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Disciples Deny Themselves
Both scriptures from today’s passages use the Hebrew word: ἀπαρνέομαι (aparneomai). It means to deny: refuse to give or grant (something requested or desired), disown, abstain (restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.) Most of us deny the Spirit and welcome the flesh. Fasting is the denying of the flesh that feeds your spirit. It’s saying no to carnal, perverted, worldly things and saying “yes” to God. Is there any “yes” that you are withholding from Him? Do you have a heart of stone? Fasting is so powerful because it simultaneously denies the flesh and feeds the Spirit. That’s why it’s supernatural.
In today’s reading, we see Peter deny God, but God told us to deny ourselves. Ask yourself today: what you are denying God? Is there anything off-limits to Him? Is there something that you were supposed to fast that you neglected to give your “yes” to? Is there something that He has been waiting to talk to you about? Get alone with Him today, ask these questions, and wait for His response. Denying Jesus is disobedience but denying our flesh aligns us with Jesus.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I invite you to search my heart and show me anything that offends You. Lead me along the path of everlasting life. I repent if I’ve ever denied You to people or been ashamed of being Your follower, even in the smallest of ways. I repent if I’ve withheld my “yes” to You or delayed in obedience. Nothing is off-limits to You. You have my attention. Speak Lord, Your servant is listening.
About this Plan
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that calls us to deny the desires of our flesh and fill ourselves up with God, His Word, and His presence. Over the next 40 days, we will grow in intimacy with God, position ourselves to be in His perfect will, and learn about His dunamis power in our daily personal encounters.
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