Daily Devotions

Today's Scripture: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24, ESV  

Theme: Denying yourself is physically and mentally difficult but leads to a closer walk with God, abiding in Him, and experiencing spiritual blessings.  

Today’s Scripture: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2, ESV 

Theme: The Spirit of God may lead you (as He led Jesus) to fast for a season of preparation or during hardship so that you may clearly understand His will for your life. 

Today’s Scripture: “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:17-18, ESV 

Theme: God sees your heart. When you fast in order to focus on and honor Him, He rewards your sacrifice and obedience. 

Today's Scripture: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Matthew 6:16, ESV  

Theme: Fasting, for the sake of showing others your super-spirituality, is sinful and distasteful to God.  

Today's Scripture: “Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.” Joel 1:14, ESV  

Theme: God asks us to fast for various reasons. Primarily, fasting refocuses our attention on God and helps us hear from Him.