Fasting?

This morning, while reading my Bible and listening to some intense worship music, I found myself hearing the words “I’m faithful!” It was so clear that I had to look around the room to ensure I was alone, not that I’m sure it was even audible. Right after that, the song “Freedom Reigns” came on my phone.  Holy cow did I almost jump out of my chair. I don’t listen to Pandora much anymore since I discovered Spotify, but this morning just felt the desire for a change. God did not disappoint. Over the next 30 minutes, these songs began to play – How He Loves, Always, Shout Unto God, Hosanna & Perfect Love. I don’t know where you are in your walk with Christ or how He speaks to you – but for me, I couldn’t quite control my emotions after these songs played back to back. To me, He is truth, freedom, love, perfection, in control, jealous for my affection, always faithful. He always delivers! I encourage you to sit still for a minute today and let Him wash over you with a reminder of who He is in your life.

I felt God prompting me this morning to encourage all of my brothers and sisters in Christ who are fasting. He is faithful, friends. Everything you are praying for already has an answer. Stay focused and allow Him to reveal His truth and purpose to you in His timing. Don’t fret is you falter. Pick yourself up and try again tomorrow. His grace is more than sufficient to cover all of your mistakes. Remember to give Him praise each day. Build Him an altar in your heart and He’ll send the Holy fire to consume you. He wants you to know that you have the right to claim victory in His name! Focus on Him today and let the world fall away.

I love you friends and am praying for you. It amuses me that one of the answers to my fasting prayers is the opportunity to minister to you. Be blessed in Christ today!

“the enemy has been defeated. Death couldn’t hold You down. We’re gonna lift our voice in victory, we’re gonna make Your praises loud!”

In Christ,

B

New you or better you?

This year as I hear all of these comments on creating a "new you" for the new year, my heart hurts. I'm just as guilty as anyone with using the beginning of a new year as a way to redirect my attention to positive changes in my life. At what point do we stop attempting to recreate ourselves and just try to improve ourselves? Personally, I engage in some spiritual activity at the beginning of every year, not out of habit, ritual or wanting to change who I am, but out of a desire to let God have the first of my year to chart the course of my life for the next twelve months and to shape me into who He created me to be. I do not seek for a "new" me to emerge, just a better me. There is so much about myself that I treasure and love – I would never want that person to disappear. January offers so much more than just a time to "get fit" physically, emotionally or financially – yet EVERYDAY we have the opportunity to make the choice to change something. Maybe you seek to eat better, date more, save money, drink less, quit smoking – whatever your desire is for 2012 shouldn't hinge on the fact that a new year offers the chance for a new you. Lamentations 2:22-23 says "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." That scripture doesn't say "new every year." It says "new each morning." Each day you awake and are able to place your feet on the floor – you have an opportunity to change the course of your life. Why wait until the beginning of a new year? Why not make a conscious decision each and every morning to try something new, eat better, love more, share often, and be positive. If you wait for tomorrow, you may find yourself never having arrived. Set goals – yes, work hard –yes; but do not trick yourself into believing a failure one day will not lead to victory the next. Keep trying.

I realize this post is all over the map today. There is so much I want to share with you about the revelation God is giving me, but I can't do so yet. Let me just leave you with the thought that you are abundantly blessed and ridiculously loved by your Creator. God cares for you more than you or anyone else ever will. Give Him the best of your effort and watch Him bless the rest.