1. Fasting (16-17)

Fasting is not very popular. But Jesus sometimes fasted, and he recommends it to us as spiritual discipline. The Pharisees fasted regularly. They made sure that everyone knew they were fasting. Their reward was people's praise. We should desire to please God, not to impress people. Fasting should be done to help us concentrate in prayer. Perhaps fasting is a way to challenge pleasure-seeking lifestyles, as well as our inclinations to avoid all suffering.

2. Our Father sees in secret (18)

All such spiritual discipline should be done for God's eyes alone. 'Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.' This idea is repeated three times in this chapter. God, who was concerned about the imaginations of men's hearts in Genesis 6, still cares about what we do in secret. He wants us to reserve a place in our lives for him alone.

Application: Lord, help me to maintain spiritual discipline for your eyes alone.
One Word: Seek rewards from God