Message: “Fasting as Appreciation” from Rev. Ken Green

Someone once said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is an option.” In Joshua 5, the Hebrew people are in for some radical change—they are on the other side of the Jordan River, about to enter the Promised Land. God is making everything new for them, marking them as His own, transitioning their diet from the manna He provided in the desert to the produce of the land He is giving them. God’s people are on a never-ending and ever-changing journey as they are guided by Him. There is always much to leave behind, and more to embrace and appreciate. What changes mark your journey this Lenten season? And How is the Lord drawing you to appreciate all He has done for you in Christ?

Scripture References: Joshua 5:9-15

More Messages from Ken Green

From Series: "Fasting in Faith"

Fasting is a willing abstinence from an activity, most often referring to a reduction in or avoidance of food for a spiritual purpose. Jesus' forty-day fast in the wilderness was a notable event at the beginning of His Ministry. As a common practice throughout the Bible, fasting was often seen as a humbling act of commitment or repentance to be combined with prayer. In our day, fasting has become a favored spiritual discipline for a wide variety of people who believe this effort can help eliminate earthly distractions as they seek to draw nearer to God. But what can we do as sinful human beings to draw near to God-God is already with us- Jesus has redeemed us through the cross and empty tomb! These Wednesdays in Lent, we explore this theme of "fasting" to highlight our complete dependence and reliance upon God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Moreover, we focus on the Word of God for Nourishment as the Scriptures guide us to examine circumstances and instructions related to fasting, food, and self-denial.