We are blessed beyond our comprehension living here in America. Our standard of life is so far above that of the majority of the world population. We rarely remember that during the day to day.
James 4:10 tells us to 'humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and he will lift us up'
If we can realize how blessed we are, determine the one thing that we love the most and make the decision to refrain from it then the Lord will raise us up in exchange for our humility.
Please note Matthew 6 in regard to fasting as well as humility:
16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[d]
As we fast next week, let us do it secretly. Don't tell anyone that you are fasting. This can come across as if your are bringing glory to yourself. The act of fasting should be between you and God as an avenue to increase your personal relationship with him.
In reference to gluttony, Matthew 19:24 states:
"Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Why is this true?
How did the rest of this story play out and why did the rich young ruler decline Jesus' demand?
Please determine what you are going to refrain from starting this Wed night. We will be doing a group fast so that we can not only pray for ourselves but also the entire group.
1 comment:
Hey Guys,
Sorry I can't be with you tonight, but I have to take a midterm. This morning I was sitting and thinking what I was going to fast and everything I thought of was something I would make excuses to break my fast for. For example, Ugly Betty comes on tommorrow night and I would find a excuse to watch it. So, I was watching the Today Show and there was a man on talking about going 21 days without complaining. I thought it was different, challenging, and it was the answer to my problem. Recently, I was thinking about my attitude and how it has changed since moving back to Tuscaloosa and being in Nursing school and it has changed alot. I don't like complaining, but there has been a recent trend with me to complain. So, I am going to do it not complain for 1 week and it has been hard already and hopefully I will see a change in my attitude and spend time with the Lord and reconnect because we have been apart. So, here is the challenge to everyone choose something that you know you will not try to rationalize yourself out of and really challenge ourselves and see what God is going to show you. I have to go take my test and I will see you all next week. Happy Fasting!
Monica Merrweather
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