“One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke"
Acts 13:2
Practice Dependence on God
NOTE:
On Sunday, January 9, we begin a 21 day all church fast. I am asking all who are able to fast (giving up some sort of food for spiritual purposes) and to do so for any length of time during that period, be it one day or 21 days. Doing so makes you aware of the tyranny of your appetite, as well as of the opportunity to consider what that kind of hunger for the things of God would look like. On January 30 we have the opportunity to hear testimonies about how God worked your lives.
Pastor’s Reflections
In this passage we get a great look at the regular devotional life of the church in Antioch in Syria, now the hub of Christianity by the mid 40’s. It appears to have consisted of prayer and fasting surrounding the worship of the Lord, while waiting for the Spirit to give new and fresh direction.
Fasting was practiced in the Old Testament and was assumed by Jesus who said “when you fast”. As we see here, it was also practiced in the early church along with passionately seeking the Lord’s guidance.
Let’s all of us do the same over the next 21 days!!!!! This can be a wonderful way to disciple ourselves into a deeper dependence on the Lord.
I am hoping for 100% participation from those who are able. One idea is to do a “Daniel fast” which is fruits and vegetables, juices, broth and water. This could be for one, three, ten, or 21 days. It could be three consecutive Mondays. Do what works for you. Just begin somewhere (although those who fast tell us that at least three consecutive days give the best shot at spiritual breakthroughs)
Simply give up whatever food that you will miss. As you struggle with your hungers and cravings, pray this prayer, “Lord make me as hungry for You and for the salvation of others as I am for (___________whatever you’ve given up)
At the end of three weeks, let’s together see what the Lord will have done!
Our fast as a body for Christ is an answer to prayer! Let me explain-- my husband and I have been fasting for 21 days into the "new year" for the last 5 years. We have been attending CLC for 6mo's. On Sunday morning before service I was asking God when we shld start the fast and just how long we shld fast? How quickly He answerwed my prayer when Jeff anounced that we start next week! But the BEST part was when Jeff said we were doing it as a body! My husband and I have fasted on our own over the years. I have longed to be part of a body that joins together in "sacrificing" for God.
ReplyDeleteIf you have not fasted before, please fast with us. You will feel a deep intimacy with God, a longing for His will in your life and the lives of those around you. Yes, it is challenging but are strength will be as a body in and for Christ.
I have never fasted before but I will do it this year. I have been searching for signs from God on my journey closer to him and over the past few months, fasting has come up in conversation. I take that as a sign that I am ready and that God is ready. I am scared to do this - but I trust Him.
ReplyDeleteHi, Pastor! I saw that your church is participating in a Daniel Fast, and I want to let you know about two resources that will encourage your members:
ReplyDelete1) Book: The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Daniel-Fast/dp/031033117X
2) Blog: http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com
May the Lord bless you richly as you hunger for Him!
Kristen Feola
Author, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast
http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com