PSALM 25:4-5 Have you ever noticed we have an unspoken belief that if we have what we want, we will be happy? If you re anything like me, you often think you know what s best and what s good. We see in the beginning of creation that when God created something, he called it good (See Genesis chapter 1). He is the author of good. He is the creator of good. You can trust that God knows what is good and what is best for you, even when you don t. He knows the right path, road and way. I encourage you, as you put your hope in Him, to do what the psalmist did ask him to lead you in the good, right path. You can trust him because he has not only defined this path but created it with you in mind.
COLOSSIANS 1:10 The life we live on the outside is a reflection of what is happening on the inside. Honoring God on the outside with our lives starts with honoring him on the inside, by acknowledging who he is and what he has done. Take some time and think about what God is doing in your life and think about all he has done. When we remember those things and acknowledge them in our hearts, it will affect the way we live. It s easy to prioritize other things with our time, and it s even easier to simply let time go by. But, taking the time to reflect on what God is doing and simply spend time with him is crucial. The more time we take to spend with God, the more we will become like Him.
PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14 Too many times we only look at what we can see. We put our focus on something that will not last and then feel empty and disappointed when it is gone. Maybe it s holding onto a relationship, an accomplishment, or a physical possession, but these things can t satisfy the heart. Even worse, sometimes we only look at our past. We live in the glory or pain of yesterday and get stuck there. Our minds are too focused on the past to look toward the present and the future. The Apostle Paul tells us, however, that all of these things are worth nothing compared to the greatest prize. We must leave all of those things behind and press toward the goal and prize that God has for us. So, what is this prize that we look forward to? What is this goal that we must constantly press on towards? Knowing Jesus Christ.
EZRA 8:23 Ezra had his Levites with him to step into this scary and unknown battle. He was afraid to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen for protection because he had proclaimed that the power of God was on their side. As scary as the unknown was for Ezra and his men, God met every one of their needs. Sometimes in our life things can become really difficult and we look for outside things to comfort us and make us feel safe. This might be a relationship, having control or finding identity in all the wrong things. All we have to do is call on God and he will come through every time! So when things get difficult, let s stop and ask ourselves, are we depending on God or ourselves?
ISAIAH 54:2-3 I love my phone an I m a gamer. I got my Xbox One (Boo PS4) and I enjoy spending some time playing the latest games. But do we realize how much time technology consumes in our lives? How many hours do we spend on Instagram or Snapchat? How many hours have we poured into the latest game? How many days of time have we spent watching Hulu or Netflix? Sometimes we don t hear the still soft voice of God because we are filling every moment in our day with technology. Do you have a need in your life? Do you want God to increase your influence? Do you want God to give you guidance and wisdom for a particular issue? Take the opportunity today to give up your phone and video games. Use the time you normally spend on these things to sharpen your senses for hearing God s voice. You may be surprised by what he has in store.
MARK 9:29 When we pray, there is an authority behind it. God really does hear our prayers. As we see in this story, prayer affects things. Prayer is not just an event it is a lifestyle. God s wants prayer to be so much more for us than something we do on occasion. His desire is that we consistently share with him about our lives, thank him for what he has done, and even pray for those around us. Take some time today and talk to God about these things. Thank him for all that he is doing through this fast and in general. Pray for those around you who don t have a relationship with him and pray that God would keep revealing himself to them. Lastly, don t forget to take some time to talk to God about how you are doing. He cares about you and your everyday life. God is with us everyday, and we have as much access to him as we desire. Today especially, as we take a step back from our computers and our controllers, let s take advantage of being able to spend time with Him!
LUKE 22:42 When Jesus was taking his last breaths in agony on the cross, some people tried and give him a drink and help. They began to shout and tell him that if he was really God, then he should get himself down. Knowing all of his options, Jesus lifted his head high towards heaven in prayer. Life can throw many curve balls at us. There are some moments where we feel as if there is no hope or joy before us. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that it was the joy set before Jesus that enabled him to endure the cross. Let s run in prayer to Jesus during times of agony, strife, pain, hurt, etc. Let s lift our heads towards heaven and put all our trust in the maker of all things and believe that he will turn all things together for the good of those who love Him.
FINISHING STRONG T H E N E X T 7 D A Y S Whether you re tired, hungry or excited to be completing your fast, hang in there! Though the fast may be ending, it s really the beginning of a great year walking with God. Remember the whole point of this fast was to sacrifice food and other luxuries for the sake of giving God our undivided attention and growing deeper in Him. The fire and zeal for God burning in your heart is what keeps your relationship with him fresh and new. It allows you to continue serving and obeying him from a position of want to, to experience joy every day regardless of what life brings your way. Keep going the next seven days, and the seven days after that, and so on. What you have practiced in this fast is super easy to sustain long-term. Prayer and personal devotion are all quite simple to make a part of your everyday life. During this fast, you ve created space for God to fill. The best way to continue in these same practices is to keep that space open indefinitely. Don t allow it to close up! Protect that time and space with God and make him your priority each day. Just like reading your Bible and attending church, fasting is also a lifestyle. We encourage you to make fasting a part of your life. It s not a rule to follow it s an I get to experience God thing. It s like going to heaven for a tune up, so we can keep our passion for God and enjoyment of him at a high level. We encourage you to do the same. Figure out what works for you, commit to and make it a part of your life. CHURCH-REDEEMER.ORG