40 Days of Discipline

40 Days of Discipline: Day 16 – Fasting (extra credit Discipline)

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I hope you learned something from considering and practicing fasting this week.  I certainly did.  On this final day I want to leave you with some points of emphasis.

  • First, we have only scratched the surface of fasting and hope we have done enough to encourage you to study more deeply about this Discipline.  Because of our lack of understanding, we are robbing ourselves of blessings.
  • Second, fasting is clearly associated with “breakthrough” or breaking strongholds.  There is so much need for that and therefore, there is a clear need for fasting.
  • Third, there is something really special about fasting because of the emphasis on making it between you and God.  It is not for show.  This is not about an endurance exercise or bragging rights, it is about focusing our attention on the lover of our souls.
  • Finally, let’s end by remembering Jesus’ words on fasting, from Matthew 6:16-18:

 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.   

 Please use the comments option to share your thoughts on fasting.

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