Gospel Growth

Monday, Jan 2

TODAY’S READING: Isaiah 58

DEVOTIONAL: “GOSPEL GROWTH THROUGH FASTING"
by Erin Bird

Each year for Lent, Christians (particularly those of liturgical traditions) will give up something (meat, TV, chocolate, social media, etc.) for the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. I remember decades ago one of my elementary school classmates gave up popcorn for Lent - which was no big deal as she had braces and wasn’t allowed to eat popcorn anyway.

But her choice to “fast” from popcorn reveals how many of us approach fasting. We want to give up something to appear spiritual, hoping to get some benefit, yet we don’t really want it to cost us anything.

On this second day of our 21 Days, let me strongly encourage you to fast from something for the entire spiritual journey that will truly cost you. It could be coffee, eating out, TV, social media, a meal each day, all food for one entire day each week, energy drinks… anything that feels like it would be impossible to live without even though you fully know you will survive just fine. (I’m looking at you, ice cream.)

TIP: If you choose to fast from food for more than a day, here is a “Fasting Starter Kit” with helpful tips: https://bit.ly/Fasting_Kit

As you fast, remember the goal isn’t to earn more of God’s favor or manipulate Him into giving whatever you ask of Him. The goal is to put yourself in a position where you are continually reminded that what you need more than pizza, or Netflix, or Instagram, or caffeine, is Jesus. As we long for “Gospel Growth in Me,” may you willingly put yourself in a position to be regularly reminded of just how enough Jesus truly is.

PRAYER:
Gracious Father, as I fast from ___________ for these 21 days, I ask that You give me strength to sustain my fast and joy through it all. Please replace my longing for the things of this world with a deeper desire for you, so I might see the gospel grow even more within me.

Feel free to open your Notes app to write down a thought or two from today's reading or write out your own prayer.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME:
Read Matthew 6:16-34
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