The 30 Day Fasting Challenge

It is tough! I remember this whole experience being pretty tough when I did it a few years ago. And that's perfectly okay to hang out with your regular friends But making a new friend is great too!

What do you mean exactly? Seeing the difference between Jesus' relationships with the poor and our society's?

 

Day 9: Fast from Warmth

"Even a 2-degree drop in body temperature results in reduced heart rate, loss of coordination, and confusion. Adults cannot work effectively and children find it difficult to learn. For most, a warm coat solves the problem." - onewarmcoat.org

Most of us own several coats and take it for granted that we have protection against the elements when winter sets in. But there are many people around the world and even in the U.S. who freeze to death every year. Let that sink in: people die because they can't guard themselves against cold weather. Choose today to align yourself with the crisis of not being able to keep warm by going without your jacket. Take inventory of your closet -- count your coats, gloves, hats, and scarves and see if there are any you might be able to give away. Grab a friend and see if you can find someone with whom you can share your extra warmth. Perhaps they might also need a cup of hot cocoa or some warm, friendly conversation?

How many coats do you have in your closet? How many do you actually wear?

Luke 3:11

 

Fasting from warmth is probably a strange one to some people, at this time of year lol

 

Sorry! Forgot to post the challenge this morning. I'm going to post today's and tomorrow's, because I'm going out of town in the morning and probably won't remember.

 

Day 10: Fast from Speech

"The poorest of the poor suffer silently, too weak fro activism or too busy raising the next generation of hungry." - A voice from Haiti

To be poor often means to be powerless, even to feel voiceless. Our world is so full of other noises and stronger voices that the quiet cried of the weak and hungry are easily drowned out. Many people have even put their hands over their ears to silence the sounds of suffering when it becomes too uncomfortable. But followers of Jesus have another choice; we are blessed with the ability to raise our voices and communicate the fears, pains, or longing of those too weary or resigned to do so themselves. Next time you have the opportunity to speak out on behalf of the poor, don't waste it. But today, for an hour or two, choose not to speak in order to gain a clearer understanding of what it might feel like to live without a "voice."

What will you say the next time someone disparages or diminishes the plight of the poor? How can you speak on their behalf?

Proverbs 31:8-9

 

Day 11: Fast from Vanity

"Thirteen billion dollars is spent by Americans on cosmetic surgery every year."

How much time do we spend staring at ourselves in front of the mirror, whether in dissatisfaction or admiration, compared with time spend looking at God, His Word, and His world? The beauty of creation is all around us, from sunsets and trees to pet and people, so instead of being distracted with our own reflections, may we desire to reflect the wonder of our Creator God. Discover the liberation of having little concern for outward appearances, and choose not to look in the mirror today. Instead of worrying what you might look like on the outside, ask God to reveal what He sees in you on the inside.

What could we do with the money we might save if we spent less on our "outward beauty which fades" (1 Peter 3:3-4)?

1 Samuel 16:7