Fasting Often?

OK, folks, here goes. I am going to talk about FASTING…now if you are still reading past that last line, please be encouraged. There are many directions I could take with this idea of fasting. Suffice it to say, all you need do is a quick Internet search and you will find a variety of ideas and Bible verses to back them up. Some of the stuff is good, but most of it, I think, is used to prove a point the writer is trying to make.

However, when I look at this passage from Matthew’s Gospel (chapter 6), I see “fasting” as a relational invitation. That would be consistent with Jesus’ teaching on prayer and giving mentioned in the same chapter. I do believe that there are other positive results that come from fasting, but it really comes down to one BIG idea; when I fast, I simply want to know Christ more and myself less.

What that means is that I want to discover that He is more important than food. He is more important than a particular self-gratifying activity. He (GOD) is more important than even life itself.

Now that is a bold statement, and to be honest I am not there yet. But I am growing in that direction and fasting helps remind me that this life is about responding to a relationship with the one who created all there is even life itself. Are there other benefits from fasting?  Yes, I believe so, but the most important is for me to understand just how important God really is in me. If I can discover that God really is important in my life through this simple practice, well then, I believe that life can be more full and meaningful because the trivial loses its influence.

SO…this Friday I invite you to set aside 24 hours through the act of fasting. I will begin at 6PM Thursday evening and end at 6PM Friday evening only drinking clear fluids. Can you do it?

Please note that if you have a medical condition that would keep you from participation in a food fast, you might substitute some other activity where you can join with me on the journey.

I am looking forward to hearing your stories of discovery with the God who loves us all so much.

Pastor Rip

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Todays Reading plan from the Gospels