I want to make it clear why I am sharing my thoughts - since someone has already challenged that I am doing so. I respect those who wish to keep their spiritual journey private. As a pastor, I am trying to model for the congregation the spiritual principle called fasting.
Matthew 6:16-18 – 16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, 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 men 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. NIV
The call here is to not go around saying wow is me, I’m fasting. Jesus said - When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do. Jesus was talking about letting the world know you are fasting by going around depressed and unkept. He says when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen. Paul, in several of his writings, talks about fasting, speaking in tongues, healing folks and more as a witness and an example to others. It is this model I am trying to follow. I am not looking for any reward – simply an opportunity to model prayer and fasting.
Today I began the journey of fasting to start my year. It hasn't been an easy first day. I love my Diet Pepsi and I love eating a ham sandwich for lunch. Yet today I had none. I ate two apples, three small oranges (they have a special name but I don't know it), some corn and green beans. I also had a bowl of kidney beans and some other beans. I drank 10 water bottles full of water - lol.
During my prayer time this morning I felt lonely. But tonight I feel closer. Today, as I sought God's face - I was seeking discernment about future sermons, teachings, and direction for the church. I will spend about an hour tonight reading and praying and seeking God's face.
More tomorrow.
Matthew 6:16-18 – 16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, 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 men 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. NIV
The call here is to not go around saying wow is me, I’m fasting. Jesus said - When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do. Jesus was talking about letting the world know you are fasting by going around depressed and unkept. He says when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen. Paul, in several of his writings, talks about fasting, speaking in tongues, healing folks and more as a witness and an example to others. It is this model I am trying to follow. I am not looking for any reward – simply an opportunity to model prayer and fasting.
Today I began the journey of fasting to start my year. It hasn't been an easy first day. I love my Diet Pepsi and I love eating a ham sandwich for lunch. Yet today I had none. I ate two apples, three small oranges (they have a special name but I don't know it), some corn and green beans. I also had a bowl of kidney beans and some other beans. I drank 10 water bottles full of water - lol.
During my prayer time this morning I felt lonely. But tonight I feel closer. Today, as I sought God's face - I was seeking discernment about future sermons, teachings, and direction for the church. I will spend about an hour tonight reading and praying and seeking God's face.
More tomorrow.
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1 comments:
Clementines. I think they're the only things that are in season.
Press on. If it wasn't for that e-mail about your first blog I probably would've quit before I got started perhaps lying to myself that God didn't want me to start today or go for so long or whatever other lie coulda got me out of it.
My brothers had Domino's Pizza last night. The smell filled the ENTIRE house.
Thanks again Pastor Ray.
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