Devotionals
For several years, Christian Union called on Christians to join us two times per year in seeking God through fasting. These sorts of fasting initiatives are now part of Christian Union America, but the devotionals that were written for those fasts have continued to strengthen and encourage believers, so we have made them available here.
Day Twenty-four - Morning Devotional
Apologies that I am going to focus on good food in this devotional on fasting…
My wife’s very animated Brooklyn Italian family has truly blessed me over the years, a family culture very different from my Irish New England one. Italian family culture revolves beautifully around the kitchen and food. It brings the family together. My first meal with them was unforgettable. The pasta, homemade manicotti, was brought first thing out to the table, and I proceeded to eat four or five plates of it. I thought that was the meal. That’s how it worked in my house – one dish and that was it. I didn’t realize that was only the first course, and there was plenty more to come. Course after course of all sorts of dishes with names unfamiliar to me, but smells that were impossible to resist. I ate and ate out of the abundance of all the food. I ate so much that I could barely leave the chair to make it to the couch to enter into a food-induced nap (I’m sure I’m the only one to experience this phenomenon). Frankly I was grateful and content but a little overwhelmed by all the food.
My wife’s very animated Brooklyn Italian family has truly blessed me over the years, a family culture very different from my Irish New England one. Italian family culture revolves beautifully around the kitchen and food. It brings the family together. My first meal with them was unforgettable. The pasta, homemade manicotti, was brought first thing out to the table, and I proceeded to eat four or five plates of it. I thought that was the meal. That’s how it worked in my house – one dish and that was it. I didn’t realize that was only the first course, and there was plenty more to come. Course after course of all sorts of dishes with names unfamiliar to me, but smells that were impossible to resist. I ate and ate out of the abundance of all the food. I ate so much that I could barely leave the chair to make it to the couch to enter into a food-induced nap (I’m sure I’m the only one to experience this phenomenon). Frankly I was grateful and content but a little overwhelmed by all the food.
Day Twenty-three - Morning Devotional
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
- Psalm 90:1-2
in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
- Psalm 90:1-2
A Prayer and Fasting Devotional
Obedience can be difficult sometimes. Whether our desire for food lends itself to a short temper, or the idea of extending grace to someone who has hurt us seems irrational, walking in the ways that God has called us to sometimes competes with the fleeting reality of our desire.
In Ephesians 5, Paul speaks to his brothers and sisters in the church about walking in holiness. In the first six verses, Paul describes what it looks like for this local body to walk in holiness; he calls them imitators of God. Paul goes on to say that “immorality and all impurity or covetousness” (verse 3) should have no part in the lives of those who call themselves followers of Christ. In verses 7 and 8, he warns the church at Ephesus, “Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
In Ephesians 5, Paul speaks to his brothers and sisters in the church about walking in holiness. In the first six verses, Paul describes what it looks like for this local body to walk in holiness; he calls them imitators of God. Paul goes on to say that “immorality and all impurity or covetousness” (verse 3) should have no part in the lives of those who call themselves followers of Christ. In verses 7 and 8, he warns the church at Ephesus, “Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
A Prayer and Fasting Devotional
“After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz
the Temanite: ‘My anger burns against you and against your two friends,
for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.
the Temanite: ‘My anger burns against you and against your two friends,
for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.
A Prayer and Fasting Devotional
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
A Prayer and Fasting Devotional
“Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 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." Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.” - Acts 13:1-4
A Prayer and Fasting Devotional
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” -1 Peter 4:7
I don’t know about you, but for me the pronouncement “the end is near” conjures up images of men with hand-lettered posters and megaphones emitting doomsday announcements from vans littered with judgment-themed Scripture verses slowly rolling down the street. To be honest, it’s not my favorite Gospel-themed message. Come to think of it, is it even Good News?
I don’t know about you, but for me the pronouncement “the end is near” conjures up images of men with hand-lettered posters and megaphones emitting doomsday announcements from vans littered with judgment-themed Scripture verses slowly rolling down the street. To be honest, it’s not my favorite Gospel-themed message. Come to think of it, is it even Good News?
A Prayer and Fasting Devotional
“Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight,’ declares the LORD.” - Jeremiah 9:23-24
A Prayer and Fasting Devotional
Introduction
A rich relationship with God necessitates a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness for all He is, has done, and is continually doing. Every time a Christian sets aside time to pray and meditate on the Scriptures, thanksgiving needs to be part of the conversation with our amazing God.
Please enjoy this devotional video, or stream/download an audio version below, or scroll down to continue reading.
https://soundcloud.com/christianunion/a-a-thankful-heart-and-a
A rich relationship with God necessitates a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness for all He is, has done, and is continually doing. Every time a Christian sets aside time to pray and meditate on the Scriptures, thanksgiving needs to be part of the conversation with our amazing God.
Please enjoy this devotional video, or stream/download an audio version below, or scroll down to continue reading.
https://soundcloud.com/christianunion/a-a-thankful-heart-and-a
A Prayer and Fasting Devotional
Do you desire to be strong in God and His transformative power? To live a godly life, persevering in your devotion to Christ? To hear from God and to abide in Him fully?
Please enjoy this devotional video, or stream/download an audio version below, or scroll down to continue reading.
https://soundcloud.com/christianunion/a-seeking-god-day-and-night
As American Christians, we recognize that even though it doesn't earn us salvation, time spent in prayer and Bible engagement is important for our spiritual strengthening and vitality. I remember, as a young Christian, being encouraged to spend dedicated time every day in Bible reading and prayer, in addition to praying as I go about my day. Some would even say these dedicated times are essential to maintaining a close walk with God and fulfilling His purposes.
Please enjoy this devotional video, or stream/download an audio version below, or scroll down to continue reading.
https://soundcloud.com/christianunion/a-seeking-god-day-and-night
As American Christians, we recognize that even though it doesn't earn us salvation, time spent in prayer and Bible engagement is important for our spiritual strengthening and vitality. I remember, as a young Christian, being encouraged to spend dedicated time every day in Bible reading and prayer, in addition to praying as I go about my day. Some would even say these dedicated times are essential to maintaining a close walk with God and fulfilling His purposes.
