Fasting Makes Me Cranky
Good morning, it's Pastor Chris from the Liquid Nutley campus.
Most days, I enjoy reading through a Psalm because it helps me to pray. Because as a pastor, I get asked to pray on a lot of occasions... at church, at meals, at weddings, at special events... and quite frankly, it can get quite exhausting trying to find new ways to pray the same thing - "Dear God... help!"
So I read through the Psalms because it can be a very useful collection of prayers that expands my own prayer vocabulary. Heck, if it was good enough for Jesus to use, then it's good enough for me. In fact, it's pretty cool to think that I'm uttering the exact same prayers that Jesus prayed.
// READ & FEED: Spend a couple minutes reading through Psalm 42. I'm fairly certain that you'll recognize the feelings that the author expresses so clearly: My tears have been my food day and night. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Why have you forgotten me?
// REFLECTION: A lot of Christians walk around wearing a smile on their face that says, "Hey Jesus, life is awesome; I'm kicking butt!" Good for them.
Unfortunately, the lines on my face read, "Hey Jesus, life just gave me a wedgie! What gives?!?!"
So, a prayer like Psalm 42 (with all the "woe is me" stuff) really resonates with me. And that seems to be okay with God. Given the fact that the Psalms are filled with a lot of brutally honest prayers from some pretty famous Christians in the Old Testament... it almost seems like God invites our brutal honesty. "Bring it on, I can handle it."
And that's a relief, because when I fast, I get cranky. No food = jerkface. There's no spiritual make-up to apply that can beautify my heart or personality. Besides, God sees all the scars and wrinkles anyway. So in one sense, fasting relieves me of the need to pretend to be something I'm not. And instead, I can spend all my energy engaging completely, wrestling wholeheartedly, and crying out tirelessly to a Savior who invites me to come and be completely transparent with Him.
// PRAY: One of my favorite authors suggested that our prayers should start with a very simple request: "May it be the real I who speaks. May it be the real You that I speak to."
So today, pray through Psalm 42. Read verse 1, then spend a moment to personalize that line. Then read verse 2, and do the same...
In doing so, you may find the Psalms to be one of your favorite partners in your spiritual growth.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Liquid Fast - Week 1, Day 7
Sacrificing or Obeying?
Good Morning, it's Pastor Mike here! Sorry I forgot to mention that in yesterday's devotional.
On Saturday we spent time focusing on what it means to wait patiently on the Lord. His promise to us is that when we do He will "turn to us and hear our cry." He also promises to put a new song into our hearts as we learn to sit at His feet patiently.
Admittedly, there are many days I am actually hesitant to hear from God. To be honest, sometimes I am afraid that God might want me to do something that I don't want to do.
I'm afraid that God might ask me to restore a relationship that has grown distant, address an area of my life that actually falls outside God's design for honesty or integrity or even giving away something that is precious to me... my time, my attention or my money...
// READ & FEED: Today read Psalm 40 again and try to focus specifically on verse 6.
"In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required."
// JOURNAL: Part of fasting is sacrificing, even denying ourselves a physical desire like food, in order for God to fill us with a deeper spiritual desire for Him. What I love (and kinda dislike:) are the words the Psalmist uses in verse 6 to clarify the difference between sacrificing and obeying.
David makes it abundantly clear that what God clearly values is not our sacrificing, but rather our OBEDIENCE. OUCH. Man, I wish that God would value sacrificing my caffeine for a bunch of smoothies... why can't that just be good enough? :)
The bottom line is that God really wants our hearts, and the reality is that our sacrifice of the physical helps to soften our hearts to consider the spiritual discipline that obedience requires.
Take some time today to write down some of the ways that you sense God is asking you to be obedient to Him as part of this fast. Push through the pangs of fear and anxiety you feel about what it might mean to be able to do that. Challenge yourself to consider more than just sacrificing for Him, but actually what it means to OBEY Him.
- To be open to go wherever he desires for me and Jonathan to go - even if that means away from my parents (NO!) or linking up with someone in a home-dwelling situation (Joanne, Lolita, someone else)
- Inviting Brandon to church - and his fiancee, even though I don't agree with how he's conducting this relationship.
- Visiting Maria and bringing her to church
- Inviting VerRonda and ViAnna to church
- Inviting Bill Scott to church
- Inviting Kay to church
- Volunteering in children's church
// Pray: I want you to spend some time talking with God about some of the ways He might be asking you to OBEY Him. Make sure to wait patiently and quietly as you listen to what He might be saying to you.
I also want you to pray about who you are going to share this with :)... that's right... you can't do this alone and you need to be praying about that person/people that will help support you as you take this next step of obedience, a spouse, friend, life group or service team member who will encourage you along in this journey.
Good Morning, it's Pastor Mike here! Sorry I forgot to mention that in yesterday's devotional.
On Saturday we spent time focusing on what it means to wait patiently on the Lord. His promise to us is that when we do He will "turn to us and hear our cry." He also promises to put a new song into our hearts as we learn to sit at His feet patiently.
Admittedly, there are many days I am actually hesitant to hear from God. To be honest, sometimes I am afraid that God might want me to do something that I don't want to do.
I'm afraid that God might ask me to restore a relationship that has grown distant, address an area of my life that actually falls outside God's design for honesty or integrity or even giving away something that is precious to me... my time, my attention or my money...
// READ & FEED: Today read Psalm 40 again and try to focus specifically on verse 6.
"In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required."
// JOURNAL: Part of fasting is sacrificing, even denying ourselves a physical desire like food, in order for God to fill us with a deeper spiritual desire for Him. What I love (and kinda dislike:) are the words the Psalmist uses in verse 6 to clarify the difference between sacrificing and obeying.
David makes it abundantly clear that what God clearly values is not our sacrificing, but rather our OBEDIENCE. OUCH. Man, I wish that God would value sacrificing my caffeine for a bunch of smoothies... why can't that just be good enough? :)
The bottom line is that God really wants our hearts, and the reality is that our sacrifice of the physical helps to soften our hearts to consider the spiritual discipline that obedience requires.
Take some time today to write down some of the ways that you sense God is asking you to be obedient to Him as part of this fast. Push through the pangs of fear and anxiety you feel about what it might mean to be able to do that. Challenge yourself to consider more than just sacrificing for Him, but actually what it means to OBEY Him.
- To be open to go wherever he desires for me and Jonathan to go - even if that means away from my parents (NO!) or linking up with someone in a home-dwelling situation (Joanne, Lolita, someone else)
- Inviting Brandon to church - and his fiancee, even though I don't agree with how he's conducting this relationship.
- Visiting Maria and bringing her to church
- Inviting VerRonda and ViAnna to church
- Inviting Bill Scott to church
- Inviting Kay to church
- Volunteering in children's church
// Pray: I want you to spend some time talking with God about some of the ways He might be asking you to OBEY Him. Make sure to wait patiently and quietly as you listen to what He might be saying to you.
I also want you to pray about who you are going to share this with :)... that's right... you can't do this alone and you need to be praying about that person/people that will help support you as you take this next step of obedience, a spouse, friend, life group or service team member who will encourage you along in this journey.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Liquid Fast - Week 1, Day 6
// 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.
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.
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.
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