Root Deeper :: January 12
Recently I was inspired by a friend to write a recap of each of our weekly gatherings discussions so we can continue the dialogue during the week with our friends and families and maybe ROOT a little DEEPER. If you’re like me sometimes my mind drifts during a bible study and I want to discuss further but just don’t have the time. Here is our chance to dig on.
With the entry of 2010 our church decided to start the year off a little different than usual. Instead of creating the usual new years resolutions we opted to FAST for 21 days. We are all challenged to fast for something you long to see Gods hand move in. Some might do it simply to draw closer to God by getting rid of distractions like our love for juicy steaks and burgers in order to pray and turn our focus to Christ, our sustainer. Some fast to draw close and to cry out to God on behalf of those who are lost, hurting, hopeless, homeless, damaged, suffering. Some fast on behalf of the injustice. We each have something that rocks our world and that is what we FAST for.
If this resonates with you, I welcome you to join us.
You can fast in a few different ways:
1. Absolute Fast: no food for short periods of time. (get medical/parental permission)
2. Normal Fast; Going without food for a period of days, usually drinking lots of water—sometimes juices and broth.
3. Partial Fast (also called the “Daniel fast”): eliminating meat, bread and sweets for a period of time.
Instead of eating spend that time in prayer, meditation, listening, and reading God’s word.
How you implement your fast is up to you and God. You can fast one meal a day or 3 meals a day—one meal a week—do the partial fast for the entire time—really is up to you. Knowing “why” you are fasting is what is important.
Examples to study in the Bible: Daniel 1&10, Matthew 4, and Matthew 6:16
Discussion Questions after reading through these scriptures: Why Fast? According to Matthew 6:16 what does Jesus say about how we should fast? What stands out about Daniel chapter 1:11-21? What result did their fast have?
POST YOUR THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS HERE SO WE CAN “CHEW ON ‘EM” (Punny, I know)
grace&peace
