Jesus’ Example

of Fasting

Matthew 4:1-2 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

Jesus demonstrated fasting as preparation for ministry and spiritual strength.

Seeking God

Wholeheartedly

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Fasting creates a space for seeking God with undivided attention.

Partial Fast (Time-Based)

Skip meals during a specific part of the day, such as breakfast and lunch, and break the fast with dinner.

Intermittent Abstention

Choose one or two days per week for focused fasting (from food or distractions) to commit these days to heightened spiritual focus.

Scripture Reading:

Gleaning Wisdom & Direction

Follow the theme for each week to focus your reading:

• • Week 1: Drawing near to God 
  • Week 2: Renewing the mind 
  • Week 3: Walking in God’s will
• Reflect on the key verses we provide and what they reveal about God’s character and desires for our lives.

Journaling:

Capturing Insights & Prayers

Write down prayers, reflections, and any revelations you receive during your time with God.

• Journaling prompts:
  • “Today, God revealed to me…”
  • “I am grateful for…”
  • “God is calling me to…”

Habakkuk 2:2 Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, that he who reads it may run with it.

Set A Schedule

• Dedicate consistent times for spiritual practices each day, such as morning, midday, or evening.

Lean on God’s Grace

• Don’t be discouraged if you miss a day or struggle. Remember, fasting is about the heart, not perfection.

Week 1 (January 10-16):

Seeking God’s Presence

Focus: Reconnecting with God as our first love (Revelation 2:4).

Action: Spend extended time in prayer, praising God for His faithfulness.

Week 2: (January 17-23):

Renewing the Mind

Focus: Allowing God’s Word to transform our thoughts and align us wit His truth (Romans 12:2). 

Action: Memorize a verse each day to meditate on throughout the day.

Week 3 (January 24 – 30):

Surrending to God’s Will

Focus: Trusting God for direction & surrendering all areas of life to Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Action: Write down areas where you need clarity & seek God’s wisdom.

Friday, January 10 – The Invitation to Seek God

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” 

God’s heart is for us to know Him deeply. This scripture reminds us that seeking God isn’t about a casual glance or occasional prayer. It’s about wholehearted pursuit. Imagine the joy of finding the treasure of His presence—this is what He offers when we seek Him fully. 

For Further Reflection

Matthew 7:7-8 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” 

Action Step

The door to God’s presence is never locked. All He asks is that we come to Him, seeking Him with sincerity.

Saturday, January 11 – God’s Presence, Our Refuge

Scripture: Psalm 91:1 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” 

Life can feel overwhelming, but God offers His presence as a place of safety and rest. Dwelling with God means staying close to Him through prayer, worship, and trust. His shadow is large enough to cover all your fears. 

For Further Reflection

Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” 

Action Step

God is a constant refuge, not just in emergencies, but in every moment of life. Trust Him today to be your unshakable strength.

Sunday, January 12 – Prioritizing God Above All

Scripture: Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 

When we place God’s kingdom above our own desires, we find that He provides for our every need. Seeking Him first isn’t about neglecting responsibilities—it’s about trusting that He can order our lives perfectly. 

For Further Reflection

Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” 

Action Step

Make a deliberate choice today to focus on God’s eternal purposes over temporary concerns.

Monday, January 13 – God Knows You Personally

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-2 – “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” 

God’s knowledge of you is intimate and complete. He understands your struggles, joys, and unspoken prayers. This means you can come to Him with absolute transparency, knowing you are fully seen and loved. 

For Further Reflection

Matthew 10:30-31 – “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Action Step

You are never forgotten or overlooked by God. Take comfort in His personal care and attention.

Tuesday, January 14 – God’s Nearness in Prayer

Scripture: James 4:8 – “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” 

God desires closeness with His children. He doesn’t demand perfection, but He calls us to humility and a willingness to draw near. As we take steps toward Him, He promises to meet us where we are. 

For Further Reflection

Psalm 145:18 – “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” 

Action Step

Approach God in prayer today with honesty and faith, knowing He is near and ready to listen.

Wednesday, January 15 – Encountering God Through His Word

Scripture: Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”

God’s Word is a doorway to His presence. Through it, He reveals His heart, His promises, and His guidance for our lives. As we approach scripture with an open heart, we can encounter God personally and experience the power of His truth.

For Further Reflection

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

Action Step

Take time today to read a passage of scripture slowly and prayerfully. Ask God to reveal something about Himself or His will for your life.

Thursday, January 16 – Seeking God’s Guidance

Scripture: Psalm 25:4-5 – “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

Seeking God’s presence means seeking His guidance for our lives. He desires to teach us, lead us, and walk with us every step of the way. When we turn to Him with a heart of trust, He faithfully directs our paths.

For Further Reflection

Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Action step

Reflect on one decision or area of your life where you need God’s guidance. Bring it before Him in prayer, asking Him to show you the way forward.

Friday, January 17 – Renewing Your Mind

Scripture: Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Transformation begins with the way we think. When we align our minds with God’s truth, we break free from worldly patterns and live out His perfect will. 

For Further Reflection

2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 

Action Step

Be mindful of your thoughts today. Take captive anything that does not align with God’s truth and replace it with His promises.

Saturday, January 18 – Fixing Your Thoughts on Truth

Scripture: Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right…think about such things.” 

Our thoughts shape our attitudes and actions. By fixing our minds on what is true and noble, we align ourselves with God’s peace and joy. 

For Further Reflection

Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” 

Action Step

List three things you are grateful for today, and let them redirect your mind toward God’s goodness.

Sunday, January 19 – Letting Go of Lies

Scripture: John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

Freedom begins with truth. God’s truth exposes and dismantles the lies we’ve believed, bringing healing and clarity to our lives. 

For Further Reflection

Ephesians 4:25 – “Put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.” 

Action Step

Ask God to reveal any lies you’ve believed and replace them with His truth today.

Monday, January 20 – The Mind of Christ

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:16 – “We have the mind of Christ.” 

God has given us access to His wisdom through Christ. With His mindset, we can approach every situation with humility, love, and discernment. 

For Further Reflection

Philippians 2:5 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” 

Action Step

Seek opportunities to think and act like Christ in your relationships today.

Tuesday, January 21 – Trusting God’s Plan

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 

Trusting God requires letting go of our need to control and understand every detail. When we submit our ways to Him, He faithfully guides us onto the right path. 

For Further Reflection

Jeremiah 17:7-8 – “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” 

Action Step

Reflect on one area in your life where you’ve been leaning on your own understanding. Surrender it to God today and trust His plan.

Wednesday, January 22 – Practicing Gratitude

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Renewing our minds begins with gratitude. When we choose to focus on God’s blessings instead of our challenges, it shifts our perspective and aligns our thoughts with His goodness and faithfulness. Gratitude opens the door to joy and peace.

For Further Reflection

Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Action Step

Write down three things you are grateful for today, no matter how small. Reflect on how God’s goodness is present in your life.

Thursday, January 23 – Replacing Worry with Truth

Scripture: Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Worry often stems from allowing our thoughts to dwell on uncertainties. Renewing our minds means replacing worry with the truth of God’s sovereignty and care. When we focus on His promises, we find peace even in uncertain times.

For Further Reflection

Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Action Step

Identify a specific worry or fear. Write it down and surrender it to God in prayer, asking Him to replace it with the truth of His promises.

Friday, January 24 – Fulfilling Your Purpose

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

You were created with a unique purpose. God has designed you as His masterpiece, equipping you to fulfill the good works He has planned for you.

For Further Reflection

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Action Step

Reflect on your God-given gifts and ask Him to show you how to use them for His glory today.

Saturday, January 25 – Living as Light in the World

Scripture: Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His light in a world often filled with darkness. Our actions, words, and attitudes should point others toward God, inspiring them to glorify Him.

For Further Reflection

Philippians 2:15 – “So that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

Action Step

Think of one way you can be a light to someone today—whether through encouragement, service, or sharing your faith. Ask God to help you radiate His love.

Sunday, January 26 – The Power of Unity in Christ

Scripture: Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Unity among believers is essential for reflecting God’s love and fulfilling His mission. When we prioritize peace and understanding, we demonstrate the power of Christ to bring people together.

For Further Reflection

Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Action Step

Reflect on any relationships where you need to seek unity or forgiveness. Pray for God to bring peace and harmony among His people.

Monday, January 27 – Being Transformed by God

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 

God is in the business of transformation. As we behold His glory and spend time with Him, He shapes us into His image. 

For Further Reflection

Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” 

Action Step

Spend time today reflecting on how God has been transforming you. Thank Him for the work He is doing in your life.

Tuesday, January 28 – God’s Peace Guards Your Heart

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

God’s peace isn’t tied to circumstances; it’s rooted in trust and thanksgiving. When we surrender our anxieties in prayer, His peace protects our hearts and minds. 

For Further Reflection

Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” 

Action Step

Take a moment today to surrender your worries to God and thank Him for His peace that surpasses understanding.

Wednesday, January 29 – God’s Strength in Weakness

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 

God’s grace fills the gaps where our strength fails. When we acknowledge our weakness, His power is displayed in us, allowing us to persevere and thrive. 

For Further Reflection

Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” 

Action Step

Bring an area of weakness to God today, and ask Him to show His strength through it.

Thursday, January 30 – Serving Others in Love

Scripture: Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” 

True freedom in Christ empowers us to serve others selflessly. When we love and serve, we reflect God’s heart to the world. 

For Further Reflection

John 13:14-15 – “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” 

Action Step

Look for a practical way to serve someone in love today. Reflect on how serving mirrors God’s love.

Friday, January 31 – Abiding in Christ

Scripture: John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” 

Abiding in Christ is the key to a fruitful life. Staying connected to Him through prayer, worship, and obedience allows His life to flow through us. 

For Further Reflection

Psalm 1:3 – “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” 

Action Step

Commit to spending intentional time abiding in Christ today. Ask Him to help you bear fruit that glorifies Him.