Our FIVE WEEK CHALLENGE is underway and I’m already hearing from people about their fasting experience.  The comments have been encouraging.  Some are doing a normal food fast, others a partial fast and a few are combining them.  It’s exciting to see God’s people seek Him with such passion.

Here are a few of the initial comments I’ve received:

“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 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”

“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”

“Thank you for giving us this five week challenge, helping us to be doers of the word and not hearers only”

“I have decided to not watch tv during my free time and spend the time reading and studying bible”

“Today I am preparing my heart and mind for food fasting tomorrow”

“I’ve actually been thinking recently about why it’s been so long since I’ve fasted and your challenge moved me from thinking to doing”

“I’m starting my normal fast today and plan to make my days of fasting a time where I also abstain from secular radio”

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 of this week’s fast 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.

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.

Encourage the rest of us by sharing your experience with us.

• 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.

Pastor Steve HoggFive