In Touch - July 27, 2005
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- 2005 Jul 27
In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Wednesday July 27, 2005
God's Purposes for Fasting
Matthew 6:16-18
God uses fasting to prepare us spiritually for His work in our lives. When we eliminate whatever distracts us and give Him our undivided attention, we will begin to see things from His perspective. With the Spirit's help, we will be able to identify the areas of our being that call for change—ungodly thought patterns, habits that need to be broken, misplaced priorities, and our daily schedule. The Lord uses fasting to do some "housecleaning," and that is a good thing.
When our mind's filter is clogged with ungodly thinking, we cannot take in the deeper truths of God’s Word. Among fasting’s benefits are a clear mind and greater understanding of the Scriptures. Another advantage is gaining spiritual discernment about ourselves and others. We will have insight to see things that we may have overlooked before. Following our spiritual “bath,” the power of God will be released into our lives and we will break free from the ungodliness that has restricted us. Greater intimacy with the Lord will also result. With our minds freed of clutter and our priorities straightened out, we will be in a position for God to pour out His fullness into us. Greater confidence and a portion of courage to do the Father’s will become ours as well.
Scripture warns us not to make fasting a public display or a religious ritual as the Pharisees were in the habit of doing. It is to be a private experience, one that strengthens our relationship with God.
When was the last time you let God "clean house"? He has the time if you are willing.
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