Guide To Fasting

Spiritual Discipline of Fasting, Week 4 (26 Feb 2025)

Listen/Sing:
1. Hosanna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TEZNc2RpPk

2. Complete: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEUztyAdqGY
3. Alabaster Jar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpxYQzOyx6c

Read:

Philippians 4

Steps for Fasting

Start Small - Fast for one meal, maybe lunch. Don’t overeat to prepare!

Take fruit juice if you must to keep up your energy.

Plan activities you’ll do in lieu of eating - Worship, Bible Study using S.O.A.P.

Fasting can be from other things – TV, Social Media, other sources of enjoyment.

Bible Study using S.O.A.P.

1. Scripture

Read the scripture passage of the day
Select portions which you sense God highlighting to you or that you feel special significance for.
Write them out, in your journal if you have one. Writing facilitates memory and this helps get the Word deeper in us.

2. Observation

As you read the Bible, look for one of the following:

A lesson to be learnt
An example to be followed
Promises to be enjoyed
Jesus to be revealed

• Main question for reflection: Why is God highlighting this verse to you? What is God saying to you from the Bible?

Write 3-4 sentences about what you have observed from the text and how it relates to you.

3. Application

Main question for reflection: How will you be different as a result of what you have read and God has spoken?

Write down specific application plans and desires.

4. Prayer

Write your prayer down, giving thanks to God, asking him how he wants you to respond, and for courage and determination to do so.

SOAP Contributions from our CCMC Community

Week 4 (26 Feb 2025)

STAND FAST TOGETHER SPIRITUALLY

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-3 NKJV
Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I implore Euodia, and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Observation

We are reminded that we are not fighting against the enemies by ourselves. We must unite our minds and hearts in Christ alone, even though we can be serving in different ministries.

Application

Be mindful how busyness and differences can distract our focus on the One who is sitting at the Highest Place.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us all the time to be united in our hearts to serve You alone without any personal agenda. In Jesus' most wonderful name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Scripture: Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Observation
Paul’s words highlight dependence on Christ's strength rather than personal ability.
In the context of fasting, this verse reminds us that it is not by our own willpower that we can endure the challenge, but by God’s strength.
Fasting can bring physical weakness, but it also brings spiritual growth, as we rely on God for strength and sustenance.
This verse is a reminder that Christ empowers us to do what we cannot do in our own strength, including fasting and denying our fleshly desires.

Application
Fasting is a time of humbling myself and acknowledging that I need God in every area of life, including my physical and emotional cravings.
I should remember that my strength to fast does not come from my own effort but from God’s power working in me.
Whenever I feel weak or tempted to give up during a fast, I can rely on Christ's strength to continue.
I can also use moments of weakness to grow closer to God, learning to depend on Him more deeply, both spiritually and physically.

Prayer
Lord, I thank You for Your strength that empowers me to endure. As I fast, help me to remember that I am not relying on my own willpower, but on Your sustaining grace. Fill me with Your Spirit and let this fast draw me closer to You. May I experience Your peace and strength in my weakness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Lord Is Near

Scripture: Philippians 4: 4-5

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Observation

Consider this faith community in this Roman colony which has to withstand external enemies of being persecuted, & also to endure inward fighting amongst church leaders (Euodia & Syntyche v2). Paul, who planted this first church in Europe, had always maintained a special bond with the Philippians. He wrote this epistle to them with the central theme of rejoicing in the Lord while remaining steadfast in their faith even as they persevered through trials. They need not fear nor worry for the Lord is near – He is with them, then, & He will return again.

Application

It is truly radical for a wrongfully imprisoned servant of God to exhort his fellow believers to rejoice, to be gentle, to be at peace, yet Paul did. When others wronged us, what would be our first reaction? When we are suffering, when we are praying for God’s protection and justice and mercy, do we still have the strength to love others, to serve others selflessly? Only if we rely on our Lord who is near, who is with us, for Paul says in Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for you are with us. You see our struggles, the foes around, among & within us. & You are near. You are our strength, our shield, our sanctuary. Help us to fight the battles against those forces who work to pull us away from you, the same forces who seek to cause disunity amongst us & discontent in our hearts. Give us a heart of compassion and contentment and to rejoice in all circumstances. Help us to set aside time in solitude with you to focus on you so that we can draw near to you. In Your Son’s most precious name we pray.

Choose Your Thoughts

Scripture: ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Observation
Paul’s final exhortation to the Philippians was to rejoice in the Lord; not to be anxious but to submit all concerns to the Lord and fill their minds with positive thoughts instead.

Application
What we focus on will grow and magnify; and Paul’s exhortation is practical in helping us grow in the joy of our Lord and diminishing worries and concerns, by choosing to fill our minds with more positive thoughts.

Prayer
Dear Lord, my concerns are many but Your grace and mercy are more. Help me focus on Your goodness and faithfulness always, counting your blessings instead of my blemishes, and to rejoice always that You are my Lord, my Rock and Redeemer who will always be my Helper 🙏

Scripture: Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Observation

Paul was imprisoned and in chains in Rome when he wrote his letter to encourage the church in Philippi. In some ways, he faced an uncertain future. But yet, Paul was giving thanks because the situation was used to advance the saving message of the gospel (Phil 1:12-14).

In Phil 4:12, Paul says “…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation”, and he shared a hint of this secret in Phil 2:6-11 when he writes of Jesus's divine nature, sacrificial love and eternal victory over sin and death.

In our lives on earth, being contented is not guaranteed. When we face hard times, there can be a sense that the burden or penalty is unfairly disproportionate to our shortcomings or mistakes. And there are even situations when the hard times we face are due to factors not caused by our own hand.

Contentment is also not guaranteed when we face good times. Being human, part of us thinks that what we enjoy right now is the fruit of our own labour. But we also have a nagging sense that we are limited, and the good times have a “shelf life” and will surely end someday, so the sense of contentment feels fleeting.

Lasting contentment and peace is attainable when we reflect on Jesus's life and follow His example, while keeping the faith that God's eternal kingdom awaits us.

In Phil 4:13, Paul writes “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”. Paul’s contentment comes from being rooted in Christ Jesus, God the Son, but who took the nature of a servant, died under the laws and hands of man, but who was raised and exalted under God the Father’s terms.

So in spite of being physically chained, Paul was spiritually filled by Christ and free, and that let him continue in his vocation even in that difficult time in the prison. Paul may have had his work cut out for him. But he found a lasting contentment, knowing that Jesus had done all the heavy lifting and was still working through him and around him, (Phil 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”).

We can attain lasting contentment even as we continue in our vocations in our lives on earth, in good times and in tough, by being confident in God's eternal plan and fixing our hearts, minds and bodies on Christ – a contentment and peace that cannot be taken away by man, because Jesus has already won the eternal victory for us.

Application
God our Creator has been, is and will keep on working to restore us unto Him until the day Jesus comes again.
Will try to make a list of blessings and mercies of God that I can give thanks for - one thanksgiving down every day, or write 7 every week, and try to reach 100.
E.g. Thank you, Lord,

for crunchy red apples
for the cooling rain this afternoon
for the noisy family dinner yesterday
for the very timely message from my colleague
for Jesus’s presence at church camp in June

Aim to take it out every now and then to see the work of our God in and around our lives, or to share it with someone whom God may prompt us to journey with. In a way, we and the very blessings we have received may be used as instruments of God.

Prayer

Dear Lord, we thank you for not giving up on us despite our sin and weaknesses.

Thank you for the mercies and blessings that You surround us with, in good times and in tough times, and help us to spot them more keenly. Please continue to work in our hearts, so that we can apply our minds and bodies in ways that help us to grow deeper in You, and to live out and reflect the gospel of Christ more widely. In Jesus’s name we give thanks and pray, amen.

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Observation

It is our choice to continue to be anxious and fearful, or bring our worries to God, who alone is perfectly able and willing to care for every concern of our lives.

Application

With God's assurance we can rest our worries with him and trust in His ways and timing.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for your infinite love and power that we can fully rest our worries with you, knowing that your way is the best and only way. In Jesus Christ's holy name we humbly pray. Amen.

Scripture: Philippians 4:9

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Observation
In this last chapter of Philippians, Paul appeals to believers to be united and stay the course (of faith). He offers friendly advice to rejoice in the Lord, show gentleness, refrain from being anxious, pray constantly and pre-occupy our minds with good things. With these, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus. It’s easy and straightforward enough but do I really take on board good teachings, examples and practise them in my life?

Application

As we are already almost 2 months into the new year, the thought of things that need to be done or events coming up are starting to play on my mind and cause me to feel anxious and stressed. Then there is the almost constant stream of ‘bad news’ be it reading the newspapers about global affairs, receiving updates about work or even about family matters. I need to take Paul’s advice and take heed of the Bible’s good teaching, receive from role models and put all to practise!

Prayer
Abba Father, you are our good, good Father and you constantly go before us in all our circumstances. Thank you also for your Word and for faith heroes such as the apostles who faced so much more hardships and challenges for the sake of our faith. Please forgive me for being so small minded and being self-focussed. Grant me you supernatural strength and Shalom to guard my feelings and thoughts so I can focus more fully on you, your teachings and all things good. We ask all these in and through Jesus Christ, Amen.

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Observation

As Paul concludes his epistle, having written of the spread of the Gospel, the costs of following Christ, the humility of Christ, the righteousness we find in Christ, and the goal our eyes are fixed upon, he reminds the Philippians to rejoice. Joy is found in the guidance and companionship of the Lord, our great provider who listens to our needs with deep compassion. By bringing our requests to God through prayer, we receive comfort in knowing that He hears us, that He is sufficient for us, and He gives to us an otherworldly and profound peace. It is the peace of God that carries us in our journeys of discipleship.

Application

Joy might seem an emotion too exuberant for many, but it is the warmth and radiance that emanates from we who have known the love, grace, and mercy of the Father. It is this deep joy that flows into the lives of others as kindness, generosity, and calmness. There are situations and demands that conspire to create anxiety in us, and they are not always resolved so easily through prayer. However, as we go to the Lord and lay down that which creates worry in us, we may find ourselves tended to, secure in the blessed assurance of trusting in God.

Prayer

Lord, we have faltered. We have forgotten the exuberant joy that comes in knowing who You are and have been in our lives. We have ceded the space in our minds to all manner of worry, anxiety, and distraction. We have given too much of our attention to the busyness and minutiae of our tasks and the affections of others. Forgive us, Lord. We pray that we would turn to you once again, bearing our sorrows and our joys, bringing them to you in supplication. We pray to receive the peace that defies understanding, that which holds our hearts and our minds so tenderly, and gives us the strength to continue in our journeys of faith. Amen.

Week 3 (19 Feb 2025)

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-8

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.

Observation

Paul openly shares his heart, acknowledging that all worldly achievements and possessions are worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. His words challenge us to reflect on what truly matters in life; whether we will chase after worldly ambitions or prioritise our relationship with Him. This passage provides a foundation and goal for our lives, offering a clear principle of priorities. When we recognise that our primary purpose is to know God, many of life’s problems naturally fall into place as our perspective shifts from temporary concerns to eternal significance. As a friend shared today, we often feel burdened by a thousand problems, until we face a major health crisis, and suddenly, we have only one. Likewise, when we follow Paul’s example by fully surrendering to God and making His kingdom our highest priority, we experience the deep joy of intimacy with Christ; one that overshadows all temporary concerns. This profound relationship with Him is an incomparable treasure that far surpasses the fleeting gains of this world.

Application

Make a deliberate choice to prioritise your relationship with Christ, letting go of anything that hinders your pursuit of Him. Actively seek to deepen your intimacy with Jesus through prayer and submitting to Him. Find true joy in knowing Him, for He alone is worthy of our devotion and praise!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the powerful testimony of Paul, reminding us that nothing compares to the surpassing joy of truly knowing You. Help us to release anything that hinders our relationship with You and to fix our heart and mind on what is eternal. Teach us to seek You above all else and to treasure our relationship with You more than worldly success, wealth, or status.

Create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us. Deepen our desire to know You more, trusting that You alone are our greatest treasure. Grant us the strength and perseverance to serve You faithfully, to walk in obedience with courage, and to glorify You in all that we do. May our lives be a living testimony of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Scripture: Philippians 3:9

and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Observation

The Law reminds us of our weakness, but faith frees us from this bondage.

Application

We should trust only in our Lord and not our own ability to be saved.

Prayer

Lord, please guide us to depend on you, surrender and trust only in you.
In Jesus's name we humbly pray. Amen.

Heavenly Citizenship

Scripture: Philippians 3:20-21

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Observation

Paul’s warnings & encouragement to the Philippians speak of a time when believers are bombarded with false teachings, old values & customs, and striving to maintain the right way of living in Christ. Paul urges believers to follow his example, not that he already attained perfection but he presses on toward the goal, even from his prison cell. For this is our call, our purpose, our life, for ours is the citizenship in heaven. Not the life after death but the life right here right now.

Application

As citizens of heaven, our loyalty our allegiance is to our heavenly King for we are but pilgrims & sojourners here on earth. We are not to cling on to the things of this world but are committed to live desiring God’s will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven. To tell of His goodness, to sing of His praises, to share in His suffering, & to let our conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for ours is the citizenship of your heavenly kingdom. Help us to live with this eternal perspective & not an earthly perspective. Give us the strength to press on when the world presses us down. Grant us your peace & fill us with joy to know you are with us whatever the circumstances right now & in eternity. In Your Son’s most precious name we pray.

BEWARE OF FAKE CHRISTIANS

Scripture: Philippians 3:2-3 NKJV
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

Observation

Paul reminded us to be constantly aware of fake Christians around us. We must not trust easily or be influenced by what is popular in social media.

Application

We must always turn to the Bible and other sources for independent verification based on what we hear and see. Do not trust others easily.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for reminding us to be alert to influence from others who are different from Your Holy teachings. In Jesus' most precious name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Scripture: Philippians 3:12
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

Observation
Paul pressed on toward the goal to receive the heavenly prize for which God through Christ is calling us.

Application
Like Paul, to focus on Jesus and maintain a perspective of eternity.

Prayer
Lord, I know it may not be easy at times, frustrating and disheartening at times; but press on I shall, by Your grace dwelling in me

Scripture: Philippians 3:8

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

Observation

Writing to the church in Philippi, Paul describes the all-encompassing cost of discipleship, in his case giving up his previous position and stature as a zealous Pharisee for the precarious, tumultuous, and dangerous work of following Christ.

Application

If we remember the spiritual discipline of simplicity, we recall that the life to which Christ calls us is not concerned with vanity, recognition, or material acquisition. Christ calls us to obedience, surrender, and a consideration of a life that prizes knowing Him above all else.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the ways my mind has wavered, concerned with the affection, approval, and acceptance of others. Give us contrition and humility as we strive toward the goal of knowing you. Amen.

Week 2 (12 Feb 2025)

BONDSERVANT

Scripture - Philippians 2:7-8 NKJV
[7] "but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."

Observation

A bondservant is someone who is willing to give himself up in order to allow his Master (Lord Jesus) to advance the purposes of the Kingdom of God.

Application

Jesus showed how a bondservant should do - exercise humility and obedience.

Prayer

Dear Lord, please guide us on how to be humble in waiting on the Lord, endure all the sufferings and hardship, and focus on obedience and faithfulness as the outcome of our own faith journeys. Have mercy on us, Lord. In Jesus's most wonderful name, we humbly pray at Your throne. Amen.

Scripture - Philippians 2:4-5 KJV
[4] "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. [5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

Observation

This is a good reminder that we should look beyond our self interest but the interest of other, and most importantly upon our God and our Lord Jesus Christ

Application

Thank you for reminding us to Love God and our neighbour beyond our temporal self.

Prayer

Pray that we can be transformed and renewed, for our own self has died and we are born again, sanctify with His words daily to have the mind of Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour we pray, Amen.

Yet Not I But Christ In Me

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-8

[3] "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

[5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

[6] Who, being in very nature a God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

[8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Observation

Paul reminds us that in all that we do, do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. When we look to Christ, the Son of God, who humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross, who is man who dares to be prideful? Yet we are. In this me-centred world, it is hard not to think of me first & be selfish, prideful or judgmental. We see our own efforts but not others, we count the hours we put in but take for granted others who sacrificed. Instead of being humble, we grumble. We lose the joy when we have the me-perspective and forget that we are called to value others above ourselves.

Application

Fix our eyes on Christ & acknowledge that Christ is Lord. It is He who blesses us with the privilege to serve and the gifts to equip us to serve. He knows our heart, the strength we need to persevere in faith. Christ has done much more, loved much more and sacrificed much more. It is for us to anchor ourselves through the discipline of studying God's Word, to know Him more.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for the gift of your Son. In him, we have the perfect teacher & guide. Search me, O God & know my heart; test me & see if there is any offensive way in me & lead me in the way everlasting. In all things, more of you, Lord, & less of me. In Your Son’s most precious name I pray.

Scripture - ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭
”Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,“

Observation
Self interest and ego remain two of our main hurdles to godliness.

Application
Constantly remind myself of status as a fallen sinner undeserved of the wonderful grace of God.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Indeed I am humbled by your grace.
Mold me to be more like you, loving God and loving others as I’m so much loved by You ❤️

Week 1 (5 Feb 2025)

Christ Began, Christ Completes

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-5

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Observation

Paul’s love & care for the believers in Philippi, was so evident. He prayed fervently for them even as he wrote to the from his imprisonment, & rejoiced in their faith & their shared ministry. Despite his circumstances at the time of his writing, despite the challenges he faced in Philippi when he planted the church on his second missionary trip in Acts 16, his heart was filled with gratitude towards ‘my God’. His joy in the Philippians’ faith & growth, his confidence in ‘my God’ who began the good work and would complete the good work in the believers, is in itself a testimony to the work of grace.

Preparing for this evening’s ‘Companions in Christ’ session, inspired by this passage to pray the same for the companions who have journeyed together for the past 20 over sessions. Such joy! This journey of faith which started last year, exploring & practicing the various spiritual disciplines, have been both exciting & challenging, sometimes more challenging than we expected. But when we sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in moulding & shaping all of us, the joy is real & the reward sweet.

Application

Trust God to do His good work in every soul! Remember to pray fervently, give thanks gratefully, & rely on Him to empower & to equip all of us, participants & facilitators both!

Prayer

Lord, I give thanks, for each & every one of the companions on the journey to seek you & draw close to you. You are the light that guides us in the dark, & in You we find the peace we long for. Help us to continue to seek you, to listen to your voice & discern your plans for us through the means of grace You have blessed us with. Fill us always with joyous anticipation to encounter you in all circumstances & all seasons of our lives! In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.

Watch the 'Celebration of Discipline' Sermon Series