22/08/2026
*CHILDREN SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL*
*SUNDAY AUGUST 23RD, 2026.*
*LESSON 34*
*TOPIC: FASTING THAT PLEASES GOD*
*TEXT: Isaiah 58:1-14, Matthew 6:16-18.*
*CENTRAL TRUTH:*
_God answers fasting from a repentant heart._
*MEMORY VERSE:*
*Matthew 6:16:*
*”Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting" (NKJV).*
*OBJECTIVES:*
At the end of the lesson:
1. The saved child will have a sincere belief in the finished work of His death, fasting and knowing that God answers fasting from a repentant heart.
2. The unsaved child will surrender to the Lordship of Jesus burial and resurrection so as to be able to render an acceptable fasting.
*INTRODUCTION:*
*Song:*
_Lord I give you my heart_
_I give you my soul I live for you alone_
_Every breath that I take_
_Every moment I am awake_
_Lord have your way in me_
*SEQUENCE/PROGRESSION OF EVENTS:*
1. God said His children should be told of their sins. They pretend to be righteous and come to Him boldly (Isaiah 58:1-2).
2. They asked why their fasting was not acceptable to God (Isaiah 58:3).
3. God did not answer because they did not do the right thing during the fast (Isaiah 58:4).
4. The Lord said they fasted for selfish needs. The accepted fasting is to lose the bands of wickedness, let the oppressed go free and also to break off every yoke (Isaiah 58:5-6).
5. The chosen fast is to feed the hungry, protect and cloth the homeless. (Isaiah 58:7).
6. The blessing of God will be released on you when you do the right thing when fasting (Isaiah 58:8-10).
7. The Lord shall guide you continually and you shall be fruitful and the blessing of God shall be your portion (Isaiah 58:11-12).
*CLIMAX:*
When the true Sabbath is kept as the Lord demands, you will rejoice in your God, and be fed with the heritage of Jacob (Isaiah 58:13-14).
*CONCLUSION:*
When you fast, do not disfigure your face for the world to see that you are fasting. Rather anoint your head with oil not to let men know that you are on a fast and God who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18).
*CHALLENGE:*
As a child of God, be humble and do the right thing during prayer and fasting. Here are some of the things you need to do while fasting:
1. You are to make amends with both God and man.
2. Remember your fasting is unto God and not man.
3. Show kindness to others and do not be oppressive.
*INVITATION:*
The unsaved child will not be able to offer a fasting that pleases God because he/she has not believed in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. You can believe in Jesus today so as to be able to render an acceptable fast (Acts 16:31). Lead the unsaved child to Christ.
*UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP FOR THE WEEK* _Kwanka People._
Dear Lord Jesus, the _Kwankas_ are located in _Plateau_ and _Bauchi states_ in _North-Central Nigeria_. Lord over half of them follow their traditional belief, animistic religion. We pray that signs and wonders will follow the Kwanka believers as they proclaim the Gospel to their own people: "Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen." Psalm 72:18-19.
*FAITH DECLARATION:*
I declare that my heart is soft and teachable. I do not resist conviction. I welcome it, because I know it leads me into greater intimacy with you. I will not carry shame or guilt, I release them at the foot of the cross. Your mercy is new every morning and I rise today in that mercy covered by the blood of Jesus. I am not defined by my past, l am defined by your grace, Amen.