Over the course of 2020, we did 3 memory verses together as a church (10 commandments, fruit of the Spirit, 2 Peter 1: 5-8). The pastoral team also did a few extra verses together. Here are some highlights:
Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… gentleness and self-control.
2 Peter 1:5-8: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness… and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Spot the trend? Self-control, perseverance, and self-discipline! These aren’t usually the first ideas that come to mind when we think of having a relationship with God. But they really are at the centre of what it means to follow Jesus.
So how do we learn self-control, perseverance, and self-discipline? How do we practice those things and grow in them? Fasting is one way. When we fast, we make an effort to exert self-control and self-discipline over some area of our life–it can be food, time wasters, habits, etc. We make an effort to control those things, and discipline ourselves in seeking God instead. This is the reason we’re fasting in January–we’re starting the year by intentionally focusing on God, and practicing self-discipline in some area of our life.
For January, I’m fasting sugar and salty snacks, both which I usually love (but also aren’t very healthy). Theresa is fasting using social media, and will spend the time focusing on God instead. We’re also trying something new this year, to encourage our kids to fast with us (we’ll see how well that goes!). Fasting together with the family and the whole church is a good way to help them feel connected to what we’re doing and what God is doing. They can be part of the team! The kids are fasting chocolate bars and candy.
If you’re not fasting already, it’s not too late to join us! Fast with us in January as we seek God and start the year off right.