day 21 devotional- missionaries & laborers

here's the very last day in the prayer guide-

"

Scripture:
Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT) He said to the disciples, 'The harvest is great, but the workers are few. so pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."

Personal reflection:
Jesus taught us to plead with God that he might call, equip and send laborers into the harvest. There is a lost and dying world waiting to hear the gospel. Yet, it can only happen if there are people who are willing to go out and proclaim the gospel to the nations. It is our responsibility to ask God to raise up new laborers and to pray for those who are already laying down their lives to evangelizr the world. Ask God to raise up those who have a deep, intimate relationship with him, mold them into powerful witnesses of Christ and remove anything that would hinder them in their service of him. Ask him to also burden believers to support those who are called to missions; move upon their hearts to give generously, joyously, and sacrificially to the cause of the gospel across the world.

Going forward, I'm committed to _______.

Additional scripture support:
Acts 13:1-3, 26-28, 2 tim 3:16-17, Matt 10:29, Prov. 3:5-7. Acts 21:37-22:21. Prov 21:1

Praying through scripture:
Jesus, your last instructions to us, your church, was to go out and train everyone we meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefol name: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all you have commanded us. We know that you will be with us as we do this, day after day after day, right up until the end of the age. We pray that as we go this your Word will prosper an the number of disciples will increase dramatically. Not least, a great many leaders who submit themselves to the faith. raise up teachers who committ themselves to studying the revelations of your Word, living it an teaching it to others so that they can live its truths and ways. Amen

"

This is a great last guide, as it reminds us that being Christians isn't just about being in relationship with God, it's about speading the gospel.

One of the things that always stuck with me growing up in the episcopal church was that at the end of every church service the pastor would say

"and let us go forth, to do that work that you have given us to do, to love and uphold you, as faithful messengers, of the Lord our God."

And that is exactly what this guide is saying. Go forth. Be a faithful messenger for God.

Going forward, I'm committed to being a messenger for God, by grace through faith, to go forth and do the work He has given me to do.

Thank you all for following me.

This is the very last post.

So pray for me, and go forth with me, friends. :-)

day 21- only one thing

day 21!!!! Today is my last day of fasting- which means no food at all today.

Tomorrow I will make mozzarella sticks. :-)

So I've been thinking and dreading the last post for so long...hoping to find some kind of overwhelming ephiphanies to leave you all on...but I realized at church today that it's not needed.

Today at church half way through our sound exploded and we had to turn it off and run the rest of the set acoustic. Even Lee, our pastor, had to shout instead of use a microphone. It reminded me of a time my freshman year in college right after I began my relationship with Christ how we used to all caravan to this church in Suffolk which I've completely forgotten the name of.

Anyhow, one Sunday we went to church and a huge thunderstorm the night before had completely wiped out the power in most of Suffolk. So we had church without lights and with an acoustic guitar. And it was one of the best services I've ever been to...as was today.

Sometimes we get so preoccupied with all the preparations that we lose focus on what's really important. I'm not saying fog machines and cool lights and loud music at church isn't good- but when it comes down to it- we need to remind ourselves that there's one thing important about church- God.

Interestingly, this is the verse we used today at church, which I knew right away was how I would end my blog. Everyone should be familiar with it- but it's often only applied in context, and not applied to the church- or to fasting- or to our lives.

Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Only one thing is needed- God. And like Jesus says, it won't be taken away from her.

And so, just like at church today we did just fine with no sound and churches all over the world meet with no power, I survived just fine for 21 days on fruits and vegetables.

And I think sometimes we have so much clutter that getting rid of things- maybe electricity at church, maybe foods from our diet, maybe plenty of other things that fill us up so that God can't fill us up- brings us closer to God.

And so I was originally planning on writing a list of things this fast has helped me with that I'll continue on doing now that it's over.

But I was reminded of a time my senior year when I was discipling a new Christian, and she brought me this huge list of things she wanted to strive to be. And I looked at her, flipped the sheet over, and said, "write them all down in one sentence."

And so eventually, we worked together and came up with this:

"I want more of God, and less of me."

Because clutter rids our focus, and because when it comes down to it, like Jesus said to Martha, "Only one thing is needed."

That's it.

And so I thank you all for following my blog and for praying for me so much, you don't know how much of a blessing you all have been for me during this time.

And so, day 21, and as my fast comes to an end, I only have one thing that I wish to continue to focus on.

And so I turn my eyes toward God.

day 21- water, scripture and God.

day 20 devotional- Israel

Here's the guidebook lesson for today:

"

Israel

Scripture: Psalm 122:6 (NLT) Pray for peace in Jerusalem, May all who love this city prosper."

Personal reflection:
As we see many of today's news events pointing toward the middle east, and specifically, the holy land of israel, we must fix our eyes even more upon Jesus. The Bible is full of prophecy surrounding Jerusalem and the entire Holy Land. The church must come together in faith and love against the forces of destruction. It is our responsibility as God's children to surrender ourselves before the Lord in prayer, asking him for peace and revival in Israel, and praying for Israel's safety and security against the forces which threaten to destroy her. Lift up our leaders and ask God to guide them in their decisions concerning Israel, and that he will have his will in that land.

Going forward I'm committed to ______.

Additional Scripture Support:
Psalm 25:22, Joel 3:16, Jer. 33:9, Eph. 1:18, Prob. 16:7, Eze. 34:25-27

Praying through scripture:
Isaiah 45:3-4. 48:28-31, 45:13, 17, Jer. 33:8 & 9, Zec. 12-14, Isaiah 61:6-7
Jesus, you are the God of Israel, and they are your people, you named them though they did not know you. Lord, cleanse them from their iniquities and pardon all their sins. raise them up in righteousness, direct all their ways and save them with an everlasting salvation. I pray for peace in the walls of Jerusalem and prosperity in her palaces. God, your Word tells us that you will deliver your people. It's with this knowledge that we understand the current intensity of Isreal's conflict. But you also tell us that you have posted watchmen on the walls who won't be silent day or night. We are those watchmen, God, let us call on you without rest until you establish your kingdom in Jerusalem and make her the peace of the earth. Amen

"

This devotional is right in pointing out war- but I really want to point out peace.

Military units from all over the world right now are joined together helping out Haiti. and it's beautiful. and it's Godly. Some of my military friend's deployments got canceled in order to send them all to Haiti to help with medical needs. How cool is that?

So, while we pray to God...thanks him for peace too. Because it's out there. Promise.

day 20- tomorrow

day 20- one more day, and I have no intense ephiphanies, just a wandering mind trying to figure out what ending my fast will look like.

tomorrow is the last day of my fast. I'd really like it if everyone could pray for it. Tomorrow everyone in my church participating is fasting completely from food, and we are praying outside of normal church. Both church and prayer should be really powerful and I'm completely looking forward to it, even though not eating all day might be tough.

So tomorrow will be my no food day and my very last day, so a lot of what's going through my head right now is how to prepare for the end of my fast.

Just like beginnings are hard, ending things are hard too. Even though I won't be blogging after tomorrow, I really want to continue to spend time with God each day. I have a blank journal, and I cleared my home desk off today to get in the habit of writing more privately. So I will continue to learn, and to write.

But my fast wasn't just about me and my relationship with God, it was about being part of a body- my church, and helping both to direct and be directed. So pray for me, and for my church as a whole, as we continue to guide and be guided by the community of believers we are joined with every Sunday.

day 20- pineapple, grapefruit juice, stir fry veggies

day 19 devotional- the airwaves

day 19 in the prayer guide speaks about the airwaves...

"

Scripture: Ephesians 2:2 (NKJ) In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobediance.

Personal reflection: It's easy to forget, even as believers, that although we serve a mightly God who has defeated satan through the Cross, the devil is still roaming about seeking whom he may destroy until Jesus returns to claim the final vistory. Satan is the prince of the power of the air and is still very much in control on planet earth, and he uses a very effective and powerful weapon- the world's chosen medium of entertainment- to deceive and control. Ask God to protect his people form the lies of the enemy as he seeks to tempt us out of relationship with God by appealing to our fleshly desires and attitudes.

Going forward I'm committed to _________.

Additional scripture support: Rev. 12:9, John 8:44, 2 Cor. 4:4, Mark 13:33, 37, 1 Pet. 4:7, 1 Thes. 5:6, Luke 21:36, 1 Cor. 16:14

Praying through scripture:
1 pet. 5:8-11 (MSG)
Jesus, you instruct us in your Word to keep a cool head and stay alert because the devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch us napping. Help your people to keep their guard up. We in America arn't the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So, help us keep a firm grip on faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before you, our generous God who has great plans for us- eternal and glorious plans- will have us on our feet for good because we know you get the last word. Thank you for laying down your life on the cross so that we might have victory over the enemy and his schemes and live eternally with you in heaven. Amen.

"

I like how the verse says "you once walked." We all once followed our own hearts and needs. And then we find God, and we give that life up for one much better. And that's what this is about- continuing to walk for God and no one else.

Going forward, I'm committed to maintaining my walk with God, and not stumbling backwards.

day 19- stumble at the finish line

Day 19- and I am almost done with my fast...only 2 more days after this.

But today, even though it was barely anything, I broke my fast.

Mandi and I went out to lunch today and I got tomato basil soup. When it was brought to me, it had cheese on the top. I thought about asking them for one without cheese, but I knew that asking them to throw out a bowl of soup so that I could have a plain one completely contradicted fasting. I couldn't openly waste food.

And so I sat there, in my catch-22, and was reminded that decisions arn't always black and white. So I took my invisible humble pills along with my lunch of tomato soup and melted cheese that was impossible to completely take out before eating it.

And as much as I would have loved to get to Monday morning and said I went 21 days on a Daniel Fast without ever breaking it, I realize that this isn't about me, and that this glorifies God more.

In Phillippians 3, Paul writes a letter to the Phillippians, and it looks like this:

"If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

Paul says hey, if anyone can boast they are good, it's me. I've done every ceremony, I'm from the right tribe, and I havn't broken any rules.

But then he reminds the people that this is not what makes a man whole. He says he counts it all as a loss compared to how great God is. He says that nothing he has done or not done is as important as having a relationship in which Christ cleans us.

Being perfect isn't the point. Drawing near to God is.

And so, here I am, imperfect in my fast yet the closest to God I've been in my fast thus far. And in the next two days, I will continue fasting and learning and inching even closer.

day 19- orange, raisens, tomato soup with a dash of humble, and broccoli & cauliflower with yellow curry

day 18 devotional- idolatry

Prayer guide book for today talks about Idolatry.

"

Scripture: 2 Tim. 3:1-4 (NLT) In the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobediant to their parents and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.

Personal reflection: Idolatry comes in many forms and isn't only a statue or image that we worship as a 'god.' Idolatry is anything that we place above God as a priority in ou lives and minds such as money, success, entertainment, pleasure or pride. There's certainly nothing wrong with having a favorite hobby or sports team. The sin occurs when those things come before God in our lives. Far too many people in our country and in the world have no room for God in their lives because their focus is on the things of this world have no room for God in their lives because their focus is on the things of this world instead of the things of God. Ask God to reveal the idols in your life and to tear down the idols that prevent his people from honoring him first.

Going forward I'm committed to ___________

Additional Scripture Support: Ex. 20:3, 32:4, deut. 8:19, Sam. 15:23, Dan. 5:23, Col. 3:5, 1 John 5:21

Praying through scripture: Matt 6:24, 26, 31-33 (MSG)
Jesus, we know that we can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, we'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. We cannot worship both God and money. There is far more to life than the food we put in our stomachs, more to our outer appearance than the clothes we hang on our body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, careless to the care of God and you count us far more valuable than the birds. Help us relax and not be so preoccupied with getting so that we can respond to your giving. People who don't know you and the way you work worry over these things, but we know you and trust you. Help us fill our lives with God-reality, God-initiative, God-provision and not worry about what we might be missing out on- then we'll find all of our everyday concerns will be met. Amen.

"

I so often put other things in front of God. I don't mean to, but sometimes I get so preoccupied with what I'm doing. And then they become my idols. Usually, this is work. I can't say no and so I keep on going and doing more and more and having less and less time to do everything else. Sometimes it's hair, or color, or tv, or knitting, or anything that I run to when I feel bad instead of God. None of these things are horrible, but when I put them as the thing I run to when I'm in need instead of God, they become idols.

I keep this one text message in my phone (let's see if I can embarass my boyfriend) from Sherwin that says "God on top buttercup," and not because he calls me an awkward pet name, but because I always need to reminder that God is top.

And when God is on top, so is love and relationship and moderation and putting forward 100%- and everything I always strive to accomplish anyways- but suddenly it's bearable and organized. and it makes sense.

Going forward, I'm committed to constantly reminding myself that God is top. Because when God is top, everything else is so much better.