January 2nd, 2023
Day 2 - Tuesday, January 3, 2023
“Humility, Part 1"
Matthew 6:16-18 - Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Fasting and Praying is a way to help humble ourselves in the sight of God. Let’s start with the definition of humility: the freedom from pride or arrogance. I had a great father that raised me. He was big on humility. As funny as he was, he taught me to expect the good and the bad with honor. And to always be respectful. Whether at sporting award banquets or any big successful moments in my life. I can hear his voice saying, "Accept the award with honor." He would often remind me that God was the One that blessed me. It wasn’t by my own doings. It was the hard work and the preparedness behind the scenes that no one would see that contributed to the success. Then it would be, "OK, move on and get ready for what was next."
In this verse of Scripture, Jesus talks about giving, praying, and fasting. He says that when you give to the needy, you should do it in secret, and your Heavenly Father will reward you openly. Similarly, when we pray and fast, we do it secretly with humility. Sure Yes, we are on a corporate fast as a church, to give God our first fruits, to honor His son Jesus and to release the Holy Spirit into our lives in renewed and fresh ways. But that doesn’t change the truth that WHEN WE FAST whether in private or corporately (both are scriptural), that it is essential to do so in a way that’s sincere and ultimately between you and the Lord. That’s why we call it now around Hope Chapel “A Time of Praying and Fasting. “ We should not brag about our fasting or try to get attention. Instead - STAY HUMBLE! The benefits of fasting don’t come from getting attention or appearing holy; our reward is from the Lord.
Love, Pastor Brian Rabon
“Humility, Part 1"
Matthew 6:16-18 - Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Fasting and Praying is a way to help humble ourselves in the sight of God. Let’s start with the definition of humility: the freedom from pride or arrogance. I had a great father that raised me. He was big on humility. As funny as he was, he taught me to expect the good and the bad with honor. And to always be respectful. Whether at sporting award banquets or any big successful moments in my life. I can hear his voice saying, "Accept the award with honor." He would often remind me that God was the One that blessed me. It wasn’t by my own doings. It was the hard work and the preparedness behind the scenes that no one would see that contributed to the success. Then it would be, "OK, move on and get ready for what was next."
In this verse of Scripture, Jesus talks about giving, praying, and fasting. He says that when you give to the needy, you should do it in secret, and your Heavenly Father will reward you openly. Similarly, when we pray and fast, we do it secretly with humility. Sure Yes, we are on a corporate fast as a church, to give God our first fruits, to honor His son Jesus and to release the Holy Spirit into our lives in renewed and fresh ways. But that doesn’t change the truth that WHEN WE FAST whether in private or corporately (both are scriptural), that it is essential to do so in a way that’s sincere and ultimately between you and the Lord. That’s why we call it now around Hope Chapel “A Time of Praying and Fasting. “ We should not brag about our fasting or try to get attention. Instead - STAY HUMBLE! The benefits of fasting don’t come from getting attention or appearing holy; our reward is from the Lord.
Love, Pastor Brian Rabon
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