Scriptures for Fasting
Scriptures for fasting:
| And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 NLT While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” |
This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’ Isaiah 58:6-9 The Message |
Scriptures of encouragement
| Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. So we can say for sure, “The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.” The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. |
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 KJV For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jesus heard this. He said to the leader of the Jewish place of worship, “Do not be afraid, just believe.” I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. |
You will not be afraid when you lie down. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 NLT As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. God knows how many hairs you have on your head. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many small birds. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT 4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. |
