I know - It’s been a while since my last post. As part of the Awakening 21 fast, I decided to take some time away to think and pray rather than write. And, I’ve done a lot of reflection about this blog and how much time and energy I should devote to it. I feel like I have some things to say that are worth sharing, but I don’t want blogging to become a burden – or an end unto itself.
I reminded myself that my goal when I started the blog was to be more intentional about meditating on and writing down the things that God was teaching me, and I believe that , for now, that should continue to be my goal. I also want to keep some level of accountability and not be totally random in my journaling, so I’ve decided to set a goal of posting twice a week. I’ll post something worship-related on Wednesday – either a song or a devotional thought or both, and I’ll post one other time during the week as well. If I have more to say and more time to write, that’s great and that might generate more content at some point in time. But, for now, I think that twice a week is a reasonable and attainable goal for me.
One of the main things that I learned during our time of fasting was that I really don’t have enough discipline in my life. I think I did at one point in time because I never would have made it through my PhD program without it. But now, I seem to be more in the mode of just doing the best that I can to keep all of the balls in the air and hoping that I don’t drop an important one. I’m learning that I need to be more disciplined in what I eat, when I sleep, how I manage my household, building relationships, spending time with God, writing this blog… and the list goes on and on. I’m learning that if something is important, it requires us to be intentional about making time for that thing. I’m learning that there is a balance that needs to be achieved in our life that is not going to “just happen” on its own.
At the core of the word disciple is the word discipline. We don’t really like it and we sometimes try to forget it, but there it is – just staring us in the face. So, this year I’m pursuing discipline in order to pursue discipleship in order to equip myself to pursue the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. And, at least for now, this blog will continue to be a part of that pursuit.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Why a Daniel Fast?
As mentioned in a couple of my previous blog posts, my church is participating in the Awake 21 time of prayer and fasting. And, I have a confession to make. I’ve really been struggling with the whole idea of a Daniel fast. I know that it’s Biblical – no issues there. But for me, fasting has always been about denying yourself of something and in its place, spending more time with God. When I’ve fasted in the past, I’ve typically done a juice or water fast, so it was natural to sit down with the Bible and my prayer journal during those times when I normally would have taken time to eat a meal or snack. But, with the Daniel fast, there seems to be so much focus on what you can and can’t eat and finding recipes that match up with the guidelines and spending extra time buying and cooking food that complies with the rules, that instead of making more time for God, I actually feel like I have less… And, honestly, I really enjoy fruits and vegetables, so I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing very much.
I realize that this is probably a prideful attitude, but it’s really been causing me problems. However, as I’ve thought about it and done some reading and listened to some teaching, a couple of things have started to become more clear to me. First, a pastor-friend of mine commented that any time we put down our “physical man” in a tangible way, it gives space for our “spiritual man” to rise up and have a stronger place in our daily lives. Even if the changes to my diet aren’t as radical as going to all juices and water, there is still a strong aspect of denying my flesh when I decide against the salty chips in favor of an apple or orange as my afternoon snack. Just that simple act helps to let our body and our mind and our spirit know that we are not going to be ruled by our flesh.
My 10-year old daughter made a great observation along the same lines. She had told one of her friends at school that she didn’t have any sweets in her lunchbox one day because she was fasting. So, the next day, he asked her what she was grounded from that day. She explained to him that she wasn’t grounded from eating sweets because being grounded means that you are being punished. She told him that fasting from sweets meant that she was not eating them because it was her choice – not a punishment. I’m coming to understand that it’s the act of making that choice to eat – or not eat – a certain way that helps to bring our spirit into alignment with God’s purpose, which is one of the great benefits of fasting.
Another thing that God has been revealing to me is that there is a strong connection between our physical health and our spiritual health. There have been lots of books and articles written on the health benefits of the type of diet that Daniel followed. One of the things that God has been showing me for 2011 is that I need to take better physical care of myself. I’ve already written a blog post on the idea of making time for Sabbath rest. I think that being more intentional about eating a healthy diet is also important, and I’m coming to understand that this Daniel fast is going to help me get a head start on my goal for the year. We can’t be effective for God’s kingdom if we’re stressed out, run down, tired, and sick all the time.
So, five days into Awake 21, I’m finally starting to embrace the Daniel fast. I’m understanding that it’s a way to get my physical body prepared so that I can hear God’s voice, get in alignment with His plans for me, and take off running.
Daniel said: ‘ “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So (the guard) agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. ‘ - Daniel 1:12-17
I realize that this is probably a prideful attitude, but it’s really been causing me problems. However, as I’ve thought about it and done some reading and listened to some teaching, a couple of things have started to become more clear to me. First, a pastor-friend of mine commented that any time we put down our “physical man” in a tangible way, it gives space for our “spiritual man” to rise up and have a stronger place in our daily lives. Even if the changes to my diet aren’t as radical as going to all juices and water, there is still a strong aspect of denying my flesh when I decide against the salty chips in favor of an apple or orange as my afternoon snack. Just that simple act helps to let our body and our mind and our spirit know that we are not going to be ruled by our flesh.
My 10-year old daughter made a great observation along the same lines. She had told one of her friends at school that she didn’t have any sweets in her lunchbox one day because she was fasting. So, the next day, he asked her what she was grounded from that day. She explained to him that she wasn’t grounded from eating sweets because being grounded means that you are being punished. She told him that fasting from sweets meant that she was not eating them because it was her choice – not a punishment. I’m coming to understand that it’s the act of making that choice to eat – or not eat – a certain way that helps to bring our spirit into alignment with God’s purpose, which is one of the great benefits of fasting.
Another thing that God has been revealing to me is that there is a strong connection between our physical health and our spiritual health. There have been lots of books and articles written on the health benefits of the type of diet that Daniel followed. One of the things that God has been showing me for 2011 is that I need to take better physical care of myself. I’ve already written a blog post on the idea of making time for Sabbath rest. I think that being more intentional about eating a healthy diet is also important, and I’m coming to understand that this Daniel fast is going to help me get a head start on my goal for the year. We can’t be effective for God’s kingdom if we’re stressed out, run down, tired, and sick all the time.
So, five days into Awake 21, I’m finally starting to embrace the Daniel fast. I’m understanding that it’s a way to get my physical body prepared so that I can hear God’s voice, get in alignment with His plans for me, and take off running.
Daniel said: ‘ “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So (the guard) agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. ‘ - Daniel 1:12-17
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Am I Making a Difference?
Do you ever feel like you have to be hit over the head with something before you finally start to “get it”? That seems to happen to me a lot. I’ll have a thought or an idea or an inspiration, but I’ll ignore it – or procrastinate instead of acting on it. But then, it will come at me from another source – and another – and another – and so on, and so on… You get the picture. You would think that I would have learned by now to listen and act, but I still have a lot of work to do in that area…
Take, for example, Awakening 21 – Our church is participating with lots of other churches around the world in this 21-day time of fasting and prayer. And, I’m really excited about it. I believe that the discipline of fasting is important, and I believe that there are some things that can only happen as a result of fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29). We’re a few days into it, and I’m doing great with the physical aspects of fasting, but I’ve been having a hard time determining what my prayer focus should be – or at least, I thought that was the case.
Rewind about a week to Francis Chan and Passion 2011. I watched the livestream of his teaching, and he was asking the question: “Does your life make sense in light of the gospel?” In other words, if you really believe that the gospel is true – if you’ve really bought into the great commission – are the things that you are doing with your life lining up with that belief? Wow! Tough question. I’m not so sure that I like my answer to it.
Then, a few days later I read a great article that was asking “What are you doing to make a difference?” Great question – What AM I doing to impact the world around me?
Another friend posted a note on facebook about doing something with what God has put within you. He says “My giving is not determined by my bank account, the things I own, or the excess of my life. It has everything to do with what is WITHIN!” Yeah – What AM I doing with the gifts and talents that God has given to me?
My devotional reading on Monday included the following passage:
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness.” Phil 2:5-7
Jesus - the humble servant. Does my life reflect the same attitude?
Then, today I read Pastor Kevin Cooley’s blog. His church is also participating in Awake 21, and his blog was focused on the idea that fasting and prayer brings us to a place of assignment – a place of more fully understanding what it is that God would have us to be doing right here and right now.
And, it finally dawned on me – Maybe my focus for Awakening 21 needs to be a renewed understanding of God’s purpose for my life. Maybe I need to stir up those dreams and plans that have been deposited in my heart through the years and ask what I need to be doing to see them fulfilled. Maybe I need to be asking what new assignments God has for me in 2011.
It’s only taken me two weeks to finally get the message – but at least I got it! And, I’m excited to see what God wants to do in my life over the next couple of weeks!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Take, for example, Awakening 21 – Our church is participating with lots of other churches around the world in this 21-day time of fasting and prayer. And, I’m really excited about it. I believe that the discipline of fasting is important, and I believe that there are some things that can only happen as a result of fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29). We’re a few days into it, and I’m doing great with the physical aspects of fasting, but I’ve been having a hard time determining what my prayer focus should be – or at least, I thought that was the case.
Rewind about a week to Francis Chan and Passion 2011. I watched the livestream of his teaching, and he was asking the question: “Does your life make sense in light of the gospel?” In other words, if you really believe that the gospel is true – if you’ve really bought into the great commission – are the things that you are doing with your life lining up with that belief? Wow! Tough question. I’m not so sure that I like my answer to it.
Then, a few days later I read a great article that was asking “What are you doing to make a difference?” Great question – What AM I doing to impact the world around me?
Another friend posted a note on facebook about doing something with what God has put within you. He says “My giving is not determined by my bank account, the things I own, or the excess of my life. It has everything to do with what is WITHIN!” Yeah – What AM I doing with the gifts and talents that God has given to me?
My devotional reading on Monday included the following passage:
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness.” Phil 2:5-7
Jesus - the humble servant. Does my life reflect the same attitude?
Then, today I read Pastor Kevin Cooley’s blog. His church is also participating in Awake 21, and his blog was focused on the idea that fasting and prayer brings us to a place of assignment – a place of more fully understanding what it is that God would have us to be doing right here and right now.
And, it finally dawned on me – Maybe my focus for Awakening 21 needs to be a renewed understanding of God’s purpose for my life. Maybe I need to stir up those dreams and plans that have been deposited in my heart through the years and ask what I need to be doing to see them fulfilled. Maybe I need to be asking what new assignments God has for me in 2011.
It’s only taken me two weeks to finally get the message – but at least I got it! And, I’m excited to see what God wants to do in my life over the next couple of weeks!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Worship Wednesday - Passion 2011
I have a bone to pick with Louis Giglio and the Passion 2011 crowd. I think it's entirely unfair that they don't let us "old folks" attend the conference! I mean, come on - Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, Matt Redman, and Charlie Hall leading worship - Louis Giglio and Francis Chan and John Piper speaking! Everyone should have a chance to participate in that experience. However, given that I am well over 25, I had to settle for the next best thing - watching the Passion 2011 Live Stream from the comfort of my own living room. And, let me tell you - It was just as awesome as I expected it to be!
I'm still processing some of the teaching that I heard and will probably be blogging about that over the next week or so, but today, since the focus is worship, I'll leave you with a thought from John Piper. He made the point that God wants to make much of us. However, he doesn't want to do that for our glory - He wants to do it in order to bring glory to His Name. In making much of us, others will see His goodness and His name will be glorified.
When God is glorified - when His Name is lifted up - He will draw ALL men unto Him. So, our repsponsibility as worshippers is to glorify Him - in all that we say, in all that we do, with our hearts and our lives.
Here is one of my favorite songs by Fee that speaks to this same idea:
I'm still processing some of the teaching that I heard and will probably be blogging about that over the next week or so, but today, since the focus is worship, I'll leave you with a thought from John Piper. He made the point that God wants to make much of us. However, he doesn't want to do that for our glory - He wants to do it in order to bring glory to His Name. In making much of us, others will see His goodness and His name will be glorified.
When God is glorified - when His Name is lifted up - He will draw ALL men unto Him. So, our repsponsibility as worshippers is to glorify Him - in all that we say, in all that we do, with our hearts and our lives.
Here is one of my favorite songs by Fee that speaks to this same idea:
Sunday, January 2, 2011
What's the Rush?
You know what they say – All good things must come to an end... That pretty much sums up how I’m feeling today. This is the last day of Christmas vacation, which means that tomorrow morning, I have to go back to work and my kids have to go back to school.
My hubby asked me if I dread going back to work, and truthfully, the answer is no. We have some exciting things planned for next year, and I’m looking forward to getting started on them. However, it occurred to me that there is one thing that I dread about next week – It’s all of the rushing around.
During the regular course of our week, we are constantly in a hurry to get from here to there. It will start tonight when my oldest daughter gets home from Bible study and we’ll have to hurry her right upstairs to bed so that she can get a good night’s sleep before going back to school. Then, we’ll get up and hurry out the door in the morning. We’ll get home in the afternoon, and hurry to finish homework in time for dinner. And, by the way, I’ll have to hurry to get dinner on the table since my husband has to be at a meeting at 6:30 and I have to be at church at 7:00 for worship team practice. Even on the weekends, it’s always hurry up to finish this in time to get somewhere or hurry up to finish that before someone comes over. By the time Monday rolls around again, I’m usually exhausted.
I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions. However, I do believe in setting goals, and this year, one of my goals is to try to get all of this rushing around under control. It can’t be good for the health and well-being of my family. I’m not sure how I’m going to do it, but for now, I’m going to believe that it’s possible and start looking for things that we can change. And, I’d like to take it a step further and build in some time for rest. It may seem silly to schedule time to rest, but I think we need to do it.
If you think about it, God actually instructed us to make time to rest. He even modeled the concept when He created the world. We see that He created all kinds of things during the first 6 days, but on the seventh day, He rested. When He gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, He included this one:
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.” Exodus 20:8-10
I was talking to one of my pastors about this concept just before Christmas, and we were discussing the fact that our busy culture makes it really difficult to practice the discipline of Sabbath rest. And, it is a discipline. It requires planning to insure that you can set aside time each week for rest. It requires commitment to guard that time and not fill it up with activities – no matter how good those activities might seem. And, I believe that it’s absolutely necessary for our physical and spiritual well-being.
So, if you ask me to do something over the next few weeks, don’t be surprised - or offended - if I say no. I know that it’s a radical concept, but that may be what it takes to achieve my goal…
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will release and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” Matthew 11:28-30 (Amplified Bible)
My hubby asked me if I dread going back to work, and truthfully, the answer is no. We have some exciting things planned for next year, and I’m looking forward to getting started on them. However, it occurred to me that there is one thing that I dread about next week – It’s all of the rushing around.
During the regular course of our week, we are constantly in a hurry to get from here to there. It will start tonight when my oldest daughter gets home from Bible study and we’ll have to hurry her right upstairs to bed so that she can get a good night’s sleep before going back to school. Then, we’ll get up and hurry out the door in the morning. We’ll get home in the afternoon, and hurry to finish homework in time for dinner. And, by the way, I’ll have to hurry to get dinner on the table since my husband has to be at a meeting at 6:30 and I have to be at church at 7:00 for worship team practice. Even on the weekends, it’s always hurry up to finish this in time to get somewhere or hurry up to finish that before someone comes over. By the time Monday rolls around again, I’m usually exhausted.
I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions. However, I do believe in setting goals, and this year, one of my goals is to try to get all of this rushing around under control. It can’t be good for the health and well-being of my family. I’m not sure how I’m going to do it, but for now, I’m going to believe that it’s possible and start looking for things that we can change. And, I’d like to take it a step further and build in some time for rest. It may seem silly to schedule time to rest, but I think we need to do it.
If you think about it, God actually instructed us to make time to rest. He even modeled the concept when He created the world. We see that He created all kinds of things during the first 6 days, but on the seventh day, He rested. When He gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, He included this one:
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.” Exodus 20:8-10
I was talking to one of my pastors about this concept just before Christmas, and we were discussing the fact that our busy culture makes it really difficult to practice the discipline of Sabbath rest. And, it is a discipline. It requires planning to insure that you can set aside time each week for rest. It requires commitment to guard that time and not fill it up with activities – no matter how good those activities might seem. And, I believe that it’s absolutely necessary for our physical and spiritual well-being.
So, if you ask me to do something over the next few weeks, don’t be surprised - or offended - if I say no. I know that it’s a radical concept, but that may be what it takes to achieve my goal…
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will release and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” Matthew 11:28-30 (Amplified Bible)
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