40 Days of Decrease
Fasting & Prayer
James 3 warns that though the tongue is small, like a spark that can start a devastating forest fire, it can cause tremendous damage. Pope Francis repeatedly emphasizes the importance of watching our speech during Lent – avoiding gossip, backbiting, and harmful words.
A Heart Fast might include fasting from
negative speech, critical attitudes, or judgmental thoughts.
A heart fast emphasizes authentic faith over mere religiosity.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said,
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear".
During the civil rights movement, spiritual disciplines weren't merely personal improvement projects but wellsprings of strength for the struggle against injustice.
As we surrender our hearts to God during these 40 days of decrease in preparation for resurrection Sunday, we should be able to do what Jesus did on calvary and understand in our hearts the transforming work that was done on the Cross. We can then rejoice about the finished work that He has done.
Disciplining ourselves to hear God’s Word means developing the practice of steadfastly attending church, even through a virtual platform.
The purpose of all methods of biblical intake is obedience to what God says and the development of Christlikeness. Hearing the Word of God is not merely passive listening, it is a discipline to be cultivated.
No factor is more influential in shaping a person’s moral and social behavior than regular Bible reading.
1. Find the time. It is primarily a matter of discipline and motivation.
2. Find a Bible reading plan.
3. Find at least one word, phrase, or verse to meditate on each time you read.
The Discipline of Study is the primary vehicle to bring us to “think about these things” noted by the Apostle Paul. Many Christians remain in bondage to fears and anxieties simply because they do not avail themselves of The Discipline of Study.
Reading gives us breadth, but study gives us depth. The basic difference between Bible reading & Bible study is a pencil and paper. We fail in our duty to study God’s Word not because it is difficult to understand, but because it is work. Let's discover biblical insights first-hand through our own study.
Meditation is the act of giving our time or attention to a thought, concept, situation, or person. Christian meditation is deep thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in scripture for the purpose of understanding, application, and prayer. Meditation is both commanded by God and modeled by the godly in scripture.
The easiest way to decide what to meditate on is to choose the verse, phrase, or word that impresses you the most during your encounter with scripture. The outcome of meditation should be application.
...the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
Thank you for taking the time to share your testimony with us. We are grateful for your participation in the 40 Days of Decrease Fasting and for sharing your positive experience with us.
Your willingness to share your testimony is greatly appreciated, and we are certain that it will have a positive impact on the lives of others.
May the Lord continue to bless you richly in all areas of your life.
Sincerely,
HOHATL Admin Team
Fasting results from one's desire for a deeper relationship with God. Fasting also helps us to know and discover God's perfect will. For some, fasting can be the secret to obtaining open doors, miraculous provision, favor, and a special touch from God on our lives.
...the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
Thank you for taking the time to share your testimony with us. We are grateful for your participation in the 40 Days of Decrease Fasting and for sharing your positive experience with us.
Your willingness to share your testimony is greatly appreciated, and we are certain that it will have a positive impact on the lives of others.
May the Lord continue to bless you richly in all areas of your life.
Sincerely,
HOHATL Admin Team