Calling on PSC to Fast

I'm sorry we didn't get to have church yesterday because of the weather. About 7 AM yesterday I went outside just to see how bad it was. I thought I would walk down the driveway to see how slippery it was. After a few steps I knew we would have to cancel. I hate canceling church. Stephanie and I have no idea what to do on a Sunday if there is no church. Many of those that were called were a little upset because we had to cancel. Some of the leaders and the worship team were excited about how great of a service we were going to have.
I hate not preaching too. I'm going to preach the same message I was going to do yesterday, but that is harder than you think for me. I memorize the message (I have no manuscripts)and it will be hard to hang on to it for another week.
So here is a preview. I am preaching on Jesus' section about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount. Fasting is an outside the box idea. Many people fast today to get something in return. I have heard preachers talk about fasting so that God might bless you with something like finances or health. A Scriptural concept of fasting is the notion that it is a Spiritual Discipline. It is supposed to be a part of our faith and Jesus spoke as though we actually do it.
I must confess, I don't fast very often. It is an act of sacrifice to God. When you fast, you become dependent upon God to sustain you. It will enhance your spiritual walk with God as you depend upon Him for strength and focus.

So here is the deal church. I am asking Prairie Springs to join me in a 21 Day Fast starting Sunday, Feb 24 until March 16. It will start after lunch on Sunday, where you will do a liquid only fast until Monday evening for dinner. This a partial fast called a Daniel Fast. What this means is over the next 20 days you will eat only fruits and vegetables. The guidelines will be in another post. No meat, dairy, sweets, or any caffeine. This will be a real challenge for me as well as for other caffeine addicts. If you cannot do this type of fast then do a liquid fast one day a week for the next 3 weeks. Maybe your fast will be giving up sweets and caffeine/coffee or soft drinks.

Why are we doing it? What better way to focus upon God and the work of the cross than to do this for the next 3 weeks. We are doing this as an act of worship to God as well as going before Him on behalf of our community and friends that so desperately need Jesus. The last day of the fast is Palm Sunday where the fast will be broken with a celebration of the Lord's Supper. Then we begin "The Holy Week Experience" with the riding of a donkey into Sun Prairie and praying over the city. After that we can all go to lunch.
I pray that you can join myself and many others in this Fast to honor God.