--> Required reading The Christian's daily walk, in holy security and peace by Henry Scudder (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 4 (Of religious fasting).
Last week Scudder began to teach us what we should do when fasting. This week he also encourages us to:
(i) self-judge our sin;
(ii) mortify our sin;
(iii) bring forth the fruits of the Spirit;
(iv) pray;
(v) interact with others.
To close the chapter, Scudder explains:
(i) the benefits of fasting;
(ii) the dangers of fasting.
I appreciated Scudder's warning about false expectations from fasting: ' Presume not that presently upon the work done, God must grant every petition, as hypocrites do, that say to him, We have fasted, and thou dost not regard it, Isa. Iviii. 3. You may and must expect a gracious hearing upon your unfeigned humiliation, Matt. xxi. 22 ; but as for when and how, you must wait patiently : faith secures you of good success, 1 John V. 14, but neither prescribes unto God how, Isa. xl. 13, nor yet does it make haste, Isa. xxviii. 16 ; but waits his leisure, when in his wisdom he shall judge it most seasonable. '
Just because you fasted, doesn't mean you will get what you want.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 5 (Of the Lord's day) and Chapter 6 (Directions how to end the day with God).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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