NT24 FastSample

Day 11 by Tommy Kelton, USM Academic Coordinator

Today’s Reading: Romans 12-16, 1 Corinthians 1-4

“For who makes one superior? What do you have that you did not receive?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7)

The Bible says I can receive nothing unless it has come from the Lord. How sobering, humbling, and awe-inspiring this is. He is at the center of giving to us. Everything is given to us by Him. There is nothing I have that I have not received from Him. From the smile on my face to the wisdom of my heart or the simple breath flowing into and out of my lungs moment by moment, I have nothing I could have earned on my own.

Giving is a holy and powerful activity because no one is a better giver than God. However, we can only give what we have received. I cannot give a coat to a stranger in need if I have no coat. I must have a coat to give a coat.

The same is true with the things of God. I cannot give the fullness of the Gospel if I have not received it. I cannot give understanding, joy, peace, or comfort I have not first received from the Lord. I want to align my time, attention, thoughts, and feelings to receive life from the Lord.

Fasting sets all of us up to receive from the Lord. For instance, while fasting, the Lord revealed parts of my heart. He showed me I believed He would be good to others unconditionally, but He would only be good to me if I had built enough of His favor. He led me to Psalm 31:19. His goodness is not sparse or lacking. It is full, and He is waiting to release it to me at the right time. Fasting set me up to heal my heart and to receive His goodness.

Prayer: Father, thank You for who You are. Thank You for Your humility. Thank You for being the best giver. Holy Spirit, heal my heart. Connect my heart to Your faithfulness and Your goodness. Open the depths of our hearts to receive from You. Jesus, wash my heart in Your humility. Restore the proper vision of who You are and who I am. May You receive the glory of what You have given.