Dear Wintonburyites!
As we head into Day Two, I am wondering how everyone is doing. I know that for me, I had to fight off my urge to visit ESPN.COM yesterday! I was dying to know what was going on with the Patriots and the Huskies but the Lord gave me strength. Instead, I stopped myself and prayed...isn't that the point of fasting? To concentrate spiritually on the Lord and what He is telling me? To seek Him passionately as we state in our Purpose Statement?
I spoke to several people today who told me how they are already sensing a closer walk with the Lord. Waking up and reading God's Word instead of worrying about the day's events and concerns. Fasting is all about humbling ourselves before the Lord and being reminded that He is our very life.
For those of us who have not done much fasting before, here is a guide from Campus Crusade for Christ that is very good. I hope it might answer some of your questions about fasting and also help keep you from potentially harmful physical side-effects if you aren't careful! Let's continue to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness! Amen!
5 comments:
I am experiencing some pretty special things during my fast. I have been fasting from food from Mon-Tue evening each week and then only drinking water for a beverage throughout the 40 Days. One morning I heard Jeremiah 29:11 in the context of Him knowing the plans for me so well that the unknown became a comfort. And then...
We started our journey to Montreal today with a stop to visit a nearby Apple Store so as to examine my iPhone. The battery kept on dying at about 50% (arghhh). Noah dropped me off and I walked to the store and was greeted by a young gentleman who checked me in. I then proceeded to the Genius Bar and had the pleasure to strike up a conversation with "K". This young woman of 22 described herself as an 'old soul' who was currently working full-time and also starting back at Community College. She has a demanding schedule and is looking to become a teacher some day and then earn her Masters. She'd like to marry, have kids at a young age, and enjoy the things that money cannot buy. I listened to her share how she wanted to pursue her passion and the things really important to her. She also shared how her boyfriend and family lived in Suffield. Hearing all these things seemed like the Lord was opening up an opportunity to connect. I shared with her how I pursued my passion of hearing God to join Wintonbury as a pastor and that we are in the midst of something called 40 Days. I explained that one of our opportunities is a multi-site in Suffield. Both of us commented on whether this could be of God! Could God be preparing another person to be part of this? She has a tattoo with Luke 12:48 written which she shared why. I then shared the gospel along with giving her Psalm 139 to show how special she was to God and Eph 2:8-9 to show that Christ gives us the free gift of eternal life when we trust in Him. During this time of 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer, we are considering that God is always at work around us and that we should seek to join Him in His work. I was asking God "should I share" and I sensed I should. This appointment was non-existent until after I came home last night. Sometimes her day doesn't even start until 1pm. Of course God was in this especially since I didn't make the appointment until last night.
But that's not all. We arrived in Montreal at about 6pm, checked in and decided to walk about and have some dinner after Noah wanted to pick up a coffee. So, on our way we passed a restaurant that I read great reviews about. We decided to change plans and eat there. That was a great decision as we enjoyed a delicious meal. We went for a walk and stopped a couple of elderly ladies to ask them about the city and they shared a favorite thing which we appreciated. We continued to walk and saw a older couple who we later learned were Francoise and Bruno. They are a retired couple that just moved to the Olympic Village a year ago. They were so sweet and kind to us and the way in which they interacted with each other, showed the love they had for 46 years. They listened to complete strangers and welcomed us in to their city and told us all about some good things we could enjoy. We walked around the village and we learned that she was a nurse and he a science teacher. They have two grown and married girls, four grandsons, and a granddaughter. We felt part of the family. Toward the end of our visit, they took us up to the rooftop of the complex and we saw the whole city with all its beauty under a clear night. When we left, we extended God's blessing to them and felt His great care for us. Jesus Christ is everything and we receive more than we can ask or imagine. God is always at work around us and I am so glad to see Him and join Him.
A beautiful experience Dave - thanks for sharing it. It blessed me to hear how you saw The Lord working around you and you took a step to join Him in His work in these people's lives. Enjoy your time in Montreal.
Cool story, Dave B. Thanks for sharing.
I get the distinct feeling that something is already happening. The body may already be experiencing attacks. Keep up the good work!
Yes...I too agree that the Lord is at work and we've shaken up the enemy...there will be attacks and we must remember the encouragement of Heb. 12:1-3...that the Lord Jesus persevered in His trials because of the joy set before Him. His perseverance encourages us to do the same. His strength is enough!
Post a Comment