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70CraigBlog: Blogging about
faith, ​spirituality and discipleship.

The Spiritual Practice of Fasting

7/30/2020

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I love food! I mean my stomach growls thinking about all the delicious, exquisite foods there are in this world. Steak, hamburgers, tacos, hummus, ravioli, dark chocolate, blueberry pie, shrimp, brownies, caesar salad, ribs, and cheese are just a few of them coming to my mind. However for thousands of years denying our body's basic need for food has been a spiritual practice. Many religions have practiced this and still do today.  ​
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In ancient times many people believed physically fasting was a way for the body to heal and prepare it to prevent other illnesses. It also came to be known as a method to assist in spiritual renewal.  For more information about the history of fasting please ready "The Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting" by Brett & Kate McKay.


Today we know that people can fast from various things in their life not just food. The practice of fasting is denying yourself or abstaining from something for a limited amount of time in hopes to bring awareness to your relationship with the divine. Fasting is often associated with Lent when people give up something until Easter as part of a spiritual journey to Christ.  ​​
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Community of Christ had an informal practice of fasting the morning of taking the Lord's Supper (1st Sunday of the month). This is a practice some still hold but it is merely a personal choice. 


Let's look further at the other aspects of fasting

Aspects of Spiritual Fasting


​Traditional Fasting - Traditional fasting usually meant abstaining from all physical food and caloric intake. Most people allow water to be used while some also abstain from it. The practice is used mostly as a spiritual discipline in means of stopping the physical motion in our lives to focus on the spiritual. As the article cited above from the Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting states, "The hunger of the stomach is designed to put us in touch with the hunger of soul."


Lent - Lent is a season of reflection and preparation for Easter. Fasting or giving up something during this time is a practice of sacrifice as we think of Christ who drew away for 40 days. It helps us come closer to temptations and while we strengthen our will power to carry on toward the cross and goal of love. Catholics are known to not eat meat on Fridays during the Lenten season however many others give up an earthly possession during this time. This is sometime called a partial fast. Some people give up social media, entertainment, or from other life comforts. For further information about fasting during the lent season and fasting in general check out "How to Fast for Lent" by Gravity Leadership.


Health - Some people fast for health purposes. It stops caloric intake so that the body can be cleansed. There have been some proven benefits to fasting for your health. According to healthline, It improves blood sugar control, heart health, prevents aging, and may enhance brain functioning.

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Awareness of Self, Others, and the World - Fasting allows people the opportunity to focus their thoughts. It raises their awareness of their own thought patterns, what is happening around them, and how the world is receiving them. Because through fasting you are intentionally taking time to control your worldly intake, the act in itself brings are attention to everything else that is going on.


Faith Renewal/ Spiritual Insight - Often this is the main purpose for many fasts. People want to receive spiritual insight in their lives and how best to move forward. Fasting focuses the person on their relationship with the divine as they discern that still small voice for their life. The act of praying each time hunger approaches disciplines the soul to hear the voice of God speak. It is through this discipline we find ourselves, our spiritual path, and what it is we need to know for the journey ahead.


There are many other aspects of spiritual fasting other than what I have listed. Please feel free to research it more and give it a try yourself to determine if its a spiritual practice fit for you. Many people fast for 24 hrs from food only drinking water. Others have a specific objective and purpose they are seeking when engaging in the practice. It really depends on your comfort level and what it is you are seeking. Sometimes people find fasting isn’t about denying yourself but reorienting your life to what is important. Before engaging in this spiritual practice please be aware of your own health and if this practice would cause health concerns for them. Check with your doctor if you are unaware. All in all spiritual fasting can be a tremendous spiritual discipline to partake in.

Thank you to all those still following the blog! I hope you are able to receive God’s blessings in your life.

This week give fasting a try and see what spiritual insights you may discern.
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Need Jesus?

7/20/2020

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Almost a year ago, my youngest son was born. Birth is an amazing miracle that God has graced us with. My wife and I held our baby boy tight and welcomed him into our family. Life was changed in that moment as our family headed toward a new normal. 


However 7 days into this new normal we found an expanding skin infection on him that appeared to be moving fast. Our doctor told us we needed to go to the hospital immediately. So there we were standing in the hospital checking in our 7 day year old baby. It seemed unreal. Tears fell down our faces and we choked up getting the words out to the receptionist as we checked him in. I was fearful knowing the significance of what could happen and what it could mean for our family. I was also extremely aware of the preciousness of life. In an instant, life can change for both good and bad. I felt empty as if everything inside of me had been stripped away leaving a hollow shell.  
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An older couple visiting family came up and stood in line behind us.  The man's shirt caught my eye.  It said, "Need Jesus?". The question was so pertinent.  In this moment I was broken and knew the only thing that could get me through was the love of Jesus. My mind answered, "Yes Jesus, my family needs you. My son needs you right now. I need you." I prayed quietly as we walked down the long hallway and up the elevator to my son's hospital room.  


Over the next few hours and days we watched as the hospital staff assessed the infection trying to understand the nature of the virus. Thankfully, after a spinal tap they were able to rule out bacterial meningitis. Finally tests came back stating it was a staph infection that was treatable.  My wife and son stayed in the hospital for the next week getting it treated.  It was a long week of coming and going and I often thought about that moment when I had to answer the question, "Need Jesus?".  ​
"And my God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 4:19

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All of us need Jesus! Whether that be during our toughest times or during the everyday minutia we find ourselves in. Sometimes we just have to be reminded. Jesus understands our pain and suffering and wants to bear that with you. He wants us to know we are not alone. Jesus' love heals and overcomes all things.  I have answered the question, now its your turn.  Do you need Jesus?

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I thought this song "Jesus I Need You" by Hillsong Worship fit for this story.  Take some time to listen to the ministry they provide and what it means for you.  

Keep on keeping on during this 2020!  Jesus is with you! 

This week answer the question "Need Jesus?" 
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Bearing Christ's Name

7/13/2020

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6a. From the earliest days you have been given a sacred principle that declares the inestimable worth of all persons. Do not forget. 

b. The One who created all humankind grieves at the shameful divisions within the human family. A prophetic people must work tirelessly to tear down walls of separation and to build bridges of understanding. 


​c. You hold precious lives in your hands. Be gentle and gracious with one another. A community is no stronger than the weakest within it. Even as the One you follow reached out to those who were rejected and marginalized, so must the community that bears his name. 
-Doctrine & Covenants 162 6a-c
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Inestimable Worth
​

I love the continued language used declaring that all have worth. No matter what we think of ourselves or others, this message states there is worth in every one of us.  Its a powerful message carrying wholeness and hope. This isn't about valuing the actions of people or ourselves its about the inherent worth in each of us.  It's not about measuring ourselves to others its about our intrinsic value; the unique characteristics and qualities of who we are as a person that makes us, us. 


​We all have imperfections and we all suffer to some degree. Through this we must continue to have a caring response to our own and others mess ups and difficult moments. You have worth. You are unique. You are valued. If you don't feel this way please consider adding meaning to your life by taking part in activities that make you feel important and loved.  Consider joining a Community of Christ online group.  
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Building Bridges of Understanding
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None of the words above mean anything if our actions do not match them. The scripture pushes each of us in this faith community to find the commonalities within the people we come in contact with.  This world has too much division for us to add to it.  Whether it be our family, church, employment, or elsewhere, we need to find ways to bridge our relationships with mutual respect and understanding.


​Making someone have the same opinion of you is not understanding or respectful. Its about listening, valuing the worth of a person, engaging in real dialogue that deepens relationships so that divisions can be torn down and replaced by bridges of love. Sometimes we get to the point where we cannot fathom the beliefs of others. This is when we need to work tirelessly to tear down the walls of separation. We must remember it is in our differences including opinions and beliefs that make us better as a whole.  
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Community Response
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We are no stronger than the weakest among us.  Who is the weakest in your community?  Jesus went to the marginalized and rejected to bring hope and healing. He touched the lepers when told not too, he spoke to woman who didn't have the same rights, he loved on the Sabbath when he was to rest. Jesus didn't come for the strong, he came for those on the edges of society who didn't have a voice. So I ask you who is hurting in your community?


If we are to bear the name of Jesus so too must we reach out to show the love of God to others. To help strengthen those who are weak, to shelter those who are homeless, to clothe those who are naked, to empower those who feel voiceless. This is what it means to be a disciple that bears the name the Christ.  This is what it means to be a prophetic people, a faith community that upholds the worth of all people. It's not about sitting quietly in our churches but living with the weakest in our community; tearing down the walls between us and embracing the bridges that bring love and understanding. I see this and wonder about my own ability to live this out. This is no easy task, but I know if I am too follow Jesus, these are the stakes. We hold precious lives in our hands.  What will you do?
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I appreciate all those willing to carry the name of Jesus on their hearts each day.  

This week identify who is rejected and marginalized in your community and take action to create just systems and relationships where all have worth.  
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    Seventy Craig Hidy

    Author

    Craig Hidy like the majority of ministers in Community of Christ is a bi-vocational, self sustaining ordained minister.  He is a member of the Midlands Mission Center Emporia Team and an ordained Seventy.  He and his family, live in Topeka, Kansas.


    ​Please Note
    The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Community of Christ. We believe individuals should be allowed to have their own opinions and be at different places in their faith journey.

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  • About Us
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  • #70craigblog
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