KIDS AND FASTING

We have so many children and students who want to participate in their spiritual formation. Fasting and prayer are huge components of growing, so why not take a brief moment to set our children up for success in their spiritual growth, this is worth the read.

Here is a blurb from the awaken website:

It is so important to model the principle of fasting to our kids and it’s actually quite simple to introduce different ways they can participate. However, their involvement should come only from a heartfelt desire to, just like our fasting should. The best way to encourage our kids to fast is to keep it fun and simple.

An easy way to explain the benefits of prayer and fasting to kids is to compare it to cleaning out old toys that might no longer work, or that they might have outgrown, to make room for new ones. As we clean out our bodies and make time to connect closer to God and His Word, we make room to receive new gifts from Him.

We do not recommend that children skip meals or drastically reduce their food intake, but a modification of their diet might prove to be an easy place to start. For example, fasting from specific items such as sweets, red meats, fried foods or even introducing a form of the Daniel fast which includes legumes, nuts and whole grains is a great way for children to participate in a safe and healthy way.

Another great way to fast is by reducing some of the time and energy spent watching TV, playing video games, using the computer or phone, and instead choosing to spend time praying, reading their Bible or serving others.

The main thing is for them to recognize the value behind setting aside special times to disconnect from some of the extra-curricular activities and treats they enjoy on a regular basis and learn how to connect to God in a closer way.

CAREFUL OF THE SMELL!

In my experience fasting brings out the nastiness. Seriously, you don't want to be the guy with "fasting breath!" So get some mints handy, brush your teeth, put an extra swipe of antiperspirant before you have the meeting with clients or the conversation with someone you love, like me.

"But pastor, I can't eat a mint." Ok, if the Lord has called you to that strict of fast, and He does, then just realize you're gonna stink. Your body is going to cleanse itself of toxins and other stuff that makes your pits and breath smell like bad cabbage. Don't say I didn't warn ya!

BTW...you know what else stinks? It stinks that people in our cities go hungry. I hate that, and I know most every person at TRC does also. In 2010, we are expanding our Adopt A Block initiative from 1 neighborhood to 5. We've identified the additional 4, and now we are fasting for the laborers to hear the lord and feed families in a total of 5 neighborhoods every Tuesday night.

In addition, our goal in the Fall of 2010 is to set up in 2 different cities for a total of 2 weeks with the Hauler of Hope to collect food for the Turkey Dinner Giveaway. In '09 we broke all our records, but in 2010 I am expecting more families to be fed through the generosity of TRC and our communities than ever before. It will be historical!

WORSHIP TUNES

Fasting makes us a better at worshiping the Lord. Why? Because it strips away the hindrances of our flesh, which often gets what it wants. Fasting opens our life to focusing on spiritual growth. I heard a quote that applies the other day, "This will be the best year of your life IF you make your best effort to grow spiritually." Mmmm, that's tasty. Now add to your fasting some United, David Crowder, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin or another favorite worship leader, like Melinda, or Terryl (their my favs). When I'm fasting the words of the songs mean so much more and my worship explodes!

BTW...we are fasting for numerous song writing sessions and the recording of 3 projects in 2010! That's big time.

image from highlandcc.net

WATER, H20 Yeeaaahhhh!

While setting some goals for this year for The Rock it occurred to me that one of those things most important while fasting is water!!! Drink lots of water.

BTW...we are fasting for the successful digging and operation of 12 wells in Cambodia this year, and 40,000 bottles of Quench water to be given away.