Christian Thoughts – Page 51

Fasting

On Monday, I did my first ever 24 hour fast. It was an interesting experience, mostly because I was quite worried that I wasn’t going to be able to do it. I started the day quietly in prayer asking God for strength of mind to do the fast. Then I prayed for open eyes, open ears and an open heart.

I have to say that throughout the day I felt incredibly calm and strong. My energy levels fluctuated a lot from low to high and then back again, food was often on my mind, but not uncontrollably, just there, a hint of temptation. Although I was at work, I did take time out during the day to pray and at lunch time I spent the time listening to a podcast. At the end of the day when I got into bed, I felt a huge sense of achievement. I wasn’t hungry, but was very tired. I lay back and went straight to sleep.

When I woke the next day, I felt incredibly rested and calm…a feeling which remained for the next two days.

Something I though was impossible was easily possible! “With God, all things are possible” Matt 19:26

I look forward to my next fast.

What We Can Do

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

There is nothing you can’t do if Christ is your helper. He gives us adequate strength for every task He gives us to do.

A couple of things we need to be reminded of today. The Lord will never give us a task to do that is outside of His will. He will never direct us in a way that is contrary to His nature. He will not give us a task that will glorify ourselves and not Him. He will not direct us to do things that will oppose His Word in any way. He will not help us to do things we devise to do. He will not help us to fulfill our selfish plans.

The Lord expects us to discern wisely what it is we are to do. If we act contrary to Him, don’t expect His help or strength. Anything we do that honors and glorifies Him will be blessed by Him. He enables us to serve Him well. He helps us to accomplish whatever we set out to do to serve Him and not ourselves.

Satan wants us to believe that we are not up to the task, that we simply are unable to do what our hearts are set on doing for Christ. It is a lie straight from hell. Jesus is more than able to help us to do what we desire to do for Him and He gives us the strength to do it, without fail.

Set your mind firmly on this wonderful truth. You can do what the Lord gives you to do. Do not be afraid to step out in faith. He will not let you fail. Do not let naysayers persuade you. Do not let the size of the task concern you. Do not hinder the work Christ wants to do through you by holding back. Step out boldly and follow the leading of the Lord. You can do anything through Christ who gives you the strength to do it.

If you don’t know what it is the Lord wants you to do and He doesn’t reveal it to you clearly through prayer or His Word, then boldly step out and do what you desire to do. If He is your Lord, He will not let you stray from His will. He will bless whatever it is you do for Him as long as He is your Lord. He honors those who honor Him, no matter what it is they do in life.

– Jim Hughes

Fasting

Fasting has been on my mind lately, it is something I want to do, but I really struggle with self control. I found this site while researching fasting, I like the step by step approach and I aim to try a 24 hr fast on Monday following these steps.

https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/7-steps-to-fasting.html

Revelation 21:1-8

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no more sea.

And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of Heaven, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them; and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.”

And He that sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said unto me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

And He said unto me, “It is done! I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the Water of Life freely.

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Revelation 21:1-8 English Standard Version ESV

Question: “What does the Bible say about fear?”

Answer:
The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. The first type is beneficial and is to be encouraged. The second type is a detriment and is to be overcome. The first type of fear is fear of the Lord. This type of fear does not necessarily mean to be afraid of something. Rather, it is a reverential awe of God; a reverence for His power and glory. However, it is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. In other words, the fear of the Lord is a total acknowledgement of all that God is, which comes through knowing Him and His attributes.

Fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits. It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). It is the fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27) and provides a security and a place of safety for us (Proverbs 14:26).

Thus, one can see how fearing God should be encouraged. However, the second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (NKJV). A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God.

However, sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, and to overcome it we need to trust in and love God completely. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18). No one is perfect, and God knows this. That is why He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the book of Genesis and continuing throughout the book of Revelation, God reminds us to “Fear not.”

For example, Isaiah 41:10 encourages us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Often we fear the future and what will become of us. But Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds of the air, so how much more will He provide for His children? “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). Just these few verses cover many different types of fear. God tells us not to be afraid of being alone, of being too weak, of not being heard, and of lacking physical necessities. These admonishments continue throughout the Bible, covering the many different aspects of the “spirit of fear.”

In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, the psalmist will trust in God because he knows and understands the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good. As Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15 NKJV).

Once we have learned to put our trust in God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us. We will be like the psalmist who said with confidence “…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5:11).

Pray for Zimbabwe