Today's Passage: Matthew 6:16-18
Memory Verse(s): Isaiah 58
Oh my gosh! More show ponies? This circus seems to be full of them. They're prancing around in all their colorful array, doing their best to convince the kids they're actually doing something to make the circus better. Now, I'm not hating on innocent animals. I'm just using them to point out a fact. That fact is, not everything that glitters is gold.
The ponies in the circus can't actually do tricks or death-defying feats. That's why they have to dress them up so much. They have to make them look like they can do the same things the trained animals can do. Anyway, this coincides with today's lesson. God tells us in His Word to keep it on the down low (ok I'm paraphrasing) when we fast. He doesn't want us to be show ponies. "Wash your face, brush your teeth, and don't look like you're weak when you fast". As a matter of fact, fast days should be our strongest days. It should excite us to be on a quest to have God's power revealed in us. Our flesh is often used by the enemy to keep us away from God. Therefore, we have to have a weapon that will take our flesh out of the equation. Denying our flesh gives us access to God in ways normal church attending can't. In light of that, we must make sure our hearts are pure. We can't do things in order to receive credit from man. Fasting in order to please or get a response from man is like not fasting at all. Fasting should be a personal endeavor (unless called corporately by your Pastor). Also, we sometimes fall into the habit of fasting secretly, but complaining openly. In Isaiah 58, God tells us this type of fasting is not fruitful. It's one of the main reasons why our prayers don't get answered. When we fast, our character should line up with what we're trying to do spiritually. We shouldn't complain about the very person we're asking to save us.
In conclusion, I encourage you to enjoy your time with the Lord through fasting and prayer. He has so much to tell you. Likewise, the vision and clarity you'll receive will change your life forever. Just don't make it a show. You don't need that. All you need is a heart that seeks to be one with the Father. So, let the show ponies gallop around in circles. You do it the way God says, and you'll be the one making it happen for real.
Prayer: Father, I desire to be closer to you. I know that's where I should be. Give me more of You, Lord. I want to grow in You everyday You give me life. I want this relationship to be real and fruitful. I don't want it to be what man says it should be. I want it to be what pleases You. Let us be one together always; in Jesus' name. Amen.
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