May 07, 2020 Bibile Reading & Questions

Matthew 6:16 “Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward.
 
1. I think we can all agree that fasting from something you dislike isn’t really fasting. Giving up broccoli or paying bills or doing dishes wouldn’t really be a sacrifice for God. So if you’re going to give up something you enjoy, what can you do to keep a positive mindset about it?
 
2. We’re not supposed to make our ‘fast’ obvious to others, but most of us (all of us!) will need some sort of accountability to be able to follow through. Who do you know who would not only hold you accountable, but would hold you accountable with love and encouragement?
 
3. Giving up food for forty days might not be practical, and in some cases could be downright unhealthy!
Giving up your phone/internet might be very wise spiritually, but if going without it would affect your job and income, and your ability to stay in touch with family it might not be wise to turn your phone off for five or six weeks either!
 
On the other hand, giving up five minutes of television or Facebook or a half a cup of coffee might not really be a sacrifice that you would miss. You’ve got to find something that you enjoy so much that missing it would give you constant reminders to focus on God, but don’t give it up for so long that it puts your health or financial security in danger.
 
Maybe skip one meal a week, or leave your phone OFF on Saturday mornings, or every weeknight after 6pm.
 
What is it you think you could fast from? What could you do without and replace with God? How long do you think would be a wise fast?