How can we focus more on Christ?
Definition of Fasting (Britannica): fasting, abstinence from food or drink or both for health, ritualistic, religious, or ethical purposes. The abstention may be complete or partial, lengthy, of short duration, or intermittent.
Fasting in the health and wellness world (healthline.com): Fasting is a practice that has been associated with a wide array of potential health benefits, including weight loss, as well as improved blood sugar control, heart health, brain function, and cancer prevention.
Fasting in the Bible (blueletterbible.org): Fasting can be defined as abstaining from food or certain types of food for a period of time for the purpose of drawing closer to God. Sometimes believers fast in an attempt to determine the will of God.
Fasting has become popular in the health and wellness industry. There are so many benefits of fasting, no wonder it is Biblical. (Mentioned over 70 times in the Bible.) Fasting is first mentioned in Exodus 34 in the Old Testament.
For drawing closer to God, let’s not focus on the health benefits of fasting at this time. Let’s focus on the Biblical reasons for fasting.
Don’t spend too much time thinking about it or planning a fast. Just jump in, deny yourself, and pray, pray, pray! Take the time you would normally spend eating and spend that time on your knees praying.
Fast for one meal, one day, or fast from a certain food. Pray about what God wants you to do and do it!
Matthew 6:16-18
16 “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. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair[a] and wash your face. 18 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.
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