Fasting is a spiritual discipline many Christians in the West don't have a strong history or connection with. Fasting is the natural response of a follower of Jesus to a sacred moment of grief. We are a unified being of body (physical) and mind\soul\spirit (non-physical). Biblical fasting brings our bodies into unified expression of mourning with what God mourns.
Honouring Freedom
How can or how should followers of Jesus participate in Remembrance Day in a way that is distinctively Christian? In this sermon 3 thoughts are given that prompt reflection on loyalties, honour\respect, and freedom as we look to navigate the relationships between our citizenship in Heaven and our national citizenship.
Guilt, Enemies of the Heart #2
Guilt attacks our heart by creating in us an “I owe you” dynamic in our relationship. Guilt is healthy when we do something wrong, but if unaddressed it will get our heart out of rhythm. The way out from guilt is confession. Agreeing to the truth of the wrong(s) we’ve done, and looking to make what restitution we can as part of a pledge to change our behaviour in the future. Confession is not about fixing our relationship, though that is a hopeful outcome. Confession is about freeing our heart from guilt, so we can freely love.
How's Your Heart?, Enemies of the Heart #1
While we are likely aware of the need to care for our physical heart, many of us may not be sure how to take care of our spiritual heart. While we may be tempted to see our negative emotions or reactions to life coming because of what is happening around us, Jesus taught these negative actions, attitudes and words come from within. God’s solution to our spiritual heart issues is not to fix our heart, but to give us a new one … His own.