Today is a day of fasting! Jesus said, "When you fast..." which I take to mean that fasting is a given. So if you have never fasted before here is an opportunity. What is the point of fasting? It has several purposes but the probably the main point is to draw us closer to God and to God's kingdom. Our bodies react violently to even the suggestion of fasting which raises the question, "who is in charge?" You? Or your stomach? There is something about fasting that opens us to a clearer sense of reality - especially the reality of the divine.
Here is my plan for today. I am going to eat a normal breakfast and then skip lunch and dinner and then eat a normal breakfast tomorrow. If muslims can fast from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan I can do something similar for one day! Actually, it is not the extravagant sacrifice that we probably should make but it is a start.
Drink lots of fluids.
Carry a small bible around and open it up whenever you feel hungry. I suggest reading the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7.
Pray - specifically that God will bless our church to over flowing!
Pay attention to your experience.
Let me know if you fasting today and leave a comment on this blog. It will be an encouragement to others!
Now check out this video. I am not sure how this helps.
2 comments:
Hello Jonathan, I only wish I could have read this earlier. It would have given me the encouragement I was looking for and answered my questions. I truly considered fasting, but didn't know why or how. I view fasting now as another way to give for Jesus, another way to become closer and worship him. (Let me know if I am on the right track.) After all, look what he has given up and given me! Now that I know why and how, I will definitly participate the next time. Thank you for taking the time for this blog. Donna J. Wiest
Great blog. Thanks for the leadership. Am currently working on some spiritual weaknesses (nice word for sins), and over indulgence is one God has placed in focus. Fasting should help in this culture where bigger is promoted as better. Buck
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