January 9, Fasting
In Matthew 6 we find the following scriptures:
Matthew 6:2a
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets,
Matthew 6:5
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.
I've heard these passage preached and expounded upon numerous times through the years. Why? Because these are Biblical mandates from Christ. When, meaning Christ expects us to give to the needy and to pray.
Continue to read Matthew 6:16a with me.
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do.
Why don't we hear messages on fasting? It follows right after the giving and prayer mandate. Could it be because Christians don't like the discipline of fasting? I think so. I know only a few pastors themselves who fast. Fasting isn't fun, especially in a society who places so much value on food. But for Christians, it is expected.
Many will ask me the purpose of fasting. It is to hear from God. Through out the Old Testament people fast when they need a fresh word from God. That is exactly why I fast. I want to make sure I stay in the center of God's Will. I pray A LOT when I fast for this reason.
Christ fasted 40 days and he was human, just like us. If you've never fasted, allow me to encourage you to do so. Fasting is actually good for you physically as well as spiritually. Go one day without eating. Drink a lot of water and PRAY. The following morning break the fast with breakfast. This is actually where our word breakfast comes from, breaking the fast.
When you have a sitution that needs God's direction, fast and pary. There are some situations that require more than one day of fasting. I'll leave the circumstances between you and God. Just get started. It won't be easy, but it'll be well worth it.
Matthew 6:2a
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets,
Matthew 6:5
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.
I've heard these passage preached and expounded upon numerous times through the years. Why? Because these are Biblical mandates from Christ. When, meaning Christ expects us to give to the needy and to pray.
Continue to read Matthew 6:16a with me.
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do.
Why don't we hear messages on fasting? It follows right after the giving and prayer mandate. Could it be because Christians don't like the discipline of fasting? I think so. I know only a few pastors themselves who fast. Fasting isn't fun, especially in a society who places so much value on food. But for Christians, it is expected.
Many will ask me the purpose of fasting. It is to hear from God. Through out the Old Testament people fast when they need a fresh word from God. That is exactly why I fast. I want to make sure I stay in the center of God's Will. I pray A LOT when I fast for this reason.
Christ fasted 40 days and he was human, just like us. If you've never fasted, allow me to encourage you to do so. Fasting is actually good for you physically as well as spiritually. Go one day without eating. Drink a lot of water and PRAY. The following morning break the fast with breakfast. This is actually where our word breakfast comes from, breaking the fast.
When you have a sitution that needs God's direction, fast and pary. There are some situations that require more than one day of fasting. I'll leave the circumstances between you and God. Just get started. It won't be easy, but it'll be well worth it.
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