Covenant TGIF Message

TGIF

Easter began this week, what a wonderful time of year for Christian celebration!  Jesus Christ followed God’s will to be crucified on our behalf, then was resurrected three days later to go to heaven and join God for eternity.  His actions on our behalf showed us the tremendous price he paid for all our sins and, through His grace and forgiveness, the path for us to join Him for eternal life.

A traditional practice for many Christians during Lent is to fast – a good definition I found was a way to place ourselves in the way of grace by withdrawing our reliance on earthly things so that we can feast on God’s presence and power.  So giving up chocolate or a favorite food or drink may not exactly meet this definition of fasting, but I have one suggestion for you that I believe does meet the requirement for a Christian fast.

Attached for your consideration for Lent this year are some godly fasts – these are definitely attuned to feasting on God’s presence and power.  Pastor Carl shared these considerations for fasting a few years ago, and I have provided them to our church members every year since for Lent.  See if any of these are acceptable to you for fasting this year for God!

I suggest choosing 2 or 3 options for fasting from this list, those that strike your heart the most when reading them.  Then focus on them throughout this Lent season, and feel God’s presence and power in you as you focus on this fast for Him!!

I will tell you that I keep this list in my daily devotional all year long, and I read my personal list every morning when I get up.  My list of five fasts that touch me the most are:

  • Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
  • Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
  • Fast from worries and have trust in God.
  • Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
  • Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

You won’t be perfect in your fast, none of us are………. just ask my wife and my friends about me!!!

Fast this Lenten season and throughout your life on this worthy list, and change your heart where change may be needed.

Good luck, and may God bless everyone’s Lent this year!!