Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5
"But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Matthew 6:17-18
The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
Jesus answered, "It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:3-4
We fast because the moment we face is so sacred that fasting is the only way for us to bring our entire person before God.
Scot McKnight
Read
Genesis 2:7; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 4:6; Isaiah 58:6-7
Reflect
1. How has God been working in your life and helping you grow this summer?
2. What actions help you draw near to God?
3. What questions do you have about fasting?
4. What jumped out at you from this weekend's service?
5. How is Jesus calling you to give up the idols in your life and devote yourself to him?
6. What steps can you take to live out Deuteronomy 6 and love God with your strength this week?
Do
THIS WEEK'S IN CHALLENGE: Participate in the spiritual discipline of FASTING for one meal this week. Drink only water during that time & pray for someone else in your life or an issue close to your heart. Every time you have hunger pains - pray.