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February 2, 2016 By Phil Ressler Leave a Comment

Questions about Fasting

I have received some questions about fasting. So I thought I would take some time to address some of those questions today.

How long should I fast?

One of the questions is about how long I should fast. If you have never fasted, consider fasting for one meal. Eat breakfast in the morning. Break open up God’s Word and feast on the words of Scripture at lunchtime while refraining from eating. Drink water and juice throughout the day. Then eat a good dinner as you celebrate the goodness of God.

You might consider trying this “one meal fast” one day a week during the season of Lent. After you have fasted like this for several weeks, consider a full 24 hour fast during Holy Week. Again, make sure to drink water and juice during the day.

If you are to attempt a fast longer than 24 hours, I will encourage further reading and study about this discipline. I would also recommend you consult a doctor before doing so.

What if I have a health condition?

Many people have health considerations when it comes to fasting. If you are diabetic or have certain heart conditions, fasting may not be for you. Again, you should consult your doctor. If you are unable to fast from food, consider other alternatives for fasting. You might consider refraining from eating a full meal and eat few crackers.

What if it makes me hungry and gives me a headache?

Yes, your stomach will let you know it is angry with you. But that is part of the idea of fasting. You are telling your stomach that it will not hold control over you. The same with your headache. The truth is that fasting will make you uncomfortable. You will need to slow yourself down for the day. If you regularly exercise, this is not the day to go for a run. A big reason fasting is lost on many of us is because the idea of abstaining from excess and slowing down is such a foreign concept. The world tells us we can fix our problems with food. We can fix our problems by taking a pill. We can fix our problems with our money. Fasting reminds us that God alone is the one who is the true fix.

What if I tried it before and it didn’t do anything for me?

I have practiced fasting with my congregation in the past. I had some church members share with me that they did not get anything out of it. We are accustomed in America to the quick fix. We look for quick weight loss programs. We use instant messaging. If the results are not immediate, we quit or give up. You do not always see immediate results with fasting and other spiritual disciplines. It is a process where growth takes place over time through consistency. Lasting change rarely happens overnight. Sometimes you need to give it a chance.

Is fasting required?

I have been asked if we need to fast. The answer is no. Jesus told us to baptize. He told us to take eat his body and take drink his blood. These are sacraments, and they are not optional. But when it comes to fasting, it is not something required of us. It is beneficial for us, but not required. Because it is not required, it is easy for us to dismiss it. Is your excuse not to fast is a legitimate excuse? Are you holding on to something because you need it? Or your you holding on because you don’t want to let it go?

Questions for Reflection

What questions do you have about fasting?
What benefits have you experienced from fasting?
What holds you back from fasting? Is it a legitimate excuse?
Share your comments.

January 28, 2016 By Phil Ressler 1 Comment

Reasons for Fasting

We have been talking about Spiritual Disciplines. Fasting is a spiritual discipline. Earlier, I had shared that we don’t talk about much it in the church. Neither do we practice it much. But fasting is a discipline which has been a part of the Christian faith since the very beginning.

The season of Lent is approaching. Ash Wednesday is now less than two weeks away. This is a traditional time to practice fasting. Many people “give something up for Lent.” You might know that I wrote a book about it. (get the Kindle edition). The idea of giving something up comes from the practice of fasting. Although giving things up is a type fast, it is not the same as the traditional fast from food.

Because we don’t fast, we may not understand why we would do it. In this post, I want to share some reasons why you might consider fasting in the traditional way.

A New Calling or Undertaking

We know Jesus fasted. He fasted when he was led into the desert and tempted by Satan (see Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-15). Jesus’ fast took place before he began his ministry.

The Apostle Paul also fasted after his conversion on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:9). God had called him to ministry, and he was about to undertake a great adventure.

I share both of these experiences because they take place before beginning a new ministry. I don’t think this is without coincidence. Maybe you have a new calling or undertaking in life. It is a great time to practice a fast in preparation.

Fasting reveals our dependencies

You are taught to check your blind spot when you learn to drive a car. The blind spot is the area outside of the view of your mirrors and peripheral vision. You don’t want to merge your car into another lane without checking it. If you miss your blind spot, there is the potential for serious consequences.

Fasting is a way of checking out blind spots in life. Jesus says that man does not live by bread alone (Luke 4:4). We develop dependencies apart from God that we are often unaware. They are blind spots. Fasting works to reveal those blind spots.

You may think that you have not created idols in your life. You don’t have statues in your house that you pray and worship. But maybe you have certain luxuries in your life that have made to be necessities. You have elevated them above your relationship with God. Your relationship with him is not what it could be.

Fasting reveals the heart

Hunger tends to exaggerate our emotions. Our anger may more easily be set off. We may be quicker to shed a tear of sorrow. These things which we had hidden deep inside are released when we fast. This is good, because what remains hidden in the dark is allowed to stay there and fester. When these secrets are revealed it offers us the opportunity to confess, repent, receive God’s forgiveness, and conquer.

Fasting gives insight

Fasting can be an invaluable practice when you have a big decision to make. Fasting has a way of clearing our minds. By setting aside food we are setting aside something that often occupies our thoughts and attention. We see the early church fasting in the Book of Acts when there was a big decision to be made. (see Acts 13:2–3; 14:23)

Extra time for God

Even in a world of fast food, it takes time to eat. By eliminating a meal, we are creating extra time in our schedule. We can use this time to feast on his Word!

Fasting honors God

Fasting is a form of worship. Fasting is a way of saying, “God, I don’t need anything but you.” It is a way of putting God first in our lives. It gives him the honor he deserves.

How do I do it?

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, we will be launching an online course that focuses on the spiritual disciplines and looks at some of the specific how-tos. It is not just about fasting, but will include other spiritual disciplines. This course will be available to all members of Greater Things Today.

Questions for Reflection

Have you ever fasted?
What are some additional benefits of fasting?
What are some reasons not to fast?
Share your comments.

March 12, 2014 By Phil Ressler 5 Comments

Giving up Comparison

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Week 1: Wednesday

Scripture Verses

Philippians 3:4–10
Job 40:3–41:34

Questions to Consider

What are some ways you compare yourself to others? Why?
What is the danger of comparing yourself to others?
What do you base your value on?
Why does God value you? What does that mean to you?

Plan of Action

Make a list of accomplishments you are proud of. Thank God for giving you the skill, talent, and ability to do these things.
Consider if there is something you are doing in your life purely for the recognition that comes along with it. Give it up. Or repurpose your ambition to serve others.
Praise God when others are able to accomplish more than you for God’s kingdom. Remember it’s not about you. It’s about God’s work which is bigger than any one of us.

Reflection

There is always going to be someone better, someone more accomplished, someone more beautiful, someone more blessed, someone more skilled. If you continue to compare yourself you are going to find you never match up. It will seem like you are always lacking.

I am a “type A” personality and I strive to be good at everything I do. I am competitive and I want to be the best. It puts me on this never ending quest for perfection. Nothing is ever good enough. There is always some way to improve. There is always something to tweak.

There is this twinge I get inside my stomach when I see someone excelling in a way I am not able. There is a pain inside me where I feel as if I am not measuring up. I wonder what is wrong with me and ask why can’t I be like this other person.

A big reason for this is because I find my value in terms of how I am appreciated by others. I thrive on being complimented. My sin is I am making recognition by others my god. It becomes my idol. The problem is this god cannot provide for me in the way that Jesus provides. The love I get from this “god of recognition” is dependent upon my ability to excel.

While we want to give our best for God, there comes a time to stop. There is a time to take satisfaction in what we have done. Let God take care of the rest. Our work may not match up with the Joneses, but that is ok. We are not the Joneses and we probably don’t want to be the Joneses. The Joneses are likely agonizing over comparing themselves to the Smiths.

You are created by God. You are who you are. He loves you for who you are. You don’t need to be something you are not. His love is not based upon your accomplishment or your skill. You are beautiful and wonderful to him because he made you unique. You are his child.

The sooner you accept your limitations, the better off you will be. This is why the Apostle Paul writes:

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Philippians 3:7 (ESV)

As you come to the end of yourself, you discover the beginning of him. You cannot win at the game of comparison until you realize there is none like Jesus. No one can compare to him.

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8 (ESV)

Next: Blame

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February 27, 2014 By Phil Ressler 100 Comments

20 Things to Give Up for Lent

Last week we talked about all the wrong and right reasons to fast for Lent. We are less than a week away from Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Many Christians “give something up” for Lent, but it usually has very little of impact on their life and walk with Christ. The reason is that we usually give stuff up for all the wrong reasons.

With that said, I want to offer up 20 things you might consider giving up this Lent. And these are things to give up not just for Lent, but for the rest of your life.

Guilt – I am loved by Jesus and he has forgiven my sins. Today is a new day and the past is behind.
Fear – God is on my side. In him I am more than a conqueror. (see Romans 8)
The need to please everyone – I can’t please everyone anyways. There is only one I need to strive to please.
Envy – I am blessed. My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Impatience – God’s timing is the perfect timing.
Sense of entitlement – The world does not owe me anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility and grace.
Bitterness and Resentment – The only person I am hurting by holding on to these is myself.
Blame – I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for my actions.
Gossip and Negativity – I will put the best construction on everything when it comes to other people. I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic bringing other people down.
Comparison – I have my own unique contribution to make and there is no one else like me.
Fear of failure – You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fail forward.
A spirit of poverty – Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack
Feelings of unworthiness – You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator. (see Psalm 139)
Doubt – Believe God has a plan for you that is beyond anything you could imagine. The future is brighter than you could ever realize.
Self-pity – God comforts us in our sorrow so that we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Retirement – As long as you are still breathing, you are here for a reason. You have a purpose to influence others for Christ. That does not come to an end until the day we die.
Excuses – A wise man once said, if you need an excuse, any excuse will do.
Lack of counsel – Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.
Pride – Blessed are the humble.
Worry – God is in control and worrying will not help.

God has so much more in store for you. But so many of these things above are holding you back from walking in the full destiny he has laid out for you. Today is a new day.

So there you have it. What else might you add to the list? Please share in the comments below.

God’s blessings,
Pastor Phil

February 20, 2014 By Phil Ressler 13 Comments

Right and Wrong Reasons for Giving up Something for Lent

We are fast approaching the season of Lent and it will be here before you know. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday which is March 5. We will be hosting Ash Wednesday Worship at 7pm at Good Shepherd and we would love to have you join us. We are working on putting together an unique interactive experience for all participants.

It is a tradition during the season of Lent for many people to “give something up.” You may very likely practice this tradition yourself. Some examples of the things people give up include chocolate, alcohol, smoking, television, and Facebook. There are lots of different reasons people have for giving something up for Lent. As with many practices there are some good reasons to do it and then there are some not-so-good of reasons to do it. Here are some of the not-so-good reasons:

1. Because it’s tradition

There are many good traditions in the church. Most every tradition is begun for a good reason. But there often comes a time when we lose the connection with the purpose of the tradition and we continue the tradition for the sake of the tradition. If you are not sure what the purpose of the tradition is, then it may be time to stop the tradition or at the least go back and re-examine the origins.

2. It helps me relate to the suffering of Jesus

Many believe that making a sacrifice will help them better relate to the sufferings of Jesus. But if you think this through, does giving up Facebook for Lent even begin to come close to helping you relate to the suffering Jesus went through? We are totally missing the point. Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice. His suffering was brutal. The idea of giving up 1st world luxuries to help us relate to the suffering he endured is laughable at best and mockery at worst.

3. To help me feel better about myself

For some giving up something for Lent is a way to kick a bad habit. Lent serves as a catalyst for living a healthier and more balanced life. It might serve to help you eat better or make better use of your time. All that is commendable and God wants us to be good stewards of our lives. But this still falls short of the fuller Lenten experience.

So what is the point then? Why would I give something up for Lent?

The whole idea behind giving something up is called FASTING. Fasting is a spiritual discipline much like prayer, Bible reading, and worship. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “when you fast …” He didn’t say, “if you fast …” There was an expectation his followers would fast. But it is an often overlooked discipline in the church. And because we don’t often teach about it, there is great misunderstanding about it.

So here are some reasons why we do fast or “give something up for Lent”:

1. More of God

While the idea of fasting involves taking something away, it is ultimately about more of God. Fasting in its purest form involves foregoing food for a certain period of time. This will lead to a hunger in our stomach which has an ultimate purpose of connecting us with our hunger for God. The time you might have spent preparing a meal and eating the meal can now be spent feasting on God’s Word. In other words, spend the time you would have spent eating by reading the Bible and praying. Jesus says, “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). We realize our food and everything else we have comes from God. If God did not provide it, we would not have it (see John 6:68–69). We eliminate that which we think we need for that which we truly need.

2. Removing barriers

Another important aspect of fasting is cutting out that which is hindering our relationship with God. There is nothing more important in this world than our relationship with him. Yet, we allow so many other things to get in the way. In last Sunday’s message we heard Jesus say, “if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off” (Matthew 5:29–30). The principle applies here is that we eliminate that which separates us from God. There are many things in life we think we cannot do without, but Jesus says only one thing is needful (Matthew 10:41–42).

3. Re-centering

Finally, fasting has a way of centering us and reminding us what is most important. We have a lot of competing priorities in life. We don’t fast for God’s sake. It is a discipline given to us for our benefit. Fasting points us to what is most important. It helps us to keep the first things the first things. This is why we see the early church enter a time of fasting prior to making a big decisions (see Acts 13:2–3; 14:23). Fasting helps us better discern God’s priorities for life and ministry.

So how about you? What are some of the reasons you fast or “give something up” during Lent? Make sure to share in the comments below.

Next week I will be sharing some ideas of things to give up for Lent. Hint, hint: They may not be what you think!

God’s blessings,
Pastor Phil