Day 2- Pressing through to Him

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified:... that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen." 1 Thessalonians 4.3,4

The ability to control one's body is developed through the trials of learning to say no to the cries of the flesh and the demands of the body. As we go deeper into the disciplines of the Spirit we find ourselves in sync with the ancient seekers of God.
These learned the disciplines of faith by walking in them. Here there is no slight of hand, no trick, no play acting. It comes down to doing it.

As you fast and pray, you may be experiencing headaches and lethargy. I assume that is normal for this second day. The headaches are likely from caffeine withdrawal. Both symptoms are normal. The goal of increased intimacy will demand from us a persistence and a steadfastness. Intimacy with God is not to be shaped by our feelings or our comfort (though often we succumb to this).

God is present- in the headache and in the lethargy. He is not hiding so much as teaching us. He is teaching us to press through to him. We are like the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8.40ff). We know that we are sick, and incurably dysfunctional, so we press through the obstructions to touch the Lord. If only we can touch him- he is able to heal. Touch him and the power flows from him.

Remember- He rewards diligent seekers. To that woman Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

On your mark; get set; go...

A long anticipated time of fasting and prayer has begun. Make no mistake- there is no use in fasting if there is no prayer involved in the fast. So one must set their sights upon the goal of God's Presence. Here at the beginning of this time of prayer there is glorious sense of God's blessing already. Just dedicating one's self to seeking the Lord is a step of obedience to God's invitation to intimacy. There is no doubt that there will be blessing in that step. So if you launched 09 with a time of dedicated "seeking"- you WILL be blessed.

Remember- he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. (Heb 11.6)

Fasting- are you up for it?

It seems that God is directing us toward an extended fast. As I have been praying, I hear God saying "21 days". That is a rather extended time of fasting. I am hoping that you will join with me in the fast. I anticipate the first 21 days of 2009 will be the timing of the event. Can you join with me? If you need to think through it keep reading.

When is fasting valuable?
(1) Fasting may be beneficial in times of mourning. David and his men mourned and fasted upon hearing of the death of Saul (2 Samuel 1:12), and Nehemiah did also when he was informed of Jerusalem’s poor condition (Nehemiah 1:4). Fasting and prayer is fitting when a loved one is critically ill (2 Samuel 12:16).

(2) Fasting frequently accompanied repentance as an outward and genuine sign of sorrow for rebellion (1 Samuel 7:6). Even the pagan people of Nineveh proclaimed a fast when face with their sins (Jonah 3:5).

(3) Fasting was practiced in connection with great and important spiritual moments. Moses fasted during that period when he was receiving the Law (Exodus 34:28). Christ fasted prior to his encounter with Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). The church fasted before sending Barnabas and Saul on that perilous first missionary campaign (Acts 13:2-3). Fasting was certainly a component in the dynamic ministry of Paul (2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27). It is seemingly preparatory

Fasting can, however, be abused. It is never a replacement for personal godly living. Isaiah rebukes very strongly those who fasted improperly(Isaiah 58). Fsating cannot be an occasion for being proud. The Pharisees were guilty of 'wearing their fast' (Matthew 6:16-18).

Consider these thoughts as you fast;

(1) The Scriptures teach that God honors fasting when performed as a token of deep and sincere dedication.

(2) Doctors tell us that moderate fasting can be a benefit to health, having the effect of allowing our systems to occasionally cleanse themselves.

(3) The mind is more accutely aware during periods of fasting.

(4) Fasting trains us to be self-disciplined.

(5) Fasting also teaches us to be thankful for what we have.