We are going to be fasting on Thursdays for the month of Lent. 

Here are seven reasons to join us:

1. Fasting fights against food idolatry. Fasting is a way to fight against eating as a source of comfort or escape. It's a way of declaring, "As much as I want food right now, I want YOU, Jesus, even more!"

2. Fasting reminds us we do not belong to this world. Sometimes when fasting, I feel like I’m missing out. I see other people eating, and I question why I'm doing this. But then God reminds me that this world is not my home, and I belong to another world. I’m not meant to be fully comfortable here. I’m not meant to satisfy all my cravings here. God is my source of fulfillment. 

3. Fasting puts our bodies in the backseat. Too often our souls take commands from our bodies rather than by the Holy Spirit. Fasting puts our bodies in the backseat so that our souls can hear more clearly from the Spirit that dwells within us.

4. Fasting makes us weak, and weakness reminds us of our dependence on God. It’s not a bad thing to have less energy (although sometimes fasting gives us more energy). Physical weakness reminds us that God is our source of strength in every area of life, and so fasting can drive us to our knees to pray, “As much as I need food for physical strength, I need YOU, Jesus, for the spiritual strength to live for you in every area of life!” 

5. Fasting has cleansing and detoxing benefits. We are called to be good stewards of our physical bodies, and giving them a break from eating is part of caring for the body God has entrusted to us. 

6. Fasting allows God to move our hearts how He wants. The more attachments we have, the less sensitive we are to God’s Spirit. The less attachments we have, the more sensitive we are. Seeking God while fasting puts our hearts in a position to be softened by Him so that we can love with more compassion and listen with more empathy. 

7. Fasting is NOT a religious effort to twist God’s arm; it IS a discipline of drawing near to God to help us remember all that we already have in Christ. We have received so much through our faith in Christ, but the distractions of the world make us forget. Our time of fasting during the Lent season is meant to focus on all that Jesus died for us to enjoy. 

Will you join us? We will be skipping breakfast and lunch every Thursday (though you can adjust it as you see fit), and will be praying through certain Scriptures / thoughts that Pastor Chris will be sending out over text. 

P.S. You don't have to do every Thursday in order to join in. 

Email info@truelifenj.com.