Fasting Part One

 

To be honest, I really had not understood enough to participate in fasting prior to this. I do not know if it was because I did not understand what it meant or how to do it but I knew it was something I shied away from. Big mistake! Fasting is one of the best ways to really draw near to God and experience His presence!

Let’s get right down to it, and talk about how and why too fast. We live in a world of self-reliance and self-indulgence. The churches and pastors really do not cover much about the in and out’s of fasting, just that you should do it.

Jesus in the Bible made many statements about fasting, it was implied that fasting would indeed be a part of one’s life. The practice and should I say the art of fasting has been around for thousands and thousands of years. I mention it as art because it is such a beautiful, collective piece of life that once you experience, you will never want to do without again! Drawing near to God and having intimate one on one intimacy with Him is far greater than anything you will ever experience. Jesus calls us to a level of devotion that goes beyond our conveniences and comfort.

Charles Stanley in his article When You Fast, states this, “The scriptural evidence should cause us to give serious consideration to the importance of fasting, but Jesus offers even more incentive- His teaching on the subject (Matthew 6:16-18) He begins by saying, “Whenever you fast” not “If you fast”. This implies that it should indeed be a vital part of our lives.”

Fasting brings honor to God and benefits us. It is a privilege that helps us draw closer to Him. Satan understands the importance of fasting that is why he will try so hard to keep you from doing it because he knows that it will “uncover anything that hinders your effectiveness for God and unleash divine power in your life.” Seeking God’s direction with sincerity, humility and an open heart will reveal a part and intimacy with God you never knew was possible.

In our next time together, I will reveal to you what the Bible and God has revealed to me about  how and why to fast, why it is a private matter between you and God and will allow an opportunity for you to ask questions. See you soon!

Changes

 

Life has a way of getting so busy and out of control. If you are a goal oriented, task list kind of girl, you will totally relate!  I am at my best when all of the tasks on the forever changing, revised things to do list are scratched off and completed. Organization and time-management are critical in running the day to day operations of a household.  This is the place where satan tries to bind me with a stronghold that often leaves me frustrated, critical, exhausted and often angry.

James 1:8 states that a “double-minded man (or woman in this case) is unstable in all his ways.”  What does that mean? Double minded is defined as “wavering or undecided in mind.” I am not talking about a person’s inability to make a decision, but more so of a person’s ability to maintain a well balanced self, marriage, and family.

I will let you in on a little secret; none of this is possible without God. Since we are all imperfect beings living in an imperfect world, we do not have the knowledge or the wisdom outside of God to make it happen.

Part of being off balance is a sign that you are not spending enough quality time with God. We must learn to say yes to God, and no to other things.

 My family is over-extended, over-scheduled, and often exhausted from too many activities, practices and programs that we are involved in. I am learning that this is the way satan wants us to be, distracted and distant from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 11:3 states “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

The key to balances comes from a “simple, pure devotion to Christ” Join me in this journey as we learn how to say yes to Jesus, and no to the world. We will learn what it means to be purely, passionately devoted to the Lord! Are you ready?

Day 1: Renewing My Mind

I have decided that I really want to have a positive outlook on life. With the new outlook, I am going to have a relationship with the Lord, that I never thought was possible to have. I know and have always known that God is right there, reaching for me, to come to him. It was through my “stinkin thinkin” that prevented me from go all the way to Him.

I am reading the Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers. The first two chapters reiterated that we are what we think, and have all the tools we need to fight this spiritual warfare that we are currently in. It is through the Word, Praise, and Prayer that we are to use to accomplish this lifestyle change. Joyce goes on to say, ” You can look at a person’s attitude and know what kind of thinking that is prevalent in their life. A sweet, kind person does not have mean, vindictive thoughts. By the same token, and evil person does not have good, loving thoughts. Proverbs 23:7 states, ” for as you think in your heart, so are you.”

How did I get these crazy thoughts? I started out with a blank screen, per say… It has been through years and years of building of strongholds that the devil has laid out for me. Don’t get me wrong, I am aware of what he is doing, and I must take the first step. After reaching out to the Lord, I know he will lead and guide me, for the Word says.. ” I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Isn’t that cool, just by knowing those two scriptures is enough to get me started in turning my life around.

I have many goals, renewing of my mind to be more Christ-like, physically getting back in shape in a healthy, smart way. I must feed my spirit nourishment just like my physical body.

Want to join me in this journey? I would love to hear from you. You can either comment here, or email me privately pollardtl@cox.net

Until next time,
Traci

Trust….

Matthew 6:25-34

New International Version (NIV)

Do Not Worry<sup class="crossreference" value="(A)”>

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry<sup class="crossreference" value="(B)”> about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.<sup class="crossreference" value="(C)”> Are you not much more valuable than they?<sup class="crossreference" value="(D)”> ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life<sup class="footnote" value="[a]”>[a]?<sup class="crossreference" value="(E)”>

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor<sup class="crossreference" value="(F)”> was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?<sup class="crossreference" value="(G)”> ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.<sup class="crossreference" value="(H)”> ³³ But seek first his kingdom<sup class="crossreference" value="(I)”> and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.<sup class="crossreference" value="(J)”> ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

 

Do you trust? I mean we all say we do, but do we really trust the Lord? I can honestly say that I trust the fact that I want to trust the Lord, and that He will meet me right where I am at, because I am honest to say, help me to really trust you. Just like in Mark 9:24 when “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” Whew, glad I am not the only one!

I think honesty with God sometimes makes the difference as to whether or not he moves on our behalf. I know that God loves me, but I think He wants me to be real with Him , for He already knows my deepest thoughts and fears, anyway!

I have several precious friends, who are Missionaries. They work, depend, live, and love God. They depend on his provisions for everything they have. Their walk with Him, I am sure is a day to day, minute by minute thing. I envy that, and yet that would scare me to death. I know I am not one for change, not at all. Change is very difficult for me, and I will hang on to something simply for the fear of the change, period. Whether or not the change is good for me, or most importantly, If God believes it is best for me is a statement that I think about daily.

Fear is an underlying factor and emotion felt by not only myself, but billions of other people. When I get in my car and go somewhere, I am trusting that I will go back home. When I log into my computer each day for work, I am trusting it will turn on. Most importantly, when my husband and children leave in the morning, I trust that they are coming home.

What happens if it doesn’t happen they way you think it is suppose to go? Beth Moore in one of her television stories, was telling of the fear that she faced when she flew in a small plane with her children, and grand children. She mentioned that the plane had hit some extremely rough turbulence while in the air, and the fear of them possibly crashing the plane was very real for her. She had what I would call the “and then what conversation with God.

Beth:  ” God what if something happened to my husband, children, and grandchildren?”

God:  “And then what?”

Beth:  “I would just want to die!”

God  “and then what?”

Beth: “Well I would just fall apart!”

God: Well I would just pick you up, and then what?

Beth went on and on as to what she would do, and every time God has an answer for her, stating the same thing, and then what? The point of the matter is that God has the answers, is always in control, and even though our hearts would be broken in a thousand pieces, God will still carry us along the way.

One footprint in the Sand……

How do you live not knowing if your bills are going to get paid, your mortgage, your utilities, your food? Depending on God each and every second of the day. You just do, you just know, He will provide!

Looking back, I can see where He always has taken care of the situation at hand. The Bible says that we are to not worry about tomorrow, for today will have enough challenges of its own. (emphasis mine).

Give it to Him, he is able to carry you and your burdens!

Best Friends…..

One thing I have learned in life, is that life is short, we are definitely not promised another hour, much less another day! I lost my best friend, my baby brother almost twelve years ago. We had talked on the phone the night before, and he was planning to have my kids stay the weekend with him, the weekend that would never be. You do not realize that your entire world, your perception on how you see something, your view on life, and the people that are most treasured could change in one day. We are born in this world alone, and no matter how much we dislike, we die alone.  I pray every day to keep my family safe, that Praise God each night we are all brought home safe!

If you have any hesitation about saying I love you to someone, or how much they mean to you don’t, It may be your last opportunity. God is good, he does make something good about every situation we are faced with, and every event, He has His hands on it. Nothing will happen to you before God’s timing. Thank Him!!!!

I used to have this drill when I could not even fathom being without someone important in my life, my grandmother especially. Nanny lived to be 87 years old, and was ready for some time before she passed away. I think she stayed with God’s permission for me.

Thank you to all my friends, and family, I truly love you all¬ Whether we are blood, soul sister’s either in person or online, I treasure you. You make me strive to be a better person! Know that I love you and when I make a friend, we are friends for life!

With this being said, Peace.
 

Uncomprehensible

I read a quote today that talks about God’s unfailing and remarkable love for us. We are His children. I can not even get a grasp on it, even when I try for my inability to love the way He does, is only desired. I want to love others like God loves us, I really do. Often times we let our emotions get ahead of us, by our feeling’s leading the way. It is impossible to love another wholeheartedly based on your feelings. There are some days we as people do not love ourselves, so how can we define what true love really is.

I am searching and seeking direction from God on how to love. I am yearning for the answer. I know if I wait patiently, God may or may not tell me, but I guarantee that he will show me.

I hope that your desire is to seek Him out and love Him the way He loves you; without question, without circumstances, with hope and faithfulness.

Peace….