The Give-Up Season series
Don't Be Hypocritical
This encouragement about fasting is about guidance and instruction. Christians should look happy regardless of their situation. It's not hypocritical to look happy at any time. A smile has healing properties. Most of the time, when a person has given something up, they look sad or uncomfortable. When fasting, we should look encouraged and confident; the Joy of the Lord is our strength; therefore, we ought to be happy and rejoicing because whatever we are giving up for lent should also bring us to the remembrance of the sacrifice that Jesus made over 2,000 years ago. In today's Word, we find encouragement with the blessings that come with the obedience of admonishing the Word. Instead of looking for loopholes in fasting, seek to apprehend the act with gladness and a spirit of oneness. Let the Lord reward you openly for what you sacrifice in secret.
Matthew 6:16-18
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. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That 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.
Lord, Master and Relational God (Genesis 2:4), when we thought to look disfigured or uncomfortable, we say thank You for Your grace. For the supernatural anointing that we share and contain, we praise You forevermore. We decree and declare blessings for those who yearn Heavenly things, so that, as we fast and pray according to Your Word, that which we do in secret shall be rewarded openly by our Heavenly Father. Now, for Your Kingdom and the Glory of God, we petition with the anointing, the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, Amen.
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