Fasting Challenge: Fast one day each week for the next five weeks.
- You choose the day this week and the type of fast
- The purpose is to submit to the Lordship of Christ. Ask Him to show you the “want” or “desire” that hinders your obeying Him and then submit it to His Lordship.
Some of the people in the Bible who fasted are:
- Old Testament – Moses, Elijah, Esther, David, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Joel, the nation of Israel, and the city of Nineveh.
- New Testament – Jesus, Anna, John the Baptist, John’s disciples, Paul, Paul’s ministry associates, church at Antioch, and Barnabas.
Luke 2:36-37 “And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.”
Prayer Challenge: Pray for two different church members each day for the next five weeks.
- Pray for two different people each day this.
- These should be fellow members for whom you do not normally pray.
- At the end of the week, you will have prayed for 14 members.
Let’s have a conversation:
- In the comments section below, share with us how it’s going.
- Tell us what you’re learning or God is saying to you.
- We can encourage each other by sharing our experiences.
- What day did you choose for your fast? Mention it below so we can be praying for you.
It’s going to be an exciting journey of growth and change for each of us. I’m excited you’re participating in the challenge with us.
Pastor Steve Hogg
God really spoke to me through yesterday’s sermon. I was convicted regarding the things I claim I don’t have time to fit in my busy schedule, yet things were brought to mind that I waste so much time on every day. I deleted all games from my iPad, and that will be a change with no defined time period. The games are gone indefinitely.
I will be fasting on Tuesday. This week I will be abstaining from food and all electronics outside of what is required for my work. I’ll spend my free time that day focusing only on activities that are edifying.
Tim, that’s a big step to give up games on your iPad. I’m praying God blesses you as you use that time in other ways.
Steve Hogg
God has revealed to me that I need to fast this week from television and facebook. It is a time waster keeping me from studying God’s word and praying. I am reading Charles Spurgeon’s sermons on praying in addition to letting God give me verses to go back and study in depth.
First verse is Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Spurgeon was a great preacher. One of my more meaningful experiences on my trips to London was a visit to the church where he was pastor for 38 years in the 1800s. The sanctuary where he preached was destroyed by Nazi bombs during WWII. A smaller one now stands on the same land. I was allowed to stand in the pulpit and the testimony of this great preacher moved me deeply as I stood there.
Today I am preparing my heart and mind for food fasting tomorrow. The Lord definitely spoke to me through your sermon yesterday as well. I have never done a spiritual, Biblical fast before and feel that a food fast is a good way to begin this five week journey. Following weeks will be other things such as internet and tv.
Tom,
I pray that your first experience fasting tomorrow is a blessing. Allow the “hunger pains” to be a reminder to pray. Write down anything you sense the Holy Spirit is trying to say to you. Listen for His voice, which often is soft and fleeting.
Since I tend to be impulsive I decided to fast Monday. Kept busy all day to keep my mind off hunger. It did however help me focus a little more spiritually than usual. But I realize I am missing the point. I have decided to not watch tv during my free time and spend the time reading and studying bible. Others have the right idea spending time in preparation for fast.
Chuck,
Thanks for being open about your experience. I pray you continue learning & growing through all of this.