Fasting - time of meditation and obedience Matthew 6:16-18

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Forgiveness - yes we talked about this yesterday, but have you thought about it. If you don't offer forgiveness then no forgiveness will you receive. Now let us move on about spending time with God.

Matthew 6:16-18 "And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."

Fasting - why? A time to go without food in order to spend time in prayer; this is both noble and difficult. It give us time to pray, teaches self-discipline, reminds us that we can live with a lot less, and helps us appreciate God's gifts.

Jesus was not condemning fasting, but the hypocrisy of the ones doing it for show, to gain public approval. Oh see how good a person I am, see the trouble I am going through, the struggles, just to fast. No - Jesus said if you do it for that reason - then THAT is your reward = the public approval. Is that what you want?

The Pharisee would voluntarily fast twice a week to impress the people with their "holiness." Jesus tells us our acts of self-sacrifice should be done quietly and sincerely. Jesus wants us to adopt spiritual disciplines for the right reasons, not from a selfish desire for praise.

Who holds you accountable? Yourself? Probably a mistake as you can convince or rationalize to your self. Go out and get yourself a Nathan - someone who will hold you accountable and then quietly, constantly go to the LORD in silent meditation we refer to as prayer. Love you all. Turkey day is close.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny