The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 18 February 2026 – Keys For Fasting And Treasures
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TOPIC: Keys For Fasting And Treasures
READ: Matthew 6:16-21 (NKJV)
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;
18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
THE MESSAGE:
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day in Lent. In our text. Christians are told what they should avoid when fasting. First, they should not have a sad countenance or disfigure their faces to attract attention. A Christian who fasts, should appear as natural as possible such that people will not know that he/she is fasting. This is because God who sees in secret wvill reivard such a person openly. Again, Jesus warns against fasting to be seen by others. Fasting should be done as secretly and quietly as possible. A fasting that attracts human attention loses divine acceptance.
Christ also warns against accumulating earthly treasures but commands Christians to lay up their treasures in heaven where such treasures cannot be destroyed or stolen. Many people strive to be wealthy and acquire as much properties as possible on earth. Such people set their minds on earthly things. However, every serious Christian should lay up his treasures in heaven by supporting the work of God, engaging in evangelism, helping the less-privileged, etc. In so doing, you will build up your bank account in heaven. You can start today.
PRAYER: Lord, please help me to fast correctly and lay my treasures in Heaven. Amen.
