Spiritual Discipline #4: FASTING - UPDATE

(Please read the following section on fasting before reading this update.)

As previously explained, fasting is often one of the means by which we cover over sin and immaturity in our lives, as opposed to letting God's Spirit truly change us from the inside out. Hopefully, some of you have seen a bit of this in your practice of fasting and have begun the journey of having God change those things instead of simply camaflouging them. But do we have to always engage in fasting so as not to slip back? Fasting can be a good discipline to practice on a regular basis, but food is also a gift from God that we are to receive with joy and thanksgiving. Spiritual maturity involves being able to eat with joy and thanksgiving, while at the same time keeping ourselves from using food as a substitute for that which God alone is to be to us. So, as you come to the conclusion of Lent, having seen how food might have taken on an inappropriate role in your life, establish some patterns and disciplines of eating that will keep food in it's rightful place, and in so doing, free yourself to receive from God all He wants to give you, and do in you.

Spiritual Discipline #4: FASTING

What Is The Discipline Of Fasting?

Briefly put, “fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.”(Foster, p.48) It is never to be an end in itself, but rather an important means of taking us deeper in our walk with Christ.

• First, fasting reveals to us how much we rely upon food for peace   and comfort. Often, food becomes one of the means we use to cover over deep-   seated, and sometimes, unrecognized immaturity and sin. In fasting, we become   aware of this, and then, through confession, we allow God to truly change us. This   will be the focus for March.

• Second, fasting can help us discern more clearly the voice of God.   When practiced together with worship, prayer and meditation, we are better able to   hear God speak to us about ourselves, Himself, and how He wants to use us to   change the world. This will be our focus during April.

For a more complete and practical discussion of fasting, go to:
• Campus Crusade for Christ International
    - Your Personal Guide to Fasting & Prayer

Here are some simple steps you can take to begin a practice of fasting:

• March 1-7: Skip one meal during the week

• March 8-14: Skip one meal, on two different occasions.

• March 15-21: Skip two consecutive meals.

• March 22-28: Skip two consecutive meals.

Simply skipping food, however, does not constitute biblical fasting. Nor does it necessarily open us to the deeper work of God in our lives. For that to happen, when you fast, spend those meal times in prayer and meditation of scripture. You might find it helpful to do this with a small group of like-minded individuals. In addition, consider giving the give the cost of the food normally eaten to the poor.

Spiritual Discipline #1: SOLITUDE
> more info

Pastor's Blogs
Solitude
• Monday, Nov 10, 2008
• Thursday, Oct 23, 2008

Spiritual Discipline #2: SILENCE
> more info

Spiritual Discipline #3: MEDITATION
> more info

Suggested Reading for Understanding Spiritual Disciplines

1. “The Celebration of Discipline”, by Richard Foster
2. “The Spirit of the Disciplines”, by Dallas Willard

Either one of the above books is highly recommended for anyone wanting to both understand and practice the various spiritual disciplines that will be featured on this website. Ray Cobb (Community Life Pastor) has copies of each book available to purchase for $15 each.

Suggested Reading for the Discipline of Meditation:

"Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer", by Eugene Peterson