January many churches. Christmas go on a fasting kick. Daniel fast, diet, 10 or 21 days of fasting, etc. Convenience after the indulgences from the holidays!
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you”. Matthew 6.16-18
Make it private. Its not about boasting or announcing a fast. That’s what the religious crowd does! Jesus reminded us to do this in secret not to make it obvious.
It should be for spiritual purposes not physical. Although there are physical benefits where toxins are eliminated from your body. Your focus is much better. Your mind is clearer.
Fasting can make you cranky, irritable, joyless at times. Not eating for hours or days can make you hungry, cranky, but don’t make it look obvious. Jesus reminds us to take care of ourselves. Wash up, comb our hair etc. Attitude makes a difference!
When fasting, do it for the Lord God. Our motives must be pure not manipulating or putting on a show. God knows our heart. Fast to the Lord and not for people. Our goal is that God the Father is glorified.
If you have medical issues. Heart, blood pressure, sugar diabetes then talk to your physician beforehand to see if it is safe.
The fast should always be led by the Holy Spirit. The time frame is not the victory, but what has the Lord called you to do?
There is real spritual warfare. Being led to fasting is more effective and powerful coupled with prayer. Again private prayer. Secret prayer. The type of prayer that pulls down evil strongholds over your life as you pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6 NLT
My friend as you journey with your adventure in the Lord. Ask Him what he wants for your life this day, this month, this year. The bottom line Jesus calls us to be merciful and kind. Loving our neighbors, and loving God to make a brighter difference in our world. http://www.aoneeighty.com
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Published by Andy
Greetings! My name is Andy Provitola and I live in New England on the South Shore between Boston and the beautiful Cape Cod region.
The purpose of my blogging and writing is to encourage you in your journey here on planet earth. Life is full of pressing issues and problems and my desire is to discover a place for peace, hope, healing, and contentment. I am a follower of Jesus Christ – God’s one and only Son and I discovered these truths along my own personal journey.
Having discovered a personal relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ does not mean I have to be religious to attain the rewards of heaven. The fact is God provides grace for us and accepts us as we are in His image. In other words, we cannot attain heaven or life eternal on our own, but by God’s loving grace and no merit of our own. Simply by accepting Him by faith and believing.
My goal is to continue to find a balance of life from a spiritual and practical perspective with a purpose to please and glorify God in all that I do because of His ‘Gift of Grace’.
God is not transcendent and so far away that he is out of reach with humanity. God desires that His presence lives within us and not just in the galaxies and the universe. Experiencing the unconditional love of God has been so rewarding and while discovering the truth and purpose for my life. Moving forward in this life is not a sprint, but a marathon when it comes to this race here on earth.
I am blogging because I find it is a good way to connect in a much more effective and efficient way when it comes to communicating and interacting with people that I know or do not know. Blogging and writing challenges me and also stretches me specifically in my thoughts, my mind, my emotions, and my spiritual life. To live a vertical relation with God and a horizontal relationship with others.
There will be a variety of topics and subjects to address including youth, young adults, family, singles, seniors, relationships, etc. Some of the topics will include God’s creation and power, depression, loneliness, suicide, hope, healing, setbacks, financial matters, business, stress, anxiety, care, encouragement, and so much more.
I would like to connect with all walks of life, ethnicity, culturally, other religions, socio-economics, and in so many more ways.
I am currently writing a book and several memoirs about my own life and journey . The journey begins at a young age growing up in Malden, Massachusetts, specifically Maplewood Square to where I am today. I became paralyzed from the waist down as a senior in high school and I share how my life changed for the better!
“But I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus. To testify faithfully of the good news of God’s [precious undeserved] grace [which makes us free of guilt of sin and grants us eternal life]. Acts 20:24 Amplified Version
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