How do I Fast?
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. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
We are not given a command to fast in the New Testament or a time frame to do so. However, Jesus basically expects and just assumes the disciple will fast. "When you fast" is clearly spoken of here to us! No question of should I or do I. Jesus gives us example of how to fast by the easiest form, how not to fast! Don't fast like those religious hypocrites. How was they fasting? To be seen as holy, righteous, God seeking folks and it was all outward show. They wanted men to acknowledge their actions.
You and I, we are to fast, abstain from our fleshly appetites for a season and feed our spirit Gods word & prayer. We are to do this ONLY before our Father. Its personal yet the LORD reserves the right to reward us those things we seek Him in.
I have personally witnessed the abuse of this, many of those not meaning to publicize their fast. They feel the need to tell you they are fasting, seeking God. Im like, wow, man that guy is spiritual, man he is really going to see God do some stuff. No, I think I would rather listen to my LORD here, fast where only He knows, or trying to keep it that way as best as possible. Of course, I have to let my wife know. That may not go over well when she has prepared one of her amazing meals! I cant let her think I went out and ate without her.
We are not given a command to fast in the New Testament or a time frame to do so. However, Jesus basically expects and just assumes the disciple will fast. "When you fast" is clearly spoken of here to us! No question of should I or do I. Jesus gives us example of how to fast by the easiest form, how not to fast! Don't fast like those religious hypocrites. How was they fasting? To be seen as holy, righteous, God seeking folks and it was all outward show. They wanted men to acknowledge their actions.
You and I, we are to fast, abstain from our fleshly appetites for a season and feed our spirit Gods word & prayer. We are to do this ONLY before our Father. Its personal yet the LORD reserves the right to reward us those things we seek Him in.
I have personally witnessed the abuse of this, many of those not meaning to publicize their fast. They feel the need to tell you they are fasting, seeking God. Im like, wow, man that guy is spiritual, man he is really going to see God do some stuff. No, I think I would rather listen to my LORD here, fast where only He knows, or trying to keep it that way as best as possible. Of course, I have to let my wife know. That may not go over well when she has prepared one of her amazing meals! I cant let her think I went out and ate without her.
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1 Comment
Right, let me know so I don't prepare a big fancy meal and tempt you with all the good smelling aromas when I could just make a 'smelless' sandwich for just myself. Haha