While many in our world consider clean water a treat and milk or juice an extreme luxury, it is fairly normal for us to consume a wide variety of different beverages throughout the week. And some of us have become quite dependent on our regular caffeine fix. If you usually drink coffee, tea, sodas, energy drinks, etc., cut those out for the next five days starting today and enjoy the other luxuries in life.

Americans could fill the Rose Bowl every three days with the food they throw away.

While an absence of food ravages millions in poor countries, an abundance of food is thrown away each day by millions in affluent countries. We say things like “eat everything on your plate because there are starving children in Africa,” but does that actually change the way we buy, consume, or think about our food? Some researchers estimate that over a quarter of all food currently available in the U.S. will never get eaten and end up in the trash. Take stock of what is currently in your fridge, cupboards, and drawers, and choose to not let any of it go to waste. Or look around the cafeteria before loading your plate and determine to only take what you can eat, and to eat everything you take. Try not to throw any food away this week.

"How would you explain the various reasons that millions of tons of food
are thrown away each day in the very same world where millions
of people are starving to death?"

EXODUS 16:11-18

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try spending the night in a closed room with a mosquito."
—AFRICAN SAYING

Have you ever looked at your life and felt powerless to make significant changes in the world because you’re “only one person?” What if, instead of being paralyzed by our own inabilities or overwhelmed by the world’s great needs, we lived as though our little acts of kindness really mattered, because they do. Mother Teresa was known for saying, “we can do no great things, only small things with great love.” She was determined to see the face of Jesus in every person she met, remembering His words, “whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me.” Choose today to do something “small” for someone with the knowledge that you are serving Christ himself. Maybe visit an elderly person, bring coffee to a professor, or join the 25:40 Hangout ministry downtown.

"What if you actually saw Jesus himself starving, or suffering,
or sick? What would you do for Him?"

MATTHEW 25:31-46

Americans spend $705 billion on entertainment and recreation every year.

We are a well-entertained society! We can hardly go anywhere without being bombarded by the sights, sounds, and sensations of our media industry. The billions of dollars we spend amusing ourselves each year could be used to literally change the world. Imagine if, rather than transporting our “American culture” to the developing world via movies, magazines, and music, we brought clean water (for 6 billion), and education (for 9 billion), and medical care (for 13 billion) instead. Choose today to forgo all of your typical means of entertainment (like watching TV, going to the movies, or eating out) and spend your extra time or dollars in a way that makes a lasting difference.

"What kind of statement would the American church make if we collectively
cut our recreational spending in half and proved that we love our global
neighbors as ourselves by putting our money where our mouth is?"

JAMES 5:5

"It’s amazing how much my definition of clean changed."
—MIKE YANKOSKI, AFTER CHOOSING TO LIVE ON THE STREETS FOR SIX MONTHS

One of the first things non-westerners seem to notice when traveling to a wealthy nation like ours is the high priority we place on cleanliness. Trash is collected in bins, restaurants undergo strict hygiene inspections, yards are pristine, pets are flea-free, and clothes are worn only once or twice before being washed. We have even been taught to associate “cleanliness” with “godliness” (i.e. good people live in clean neighborhoods, and bad people live in dirty neighborhoods; good people are bathed and well-dressed, and bad people are unwashed and wear dirty clothes). Today, choose to be “unclean.” Give up your shower, toothbrush, deodorant, etc., and identify with those who may rarely experience those luxuries.

"What is God’s definition of 'clean' for His children? How can you place more
emphasis on your inner purity and holiness?"

LUKE 11:37-41

"Become nothing before God, learn to keep silent; in this silence is the beginning, which is first to seek God’s kingdom."
—KIERKEGAARD

We are a noisy culture! For many of us, there’s not a moment of the day that is completely silent. But today you get to experience peace and quiet, so turn off your ipod, Pandora, radio, etc., and get comfortable in the silence. Instead of filling every empty space with background noise, try listening for the “still small voice of God” in the quiet. The art of resting in stillness and waiting for God to speak is being practiced less and less. Learn to reflect and meditate on the Word of God… slowly… deliberately… See how long it takes you to quiet your mind and still your thoughts. Attempt to sit for at least 15 minutes with a clear head and open ears, saying “speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (I Samuel 3:9). How is Jesus calling to you today?

"Does silence bother you? If so why?"

I KINGS 19:9-13

The wealthiest 20 percent of the world’s population consumes 86% of the world’s goods.

We in America have more than enough, yet we are generally unaware of our excess. What we often think of as a basic essential for everyday life, many people in our world would consider a luxury. Try redefining your idea of a daily necessity. Ask yourself what your true needs are and consider everything else an extra that you could potentially live without. Then choose five of your own supposedly “necessary” items that you will give up for today… perhaps toothpaste, coffee, your watch, makeup, and socks…? Or gum, chapstick, pen, lotion, and your backpack? Sacrifice some items that you’ll notice are missing and practice saying, “I have more than enough.”

"How do you respond to this statement by G.K. Chesterton: 'There are two ways
to get enough—one is to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less'?"

II CORINTHIANS 8:14-15

"Out of his solitude Jesus reached out His caring hand to the people in need. In the lonely place his care grew strong and mature."
—HENRI NOUWEN

For most of us, we are surrounded by people every moment of the day. While God created us for community, He also desires time alone with us. Make it a point to go to a solitary place sometime today for the sole purpose of being with God. For an hour or so, get away from distractions, go on a walk, drive your car to a quiet place, journal... Practice getting to know God better. Allow Him to reveal His character and heart to you as you spend time one-on-one with Him. Just like in any relationship, you can’t grow closer together without spending quality time together.

"Is it a struggle, or do you enjoy being alone with God?
Why or why not?"

MARK 1:35

"On Sunday morning, safe in our church pews and surrounded by friends, it can be all too easy to leave the world’s violence, suffering, and turmoil outside—out of sight, out of mind. But as Christians, are we really given the option of turning away?"
—RICHARD STEARNS

One of the reasons more Christians aren’t recklessly changing the world like Jesus taught us to is fear. Fear of physical harm, of a ruined reputation, of offending, of failing. So we stay safe in our comfort zones, while billions of people around the world have never heard the name of Jesus and are longing for the kind of spiritual, physical, and societal transformation only the gospel can bring. Go to joshuaproject.net and learn about the many unreached people groups around the world. Pick one, then ask God to send someone to tell them about Christ. Maybe He wants to send you...? Or perhaps He’s sending you to your lost friend or relative? Release your fears today and boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus to someone God directs you to. Just ask Him. And listen. He’ll show you.

"How else will this hurting world truly experience the Kingdom of God
unless we take risks, live radically, and love authentically?"

ECCLESIASTES 5:10-11

"Money does weird things to people… money does weird things to me."
—FRANCIS CHAN

The money in our wallets and bank accounts is not really ours. It all comes from God and we are merely entrusted with it, not entitled to it. Most Westerners don’t usually have to make excruciating financial decisions, like whether to spend our last dollars on food for our children or on medicine for our dying spouse. We unconsciously act as if money could take care of all of our needs, while many poor people have learned the secret to desperately waiting on God for even their most basic necessities. It’s hard for us to understand that kind of daily vulnerability and powerlessness, so choose today not to spend any money and instead taste the kind of freedom that comes from relying ONLY on God.

"What if we let God have a say in every single purchase we made?"

ECCLESIASTES 5:10-11

"That bread which you keep belongs to the hungry… those shoes which are rotting in your possession, to the shoeless; that gold which you have hidden in the ground to the needy."
—AUGUSTINE

Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores, or simply getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries, and just wearing shoes enables people to fetch water or medical help from distances that aren’t possible barefoot. A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites, which penetrate the skin through open sores; however, wearing shoes can eliminate this risk. Many times children can’t walk to school with bare feet, which means they don’t receive an education...all because they don’t have shoes (adapted from tomsshoes.com). In their honor, come to chapel barefoot this morning and “walk a mile in no shoes” throughout the day.

"If you counted all the shoes you own and averaged the cost of each,
how much of an investment have you made on your feet?"

LUKE 3:11

The average American young person sends and receives 3,339 text messages a month.

How did we ever survive without our cell phones!? For the next 24 hours, you can choose to experience life without being glued to it. Don’t just turn your phone to silent— turn it off, leave it behind, and don’t even check your voicemail. Cell phones are one of the many devices in our culture that promotes instant gratification. Just like microwaves and fast food have taught us that we don’t need to patiently wait for anything anymore, cell phones provide a quick fix as well. We don’t have to be on time because we can call and say we’re running late. We don’t need to talk to people face to face or make plans ahead of time. We have a “way out” because of our cell phones. Today, practice having patience in a culture of immediate solutions for our every problem.

"What do you think life is like for the millions of people without any device for instant communication?"

PSALM 40

"The more we pray for people, the more we will come to love them. So then, if we do not pray for people, can we say that we love them?"
—RICHARD FOSTER

Most of us already don’t get enough sleep each night, but that is usually due to our own choices. There are those in our world, however, whose sleep is continually interrupted, painful, or full of fear. It is often during those long nights that their cries reach the ears of a Father who cares. We too can choose to spend more than the average 3-4 minutes per day in prayer to the One who sees, knows, and hears all needs. Tonight, set your alarm for a time in the middle of the night to wake up and seek God, not only on your own behalf, but to also intercede for hurting people or global concerns as He places them on your heart.

"Is it easier for you to pray for general world issues or individual people you know?
What could you do so that your prayers become more personal and specific?"

PSALM 121

"No hurry—in Africa!"
—BUMPER STICKER IN TANZANIA

Our days are so full of meetings, to do lists, deadlines, and activities it’s no wonder we can’t often find time to reach out to the poor or lost. We seem to be running at a fast pace, sometimes late everywhere we go, which makes it difficult to be concerned about lives and plans other than our own. In many parts of the world, people seem to have a different notion of time that values relationships over schedules. Choose today to slow your life down so you can be more present in the present. Don’t wear a watch, try to get somewhere 20 minutes early, or cut something out of your calendar completely. Practice “African time,” focusing more on people than planners. See how God might fill your day in other ways.

"How can you schedule more 'breathing room' in your days and weeks to allow for an unplanned opportunity to minister to someone in need instead of racing by?"

ECCLESIASTES 3:1-13

13 billion dollars is spent by Americans on cosmetic surgery every year.

How much time do we spend staring at ourselves in front of the mirror, whether in dissatisfaction or admiration, compared to the time spent looking at God, His Word and His world? The beauty of creation is all around us, from sunsets and trees, to pets and people, so instead of being distracted with our own reflections, may we desire to reflect the wonder of our Creator God. Discover the liberation of having little concern for outward appearances, and choose not to look in the mirror today. Instead of worrying what you might look like on the outside, ask God to reveal what He sees in you on the inside.

"What could we do with the money we might save if we spent less on our 'outward beauty which fades?' (I Peter 3:3-4)"

I SAMUEL 16:7

"The poorest of the poor suffer silently, too weak for activism or too busy raising the next generation of hungry."
—A VOICE FROM HAITI

To be poor often means to be powerless, even to feel voiceless. Our world is so full of other noises and stronger voices that the quiet cries of the weak and hungry are easily drowned out. Many people have even put their hands over their ears to silence the sounds of suffering when it becomes too uncomfortable. But followers of Jesus have another choice; we are blessed with the ability to raise our voices and communicate the fears, pains, or longings of those too weary or resigned to do so themselves. Next time you have the opportunity to speak out on behalf of the poor, don’t waste it. But today for an hour or two choose not to speak in order to gain a clearer understanding of what it might feel like to live without a “voice.”

"What will you say the next time someone disparages or diminishes the plight of the poor?
How can you speak on their behalf?"

PROVERBS 31:8-9

"Even a 2-degree drop in body temperature results in reduced heart rate, loss of coordination, and confusion. Adults cannot work effectively and children find it difficult to learn. For most, a warm coat solves the problem."
—ONEWARMCOAT.ORG

Most of us own several coats and take it for granted that we have protection against the elements when winter sets in. But there are many people around the world and even in the U.S. who freeze to death every year. Let that sink in: people die because they can’t guard themselves against cold weather. Choose today to align yourself with the crisis of not being able to keep warm by going without your jacket. Take inventory of your closet—count your coats, gloves, hats and scarves and see if there are any you might be able to give away. Grab a friend and see if you can find someone with whom you can share your extra warmth. Perhaps they might also need a cup of hot cocoa or some warm, friendly conversation?

"How many coats do you have in your closet? How many do you actually wear?"

LUKE 3:11

"It’s not that rich Christians don’t care about the poor, it’s that we often don’t know the poor."
—SHANE CLAIBORNE

Jesus spent a lot of time with the sick, the sinful, and society’s outcasts. When he told His disciples that the poor would always be with them, perhaps He meant that the poor should always be with them…that if His disciples would show such unconditional love and acceptance, the poor would be irresistibly drawn to them. For Jesus, the lowly and the unlovely weren’t charity cases, they were His friends who He would laugh with, and eat with, and learn from. They weren’t projects, they were people He loved deeply and knew intimately. Don’t spend time with your usual friends today, instead choose to make a new friend—maybe someone easily ignored or judged. Discuss each others’ interests, families, future hopes, etc…. just like you do with any of your friends.

"How closely does your circle of friends resemble the wide range of people represented in Jesus’ circle of friends? What might you do to broaden the scope of your friendships?"

LUKE 14:12-24

"Many of the poor in our world own only the clothes on their backs. They have no closets."
—RICHARD STEARNS

Our closets are FULL of various options, and yet how often do we complain, I have nothing to wear!? We easily grow discontent from season to season, wishing that our dressers and drawers didn’t provide such a “limited selection.” But what if we had NO other options than the clothes on our back? Our choice in the mornings would certainly be easy and maybe our contentment would be found elsewhere. Today you get to experience what “life without a closet” would feel like and choose to wear the same clothes you wore yesterday.

"Do you think you would care as much about wearing the same clothes
two days in a row if everyone you knew only owned a few outfits?"

MATTHEW 6:25-33

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
—JIM ELLIOT

Do you possess your possessions, or do they possess you?
When we forget that our earthly treasures will one day pass away, it is easy to hold our belongings with a tight fist. But when we live like we believe that our real treasure is only found in Jesus, we can consider “everything else as rubbish.” What if our possessions had so little control over us that we would happily give someone the coat we were wearing, or the shoes off of our feet, or even the keys to our car? And instead of feeling a sense of loss, we felt liberated. Choose today to experience the freedom of giving something away… maybe not just the stuff you don’t like or don’t need, but something you do like or do need.

"How can you practice storing up your treasures in heaven, for 'there your heart will be also?'"

LUKE 12:13-21

"Water is life; because we have no water, life is miserable."
—A VOICE FROM KENYA

Women and children in developing countries usually spend around 5 hours a day just fetching water. Imagine if you woke up today and all around you every fixture with running water was gone. If you had to make several trips, on foot, to your nearest river or pond, even the simplest tasks like washing your hands or drinking a glass of water would become very difficult. Additionally, your nearest body of water could be disease-ridden and may introduce deadly parasites into your body. The quest for clean water would begin to completely dominate your day. Choose to experience the reality of 1.2 billion people by relinquishing your water supply in some way. (Try filling up a large container of water and using only that today for drinking, brushing your teeth, etc.)

"How much water do you think you use or consume on
an average day? What if you found out it was all unsafe?"

JOHN 4:4-15

"Violence done to women and girls is on the rise since troops were forced to abandon “firewood patrols” which once escorted them to collect wood for fuel."
—A VOICE FROM A REFUGEE CAMP IN DARFUR, SUDAN

Jesus said that His followers are the light of the world.
Sadly many people in His world live in literal darkness with no access to electrical power for miles. This means they must gather firewood in order to cook their meals, boil water, or have warmth and light when the sun goes down. When girls must venture far from home to find the needed fuel, they are often subjected to terrible harm. Choose today to go without electricity in some way so you can remember to pray for those who go without it every day. Perhaps unplug your chargers and appliances, do your homework by flashlight, or only eat food that doesn’t require heat
to prepare.

"What would you do if having light, heat, energy, and hot meals required
much more work than flipping a switch or turning a knob?”

MATTHEW 5:14-16

"Maybe I need Africa more than Africa needs me."
— AN AMERICAN CHRISTIAN

People living in extreme poverty do not have the option to be totally independent and self-sufficient. For sheer survival purposes, villages and families must join together to share food, shelter, water, transportation, skills and more. In America, however, we are not accustomed to being dependent on other people for our daily survival. Perhaps, living in such a way where we truly need one another isn’t shameful, but beautiful. Practice being highly dependent on someone else today, like borrowing something important from your roommate, asking a friend for a big favor, or sharing a “life together” moment where you are only the recipient. Hopefully, you will catch a glimpse of the kind of community the poor are uniquely privileged to experience.

Instead of typically being in the position to give, or teach, or offer our skills to the poor, why is it important to also be a receiver? How do we “need Africa” sometimes more than “Africa needs” us?

ACTS 2:42-47

"If you can read this, you are probably too close to your computer. If you can't read this, it's probably broke because I'm not working today."
— A CERTAIN UNIVERSITY WEB MASTER

The internet allows us incredible access to information, communication, and entertainment, usually for our own personal benefit, but it also allows us to learn about and be involved in different issues of global need. Lack of information is not the problem. The question is: does our increased awareness influence the way we care for our neighbors, or does it cause us to become detached and indifferent to the frequent images we see of human suffering? Today, give up your internet access (on your phone too!) and instead use another resource (newspaper, book, news magazine) to educate and engage yourself in the plight of our worldwide family.

Has the easy access to images and information about global concerns moved you into action or instead caused “compassion fatigue?”

JOB 30:24-25

Around 11 million children live on the streets in India, according to UNICEF estimates.

A typical bed for some of the poor in our world might be a thin piece of foam or simply a light blanket on a hard floor or dirt ground. Millions of children grow up on impoverished city streets never knowing the shelter of a roof over their head and the comfort of a soft bed. But in their distress, many will cry out to God as their Comforter and place of Refuge. Feel what many of our global brothers and sisters feel every night and choose to sleep on the floor beside your bed just for tonight…. maybe even without a blanket or pillow. Practice finding your true comfort in the shelter of God’s arms.

How might years of sleeping on the hard ground affect your daily life?

MATTHEW 8:19-20