My church, Bayside Community Church, is participating in three weeks of Prayer & Fasting, all to take us deeper into a relationship with God

We all know: Starting a new year does not erase confusion, frustration or set backs that occurred during the previous 365 days. So, instead of carrying that old, heavy baggage into 2019, 24/7, why not entrust it to God and let Him carry it for you?

Follow Bayside on Twitter. They are committed to help you develop a deeper relationship with God.

  “God deserves our firsts, don’t you agree? That’s why at the beginning of each year we set aside time for prayer and fasting. The Bible is clear that when you fast, God takes you deeper as you place increased focus on Him.” — Bayside Community Church

Just a reminder: God was with you all of last year, even during those times of trial (and since before you were born but that’s another post).

God is always with you.

God loves you, sustains you and enjoys your company. However, as with any relationship, connections with loved ones become distant if there is never reciprocation. God desires us to acknowledge, proclaim, and worship His holy name. He wants us to always think of Him, just as He is always thinking of us!

God created you and is worthy of praise!

John 4:23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

Folks usually understand communing with God through prayer, but fasting? How does that work?

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

When we fast, we give up something we enjoy. Essentially, we deny ourselves of something that may require our time and/or provides us with pleasure. Denying allows us to reuse that time for more prayer or Bible reading, enabling us to better understand the meaning of sacrifice. All this draws us closer to God so that we may reflect on His great plan for us.

  “Fasting doesn’t have to be food. Some people fast caffeine, social media, or activities they enjoy. It’s not so much about what you fast; it’s about opening your heart as you make a sacrifice for a short time.” —Bayside Community Church

Many folks work and have tough schedules, I get that and so does Bayside; so they make it super easy for everyone to participate in this rewarding commune with God.

  “We encourage you to join us over the next 21 days by reading the daily devotion, watching a short video and spending time in prayer.” — Bayside Community Church

If you would like to wake up every morning and participate in this Prayer and Fasting event, Bayside is offering the resources to help you. To sign up click here for your daily devotionals to be sent directly to your inbox each morning. You will also find fasting resources and upcoming events to attend during Bayside Community Church’s 21 day fast.

I encourage you to spend more time with God. You can join the event today, and continue through to February 2. This activity is the perfect way to better know your Maker, and, to allow Him to carry your burdensome baggage into 2019.

I encourage you to invite God into your new year, so that you will have a more personal relationship with Him. After all, that’s the reason why Jesus died on the cross for YOU!

---

---

SHARE: Invite God into your new year — participate in Prayer and Fasting! , with your Facebook friends.

---

---

To learn and share the importance of keeping God’s name holy, order copies of my book, LIFT HIM UP DON’T PULL HIM DOWN, @ LULU.COM or AMAZON.COM for your next Bible study.