When Jesus spoke about the pharisees, he said that they had received their reward, because it was seen of men. They were fasting with a sad countenance, instead of humbling themselves before the Lord. Serving God in secret is the way to be in this world, because even though the deeds may not been seen by others, it never goes unnoticed by God.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly – Matthew 6:6
16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; – Matthew 6:16-17
Prayer and fasting are powerful practices in the Christian faith. Fasting has become popular in the media, but if only people knew of what power fasting had when done with the right will and focus. Oh what power there would be against the kingdom of darkness here on earth.
