Is this not the fast?

The practice of fasting goes much deeper than the act of going without food. God declares that He does not just delight in us going without our daily needs, but delights in loosing the "bonds of wickedness" and undoing "heavy burdens" of those we oppress.
God is calling us to live from His set of values and ethics. Fasting is fine and good and in these days we don't do it enough. Yes we fast but we still harbor destructive thoughts and oppressive attitudes and that does not reflect Christ in us at all.
Ethics supply the foundation for our values. Values supply the power that drives our leadership.
Consider what God expects from a "fasted life."
1. Liberate those who are oppressed (Isaiah 58:6)
2. Share resources with the needy (Isaiah 58:7)
3. Provide shelter for the homeless (Isaiah 58:7
4. Supply clothing to the naked (Isaiah 58:7)
5. Stop accusing and judging others (Isaiah 58:9)

This is what God says:
"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness. To undo the heavy burdens. To let the oppressed go free. And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that bring your house to 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.
Your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you. The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
You shall cry, and the Lord will say, 'Here I am'
Isaiah 58:6-9

In His Love
Leslene


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