MAY 30– CONSECRATE A FAST

Key Scripture:
"Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the portico and the altar." - Joel 2:15-17a
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do... But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:16-18

Devotional:
Fasting is God's reset button for the soul. Throughout Scripture, momentous spiritual breakthroughs were preceded by God's people engaging in this spiritual discipline. Moses fasted before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). Esther called a fast before risking her life to save her people (Esther 4:16). Jesus Himself began His ministry with a 40-day fast (Matthew 4:1-2).
Joel called for a consecrated fast-not as religious performance but as a declaration of spiritual emergency and desperate dependence on God. The Hebrew word for "consecrate" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to set apart as holy. A consecrated fast is one dedicated to God's purposes, not our own.
Notice the comprehensive nature of Joel's call: everyone participates-young and old, leaders and families-even nursing mothers and newlyweds. This underscores that seeking God's presence is not the responsibility of a select few but the privilege of the entire community.
In Isaiah 58:3-9, God rebukes His people for fasting with wrong motives, then reveals the fast He chooses: to loose the chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, share food with the hungry, provide shelter for the wanderer. True fasting realigns our hearts with God's heart for humanity.
Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 9:14-15 that while He was with them, fasting wasn't necessary, but "when the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast." We live in this time-awaiting Christ's return-and fasting remains a powerful discipline for drawing close to God.
Fasting isn't a hunger strike to manipulate God; it's a declaration that we are more desperate for Him than for food, comfort, or routine. When we consecrate ourselves through fasting, we create space for God to move in extraordinary power.
During these days before Pentecost, consider what type of fast God might be calling you to. It might be a traditional food fast, a digital fast from technology, or a lifestyle fast from certain comforts. Whatever form it takes, let it draw you closer to the heart of God.
8:6-9 over your fast.  

Prayer Points for Holy Spirit's Outpouring:

• Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to fast in a way that draws you closer to God.
• Pray for spiritual hunger that exceeds physical hunger in your life and church.
• Ask for the Holy Spirit to break attachments to comfort, convenience, and worldly pleasures.
• Pray for revelation and clarity to come through your times of fasting.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts throughout the congregation for a Pentecost outpouring.

Consider skipping a meal to pray instead. Ask God to renew your hunger for His Word and presence. Pray Isaiah 58:6-9 over your fast.