by JD Templeton

 

Intermittent Fasting, also known as IF, has been trending in health circles for a couple of years. Methods vary, but the basic idea is to fast from one or more meals for a 16-24 hour period. Many people practice IF daily, some twice weekly. Research suggests IF can have significant health benefits.

 

Would this principle work in our spiritual lives? Simply put, no. IF fails when applied to discipleship. Skipping spiritual disciplines on a regular basis will starve your spirit. Avoiding a small group Bible study contributes to spiritual atrophy. Our spiritual diets need nutrition from both corporate and individual sources.

 

Short term courses like Master Life can help instill spiritual knowledge that builds spiritual habits. Weekly small group Bible study promotes real life application of biblical truth through healthy fellowship and outreach. Daily Bible readings feed your heart and mind.

 

Eric Liddell (see his story in the movie Chariots of Fire) said “You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice.” If you want to be the man or woman God created you to be, you must daily practice being with and like Jesus. The Lord said in Luke 9:23 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” The very nature of the word follow implies a journey, an ongoing commitment. So I encourage you – lay off the extra Christmas pie, but don’t fast from spiritual disciplines!

 

We celebrate the start of two new Sunday morning small group Bible studies. New Life (Greg Peschel, 11:00 am), and Genesis (Dale Moreau, 9:45 am) are now poised to apply God’s word, care for one another, and reach their communities. Pray about your current Bible study group helping us start new groups in 2022.