Fasting and Abstinence

As some of us are fasting this January, it is my hope that all of us will eventually become convicted of the notion that we need to fast. Now, first let me say again that for medical reasons not everyone should fast from food…but we should all practice the discipline of fasting or abstinence (which is doing without other luxuries, but commonly referred to as fasting). Jentezen Franklin says there are three duties of every Christian: Giving, Praying, and Fasting. If that is so, and recalling Matthew 6 I think Jentezen is correct, then what is fasting? Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. Fasting is not dieting or starving. It is doing without something to focus on the God who gives all such gifts. The goal of fasting is to bring one into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with God. But why in January? Well, it seems like an appropriate time to me. First, we have experienced may indulgences in November and December as we celebrate the harvest and Christ’s birth. Secondly, it seems biblical to me. Matthew 6:33 NIV says “But seek FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (emphasis added). Seems to me that seeking “first” naturally points to January…then we have the rest of the year to do as God speaks to us and to receive the blessings he wants to give us. Yeah, it could also be interpreted as first each week, or first thing each morning, but I also think it applies to our year. So, won’t you join me in intentionally seeking God’s face…there are blessings that await us!