Today I am thinking about the reality that one day, and maybe soon, we will be in Heaven! Today is the day for each of us to remember that “only one life will soon be past, and only what’s done for Christ will last.” While we live on this earth, we know that we will experience hunger and thirst in several different ways; physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally. Jesus promised us in Revelation 7:16, that once we enter Heaven, “they will not hunger any longer (to suffer or be needy in any way) neither shall they thirst any longer…” While living on the earth during the Tribulation, we can be sure that the saints will, at times, be without food to feed themselves or water to refresh themselves. However, remember the promise from Jesus, when He confronted the devil, who was tempting Him in the wilderness during his 40 days of fasting and prayer, this is a promise shared by all; ”Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” And for the agony of thirst He promised, “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst, but the water that I give him will become in him a well springing up to eternal life.” It is important for us to always remember that while we live on this earth, we may experience hunger and thirst physically… but we never need to experience it spiritually! In fact, Jesus taught, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.” Our prayers are answered when we experience seasons of hunger and thirst for a life of righteousness, which is obedience to God’s law, and we can be certain that we will always be satisfied. In Heaven there will be no lack of anything! No lack, no want will ever be experienced again; since Jesus is our Shepherd…we will not suffer need. (Psalm 23:1). Praying the promises of His care and provision for us, will develop and strengthen our confidence in Jesus, that every need will be met! You or I might have times when we do experience physical needs…even the need for the basics of water and bread. Look to your Shepherd! Trust His timing and seek to depend on the promise that He will take care of your every need. “O Father, we ask that You would give us, each day, our daily bread. Feed us with the spiritual bread of life. Teach us to trust and grow our faith in Your care of us! In Jesus name. Amen.”
Tomorrow is Wednesday and our church will be joining together to take the day to fast and pray. We encourage you to join us! Fasting is a meaningful way to draw close to the Lord and can be very effective along with prayer.
This may mean fasting one meal, or all meals, for the day. Each of us most decide how we will join with our church and participate. In fasting we discover something unique and powerful. We see many examples of joining fasting with prayer in God’s Word. If fasting is new to you or you have questions about it, please reach out to us so that we can help you get started with things you should know about fasting written by Pastor David!
Questions? Email: hope@fccwhittier.com
