Renewing Our Desires
Written by Sharon Wooden
Scripture Focus: Romans 12:2 – "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Just as we can train our bodies to crave healthier foods, fasting helps us retrain our hearts to desire the things of God. When we constantly fill ourselves with spiritual "junk food"—distractions, entertainment, or busyness—we leave little room for the nourishing presence of the Holy Spirit. But when we fast, we reset our appetites and refocus on what truly matters.
Take time today to identify areas in your life where you’ve been settling for less than God’s best. Surrender those things to Him and invite Him to renew your mind and heart. Spend the time you would normally eat engaging in prayer, worship, or reading the Bible. Let fasting be a tool to clear away the clutter and make room for God’s transforming work in your life.
Prayer: God, I want to crave You above all else. Transform my desires and help me to walk in alignment with Your will. Renew my mind and make me more like You. Amen.
Fasting with Purpose
Written by Sharon Wooden
Scripture Focus: Psalm 34:8 – "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."
We often rush through meals, barely tasting what’s on our plate, much like we rush through life without truly savoring God’s goodness. Fasting gives us the chance to slow down and shift our focus from physical food to spiritual nourishment. It’s not just about abstaining from something but about pursuing something greater: intimacy with God.
As you fast today, set a specific goal for what you want to see God do in your life. Write it down, pray over it, and seek Him wholeheartedly. Replace every craving for physical food with worship, prayer, and the Word. Remember, fasting is not a diet but a declaration of dependence on God. Let the hunger you feel draw you closer to Him, and taste His goodness in new ways.
Prayer: Father, help me to experience the sweetness of Your presence today. Let my fasting be a pleasing offering to You as I seek to grow closer to You. Amen.
Changing What We Crave
Changing What We Crave - by Sharon Wooden
Scripture Focus: Matthew 5:6 – "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Fast food is often our go-to because it’s quick and easy, but it leaves us longing for something more. It’s a lot like our spiritual lives. We settle for the fast and convenient—scrolling through social media or rushing through a quick prayer—when God is calling us to feast on His Word and presence. Fasting is an opportunity to realign our cravings, both physically and spiritually.
As you begin this day of fasting, ask yourself: What am I truly hungry for? Spend intentional time with God instead of seeking temporary satisfaction. Worship, read Scripture, and meditate on His promises. If you feel hunger pangs, let them remind you of your need for God’s sustenance. Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Let’s trade the junk food of the world for the nourishing bread of life.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to crave You more than anything else. Fill the empty places in my heart and life with Your presence and truth. Amen.
Walking Through God’s Blessings
“Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” – Genesis 13:17
God invites us, like Abram, to actively walk through the areas of our lives He has entrusted to us. Whether it’s our marriage, home, business, finances, or church, we are called to take possession of them according to His divine plan. The New Testament reminds us in Ephesians 1:3 that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. As we walk in faith, trusting His promises, we also fulfill the instruction of Colossians 3:23, working wholeheartedly as for the Lord.
Taking possession means prayerfully stewarding these blessings, seeking wisdom (James 1:5), and resisting fear or doubt (2 Timothy 1:7). Let us boldly declare, as in Philippians 4:13, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Walking through God’s promises requires action, trust, and alignment with His will.
Today, arise and walk! Dedicate your marriage, home, business, and every area of your life to God, knowing He desires to bless and prosper you for His glory (Jeremiah 29:11).
Use a Little Foresight
Use a Little Foresight by Don Wooden
As the prodigal son left his home with half of his inheritance, he was focused on himself and what he believed was owed to him. You might say he had an entitlement mentality.
It wasn’t until he had spent everything he had on himself—indulging in things that brought him temporary pleasure—that he realized he was in a bad situation, one he couldn’t buy his way out of.
We know the story ends with him returning home and being forgiven, which is a powerful message of the Father’s mercy. But what if the son had used a little foresight in this story? Things would have been much different, wouldn’t they?
There are times in our lives when we might face the same temptation—to think we owe it to ourselves to indulge outside of the Father’s will. But if we take a step back and use a little foresight, we can often clearly see the consequences our actions would bring.
Think about it: we could save ourselves—and those closely connected to us—from the grief, pain, hurt, and ultimately the dark places that kind of indulgence would lead to.
Pray for wisdom and discernment so that you can have the foresight to avoid the pitfalls of the enemy and of self!
Luke 15:11-14