My husband suggested that we do Daniel's fast. Initially, I wasn't thrilled about the idea. However, I realized it would be good to give up something and spend more time with the Lord. So, I agreed on one condition - that we complete the fast at least a week before my upcoming vacation. Since I will be traveling out of the country, I wanted time for my stomach to readjust to dairy and other foods. My husband, who's a foodie, started buying books and looking up recipes. He's the cook in our household, so I just watched. I'm not a foodie, so I requested that he not buy too many things since I could eat the same thing every day and be content.
We previously did a modified Daniel's fast with our church years ago, and we gave up beef and pork. Once the fast was over, I continued because I felt better. However, I will eat pork bacon occasionally.
This journey started with a doctor's appointment for a physical. Her recommendation was low carbs. I thought this would be interesting since my husband is a big rice eater. When I spoke with another friend, she mentioned she had gained weight on her first Daniel's fast because they would fill up with rice and potatoes. Thank God, I'm not a big rice or potato girl.
The first 3 to 4 days were hard, with just fruits and vegetables. I was tired. As I'm writing, it's day 8, and my energy level is up. I walked in the neighborhood for the past three days, and the dedicated time with God has also been great. Fasting has helped me with hearing from God. I've received a few answers from some prayer requests. I even tried my first vegan restaurant, and it was good. Shifting your focus on God and depending on the Holy Spirit can open unexpected doors.
Healthy eating. "Well, I’ll tell you why. It is because you must do everything for the glory of God, even your eating and drinking." 1 Corinthians 10:31 TLB
Taking care of our bodies. "Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 TLB
Fast to get closer to the Lord. "When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well." Matthew 6:16-18 MSG
By reading and practicing the above scriptures…over time, I’ve been learning how to incorporate Christ into every area of my life.
Below are two books that God has inspired me to write. "The Flip Side" and "Blinded By Sight: The Heart Matters" both available now.
So… what’s this book about?
“The Flip Side” depicts the possible feelings and emotions of lesser-known Biblical characters as they navigated their lives in the shadows of the more popular characters in the Bible. While the Bible gives us snippets of their stories, we are usually left in the dark about their true motives, desires, and thoughts concerning the situations they are in. However, one certainty is that despite how little we know about these characters, they were often the catalysts to pivotal moments in the main characters’ lives.
So… what’s this book about?
Join me on a journey of self-discovery. “Blinded by Sight - The Heart Matters” is a compilation of short biblical devotions. These stories are not conclusive. They are depictions of how God is revealing my heart to me.
My prayer is, Lord, make it real for me, show me your heart, show me my heart, and give me the wisdom to change what hinders my relationship with you. I am learning that my perception is my biggest obstacle it affects my mind, what I think, and how I process my experiences. What I have experienced in my mind is expressed through my feelings and these experiences dictate my choices either consciously or subconsciously.
This devotional will allow you to explore and evaluate your past and present situations that have hindered you from seeing the heart of the matter. Simply put, look at the heart – it does matter. Your future depends on it!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
Comments