Vineyard Men's Renewal Fast
Vineyard Men's Renewal Fast
As we approach the middle point of our fast, I feel better physically. The hunger pangs have subsided and now it is a battle of the mind. I watch others eat or see billboards where food is advertised and my mind starts to wonder. The temptation is definitely there, but I also know God is honoring my fasting. I really think there is something to saying you are going to sacrifice and then actually doing it!! As men, we often say things like, "I don't want to get to crazy with this" or "A little bit here won't hurt". Actually, not keeping promises does hurt. One of the side benefits of fasting is that it builds strength against temptation. When we are able to subdue our body (with God's help) during a fast, it makes it easier to do the same when temptation arises.
Remember I Peter 5:7 Cast your anxiety on Him and he will answer you, because he cares for you.
God does care about each of us, even in our sometimes silly little lives. God's kingdom is marching forward, let's continue to be part of that march..
posted by Pat Donohue @ 4:15 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Today I was almost shocked by the onslaught of all forms of media in our culture competing for our time, taking focus away from God. The constant presence of music, print, television and the internet crowd our mind with things of this world and crowd out God. Two things are emerging for me; a heightened awareness of my surroundings and an increased ability to focus on the word and God. The typical scatterbrain thoughts of the day’s events, to do lists and various other filler have subsided. It's a feeling I haven't had in some time and I am thankful.
On another note, I had the opportunity to share my (and our) fast with a co-worker today. He wanted me to listen to some song and I politely declined and therefore had to explain myself. I've prayed for this individual before and he knows a bit about my faith so I am hopeful this will lead to more conversations.
God is sharpening my senstitivty as a father, especially to my daughter. I like to think of myself as a decent Dad, but I realize that I can be impatient and short with my kids. They say the #1 factor that effects the esteem of children is their relationship with their Dad. After working in a school for 15 years, I believe it. Kids who have bad relationships with their Dad, usually struggle with esteem issues and often act out academically and behaviorally. I was really reminded last night that my words do matter.
I am always struck when I fast how the things I think are so important, can really be set aside. Yes, food is important, but it should not control me. Sports is fun, but again, it should not be a controlling influence. There is a freedom to giving up these things. I am not a slave to them. That doesn't mean I am not looking forward to eating on Saturday, I a certainly am, but it is good to know that food or sports does not control me.
How are things going for anyone else out there? Insight? Breakthroughs? Let's hear your story.
During this fasting time I have been reading Romans and Psalms, two of my favorite books. I love the Psalms because David just lays it all out there, he was a mighty man but had many fears and struggles, just like us. God has just been showing me during this time that His love and grace is sufficient and that I just need to embrace it. As I continue to know and experience how God feels about me the more I am able to be the man that God has called me to be. Look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, take care.
It's Friday night and I am offically ready for the fast to end!!! I am looking forward to tomorrow evening to eat and worship. See you guys at the church for pizza and chicken.
Post a Comment
<< Home