Faith Through the Word, Inspiration, Keepin' It Real

“Fasting” From the World?

passionistaatlarge

I’ve been reading through Matthew 6. Today as I read verse 24, “How can you serve two masters”, I saw there was a footnote. I love The Passion Translation! The translators have taken all the original language writings, and then more, to give us a more accurate verbiage. The footnote said, “There is found after v. 24 a part of the agrapha that reads, “If you do not fast from the world, you will never discover the kingdom of God”. (Oxyrhyncus Papyrus 655, pOxy 1:4-11)

Now since my theme for the year is “Seek first the kingdom of God” this really struck me as important!

How many of you have considered “fasting” from the world? Withdrawing from its influences. That’s a tough thing when we are bombarded with the world’s expectations, goals, desires, and its supposed authority about what we “need, deserve, and must be or have in order to be good enough!”

Case in point, the Stanley cup. I am not by any means judging ANYone! It’s the hype that fries me. I heard of a young man who asked for only one of those cups for Christmas so the kids at school would stop making fun of him. That’s the kind of cruel behavior the enemy uses to ensnare and defeat us. Thankfully most of us don’t suffer that kind of abuse. The world’s influence on us, and thus the distractions it causes, are usually more subtle.

I don’t know about you, but I want the kingdom of God with all my heart! I want Him to draw me closer and use me mightily to shine a light for the lost.
So, I’m asking Him what “fasting from the world” means for me.

Will you join me?

Scripture:
So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from Him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Matthews 6: 33 The Passion Translation

But seek for (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right], and then all these things taken together will be given to you besides. Matthew 6:33 The Amplified Bible

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Published by passionistaatlarge

These are my stories—my life. I try to write honestly, raw, and from my heart. I try to tell all the parts—the good, the hard, the tough, the hopeful, and the emotional. But most importantly, I am here to be found by you. I am open-hearted, and I won’t hide. When I share my story, my words, and my experiences you may see yourself in them. I make myself vulnerable, hoping that you might learn and heal. We all need healing. The world can be cruel. Sometimes life can break us. But there is joy and hope to be found. I pray that I may lead you to the One who can give them to us. So, who am I? *I’m an educator at heart–it’s in my blood. *I’m a highly emotional person–I identify that as “passion”. *I’m a late-life mom to two amazing and beautiful (adopted) children who have physical, mental, and psychological differences from “typical” children. *I’ve lived a lot. I’ve learned a lot. And I’ve healed a lot. I hope you will join me in my quest to live for God, to live fully, and to spread truth!

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