Be Positive
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.—Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
And when you fast, don’t make it obvious…for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting…But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.—Matthew 6:16–18 (NLT)
FASTING—GIVING UP something in order to focus on God—can draw us closer to Jesus, but only if we can do it without bragging. Jesus warns us to keep our fasting private so that we can focus on Him and discover the root of our needs, which Jesus can step in and meet.
Heavenly Father, today I will give up something that I consume mindlessly—social media, television, snacking—and focus on You.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.—Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.—Lamentations 3:24–26 (NIV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.—Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)