Good evening brethren and Happy Sabbath!  Last week's memory verse was John 1:23 (NKJV), "He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord,"'as the prophet Isaiah said."  Read below to see if you can choose the right memory verse this week.

A time of affliction

When you read through the Bible, have you ever noticed how many stories involves someone being afflicted?  The Israelites opressed and unable to go free from slavery.  Daniel working for a 'difficult boss,' King Nebuchadnezzar.  Early Christians terrorized by Saul.  And of course, Jesus Christ's wrongful execution and suffering.

That's not to say the Bible is a depressing book - quite the opposite!  In all of those stories, we know how they end, and they turned out well for those who were faithful to God.  But it's pretty plain to see, God's people often find themselves carrying heavy burdens.

Things are bad enough already...

...so you might ask yourslef, why is the church asking everyone to fast?  Don't we have enough hardship right now?  This is a fair question to ask, but one I think we know the answer to.

We understand that when we fast, we're not declaring a 'hunger strike,' to try and get our way.  Rather, we are drawing closer to God to better understand His will, and what we need to do in order to follow it.  When we fast, it's not find the course that we have chosen, but the one He has chosen.

Happy results

Are you every happier than when you take that first drink or eat that first bite when you break a fast?  In addition to the physical pleasure of food and drink, it's rewarding to know we've completed a difficult task, and hopefully, grown more mature spiritually.

The Israelites were freed from the bonds of wickedness.  The heavy burdens on Daniel were lifted.  Paul's oppression of early followers of Christ was put to and end.  And Jesus Christ bears the yoke of sin for us.  If we complete our fast this weekend with humble hearts, and open minds towards where God is leading us, we too will enjoy truly happy results!