THE YWAP FAST - 21 DAYS OF SEEKING ANSWERS FROM GOD - DAY THREE

LETTING GO IS THE BEST WAY TO RECEIVE

     Have you ever heard a tree complain about losing its leaves? The tree can teach us about fasting. The loss of fall's foliage is a prerequisite for winter's rest. The new buds in spring fill empty branches on their way to summer fullness. Fasting is a way to empty ourselves of the cares of the world and make room for God.
     Brokenness is the way to a greater capacity to love - it's God's way. A farmer breaks the ground to plant a seed. A muscle is broken to become stronger. Trees break off old leaves. People too, need to let go of old conflicts.
    Holding a grudge against someone is like throwing stones at your bathroom mirror. You can wash your face, comb your hair but the pit of unforgiveness will stain your image.
     Have you forgiven yourself? People are fallible and prone to committing mistakes. Jesus died on the cross for that very reason. Fasting as a simple means of sacrificing without complete surrender is useless. Jesus surrendered and was sacrificed for you. Get empty; prepare to be filled by God's grace and mercy. Walk humbly. 
     If you want to know what is good in God's eyes, read Micah 6:8 in God's Word:                                              "You mortals, the Lord has told you what is good.
    This is what the Lord requires from you:
        to do what is right,
            to love mercy,
                and to live humbly with your God."

DAY THREE WORD

Psalm 51:10-19 Good News Translation
Create a pure heart in me, O God,
    and put a new and loyal spirit in me.
Do not banish me from your presence;
    do not take your holy spirit away from me.
Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation,
    and make me willing to obey you.
Then I will teach sinners your commands,
    and they will turn back to you.
Spare my life, O God, and save me,
    and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness.
Help me to speak, Lord,
    and I will praise you.
You do not want sacrifices,
    or I would offer them;
you are not pleased with burnt offerings.
My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God;
    you will not reject a humble and repentant heart.
O God, be kind to Zion and help her;
    rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifices
    and with our burnt offerings;
    and bulls will be sacrificed on your altar.

DAY THREE PRAYER

​Father God, we are just beginning to let go. We are struggling to become empty in a world that demands our time and energy. Help us to focus on You. Help us to become like an empty tree, devoid of its former beauty. We look to You with hope for our future. We look to you for spiritual health. We have hurt people and they have hurt us. Turn that hurt into a cross. Help us to leave it at the foot of the cross and embrace a third day experience in the resurrection of a new life in You.
In Jesus name.
​Amen

DAY THREE DEEP THOUGHTS

• Have you ever studied the "Third Day" in the Bible? Genesis 31:5 "and said to them, "I see your father's attitude, that it is not friendly toward me as formerly, but the God of my father has been with me."
• Are their family relationships that you need to pray for, children, mother or father?
• What is holding you back from getting you closer to God?
• Do you regularly set aside a time of resting in God? D you enter into the four seasons with Him?