Matthew 6:16-18 Fasting

When I became a Christian, fasting was a big mystery to me. I did not understand the connection between going hungry and my relationship with God. At times, I thought that fasting was only for fanatics. Possibly, fasting was to get God to do something for me. All in all, my view of fasting was not grounded in Scripture and it was optional at best.

Fasting is expected of Christians! It is a spiritual discipline that is becoming rare these days. What is the connection with my spiritual life? Fasting is to hunger for God's presence. Food sustains life and many have made their life all about food. But God challenges us to set aside what sustains our physical life to devote ourselves to the Life-Giver, our bread of life. 

Fasting is an act of mourning. It is our way of crying out for God's presence; to yearn for him. It is to desire that God's kingdom be established upon earth and wipe out all injustice and suffering. Fasting is to seek God's presence. It is to say to God: "I need you more than food!" Fasting is a discipline that teaches our mortal bodies to delay gratification and be self-controlled.

I want more of you, Lord. Help me make the spiritual discipline of fasting an integral part of my Christian life. May I learn to set aside physical food more often to feast in your presence. May I seek your presence with devotion yearning for you.

Matthew 4:1-11 The Temptation of Jesus

Usually, demonstrations carry with them doubt. The one who asks for the demonstration is usually wrestling with doubt. At times, the one who asks for the demonstration does so with the intent to plant some doubt in the mind of the one from whom he asks the demonstration. Maybe it is both! Satan asks Jesus to demonstrate that he is the Son of God.

Satan is opportunistic. He waits for Jesus to be hungry. He takes him up to the top of the temple. He sets him on top of the world. Satan is also very biblical. He quotes the Scriptures and gives it a special twist with a tinge of deceit. Satan is also persistent. Three times he comes to tempt Jesus before he leaves.

Jesus is victorious over temptation because he did not have to demonstrate anything to Satan or himself. His hunger for God's word, his trust in God's promises, and his resolve to serve God alone keep him standing firm in the midst of the battle. He wages war with sword and shield to the end. There is no reason to doubt who he is.

Do I know who I really am in Christ? Why do I constantly test God? Do I hunger for God's word more than food? Do I truly love him with all my mind, heart, strength, and soul? When I try to appease my doubts, I open the gates for Satan to come and ransack my heart. I must live by faith and not in constant doubt.

Lord, grant me enough faith to trust you day by day. Revive my hunger for your word and give me an undivided heart of love for you alone. In the midst of temptation, teach me to stand firm against the enemy's schemes.