Temple Cleanse: Overview

To pursue, as a Church, a 40 day “Temple Cleanse” consecration emphasizing Faith, Food, Focus, Fitness, and Fellowship with the hope of creating lifelong transformational experiences in holistic health and wellness.

By virtue of living in a broken world full of sin and dysfunction, each of our bodies, minds, and spirits (Temples) are heavily influenced by toxins that are not a part of God’s desires for our lives. The Temple Cleanse allows Jesus into the various chambers of our body, mind, and soul so that He can drive out all the impurities that defile the Temple. With the impurities out, our temples become a place of healing, hope, peace, joy and restoration.

Again, the Temple Cleanse is about allowing Jesus Christ through the work of Holy Spirit, prayer, diet, exercise, and meditation of God’s word to take the impurities out of our body, mind, and soul.

However, this is not accomplished without the violent, aggressive, challenging and disruptive actions committed by our Lord and Savior in the aforementioned scripture. This document provides detailed actions that we will take to allow Jesus to clean us up.

We begin first by addressing spiritual noise. Each and every day you must choose to nourish your spirit and mind through the Word of God and prayer.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)

OUR MINDS ARE IN CONSTANT NEED OF RENEWAL… 

According to a Harvard Study many chronic health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, are linked to the amount of time individuals spend watching television, playing video games, and other forms of entertainment (Harvard School of Public Health). During the 40 days of the Temple Cleanse it is imperative that times watching television, playing video games, surfing the internet, checking social media, and other inactive leisurely activities be drastically reduced. These distractions will hinder the centering process and take away much needed time from prayer, meditation, and study. Likewise, they will hinder your motivation. How many times have we all gotten home from work and said we were going to workout or study after we sit down and relax for a “few minutes?” We must refrain during these 40 days from allowing neurological stimulants that keep us glued to a couch or desk chair to be our only form of “chill time.”

HOWEVER…

Many of us do need some downtime to decompress from our long and arduous days and are accustomed to technology helping with this process. Therefore, the Temple Cleanse urges us to spend no more than one hour a day during weekdays and two hours a day on weekends engaging in inactive recreational activities. As you progress through the Temple Cleanse you may be amazed at how effortlessly you disengage from technology. In order to hear God’s voice, we must cut down on the number of voices competing for our attention. There is very little you can do about the voices of your spouse, boss, children, colleagues or other close relationships but we can cut off the television, youtube videos, and radio. Use these 40 days to turn down Beyonce, Jay­Z, and Taylor Swift’s voices and tune into God’s voice. Flood your mind with scripture, hymns, and music that lifts up the name of Jesus. I promise you that Beyonce’s voice will be waiting for you at the end of these 40 days and will welcome you back with open arms.

BEGIN AND END EACH DAY WITH PRAYER

Pray the scripted prayers provided in this document at least twice a day. It may be the way you begin your prayer time with God. For some, it is a good idea to take 5 minutes out of your lunch break and read the scripture and prayer for the week. Also, read the provided scriptures each day and ask God to minister their meaning to your heart. Think about their words as you go about your day.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS 

We encourage everyone to journal each day and document your exercises, meals, and time spent in prayer and study. Also, track how you are feeling.

JOIN THE ONLINE COMMUNITY

Community Encouragement goes a long way in a 40-day consecration. Join the Temple Cleanse Facebook group today.

KEEP FOCUSED WITH NEW RECIPES

Find new and exciting ways to cook for your 40-day journey on Pinterest.