Your words have been heard...

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words." Daniel 10:12 

It's common for people to begin the new year with a fast. Eliminating distractions and focusing solely on Christ allows believers to gain clarity and understanding. Just as God heard Daniel's requests, he'll hear and answer yours. Even if you are not participating in an official fast, you can set aside time dedicated to strengthening your walk with Christ. He withholds no good thing from his children (Psalm 84:11). How can you grow in the year 2015? Happy Friday! :) 

My portion

"Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever" Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)

In this season of Lent (or any time of fasting), it can be easy to become focused on rules and restrictions. You start to crave the very thing that you're giving up, which can cause you to lose focus. However, Psalm 73 puts it all into perspective.

When I think of the word "portion," I immediately think of food. A portion is an allotment, a serving, it's all that you need to be satisfied, it is ENOUGH. God wants to be our portion. He wants us to be so consumed with Him that we no longer focus on the trivial things of this world. He wants us to be so consumed with his will for our life that we no longer fast out of obligation, but out of a desire to grow closer to Him. 

So when the world starts to look appealing, get to this place: 

"...I’m in the very presence of God—

    oh, how refreshing it is!

I’ve made Lord God my home.

    God, I’m telling the world what you do!" Psalm 73:28 (MSG)

Lent (Day 2)- Seeking God Diligently

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

God has a divine purpose for your life. Yes, I'm sure you've heard that before, but have you really internalized it? Think about it, the creator of the universe, created you impact the world. You are a world changer. Whether or not you are participating in Lent, you can still seek God diligently. The Word says that those who seek the Lord will find him (Jeremiah 29:13). Set aside time, away from the clutter, away from the hustle and bustle of life and ask Him questions like: 

• What have you created me to be?
• What have you created me to do?
• How can I use my gifts and talents to bring you glory? 
• How can I be a light today? (Matthew 5:16)

You may not have an Apostle Paul moment (Acts 9) where a thunderous voice from heaven tells you all the answers, but He will answer you...in his time. Happy Thursday! 

Lent (Day 1)

“Even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12

Today is the first day of Lent! Yay! I am looking forward to see what God does in your life over these next 46 days. However, we don't fast to "get" anything from God. In fact, fasting is taking our eyes off of earthly distractions to fix our eyes on things eternal. As Matthew 6:16-18 says, fasting is a personal endeavor between you and God. Take this time to earnestly seek the Lord about EVERYTHING. What is his will for your life? How can you serve him?  

If you're having trouble selecting what to fast from, consider the opposite. Maybe you can add something that you've been meaning to, but haven't fully committed to. 

Here are some ideas: 

1. Waking up an hour earlier to spend quiet time with God.
2. Starting a Bible reading plan
3. Committing to praying for a specified time (minimum) per day
4. Turning off the TV/ electronics between the hours of ____ and ____
5. Breaking away from unhealthy/ unproductive relationships
6. Eliminating secular music
7. Censoring television shows/ movies that are not uplifting and encouraging 
8. Committing to a scripture memorization plan

Ultimately, a fast should CHALLENGE you. Whatever you decide to do, should cause you to lean on the Lord for support because it is a SACRIFICE. 

*Note: Lent ends: Thursday, April 17