Let the Journey Begin
Matthew 6:2 (NLT) When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity!
Matthew 6:5 (NLT) When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them.
Matthew 6:16 (NLT) 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.
Fasting is a normal practice in the life of all of God's people.
Matthew 9:14-15 (NLT) One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked Him, “Why don’t your disciples fast [often] like we do and the Pharisees do?” 15 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NLT) 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 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.
Fasting — "to close or cover one’s mouth.”
“Fasting is choosing not to partake of food because our spiritual hunger is so deep, we temporarily give up eating for the sole purpose of focusing our hearts completely on God.”
Matthew 5:6 (NKJV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
We fast by replacing our meal times with intentional time with the Lord.
Psalm 35:13 (NASB) “I humble my soul with fasting.”
Different ways God gives grace…
-strengthens our spiritual man
-strengthens our intimacy w/Him
-strengthens our resolve
-brings clarity in hearing His voice
-ability to love
-increases our discernment
-increases our effectiveness in prayer
-sets us free
-purifies and changes our hearts
-gives a fresh perspective
-builds our faith
-restores unity
Matthew 17:14-18 (NIV) When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before Him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” 17 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
1. “unbelieving” — not as connected to God as they should have been
2. “perverse” — were connected to the world more than they should have been
Matthew 17:19-21 (NKJV) Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
1. Invite God into your space
2. Have a plan
3. Have an expectation
Isaiah 58:8-9 (NIV) Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: ‘Here am I.’