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
Behind closed doors.
God wants people to do things privately. Give tithes or donations, pray and praise Him...and even fast--privately--not publically. What does "fasting" mean to you? To go without food, a specific food or without any food and water for a day, part of a day, or for several days to obtain God's favor or to prepare oneself for a challenging task. It could also be considered a fast to go for a time without washing, anointing or even sleeping. An example of fasting in the Old Testament is that of Esther, in her devotion to the Jews, she asked them all to fast and pray.
- "Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16 (NASB)
Esther's fast was successful in that she got the attention of God, of her fellow Jews and she was readily received by the King. The Jews were vindicated.
Jesus must have expected His followers to fast since He was giving them specific instructions in His Sermon on the Mount. He didn't use any examples or lessons from the Old Testament, but instead said...take care of yourself--don't draw attention to yourself by being unkept. Comb your hair, wash your face and probably--brush your teeth. Take care of yourself--and smile. Don't look all down trodden and depressed. Smile--be happy. Fast privately--not publically. Our Heavenly Father sees what we do--and how we fast..or not. He will reward those He wants to. Consider fasting to focus on God, His will for your life and your response.
Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Give us wisdom to know when to fast and how to fast so that we would be pleasing to You in all that we think, say and do.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 30-32
Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
I was reading the nutrient list on a bag of dried figs this week and noted that the potassium level was 270 mg. Wow! I thought that was great--but then read on to see that was only 8% of the Daily Required value. Ugh. What does potassium do for our bodies and how much potassium do we need?
Potassium is a mineral that is essential for muscle and nerve functions in conjection with sodium, calcium and magnesium. It plays a role in healthy blood pressure and bone development.
For a diet of 2,000 calories an adult or teen needs to have 4,700 mg of potassium. That seems like a lot of any nutrient. Where do we find potassium--besides in a supplement?
According to the USDA Dietary Guidelines website, the best sources of potassium include ruins, vegetables, and protein foods. Specific foods are sweetened white potatoes, beet greens, bananas, yogurt, milk, spinach, broccoli, carrots, salmon, cantaloupe, oranges, raisins, tomatoes and black beans.
So cook up some beets and beet greens--and roast some sliced sweet potatoes (sprinkle with olive oil and bake about 25 minutes at 450 degrees F.) Feast on those veggies along with some fresh baked salmon.
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© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
GqqqAll scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted
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