"It is amazing how our appetites are always speaking and it takes a fast to recognize it."
I wrote this thought on the second day of a fast that would last thirty days. We were ready then for the fast to be over when we had just started. Our appetites are constantly speaking to us. We don't always hear them or we ignore them while at the same time feeding them. Just like a mom whose children are asking her for soda and candy and while she talks on the phone quietly gives in to their desires opening cans and unwrapping lolypops that will eventually cause her children to be selfish and unhealthy. Today, one year later, I recognize that appetites not only speak but want to rule me. They come in many forms and have many voices. Some voices are physical, like my stomach, others are mental and come to the mind. We will either rule or be ruled. We will either submit to God or submit to the flesh. Fasting eventually silences that voice so we can hear the voice of God and obey His commands.
Showing posts with label Fast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fast. Show all posts
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Day 1 - First thoughts
"I am listening for the voice of The Lord for this coming year. In my prayers I have been desiring to hear His voice and follow Him. I am also fasting this month to silence my appetites and hear Him more clearly."
We have been doing a fast in January for several years now. Every time we do the Lord speaks and reveals some of His plan or counsel. I remember one year I heard nothing for the whole month and right at the end of the fast God gave me a word of encouragement.
Looking at last year's thoughts I see how my situation hasn't changed but I have. There was a list of things that I was believing God for that today I still am in faith for. This could be a discouraging thought but since I know my God and since I am not the same man I was last year it doesn't bother me.
I can also see that there is a real difference between a want and a desire. I had some things listed that I wanted to do but didn't. There were desires that I committed to and I finished. That feels good. I would rather be strong enough to handle tough things than be weak and live a cushy, no problem, life.
When you look back on 2014 are you encouraged? Did your situation change or did you?
We have been doing a fast in January for several years now. Every time we do the Lord speaks and reveals some of His plan or counsel. I remember one year I heard nothing for the whole month and right at the end of the fast God gave me a word of encouragement.
Looking at last year's thoughts I see how my situation hasn't changed but I have. There was a list of things that I was believing God for that today I still am in faith for. This could be a discouraging thought but since I know my God and since I am not the same man I was last year it doesn't bother me.
I can also see that there is a real difference between a want and a desire. I had some things listed that I wanted to do but didn't. There were desires that I committed to and I finished. That feels good. I would rather be strong enough to handle tough things than be weak and live a cushy, no problem, life.
When you look back on 2014 are you encouraged? Did your situation change or did you?
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