You don’t want to miss this…

… make sure to read the whole email.

Grace Family,

This year has been a phenomenal year at Grace. We’ve seen lives transformed for Christ as the Holy Spirit has moved. Several years ago, as a step of obedience, we began fasting at the beginning of each year to seek God’s hand… and many of you are the result!

This year, we’ll be joining together in a church-wide fast on Jan 5-7. Fasting may be a new and unfamiliar concept for many of you. Don’t worry; I was in the same boat several years ago, but after seeing God’s response to His people praying and fasting, I’ll never go back! Several have asked me, “What do I do?” “Do I not eat at all?” “Do I have to fast from food?” … and these are GREAT questions.

If you are new to the spiritual discipline of fasting, you won’t regret setting aside the time to seek God in this special way. Many at Grace will do a water fast for these 3 days (no food and water only). Others will do other forms of fasting (partial fast, Daniel fast, entertainment fast, etc.). However you choose to participate, we must do this in unity. God’s blessing rests in places of oneness and unity with His people. You can learn more about fasting in the Fasting document on our website.

During these three days of fasting, here are the areas I am asking the church to focus on during their times of seeking God. I’ll send emails each day explaining a little more about each one.

• Day 1: Gratitude
• Day 2: Surrender
• Day 3: Boldness in the Spirit 

For those of you wanting to dig deeper and read more, here are some suggested books on using the spiritual disciplines as a means to walk with God:

• 2026 GCF Church Reading Plan – As a church, in 2026, we will focus on a spiritual discipline each month and read through various passages together. This plan can also be found in our church app in the Bible section.
• God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallace: This book will explain fasting clearly and will help you keep your focus correct as you fast.
• Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer: This book explains how we are transformed by God’s grace at work in our lives.
• Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster: This book will walk through the spiritual disciplines and how God uses the disciplines to position us for grace to transform us.

If you plan to join us, please fill out this form and let me know what you are praying for so we can join you. Keep reading under my signature. 

With gratitude,
Pastor Brandon Heckler