Friday - John 17:1-26. "May all be one... That the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."
"One" - That was what Jesus asked of the church (His bride). Another word often used is "unity". The bride of Christ in intended to move forward - to take light into darkness and to be a demonstration of unity among people.
Today, ask the Lord that the church (both universal and local) would be united to usher in the Kingdom of God to the world.
Today remember that "Where there is unity there is always victory."
Hello all - I pray that this finds you all having a great day...This is my first time to fast - well that is to say to go without food for the purpose of developing and strengthing my walk with Christ (guess it is my first time to blog too now that I think about it :) ...When I began this 21-day journey on Mon I had mixed emotions - although I was exhilerated by the anticipation of what the Lord would reveal to me in this time, I also found myself questioning:
ReplyDelete- Can I really make it through without food?
- Would I persevere or would I "cheat"?
- What should I be fasting for?
- Can I fast for revelation in more than just one area of my life (personal growth, my career direction, my family)?
- Can I fast for others?
I found myself feeling somewhat overwhelmed yet my own pride would not let me admit to others that I had these questions - then I heard the Lord speak through Michael's message on Wednesday..."Be still and know that I am God" - this was the simplification I needed...If I would just fast in obedience to Him, He will take care of the rest - I can lay ALL THINGS at His throne, my questions, fears, my anticipation, and then simply trust in Him...I needed to stop DOING and start BEING...I also heard in Wednesday's message (as well as both Mon through scripture reading and Tuesday through a radio sermon) about perseverance - this has been resounding in my heart...I know this is a direction from the Lord not only because I seem to be hearing it EVERYDAY but also because He knows me intimately...My track record used to be when the going would get tough, Steve was heading out the back door - this is reflected through a past filled with pain and regrets...The good news of today is that (through the strength given to me by my Savior Jesus Christ) I will perservere and when the road gets hard, I will stand strong and move forward...This was so beautifully illustrated to me through the story of David and Goliath - at the point in which David was to fight Goliath it reads, "When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:48)...Why did he run at Goliath with such confidence and vigor? Because he had faith that the Lord would deliver Goliath into his hand - that the Lord "had his back"...Imagine if we attacked our problems with the same faith and vigor? So on this note, I encourage you all to PERSEVERE not only in this current fast with our brothers and sisters in the Summit Life Church body but also over the challenges that you may be facing in your own lives...The Lord God is greater than ALL THINGS and you shall overcome!!! God bless you all, Steve
Great story Steve - Amen to being still; what a blessing it has been.
ReplyDeleteI've never fasted before. I've always used the excuse (now I realize it was an excuse) that I would be doing it for the wrong reasons (weightloss). but I know my heart is in the right place on this, and Alan and I have both fasted since Summit on Wed night. Amazing how great I feel! Some growling tummy, but the benefits sure outweigh that! I'm doing only water/juices and the main thing I've learned already is that God is my sustenance! I mean, I "knew" that before, but I was actually very afraid of fasting. You know me and my food. I was telling God, "Ok, now I guess I'm gonna find out for sure that you are my sustenance!" and I am!
ReplyDeleteI am still afraid of tomorrow though. Since I've never fasted, I have no idea how I will feel tomorrow. And Saturdays are my biggest workday, very stressful...and tomorrow in particular will probably be the busiest day of the year at WW....any advice? I have this fear that I will pass out standing in front of one of my groups (I'm on my feet presenting for about 5 hrs straight). I can't tell if I'm just not trusting God to sustain me (Alan says that's it), or if it is a valid concern. I'm praying about it...but still afraid. Thanks to Michael for giving one of those sermons that was directed right at me (because it is ALL about me afterall, right? haha). Kat T
This is also my first fast. I have had less fruit today and more water. Quite a bit more hunger. One of the groups in my office had pizza delivered. Don't know that I have ever seen or smelled one so attractive. My heart keeps saying "self-discipline" about our fast. My prompting to fast was revealed Wednesday through a friend at work. She said it's time to get serious and "fasting" was the word she spoke. Michael confirmed it later that evening. My mindset was to skip a meal on Thursday and build on it weekly, but the Lord "kicked it up a notch". As I am seeking to learn to walk and not run, this is the next step. My word of the day to my Christian co-workers was "Honor". As in "let's agree to honor God with our lives today." To God be the glory!!
ReplyDeleteJeff, that is so encouraging. Just to know that the God of the universe spoke to YOU that day at work, then confirmed it Wednesday night through Michael. Amazing...simply amazing ;)
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