Wow I haven't written here since day 23 and it's already day 40. I thought I would put on paper some of the things I have learned going through this fast.
1) Dependence on God is a moment by moment commitment on my part. One minute I say "God I'm going to depend on you this day," and the very next struggle I face I'm forgetting that commitment. Fasting helped me in a very real way to remember that commitment to depend on Him.
2) As I depended on God I became more aware of Him, my sin nature and my need for him. I don't really like being human. I look forward to the day when I will be like Him, leaving my sin nature behind. It will be amazing to worship Him in spirit and truth as He is meant to be worshiped. I know I will have to wait until Heaven for that day, so I will wait and anticipate it like I anticipate chocolate. Think there will be chocolate in Heaven? If not there will be something greater to take it's place, of this I'm sure.
3) I have become more aware of the need to work on every aspect of my life. My marriage to my wonderful husband. I don't know what I would do without him, he means so much to me, even when I get upset with him I can't imagine life without him.
My children, wow God just keeps on blessing and blessing my undeserving heart. I have great kids, what can I say? I can't imagine my life without them either. I love seeing them grow into Godly children, following His lead, that's been my prayer all along. I'm so proud of them. I learn so much from them. "Thanks God for teaching me through my children. May I always be open to learning from them."
Our finances, We have dishonored God in so many ways with the misuse of the funds He has so generously given us throughout our married life. We are working on getting out of debt so that we can honor God with the money He has blessed us with.
I really believe my focus has been sharpened in those areas of my life with this fast.
3). I have become aware of what I can do without in the food chain. By day 30 I wasn't at all hungry during the day. I think that I will try to continue much of what I have done with this fast. We had no meat at all and boy I didn't think I could ever live without it. No caffeine, it wasn't a piece of cake, that one.
I think I want to try to keep much of this fast going even when it's over because it will help me to continue to remember God and depend on Him. Pastor Ivan talked today about the scouring of Jesus and asked the question what will we do to be faithful to Jesus? This is one of the ways I will try to be faithful.
Father God, I want so much to be faithful to you. Help me to live each moment in dependence on you and help me to remember the enormous sacrifice you made on my behalf. Thank you for the agony your suffered, thank you for the cross, pain for you, redemption for me, thank you for the sacrifice.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Day 23
Pretty much hungry all the time! Even about 2 hours after I eat dinner which is very low in calories, I get hungry again.
During these times of hunger I can't help but think about Jesus and His 40 days spent in the desert. I have brought this passage up in another blog, but it really resonates with me so I would like to expound on it a little.
The Bible says that after 40 days He was hungry, it also sounds like He was kept alive supernaturally having nothing to eat or drink. At His most vulnerable time, when He is most famished is when Satan appears.
Isn't that the truth, Satan appears when we are most vulnerable and he attacks us in the weakest areas of our lives. When we give in to that attack, it is then that we are left alone with our guilt and shame. Some people remain in that state not realizing that God understands our misery and when we confess He is quick to forgive us our sins.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.
What we need to remember is that we don't have to give in to Satan and sin. Jesus knows how to resist Satan. We on our own can't resist him but with the power of the King of kings and Lord of lords we can walk away from any temptation.
This fast has shown me that I can be strong in the Lord. Allow me to share an example of this. I made Chocolate Chip Cookies the other day and while I was making them I wasn't tempted. However, being in the house alone during the day the temptation to have "just one" is great. The two things that stop me is knowing how guilty and sad I would feel if I gave in and thinking of how I want to do this fast for Jesus. It's not that I have to in order to gain points but I desire to because of what He did for me.
Jesus knows my heart and He places there the tools that help me to resist the need to "eat the cookie." Ha...so there Satan, you lose this time and with God's help the next time too! :) To God be the glory!!
1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
We all share the same temptations and sin nature. Let's hold each other up in prayer calling out to God to help us resist Satan and all his temptations. Be confident that God hears our prayers and is faithful to answer.
Prayer: Pray with me that we can resist the urgings of Satan so that we may live freely, the life that God has planned for us. Thanks!
During these times of hunger I can't help but think about Jesus and His 40 days spent in the desert. I have brought this passage up in another blog, but it really resonates with me so I would like to expound on it a little.
The Bible says that after 40 days He was hungry, it also sounds like He was kept alive supernaturally having nothing to eat or drink. At His most vulnerable time, when He is most famished is when Satan appears.
Isn't that the truth, Satan appears when we are most vulnerable and he attacks us in the weakest areas of our lives. When we give in to that attack, it is then that we are left alone with our guilt and shame. Some people remain in that state not realizing that God understands our misery and when we confess He is quick to forgive us our sins.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.
What we need to remember is that we don't have to give in to Satan and sin. Jesus knows how to resist Satan. We on our own can't resist him but with the power of the King of kings and Lord of lords we can walk away from any temptation.
This fast has shown me that I can be strong in the Lord. Allow me to share an example of this. I made Chocolate Chip Cookies the other day and while I was making them I wasn't tempted. However, being in the house alone during the day the temptation to have "just one" is great. The two things that stop me is knowing how guilty and sad I would feel if I gave in and thinking of how I want to do this fast for Jesus. It's not that I have to in order to gain points but I desire to because of what He did for me.
Jesus knows my heart and He places there the tools that help me to resist the need to "eat the cookie." Ha...so there Satan, you lose this time and with God's help the next time too! :) To God be the glory!!
1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
We all share the same temptations and sin nature. Let's hold each other up in prayer calling out to God to help us resist Satan and all his temptations. Be confident that God hears our prayers and is faithful to answer.
Prayer: Pray with me that we can resist the urgings of Satan so that we may live freely, the life that God has planned for us. Thanks!
Friday, March 5, 2010
day 16
Well...hungry all day which is good because it reminds me of God and the reason why I'm fasting. God asks us to remember Him, every minute of every day.
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
We are to begin each day with God. With each breath we should remember that our Father has given us life to serve him. Do we talk to our children about the Lord? At home, when we go places, when we lie down and get up? Or do we wait for Sunday and leave it up to our church's to teach them. Are we living out what Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states so that our children see our faith and believe? In other words are we walking the talk?
Please don't think that I am ripping on anyone because this is the question I ask myself, I'm the worst at living up to the truth of the scriptures.
Let's hold each other accountable to this truth. Let us become families that love the Lord so much that when people look at us they see the difference in us and they glorify God because of it.
Father, help me to live like I believe. Help me to have the faith and commitment it takes to live like I love you, like your my best friend rather than a vague acquaintance. Pour out your love on us in these last days, bring revival to this parched and dry land, let us not rest until we rest in you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Prayer: For revival, for a strengthening in faith for all of us who claim Jesus as Savior.
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
We are to begin each day with God. With each breath we should remember that our Father has given us life to serve him. Do we talk to our children about the Lord? At home, when we go places, when we lie down and get up? Or do we wait for Sunday and leave it up to our church's to teach them. Are we living out what Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states so that our children see our faith and believe? In other words are we walking the talk?
Please don't think that I am ripping on anyone because this is the question I ask myself, I'm the worst at living up to the truth of the scriptures.
Let's hold each other accountable to this truth. Let us become families that love the Lord so much that when people look at us they see the difference in us and they glorify God because of it.
Father, help me to live like I believe. Help me to have the faith and commitment it takes to live like I love you, like your my best friend rather than a vague acquaintance. Pour out your love on us in these last days, bring revival to this parched and dry land, let us not rest until we rest in you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Prayer: For revival, for a strengthening in faith for all of us who claim Jesus as Savior.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Day 14
Haven't done this in a while. I'm not really hungry during the day anymore, if I drink my juice. If I don't than I do get hungry. I find that I'm cold all the time, it's hard to get warm, I tend to take hot baths before bed.
I sure have a hard time with anger. I got so angry the other day, I could have burst. It makes me sad when I lose it like that. The thing is the anger lasts a moment than I get sad, than I have to confess it and tell the person I was angry at that I'm sorry. Anger is something that
is a part of the human condition. The Bible has a lot to say about it.
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27
A man of quick temper acts foolishly,and a man of evil devices is hated.
-Proverbs 14:17
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
—Proverbs 15:1
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
Proverbs 15:18
There is so much more, but this is the one I like best:
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
—Psalm 30:4-5
and also this:
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in
steadfast love.
—Psalm 145:8
Thank you God, I am so grateful that you don't hold my anger against me. I'm grateful that you are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Help me to be more like you Lord. Help me to be slow to anger and abounding in love. In Jesus Name, Amen
Prayer: That I can hold my tongue and my anger and that I can more fully love those around me. Thanks!
P.S. Almost done with the letter. I used some verses that I know by heart so I just have to look them up and put in the book, chapter and verse which unfortunately I don't know by heart. :) . I plan to send it off sometime before Friday.
I sure have a hard time with anger. I got so angry the other day, I could have burst. It makes me sad when I lose it like that. The thing is the anger lasts a moment than I get sad, than I have to confess it and tell the person I was angry at that I'm sorry. Anger is something that
is a part of the human condition. The Bible has a lot to say about it.
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27
A man of quick temper acts foolishly,and a man of evil devices is hated.
-Proverbs 14:17
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
—Proverbs 15:1
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
Proverbs 15:18
There is so much more, but this is the one I like best:
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
—Psalm 30:4-5
and also this:
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in
steadfast love.
—Psalm 145:8
Thank you God, I am so grateful that you don't hold my anger against me. I'm grateful that you are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Help me to be more like you Lord. Help me to be slow to anger and abounding in love. In Jesus Name, Amen
Prayer: That I can hold my tongue and my anger and that I can more fully love those around me. Thanks!
P.S. Almost done with the letter. I used some verses that I know by heart so I just have to look them up and put in the book, chapter and verse which unfortunately I don't know by heart. :) . I plan to send it off sometime before Friday.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Day 10
I'm not sure what to blog tonight, fasting is going well. I was very busy today and didn't get to drink a lot so I was very hungry all day. We had good company at dinner tonight but that chocolate cake that Arlene Erickson brought was very tempting, Patrick and I stayed faithful though. :)
I'm thinking my brain shut down a long time ago. But I just want to encourage anyone who is going through difficulty right now to lean on God, He is all you need. He will see you through.
Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."
Your God is with you so whom shall you fear? Take heart and do not fear what others may say what others may do because He who loves you is by your side.
Prayer: Just pray for those who are struggling through mental and emotional turmoil that they cry out to the Lord for help and that they seek His wisdom.
I'm thinking my brain shut down a long time ago. But I just want to encourage anyone who is going through difficulty right now to lean on God, He is all you need. He will see you through.
Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."
Your God is with you so whom shall you fear? Take heart and do not fear what others may say what others may do because He who loves you is by your side.
Prayer: Just pray for those who are struggling through mental and emotional turmoil that they cry out to the Lord for help and that they seek His wisdom.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Day 8
Yesterday I didn't feel well so I went to bed at 8:00pm. I think I let my blood pressure get too low. Yesterday it was 100/60 today it was 117/70 which is what I'm more used to so I have to watch that. I also have a confession to make, I think I eat too much at dinner. Tonight I had a salad, a bowl of cabbage soup and a piece of bread. It really fills me up and to tell the truth I don't like it. I think I should leave the table either comfortable or still a little hungry, not filled up. I will try to do better tomorrow.
3 John is a really short book of the Bible but there was something that really hit me in it. 3 John 1:9-10,12 says: " (9)I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. (10)So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. (12)Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone-and even by the truth itself. We speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.
I keep thinking that if in another 1,000 years a book is written and I'm in it, How would I want to be remembered? Like Diotrephes? No more like Demetrius.
It sounds as though Diotrephes was a Christian and a gossip. I have gossiped, it's not how I want to be remembered. I have said bad things about others, not how I want to be remembered. I desire my kids to rise up and call me blessed someday, I desire for my husband to be able to say he married well, I desire for others in my life to speak well of me.
Father God, help me to see others as you see them. Help me to love like you. When I fall Father help me to learn from it and to start over again. I want to be like you, show me your ways and help me to follow them.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Prayer: That I don't desire food so much that I overeat at dinner. That I depend on God and nothing else. Thanks!
3 John is a really short book of the Bible but there was something that really hit me in it. 3 John 1:9-10,12 says: " (9)I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. (10)So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. (12)Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone-and even by the truth itself. We speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.
I keep thinking that if in another 1,000 years a book is written and I'm in it, How would I want to be remembered? Like Diotrephes? No more like Demetrius.
It sounds as though Diotrephes was a Christian and a gossip. I have gossiped, it's not how I want to be remembered. I have said bad things about others, not how I want to be remembered. I desire my kids to rise up and call me blessed someday, I desire for my husband to be able to say he married well, I desire for others in my life to speak well of me.
Father God, help me to see others as you see them. Help me to love like you. When I fall Father help me to learn from it and to start over again. I want to be like you, show me your ways and help me to follow them.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Prayer: That I don't desire food so much that I overeat at dinner. That I depend on God and nothing else. Thanks!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Day 7
hahaha...so hungry today! I went without juices for about 3 hours because I was running errands and never did catch up..my fault!
In 1 Chronicles 28:9 David is recorded as talking to his son, Solomon. He says: "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.
God knows my heart and understands every motive behind my thoughts. If this fast became so difficult I could not endure, I could quit. God would still love me, He also knows my heart and He would know I desired to continue. Here's the thing, I would be so upset with myself. I couldn't do this one thing when the Lord sacrificed so much for me?
I don't like obsessing over food, I desire to obsess over the Lord!
Lord, give me the desire of my heart, that I may obsess over you. No idols in my life no obsessions but you. Thank you for this day and this evening, may it be one that glorifies you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Prayer: I plan on working on that letter tonight. Pray that I can get it done and sent out. Pray that it glorifies God and that it is received as it is intended to be received, in love. Thanks!
In 1 Chronicles 28:9 David is recorded as talking to his son, Solomon. He says: "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.
God knows my heart and understands every motive behind my thoughts. If this fast became so difficult I could not endure, I could quit. God would still love me, He also knows my heart and He would know I desired to continue. Here's the thing, I would be so upset with myself. I couldn't do this one thing when the Lord sacrificed so much for me?
I don't like obsessing over food, I desire to obsess over the Lord!
Lord, give me the desire of my heart, that I may obsess over you. No idols in my life no obsessions but you. Thank you for this day and this evening, may it be one that glorifies you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Prayer: I plan on working on that letter tonight. Pray that I can get it done and sent out. Pray that it glorifies God and that it is received as it is intended to be received, in love. Thanks!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Day 6
At church today Pastor Ivan said many things that really resonated with me but there was one line that hit me most. "If reading brings breath, meditation brings depth." How often do I stop to really meditate on the Word of God? I read my Bible every day but do I really chew on the Word and take it apart? I do my Bible study before driving my bus but do I really meditate on it? I take the easy way most times, never really contemplating what God meant unless it is something that grabs me. Maybe I need to do more meditating and less going through the motions. So tomorrow I will take a portion of the scripture piece I'm reading and do more than just read or "study" it, I will try to meditate on it and see what God has to say.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Psalm 77:12
Tonight we saw our little granddaughter, Peyton be dedicated. Wow! I thought back to the time of the Israelites, when they brought their sons to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord. Dedicating a child is telling God, "you have given us this child and now we are returning her to you, to do what you wish with her." Think how hard that would be if we didn't totally put faith and trust in God. I love little Peyton so much and God loves her more. "Thanks God for loving that little person so much that you gave your life for her, even before she was conceived you loved her like no other. Thanks for loving me with that same kind of love."
Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
As for prayer. I think it has to be the same as yesterday. That I can work on that letter. I think I will try to do it tomorrow evening. Pray that it comes out honoring God even if she balks at it.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Psalm 77:12
Tonight we saw our little granddaughter, Peyton be dedicated. Wow! I thought back to the time of the Israelites, when they brought their sons to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord. Dedicating a child is telling God, "you have given us this child and now we are returning her to you, to do what you wish with her." Think how hard that would be if we didn't totally put faith and trust in God. I love little Peyton so much and God loves her more. "Thanks God for loving that little person so much that you gave your life for her, even before she was conceived you loved her like no other. Thanks for loving me with that same kind of love."
Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
As for prayer. I think it has to be the same as yesterday. That I can work on that letter. I think I will try to do it tomorrow evening. Pray that it comes out honoring God even if she balks at it.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Day 5
Ok so...today was hard. I wanted to eat all day! We went to Brainerd to see Patrick's parents and mom always has such good food around. Isaac came with and I have been wanting to take him to lunch for some one on one so he and I went to Perkins and he ordered a blt and fries, looked very yummy.
God strengthens us in our weakness and He makes me strong. I kept thinking how disappointing it would be if I failed and how strong God can make me if I put myself in His capable hands. Thanks God for your faithfulness, help me to be faithful back!
I also have a confession to make. I have been writing this letter to send to someone close to me, it is a salvation letter. I've been writing it for about 2 weeks and I have been putting off finishing it and sending it off. This person is new age and very strong in their opinions. If I offend her I will hear about it, so I put it off.
Here is something you can pray about. Pray that I finish that letter and send it off, thanks!
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
God strengthens us in our weakness and He makes me strong. I kept thinking how disappointing it would be if I failed and how strong God can make me if I put myself in His capable hands. Thanks God for your faithfulness, help me to be faithful back!
I also have a confession to make. I have been writing this letter to send to someone close to me, it is a salvation letter. I've been writing it for about 2 weeks and I have been putting off finishing it and sending it off. This person is new age and very strong in their opinions. If I offend her I will hear about it, so I put it off.
Here is something you can pray about. Pray that I finish that letter and send it off, thanks!
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day 4
Day 4 - In the Bible David took a census of the people. Now God was not against the taking of census and even commanded it in the book of Numbers.
The problem is that David had the wrong motives for the census, he wanted to survey his kingdom, which at the time was peaceful in order to glory in it's size and potential for military strength. God wanted him to rely on Him and His divine help. In the end David comes to realize his sin and repent but still had to suffer the consequences of his actions.
I bring this up because there is a right way and a wrong way to do most anything, especially in matters of faith and there is a right way and a wrong way to fast . If I fast to bring glory to myself, my motives are wrong. Jesus warned about the way the Pharisee's fasted, bringing glory not to God but to themselves by their outward actions. God said to fast in private. Which brings me to this blog. The question is, it it wrong to blog about this fast? Should I have done it in private? Why am I fasting? For my glorification or God's. I love the Lord with all my heart He is my #1 :) I am also human and prone to sin so I have to be careful. I have to make sure that I am fasting for the right reasons. My #1 desire is to become closer to my #1.
And the reason for this blog? It is for me a prayer tool. I seek your prayers. So if I seek your prayers I should let you know what I need prayers for. I will have a prayer request every day I write on this blog and I ask you to pray.
Please pray for me and Patrick as we take this journey together. Pray for humility, pray for our marriage that we may grow closer to each other and closer to God, pray for God's intervention if our motives become laced with anything that does not honor Him. Thanks!
Father God, in everything I do may I bring glory to you. My desire is to be humble before your throne. I desire to know you and your will for me. I pray for Patrick as he continues with what he started 4 years ago. May this year be a year of insight and growth in his relationship with you.
In Jesus Name and for His glory,
Amen
The problem is that David had the wrong motives for the census, he wanted to survey his kingdom, which at the time was peaceful in order to glory in it's size and potential for military strength. God wanted him to rely on Him and His divine help. In the end David comes to realize his sin and repent but still had to suffer the consequences of his actions.
I bring this up because there is a right way and a wrong way to do most anything, especially in matters of faith and there is a right way and a wrong way to fast . If I fast to bring glory to myself, my motives are wrong. Jesus warned about the way the Pharisee's fasted, bringing glory not to God but to themselves by their outward actions. God said to fast in private. Which brings me to this blog. The question is, it it wrong to blog about this fast? Should I have done it in private? Why am I fasting? For my glorification or God's. I love the Lord with all my heart He is my #1 :) I am also human and prone to sin so I have to be careful. I have to make sure that I am fasting for the right reasons. My #1 desire is to become closer to my #1.
And the reason for this blog? It is for me a prayer tool. I seek your prayers. So if I seek your prayers I should let you know what I need prayers for. I will have a prayer request every day I write on this blog and I ask you to pray.
Please pray for me and Patrick as we take this journey together. Pray for humility, pray for our marriage that we may grow closer to each other and closer to God, pray for God's intervention if our motives become laced with anything that does not honor Him. Thanks!
Father God, in everything I do may I bring glory to you. My desire is to be humble before your throne. I desire to know you and your will for me. I pray for Patrick as he continues with what he started 4 years ago. May this year be a year of insight and growth in his relationship with you.
In Jesus Name and for His glory,
Amen
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 3
I'm writing this early because I have a extracurricular trip tonight and won't be home until late.
Today is harder. I'm hungry and my breath smells. Patrick says it's because all the toxins in my body are being released. It won't last but for the time being I have to stand far away from people when I talk to them. :)
I don't really mind "hard" if it weren't hard where would the sacrifice be?
Christ suffered much for my salvation, I think I can handle this, which doesn't even come close to what He did for me.
I think fasting allows a person to really pursue God. My mind is constantly centered on God because of the constant reminder that I'm not eating. Because it's difficult I become dependent on Him to see me through, just as Jesus was dependent on His Father when He went to the desert.
"Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But he answered and said, "It is written, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:1-4).
"Father God, help me to know you and follow you more closely. May your will for me be the one I follow, may your word be instilled in my heart."
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Today is harder. I'm hungry and my breath smells. Patrick says it's because all the toxins in my body are being released. It won't last but for the time being I have to stand far away from people when I talk to them. :)
I don't really mind "hard" if it weren't hard where would the sacrifice be?
Christ suffered much for my salvation, I think I can handle this, which doesn't even come close to what He did for me.
I think fasting allows a person to really pursue God. My mind is constantly centered on God because of the constant reminder that I'm not eating. Because it's difficult I become dependent on Him to see me through, just as Jesus was dependent on His Father when He went to the desert.
"Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But he answered and said, "It is written, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:1-4).
"Father God, help me to know you and follow you more closely. May your will for me be the one I follow, may your word be instilled in my heart."
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Day 1
HaHa...so funny. Yesterday I ate so much food I was busting at the seams! I was like a prisoner eating my last meal. How ridiculous that I am so attached to food.
Today began my first day of fasting. I started my morning as I usually do reading my Bible and doing my Bible study. I asked God to strengthen me and to help me rely on Him for nourishment.
I drank 100% vegetable juice and orange juice all day. I found that I had to dilute the juice with water or I get an upset stomach, too much acid! I wasn't really hungry all day but I looked forward to a serving of rice and vegetables for dinner.
I got to sit for my grandchild, Peyton today. I do this every Weds so that my daughter Sarah could go to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). I drove bus afterwards and when I got home I promptly yelled at my kids because the kitchen was messy. Thinking that's not what Jesus would have done.
"Father God, Forgive me my anger. Help me to be more like you. Give me the "vision" to see what it is you would like me to learn from this fast, thank you for your love, even when I am not lovable" In Jesus' Name, Amen
Today began my first day of fasting. I started my morning as I usually do reading my Bible and doing my Bible study. I asked God to strengthen me and to help me rely on Him for nourishment.
I drank 100% vegetable juice and orange juice all day. I found that I had to dilute the juice with water or I get an upset stomach, too much acid! I wasn't really hungry all day but I looked forward to a serving of rice and vegetables for dinner.
I got to sit for my grandchild, Peyton today. I do this every Weds so that my daughter Sarah could go to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). I drove bus afterwards and when I got home I promptly yelled at my kids because the kitchen was messy. Thinking that's not what Jesus would have done.
"Father God, Forgive me my anger. Help me to be more like you. Give me the "vision" to see what it is you would like me to learn from this fast, thank you for your love, even when I am not lovable" In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, February 15, 2010
My husband Patrick has been fasting the 40 days before Easter for 4 years. His fasting has consisted of juices only, no solids. This year I have decided to join him in a slightly modified fast. I will begin on Wednesday February 17th. I will have juices for breakfast and lunch and throughout my day but have a light dinner/no meat at dinner time. I intend to write about my day, what God is doing and how I am feeling physically, spiritually and mentally. I don't really expect this to be easy but I do expect God to work in it and in me. Through fasting, prayer and desire my intentions for this fast is to grow closer to God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Hoping I don't get crabby or irritated as can tend to happen during a fast. If I do bear with me, and forgive me when I fall short. Thank you friends and family for supporting in this, it is truly appreciated!
Hoping I don't get crabby or irritated as can tend to happen during a fast. If I do bear with me, and forgive me when I fall short. Thank you friends and family for supporting in this, it is truly appreciated!
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