Sunday Lesson: Aug 2nd

The presidency message for this month was taught by Sis. Lisa Lara on Pres. Eyring's recent conference address, Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen? Have you ever been far away from someone you love when they need your help? It could be a family member or friend that needs to be rescued, but you are too far away. The first thing that we may think of is to pray for them. We ask Heavenly Father to watch over and bless them. There is also something else we can do for them, and that is to fast. 

In True to the Faith we learn what fasting is all about. "To fast is to go without food and drink voluntarily for a certain period of time. Fasting combined with sincere prayer can help you prepare yourself and others to receive God's blessings." We also learn in True to the Faith that there are many purposes to fasting. They include expressing gratitude, asking Heavenly Father to bless the sick or afflicted, asking to receive personal revelation, gain strength to resist temptation, and receive guidance in sharing the gospel and magnify church callings. These are just a few of the reasons for fasting. If we fast without a purpose, and without starting and ending with sincere prayer, we are really just going without food and water.

Pres. Eyring talks about our future interview with the Lord. In Matthew 24:34-40 we learn that if we can inherit the kingdom of God if we only serve those around us like we would serve our Savior. But how do we reach all those in the world that need help? The Lord has taught us that it is through the law of the fast. In Isaiah we learn about this commandment and the blessings that will come if we follow it: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy housle? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? That shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall  go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward." Isaiah 58: 6-11

President Eyring quote's President Spencer W. Kimball regarding the importance of this commandment. Pres. Kimball said, "Rich promises are made by the Lord to those who fast and assist the needy. Inspiration and spiritual guidance will come with righteousness and closeness to our Heavenly Father. To omit to do this righteous act of fasting would deprive us of these blessings."

We had some wonderful experiences shared from sisters in our ward as they have fasted and gained a testimony of it. Fasting can be very challenging, but as we strive to do our best, we will be blessed and so will those around us. Pres. Eyring reminds us that, "Your fast offereing will do more than help feed and clothe bodies. It will heal and change hearts." A perfect example of this can be seen in the life of Sis. Abie Turay from Sierra Leone.  A beautiful video about her experience being blessed by receiving fast offerings. 

The Lord promises us a great promises if we do all that we reasonable can to pray, fast and donate to those in need: "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring froth speedily: and thy righteous shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am." Isaiah 58:8-9.