My sister Becky is pregnant with their 3rd little babe. He is about 28 weeks in and Becky is showing some signs of pre-term labor. Little Benito (name has not been verified as of yet...perhaps Benoit or Benton or Benificent?) needs to go away from the light over the next few weeks so he can get to a better birthweight.
Pray for God to have his hand on the Long Family...For there to be a 'cork' that keeps labor from happening for a few weeks. For mom and baby to thrive. And for this baby boy to like Hide N Seek as much as his brother and sister...or my relevance as an uncle will diminish significantly.
Our God is more than able.
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Prayers Requested
Shaina had a check up today and her blood pressure is still not where we want it. They are doing another set of tests to make sure her liver and kidneys are functioning the way they should be. There is a possibility that we will be looking at inducing labor as early as next week if this blood pressure deal doesn't improve.
Shaina is in good spirits and still feels good. I just ask for prayers of clarity and wisdom for both of us, our midwife Sue and any doctors who may be in the consultation process.
Not stressed, as we have concluded that God is gifting us with even the joy of the journey of pregnancy, so we just want to be present to that gift as fully as we can and not be consumed with what could happen.
Ask boldly for Christ to be made much of in our lives.
Shaina is in good spirits and still feels good. I just ask for prayers of clarity and wisdom for both of us, our midwife Sue and any doctors who may be in the consultation process.
Not stressed, as we have concluded that God is gifting us with even the joy of the journey of pregnancy, so we just want to be present to that gift as fully as we can and not be consumed with what could happen.
Ask boldly for Christ to be made much of in our lives.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
My Prayer For Graduating Seniors
Lord God, I thank you for this senior class,
for bringing them to this important milestone.
And as they prepare to embark on a new part of their journey,
I pray that You would go before them, walk beside them and follow
Behind them. I pray that no one could use words like complacent,
Wreckless, entitled or indifferent to describe these young adults.
Instead, I pray that they would be known as servants, as men and women
Of integrity, people of the second chance. I pray that they would be known
As Christ followers. So Lord as they celebrate this important day, I pray for their futures.
Where there is pride and arrogance, may you crush them.
Where there is sin and rebellion, may you restore them.
Where there is indifference or indulgence, may you stir them.
Where there is pain or suffering, may you comfort them.
Where ever they go, may they know you are with them.
Whatever they do, may they live for your renown.
In the strong name of Jesus who is mighty to save,
Amen.
for bringing them to this important milestone.
And as they prepare to embark on a new part of their journey,
I pray that You would go before them, walk beside them and follow
Behind them. I pray that no one could use words like complacent,
Wreckless, entitled or indifferent to describe these young adults.
Instead, I pray that they would be known as servants, as men and women
Of integrity, people of the second chance. I pray that they would be known
As Christ followers. So Lord as they celebrate this important day, I pray for their futures.
Where there is pride and arrogance, may you crush them.
Where there is sin and rebellion, may you restore them.
Where there is indifference or indulgence, may you stir them.
Where there is pain or suffering, may you comfort them.
Where ever they go, may they know you are with them.
Whatever they do, may they live for your renown.
In the strong name of Jesus who is mighty to save,
Amen.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Prayer for the day
May our excessive comfort leave us uncomfortable.
May our conscience haunt us with the poor.
May injustice leave us sleepless.
May we be what you are for.
May we forgive when hate is easy
May we redeem what others deem lost.
May we consider it a blessing
When following you actually costs.
May our lives be void of ordinary.
May our treasures be in love.
May our hope be built on nothingless
Than the God who's more than enough.
Amen.
May our conscience haunt us with the poor.
May injustice leave us sleepless.
May we be what you are for.
May we forgive when hate is easy
May we redeem what others deem lost.
May we consider it a blessing
When following you actually costs.
May our lives be void of ordinary.
May our treasures be in love.
May our hope be built on nothingless
Than the God who's more than enough.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
College Prayer Warriors
Wednesday was adopted by the Young Adults of our church to pray for 24 straight hours. We've got warriors from Ohio State, Ohio Northern, Cincinnati, Wright State, Clarion, Stark State, Akron, Ashland and others as well keeping the prayer chain moving forward.
We are starting a series for Lent called 24 Hours That Changed the World. It is a look at the last 24 hours of Jesus' life leading up to and including the crucifixion.
While there is so single day in history greater than Good Friday, I'm praying that our church would experience 120 Hours That Changed the World during this prayer vigil.
Prayer doesn't bend God's will to ours. It bends our will to the Sovereign and All Sufficient God's.
We are starting a series for Lent called 24 Hours That Changed the World. It is a look at the last 24 hours of Jesus' life leading up to and including the crucifixion.
While there is so single day in history greater than Good Friday, I'm praying that our church would experience 120 Hours That Changed the World during this prayer vigil.
Prayer doesn't bend God's will to ours. It bends our will to the Sovereign and All Sufficient God's.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Hour 26.5 of Prayer Vigil
Well, we appear to have an unbroken chain of prayer so far. (I think!) We have entered the second day. It is neat to see a car trickle in every hour over night to pray. It pumps me up to think of this prayer vigil in comparison to Nehemiah. The idea of having someone constantly 'manning the walls'...standing in the gap to protect and battle for the people of God. Very cool.
I seem to hit various walls in my ability to concentrate and be productive on these overnights. Case in point, I was making really strong progress on sermon and then hit a wall that has me on fumes.
Keep praying for this journey for Wadsworth UMC! We are being stretched. I am excited to bring the closing message to this sermon series on Sunday. As usual I am feeling inadequate to bring the freight and weight of the message that God is stirring in my heart.
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is ONE.
I seem to hit various walls in my ability to concentrate and be productive on these overnights. Case in point, I was making really strong progress on sermon and then hit a wall that has me on fumes.
Keep praying for this journey for Wadsworth UMC! We are being stretched. I am excited to bring the closing message to this sermon series on Sunday. As usual I am feeling inadequate to bring the freight and weight of the message that God is stirring in my heart.
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is ONE.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
120 Hours of Prayer
Churches do 24 hour prayer vigils. Some ambitious churches do 48 hour prayer vigils.
But I'm not sure I've ever heard of a church going before God's throne for 5 straight days. I am really excited for what God will do in this last week of the One Prayer Series.
One of my privileges is to be on night duty for this journey. So I'm at the church all this week from midnight to 7 a.m.
God mark your church in this season of calling on your name...and let your answers be wiser than the prayers we pray!
One of the cool parts of this experience is that the young adults who are off at school get to be a part of the prayer vigil. So on Wednesday of this gig, 24 college and career folk will be going for it in prayer from all over the state and country. Pretty stinkin' sweet.
I have two tasks this week during my overnights. Finish a sermon and create a meaningful video that captures the One Prayer experience.
Here goes nothing.
But I'm not sure I've ever heard of a church going before God's throne for 5 straight days. I am really excited for what God will do in this last week of the One Prayer Series.
One of my privileges is to be on night duty for this journey. So I'm at the church all this week from midnight to 7 a.m.
God mark your church in this season of calling on your name...and let your answers be wiser than the prayers we pray!
One of the cool parts of this experience is that the young adults who are off at school get to be a part of the prayer vigil. So on Wednesday of this gig, 24 college and career folk will be going for it in prayer from all over the state and country. Pretty stinkin' sweet.
I have two tasks this week during my overnights. Finish a sermon and create a meaningful video that captures the One Prayer experience.
Here goes nothing.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Prayer and Praise Service Recap
Had a good night of worship tonight. It is hard to know what to expect when you bring people of different ages and style preferences together for a service.
I don't always have a good reading of the pulse of people, but I sensed a readiness for God tonight that was uncommon. We did at least 3 or 4 songs that 90-100% of the people who came had never heard before or sung...which the text books would say is a terrible thing to do.
The highlight for me? Two moments...first Shaina, Jake and Andy starting the night off with "Spirit Fall", a song we sang at Passion 2011 that isn't even available for download yet...the mixture of violin, piano and guitar was fantastic. Second, seeing people kneeling in droves...people being prayed for. Maybe a third moment was the impromptu benediction...people young and old singing Glory to God as they left the service...Then I go back in after the people had left and find that the Youth are still singing and haven't left yet. On top of that, the people who had exited the sanctuary weren't leaving the church...they were lingering. Sweet Spirit.
"Come Magnify the Son, Savior of the World, The Hope for Everyone."
I don't always have a good reading of the pulse of people, but I sensed a readiness for God tonight that was uncommon. We did at least 3 or 4 songs that 90-100% of the people who came had never heard before or sung...which the text books would say is a terrible thing to do.
The highlight for me? Two moments...first Shaina, Jake and Andy starting the night off with "Spirit Fall", a song we sang at Passion 2011 that isn't even available for download yet...the mixture of violin, piano and guitar was fantastic. Second, seeing people kneeling in droves...people being prayed for. Maybe a third moment was the impromptu benediction...people young and old singing Glory to God as they left the service...Then I go back in after the people had left and find that the Youth are still singing and haven't left yet. On top of that, the people who had exited the sanctuary weren't leaving the church...they were lingering. Sweet Spirit.
"Come Magnify the Son, Savior of the World, The Hope for Everyone."
Friday, February 11, 2011
Prayer and Praise
This Sunday is going to be a Prayer and Praise service at 7 p.m. at the Church. Since, I've been on staff, we've not done anything like this, so I am pretty excited to just lift high His name. Some pretty neat and unique moments in the works right now.
I am pumped for who God is.
I am pumped for what God wants to do.
I am pumped about the cross.
I am pumped that my wife and my good buddy Jake are going to share in leading us to the throne of grace.
I am pumped.
You should be too.
7 p.m. at Wadsworth United Methodist Church. Contrary to the weed smokers, this is what the cool kids will be doing. Hope to see you there.
I am pumped for who God is.
I am pumped for what God wants to do.
I am pumped about the cross.
I am pumped that my wife and my good buddy Jake are going to share in leading us to the throne of grace.
I am pumped.
You should be too.
7 p.m. at Wadsworth United Methodist Church. Contrary to the weed smokers, this is what the cool kids will be doing. Hope to see you there.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
City.Prayer
Last night, with the snow falling, I got to be part of a Prayer Initiative called City.Prayer. 14 of us braved the elements, met in the sanctuary of our church to receive instructions and then split up and covered the city in prayer. The overarching breath prayer for all of us..."Show me What you see Lord"
Groups went to WalMart, restaurants and hotels, to other area churches, to the schools all over town, to the city hall, police and fire departments, with one thing to pray...Show me what you see Lord. I got to take 3 of the youth from the church to the cemetery and to the hospital. We walked around the cemetery in silence and solitude. There was an eerie peace in this endeavor. We gathered and prayed for families who had lost loved ones. We prayed that we would live in such a way that our spiritual legacy outlasted the breaths we took. We prayed with the reality that everyone of us (short of the second coming) is guaranteed a 6 foot slab of real estate to push daisies up from...and that only those who experience the cross of Christ will have the sting of that death removed.
We prayed at the hospital for doctors and nurses...for the suffering...the dying...for the families who are adjusting to new types of normal...for friends and church members who were in the hospital as patients...for new moms and new babies...we prayed for EMTs...prayed for healing...but not just so that people would feel happier or better in life...we prayed that healing would come to those who would Make Much Of Him because of the healing...We prayed that in other circumstances people would find ways to make much of Him in their suffering.
Its amazing how us/me focused prayer can be...But the city needs the hope of Christ. And we can't see how to be that until He opens our eyes.
Show me what you see Lord...A dangerous prayer that will forever change the course of your life.
Groups went to WalMart, restaurants and hotels, to other area churches, to the schools all over town, to the city hall, police and fire departments, with one thing to pray...Show me what you see Lord. I got to take 3 of the youth from the church to the cemetery and to the hospital. We walked around the cemetery in silence and solitude. There was an eerie peace in this endeavor. We gathered and prayed for families who had lost loved ones. We prayed that we would live in such a way that our spiritual legacy outlasted the breaths we took. We prayed with the reality that everyone of us (short of the second coming) is guaranteed a 6 foot slab of real estate to push daisies up from...and that only those who experience the cross of Christ will have the sting of that death removed.
We prayed at the hospital for doctors and nurses...for the suffering...the dying...for the families who are adjusting to new types of normal...for friends and church members who were in the hospital as patients...for new moms and new babies...we prayed for EMTs...prayed for healing...but not just so that people would feel happier or better in life...we prayed that healing would come to those who would Make Much Of Him because of the healing...We prayed that in other circumstances people would find ways to make much of Him in their suffering.
Its amazing how us/me focused prayer can be...But the city needs the hope of Christ. And we can't see how to be that until He opens our eyes.
Show me what you see Lord...A dangerous prayer that will forever change the course of your life.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Daniel Fast Day 20
Won't be long now. Of course that's what the monkey said when he got his tail stuck in the lawnmower.
Some thoughts/reflections on the Daniel Fast experience
-From a food perspective, it is amazing to think/experience how the body detoxes. In 3 weeks, eliminating meat, sugars and dairy (along with preservatives, additives,etc) will cause the body to detox. This is a bit alarming in regards to what we put in our body that is pretty harmful.
-Fasting with wrong motivations is not good. If I'm doing it because I put a few lb's on over Christmas, it might be good for the body, but wrong motivations don't nourish the soul.
-Satisfaction in Jesus is really the sweet spot. But for me at least, it was so hard to stay there. The first couple days it was feeling the body's 'needs' for substances or foods. Then all throughout the rest it was a battle to stay honed in on God's presence and prayer rather than meals, ingredients and temptations. But those moments that you throw off everything that hinders and fix your eyes on Jesus, are moments where your ears have been dug out and your eyes have been opened.
-It is easy to see a self-rightoeousness flair up in me as I think I'm something impressive or what I'm doing is something sacrificial. When the fast was working the way it should, I was not puffing myself up, but puffing God up as my sustainer and provider.
-Won't be long now.
Some thoughts/reflections on the Daniel Fast experience
-From a food perspective, it is amazing to think/experience how the body detoxes. In 3 weeks, eliminating meat, sugars and dairy (along with preservatives, additives,etc) will cause the body to detox. This is a bit alarming in regards to what we put in our body that is pretty harmful.
-Fasting with wrong motivations is not good. If I'm doing it because I put a few lb's on over Christmas, it might be good for the body, but wrong motivations don't nourish the soul.
-Satisfaction in Jesus is really the sweet spot. But for me at least, it was so hard to stay there. The first couple days it was feeling the body's 'needs' for substances or foods. Then all throughout the rest it was a battle to stay honed in on God's presence and prayer rather than meals, ingredients and temptations. But those moments that you throw off everything that hinders and fix your eyes on Jesus, are moments where your ears have been dug out and your eyes have been opened.
-It is easy to see a self-rightoeousness flair up in me as I think I'm something impressive or what I'm doing is something sacrificial. When the fast was working the way it should, I was not puffing myself up, but puffing God up as my sustainer and provider.
-Won't be long now.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Daniel Fast Day Nineteen
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Hebrews 12:1-4
This passage speaks for itself. We don't grow weary or lose heart because He didn't do so on us.
The writer of Hebrews is basically saying, "If you haven't endured the humiliation, pain and blood of the cross...you really don't have it that bad. So buck up and keep your eyes on Jesus, who began your salvation and continues your sanctification.
3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Hebrews 12:1-4
This passage speaks for itself. We don't grow weary or lose heart because He didn't do so on us.
The writer of Hebrews is basically saying, "If you haven't endured the humiliation, pain and blood of the cross...you really don't have it that bad. So buck up and keep your eyes on Jesus, who began your salvation and continues your sanctification.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Daniel Fast Day 17-18
Sorry I missed yesterday.
This passage is pretty much where I'm at right now:
Romans 7
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
For all the smooth sailing and closeness to God I felt in the first two weeks, I feel bombarded in this last week. I can identify with Paul in this passage. I know what I want to do and what I don't want to do, yet there is a war raging in me to taint or flip my desires. v.24 What a wretched man I am!...I am prone to wander...I am prone to live out of my own strength...I am prone to cast my affections on inadequate lovers (food, money, me, my wife, my career). I am convinced they will satisfy me...that they will complete me. And this divided allegiance is taking me to certain death. Who will save me from my self? From this path of destruction?
v. 25 is the answer...THANKS BE TO GOD, WHO DELIVERS ME THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!
This passage is pretty much where I'm at right now:
Romans 7
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
For all the smooth sailing and closeness to God I felt in the first two weeks, I feel bombarded in this last week. I can identify with Paul in this passage. I know what I want to do and what I don't want to do, yet there is a war raging in me to taint or flip my desires. v.24 What a wretched man I am!...I am prone to wander...I am prone to live out of my own strength...I am prone to cast my affections on inadequate lovers (food, money, me, my wife, my career). I am convinced they will satisfy me...that they will complete me. And this divided allegiance is taking me to certain death. Who will save me from my self? From this path of destruction?
v. 25 is the answer...THANKS BE TO GOD, WHO DELIVERS ME THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Daniel Fast Day Sixteen
Song of the Week this week: Bethany Dillon's "You are all I need"
When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head
You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear
You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need
When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need
You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need
You're all I need
I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You
Monday, January 31, 2011
Daniel Fast Day Fifteen
Back in the saddle again today. Breakfast: a whole wheat tortilla with all natural peanut butter, bananas, mixed nuts and raisins. Lunch: A sweet potato with olive oil, salt and pepper and herbs de provence and some grapes. Dinner: chili!
Philippians 2:
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
If you remember back 2 days...the WAY of Jesus was to make himself low...always taking the role of servant...always being subservient to the Father and to those around Him (and this is to be our exact same attitude!)
Then comes this section...THEREFORE, (anytime you see therefore in the Bible you need to ask what its there for. Its saying Jesus was humble and became obedient to death on the cross...therefore...God exalted Him. The lower He went by our standards, the higher He went in the Father's standards.
Why did this whole process of humility and exaltation take place? FOR THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.
The lower we get, the higher He will be placed in our lives. The more I decrease. The more He increases.
It is all about making much of Him! Whether fasting or not...make much of Him.
Philippians 2:
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
If you remember back 2 days...the WAY of Jesus was to make himself low...always taking the role of servant...always being subservient to the Father and to those around Him (and this is to be our exact same attitude!)
Then comes this section...THEREFORE, (anytime you see therefore in the Bible you need to ask what its there for. Its saying Jesus was humble and became obedient to death on the cross...therefore...God exalted Him. The lower He went by our standards, the higher He went in the Father's standards.
Why did this whole process of humility and exaltation take place? FOR THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER.
The lower we get, the higher He will be placed in our lives. The more I decrease. The more He increases.
It is all about making much of Him! Whether fasting or not...make much of Him.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Daniel Fast Day Fourteen
Doh!
I encountered my first flub up on this fast in terms of diet regiment.
I'll confess my story then give some application to how this works universally then tomorrow we'll pick back up with Philippians 2.
I was pretty much smooth sailing all day yesterday (Saturday) and was filled spiritually by spending some time with lifeWorth Group leaders in the morning.
But then 4 p.m. came. I was hungry and it was Shaina's birthday. My option was leftover rice and natural salsa in a all wheat all natural tortilla wrap or I convince Shaina that it would be good for us to go to dinner to celebrate her birthday and that one flub up for her birthday isn't that big of a deal.
I convince her...namely because leftovers for a birthday dinner aren't exactly exciting her. So we go to Ruby Tuesdays. I order water (still the only beverage I've had for two weeks). Then I order the Salad Bar...with Cheeseburger Sliders...with french fries. Then, we stopped at Giant Eagle on the way home and Shaina picked up a little chocolate cake for her birthday treat. And I ate a piece.
I'm back on the wagon today...but let me tell you a couple things 1) It wasn't nearly as satisfying as my mind told me it would be. 2) My body didn't (and still isn't!) responding well to such harsh treatment. (Curse you John Kohler!) :-)
But here's the point...we will employ any number of tactics to get what we think we want that we're not supposed to have...Here's a few:
Justification...This was a big one..."But its Shaina's birthday...But I've been good to this point...But, others have failed already...etc." Some of us need a good ol' fashioned but amputation.
Blameshifting...Adam said "but the woman you gave me..." Our first way to get out of responsibility is to put it all on someone else...or God. Its as old as Adam...and doesn't help us grow in the area of integrity. I found myself blaming others on the Fast who had slipped up, modified or quit for why I shouldn't be faithful.
Entitlement...13 days of faithfulness ought to land me one day of indulgence right? Wrong...The minute you think you're owed something is the minute your judgment and spirit are clouded. The only thing you and I are entitled to is our sins being punished by banishment from God's presence...But for those who have been changed by Christ, the reality is that we have been set free and are Sons and Daughters of the King.
Flesh is Weak...Some of us try to do it all in our own strength rather than abiding in God's presence and love to sustain us, equip us and rescue us. Then we fall hard. We know that a flashlight without batteries doesn't operate very well...but yet we go around without our batteries all the time and wonder why things are too tough or we are caught in sinfulness.
NOW...IF AND WHEN WE DO MESS UP...ITS NOT ABOUT US RESIGNING OURSELVES TO THE STATUS OF FAILURE...ITS NOT ABOUT US PULLING OURSELVES UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS AND TRYING HARDER...ITS NOT ABOUT SOME TYPE OF DIVINE KARMA THAT GOD CATCHES US WITH BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN LESS THAN GOOD...EVERYTHING...ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING...IS OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO MAKE MUCH OF HIM.
I'm doing the Daniel Fast...to make much of Him as the God who is my portion.
I messed up on the Daniel Fast...which today has me seeing more clearly that He isn't my entire portion and I need more of Him. So I can make more of him in my shortfalls.
I am granted my health to make much of Him.
I am diagnosed with a bad report to make much of Him.
I am healed to make much of Him.
I'm not healed, to make much of Him.
Do you understand? The point of this fast...The point of the Christian life... is not ever to be dictated by life's circumstances! It is today and always about
the Glory of God and our opportunity to make much of Him...BECAUSE OF and DESPITE OF our circumstances.
Make that your goal in this final week of the fast. That He would really be the center of our motivation, our sustenance and our victory!
I encountered my first flub up on this fast in terms of diet regiment.
I'll confess my story then give some application to how this works universally then tomorrow we'll pick back up with Philippians 2.
I was pretty much smooth sailing all day yesterday (Saturday) and was filled spiritually by spending some time with lifeWorth Group leaders in the morning.
But then 4 p.m. came. I was hungry and it was Shaina's birthday. My option was leftover rice and natural salsa in a all wheat all natural tortilla wrap or I convince Shaina that it would be good for us to go to dinner to celebrate her birthday and that one flub up for her birthday isn't that big of a deal.
I convince her...namely because leftovers for a birthday dinner aren't exactly exciting her. So we go to Ruby Tuesdays. I order water (still the only beverage I've had for two weeks). Then I order the Salad Bar...with Cheeseburger Sliders...with french fries. Then, we stopped at Giant Eagle on the way home and Shaina picked up a little chocolate cake for her birthday treat. And I ate a piece.
I'm back on the wagon today...but let me tell you a couple things 1) It wasn't nearly as satisfying as my mind told me it would be. 2) My body didn't (and still isn't!) responding well to such harsh treatment. (Curse you John Kohler!) :-)
But here's the point...we will employ any number of tactics to get what we think we want that we're not supposed to have...Here's a few:
Justification...This was a big one..."But its Shaina's birthday...But I've been good to this point...But, others have failed already...etc." Some of us need a good ol' fashioned but amputation.
Blameshifting...Adam said "but the woman you gave me..." Our first way to get out of responsibility is to put it all on someone else...or God. Its as old as Adam...and doesn't help us grow in the area of integrity. I found myself blaming others on the Fast who had slipped up, modified or quit for why I shouldn't be faithful.
Entitlement...13 days of faithfulness ought to land me one day of indulgence right? Wrong...The minute you think you're owed something is the minute your judgment and spirit are clouded. The only thing you and I are entitled to is our sins being punished by banishment from God's presence...But for those who have been changed by Christ, the reality is that we have been set free and are Sons and Daughters of the King.
Flesh is Weak...Some of us try to do it all in our own strength rather than abiding in God's presence and love to sustain us, equip us and rescue us. Then we fall hard. We know that a flashlight without batteries doesn't operate very well...but yet we go around without our batteries all the time and wonder why things are too tough or we are caught in sinfulness.
NOW...IF AND WHEN WE DO MESS UP...ITS NOT ABOUT US RESIGNING OURSELVES TO THE STATUS OF FAILURE...ITS NOT ABOUT US PULLING OURSELVES UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS AND TRYING HARDER...ITS NOT ABOUT SOME TYPE OF DIVINE KARMA THAT GOD CATCHES US WITH BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN LESS THAN GOOD...EVERYTHING...ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING...IS OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO MAKE MUCH OF HIM.
I'm doing the Daniel Fast...to make much of Him as the God who is my portion.
I messed up on the Daniel Fast...which today has me seeing more clearly that He isn't my entire portion and I need more of Him. So I can make more of him in my shortfalls.
I am granted my health to make much of Him.
I am diagnosed with a bad report to make much of Him.
I am healed to make much of Him.
I'm not healed, to make much of Him.
Do you understand? The point of this fast...The point of the Christian life... is not ever to be dictated by life's circumstances! It is today and always about
the Glory of God and our opportunity to make much of Him...BECAUSE OF and DESPITE OF our circumstances.
Make that your goal in this final week of the fast. That He would really be the center of our motivation, our sustenance and our victory!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Daniel Fast Day Thirteen
Philippians 2:
5 Let the same mind be in you that wasa in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Remember yesterday...sacrifice and humility begin by taking your eyes off of yourself and looking to bless, serve, and help others.
v. 5 "Your attitude" is how other translations put it...not LIKE Jesus' Not CLOSE TO Jesus'...THE SAME AS JESUS' (What's that like you might ask?)
v.6 Didn't exploit or grasp for power or authority. (But that's so un-American!?)
v.7-8 Emptied Himself...All the power Jesus had over Creation, over others, He relinquished for the cross. He chose to get low.
He took on Human Form (Low)
He became a slave (Lower)
He became obedient to death (Lower Still)
Even death on a cross (Lowest)
Every time we jockey for position, favor and recognition we seek to elevate ourselves. But our minds (and attitudes) need flipped. What does it mean to follow Jesus? It means to empty yourself...to become like the Eucharist...broken and poured out for the world...not for your own fame...but for HIS.
We are entering the final week of the fast and the prayer from the beginning day of this thing was John 3:30...He must increase BUT I must decrease. Let that be true over this last week. Get low.
5 Let the same mind be in you that wasa in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Remember yesterday...sacrifice and humility begin by taking your eyes off of yourself and looking to bless, serve, and help others.
v. 5 "Your attitude" is how other translations put it...not LIKE Jesus' Not CLOSE TO Jesus'...THE SAME AS JESUS' (What's that like you might ask?)
v.6 Didn't exploit or grasp for power or authority. (But that's so un-American!?)
v.7-8 Emptied Himself...All the power Jesus had over Creation, over others, He relinquished for the cross. He chose to get low.
He took on Human Form (Low)
He became a slave (Lower)
He became obedient to death (Lower Still)
Even death on a cross (Lowest)
Every time we jockey for position, favor and recognition we seek to elevate ourselves. But our minds (and attitudes) need flipped. What does it mean to follow Jesus? It means to empty yourself...to become like the Eucharist...broken and poured out for the world...not for your own fame...but for HIS.
We are entering the final week of the fast and the prayer from the beginning day of this thing was John 3:30...He must increase BUT I must decrease. Let that be true over this last week. Get low.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Daniel Fast Day Twelve
Philippians 2: 1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Going to walk through Philippians 2 over the next couple days of this fast.
Paul is in prison and he is writing to the church in Philippi to encourage them not to give up or give in, but to continue in the faith.
v. 1 If Jesus has any impact on you...If He's made any difference. If He's comforted you, encouraged you, show you compassion or tenderness...
v.2 Then be united in love, spirit and mind. Don't do this thing on your own...Don't live in judgment of others. Don't live in self-righteousness.
v.3-4 But instead root more for those around you than for yourself. Treat others more than you treat yourself. Seek blessing for others more than you seek blessing for yourself.
The temptation when we sacrifice is to turn our eyes to ourselves and what we're lacking...but Paul is saying the best way to live sacrificially and humbly is to think more about others than ourselves. So today, if there are challenges with your fast, get your eyes off yourself and get them on serving others.
Going to walk through Philippians 2 over the next couple days of this fast.
Paul is in prison and he is writing to the church in Philippi to encourage them not to give up or give in, but to continue in the faith.
v. 1 If Jesus has any impact on you...If He's made any difference. If He's comforted you, encouraged you, show you compassion or tenderness...
v.2 Then be united in love, spirit and mind. Don't do this thing on your own...Don't live in judgment of others. Don't live in self-righteousness.
v.3-4 But instead root more for those around you than for yourself. Treat others more than you treat yourself. Seek blessing for others more than you seek blessing for yourself.
The temptation when we sacrifice is to turn our eyes to ourselves and what we're lacking...but Paul is saying the best way to live sacrificially and humbly is to think more about others than ourselves. So today, if there are challenges with your fast, get your eyes off yourself and get them on serving others.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Daniel Fast Day Eleven
Thought it would be good to put a song on here that is pretty much what the Daniel Fast is all about. Let it be your prayer for today.
All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
You are my supply
My breath of life
And still more awesome than I know
You are my reward
worth living for
And still more awesome than I know
All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
You’re my sacrifice
Of greatest price
And still more awesome than I know
You’re the coming King
You are everything
And still more awesome than I know
More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enough for me
All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
You are my supply
My breath of life
And still more awesome than I know
You are my reward
worth living for
And still more awesome than I know
All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
You’re my sacrifice
Of greatest price
And still more awesome than I know
You’re the coming King
You are everything
And still more awesome than I know
More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enough for me
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Daniel Fast Day Ten!
Matthew 6:16 “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is at the center of all of Jesus' teachings. He unpacks a year's worth of sermons in one sermon.
He addresses fasting in the above verses...but notice where He went right before that...Matthew 6:1 Be careful of practicing your piety for others to see, for then you have no reward from your Father in Heaven.
He then talks about giving (Matthew 6:2-4) and says if you're showing off when you give resources to the Kingdom, your reward will only be that others will see you (which Jesus suggests was your motivation to begin with)
He then talks about praying (Matthew 6:5-15) and warns that if your prayer life is only geared toward the public eye, the public eye is essentially all who will hear your prayer (which Jesus suggests was your motivation to begin with)
He then goes into fasting. Again, if you are putting theatrics to your fasting, then you will receive nothing from God and only have others watch your performance (which Jesus suggests was your motivation to begin with)
This can manifest itself in lots of ways...You might announce that you are fasting everytime there is food that is not on your "To-Eat-List". It can show up as you dramatize excruciating suffering, whether headaches, hunger or some other drama. It can show up in self-righteousness as you scowl at people who are eating far less healthy than you. It can show up in your focus being solely on the weight you're shedding (or not shedding) on the scale.
Jesus is warning...Check yourself before you wreck yourself. He knows our motivations and if we are out of tune with the rhythms and melodies of His grace, He will know...and so will others around us.
But if we press in more and more to His presence...more and more into His sustaining love and grace...more and more into the cross...He will reward us (not with a juicy burger...not with a check in the mail...but with MORE OF HIM. That is the ultimate reward. So the blessing we receive when we give, when we pray and when we fast with pure and right motives is HIM.
And those who have experienced this truly and richly know there is no greater reward.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is at the center of all of Jesus' teachings. He unpacks a year's worth of sermons in one sermon.
He addresses fasting in the above verses...but notice where He went right before that...Matthew 6:1 Be careful of practicing your piety for others to see, for then you have no reward from your Father in Heaven.
He then talks about giving (Matthew 6:2-4) and says if you're showing off when you give resources to the Kingdom, your reward will only be that others will see you (which Jesus suggests was your motivation to begin with)
He then talks about praying (Matthew 6:5-15) and warns that if your prayer life is only geared toward the public eye, the public eye is essentially all who will hear your prayer (which Jesus suggests was your motivation to begin with)
He then goes into fasting. Again, if you are putting theatrics to your fasting, then you will receive nothing from God and only have others watch your performance (which Jesus suggests was your motivation to begin with)
This can manifest itself in lots of ways...You might announce that you are fasting everytime there is food that is not on your "To-Eat-List". It can show up as you dramatize excruciating suffering, whether headaches, hunger or some other drama. It can show up in self-righteousness as you scowl at people who are eating far less healthy than you. It can show up in your focus being solely on the weight you're shedding (or not shedding) on the scale.
Jesus is warning...Check yourself before you wreck yourself. He knows our motivations and if we are out of tune with the rhythms and melodies of His grace, He will know...and so will others around us.
But if we press in more and more to His presence...more and more into His sustaining love and grace...more and more into the cross...He will reward us (not with a juicy burger...not with a check in the mail...but with MORE OF HIM. That is the ultimate reward. So the blessing we receive when we give, when we pray and when we fast with pure and right motives is HIM.
And those who have experienced this truly and richly know there is no greater reward.
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