Fasting
by Pastor Alan Duce | March 15, 2011
God is at work in Richfield! This pre-Easter (Lenten) season God is inviting His Church to pray. Pray so that we can focus on God and grow closer to Him. Pray and listen for His voice. Pray and experience amazing answers to our prayers! Nothing strengthens prayer like prayer with fasting. I invite you to join with our church family and commit to fasting during the next 40 Days as we prepare for Easter. There are a variety of approaches to fasting and prayer. I’ve listed some of them below. I encourage you to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice calling us to intercede for our world. “A world at its worst needs a church at its best.” A church at its best is a church on its knees.
Types of Fasts:
1. A Normal Fast--Luke 4:2
Abstain from all food but not from water. Most Christians who pursue extended (beyond 3 days) normal fasts drink clear liquids including juices.
2. A Partial Fast--Daniel 10:3
Limits type and kinds of food. Typical includes eating only simple starches and perhaps plain vegetables.
3. A Rabbinic Fast--Luke 18:12
Fast that lasts from evening (typically dark or 10PM) until a designated time the following day (typically 5PM; sometimes 3PM, or noon). Can be done 1 day or multiple days.
4. An Absolute Fast--Ezra 10:6; Est. 4:16; Acts 9:9
5. A Supernatural Fast--Deut. 9:9; Kings 19:8
6. A Private Fast--Matt. 6:16-18
Most individual fasts should be done without publicity. Does not mean that we have to be ridiculous about keeping it a secret.
7. A Congregational Fast--Joel 2:15-16a; Acts 13:2
8. A National Fast--2 Chronicles 20:3; Neh. 9:1; Est 4:16; Jonah 3:5-8
A Nation-wide fast.
9. A Regular Fast--Leviticus 16
Regularly scheduled fasts called for by God for His people.
Reasons to Fast:
1. Jesus Expects it of us--Matt. 6; Matt. 9:14-15
2. To Strengthen Prayer--Matt. 17:21; James 1:6b
3. To Seek God’s Guidance--Judges 20:28
4. To Express Grief--I Sam. 20:34
5. To Seek Deliverance or Protection--2 Chron. 20; Ezra 8:21-23
6. To Express Repentance and a Return to God--Joel 2:12
7. To Express Concern for the Work of God
8. To Overcome Temptation--Matt. 4:1-11
9. To Express Love and Worship to God--Luke 2:37
When You Fast:
1. Seek the Holy Spirit's direction about:
- Reason(s) to fast
- Duration of the fast
2. Don't jeopardize your health--Matt. 6:18b
3. Begin Small--one meal or one day.
4. Begin Now--Matt. 9:15
The New Year
by Pastor Alan Duce | December 28, 2010
My office computer is very old and has been threatening to crash for over a year. The technology committee and office staff have been encouraging me to get a new computer before my old one completely crashes and I lose a lot of important files. I’ve been putting it off as long as possible to save money and because I’m comfortable with the old computer; setting up a new computer is a hassle.
The New Year reminds me of my computer dilemma. I’m going to have to get a new computer soon. The New Year is coming whether I want it to or not. The New Year is either an amazing opportunity for new beginnings and new opportunities or it’s the hassle of creating and pursuing resolutions.
I like the fact that New Years follows immediately after the celebration of the birth of Christ. It reminds me that this season is all about newness and welcoming God’s new dreams for our lives.
Giving Thanks for Jesus
by Pastor Alan Duce | November 17, 2010
Jan and I put up one of our Christmas trees Monday so we wouldn't have to rush during the holiday season. Although the pre-black Friday sales are everywhere and the stores and neighborhoods are sprouting Jolly-Santas and Red-Nosed Rudolphs, I'm still focused on Thanksgiving.
I have a lot to be thankful for. I'm healthy. I have an amazing wife, incredible children, and terrific family and friends. I have the privilege of serving God in the greatest church around with awesome people who love God and make it fun to serve. I have a warm house, a car that runs and food in the pantry.
Mostly, I'm thankful for Jesus. He loved me when I was unlovable. He sacrificed Himself to provide for my forgiveness. He patiently loves me and keeps working inside me to transform me into the man I want to be. He doesn't demean or degrade me. He offers me encouragement and hope. He lifts me up when I fall and pushes me to stretch, grow and be at my best. He is my closest friend and shares my joy in all my other relationships.
I'm realizing that giving thanks for Jesus is the best way to prepare for Christmas. I love all the gift-giving and parties and Christmas programs and music and laughter and fun associated with Christmas. But it all makes sense when I'm doing it because I'm grateful that Jesus came.
What does tomorrow hold for us?
by Pastor Alan Duce | June 17, 2010
Monday my son Sam graduated from High School. After six years in Colorado and a year at Davison High School, in Davison, MI, he will soon be off to college. I remember the day he was born, his first day of kindergarten and his first time to ride a skateboard. What does tomorrow hold for him? Of course, what does tomorrow hold for any of us? Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and everything else would be taken care of” (my translation). Ten years ago, I didn’t expect to be where I was five years ago. Five years ago, I didn’t expect to be where I am today. I have a very limited understanding of what God has in store for my son’s future or my own. I do know that when I trust Jesus, put Him first in my life and follow Him, everything else has always been taken care of.
Tithing in Torah
by Pastor Alan Duce | January 31, 2010
Sunday January 24
I talked about tithing in the morning sermon. I’ve had lots of great follow-up conversations since then. Some folks have asked some very specific questions about the biblical teaching on the subject.
Dr. Ira Lieberman, a Jewish Christian who is part of our church family, summarized Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) teaching on tithing and it’s attached here.
Of course, this doesn’t include New Testament teaching on giving. That will need to be part of our continuing conversation.