Anyone who does not deny himself on that day must be cut off from his people. Leviticus 23:29-30 NIV
Have you ever denied yourself anything; even something you could have if you wanted it? You can afford it; it’s readily available; it’s not sinful even; but you just decide to deny yourself. I’m not saying you have to do this or that it’s even absolutely necessary, but it’s a good discipline sometimes just to do without. It helps you better identify with people who are denied everyday by no choice of their own.
The whole idea behind fasting is doing without. Fasting is simply denying yourself so you can better take-on the things God wants you to have, such as compassion, love of God and love of others. We often think of fasting simply as giving up food and that certainly can be the case, but perhaps you need to fast of the television more so you can spend more time connecting with your family. Maybe you need to deny yourself a new outfit, so you can give more to your church or other mission causes. Perhaps you need to turn off the radio in your car so you can pray on your to work.
What could you deny yourself today that would make you a better person and a better follower of God? Answering that question may be one of the more important things you ever do in your spiritual life.
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Mustard Seed Ministry is reaching around the world with Biblical truths. The ministry is designed to spur the Christian from the smallest amount of faith, onto spiritual growth and maturity. This ministry goes places the church cannot enter. If you would like to support the work of this ministry, send contributions to Mustard Seed Ministry, PO Box 3698, Clarksville, TN 37043, or through Pay Pal (www.paypal.com) to
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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