Day 3: Take a Breather...
Take a Breather
Faith is Intentional
Reading for Today
Romans 10:17–21 (ESV)
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” But of Israel He says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
Ephesians 3:11–12 (NLT)
This was His eternal plan, which He carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.
Hey Friend, welcome to day 3! Today Is a bit of a pivot day. Day 1 was a walk in the park, Day 2 was pretty good, by Day 3 you’re now feeling the effects. You’re “missing” the things that you’re fasting from. But it’s ok, know that it’s intentional! One thing we have to learn if we are to enjoy a fruitful faith walk is that God is intentional in everything that He does. If we expect to enjoy our life with God, we must be intentional. Imagine, so many of the things we have now, we have by happenstance or by chance. What would happen if we really committed ourselves to seeking God and to having His best for our lives?
By definition to be intentional means done on purpose; deliberate; calculated. In other words, to be intentional means that when you do that thing, you have thought about it, weighed the cost examined it and have fully committed to carry/walk that thing out. Our relationship with God is no different. We should not haphazardly approach a relationship with God with the idea that whatever happens happens. Instead we should set our hearts to seek Him, to know Him, to do that which pleases Him.
Here are a few practical ways that we can be intentional in our faith and relationship with God:
Plan time with God. – In modern society, we are slaves to busyness. In everything that we do, we have to make time to get alone and hear from God in order to determine our next step and to fill our spiritual tanks.
Spend Time in the Word and Prioritize Prayer – If we desire anything from God, we have to prioritize the conversation with Him. How do you know His will if you are not spending time speaking with Him about it?
Journal your thoughts. – One of the best things about writing in a journal is free therapy. Journaling gives you the opportunity to work out your thoughts and vent in a way that might not otherwise be possible. Ever feel that you’re in a rut or not quite sure what to say, start making a list of what you’re thankful for. By listing even the smallest of things, it allows you to see things differently.
Today realize your nearness to God, as well as your confidence to know that He’s got it all in control. Be intentional about pressing into His word and His presence and watch Him work things out.
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Fasting Tip: Be prepared. We know that hunger will come, plan ahead and have a healthy meal or fIlling snack with you at all times.
Day 2: Strength from Above
Reading for Today
Luke 4:1-4 (NLT) Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”
It’s day two of the fast and hopefully you’re still excited but now let’s get prepared for the effects of fasting to kick in any moment now. If you’ve fasted before or if this happens to be your first time fasting, know there is a way to handle those temptations when the flesh begins to grow fatigued.
An important part of fasting is Bible Reading. In order for fasting to be effective, you must replace your excluded items with the Word of God. This teaches us that the source of our strength does not come from external things like food or social media, but from God alone. I don’t know about you, but I often find myself in need of strength. Not strength for a workout, but strength to believe. Strength to keep going. Strength to love. Strength to hold my tongue. You name it, I need strength for it.
Jesus’ experience teaches us what it is like to depend on the Word of God for strength. Being led into the wilderness, full of the Holy Spirit, He was tempted by Satan for 40 days. During this temptation Satan seemed to have great hopes to convince Jesus to find strength in Himself and His own ability, but Jesus didn’t fall for it. He responded,
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’” [vs. 4]
And this is how you will be able to remain strong when you are tempted. We, too, have to know just like Jesus did that it is God alone who sustains us.
Like Jesus, you will face the temptation to depend on yourself more than you depend on God. When we choose to depend on self, we can make the mistake of getting ahead of God and walking into the very things He would lead us to avoid.
So how do we combat this basic nature of self-sufficiency? We lean on the Word of God. Fasting is the perfect opportunity to recalibrate your mind and spirit so that you see the amazing benefits of a deep, personal relationship with God.
Fasting Tip: Read before you act. As you begin to feel hunger or even temptation, be sure to read your Bible before you grab a meal. This will teach your flesh to respond to the Word of God.
Day 1: Come Away With Me…
Find the faith to approach God knowing that his greatest desire is relationship with you.
Come Away With Me…
Faith to Approach God
Reading for Today:
Hebrews 10:19–25 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Today is day one! Today, we are committed, we are energized, we are ready! One of the best things about the first day of a fast is there is this adrenaline rush that comes seemingly out of nowhere! There is a renewed sense of faith and bravery that seems to set in. Ultimately, we are reminded of the gift we have to be in communion with our heavenly father, the creator of all.
One of the keys to fasting is we must remember that the key to fasting is using this time to spend with God. Fasting is far more than just the denial of food. Failure to pray makes our fasting pointless. There are a number of reasons that we don’t pray, however it usually boils down to our feelings of unworthiness or lack. All that aside, God loves us so very much that He’s already made provision for us! In the book of Hebrews we find a verse for that!
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. – Hebrews 4:16
While writing to the Jews of the early church, Paul delivers a message that is extremely valuable to us today! The entire 4th chapter is loaded with gems for our sometimes-wandering hearts. But let’s zoom in just a little. He reminds us of the gift we have in Christ. Because Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and died on the cross, we are able to approach God with assurance that He is listening, that He hears us and that He will respond!
Likewise in scripture, we are urged to come to God to seek Him. Consider this your invitation to draw near to God as He draws near to you. (James 4:8) In this time, set your intention to seek hard after the God who loves you! During this time, make sure you are journaling the things you are praying for and the responses you are hearing. Take time to review how you should respond and what your next steps are. Remember, God is faithful to his promises!
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. – Hebrews 10:23
Join us back tomorrow for day two!
“Fasting Tip: Make sure to increase your water intake to assist with hunger and the change in food intake.”