Fast Update

Hi All,

I thought I would give you an update on my fast I started last Monday. Honestly, when I started I had no idea what to expect. I had read in the Bible about people going into a period of prayer and fasting and that Jesus went 40 days without food or water in the wilderness. The devil met his match with Jesus during this time.

I didn't know when I started if I would make it past lunch since I love food and it's easy to snack around my office. But I also knew the Lord called me to do this and if He asks you or me to do anything, we will not fail. I knew if I relied on Him for strength and kept my mind and heart focused on Him, this was possible.

The hardest part of the first few days was the constant headaches. I believe I was detoxing from cafeine and so my hands were shaking a bit whenever I sent texts, but nonetheless a couple of Advil took care of it and I was good to go. I also found myself praying through everyone in my contact list of my cell phone. I was proclaiming the name of Jesus and interceding for others became the high point of the day.

The highlight of Day 3 came when I sent a text to someone I had prayed for in the morning. She's someone I briefly know, but still pray for on a regular basis and then I got a text back from her later that afternoon thanking me for saving her life. She narrowly avoided an auto accident in her new car. It's small and the car that almost hit her was a big SUV. I immediately gave glory to God.

I have been surprised not to wake up each day not having big hunger pains. While food is all around my house I suddenly found myself in the habit of not eating. Now mind you, I travel everywhere with my big water bottle. My wife has been great through all this as she tries not to eat in front me, even though I tell her it's okay.

My goal was to make it a week, but I felt called to try and make it through Thursday which would be 11 days. I asked Judy out for Valentine's on Saturday and if I woo her enough and she says "yes", then I want to have an extra day to reintroduce food.

I have used these past 8 days to seek the Lord for direction and guidance in my life. I feel a strong calling from Him and that He is preparing Judy and I for something, we just don't what it is yet. It's been great to use the time praying for my family, my work, my church, my friends and co-workers.

My family has been very supportive of me and I couldn't have made it this far without their support. I thank my friends for praying for me and I want to reiterate this is all God and not me. There is no way could I fathom going 8-11 days without food unless the Lord was supporting me. I have relied on Isaiah 40:29-31 to carry me.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Glory to God in the highest. He is amazing and so worthy to be praised. I look forward to coming back and revisiting the fruit of this fast with you. Bless you all.

Unchartered Territory

On Monday February 1st I began a journey into new territory for myself. I hope it becomes a benefit to others. I began to fast sustaining on water and juice where needed. I felt the Lord calling me to this last week and I know His prompting came from some blogs I visit, but mostly I know this is something that has been missing for me.

When I felt the call last week to begin fasting, I sought my friend, Catherine, who encouraged me and gave me some good insight from an article written by the late Dr. Bill Bright at Campus Connection for Christ. I included the link at www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/7-steps-to-fasting-and-prayer/index.aspx.

I set my date for Monday and I have set a goal for seven days, but I'm leaving it open to the Holy Spirit if He desires me to go longer. I know it's nice to have goals, but when I started I wasn't sure if I would need a cheeseburger by the evening of the first day. Thankfully, that wasn't the case.

Why fast? Because Jesus commands us to do so. It is not just a matter of if we fast, but when we fast. " When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18

I am not doing this because it will make me more spiritual than you or anyone else. It's all about seeking Him and His plan for my life and my family's life. I'm excited (and nervous) about what God will reveal to me during this time. I know that I will spend more time in prayer than ever and be feeding continually on His Word.

Here's where I hope the benefit is for you. I will be lifting you all up to the throne of grace seeking His blessings on your lives. I can't think of a greater and more humbling joy, to pray for my family and friends.

I would also like to seek your prayers that I would be faithful to Him during this fast and that God can truly sustain me on His strength and might. I will try to keep you updated during the process.