The Reason to Fast

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Matthew 6:16

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

Bible Reading for A Year:[bible]Psalm13[/bible];[bible]Matth13[/bible];[bible]iikin11-12[/bible]

The Jesus' statement about fasting is an invitation for God's people to experience something that is more than just a ritual. Fasting makes us bowing our physical desires under the control of the Holy Spirit, we release our chains on the earthly things and embrace the spiritual life. Here are some strong reasons why we should fast:

Cleaning the conscience. When we fast, we must begin with repentance, because without it then our crying and prayers will not be heard by God. Start from confessing sins, and turning out of wrong ways. Thus our conscience will be cleared and we have a sensitivity to the voice of God.

Guidance. Sometimes God wants to speak to us, but due to our rushes and too many things that need our attention, we can not hear His voice clearly. Fasting makes our spirit more sensitive, so God can speak clearly and come to us directly.

Protection. Through fasting we also invite God to have the authority over our lives. That's when the power of God is revealed, the demonic shackles would be broken, and the freedom occurs. Moreover, any fights from the darkness would also be broken.

Do you need another reason to start fasting? Fasting is not only for our benefit, fasting is to allow God works more powerful through our lives so that the people around us can feel the presence of God. This is very important, so do not ever underestimate fasting, do not make it just a ritual, but do it as expression of love for God.

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6

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