every time I look at his picture I think - what a wonderful, happy moment this was, caught with perfect timing.

Acts Chapter nine tells the story of Saul who was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians. Suddenly, he is knocked off his horse and hears the voice of Jesus, asking him a question then directing him to continue to the city.  Immediately after this encounter, Saul is blinded and does not eat or drink for three days.

At the very same time, the Lord speaks to a disciple named Ananias and instructs him to go to Saul (even though he is no doubt afraid based on Saul’s reputation). When Ananias lays hands on Saul and prays for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit, he regains his sight, gets up, and is water baptized. Wow! PERFECT TIMING.

Although this story does not specifically reference ‘fasting’ (and it certainly was not a planned fast on Saul’s part!), it is still a New Testament Scripture passage highlighting the miraculous and supernatural. Through fasting and prayer, both Saul and Ananias received visions and instructions from the Lord that caused their paths to cross at the exact right time to fulfill God’s purpose. God was working in both hearts at the same time.

The rest is history. Saul went on to become the Apostle Paul, an awesome man of God.  Just like with Paul, there are “God moments” that He has mapped out for our lives.  There are doors to open, paths to cross, unplanned conversations to be had and so much more that can come from fasting and praying!  So let me encourage you on this fast to listen to the instruction from the Lord and allow God to create the perfectly-timed path for your life.
Together in Christ,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 7 – January 8, 2023
“Sharpen”
Luke 2:37 - “and there was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.”
There comes a point in our fasting where we can get King Stomach or Queen Media under control. Many times this happens between Day 5 and 8 for me. We then enter a ‘sweet spot’ with the presence of God for the next few weeks.  But that is not a long time at all when you consider Anna who never left the temple but WORSHIPPED night and day, FASTING AND PRAYING.

We do not know much about Anna, but we do see that she was devoted to fasting and prayer. Her husband passed away seven years into their marriage, and then she lived as a widow for 84 years, serving in the temple day and night.

I believe one main point from her story is found when she sees the baby Jesus. She RECOGNIZED Him as the long-awaited Messiah and praised God. In other words, her life of fasting and prayer SHARPENED her SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT and gave her true “eyes to see!”

What if we did not see fasting as an inconvenience?!  What if, like Anna, we made fasting and prayer our lifestyle too?  For Anna, fasting was not a time of “Woe is me!”  Instead, it was an act of worship. We can ‘see’ amazing things happen in our lives if we connect with God in this way and approach fasting with a heart of worship.
Love,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 6 – January 7, 2023
"Sincere or Showy"
Luke 18:10-14 – Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Many times, the struggle in fasting is deciding how to fast in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.  I think we all want to please God and see results, but we subsequently question... What do I fast? How long do I fast? With whom do I share that I’m fasting? How do I not mess up my fast?

In this Scripture, there is more insight into the heart of fasting and I think it can help us with our approach to this spiritual discipline.

Note there are two different people having a conversation with God: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee who prayed in the temple boasted how he fasted twice a week and gave tithes of everything he had. The tax collector in contrast simply cried out to God, “Be merciful to me, the sinner.”  The verdict is in!  Jesus says this religious leader is not justified before God but rather the tax collector who has repented and humbled himself.

So, the Pharisee’s religious fasting, tithing and boasting were ALL FOR SHOW in this Biblical story. (And by the way, God knows if we are fasting in SINCERITY OR BEING SHOWY.)  But on the other hand, the tax collector simply cried out to God. He knew that he had no power or righteousness on his own and needed God’s mercy.

With all the questions that may pop up when we commit to a fast, remember that fasting is not about being self-sufficient or completing a perfect performance. It's about coming before God with a HUMBLE heart that is open and ready to receive from Him. So don’t stress over the flawless accomplishment; instead, set your heart on being sincere.
Sincerely,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 5 – January 6, 2023
“Why Fast Now?”
Luke 5:33-35 - Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?”   And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.”

This is an interesting conversation between Jesus and some religious leaders who were amazed that His disciples DID NOT fast. They were comparing their practices with John’s disciples and the Pharisees. They often fasted and prayed according TO TRADITION.

When we understand why the disciples didn’t fast, we can then understand why we should fast NOW.

Jesus answered that you cannot make the bridegroom’s attendants fast while the bridegroom is still with them (referring to Himself). But, when the bridegroom (Jesus) is taken away, those will be the days for the attendants to fast.

Question: So why do we fast NOW?

Answer: While Jesus walked the earth, His disciples were already in community with Him. But now that He is physically absent, Jesus’ disciples (a.k.a. us!) have the opportunity to connect to Him in greater intimacy through fasting.

THIS IS FOR US AND APPLIES TO OUR DAY AND AGE. NOW IS THE TIME FOR FASTING!
Love,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 3 - Wednesday, January 4, 2023
“Humility, Part 2"
James 4:4-6 - Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?  Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?  But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

In the Book of James, these Scriptures are powerful and very clear: friendship with the world will destroy God’s purposes for your life and the result of humility is GRACE. Yes - I said, “GRACE”!  HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. In fasting and praying, as I have already mentioned, we crucify our flesh.

I love this Scripture because it declares that the Lord, who is jealous for us, is attracted to our humility. Fasting makes us humble. To me the question then is - What does a humble person look like? I know you don’t have to be rich, smart, educated, famous, or perfect. Just WILLING. A willing heart to try to fast is where it starts! Here are some practical characteristics of a humble person that I look for in me and others in dealing with people.

• They listen
• They take time to say “Thank you”
• They assume responsibility
• They celebrate other’s successes
• They are grateful for what they have
• They put others first
• They ask for help
• They accept feedback

Let me encourage you to humble yourself in the sight the Lord with prayer and fasting for 2023. You will not be disappointed!
Grace to you,
Pastor Brian Rabon

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 3, 2023
“Humility, Part 1"
 Matthew 6:16-18  - Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Fasting and Praying is a way to help humble ourselves in the sight of God.  Let’s start with the definition of humility: the freedom from pride or arrogance.  I had a great father that raised me. He was big on humility. As funny as he was, he taught me to expect the good and the bad with honor. And to always be respectful. Whether at sporting award banquets or any big successful moments in my life. I can hear his voice saying, "Accept the award with honor." He would often remind me that God was the One that blessed me. It wasn’t by my own doings. It was the hard work and the preparedness behind the scenes that no one would see that contributed to the success.  Then it would be, "OK, move on and get ready for what was next."  

In this verse of Scripture, Jesus talks about giving, praying, and fasting. He says that when you give to the needy, you should do it in secret, and your Heavenly Father will reward you openly. Similarly, when we pray and fast, we do it secretly with humility.  Sure Yes, we are on a corporate fast as a church, to give God our first fruits, to honor His son Jesus and to release the Holy Spirit into our lives in renewed and fresh ways.  But that doesn’t change the truth that WHEN WE FAST whether in private or corporately (both are scriptural), that it is essential to do so in a way that’s sincere and ultimately between you and the Lord. That’s why we call it now around Hope Chapel “A Time of Praying and Fasting. “  We should not brag about our fasting or try to get attention. Instead - STAY HUMBLE!  The benefits of fasting don’t come from getting attention or appearing holy; our reward is from the Lord.

Love, Pastor Brian Rabon

During our next 21 days of Fasting and Praying, I’d like to share with you some verses of Scripture and my personal reflections. Of course, if you purchased the fasting guide for spiritual breakthroughs, that will only supplement our journey together these next 3 weeks.  Expect to receive an email from me each day through January 22 and/or an app notification when I have made a new post to this blog.

Day 1 - Monday, January 2, 2023
“A Common Thing”
Matthew 4:2 - After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. (NIV)
The first Scripture on fasting in the New Testament is found in Matthew 4:2. We live in a day when spiritual disciplines are not practiced by many, especially the spiritual discipline of fasting. One might even say it is not a common practice in most Christians’ lives. But the fact is JESUS FASTED! In fact, fasting was very common in the early church among Jesus’ disciples. And more than 2,000 years later, it continues to be a part of a VIBRANT Christian’s life. It can help us worship The Lord God. God desires for us to grow in a more intimate relationship with Him. Fasting helps with just that.

A regular practice of fasting and praying is very important in seeking God’s will for your life.  It lines you up with His perfect will and reveals His purposes for you in building His kingdom.

If Jesus thought it was important to fast (i.e., crucifying His flesh) to help overcome all temptation from Satan, would you join with me in believing we should too?  Although the enemy twisted the scripture, Jesus responded with the Word of God in CONTEXT TO REFUTE the attack. As Jesus was in the Spirit in the wilderness, so should we be also by following His example.

Jesus fasted before big and significant moments in His life such as the start of His full-time ministry. A dedicated time of prayer and fasting is an opportunity to consecrate ourselves for the work God has for us, whatever it may be. When Prayer and Fasting meets Faith, Supernatural things happen!

Together in Christ,
Pastor Brian Rabon