Fasting Pointer

Here's a real practical pointer about fasting:  if you are participating in a normal fast this week (a fast, which includes only water and juices) you may experience a little halitosis (bad breath!).  Some consider it "cheating" to Chew gum or suck on a Tic Tac, during a fast, but if you're going to be around people, you may want to consider it for THEIR benefit.  After all, Jesus told us not to draw attention to ourselves when we're fasting (in His day they did that by putting ashes on their heads, wearing sackcloth, and failing to wash or "take care" of themselves).  In our day, not drawing attention to ourselves may well include not having our breath arrive five seconds before we do, when we enter a social situation!