🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 182 DATE: 1ST JULY 2026 TOPIC: CHOSEN TO BE FRUITFUL_10 Anchor Scripture: Matthew 6:17–18 (NKJV) "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Devotional message: We continue with our series, Chosen to Be Fruitful, by looking at another important spiritual discipline in which God desires every believer to bear fruit—the discipline of fasting. Like prayer and the study of God's Word, fasting can either be fruitful or unfruitful depending on the condition of our hearts and the motives behind it. The prophet Zechariah records that although the Israelites had fasted for many years, God questioned whether they had truly been fasting unto Him. This teaches us that not every fast is acceptable before the Lord. Jesus revealed one reason why fasting becomes unfruitful. Some people fast so that they may be recognised and admired by others as being spiritual. Such fasting seeks the praise of men rather than the approval of God. Jesus instructed His followers to anoint their heads and wash their faces so that their fasting would remain between them and their Heavenly Father. The Father who sees in secret is the One who rewards openly. Another hindrance to fruitful fasting is living a lifestyle of unrepentant sin while expecting fasting alone to produce spiritual results. Fasting does not replace obedience. God desires hearts that are surrendered to Him, walking in righteousness and holiness. A fast that is not accompanied by repentance and obedience cannot produce the fruit God intends. Many believers also miss the purpose of fasting because they allow themselves to be consumed by distractions. Instead of devoting themselves to prayer, the study of God's Word, worship, and quiet fellowship with God, they spend the day occupied with unnecessary activities and entertainment. Biblical fasting is more than abstaining from food—it is intentionally setting aside time to seek God's face, meditate upon His Word, and listen to His voice. Fasting humbles our hearts before God, increases our spiritual sensitivity, strengthens our dependence upon Him, and helps bring the desires of the flesh into submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As we replace worldly distractions with communion with God, our relationship with Him deepens, and our hearts become more aligned with His will. Finally, the motive behind our fasting is of great importance. We should never fast to manipulate God or merely obtain personal gain. Instead, our desire should be to know Him more intimately, align ourselves with His purposes, and develop the spiritual capacity to carry the responsibilities He entrusts to us. God prepares us before He promotes us, and fasting is one of the means He uses to shape our hearts. Child of God, let your fasting be more than a physical exercise. Let it become a season of drawing near to God with humility, purity, and sincere devotion. As you seek Him with the right heart and according to His Word, your fasting will produce lasting spiritual fruit. Fruitful fasting is marked by sincere motives, a life of obedience, freedom from distractions, and a wholehearted pursuit of God's presence and will. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of drawing near to You through fasting. Purify my motives and help me to seek You with a sincere and humble heart. Teach me to set aside every distraction and devote myself to prayer, Your Word, and fellowship with You. Let my fasting produce spiritual growth, greater sensitivity to Your voice, and a life that glorifies You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Bible Reading: Matt 6:16–18,Isa 58:1–12,Zech 7:4–10,Joel 2:12–13,Acts 13:1–3 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty@gmail.com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry