Time with God Daily Devotional by John North

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Time with God - August 27

Monday, 27 August 2018

Matthew 6:16-18

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Again, the secret thing!

What makes secrets so special is that only the two of you know about it. It makes a special bond, a meaningful connection between you and God when you fast for him and don’t tell anybody about it.

Fasting lets your body know that it doesn’t control you, God does. It lets God know that you’re putting him first in your life. It shows you the battle that your selfish nature puts up against denying yourself for God.

All those things are good for you and for your relationship with God. You can fast from food or television or the internet or even your usual exercise routine — anything that’s normally a part of your life that you enjoy. It’s not that these things are bad for you, but that you want to make a point about who is first in your life. When you do, he’ll reward you.

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