The Next Generation

Think FAST . . . For The Next Generation

Have you ever tried fasting? Perhaps you’ve fasted for one meal, and used that time instead for prayer. Perhaps you’ve fasted an entire day, using that day to seek the Lord’s will on an important decision. Maybe you’ve even fasted multiple days at a time.

I have to admit that fasting is one of the spiritual disciplines that I don’t do very well. Does that surprise you to hear a pastor admit that? I’m just being honest: I struggle with fasting. I’m not very good at making this a regular part of my walk with God.

And yet, when I have fasted, I have found tremendous blessing. I have gained insight about people for whom I was fasting and praying. I have heard God direct me about major life decisions. I have seen God work in powerful ways in the life of a person for whom I was praying and fasting. I have experienced depths of intimacy with Christ during times when I have fasted and prayed. The practice of fasting (however sporadic) has definitely brought some great blessings in my life.

The Cotter Family feels the same way and here is a story that John recently shared.

“Peggy had been called to fast during the period leading up to our auto accident, (now coming up on two years ago). She had told me that the Holy Spirit just ‘wouldn't let her alone,’ convicting her to fast all day once a week for a few weeks leading up to what we now know retrospectively was that extraordinary day when

God protected me in the face of what so many felt was otherwise ‘impossible’.  I can't get my head

around what an amazing God we love.” For those of you who don’t know the Cotter Family, John

by all medical accounts, should not have survived.  His aorta was severed in the accident and went undiagnosed for many hours because the aorta just stayed perfectly lined-up. A cardiac surgeon explained, “This doesn’t happen, this is literally a miracle because he should have died within a few seconds.”

Highland has set aside Tuesday, February 17, as a day of church-wide fasting and prayer. We have chiefly established this as a day to seek the Lord’s blessing on our upcoming capital campaign. But we have also broadened the focus so we can fast and pray about anything God places on our hearts that day; a wayward child, a hurting marriage, the need for a job, spiritual warfare, seeking victory over a besetting sin, etc.  We can do this on our own, or come to any of Highland’s campuses during  from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. to pray together with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Whether you fast regularly, struggle with fasting like I do, or maybe haven’t ever tried fasting before, may I encourage us all to try fasting at least one meal – or even the whole day – on February 17? As we fast and pray as a united body of Christ, we may find that God will do some amazing things. 

Some practical guidelines for prayer with fasting are listed below.

Some Guidelines for Prayer with Fasting

What kind of fast?

• A limited fast – A person limits part of their diet for a time as a part of seeking to do the will of God. (Daniel 1:8-13)
• A standard fast – A person eats no food but does drink liquids. This is the most common fast in the Scriptures.
• An absolute fast – A person does not eat or drink for a period of time. Esther called for a three day fast of this kind (4:1-17).

How is a fast to be done?

• Keep your focus on the Lord trusting Him in the situation and need. (Hebrews 11:6).
• Stay in an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Set aside segments of time for specific prayer. Pray often.
• Read Scripture during your time of prayer and fasting. Praying is as much listening as talking. Record any insights you gain. You may want to write down some of your specific requests in a journal or notebook.
• Concerning meals missed, skipping one, two, or three consecutive meals is a normal fast. Drink plenty of juices and/or water as you fast.
• For those on medication, pregnant, or who have been ill, be very cautious and get an OK from your doctor before you fast. Some are not able to fast because of a physical condition. They must have regular meals. The Lord may lead you to “fast” from certain foods (for instance, some “fast” from desserts for an extended time and spend extra time in prayer).   Remember, the important thing is the heart attitude, not the calorie count.
• Sometimes there may be a little dizziness, headache, or nausea from not eating. Don’t be alarmed. Remember to drink extra liquids.
• At the end of your fast it is helpful to eat fruit or soup, etc. Don’t eat a big meal. Your eyes may be bigger than your stomach so watch out for gluttony (The fruit of the Spirit is self-control – Galatians 5:22-23).

Adopted from an article by Richard L. Shepherd

Next Generation Families

The families of our generation come in so many shapes and sizes. Gone are the “Joneses” with their 2.5 kids and four-door minivan. Today we thrive as a community of single parents and independent teenagers, as traditional and nontraditional families. Our differences make us stronger as we all work towards our one goal of living God-centered, Christ-honoring lives. The Highland Community Church congregation is teaming with families of every age, race and background. Together many of these families work toward that goal by growing and developing the next generation in their faith. From young mothers to wise grandparents, Highland is full of Jesus-focused individuals who are willing to invest in the youth of our church.

Tony Hull, a young father, is one of the many Highland attenders who has experienced the incredible joy that comes from being a part of his son’s growth in his relationship with the Lord. He says, “Just two weeks ago Liam asked “Dad, can I have my own Bible?” and that rocked my world.”  The capital campaign project has the potential to “give kids an example of how important they are,” as they become the next generation of believers.

Another young mother, Emily Yach, makes the profound point that “the more we invest in our kids, the more hope we’ll have for the future. They are the next generation and if we are equipping them now, they are going to make a better world, reaching people with the gospel.” The decisions we make today have the potential to impact the positive influence the youth of our church will have in the future.

Grandparents Arnie and Loretta Flagel also realize the vast impact the church has on the youth of today and vice versa. Advancing our youth is not only a joy-filled experience for parents and young adults in the church; its benefits impact all ages and family positions.  “Churches are dying because they don’t have a youth program,” says Loretta, but thankfully we are blessed because the youth program is “a vibrant part of Highland.” Despite not having young children, Arnie and Loretta “really feel like a part of [the Next Generation Capital Campaign] because they are a part of the church.”

It is the Lord’s work that remains the focus throughout all of the progress.  This project isn’t just about the children, the youth, the young adults, the middle age couples or the more mature Highland attenders. It is a project for the Kingdom. We are a generation of technology and growth, and it is up to us to use these gifts to further the Kingdom and make the incredible love of Jesus accessible to all. As individuals, our stories define us, and as Christians, our relationship with our Heavenly Father shapes our stories. Together as the church body it is our joy to pass on these stories to the next generation and provide them with opportunities to grow in their faith.