Daniel Fast - Day 18

The Daniel Fast

Day 18

A picture that joyfully replays in my mind is of Lydia around 2 years old. We are on a family hike and the wind kicks up. She giggles and turns to face the wind. With eyes closed, arms wide open, and curly hair askew she giggles at the wind on her face and through her hair. And sometimes I wonder if she felt God’s face nuzzling hers as the wind whipped by. She has always loved the wind. Standing unafraid of what the wind would bring, she faced its force trusting what may come. Her arms spread wide and unguarded and joy coursing through her soul.

I wish I faced the winds with not just peace but joy! I wish I trusted what the Holy Spirit brought to me, joy coming from unquestioning faith. Well, I am building my life on the Rock. So I will learn to stand on that rock, eyes closed in faith, joy in my countenance and abandoned to the will of my Father.

Join me!

Daniel Fast - Day 17

The Daniel Fast

Day 17

Do you ever feel like you have pinned yourself to a dissection table and started slicing? Sometimes we spend a lot of time ‘outside’ of ourselves looking in and finding what is wrong. In fact some teaching encourages such unhealthy examination of oneself. I have heard such an interpretation of John the Baptist when he said “He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30.)” I can say confidently that introspection was not what John the Baptist was referring to.

But no matter how hard we try we cannot be rid of ourselves. If the whole of who God made us to be is wrong and should be cut away, why then would we also be taught that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit?

You see, we must come to find that God crafted us with His perfect image in mind. He did not add a ‘pinch of sin’ just to keep the curse going (we did that). So somewhere in you is the idea of you in the complete and perfect image of Christ! The hard part is in understanding that the creation can never be fully understood apart from the Creator. Therefore, the more we know of God the clearer we become in our own eyes.

As far as that ‘pinch of sin’ – you must trust that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you all things that you should be mindful of and not torment your own soul by continuing in the disease of introspection.

And this, my friends, is the fundamental reason that we must learn to abide in Christ! Grow your knowledge of God so that he may increase and we may decrease!

Daniel Fast - Day 16

The Daniel Fast

Day 16

Bach and Handel are both composers from the Baroque period and each stood out in numerous ways. But one commonality between the two was how they signed the end of their cantatas and compositions. S.D.G. (see picture). These initials represent the Latin statement, Soli Deo Gloria, To God alone be the Glory.

It is said that the first performance in London of the Messiah was attended by King George II. When the Hallelujah Chorus began, he rose to his feet, and so did those with him (following the King’s lead). Thus our tradition of standing for the Hallelujah chorus even today! There are many speculations on why King George rose to his feet. But I must believe this explanation found on Wikipedia:

“As was and is the custom, one stands in the presence of royalty as a sign of respect. The Hallelujah chorus clearly places Christ as the King of Kings. In standing, King George II accepts that he too is subject to the Lord of Lords.”

In this way – even King George II finished the Messiah with S.D.G. shown in his actions. We too must learn that we bow low in humility and thankfulness before our King, but to stand in His presence shows that we are moving the glory from our accomplishments - to the composer of our lives.

May you find every way to say –Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone Be the Glory!

Daniel Fast - Day 15

The Daniel Fast

Day 15

In “You Were Born For This” by Bruce Wilkinson he makes a profound statement –

“Good people, doing good works in the world is not enough to fully accomplish what God wants done. God seeks to reveal Himself in majesty and truth in our generation – and to do so through us. That’s why a miracle just delivered and received is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to give Him the glory he deserves.”

In so many words I think what Bruce is saying is this; if you want to know that the good you are doing is the good that God predetermined for you to do…. You only have to ask one question. Does the act of good shift the praise and glory from me, the one who delivered the good, to God, the one who DID the good?

This is a vitally important question for us as women, the volunteers of the churches, schools, and sports organizations. We can drive ourselves into the ground ‘doing good.’ Maybe a step back to evaluate what we are so busy with can bring us freedom. Is the good that I am doing bringing glory to me or God?

These are tough words. But what better time to place your busy-ness before God than in the middle of your fast.

Daniel Fast - Day 14

The Daniel Fast

Day 14

Life sure gets in the way of faith sometimes!   OK, so what I am really saying is that sometimes you just feel assaulted.  The walls of your mind cave in with worry, anxiety, or fear.  We all have times when we just can’t rein in our minds.  As the thoughts keep swirling through, cycling round and round our souls can plunge into despair.  You may even ask: “Where is the hope?” 

Your hope is in Christ and in Him crucified.  Don’t ask me how it is possible but the cross is able to bear the sins you have done, the sins you have witnessed, and the sins done to you.  Nothing else is as thorough as the Cross! 

So many times we think we can only give what is perfect, beautiful and right to our Lord.  We forget that he simply asks us for our life.

King David was a master of this art.  The entire book of Psalms are about a heart (a life) poured out to him – both the glorious and the unthinkable.  And all this put to music! 

So, in prayer today, no matter where you are with your life:

                “Let my (your) Life Song Sing to You (Him).” by Casting Crowns

Daniel Fast - Day 13

The Daniel Fast

Day 13 - Friday

A song keeps ringing in my ears today. “There can be Miracles” was produced for the Disney production of “The Prince of Egypt.” It was the story of Moses; his saving, his calling, his falling, his isolation, his anointing, and his leading. Miracles – how do you define them? I say that something happens that no man could accomplish nor explain.

My daily calendar on my desk reads today:

“What kind of God do you have today? Is He the God of the impossible?”

Yes – Today I have a God of the impossible. I do believe in miracles! I love miracle stories; the old ones like Moses and the Israelites or the new ones such as the story of our Spring Retreat Speaker, Ginger Millermon. But the ones that transform me from knowing about God to knowing of God are the miracles that happen to me. I must say that I do not generally meet my miracles with infallible, unshakable faith. I am usually more like the father in Mark 9:24.

“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

I am so grateful that God does not limit his might to the magnitude of my faith. Rather he uses the opportunity of a mustard seed of faith to plant his oaks of righteousness.

Today – Dare to ask for and believe in a miracle. Somewhere you are facing something that seems insurmountable, unexplainable or even unforgiveable. Ask for it anyway and add to the end of your prayer – “I believe Lord – Help thou mine unbelief.”

Daniel Fast - Day 12

The Daniel Fast

Day 12

TEMPTATION!!!Yikes – it’s been hard…..

I wish I could tell you that Satan has tempted me to turn stones into bread or to be the ruler of this world but, alas, I can only say that my biggest temptation has been a……… HOT DOG!!!! How utterly pathetic.

But, it is true. I made a dish for my family that I could also eat and then Mark grilled some hot dogs for the kids. Hebrew National hot dogs that is. I know some of you are wretching as you read, for hot dogs are the furthest thing from temptation for you. But, I am tempted when I am drawn away by my own lusts (James 1:14.) Those hot dogs made my mouth water. And when we sat down for dinner I looked at my husband and said, “You are gonna have to move those to the other end of the table. I don’t want them within arm’s length or I will cave!”

I suddenly wished I had that strong of a reaction to all of my temptations. Some I still ‘flirt’ with and set myself up to fail. So today I asked God that He would help me become more keenly aware of the temptations I should be fleeing from instead of making a false stand.

Lord – impart to us your discerning Spirit that would teach us how to walk more closely to you. May we not compare our weak points with those of other’s. Or worse, condemn ourselves for our weakness when looking at another’s strength. Our weakness draws us closer to you. May we celebrate in our frailty so that we may see Your Strength!

Daniel Fast - Day 11

The Daniel Fast

Day 11

My children gave me a daily calendar for Christmas and today this is what it said:

“God is at work within us who are His children. Our part is to cooperate with what he is doing, not to get in His way, to let Him achieve in our lives what He wants to, and not to insist on doing things our way.”

It sounds so simple and yet is so difficult.

Did you hear that first statement? God IS at work within us! That alone is an encouragement. So, to those who do not ‘feel’ the Lord near you, who do not ‘sense’ His presence…. He IS in you, He IS at work in you, He IS beside you and behind you and before you. This is not my opinion – It is God’s fact.

If you do nothing else today; place your hand over your heart and simply look up and say – “Thank you Lord Jesus that you are with me AND within me” and He will guide you into all truth.

Daniel Fast - Day 10

The Daniel Fast

Day 10

Congratulations! You have made it to the half-way point. That is, at noon we are halfway there!

I hope that you have had rich times with God, answers to prayer, and deeper insight into yourself in relation to God. I certainly have.

It is a bit early for Spring but I feel as though Spring Cleaning has been going on in my soul. God has uncovered some deep sins, deep longings, and an even deeper need for Him. The work of keeping me before God has been hard. You see, when God starts uncovering what I would rather have hidden it takes a great deal of self-control to stay quietly before him. I don’t like me when I sin, the aspect of me that harbors dependence on something or someone other than Christ. I get uncomfortable, even fidgety.

But, here is the secret. If I took myself out of God’s presence during times of correction than I would walk away with the sin now present in my conscious mind. It would make it even harder to come before him the next time I dare face him. It would bring guilt and anger with it. God doesn’t want me to walk away in that condition.

Instead God whispers to me; “Stay until it is finished”

I must stay before him until I see and believe that the sin that shames me is also taken into him on the cross, that His blood covers it and removes it from my soul. Then he gently reaches down to my bowed soul and lifts me up! He lets me know of His eternal grace that is sufficient for all that is a part of me.

Praise the Lord – I am His and He is mine!

Today – I lift up the women that have committed together on this journey. Lord I praise you for their faithfulness and pray for added encouragement and blessing for those that are wrestling their way through this time. If any have struggled and failed – may you remind them Lord that you do not intend them to stay down. May they see you with the eyes of their hearts so that you may lift them up!

Daniel Fast - Day 9

The Daniel Fast

Day 9

Idols are a foreign concept to our western world. We do not often see actual carvings set up to be worshipped. Yet, over and over again, in both the Old and New Testament we are called to turn from our idols to God.

A few years back I was completely blind to an idol that I had set up in my life. Given that I came from such a tumultuous home that had both faith and abuse intermixed I clung to my ‘in-law’ family. I did everything in my power to be the perfect daughter/sister-in-law. I so desperately wanted a ‘normal’ family that I would do anything to obtain it. But that ‘anything’ came out in the appearance of manipulation and control. This false happiness came crashing down and it took me with it. I struggled with depression for a few years until God had me in a place to gently reveal to me the truth.

I had set the ‘In-law’ love, admiration, and approval ahead of the desire to be loved by God. In grief and repentance I asked God to tear it down and set me right.

Now 6 years after my idol came crashing down I can say that I am not only free but whole. God not only has given me his love but has healed my marriage along the way. I share a trust with my husband that was not there before.

On this 21 day journey, I challenge you to ask God to reveal to you any idols that you have set up before Him. Sit quietly before him and listen. Then name your idol and repent and be confident in the blood of Jesus that washes and cleanses you.

Go deeper with God!

Daniel Fast - Day 8

The Daniel Fast

Day 8

Setting Love in order. Have you ever asked that God set Love within you and the love that comes from you, in His order? Too many times I have found that I try to carry burdens that are not mine. I hang on to wounds that were not done to me. I work effusively to hear words of approval.

That is love askew. As Jean Holt lectured on, it is love out of need not love out of gift. And it leaves me tired.

It is not wrong to care for others concerns. It is not wrong to show deference to others opinions. But when I bend myself towards another person; taking on their pain, wallowing in their misery, doing more than I am called to do in order to feel loved, then I exhaust myself by pleasing the creation instead of the Creator.

I must first Be loved by the Creator, then I must love others as a gift. This is setting love in order.

If you feel that some of this rings true for you I would encourage you to buy the book “Setting Love in Order” by Leanne Payne.

“Lord I do pray that we all learn to love rightly. That we love facing you so that we give to you and receive the power of your presence to rightly love those around us! May your Holy Spirit be the light that reveals to each of us how our love is ordered.”

Today starts our churches week long continual prayer service. If you have not joined the 24/7 prayer week by signing up for an hour I would strongly encourage you to be a part. Our church is in great need of the strength of the prayers coming from our body of believers. We are voting for new leadership next week. We desire unity but diversity. We are seeking ways to introduce new life yet not lose the strength of our history! Join our corporate body in this time of your fast and pray!

Daniel Fast - Day 7

The Daniel Fast

Day 7

So, I have a confession.

Last night I had to take Lydia to urgent care for a possible infection. Of course we were there longer than expected. So when we left, needing to run through Walgreens to fill a prescription, Lydia reminded me of how hungry she was. I took her to the McDonalds drive through. The menu was full of my carnal desires! LOL! But, I restrained myself. I ordered a side salad with no cheese and a Vinegar and Oil dressing. I got my salad and poured on the dressing. When I took the first bite I felt terrible. The dressing had parmesan cheese in it. I blew my fast.

God whispered encouragement to me as I quickly confessed:

“God, I am so sorry, I should have read the label, forgive me for blowing the fast. Help me to quickly get back on my fast and not entertain the idea of how good it tasted!”

His reply: “Ah, Cheryl, remember that I look at the heart! Your heart had no intention to break your fast. I forgive you and still receive your sacrifice”

Whatever the struggle may be for you; food, time, or both – you can know that God stands ready to forgive and lead you on to success! Don’t let an ‘oops!’ become a ‘forget it!’

Daniel Fast - Day 6

The Daniel Fast

Day 6

Here comes the weekend! Are you ready? You know, it will be a bit tougher. Schedules change, expectation of family changes. Make a plan on how you will maintain your success when everyone else wants something different.

For me, it’s the kids. They want snacks, or maybe pop and pizza for dinner. They want my favorite foods. Now, do I make them suffer with me or do I suffer for them? A Challenging statement. Suffering with me would be to not give them pizza because I have determined I don’t have the ability to say ‘no’ to myself. Suffering for them is to allow them to enjoy their pizza while I fix a vegetarian wrap for dinner.

I chose to suffer for them. In a way it brought me back to how much Jesus Christ has suffered for us. He allowed us to stay on this earth, enjoying the pleasures (the righteously good and the sinful) so that He could come and suffer. He suffered just coming to earth as He abstained from His own glory. The glory he reigned with in heaven!

Kinda puts a piece of pizza in perspective!

Hang tough this weekend and plan for success in your commitment to God!

Daniel Fast - Day 5

The Daniel Fast

Day 5

Well, I don’t know about you but I am being richly nourished by God. Some things that I have prayed for this past year have been answered in the last 5 days.

One prayer was that my humble husband would find opportunity and step out in confidence in promotion at work. My husband has had 2 opportunities this week to sit down with his immediate boss and also the CEO of the company!

Another prayer that was answered was when I asked God to show me the roots of my struggle with weight and anger. God has done some deep work in me. I am walking in more and more freedom every day!

What about you? Have you seen answers to prayer offered up some time ago? Share with us and encourage all of us on along the way!

Daniel Fast - Day 4

The Daniel Fast

Day 4

I watched my son doing his chores tonight. He has a habit of holding on to a toy in one hand while doing work with the other. I know I have told him before that he needs to let go of the toy so he has both hands to work with. Without both hands to work:

He spends a longer amount of time working

His work is messier

His sloppy work can cause other problems – like breaking a dish ;)

You see, his attention is divided. He hasn’t committed his whole self to get the job done.

I keep reminding myself of that same lesson during this fast. I’m putting both hands in, committing all my attention to the devotion of seeking God. In order to do that I am postponing some things I enjoy; reading a fiction book before bed, watching a movie with my husband. I am not abstaining from these things but I am putting them in the right priority.

Don’t get me wrong. Watching movies and reading fictional books are not bad things. But for these 21 days, I need to let them be further down my list and put both hands into my disciplines.

Just like my son, there is a time when I can play more, as he also should have time to play. And when we play I want us to play with both hands!

Right now, I have work to get done!

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Daniel Fast - Day 3

The Daniel Fast

Day 3

Are you gaining momentum? My headaches from caffeine withdrawal have ceased. I can feel my energy being very constant throughout the day. But I have to be honest, I was a bit grumbly about not eating what I wanted. Yes, sometime today I thought; “Does it really matter what I eat and why would God really need me to not eat certain foods?” Yes, there was a bit of sas in that attitude! Wow, I am a bit gutsy to cop an attitude with God! I am glad he is my father and understands me 

Why is the food so important? Because; I had become spoiled.

A flash back to scripture, provided by God, helped me put it in perspective. (Exodus 5-15)The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for 400 years. They were treated with disdain, their babies murdered, their men beaten, and they cried out to God. God sent a deliverer, Moses, who proclaimed God’s release. God ushered in plague after plague until Pharaoh let God’s people go. Then as they left, some of the Egyptians came with them, and those that stayed gave them gold and animals to get them out of their country. They left Egypt as an incredibly wealthy nation. But Pharaoh changed his mind, he pursued them with an army. Then God parted the Red Sea for them to cross into safety and drowned Pharaoh and his army. Now, after all this the Israelites worshipped God and lived happily ever after in the land that God had promised to them. Not really.

They came to the wilderness and began to complain that God had brought them out there to die (Exodus 16.) (Really?, then he went to a lot of trouble to save them, to then kill them) So God sent manna from heaven every morning and quail every night. Guess what, they grumbled. Miraculous provision wasn’t enough.

So why isn’t all the whole grains and fruits and vegetables of every kind and pure water not enough for me? Because I had come to a spoiled place that even the miraculous provision of year round fruits and vegetables was not enough. Like the Israelites that had traveled for 2 months couldn’t remember all the miracles of their release… Like a spoiled child I was throwing a temper tantrum!

Though I am denying myself – it is from what I want – not what I need. In humility I realized that these precious foods and pure water; without disease or illnesses, is a modern day miracle. What I have been given during this fast is truly enough!

I wonder what other areas of my life I am spoiled? What other aspects do I not see God’s miraculous provision for me. What more could I be grateful for?

Tomorrow, I will enter his gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with praise! (Psalm 100:4)

Daniel Fast - Day 2

The Daniel Fast

Day 2

I don’t think I have ever heard myself say “No” so much. No; Lydia, my 3 year old, did not have a bad day. In fact all the “no’s” I heard were inside my head.

NO, you may not have that cup of coffee

NO, you promised you wouldn’t eat that bread

NO, you must still fix dinner for everyone else and YES it needs to be something they want that you can’t have! Who knew canned chicken could smell so good!

The rhetoric could go on and on! Denying myself is not easy – by any means. I felt like today was just constant self-criticism. And already the thoughts are creeping in “you are never gonna make it 3 weeks”

But, I did it anyway. You know why? Because, I can choose to. I chose that just for today, I will keep my word to God. Just for today I can eat anything I want except for any food with animal products and yeast. Just for today I can have water or water with lemon, or an orange. Just for today.

Just for today I will spend more time in His Word. Ezekiel was a bit depressing so I read the first four Psalms. Psalm 4: 3-8 says this:

But know that God has set apart the godly for himself;

The Lord Hears when I call to him.

Be angry and do not sin;

Ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.

Offer right sacrifices,

And put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say “Who will show us some good?

Lift up the light of your face upon us, Oh Lord!”

You have put more joy in my heart

Than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Pray with me today:

“Lord, thank you that you have set me apart for yourself. Thank you for leading me to this time of denying what I want, my right sacrifice, in order to find you. So Lord, I trust in you to keep me faithful. I trust that all I need is provided for me. I trust that you hear me when I call to you in my times of weakness. And with this you have put more joy in my heart than at the times when I eat all the bread I want, or drink whatever I desire. In peace I will rest my mind, my body and my spirit in the safety of your presence. Amen”

Daniel Fast - Day 1

The Daniel Fast

Day 1

While channel surfing over the holidays I caught the tail end of a program. I didn’t even need to watch the whole thing to catch how grueling this event had been for the participants. I saw it in their faces. Runner after runner crossed the finish line. Some literally crawled over it. Some propelled their wheelchair with one last exhausted push. But, after that last effort, everyone smiled. A smile that held unbelievable satisfaction, pride, and accomplishment.

You see, this was no ordinary race, this was the Ironman Triathalon (2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon =26.2 miles). And for most the object was not winning – it was finishing.

As the personal interviews rolled at the end, what struck me most was that all the participants talked about how much pain was a part of the race (as this huge smile was plastered to their face.) They talked about the moments when their body was screaming to give up, to give in to the pain – and then they talked about the moment when their mind would determine to keep going.

Why would anyone choose to subject themselves to such intensive training? Why would they train to run a race that would hurt so much? Why would they choose pain over comfort? Because of the prize.

Dear Women of God – whatever you have chosen to give up and add in to your life for this Fast of 21 days will hurt. It will be inconvenient. It will threaten to embarrass you should you fail or quit. But you were not called to this time of discipline for that consequence. You were called to earn the reward. Your reward will be far greater than any physical race. You are exchanging the comforts of this world for the very presence of God. You are inviting into your life the one person who can change your heart, your thoughts, your actions. You are inviting into your life the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

So run this race expecting greatness. Run with confidence that God will meet you exactly where you are and bring you leaps ahead. Run expecting that things that have bound you will fall away. Run knowing that God has gone before you to prepare the way. Run knowing that we will all finish this race and that together God will move our personal lives and the life of Women Ministries at ACC into a deeper walk of faith.

I am excited! Like a runner at the start line I have been preparing for this journey and now I just want to get going! Somebody start the race!

Run for the Prize!

Ecclesiates 9:11, 1 Corinthians 9:24, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 12:1

Opportunity from MOPS Next!

Moms Night Out!

Sunday - January 30th 6:00-8:30 PM at Arvada Covenant Church

Our children and the Internet is a growing problem in Colorado.

Featuring Mike Haris

Jefferson County Distric Attorneys Office

on

Internet and Cell Phone Safety for Our Kids

Worried about Myspace.com? How about ANYPLACE Online?

Any site is a concern where personal information is posted. Learn about

“Just 3 Things!”
Mike and Cassandra Harris are Investigators who work on Crimes Against Children

cases with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. This husband and wife police

team is dedicated in protecting children. Since 1996, Mike and Cassandra have been

active in their fight against sex offenders who prey on children through the Internet.

They were the first in Colorado and one of the first in the United States to go after sex

offenders on the Internet. Their efforts have resulted in over a 450 sex offenders being

arrested. They have presented over 2000 times throughout the Nation and in Colorado.

They have been featured on Oprah, Dr. Phil, The Today Show, Court TV with

Al Roker, A & E Investigative Reports and ABC Evening News to mention a few.

Take an hour out of your busy schedules to hear how daring these sex offenders have

become with our children right here in Colorado. Learn what we as parents can do

to make our children safer. We teach our children not to talk to strangers. However,

these strangers are now coming into some of our homes via the Internet and/or

through our children’s cell phones. While we will feature a great speaker on a serious subject -

we will also have fun and fellowship along with dessert at end of presentation.

For more information, visit us online at:

http://www.acc-momsnext.org/

or Contact us at:

ACC-MOMSnext

Arvada Covenant Church

5555 Ward Road

Arvada, CO 80002

303-422-1235 ext. 417

Prayer and Fasting

A New Thing in this New Year

Isaiah 43:19 ESV

Behold, I am doing a new thing;

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness

and rivers in the desert.

God desires to do a new thing in you!  Yes, right now, today, this year He is waiting for the invitation to transform YOU!  At the beginning of every year most of us tend to look for something new.  A new me, a new body, a new job, new life in a marriage, a new school; we are looking for something new. 

I am looking for something new too.  I am seeking out God in my own life and in Women Ministries at ACC.  From January 9-29 I am embarking on a new journey.  I will be partaking in a partial fast (giving up certain foods and drinks from my diet for the purpose of seeking God’s direction.) And, I am encouraging each one of you to join me.  No, I am not asking you to do exactly what I am doing by fasting in the same way. But, I am asking you to consider committing to set aside specific time each day from January 9-29 to seek God in your life and in the life of Women Ministries at ACC. 

Maybe during this time you commit to something new that you add into your life: like 10 minutes a day that is solely devoted to prayer: both the praise of who God is and the asking for meeting of certain needs – but also in listening; waiting to hear a response from God (a scripture passage to read, a word in your mind that speaks to your heart, the leading to ‘do’ something.)  Or, maybe God will lead you to also give something up for a time.  If you get stuck in figuring this out please let me know, I will be glad to help you discern what and where God is leading you.

Fasting is a practice that is woven into every profound story in the Bible.  And Fasting is simply a way of stating to God, “I want YOU more than _____”  (fill in the blank of what you are abstaining from.)  I can testify to the power of drawing near to God as he showed me how to Abide in him in 2010.  In my fast in January I am seeking God’s protection and direction for Women Ministries at ACC in the areas of the causes of Human Trafficking and Advocates for Victims of Abuse (coming in May 2011) and for His power in our Spring Retreat.  Personally, I am fasting for growth in my life in the fruit of the spirit of self-control.  Everything that I get frustrated about; money, weight, speaking out of my flesh, arguing with my husband, anger in my parenting, all come from a lack of this fruit in my life.  

It would bring me great joy to journey with you in prayer in January.  I will be journaling some encouragement through this time on our Women Ministries blog.  I hope that you will join me in seeking God first – at the beginning of 2011. 

If God leads you to join with me, in any way in January, please email me (Cheryl@MeakinsSpeak.com)  and let me know so that I can support you through the power of Prayer.  As God promises to reward those who give their tithe of money so do I believe that God will richly reward you for giving a tithe of your time or appetite at the beginning of 2011!