How it Began

Back in 2003, I was involved in the men's ministry at the church I attended. This weekly fasting and prayer topic developed out of that ministry. Long story short, it started when I volunteered to support and organize a few men who had decided to fast and pray for a selected topic every Wednesday. My role was writing the weekly topic and distributing it to all the participants via e-mail. Over the years, the number of participants has grown. Likewise, it has evolved. It is no longer a men's ministry. The number of women who now receive the weekly topic rivals the number of men. Additionally, not all who receive the topic choose to fast on Wednesday. They simply use the weekly topic as a tool to learn and grow.

There are several reasons why I am now moving this topic from e-mail to blog format. First, in the past I've spent quite a bit of time managing the e-mail distribution list. I no longer need to do that. Second, I think the web format allows more people to access the topic. Third and most important, the blog format allows participants to weigh in with their thoughts on the topic. I think it allows God to speak to us by speaking through any and all of us. In the coming weeks and months I hope to post all of the historical topics all the way back through 2003. It's my prayer that these topics bless you, and in some small way, help you grow in your relationship with Christ.

Your brother,
Bob

Hunger

As part of a fasting and prayer group, it may seem a little strange to pray for hunger. However, that is exactly what we are praying for this Wednesday.

Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Psalm 27:4 says "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

The one thing we are to be hungry for is God. It is the one thing that truly satisfies… the one thing that doesn't disappoint. David knew this as he wrote the psalm. It was the one thing he asked of the Lord - that he seek Him. We want to have a true hunger for Him… a yearning to know Him and His ways… not just a hunger for the things He gives us. I heard a pastor pose this question: "Are you seeking His presence, or are you seeking His presents?"

When we develop a real hunger for Him, we become a vessel He can use. Proverbs 16:26 says "The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.".

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob