Outpost Church Fast
–5 Day Fast w Dinner Together Every Night Starting Thursday, July 12–
As you know, we are doing a churchwide fast this week for 5 days and each night coming together for a church family meal. In this, we are seeking God’s guidance and direction for the future of The Outpost as well as guidance and spiritual growth and direction for each of us personally. If you have an issue or a need in your life that you are seeking God’s breakthrough for, ask God about it!
During this time, really strive to increase your Bible reading and prayer! Keep a journal to record prayers or things you feel God telling you. If you’re not sure where to start, you can read Ephesians since that’s what we’re studying on Sundays. Use a Bible app to read a different Bible version of a chapter each day for new insight. (Some versions we like are: NLT, NIV, ESV, ICB, AMP.)
The idea of a fast is to humble yourself before God by demonstrating that His presence, His knowledge, His guidance is worth more to us than our own physical needs or wants. (For those of you fasting food, first check with your medical professional as necessary.) Fasting doesn’t always mean total abstinence from all food. This is something to pray about and see how God is leading you personally.
The Fast
Choose the type of fast that is best for you. Remember, your fast should be a sacrifice and a challenge. There is no specific requirements of how long, or what, or ways etc. Our hope is that everyone would participate in some kind of fast at least one day (of the five), and we also want everyone to come together for the covered dish dinner as often as you can whether you fasted that day or not.
For those fasting food, we’re thinking:
Partial Fast -Only the one meal each night, and then liquids each day (smoothies, health shakes, gatorade, vitamin drinks etc)
OR
Caffeine/Sugar fast- No caffeine or sugar at all for length of your fast (plus eating healthy as usual)
Of course, fasting can take many forms – going without food is the most obvious, but you can also fast in other ways such as:
Eliminate all social media and/or TV- Then take the time you would normally spend on these to instead read the Bible and pray
Regardless of the type of fast you choose, we’re asking everyone to try and increase their Bible reading and prayer time and keeping a journal each day. In this way, you can write down anything you sense God telling you, dreams you may have or anything you feel God telling you.
Children – We don’t suggest children participate in the food fast. This is a great opportunity for your children to learn by watching you undertake a spiritual discipline. If they express interest in participating, fasting electronics or sugar is a great way to let them feel part of it. You can also add in more family time praying or reading the Bible together. (Praying in the car is a great way to do this!)
As with all things spiritual, God is more concerned with our heart than our actions. So, know that fasting is a marathon and not a sprint, it’s ok to participate as you feel led. Even if you break your fast unexpectedly, it’s fine to just start again when you can or be done if you feel so led. God is NOT judging how long you can go without, rather He is teaching us to seek Him over our physical necessities.
Each night is a themed covered dish dinner – the church will provide a main dish, so bring a side (or whatever!) After we eat, we’ll have a short devotion together, share anything God is showing us and prayer.
Dinner Schedule:
Thursday, July 12 – 6:30pm @ The Robinson’s
Theme: Latino/Carribean (Jerk chicken provided)
Friday, July 13 – 6:30pm @ The Robinson’s
Theme: Italian (Pasta and Homemade Meat Sauce provided)
Saturday, July 14 – 6:30pm @ The Robinson’s
Theme: Grilling out (Hamburgers/Buns provided)
Sunday, July 15 – 6:30pm @ The Felix’s (David and Evonne)*
Theme: Southern Food/Comfort Food (Smoked Turkey/Chicken provided)
Monday, July 16 – 6:30pm @ The Robinson’s
Theme: Soup or Stew Night (Baked Potato Bar provided)
We know everyone might not be able to come every night, but come as you can and keep up the prayer! Reach out to us with questions. We’ll send plenty of reminders this week. We’re praying for all of you and great things from God!
Oh and feel free to invite friends to join us – the dinners will be a fun time gathering together and maybe an easier visit for someone than Sunday morning church.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Joe and Rebecca
P.S. For more on fasting – here’s a great overview we found with some good scripture references: http://www.hungrygen.com/fasting/