DCLM Higher Everyday 22 June 2024 — When Fasting
Topic: When Fasting
Text: Matthew 6:16-18
16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Key Verse: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:16).
Message
There is a story of a Pastor in Mozambique who decided to embark on a fast for forty days like Jesus did. He did not take precautions and eventually died. While fasting is good, it must be done the right way. Fasting is abstinence from food for a period of time. God encourages His children to fast. “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). Fasting helps us to subdue the flesh and concentrate more on God. However, do not fast like the Pharisees who do it to be praised of men. We fast to seek God more, to pray for God’s intervention on some specific matters, and to grow in grace.
Christian youths must ensure they have the right attitude when fasting and not to draw attention to themselves. If we plan to fast for a long period, we may seek counsel from our leaders on the right way to do it. Sinners should repent of their sins and accept Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour for their prayers to be acceptable.
Quote: Do not fast like the Pharisees
Challenge: Fast to add value to your prayers.
Prayer for today: Dear God, help me to utilize the power of fasting, in Jesus name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
