Connect 21 - Prayer + Fasting - Reaching Resultsናሙና

Day 1 | What Are Your Thirty Pieces of Silver?

Think about Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He followed Jesus for three years, believing Jesus was the Messiah they eagerly awaited to save them. However, when given the chance, Judas betrayed Jesus for just 30 pieces of silver, suggesting that he valued money over the person he thought would be their savior. Do you prioritize anything in the natural world over your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

Today's scripture asks us to imagine having control or influence over everything—money, assets, pleasures, land, and anything else the world offers. That seems attractive, but the world is full of things contrary to God and His Will.

For example, many of us spend a lot of time working on our bodies, exercising, and dressing up to look our best on the outside. However, the body is just the house of the soul—the mind, will, and emotions. The soul governs what you think, feel, and do, making it the real you. Have you pondered whether your desires for what is in the world can cause you to lose your soul?

Like Judas, many of us have seen Jesus up close in the Scriptures and confessed to having a relationship with God by accepting His Son Jesus as our Savior. Some have experienced His miraculous power yet still get distracted by things of the world that pull them away from the heart of God.

We spend much time and energy chasing worldly things while having only an appearance of righteousness. People presume that because we are in the circle of believers and use the right words, phrases, and sometimes behavior, our hearts are fully connected to God. But is that always true?

As we delve into prayers that bring results, we must seek the heart of God, not just His hand. We cannot be so focused on selfish desires that we make decisions detrimental to our souls.

No matter how often we go on vacations or how expensive our clothes, cars, or homes are, and even if lots of people follow us on social media or like our posts, none of these worldly things can truly make us happy or fulfill the longings of our souls. The only thing that can do that is having a genuine connection with God, who made us. As we spend time in Connect 21, engaging in conversation with God and taking breaks from distractions while fasting, we learn to control our desires and focus on choosing God over worldly temptations. God has appointed this dedicated time of prayer and fasting, and we hope it brings meaningful insights and growth.

Reflection: What in the world could be worth more than your soul? If you quickly answered, “Nothing!” Examine your life. To what or whom are you giving priority that should only belong to God? Do you have a lifestyle that says, “Sex, money, fame, position, power, happiness, she, or he is more valuable than my soul?” Allow the Holy Spirit to show you how closely your life demonstrates a desire and behavior to have your soul aligned with Him.

Prayer: Father, search my heart for the desires and motives that are not of You. I repent for giving in to any selfish desires that have drawn me away from You. Teach me how to love You with all of my heart, my soul, my mind, and my strength. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.