40 Days of Fasting. Lent Christ the King Lutheran Church Evans, GA. Rev. David Keener

Transcription

1 40 Days of Fasting Lent 2016 Christ the King Lutheran Church Evans, GA Rev. David Keener

2 Everyone is a little ADD For many years I have waged a personal campaign against the term Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). As one who has lived his whole life under this banner I can tell you with assurance people like me do not have a disorder nor do we suffer from a deficit in the ability to pay attention. It is not a deficit because in reality, the opposite is true. We hear and see everything. Every bird that sings, every bee that buzzes, every leaf that falls calls for our attention. Our daily struggle is not with a lack of attention, but rather with an over abundance of distractions. My issue with the term disorder is that if it is truly a disorder then it is a universal one because everyone is a little ADD. All of us struggle daily with distractions, with the background noise of a busy world that pulls us away from more important conversations and activities we could and should be having. This 40 day fast is an opportunity to deal with some of the distractions which divert our attention away from God and deeper relationships with His people. It is for this reason that this fast will be diverse. Each day will bring a different challenge but it will also offer the possibility of great reward. A few things about Fasting Fasting is mentioned often in both the Old and New Testaments. Usually it refers to abstaining from food but we will be expanding our fast to include other things and activities that distract us from our relationship with God and others. No matter what we fast, however, it is important to remember that the point of a fast is not to test our willpower but rather to help us discern God s will for our lives. This is why prayer and fasting always go together. A fast without intense spiritual activity is just a diet. It may be good for our health but will do little for our soul. Easter John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. What do I need to change in order to better reflect Christ? What distractions did I face today? What would I like to do differently tomorrow? What will help me focus more on Christ? 2 51

3 Holy Saturday Philippians 2:5-8 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. With this in mind do not approach this 40 days of fasting rigidly. We are not testing our will power but rather seeking God s will for us. There will be times when you will have to make adjustments to your fast. Some will have certain dietary restrictions. Some may have work obligations that will need to be adjusted for. Just do your best to make these the exceptions and not the norm. Do not approach this 40 days of fasting as a pass/fail proposition but rather as an opportunity for spiritual growth. The Flow of the Daily Devotional What do I need to change in order to better reflect Christ? What distractions did I face today? What would I like to do differently tomorrow? Theme: Each day we will be fasting something different. On Mondays we will Fast from certain foods. This will change weekly. On Tuesdays we will Fast from the Tube - network, cable and movies. On Wednesdays we will Fast from computers (unless work related), video games, social networks, online shopping, etc. On Thursdays we will Fast from Coffee, Soda, sports drinks, alcohol, etc. Drink only water. On Fridays we will concentrate on our speech and attitude by fasting from criticism, negative comments and cursing. On Saturdays we will practice the disciplines of silence and solitude by putting down the phone, turning off the radio in our cars, turning off the TV when not watching and removing unnecessary external noise. On Sundays we will rest and worship. Fasting from work and school. What will help me focus more on Christ? 50 3

4 The Flow of the Daily Devotional (continued) Scripture: Each day there will be a new scripture for you to reflect on. Reflection Time: Take time to meditate on the scripture. Do not rush this. I intentionally did not write meditations for each day. This is your opportunity to engage the scriptures. Read the passage through a couple of times and spend time in silence. After a few minutes of silence ask the questions: What ideas or insights can I gain from this scripture. How does it speak to me on a personal level? Is it calling me to change anything in my life? Write down your thoughts. Change one thing: Name one thing that you will do differently today in order to help you draw closer to God and help you keep your daily discipline. It doesn t have to be big. It can be anything from adding a moment of prayer into your schedule, trying to not let minor irritations bother you, eating healthier or speaking well of others. The possibilities are endless. Also, given the theme for the day, what challenges do you see this day and how will you plan to overcome them? Good Friday Psalm 22:1-5 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. What do I need to change in order to better reflect Christ? : Spend some time in prayer asking for God s help in keeping your daily discipline. : Take some time in the evening to reflect on the day. If you are doing this as a family, you may want to do this with your spouse or children. An exercise you may find helpful is doing an ESP evaluation. Ask yourself how you are feeling Emotionally, Spiritually and Physically. You might also ask: What have I learned about myself today? What helped me focus on Christ? Lastly: Because of the space limitations of this devotional you may want to keep a separate journal. What distractions did I face today? What would I like to do differently tomorrow? What will help me focus more on Christ? 4 49

5 Maundy Thursday John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. Week 1 Day 1 - Ash Wednesday Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. (Isaiah 55:1-2) What do I need to change in order to better reflect Christ? What distractions did I face today? What would I like to do differently tomorrow? What will help me focus more on Christ? 48 5

6 Week 1 Day 2 - Thirsty Thursday Fast from coffee, soda, sports drinks, alcohol, etc. Drink only water. Scripture: Haggai 1:5-6 Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Wednesday in Holy Week John 12:35-36 So Jesus said to them, The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. What do I need to change in order to better reflect Christ? Morning Action Plan (How will I overcome challenges today?) What distractions did I face today? What would I like to do differently tomorrow? What will help me focus more on Christ? 6 47

7 Tuesday in Holy Week John 12:23-26 And Jesus answered them, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Week 1 Day 3 - Forbearance Friday Fast from negative comments and attitudes, speaking well of others, refraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing. Scripture: James 3:7-10 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. What do I need to change in order to better reflect Christ? Morning Action Plan (How will I overcome challenges today?) What distractions did I face today? What would I like to do differently tomorrow? What will help me focus more on Christ? 46 7

8 Week 1 Day 4 - Silent Saturday Monday in Holy Week Isaiah 58:6-9a Today s focus is silence and solitude. Put down the phone, turn off the radio and remove as much unnecessary external noise as possible. Take a walk in the woods, drive through the country, go fishing or just sit on the back porch. Scripture: Luke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am. What do I need to change in order to better reflect Christ? What distractions did I face today? What would I like to do differently tomorrow? What will help me focus more on Christ? 8 45

9 Holy Week The word Lent literally means Spring. We reflect, fast, study and pray for the purpose of spiritual growth. Throughout these 40 days of fasting we have been seeking to find and silence the distractions in our lives, particularly those things which have hindered our walk with Christ. As we enter into Holy Week, we now have the opportunity to put into practice what we have learned and fully focus on our Lord. Palm Sunday Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Week 2 Day 1 - Soulful Sunday Today s focus is rest and worship. Fast from work and school (assuming you already did your homework in preparation for the Lord s day). Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said to his disciples and a crowd of people: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. What do I need to change in order to better reflect Christ? What distractions did I face today? What would I like to do differently tomorrow? What will help me focus more on Christ? 44 9

10 Week 2 Day 2 - Munch Less Monday This day will get progressively more challenging in the weeks to come. We will start off easy. Today we will fast from our between meal snacks and second helpings. Scripture: John 6:35 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst Week 6 Day 7 - Silent Saturday Today s focus is silence and solitude. Put down the phone, turn off the radio and remove as much unnecessary external noise as possible. Take a walk in the woods, drive through the country, go fishing or just sit on the back porch. Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11-12 And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper

11 Week 6 Day 6 - Forbearance Friday Fast from negative comments and attitudes, speaking well of others, refraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing. Scripture: Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Week 2 Day 3 - TV Tuesday Fast from the Tube - network, cable and movies. Reflect on how these things distract us from deeper conversations with God and others. Scripture: Luke 8:11 & 14 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature

12 Week 2 Day 4 - Wireless Wednesday Fast from computers (unless work related), video games, social networks, online shopping, etc. Technology has given us the ability to stay more connected than ever before. Reflect on the areas of your life where technology has disconnected you from God and others. Scripture: I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Week 6 Day 5 - Thirsty Thursday Fast from coffee, soda, sports drinks, alcohol, etc. Drink only water. Scripture: Psalm 42:1-2 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God

13 Week 6 Day 4 - Wireless Wednesday Fast from computers (unless work related), video games, social networks, online shopping, etc. Scripture: Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Week 2 Day 5 - Thirsty Thursday Fast from coffee, soda, sports drinks, alcohol, etc. Drink only water. Scripture: John 4:13-14 Jesus said to her, Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life

14 Week 2 Day 6 - Forbearance Friday Fast from negative comments and attitudes, speaking well of others, refraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing. Scripture: Matthew 15:10-11 And he called the people to him and said to them, Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person. Week 6 Day 3 - TV Tuesday Fast from the Tube - network, cable and movies. Reflect on how these things distract us from deeper conversations with God and others. Scripture: Proverbs 3:6-8 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones

15 Week 6 Day 2 - Munch Less Monday This is the big day. Drink only water. Do your best but be mindful of any medical restrictions. Scripture: Luke 18:11-12 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get. Week 2 Day 7 - Silent Saturday Today s focus is silence and solitude. Put down the phone, turn off the radio and remove as much unnecessary external noise as possible. Take a walk in the woods, drive through the country, go fishing or just sit on the back porch. Scripture: Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him

16 Week 3 Day 1 - Soulful Sunday Today s focus is rest and worship. Fast from work and school (assuming you already did your homework in preparation for the Lord s day). Scripture: Mark 6:31-32 Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to [his disciples], Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. Week 6 Day 1 - Soulful Sunday Today s focus is rest and worship. Fast from work and school. Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect

17 Week 5 Day 7 - Silent Saturday Today s focus is silence and solitude. Put down the phone, turn off the radio and remove as much unnecessary external noise as possible. Take a walk in the woods, drive through the country, go fishing or just sit on the back porch. Scripture: Psalm 131:1-2 My heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul. Week 3 Day 2 - Munch Less Monday This day will get progressively more challenging in the weeks to come. Today cut out one of your diet staples. Consider going vegan or vegetarian. Perhaps you can cut out carbohydrates or sugar. Scripture: Revelation 7:16-17 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes

18 Week 3 Day 3 - TV Tuesday Fast from the Tube - network, cable and movies. Reflect on how these things distract us from deeper conversations with God and others. Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Week 5 Day 6 - Forbearance Friday Fast from negative comments and attitudes, speaking well of others, refraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing. Scripture: Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips

19 Week 5 Day 5 - Thirsty Thursday Fast from coffee, soda, sports drinks, alcohol, etc. Drink only water. Scripture: Isaiah 12:2-3 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Week 3 Day 4 - Wireless Wednesday Fast from computers (unless work related), video games, social networks, online shopping, etc. Technology has given us the ability to stay more connected than ever before. Reflect on the areas of your life where technology has disconnected you from God and others. Scripture: Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth

20 Week 3 Day 5 - Thirsty Thursday Fast from coffee, soda, sports drinks, alcohol, etc. Drink only water. Scripture: John 7: On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Week 5 Day 4 - Wireless Wednesday Fast from computers (unless work related), video games, social networks, online shopping, etc. Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me. But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her. How do I feel Emotionally, Spiritually and Physically / 20 33

21 Week 5 Day 3 - TV Tuesday Fast from the Tube - network, cable and movies. Reflect on how these things distract us from deeper conversations with God and others. Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Week 3 Day 6 - Forbearance Friday Fast from negative comments and attitudes, speaking well of others, refraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing Scripture: Proverbs 15:1 & 4 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit

22 Week 3 Day 7 - Silent Saturday Today s focus is silence and solitude. Put down the phone, turn off the radio and remove as much unnecessary external noise as possible. Take a walk in the woods, drive through the country, go fishing or just sit on the back porch. Scripture: Isaiah 30:15a This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Week 5 Day 2 - Munch Less Monday Today we will do a Juice fast. Drinking only water and juice Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18 And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. and your Father who sees in secret will reward you 22 31

23 Week 5 Day 1 - Soulful Sunday Today s focus is rest and worship. Fast from work and school. Week 4 Day 1 - Soulful Sunday Today s focus is rest and worship. Fast from work and school. Scripture: John 4:21-24 Scripture: I Chronicles 16:23-25b Jesus said to her, Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised

24 Week 4 Day 2 - Munch Less Monday This day will get progressively more challenging in the weeks to come. Today we will do a Wesley fast. Nothing to eat until after 3 p.m. today. Drink plenty of liquids. Scripture: Matthew 4:3-4 And the tempter came and said to him, If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread. But he answered, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Week 4 Day 7 - Silent Saturday Today s focus is silence and solitude. Put down the phone, turn off the radio and remove as much unnecessary external noise as possible. Take a walk in the woods, drive through the country, go fishing or just sit on the back porch. Scripture: Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters

25 Week 4 Day 6 - Forbearance Friday Fast from negative comments and attitudes, speaking well of others, refraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing. Scripture: Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Week 4 Day 3 - TV Tuesday Fast from the Tube - network, cable and movies. Reflect on how these things distract us from deeper conversations with God and others. Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-19 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart

26 Week 4 Day 4 - Wireless Wednesday Fast from computers (unless work related), video games, social networks, online shopping, etc. Technology has given us the ability to stay more connected than ever before. Reflect on the areas of your life where technology has disconnected you from God and others. Scripture: Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Week 4 Day 5 - Thirsty Thursday Fast from coffee, soda, sports drinks, alcohol, etc. Drink only water. Scripture: Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied