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Fast forward
Have you been someone who has taken time to fast? I must admit I know it’s a good thing to do, and even something I’m commanded to do, but I find I don’t do it very often. But recently I've been challenged to think about other things that it may be beneficial to fast from.
The reason for fasting is to focus on God and reduce our craving for our own needs. It’s a discipline, and sometimes discipline gets a bad name because we feel it doesn’t square with grace. I’m quite sure that this is wrong as Jesus was a disciplined person and he should be our example. He said in Matthew 6 “When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Some different things to fast from? What about TV... the internet... football... shopping.... mobile phones... dieting(!)... or MSN?
Why not give it a try and spend the extra time with God - it will feed your soul!