Disciples Value Spiritual Disciplines

Matthew 6:16-18

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
~ Jesus

Does it sound scandalous to say God will reward one for fasting? While Jesus rebukes people over fasting for ungodly reasons, He also says that the Father rewards those who fast for right reasons. Note that in Matthew 6, Jesus speaks about the spiritual disciplines "when you give," "when you pray" and "when you fast" in direct succession. Most people would readily expect Christians to give and pray, but fasting has been notoriously absent. If Jesus can speak of these three alike, maybe fasting should get more consideration. Martin Luther found his prayer life was quickened when he fasted, which he apparently did often. With Lent on the horizon, we're spending this week looking at the spiritual discipline of fasting.

Mark Your Calendar

Mark your calendars to attend a teaching session about the biblical idea of fasting on Saturday, March 1st at 11:00 a.m.

Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus, knowing that you took fasting seriously both personally and for Your disciples, help me to find a place for it in my life as well. As the Spirit led You, I pray that He leads me as well -- that I might be in Your will in every capacity of my world: Body, mind, and spirit, Amen.

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 130:1-8

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

Read the versus of the Psalm.

Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.

Pondering Point

There is a sense of anticipation pervading Psalm 130. Though the Psalmist won’t claim blessings by merit, he holds out in hope for goodness from the Lord.

Journal Prompt:

These Words caught my attention: