

SCRIPTURES:
No, this is the kind of fasting I want. Free those who are wrongly imprisoned and lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. When you call, the Lord will answer and he will quickly reply, ‘Yes, I am here.’ Remove the heavy yoke of oppression and stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors. Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities, and you will be known as rebuilders of walls and restorers of homes.
DEVOTIONAL:
Isaiah 58 confronts “religious fasting” that doesn’t change anything. God isn’t impressed by hunger pains if our hearts stay hard. The fast God chooses loosens chains - starting with the chains in us. Fasting is not twisting God’s arm. It’s tuning your soul. It’s saying, “Lord, I refuse to be ruled by my appetites.” And when appetites lose their throne, compassion rises. Justice matters. Mercy becomes natural.
Today, ask God to make this fast more than a moment - make it a mark on
your life.
QUESTIONS:
1. What chain does God want to break in me during this fast?
2. Where do I need to align my actions with my prayers?
3. How can my fasting become blessing to someone else?
PRAYER:
Lord, make this fast pure. Free me from what masters me. Let my life reflect Your heart - truth, mercy, justice, compassion. Amen.
FASTING FOCUS:
Give something away today (time, money, food, encouragement). Make the fast outward.