Memory Verse: "And now about fasting. When you fast, declining food for a spiritual purpose, don't do it publicly, as the hypocrites do, who try to look wan and disheveled so people will feel sorry for them. Truly, that is the only reward they will ever get." (Matt.6:16, TLB)
Scripture Reading: Matt.6:16-18.
We have been up and about this subject for a couple of days and I want to talk about a proper heart-atitude today.
It is very important we talk about this because even if you're conversant with the principles (which was our yesterday's focus) and your heart-attitude is terrible, you're getting nowhere.
Worthy of mention here is the fact that, Abba rewards the condition of our hearts (see 1 Sam.16:7).
Heart-attitude simply means the condition of a man's heart. Nothing more, nothing less.
I feel Abba has got an 'Attitudedometer' which happens to be the divine instrument with which He checks the condition of our hearts from time to time. Therefore, it is our responsibility to make sure our heart condition is pleasing to Him, at all times.
Here's 3 proper heart-attitude everyone should possess towards the spiritual discipline of fasting and prayer:
- Keep Strife Out Of Your Life.
I don't know if this holds true for you but I don't know if you've noticed that whenever you make up your mind to embark on this spiritual exercise, you always have at least one person or thing that tries to provoke you. Boy, if you let them (or it), they've ruined your fast. Be smarter!
- Pure Thoughts is a must.
This is so very important. If you're fasting and you're checking the time every now and then, boy you're wrong! If you're waiting on the Lord and you're having thoughts of committing sin, girl you're mighty wrong! Don't entertain careless thoughts. Think the word (see Phil.4:8).
- Fasting and Prayer Must Be Done With An Heart-Attitude of Humility.
Why tell me that you're fasting? Why try to make what's supposed to be private public? My brother wrote on his wall on Facebook, "You did 3 days dry fasting and came telling us on Facebook. You're just starting, Jesus did 40 and they wrote it for everyone to see. You will get there. Continue!" I laughed really hard when I read this but then, it ought not to be. Please, leave the publicity out of it. Keep your private business(es) private, nobody needs to know. I don't need to know either.
In conclusion, if there's one thing I want us to take from today's meal, it is the fact that, Abba rewards a proper heart-attitude. When we do stuffs for God with the right heart-attitude, we commit Him to reward our [spiritual] labour.
Ponder Point: A poor heart-attitude is like a flat tyre. Unless you change it, it takes you nowhere.
Action Point: Maintain a proper heart-attitude, always.
Prayer Point: Holy Spirit, help me conform my heart-attitude to Your standard so I can enjoy the rewards that come with my spiritual labour and investments in Jesus name, Amen.
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