40 Days of Fasting Lent 2016 - Christ the King Lutheran Churchchristthekingevans.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lenten-Devotional-2016.pdf · video games, social networks, online

40 Days of Fasting

Lent 2016

Christ the King Lutheran

Church

Evans, GA

Rev. David Keener

2

Everyone is a little ADD

For many years I have waged a personal campaign against the term

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). As one who has lived his whole

life under this banner I can tell you with assurance people like me do

not have a disorder nor do we suffer from a “deficit” in the ability to

pay attention. It is not a deficit because in reality, the opposite is

true. We hear and see everything. Every bird that sings, every bee

that buzzes, every leaf that falls calls for our attention. Our daily

struggle is not with a lack of attention, but rather with an over abun-

dance of distractions.

My issue with the term “disorder” is that if it is truly a disorder then

it is a universal one because everyone is a little ADD. All of us strug-

gle daily with distractions, with the background noise of a busy

world that pulls us away from more important conversations and

activities we could and should be having.

This 40 day fast is an opportunity to deal with some of the distrac-

tions which divert our attention away from God and deeper relation-

ships with His people. It is for this reason that this fast will be di-

verse. Each day will bring a different challenge but it will also offer

the possibility of great reward.

A few things about Fasting

Fasting is mentioned often in both the Old and New Testa-

ments. Usually it refers to abstaining from food but we will be

expanding our fast to include other things and activities that

distract us from our relationship with God and others. No

matter what we fast, however, it is important to remember

that the point of a fast is not to test our willpower but rather

to help us discern God’s will for our lives. This is why prayer

and fasting always go together. A fast without intense spiritual

activity is just a diet. It may be good for our health but will do

little for our soul.

51

Easter John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever

believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who

lives and believes in me shall never die.

Reflection Time: (In what ways did the scripture speak to you?)

What do I need to change in order to better reflect Christ?

Prayer

Evening Reflection

What distractions did I face today?

What would I like to do differently tomorrow?

What will help me focus more on Christ?

Prayer

50

Holy Saturday Philippians 2:5-8

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with

God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form

of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in

human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the

point of death, even death on a cross.



Prayer

Evening Reflection




Prayer

3

With this in mind do not approach this 40 days of fasting rigidly.

We are not testing our will power but rather seeking God’s will for

us. There will be times when you will have to make adjustments to

your fast. Some will have certain dietary restrictions. Some may

have work obligations that will need to be adjusted for. Just do

your best to make these the exceptions and not the norm. Do not

approach this 40 days of fasting as a pass/fail proposition but

rather as an opportunity for spiritual growth.

The Flow of the Daily Devotional

Theme: Each day we will be fasting something different.

On Mondays we will Fast from certain foods. This will change

weekly.

On Tuesdays we will Fast from the Tube - network, cable and movies.

On Wednesdays we will Fast from computers (unless work related),

video games, social networks, online shopping, etc.

On Thursdays we will Fast from Coffee, Soda, sports drinks, alcohol,

etc. Drink only water.

On Fridays we will concentrate on our speech and attitude by fasting

from criticism, negative comments and cursing.

On Saturdays we will practice the disciplines of silence and solitude

by putting down the phone, turning off the radio in our cars, turning off

the TV when not watching and removing unnecessary external noise.

On Sundays we will rest and worship. Fasting from work and school.

4

The Flow of the Daily Devotional (continued) Scripture: Each day there will be a new scripture for you to re-

flect on.

Reflection Time: Take time to meditate on the scripture. Do not rush

this. I intentionally did not write meditations for each day. This is your

opportunity to engage the scriptures. Read the passage through a couple

of times and spend time in silence. After a few minutes of silence ask

the questions: What ideas or insights can I gain from this scripture. How

does it speak to me on a personal level? Is it calling me to change any-

thing in my life? Write down your thoughts.

Change one thing: Name one thing that you will do differently today in

order to help you draw closer to God and help you keep your daily disci-

pline. It doesn’t have to be big. It can be anything from adding a mo-

ment of prayer into your schedule, trying to not let minor irritations

bother you, eating healthier or speaking well of others. The possibilities

are endless. Also, given the theme for the day, what challenges do you

see this day and how will you plan to overcome them?

Prayer: Spend some time in prayer asking for God’s help in keeping

your daily discipline.

Evening Reflection: Take some time in the evening to reflect on the

day. If you are doing this as a family, you may want to do this with your

spouse or children. An exercise you may find helpful is doing an ESP

evaluation. Ask yourself how you are feeling Emotionally, Spiritually

and Physically. You might also ask: What have I learned about myself

today? What distractions did I encounter? What helped me focus on

Christ?

Lastly: Because of the space limitations of this devotional you may

want to keep a separate journal.

49

Good Friday Psalm 22:1-5

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far

from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry

by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet

you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fa-

thers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they

cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to

shame.



Prayer

Evening Reflection




Prayer

48

Maundy Thursday John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just

as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all

people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for

one another.



Prayer

Evening Reflection




Prayer

5

Week 1 Day 1 - Ash Wednesday

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who

has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk with-

out money and without price. Why do you spend your money for

that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not

satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight

yourselves in rich food. (Isaiah 55:1-2)


Change one thing: (What will I do differently today?)

Prayer

Evening Reflection

How do I feel Emotionally, Spiritually and Physically?

What have I learned about myself today?

What distractions did I encounter?

What helped me focus on Christ?

Prayer

6

Week 1 Day 2 - Thirsty Thursday

Fast from coffee, soda, sports drinks, alcohol, etc. Drink only wa-

ter.

Scripture: Haggai 1:5-6

Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways.

You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never

have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe

yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so

to put them into a bag with holes.



Morning Action Plan (How will I overcome challenges today?)

Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

47

Wednesday in Holy Week John 12:35-36

So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while

longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you.

The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is go-

ing. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may

become sons of light.”



Prayer

Evening Reflection




Prayer

46

Tuesday in Holy Week John 12:23-26

And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man

to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat

falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears

much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his

life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me,

he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also.

If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.



Prayer

Evening Reflection




Prayer

7

Week 1 Day 3 - Forbearance Friday

Fast from negative comments and attitudes, speaking well of others,

refraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing.

Scripture: James 3:7-10

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can

be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being

can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people

who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come

blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be

so.



Morning Action Plan (How will I overcome challenges today?)

Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

8

Week 1 Day 4 - Silent Saturday

Today’s focus is silence and solitude. Put down the phone, turn off the

radio and remove as much unnecessary external noise as possible. Take

a walk in the woods, drive through the country, go fishing or just sit on

the back porch.

Scripture: Luke 5:15-16

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of peo-

ple came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Je-

sus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

45

Monday in Holy Week Isaiah 58:6-9a

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness,

to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to

break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry

and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the

naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own

flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your

healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go be-

fore you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you

shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will

say, “Here I am”.



Prayer

Evening Reflection




Prayer

44

Holy Week

The word “Lent” literally means “Spring”. We reflect, fast, study

and pray for the purpose of spiritual growth. Throughout these 40

days of fasting we have been seeking to find and silence the dis-

tractions in our lives, particularly those things which have hin-

dered our walk with Christ. As we enter into Holy Week, we now

have the opportunity to put into practice what we have learned and

fully focus on our Lord.

Palm Sunday Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of

Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and hav-

ing salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt,

the foal of a donkey.



Prayer

Evening Reflection




Prayer

9

Week 2 Day 1 - Soulful Sunday

Today’s focus is rest and worship. Fast from work and school

(assuming you already did your homework in preparation for the Lord’s

day).

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to his disciples and a crowd of people: “Come to

me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you

rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle

and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my

yoke is easy and my burden is light.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

10

Week 2 Day 2 - Munch Less Monday

This day will get progressively more challenging in the weeks to come.

We will start off easy. Today we will fast from our between meal snacks

and second helpings.

Scripture: John 6:35

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me

shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

43





the back porch.

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11-12

And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore

the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but

the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake,

but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake

a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the

sound of a low whisper.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

42


Fast from negative comments and attitudes, speaking well of others, re-

fraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing.

Scripture: Proverbs 18:4

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wis-

dom is a bubbling brook.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

11

Week 2 Day 3 - TV Tuesday

Fast from the Tube - network, cable and movies. Reflect on how

these things distract us from deeper conversations with God and

others.

Scripture: Luke 8:11 & 14

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God ….. And as

for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as

they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and

pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

12

Week 2 Day 4 - Wireless Wednesday

Fast from computers (unless work related), video games, social net-

works, online shopping, etc. Technology has given us the ability to stay

more “connected” than ever before. Reflect on the areas of your life

where technology has disconnected you from God and others.

Scripture: I Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God

is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,

but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that

you may be able to endure it.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

41


Fast from coffee, soda, sports drinks, alcohol, etc. Drink only

water.

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-2

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O

God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

40



works, online shopping, etc.


Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat? ’ or

‘What shall we drink? ’ or ‘What shall we wear? ’ For the Genti-

les seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows

that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his

righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

13



water.

Scripture: John 4:13-14

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be

thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him

will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will be-

come in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

14





And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and un-

derstand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person,

but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

39




others.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:6-8

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your

paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away

from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your

bones.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

38


This is the big day. Drink only water. Do your best but be mindful of

any medical restrictions.


The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus:‘God, I thank you

that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or

even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all

that I get.’



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

15





the back porch.

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:20

But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent be-

fore him.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

16


Today’s focus is rest and worship. Fast from work and school (assuming

you already did your homework in preparation for the Lord’s day).

Scripture: Mark 6:31-32

Because so many people were coming and going that they did not

even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to [his disciples], ‘Come

with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they

went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

37


Today’s focus is rest and worship. Fast from work and school.

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to pre-

sent your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,

which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this

world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by

testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and

acceptable and perfect.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

36





the back porch.


My heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not

occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But

I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its

mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

17



Today cut out one of your diet staples. Consider going vegan or vege-

tarian. Perhaps you can cut out carbohydrates or sugar.

Scripture: Revelation 7:16-17

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall

not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the

midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them

to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear

from their eyes.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

18




others.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of wit-

nesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so

closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before

us.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

35



refraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing.

Scripture: Psalm 141:3

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of

my lips.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

34



ter.

Scripture: Isaiah 12:2-3

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid;

for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become

my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of

salvation.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

19






Scripture: Colossians 3:1-2

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are

above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your

minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

20



ter.

Scripture: John 7: 37-39

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried

out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever be-

lieves in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow

rivers of living water. ’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom

those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had

not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.



Prayer

Evening Reflection

How do I feel Emotionally, Spiritually and Physically /




Prayer

33



works, online shopping, etc.


Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a

woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had

a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his

teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she

went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister

has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the

Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and trou-

bled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has

chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

32




others.


Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and

rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for

yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust de-

stroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your

treasure is, there your heart will be also.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

21



refraining from criticism, negative comments and cursing

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1 & 4

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the

spirit.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

22





the back porch.

Scripture: Isaiah 30:15a

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In

repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is

your strength.”



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

31


Today we will do a “Juice” fast. Drinking only water and juice


And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for

they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others.

Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you

fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may

not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. and

your Father who sees in secret will reward you



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

30



Scripture: John 4:21-24

Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when

neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the

Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we

know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and

is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in

spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship

him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in

spirit and truth.”



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

23



Scripture: I Chronicles 16:23-25b

Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to

day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works

among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be

praised.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

24



Today we will do a “Wesley” fast. Nothing to eat until after 3 p.m. to-

day. Drink plenty of liquids.


And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God,

command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he an-

swered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by

every word that comes from the mouth of God.”



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

29





the back porch.


The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down

in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

28




Scripture: Colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that

you may know how you ought to answer each person.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

25




others.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-19

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. There-

fore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be

filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and

hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the

Lord with your heart.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

26






Scripture: Galatians 1:10

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I

trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would

not be a servant of Christ.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

27



water.

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for

they shall be satisfied.



Prayer

Evening Reflection





Prayer

Documents

40 Days of Fasting Lent 2016 - Christ the King Lutheran Churchchristthekingevans.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lenten-Devotional-2016.pdf · video games, social networks, online