This last Sunday I started our series called “Status Update” about finding God’s purpose in life. What Drives You? Is it something like guilt, anger, fear or the desire for wealth or approval? All things things can distract us from God’s love & plan for our lives.
When we find God’s purpose for our lives we find meaning, simplicity, focus and motivation. Plus we know we are prepared for eternity because of our relationship with Jesus (click here to listen to the sermon if you missed it).
This Sunday, 15 January we are joining with churches from around the world in a campaign called “Awakening.” It’s a 3 week personal challenge for each of us to 1) read our Bibles , 2) pray and 3) fast as part of our prayer emphasis (the type of fast is of course up to you). There is a guide that focuses much discussion on the fasting aspect, simply because fasting is not a normal practice for most people (click here to go to our Bridge page about fasting, including a message from earlier this year). This quick prep booklet about prayer, fasting and devotional reading can be downloaded by clicking here. (4MB PDF document).
Then starting tomorrow, Sunday 15 January, there is a daily devotion that you can read in very little time, along with a recommended passage from the Bible. Visit youversion.com or biblegateway.com and simply type in the Bible reference if you don’t have a Bible available. You can select “NIV” for a basic English version, or choose a version you like, including your preferred language.
Download this 21 Day Devotional Guide here
During this time, let’s ask God to show us the plans He has for our lives, and help us to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts each day! Are you up to the challenge? Feel free to post your thoughts– perhaps what God says to you as you start the Awakening Challenge.