// READ & FEED: Today read Psalm 40 and pay attention to the first 3 verses.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.
// JOURNAL: A HUGE part of fasting is waiting patiently for the Lord... waiting to hear from Him and asking Him to put something NEW in our hearts... a new approach, a new response, a new hope... a new SONG...
Like me, you may have noticed, since we have been FASTING as we humble ourselves before God, that our willingness to be patient and listen to Him has increased dramatically. It brings a smile to face think of the simplicity of the words spoken by David in Psalm 40...
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God...
Take a few moments to write about the areas that you are trying to wait patiently on the Lord. Ask God to help you in this. Share with Him why this is hard for you and admit to Him you need His help.
Lord, I'm eager to know for sure that November is the time to leave or if it should be earlier, or later - or never. I'm still a bit confused - or afraid. I thank you for your patience with me and I have immense faith that an assured response is on its way.
The desire for marriage to a man I am suited for and who is suited to me - similar to VaLisa and her husband - is still strong -- yet I'm equally content being a single mom -- just me and Jonathan. I'm grateful for this alone time with Jonathan - unencumbered by the responsibility of being a wife, as well. However, my heart longs to eventually have a complete family - and another child. I rest in You, believing this desire is part of your perfect plan for my life and that marriage will occur in your good timing. I am grateful for now. Praise You Lord God for NOW!
I see glimpses of Your wonder working power in my parent's marriage. Oh, Lord, if I can also see evidence of You moving the hearts of Brandon, Kay and Bill to you -- I believe You are doing that work. You are ever changing them, transforming them, making them hungry and thirsty for you -- in a way that's unquenchable. Lord, for eternity's sake in their lives: MOVE!! In Jesus' name, I pray, amen!
Oh -- in terms of leaving IBM, I'm seeking also confirmation about teaching. I have a desire to be a person of color that is teaching students at Wilberforce, and being a force that can be used to draw more children of color there -- I also have my ministry and family. So many avenues. Only Your perfect plan shall I follow. In your perfect name, I lift up all these things - amen!!
// PRAY: I want to encourage you today to take some time and ask God to put a NEW SONG in your heart... a song of forgiveness, of patience, of trust, of hope... a song of praise to our God as we wait patiently upon Him. Enjoy just resting in His presence and allowing your heavenly Father to give you a new song to sing.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Family & Friends
In light of one of the issues I'm fasting about, this devotion today from Inspiration Ministries, really speaks to that need:
“One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet and implored Him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.’ And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him.” – Mark 5:22-24 NASB
A church leader struggles with emotion, broken because his son is ignoring the truths he has been taught. He shares how painful it is to recall bygone years of childhood, when their relationship seemed intimate and unshakeable. Now his son has lost his job and seems far from God.
A Christian businessman shares his heart, thinking about a son who has lived with his girlfriend for years. He seemingly has rejected the faith, and even traveled to India because of fascination with Hinduism.
A mother weeps, feeling rejected by her adult daughter, who “believes” but still seems poisoned by bitterness. The relationship seems irreparably shattered.
Churches and families are filled with stories like these—stories of parents and children, friends and acquaintances, pastors and elders; stories of children who seemingly know the Truth, yet who, as “adults,” have gone their own way; grieving parents who wonder if there is any hope; men and women who wonder if their friends will ever return to the faith.
These are times to remember God’s promises and confess His Word. Remember that if parents “train up a child in the way he should go…when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Remember Jesus’ command that we always should “pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1 NIV). Remember that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Do you know someone who has strayed? Who knows the Truth, but has drifted away? Don’t give up. Pray. Believe. Trust God.
Father, I commit these people into Your hands: _Brandon, Kay and Bill______. Thank You for doing a work in their lives. I have faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet and implored Him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.’ And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him.” – Mark 5:22-24 NASB
A church leader struggles with emotion, broken because his son is ignoring the truths he has been taught. He shares how painful it is to recall bygone years of childhood, when their relationship seemed intimate and unshakeable. Now his son has lost his job and seems far from God.
A Christian businessman shares his heart, thinking about a son who has lived with his girlfriend for years. He seemingly has rejected the faith, and even traveled to India because of fascination with Hinduism.
A mother weeps, feeling rejected by her adult daughter, who “believes” but still seems poisoned by bitterness. The relationship seems irreparably shattered.
Churches and families are filled with stories like these—stories of parents and children, friends and acquaintances, pastors and elders; stories of children who seemingly know the Truth, yet who, as “adults,” have gone their own way; grieving parents who wonder if there is any hope; men and women who wonder if their friends will ever return to the faith.
These are times to remember God’s promises and confess His Word. Remember that if parents “train up a child in the way he should go…when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Remember Jesus’ command that we always should “pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1 NIV). Remember that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Do you know someone who has strayed? Who knows the Truth, but has drifted away? Don’t give up. Pray. Believe. Trust God.
Father, I commit these people into Your hands: _Brandon, Kay and Bill______. Thank You for doing a work in their lives. I have faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Liquid Fast - Week 1, Day 5
"Thank God I'm FASTING!" Those are the exact words someone said to me when I asked him how the fast has been going. He continued: "I feel like Wednesday's fast along with these daily devotionals are giving me new perspective on some huge problem spots in my life right now! I feel like I'm getting to know God better! Thank God I'm fasting!"
What a great new spin on TGIF! Cuz let's just be honest - many times when we don't see our problems immediately solved and forever fixed, we feel like God has either forgotten us or that he's ignoring us. It's hard to look at things or interpret life in any other way. Today's passage, however, provides us with a fresh perspective and challenges us to see things in a new way...God's way.
// READ & FEED: Today read Psalm 23 and pay special attention to the last 3 verses.
// JOURNAL: Green pastures and quiet waters are great... but more often than not, life can be more like a "walk through the valley of the shadow of death." (Psalm 23:4) Wouldn't you agree? In fact, what are some of the "valley" moments in your life and the lives of those closest to you? My work and the decision to leave -- my parent's marriage -- close friend and family members who are not in abiding relationships with Christ -- negotiating single motherhood -- the desire for my family to be complete and the hope of satisfaction in the lives of other sister's in Christ desiring the same - and just all the lonely, single women in the world - but foremost that we ALL truly understand how perfect and great is your love for us - that we desire that above all things -- the desire for Jonathan to grow up in the admonition and protection of the Lord in an evil world where innocent, young, Black men, like he will be one day, have to fight for their very survival, each and every day - hoping that he always has sense of the Lord's perfect power and protection over his life and never doubts how much our Father LOVES him and wants the very best for him. And are these areas you are fasting about during this Spring? In general - Yes.
Journal your thoughts about these 3 elements from today's passage:
* Why/how is it that the author (King David, once a shepherd boy) claims he "will fear no evil"? What are his reasons for such boldness and courage and how can they become YOUR reasons as well? David spoke of how the Lord delivered him from menances to the sheep and himself (wild animals) - how he always felt protected and delivered - that his courage was in the God almighty who had always taken care of him -- this he could pronounce from experience before facing the giant Goliath. He went toward him, running, with only a slingshot and a small stone, knowing that the victory was not in his hands, but in the great and powerful God who is always victorious!
* What is this passage saying about valleys, fears, and our enemies? Does God simply just snap his fingers and magically remove these elements from our lives? If not, what does God do instead? He gives us courage to face our enemies -- He encourages us to keep our eyes stayed on Him -- He reminds us that even though we will see evil, He has overcome the world -- He tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us -- He is with us always! Nothing can separate us from Him. He is our strength, our fortress, our shield, our mighty tower.
* Extra Credit: Grammar Lesson 101 - A subtle but profound shift takes place in the last 3 verses of Psalm 23. The author switches personal pronouns from the 3rd person ("HE" used in the first 3 verses) to the 2nd person ("YOU" used in the last 3 verses). Why do you suppose that's the case? What significance do you think this makes? What does this say about the author's relationship to God... especially during the "valley" moments of life? And what does this mean to YOU? LOOK TO GOD, not yourself, to anything, to any other person -- KEEP YOUR MIND and YOUR EYES STAYED on THEE!!! Make the Lord God Almighty my central focus at all times. Don't be frustrated or dismayed. Remember His promises. Declare the truth of His word. BE an example of faithfulness in God. Don't gripe, grumble, or complain. Praise Him in all things. Let His perfect power come through each and every situation. He is able. He is able!
// PRAY: What are you fasting for and praying about this Spring? Take a few moments right now to ask God to help you see, not just your troubling situation in a new way...but to see HIM in a new way. Take time to acknowledge God's presence and power right now. Resist the urge to approach him clinically or religiously. Instead run to him as a child would to his/her loving daddy... as a sheep to the caring and protective shepherd!
Take care of me Lord God. Take care of me and Jonathan. Take care of us with the perfect care only you can provide. Meet all of our needs according to your riches in Glory. Hold us tenderly, gently, with great love and affection. Call us your beloved -- speak it to our spirits all day long. Continue to make us the apple of your eye.
Gazing lovingly at me. Make me feel your love - always. I need it more than life itself. I need you so very, very, very, very much Lord. Meet me where I'm at and bring me ever more into where you are...
What a great new spin on TGIF! Cuz let's just be honest - many times when we don't see our problems immediately solved and forever fixed, we feel like God has either forgotten us or that he's ignoring us. It's hard to look at things or interpret life in any other way. Today's passage, however, provides us with a fresh perspective and challenges us to see things in a new way...God's way.
// READ & FEED: Today read Psalm 23 and pay special attention to the last 3 verses.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,[(the darkest valley]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
// JOURNAL: Green pastures and quiet waters are great... but more often than not, life can be more like a "walk through the valley of the shadow of death." (Psalm 23:4) Wouldn't you agree? In fact, what are some of the "valley" moments in your life and the lives of those closest to you? My work and the decision to leave -- my parent's marriage -- close friend and family members who are not in abiding relationships with Christ -- negotiating single motherhood -- the desire for my family to be complete and the hope of satisfaction in the lives of other sister's in Christ desiring the same - and just all the lonely, single women in the world - but foremost that we ALL truly understand how perfect and great is your love for us - that we desire that above all things -- the desire for Jonathan to grow up in the admonition and protection of the Lord in an evil world where innocent, young, Black men, like he will be one day, have to fight for their very survival, each and every day - hoping that he always has sense of the Lord's perfect power and protection over his life and never doubts how much our Father LOVES him and wants the very best for him. And are these areas you are fasting about during this Spring? In general - Yes.
Journal your thoughts about these 3 elements from today's passage:
* Why/how is it that the author (King David, once a shepherd boy) claims he "will fear no evil"? What are his reasons for such boldness and courage and how can they become YOUR reasons as well? David spoke of how the Lord delivered him from menances to the sheep and himself (wild animals) - how he always felt protected and delivered - that his courage was in the God almighty who had always taken care of him -- this he could pronounce from experience before facing the giant Goliath. He went toward him, running, with only a slingshot and a small stone, knowing that the victory was not in his hands, but in the great and powerful God who is always victorious!
* What is this passage saying about valleys, fears, and our enemies? Does God simply just snap his fingers and magically remove these elements from our lives? If not, what does God do instead? He gives us courage to face our enemies -- He encourages us to keep our eyes stayed on Him -- He reminds us that even though we will see evil, He has overcome the world -- He tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us -- He is with us always! Nothing can separate us from Him. He is our strength, our fortress, our shield, our mighty tower.
* Extra Credit: Grammar Lesson 101 - A subtle but profound shift takes place in the last 3 verses of Psalm 23. The author switches personal pronouns from the 3rd person ("HE" used in the first 3 verses) to the 2nd person ("YOU" used in the last 3 verses). Why do you suppose that's the case? What significance do you think this makes? What does this say about the author's relationship to God... especially during the "valley" moments of life? And what does this mean to YOU? LOOK TO GOD, not yourself, to anything, to any other person -- KEEP YOUR MIND and YOUR EYES STAYED on THEE!!! Make the Lord God Almighty my central focus at all times. Don't be frustrated or dismayed. Remember His promises. Declare the truth of His word. BE an example of faithfulness in God. Don't gripe, grumble, or complain. Praise Him in all things. Let His perfect power come through each and every situation. He is able. He is able!
// PRAY: What are you fasting for and praying about this Spring? Take a few moments right now to ask God to help you see, not just your troubling situation in a new way...but to see HIM in a new way. Take time to acknowledge God's presence and power right now. Resist the urge to approach him clinically or religiously. Instead run to him as a child would to his/her loving daddy... as a sheep to the caring and protective shepherd!
Take care of me Lord God. Take care of me and Jonathan. Take care of us with the perfect care only you can provide. Meet all of our needs according to your riches in Glory. Hold us tenderly, gently, with great love and affection. Call us your beloved -- speak it to our spirits all day long. Continue to make us the apple of your eye.
Gazing lovingly at me. Make me feel your love - always. I need it more than life itself. I need you so very, very, very, very much Lord. Meet me where I'm at and bring me ever more into where you are...
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Decisiveness
A great one from Craig Thompson (walkwithGod.com):
Click to read: Mark 10:51
Have you ever told God what you really want? Picture this: there's a blind man sitting by the side of the road begging for money. He has no hope of holding a full time job in first century Israel. He hears that Jesus is coming by, and knowing that this may be his only chance at receiving a miracle from this wonder worker, he cries out. Now picture this: Jesus is standing there after having called to bring the man to Him. He sees that Bartimaeus is blind. He knows the dire straits the man is in. Yet what does Jesus say? Does He say, "Hey, Bart. Let me heal you!" No. He asks Bart a simple question: what do you want me to do for you?
Sometimes we forget the really simple things. One of these is simply that God wants you to tell Him what it is that you really want. We get so confused in our desires sometimes. If we had been in Bart's place, would we have gone wild and said, "Who wants to be a millionaire? Me!" But Bart didn't lose sight of his basic need, the need that prompted him to cry out to Jesus in the first place. It was really simple. He wanted to see.
Be that simple with God. Yes, seek Him deeply for spiritual blessings, for the gifts of the Spirit, for wisdom and understanding. But tell Him when your tummy hurts, too. Tell Him what the need is, and ask Him to help. He could be waiting on you.
Be blessed with decisiveness.
Craig Thompson
So, what do I want. How simple can I make it?
A more consecrated walk with the Lord, where the serenity and peace of Christ pours out of me, and not by virtue of hardship, but due to simply spending time with Him - pure, focused time with our Lord...
A Christ-centered marriage with a Christ-centered, authentic, responsible, and accountable man, hopefully before the end of 2013...
To be a woman whose primary responsibilities are in the home - children, husband, parents, our dwelling place, and ministry out of the home (Writing & Jakin Sanctuary)...
My children living out God's perfect plan for their lives, being examples of Godliness to their generation, purposeful, focused, walking in the fruit of the Spirit, stalwart, healthy and strong - a legacy of Godliness coming after them in their offspring, all the way until Christ returns...
Health and fullness of life to see my children grow and live out the call on their lives, and my grand-children, and to visit all the places in the world I long to see and to serve all who the Lord calls me to serve...
Salvation for all man-kind, but especially for those the Lord has placed in my life who have yet to receive Christ as Lord and Savior...
Click to read: Mark 10:51
Have you ever told God what you really want? Picture this: there's a blind man sitting by the side of the road begging for money. He has no hope of holding a full time job in first century Israel. He hears that Jesus is coming by, and knowing that this may be his only chance at receiving a miracle from this wonder worker, he cries out. Now picture this: Jesus is standing there after having called to bring the man to Him. He sees that Bartimaeus is blind. He knows the dire straits the man is in. Yet what does Jesus say? Does He say, "Hey, Bart. Let me heal you!" No. He asks Bart a simple question: what do you want me to do for you?
Sometimes we forget the really simple things. One of these is simply that God wants you to tell Him what it is that you really want. We get so confused in our desires sometimes. If we had been in Bart's place, would we have gone wild and said, "Who wants to be a millionaire? Me!" But Bart didn't lose sight of his basic need, the need that prompted him to cry out to Jesus in the first place. It was really simple. He wanted to see.
Be that simple with God. Yes, seek Him deeply for spiritual blessings, for the gifts of the Spirit, for wisdom and understanding. But tell Him when your tummy hurts, too. Tell Him what the need is, and ask Him to help. He could be waiting on you.
Be blessed with decisiveness.
Craig Thompson
So, what do I want. How simple can I make it?
A more consecrated walk with the Lord, where the serenity and peace of Christ pours out of me, and not by virtue of hardship, but due to simply spending time with Him - pure, focused time with our Lord...
A Christ-centered marriage with a Christ-centered, authentic, responsible, and accountable man, hopefully before the end of 2013...
To be a woman whose primary responsibilities are in the home - children, husband, parents, our dwelling place, and ministry out of the home (Writing & Jakin Sanctuary)...
My children living out God's perfect plan for their lives, being examples of Godliness to their generation, purposeful, focused, walking in the fruit of the Spirit, stalwart, healthy and strong - a legacy of Godliness coming after them in their offspring, all the way until Christ returns...
Health and fullness of life to see my children grow and live out the call on their lives, and my grand-children, and to visit all the places in the world I long to see and to serve all who the Lord calls me to serve...
Salvation for all man-kind, but especially for those the Lord has placed in my life who have yet to receive Christ as Lord and Savior...
Liquid Fast - Week 1, Day 4
Yesterday we completed our first day of 3 sun-up to sundown fasts! Awesome. We ended the evening with a great worship service. with time of fellowship, sharing and prayer. Thank you, Jesus.
// READ & FEED: Today read Psalm 23 and pay special attention to the first 3 verses.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
// JOURNAL: Long before David ever ruled as a mighty king, he spent his youth tending sheep. So he, more than most, knew what it meant to take care of sheep. David had firsthand experience with the blood, sweat, and tears that went into taking care of a flock. And so with that in mind, what do you think it would've taken for David to declare: "The LORD is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1)? His frame of reference made it easy for Him to understand the sufficiency and care that our Father extends to us, His sheep.
In what way is the Lord YOUR shepherd today? He guides me, hems me in, protects me, comforts me when I'm hurt, soothes me when I'm upset, frustrated or confused. He runs after me when I'm lost or afraid. He carries me when I am weary.
If you have the Lord as your shepherd...can you also say because of that, "I shall not be in want" (Psalm 23:1)? Why or why not? Yes, I'm learning to say that each and every day - more and more due to the call on my life to give over all and to depend on Him for all.
And did you know?
Although any shepherd can lead sheep to green pastures and quiet waters...sheep will not "lie down" (Psalm 23:2), they will never totally be at rest ("restores my soul" - Psalm 23:3) unless they feel free from the following fears:
- Other animals that may attack. (External Fears)
- Tension, rivalry, competition amongst themselves. (Relational Fears)
- The torment of parasites and insects within. (Internal Fears)
So which of the 3 fears described above is keeping you from lying down and having your soul restored by the Shepherd? All three - to be honest...
// PRAY: "Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3) Take 15 minutes today to "lie down" (Psalm 23:2) before the Lord and sincerely thank him for all the ways he is providing and shepherding you.
// READ & FEED: Today read Psalm 23 and pay special attention to the first 3 verses.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
// JOURNAL: Long before David ever ruled as a mighty king, he spent his youth tending sheep. So he, more than most, knew what it meant to take care of sheep. David had firsthand experience with the blood, sweat, and tears that went into taking care of a flock. And so with that in mind, what do you think it would've taken for David to declare: "The LORD is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1)? His frame of reference made it easy for Him to understand the sufficiency and care that our Father extends to us, His sheep.
In what way is the Lord YOUR shepherd today? He guides me, hems me in, protects me, comforts me when I'm hurt, soothes me when I'm upset, frustrated or confused. He runs after me when I'm lost or afraid. He carries me when I am weary.
If you have the Lord as your shepherd...can you also say because of that, "I shall not be in want" (Psalm 23:1)? Why or why not? Yes, I'm learning to say that each and every day - more and more due to the call on my life to give over all and to depend on Him for all.
And did you know?
Although any shepherd can lead sheep to green pastures and quiet waters...sheep will not "lie down" (Psalm 23:2), they will never totally be at rest ("restores my soul" - Psalm 23:3) unless they feel free from the following fears:
- Other animals that may attack. (External Fears)
- Tension, rivalry, competition amongst themselves. (Relational Fears)
- The torment of parasites and insects within. (Internal Fears)
So which of the 3 fears described above is keeping you from lying down and having your soul restored by the Shepherd? All three - to be honest...
// PRAY: "Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3) Take 15 minutes today to "lie down" (Psalm 23:2) before the Lord and sincerely thank him for all the ways he is providing and shepherding you.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Liquid Fast - Week 1, Day 3
Today (Wednesday) is an exciting day for our church family as over 1,000 people
participate in a Liquid Fast together from sun up to sundown! What's a Liquid Fast? Together we will:
- Avoid solid food
- Drink only water or natural juices (fruit or vegetable)
- No coffee, soda, or alcohol
- Replace your meals with prayer & worship!
The point of the fast is to draw closer to God & identify with Jesus. We are intentionally saying "no" to our flesh, so we can say "yes!" to more of the Spirit!
Remember: Jesus began his ministry by fasting for 40 days & nights in the wilderness.
- Today, we'll replace breakfast, lunch, and dinner with our liquid-only fast.
- Tonight, we'll come together at each Liquid campus for Prayer & Worship at 7:30pm!
If you've never fasted before, this is a great introduction to fasting. If you've done a Daniel fast, a "fluids-only" fast is a great new experience!
// READ & FEED: To get through today, you'll need to drink plenty of water & ask God to give you extra strength. A fast is a "declaration of dependency" on God-- fortunately, your Heavenly Father has plenty of food to go around!
This morning, read John 4:27-38 in which Jesus tells his disciples about the "secret food" that keeps him going. Notice how the disciples focused on the stomach; while Jesus focused on the soul!
34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
// JOURNAL: Jesus said he had "food to eat that you know nothing about" (v 32).
According to verse 34, what exactly is Jesus' food?
It's easy to "super spiritualize" a fast and think, "Well, Jesus could do this because he was God-- but not me! I'll never make it through this day without coffee!"
What does it scare you most to give up today? Caffeine? Carbs? Candy?
My breakfast coffee with cream and sugar and my cheerios.
Are you worried about being cranky? Critical?
No - I'm just naturally that way -- probably need to be fasting JUST about those two issues:-).
Fasting reveals what controls us. But today, you're taking a big step toward freedom & aligning yourself with the will of God. There's something about empty vessels that the Father can't resist filling up!
// PRAY: Write out a prayer to God this morning confessing your weakness and all the things you typically depend on to get through the day. Tell Him that today you want some of the "secret food" Jesus talked about. Ask the Father to show you how to "do his will" and help "finish his work."
Commit the situation you're fasting about to the Father. Tell Jesus you trust Him and why this situation is important to you or your family.
Pray several times throughout the day! Whenever you experience headaches or hunger pains, let it serve as a reminder to pray & ask God for fresh strength for your soul. Let your weakness draw you to the Father and deeper dependency on Jesus.
My Prayer: Lord God, it's been awhile since I last fasted. You've blessed me with a beautiful little boy and I've been breastfeeding, so have not been able to do my annual fast. I miss it. However, even in these first few hours of a sun-up to sun-down fast, I find myself a bit irritable and impatient, mad at myself that I ate so late last night and almost forgot this morning by drinking a little green tea. I was beating myself and being impatient with Jonathan. I will not let the enemy sour this great day of consecrating myself to You. May You, Lord God, be my primary focus today. Let me take the words of Tim Cooper's devotion and cast all my care upon you, for you care for me. I need not be anxious, irritable, impatient or frustrated. I praise You for this day and for the gift of fasting. I thank you for the 1000+ saints who are participating corporately in today's fast as well as on 3/28 and 4/4. I thank You that this time we are giving you is a sweet aroma before You and that You are ready to dispense answers, deliverance, victory into the lives of each of us. Thank you for the requests I've put before You. I lay them at Your feet, in complete faith that You are able to work things out according to Your perfect plan for each person I've lifted up -- each concern. And Lord, indeed, I desire to be like Jesus -- to do YOUR will, to carry out the plans and purposes that You have for my life. I am your vessel. I offer myself as a living sacrifice, through which You can operate and move in the part of this world that You have set me. I thank You that all the words I've been receiving lately, through devotions and scriptures, point to Your call on my life to devote myself to a time of seeking You and developing the ministry of speaking to the skeptics and those who are backslidden -- to bring in a harvest of these individuals to Your throne of grace so that they can boldly come to You to receive mercy and grace -- and above all SALVATION in their time of need. Thank YOU for using my writing to accomplish this work. Thank you for opening the time for when this seeking time should commence. Thank you for taking care of me and Jonathan during this time. And thank you for the many deliverances and victories that will present themselves in the lives of those around me as I am obedient to Your call and continue to be used to intercede for others. In Your mighty and precious name, be with us today, Lord God and throughout this time of consecration - AMEN!
participate in a Liquid Fast together from sun up to sundown! What's a Liquid Fast? Together we will:
- Avoid solid food
- Drink only water or natural juices (fruit or vegetable)
- No coffee, soda, or alcohol
- Replace your meals with prayer & worship!
The point of the fast is to draw closer to God & identify with Jesus. We are intentionally saying "no" to our flesh, so we can say "yes!" to more of the Spirit!
Remember: Jesus began his ministry by fasting for 40 days & nights in the wilderness.
- Today, we'll replace breakfast, lunch, and dinner with our liquid-only fast.
- Tonight, we'll come together at each Liquid campus for Prayer & Worship at 7:30pm!
If you've never fasted before, this is a great introduction to fasting. If you've done a Daniel fast, a "fluids-only" fast is a great new experience!
// READ & FEED: To get through today, you'll need to drink plenty of water & ask God to give you extra strength. A fast is a "declaration of dependency" on God-- fortunately, your Heavenly Father has plenty of food to go around!
This morning, read John 4:27-38 in which Jesus tells his disciples about the "secret food" that keeps him going. Notice how the disciples focused on the stomach; while Jesus focused on the soul!
34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
// JOURNAL: Jesus said he had "food to eat that you know nothing about" (v 32).
According to verse 34, what exactly is Jesus' food?
It's easy to "super spiritualize" a fast and think, "Well, Jesus could do this because he was God-- but not me! I'll never make it through this day without coffee!"
What does it scare you most to give up today? Caffeine? Carbs? Candy?
My breakfast coffee with cream and sugar and my cheerios.
Are you worried about being cranky? Critical?
No - I'm just naturally that way -- probably need to be fasting JUST about those two issues:-).
Fasting reveals what controls us. But today, you're taking a big step toward freedom & aligning yourself with the will of God. There's something about empty vessels that the Father can't resist filling up!
// PRAY: Write out a prayer to God this morning confessing your weakness and all the things you typically depend on to get through the day. Tell Him that today you want some of the "secret food" Jesus talked about. Ask the Father to show you how to "do his will" and help "finish his work."
Commit the situation you're fasting about to the Father. Tell Jesus you trust Him and why this situation is important to you or your family.
Pray several times throughout the day! Whenever you experience headaches or hunger pains, let it serve as a reminder to pray & ask God for fresh strength for your soul. Let your weakness draw you to the Father and deeper dependency on Jesus.
My Prayer: Lord God, it's been awhile since I last fasted. You've blessed me with a beautiful little boy and I've been breastfeeding, so have not been able to do my annual fast. I miss it. However, even in these first few hours of a sun-up to sun-down fast, I find myself a bit irritable and impatient, mad at myself that I ate so late last night and almost forgot this morning by drinking a little green tea. I was beating myself and being impatient with Jonathan. I will not let the enemy sour this great day of consecrating myself to You. May You, Lord God, be my primary focus today. Let me take the words of Tim Cooper's devotion and cast all my care upon you, for you care for me. I need not be anxious, irritable, impatient or frustrated. I praise You for this day and for the gift of fasting. I thank you for the 1000+ saints who are participating corporately in today's fast as well as on 3/28 and 4/4. I thank You that this time we are giving you is a sweet aroma before You and that You are ready to dispense answers, deliverance, victory into the lives of each of us. Thank you for the requests I've put before You. I lay them at Your feet, in complete faith that You are able to work things out according to Your perfect plan for each person I've lifted up -- each concern. And Lord, indeed, I desire to be like Jesus -- to do YOUR will, to carry out the plans and purposes that You have for my life. I am your vessel. I offer myself as a living sacrifice, through which You can operate and move in the part of this world that You have set me. I thank You that all the words I've been receiving lately, through devotions and scriptures, point to Your call on my life to devote myself to a time of seeking You and developing the ministry of speaking to the skeptics and those who are backslidden -- to bring in a harvest of these individuals to Your throne of grace so that they can boldly come to You to receive mercy and grace -- and above all SALVATION in their time of need. Thank YOU for using my writing to accomplish this work. Thank you for opening the time for when this seeking time should commence. Thank you for taking care of me and Jonathan during this time. And thank you for the many deliverances and victories that will present themselves in the lives of those around me as I am obedient to Your call and continue to be used to intercede for others. In Your mighty and precious name, be with us today, Lord God and throughout this time of consecration - AMEN!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Liquid Fast - Week 1, Day 2
So, Liquid, my church (liquidchurch.com) started a 21-Day consecration period on 3/19, to end on Easter day, 4/8/2012. In the middle of this time, there will be 3 consecutive Wednesday liquid fasts, i.e., on liquid, water or fresh juices, to be consumed for a 24 hour period on 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4. Pretty powerful.
We're to seek God during this time, read the daily devotionals and scripture passages, and decide on 2 -3 requests of the Lord - similar to Esther's request of the King to deliver the Jews from Haman's evil edict.
So, So, one of the things I listed was discernment related to leaving IBM. On Sunday night I asked the Lord to lead me to a specific word. I opened the Bible to Luke 5 and this scripture at verse 4 was like a rhema word to me: “Put out into the deep
and let down your nets for a catch.” I meditated on that a bit before I
went to sleep, feeling it was related to the call in my heart to just leave this job and look to Him to provide.
When the Lord wants to make a point with me, He typically speaks to me in scripture and then immediately follows up with confirmation in one of the daily devotionals I get in my email. He did that with a word he spoke to me in March 2010. He used his words of promise to Abram about having a son at this time next year to speak to me that the same would happen to me.
That same day in one of my devotional he used the same set of scripture to discuss how He is able to do the impossible. I had goosebumps and printed out the devotioanl and stapled it on the journal entry for that day (where I had indicated the Genesis scripture I'd read earlier that day). I of course thought it meant I was meeting my husband that year, gonna get married and soon be pregnant after. Well, the son came, but totally not according to MY plan -- however, He worked all things for the good and the promise was fulfilled in Jonathan.
So, in similar manner, yesterday, I opened my Meditations devotion. He's been doing a series out of Psalm 1 for the past week or so, however, yesterday, out of no where, guess which scripture he decided to use? Luke
5:1 - 11, focusing on “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” - here's the full devotional:
Luke 5:1-11
On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”[a] 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
The disciples had been following Jesus for some time. However, as we can see here, they had not completely given up their day jobs (or night jobs as it may be). Why were they out fishing the night before? Was it to simply have a time of fellowship? Was it to relax after a hard day at the evangelistic office? No, likely they were out trying to catch fish to make a living. Working for our food is a value which is (and should be) instilled in us from childhood. Scripture says that if a man does not work neither should he eat.
But what if Jesus wants you to follow after Him? What do you do then?
Well, the disciples tried to do both for a while. They were trying out tentmaking, as it is called. And there's nothing wrong with tentmaking, as Paul the Apostle would confirm. But what if Jesus Himself wants more out of you than your attentions can afford with a full or part time job? I suppose you find yourself in this situation: finding out that God really can provide.
You see, the same God who wants you to trust Him in obedience is the God who also has all power, all resources and all sufficiency for YOU. In Jesus' Name, I ask God to fill your net, rip your net, fill your boat and nearly sink your boat with a blessing so you may see once and for all very clearly that God Himself can and will take care of you. This was all took for the disciples. After this lesson, they forsook all and followed after Him.
Be blessed with a decisive victory.
Craig Thompson
Again - goosebumps. I had to sit for awhile to gather myself cause it really scared me how specific this message was. Today, Craig went back to Psalm 1, so it is just sooo uncanny how that message came on the day that it did.
So, that's my prayer: A decisive victory related to leaving the job and the right time to do so. I've looked into alternative health care resources, such as Samartian's ministry, which I believe will suffice for the short term. What continues to keep me tied up in fear is my concern about what people will think - my parents, Kay, and others. I don't want Kay, in particular, to think I'm trying to be a lazy, freeloader -- his monthly giving shouldn't be altered at all, really - Jonathan's needs are not too much right now. And if I'm home, that puts off daycare for a bit more. I'd still be able to pay rent (and my mother already, without knowing that I had plans to go back to school, told me I can reduce what I've been giving them, which includes paying her to watch Jonathan). I feel that maybe the Lord has me doing something with my writing as a ministry. How that would turn into money coming in, I have no idea. However, I'm not gonna really know until I step out in faith and just do what He's been calling me to do now for over a year and a half. I've just gotta do it.
So, this takes us to Day 2. I want to start tracking the daily devotion lesson's here for reference in the future. Here we go:
Scripture reading is Esther 7 & 8
7:3 - Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.
Esther fasted before she sought the King's favor. This is a model for us as we come before our King with big requests. It's not that fasting changes God's mind-- but it changes our hearts so we can humbly ask for His intervention with a pure heart!
Read Esther 8:17 again and record the outcome of Esther's fast:
In every province and in every city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.
Wherever the "commands of the king" go, they bring joy & gladness! Because of His goodness, our King can turn our fast into a feast!
Journal your thoughts about these 2 big ideas from Esther:
* We need to FAST before we seek the King's FAVOR.
* The King has the power to turn our FASTING into a FEASTING!
I believe strongly that the Lord is already moving, as evidenced in the information above. I have two other requests that are strong in my spirit, and I believe He will move upon those, as well. I look forward to coming to Him on April 4th with these petitions and seeing the result -- experiencing the joy, witnessing His glory, having a new testimony of His faithfulness.
Here are all three petitions that I plan to make:
Tell God about the situation you're fasting for this Spring. Spend 15 minutes praying
& asking what His favor would look like in this crisis? What would please him most?
Honestly describe what outcome would turn your fast into feasting! Thank God for his favor in
Jesus Christ and commit yourself to joyfully receiving His response!
We're to seek God during this time, read the daily devotionals and scripture passages, and decide on 2 -3 requests of the Lord - similar to Esther's request of the King to deliver the Jews from Haman's evil edict.
So, So, one of the things I listed was discernment related to leaving IBM. On Sunday night I asked the Lord to lead me to a specific word. I opened the Bible to Luke 5 and this scripture at verse 4 was like a rhema word to me: “Put out into the deep
and let down your nets for a catch.” I meditated on that a bit before I
went to sleep, feeling it was related to the call in my heart to just leave this job and look to Him to provide.
When the Lord wants to make a point with me, He typically speaks to me in scripture and then immediately follows up with confirmation in one of the daily devotionals I get in my email. He did that with a word he spoke to me in March 2010. He used his words of promise to Abram about having a son at this time next year to speak to me that the same would happen to me.
That same day in one of my devotional he used the same set of scripture to discuss how He is able to do the impossible. I had goosebumps and printed out the devotioanl and stapled it on the journal entry for that day (where I had indicated the Genesis scripture I'd read earlier that day). I of course thought it meant I was meeting my husband that year, gonna get married and soon be pregnant after. Well, the son came, but totally not according to MY plan -- however, He worked all things for the good and the promise was fulfilled in Jonathan.
So, in similar manner, yesterday, I opened my Meditations devotion. He's been doing a series out of Psalm 1 for the past week or so, however, yesterday, out of no where, guess which scripture he decided to use? Luke
5:1 - 11, focusing on “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” - here's the full devotional:
Luke 5:1-11
On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”[a] 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
The disciples had been following Jesus for some time. However, as we can see here, they had not completely given up their day jobs (or night jobs as it may be). Why were they out fishing the night before? Was it to simply have a time of fellowship? Was it to relax after a hard day at the evangelistic office? No, likely they were out trying to catch fish to make a living. Working for our food is a value which is (and should be) instilled in us from childhood. Scripture says that if a man does not work neither should he eat.
But what if Jesus wants you to follow after Him? What do you do then?
Well, the disciples tried to do both for a while. They were trying out tentmaking, as it is called. And there's nothing wrong with tentmaking, as Paul the Apostle would confirm. But what if Jesus Himself wants more out of you than your attentions can afford with a full or part time job? I suppose you find yourself in this situation: finding out that God really can provide.
You see, the same God who wants you to trust Him in obedience is the God who also has all power, all resources and all sufficiency for YOU. In Jesus' Name, I ask God to fill your net, rip your net, fill your boat and nearly sink your boat with a blessing so you may see once and for all very clearly that God Himself can and will take care of you. This was all took for the disciples. After this lesson, they forsook all and followed after Him.
Be blessed with a decisive victory.
Craig Thompson
Again - goosebumps. I had to sit for awhile to gather myself cause it really scared me how specific this message was. Today, Craig went back to Psalm 1, so it is just sooo uncanny how that message came on the day that it did.
So, that's my prayer: A decisive victory related to leaving the job and the right time to do so. I've looked into alternative health care resources, such as Samartian's ministry, which I believe will suffice for the short term. What continues to keep me tied up in fear is my concern about what people will think - my parents, Kay, and others. I don't want Kay, in particular, to think I'm trying to be a lazy, freeloader -- his monthly giving shouldn't be altered at all, really - Jonathan's needs are not too much right now. And if I'm home, that puts off daycare for a bit more. I'd still be able to pay rent (and my mother already, without knowing that I had plans to go back to school, told me I can reduce what I've been giving them, which includes paying her to watch Jonathan). I feel that maybe the Lord has me doing something with my writing as a ministry. How that would turn into money coming in, I have no idea. However, I'm not gonna really know until I step out in faith and just do what He's been calling me to do now for over a year and a half. I've just gotta do it.
So, this takes us to Day 2. I want to start tracking the daily devotion lesson's here for reference in the future. Here we go:
Scripture reading is Esther 7 & 8
7:3 - Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.
Esther fasted before she sought the King's favor. This is a model for us as we come before our King with big requests. It's not that fasting changes God's mind-- but it changes our hearts so we can humbly ask for His intervention with a pure heart!
Read Esther 8:17 again and record the outcome of Esther's fast:
In every province and in every city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.
Wherever the "commands of the king" go, they bring joy & gladness! Because of His goodness, our King can turn our fast into a feast!
Journal your thoughts about these 2 big ideas from Esther:
* We need to FAST before we seek the King's FAVOR.
* The King has the power to turn our FASTING into a FEASTING!
I believe strongly that the Lord is already moving, as evidenced in the information above. I have two other requests that are strong in my spirit, and I believe He will move upon those, as well. I look forward to coming to Him on April 4th with these petitions and seeing the result -- experiencing the joy, witnessing His glory, having a new testimony of His faithfulness.
Here are all three petitions that I plan to make:
- A decisive victory related to leaving IBM - including the right time to do so, understanding in the hearts of those who will be indirectly (parents, Kay, friends) and directly impacted (ID team, management), and the Lord's favor and direction upon whatever He deems I need to do once I walk away.
- Brandon, Kay and Bill repenting and turning to Christ, accepting His free gift of salvation, and walking out a consecrated, abiding walk with the Lord in fellowship with other believers, in accountable relationships with other Godly males, as contributing members of Bible believing churches.
- Cancellation of the spirits of unforgiveness, resentment, contempt, bitterness, duplicity, distrust, neglect and anger in my parent's marriage, in Jesus's name, and loosing, in His mighty name, the bonds of love, forgiveness, care, kindness, gentleness, patience, goodness, peace and joy within the remaining years of their marriage - a restoration of what the locusts have attempted to destroy.
Tell God about the situation you're fasting for this Spring. Spend 15 minutes praying
& asking what His favor would look like in this crisis? What would please him most?
Honestly describe what outcome would turn your fast into feasting! Thank God for his favor in
Jesus Christ and commit yourself to joyfully receiving His response!
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