We are distributing baby bottles for Mosaic Pregnancy & Health Centers at the Welcome Desk. You may fill them with change, and return them February 1.

Over the past several years, we have set aside 21 days at the beginning of the year to prepare our hearts to honor God. January 8-28, will be our corporate spiritual fast. We are observing a biblically-taught discipline of a fasted lifestyle. Jesus said, “When you fast. . .” During these 21 days, we want to humble ourselves before God and position ourselves to hear from God.

When observing a fast, be specific. Write down how you are directing your prayers and how you intend to fast. Every spiritual fast is a spiritual commitment to God, and therefore should be approached in faith. Let your inner desire be reflected in your outer discipline.

There are several types of fasts that the Lord can direct you to: a total fast - without food, only water; a Daniel fast - without breads, sugars/sweeteners, and meats; a specific fast - purposefully removing a delicacy as a reminder and offering to humble yourself before God. Those, who for any reason are unable to participate at all in going without food, often find the “spirit of the fast” is sustained by their disciplined giving of regular times of prayer beyond their usual pattern of devotion or intercession.

• Set aside special times of prayer, praise, and intercession during the day - perhaps 5-minute “prayer-breaks,” or an entire lunchtime given to the Lord.

• Seek out brothers and sisters in Christ who will join you daily in prayer. Their partnership becomes a strong body of fellowship in the fast.

• Ask the Lord how you should fast, and then obey Him. Jesus said, “My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me” (John 4:34).

• Take added time in the Word of God: Consider the following passages: Isaiah 58:6-12; Matthew 6:16-18; and Daniel 1:8.