Day One, Fasting Update: How did everyone do today? I took a nap! That was different–but that's also part of being a bit gentler on ourselves during a fast.
WHY does God choose fasting to accomplish His purposes through us? It's a great want to get our flesh under control, but there are at least a dozen–here are a few of them, with accompanying scriptures:
1. To Overcome the Flesh (humble ourselves). Sometimes I've heard people pray, “Oh, humble us, Lord.” WE are the ones who are supposed to humble ourselves (1 Peter 5:6-7). “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Ps. 35:13).
2. Greater Awareness of God's Presence. Jesus said, “But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days” (Luke 5:35).
3. To Receive Spiritual Direction. “And as THEY MINISTERED TO THE LORD and fasted, the Holy spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away” (Acts 13: 2-3).
QUESTION: What is ministering to the Lord? How do you minister to the Lord?
What is Ministry to the Lord? Giving Him the gift of yourself. Not egocentric. Not prideful. I give Him my UNDIVIDED attention. I come without any other agenda but to be with Him. No prayer lists. No complaints. It truly is NOT about ME. I come just to sit with Him. Just to LISTEN to what HE has to say. I try not to do a lot of speaking…He knows every word I’m going to say before it ever leaves my mouth. But He has much to say…..if I will be still. Sometimes I put on worship music and dance for Him. Sometimes I dance with Him! Sometimes I sing to Him a “new song”, If He leads me, I will journal what He shows me. If it is a “snapshot”, I will draw the picture. If He shows me prayer is needed, I pray. But it’s by His inspiration, not my aspiration. Can it be other things with other of His prescious children? You bet! To “minister unto the Lord”…I would say, just be who He has made you to be, and BE that as you take the gift of yourself into His Presence. My greatest desire is to be my Abba’ delight! 😀
That’s beautiful, Donna! He wants to be in every part of our lives! And He is – when we let Him, as you are. Glory to God!
To me ministering to the Lord is simply adoring and telling Him of your love for Him.
I did well on my first day. But it is amazing to me how many people bring goodies to you when you are fasting. Unknowingly of course.
Oh, that’s funny about those goodies! And so true! Yes, loving Him — perfect!
I am joining you in spirit – forgot to fast today – new baby was up more hours last night & crying too many hrs during the day! I’m fasting to seek God in the midst . . . in the midst of all of Life’s STUFF!
Glad you’re with us in the midst, Pamela! Jump on in!!!
I did a fast ending / exiting 2011, closing the year and preparing entry into the new year 2012. (Storming the gates of 2012 Firespringsministry) included in this period is a 3 day Esther fast over the New year and half fasts for the rest of the 2 weeks with selected prayers for the midnight hours. By the time I discovered PraiseMoves’ collective fast it was near the end of it, so i didn’t really join you during it, however, i’ve decided to now work through these notes and scriptures just because i can 🙂
That’s wonderful, Isolde! Join in whenever you like. I pray that these posts will be a blessing to you!