Romans 8:5, “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”

My desire for you during this year’s 21 Day Fast is to set your mind on the things of the Spirit. We are all weak in the flesh and ultimately allow the things of the flesh to become our priority. The Apostle Paul uses the verb “to set their minds on” which is translated from the Greek word “phroneo” meaning to have the same mind as, or to strive after. Those who walk according to the flesh are striving after the things of the flesh. Those who walk according to the Spirit, strive after spiritual things. This leads us to the necessity of the spiritual discipline of fasting.

Why Fast?

The short answer is to temporarily and intentionally take our eyes off of ourselves and this world and to focus completely on God. Let’s take the issue of fasting step by step:

Temporarily – Fasting is a short term commitment to do without something, usually food related.

Intentionally – Fasting is a commitment to intentionally accomplish something worthwhile in our lives. Biblical fasting is not to lose weight, save money, or to accomplish anything self-centered. Biblical fasting is an act of worship where we deny ourselves the things of the flesh or the luxuries of the world that may be distracting our worship of the Lord.

Focus – (or should we say Re-Focus?) Fasting is like hitting the reset button on your relationship with God. Too often, we allow the things of the world to become our priorities in life. Fasting helps us refocus on what is most important – our relationship with God.

Let us desire together to strive after the things of the Spirit and not after the things of the flesh. Tune in tomorrow for another devotion and encouraging video. God Bless!

Pastor Kevin