Let me cry out to You through the methods that You have outlined. Let me draw near to You and other believers, through shared suffering and joy.
Fasting
My 40 Days Fast 2012 was painful. There were many tears of pain and suffering shared by myself, family, and friends. This has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life, yet I would not trade it for anything. My pain and joy experienced in life bond me to You.
- 40 Days Fast 2012 | I discovered why we share the joys and pains of life with my brothers.
- 40 Days Fast 2012 | I discovered how to become fearless.
- 40 Days Fast 2012 | My reward is directly tied to my motives.
- 40 Days Fast 2012 | I discovered how selfish and self serving I am.
- 40 Days Fast 2012 | I discovered how much I should depend on family and friends.
My once a month fast is to bring myself under stress to cause sins wedged in my heart to break loose and burst forward. Until I can see them, I can not correct them. This is another joy and pain that I share with family and friends. This is an excellent tool for continued removal of lies from my life. Lord, strengthen me to find lies tucked away in the shadows of my heart. Help me to root them out of my life.
- 15th Day of Month 2011 | I discovered I do not have patience for others.
- 15th Day of Month 2011 | I discovered that foolish words cause problems.
- 15th Day of Month 2011 | I discovered that being direct with my words is best.
Fasting Reflection
2013 Lent |
2014 Lent |
2015 Lent |
Praying
My initial goal was to write a prayer every day for thirty days. I was soon challenged by a friend to carry it on for a hundred days. Honestly, thirty would not have been enough. I needed the one hundred days to make an impact on my life. Yes, You unlocked many things to me Lord through this experience. This writing has broke my heart and brought forward deep pains and suffering that was buried. Writing my prayer to You has set me free on many different levels.
- 100 Days of Writing a Prayer 2011 | I discovered how much You love me.
- 100 Days of Writing a Prayer 2011 | I discovered how much You forgive, even me.
- 100 Days of Writing a Prayer 2011 | I discovered how to forgive myself.
- 100 Days of Writing a Prayer 2011 | I discovered how to forgive others.
- 100 Days of Writing a Prayer 2011 | I discovered how Your word protects me.
- 100 Days of Writing a Prayer 2011 | I discovered how Your protect me daily.
- 100 Days of Writing a Prayer 2011 | I created a mnemonic for praying.
- 100 Days of Writing a Prayer 2011 | I focused my attention on teaching my children how to pray.
Scripture
Reading scripture daily is a necessary activity for fellowship with You. As I read, Your Word, I begin to glean how You operate and act. Like growing a friendship with three to five visits weekly, time in Your Word with You grows our relationship. You teach me much in our time together. You will unlock more as I continue spending time in fellowship with You.
- Hebrews 13:8 | You are my Rock!
- Proverbs 18:21 | Fruit of the tongue!
- Luke 16:10 | It is the little things.
- 1 Peter 5:8 | Watch out!
- Acts 3:5 | Let me give you all I have.
Results of Fasting, Prayer, and Scripture
As I spend time getting this raggedy tent cleaned up with Your help, I begin to extrapolate what You share with me in various ways. Some are easily explained, while others are just not that simple. Many of these thoughts and ideas require many other building blocks as a foundation of understanding prior to comprehending these statements.
- Living life incrementally
- Answer questions directly.
- Submit to Your leadership.
- Tithe all I can to the temple.
- Subtle actions teach.
- Time speaks louder than money.
Points in Time
I have been given a perspective that eases the Moses burden. What seems to me as a long arduous task has been set among the grand scheme of time. The reward outweighs the pain, misery, and suffering that are for a little while. Chaining verses filled with Hope!
If You are going to treat me like this, please kill me right now. (Numbers 11:15) LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered — how fleeting my life is. (Psalm 39:4) And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Numbers 11:15 is my position.
Psalm 39:4 is the reality.
Hebrews 13:8 is my reward.
Additions
- Quite! Be Still.
- Others first.
- One thing at a time.
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