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HOPE Covenant Sermons

Fasting & Lent & Making Room for Jesus

February 14, 2021 Speaker: Doug Glynn Series: Pray Like Jesus

Topic: Fasting Verse: Matthew 6:5–18, Matthew 4, Deuteronomy 8:3, Exodus 16:4, Psalm 105:40, Isaiah 58, Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:24–32

WHY WOULD WE FAST?

Fasting is a simple practice God gives you that can help you be in charge of your body, instead of the other way around.


Mindset #1: FASTING AS FEASTING

I'm not just avoiding food. I'm making time and space to be nourished by God. My fast helps me focus on God; to make room for God to fill my soul.

Allow your body's hunger to remind you that you God is the ultimate source in the world. The One who truly fills us. When we fast to make room for God, then fasting is feasting on God.


Mindset #2: FASTING AS CARING

When my body is hungruy, I remember my brothers and sisters who are hungry but have no bread and have no money to buy bread. The temporary and very small pain in my body speaks to me of the ongoing and very large pain in theirs. God begins to grow compassion in me. 

It might not look like giving up something you enjoy, in order to have more resources to give to those with less. When we fast, we give my attention to praying and caring for people who are in need during our fast.


IDEAS FOR OTHER WAYS TO FAST BESIDES FOOD
*food, alcohol, processed food      *screen time          *coffee, sugar        *shopping
*eating out/delivery                     *TV, Netflix, etc     *social media, the news


QUESTIONS BETWEEN YOU & GOD
Remember: This isn't a demand, there is no pressure or guilt. This is simply an INVITATION.

What might you fast during Lent?
Is there a place of fasting that might help you make room for God to do something in you? Perhaps to bring you freedom in particular areas?
When will you fast? Perhaps once, weekly, or the entire season of Lent?

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