Fasting Focus :: Week Three of Lent :: Embracing the Cross

Third Week of Lent

Embracing the Cross

Sweets, Treats, and Self Indulgence

Jesus said, “Deny yourself, take your cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) As a fasting discipline for this week, resolve to spend nothing on yourself except that which is absolutely necessary.  Such a form of fasting quickly reveals from where we draw our source of life.  This will be an appropriate focus for fasting as we reflect on Jesus’ taking up His cross.

This week, buy no new clothes or gadgets, books or music, and eat cheaply.  Don’t go to the movies or buy coffee or candy.  Save the money, or give to someone in need what you would have spent on coffee, treats and entertainment.

Keep journal entries of what happens inside you when you deny yourself something you really want or something to which you have become accustomed.  How does it affect you?  Why?  What does this teach you about the source of your life?

“Life is not defined by what you have,
even when you have a lot.”
(Luke 12:15 MSG)  

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,
but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 14:17 TNIV)