HBC Students

FINISH STRONG Your Next 21 Days Whether you're tired, hungry, or excited to be completing your fast, hang in there! Though the fast may be ending, it's really the beginning of a great year, walking with God. Remember, the whole point of this fast was to sacrifice food and other luxuries for the sake fo giving God our undivided attention and growing deeper in Him. The fire and zeal for God burning in your heart is what keeps your relationship with Him fresh and new. It allows you to continue serving and obeying Him from a position of "want to", and you will experience joy everyday - regardless of what life brings your way. Keep going the next 21 days... and the 21 days after that.... and so on. What you have practiced in these 3 weeks is super easy to sustain long-term. Prayer, fasting, and personal devotion are all quite simple to make part of your everyday life. During Awaken, you've created space for God to fill. The best way to continue in these same practices

AWAKEN DAY 21 Fasting Item: Technology Daily Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 23 David was faced with tough decisions that would impact himself, his soldiers and the nation of Israel. Instead of relying on his own strength and intelligence, David repeatedly gave God his undivided attention and asked him what he should do. Because he obeyed, God gave them all victory! You too will be faced with difficult decisions this year. Will this be a year of victory or defeat for you? Seek Jesus with all of your heart, mind, soul. and strength. Obeying His voice will make all the difference. SCRIPTURE                          OBSERVATION                                   APPLICATION                          PRAYER

AWAKEN DAY 20 Fasting Item : Technology, meats, sweets, & junk food Daily Scripture Reading : Mark 9 Why did Jesus only take 3 of the disciples up to the mountain? Maybe it's because we give more access to those we're the most connected to. Being close to God doesn't have to happen just during AWAKEN. Keep it going the next 21 days by making prayer, fasting, and devotions a regular part of your life.  Get alone with God. Disconnect every now and then from your phone and other distractions and you'll find that being close to God can be something you experience everyday. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

AWAKEN DAY 19 Fasting Item : Technology, meat, sweets, & junk food Daily Bible Reading : 1 Samuel 22 Even as David is running for his life, he takes time to help Abiathar. He didn't get so caught up in his own problems that he didn't care about anything else. Sometimes in our own struggles, we just can't find the strength to help others. But it's hard times that we can find a strength to help others. But it's in those hard times that we can find a strength we never knew we had.  Are you going through something that God could use to help someone else? Or have you been hurting on your own when you could be reaching out for help? Remember, God didn't intend for us to do life alone. Ask Him to show you ways you could be linking arms with others. SCRIPTURE                     OBSERVATION                     APPLICATION                     PRAYER  

 AWAKEN DAY 18 Fasting Item : Meats, sweets, & junk food Daily Scripture Reading : 1 Samuel 21 David and his men had been on a long journey, were no doubt super hungry, and needed something fast. They were so desperate that they resorted to easting the holy bread in the temple that was for the priests. This is a great picture of God's mercy and grace because God met their need by giving them access to a special kind of bread.  Though you may be really hungry right now like David and His men were, remember that we, too, have favor in God's eyes and Jesus has given us access to a better bread (Matt 4:4)! God's Word is like food for our souls. If you can, spend some extra time filling up in God's Word today. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

AWAKEN DAY 17 Fasting Item : Sweets & junk food Daily Scripture Reading : Mark 8 Even though the disciples had seen Jesus work miracles before, they didn't believe he could ever do them again. It was as though they simply forgot! But Jesus' work was never about the miracle - it was surrendering every care to Him and trusting His ability. This is a key to keeping our faith alive. So how do we keep from responding the way the disciples did? No matter what your situation, surrender every care to God. His amazing miracle-working power is still alive today if we will just release our burden to Him. He will supply above and beyond what you need. What are you holding onto that you can surrender to God today? In your prayer time, release every care you have to the Lord and believe He will take care of it. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

AWAKEN DAY 16 Fasting Item : Video Games & TV Daily Scripture Reading : 1 Samuel 20 True friendships can be a powerful thing. When we are surrounded but friends, who truly love Jesus, they will encourage us, watch out for us, and point us to God's best. No doubt, we will all come up against some tough times when we will need good friends to support us. But we have to be careful to choose our closest friends - the ones that we truly do life with.  Think about the friends closest to you. Are they spiritually strong people? If not, who could you position yourself closer to? Also, think about what kind of friend you are to others. Resolve to be the kind of friend that encourages and challenges others to chase after God. SCRIPTURE                     OBSERVATION                     APPLICATION                     PRAYER  

 AWAKEN DAY 15 Fasting Item : Fast food, sweets, & junk food Daily Scripture Reading : 1 Samuel 19 David was treated unfairly most of the time due to jealousy. But he never acted out in vengeance, or became bitter from it. Even while it meant he had to run for his life at times, David stayed faithful to God.  Have you ever been treated unfairly? Are there situations you face on a regular basis that seem unfair or unjust? Even if you could be justified in your actions, resolve today that you're not going to go there. Ask God to give you the patience and strength to respond in the right way. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

AWAKEN DAY 14 Fasting Item : Technology Daily Scripture Reading : Mark 7 What does it mean to live holy? Is it following a set of rules to seem "good", or is it something more? When we get caught up in following rules, we miss out on growing in God. We can follow rules and rituals all day long, but if our lives are not being transformed in the inside, it becomes meaningless. In your prayer time today, take some time to make sure things are not becoming "ritual" in your walk with God. If they have, don't worry - that can all change. Make a commitment to not just go through the motions, but really "be there" and let God transform you in the process. SCRIPTURE                     OBSERVATION                     APPLICATION                     PRAYER  

 AWAKEN DAY 13 Fasting Item : Meats & Sweets Daily Scripture Reading : 1 Samuel 18 David's life was full of trials. God was with him and blessed him big time, but David had to practice patience, kindness, humility, honor, and self control along the way. It's the same thing with us today. God is with us, but we live in a fallen and broken world, and things aren't always easy. No matter what, we have to check our attitudes and our actions - regardless of what we are facing. Practicing this daily is what will build a Christ-like character within us. How often do you show patience to others? Kindness to your sibling or honor to your parents? Today, work on getting better in these areas. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

 AWAKEN DAY 12 Fasting Item : Technology Daily Scripture Reading : 1 Samuel 17 You know that feeling when you hear someone is talking trash about your best friend? It can make you angry - pretty quick, can't it? In the same way, when David heard the way Goliath was speaking to the Israelite army, he was furious! Even when his brother questioned him, David didn't back down. He knew this was a big deal - he was standing up for the name of God. Standing for God can often mean being criticized. We can learn a lot from David: he did't debate with his brother and he kept his focus on the real issues. Today, take some time to think about what really matters in your life. What is God calling you to? If others are trying to tear you down, keep your focus on God to avoid getting distracted.  SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

 AWAKEN DAY 11 Fasting Item : Meats, Sweets, & Junk Food Daily Scripture Reading : Psalms 56 & 57 Do you ever turn to food when you're in a bad mood or having a bad day? Maybe it isn't food or sweets for you, but other things you turn to when you're worried, frustrated, or afraid. When King David was having some of his most challenging days, he always turned to God. Like him, everyone struggles from time to time. But during this time of concentrated prayer, fasting, and personal devotion, ask God to take you to a new level of trust and satisfaction in Him. Even though our nature is to turn to "stuff", practice turning to God whenever you're tempted, or having your roughest of days. The more we put God first, the stronger we become. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                         PRAYER

  AWAKEN DAY 10 Fasting Item : TV & video games Daily Bible Reading : 1 Samuel 14 David knew the sting of rejection because he didn't "look" the part, but he held firm to who he was in God. Even though his own father was ready to overlook him, David knew his destiny was not in the hands of man. He had a heart after God. God set the record straight and made it clear that He doesn't just judge the outward appearance - He looks at the heart. Today, people are judged or dismissed because of the way they look. But true character is shown though a person's actions, not their appearance. Take some time to think both about how you relate to others, and how you see yourself. Commit to following after God and finding your value in Him. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

 AWAKEN DAY 9 Fasting Item : Meats, sweets, & junk food Daily Bible Reading : 1 Samuel 15 After being confronted in this chapter, Saul finally confessed that he was wrong. But something was missing: he never repented and turned back to God. All the way to the end, Saul still only cared about what other people thought. What pride. What arrogance. Compromise after compromise led down a road of complete destruction. No matter where we are, if we turn around and run back to God, He forgives us, restores us, and puts us back on the right track. Are you holding onto something God told you to get rid of?  Have you compromised your walk with God?  In your prayer time today, don't just confess, but repent! Turn away from this things and back to God. You will be refreshed when you do! SCRIPTURE                          OBSERVATION                           APPLICATION                     PRAYER

 AWAKEN DAY 8 Fasting Item : Sweets & junk food Daily Scripture Reading : Mark 6 In our culture, it seems that being cynical has somehow become cool. In Mark chapter 6, we read how Jesus was unable to do any mighty works in His hometown of Nazareth because the people's cynical thinking turned into skepticism. Their narrow thinking actually blocked the power of Jesus! A wall had been built up in their minds and no matter what miraculous things Jesus had done, all they could see was the kid next door: the carpenter's son. Have you become cynical?  Does it seen foolish to believe for the impossible, but there's something in you that believes there could be more?  Pray about those areas specifically and ask God to increase your faith. Remember, even if your faith is the size of a mustard seed, God can work with that! SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

  AWAKEN DAY 7 Fasting Item : All technology Daily Bible Reading : 1 Samuel 14 Jonathan takes a big risk in this chapter - because he trusted in God! No doubt we will all have times where we shrink back in fear or intimidation. Even if you feel outnumbered, remember God is with you. Put your confidence in His character and His ability - and watch Him do the impossible! Today, spend some time thinking about the amazing greatness of God. Jesus died so that we can have victory in our lives. Even if you're not facing challenges now, strengthen your faith in who He is. As you read this passage, notice the character and strength of God. Remember who He is and that the very same God that worked on Jonathan's behalf is just as much for you. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

  AWAKEN DAY 6 Fasting Item : Video games & TV Daily Bible Reading : 1 Samuel 13 Saul was 30 when he became the king of Israel, and he reigned for 42 years. The entire time, Saul struggled with obedience to God. He made choices to please people, instead of looking to please God (and suffered consequences).  Today we read about Saul disobeying God yet again, taking matters in his own hands instead of waiting like he should have. This time, his disobedience cost him the crown - he would have to be replaced. Have you ever gotten tired of waiting?  Taken matters into your own hands only to regret it later?  Severe consequences can be avoided altogether - if we learn to just trust God and wait on Him. Today, pray that God will strengthen your perseverance, even through temptation. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

 AWAKEN DAY 5 Fasting item : Sweets & junk food Daily Bible Reading : Mark 5 Have you ever felt like things seemed impossible? In those moments ther eis nothing you can do, that's the perfect time to let Jesus take over! In Mark 5, a heartbriken dad finds out his daughter had died. What could he do? Jesus knew. "Do not fear, only believe." God's problem solving works the same way today. whatever it is you're facing, think of those words, "Do not fear, only believe." You can always trust Jesus. Whne your circumstances seem impossible, He can make things possible.  What difficult situation do you need to let go of?  Is there anything in your life that you've given up on or lost hope for that you need to let Jesus breathe life back into? Recommit those things to Him today. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                      PRAYER

 AWAKEN DAY 4 Fasting Item : Social Media (Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook) Daily Bible Reading : 1 Samuel 12 The people of Israel had it made: God Himself was their King! He guided and protected them, providing everything they needed. But other nations had a man for a king - and the Israelites began to want one too. They worried about what everyone else thought of them and wanted to be like those around them. They ended up being ruled by an imperfect man instead of being led by a perfect God. Sometimes, we do the same thing. With Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, and everything else, we can put ourselves in other people's control and care way too much what they think about us by what our latest post looks like or how many likes we get.  Disconnect from all of it today and let God remind you of who you are in Him. As you fast from social media today, completely recommit to God and make Him the KING of your life! SCRIPTURE                      OBSERVATION                

 AWAKEN DAY 3 Fasting Item : Fast food, sweets, & junk food Daily Bible Reading : 1 Samuel 11 Do you ever have times where you get some bad news and end up feeling so sad it makes you want to give up? Or experienced so much pressure, fear, or temptation that you just want to give in? That's how the people of Israel felt in this chapter! But when everyone else was afraid, God rushed in and helped King Saul lead the people to not only fight but DEFEAT their enemies! The next time you feel overwhelmed by weakness or just plain discouraged, remember that fasting is one of the ways we can allow the Holy Spirit to flow in our lives. he gives us the power, strength, and energy to overcome any difficulties we may face. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                      PRAYER

  AWAKEN DAY 2 Fasting Item : TV Daily Bible Reading : Mark 4 Seeds need the right conditions to grow and bear fruit. Jesus uses the parable in Mark chapter 4 to explain His Word like a seed. It goes into our hearts with potential  to bear lots of fruit and life. But sometimes, it's the condition of our hearts that can hinder us from allowing  His Word to work deeply within us, and we don't experience the results we could otherwise. Consider the condition of your heart. Which "soil" best describes it? Regardless of where you find yourself, God can change it all and turn your heart into fertile ground that produces life. But you've got to take some time to tune into God. Turn off the TV and make time to pray. Ask God which type of soil your heart is. He's best at turning it all around! SCRIPTURE                       OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                     PRAYER

AWAKEN DAY 1 Fasting Item : Video Games Daily Bible Reading : 1 Samuel 10 God doesn't always pick people that are fully qualified to do the job He's calling them to do. Instead, He's the one who qualifies, guides, and leads the ones He chooses. There's a big difference! When we shift our focus on God's ability instead of our inability - we will find we can step out in faith and confidence to do what He's calling us to do. Think about what God is calling you to.  Is there fearfulness that keeps you from stepping out in courage and faith? Commit these thing to God and over the next 21 days ask Him to help you reach a deeper level of dependence and trust in Him. SCRIPTURE                         OBSERVATION                         APPLICATION                         PRAYER