Stacia really hates carrots….in fact after I gave up on the carrots she wouldn’t even eat the rice. In fact the only thing she wanted in her chair today was the BOTTLE.
Friday, February 24, 2006
YUCK
Stacia really hates carrots….in fact after I gave up on the carrots she wouldn’t even eat the rice. In fact the only thing she wanted in her chair today was the BOTTLE.
You are receiving this email because you indicated your desire to participate in a fast for marriage on 26/27 Feb, or you indicated that you were still praying about doing so. If you receive this and you did NOT email to participate *I* have not emailed this to you. Ladies, please do NOT forward this letter on to others. I assured ladies that their requests would only go to those who emailed me with their intention to fast. Text without requests will also be posted on my blog.
Dear Friends,
Wow. I’m amazed at God. What an experience it has been to call my dear sisters in Christ to fast for their marriages and for marriage in general! I was unprepared for the response. God has been moving so sweetly in our midst…laying the very same burden on many women around the country. I’m amazed at women who are fasting in Hawaii, fasting on vacation, fasting for two whole days (I’m praying about joining you on this one). By this time you have prayed about participating, you have prayed about a day and hopefully you have prayed about the type of fast you will be doing (partial, food, activity). Now it simply remains to “do it”.
I’m hearing from many that God has led individuals, groups and churches to reclaim spiritual disciplines (not in a legalistic sense…out of a heart of intimacy and gratitude to Christ). What a confirmation. I was unprepared to have several email me and ask for “Scriptural Proof” that Christians are to fast. For these dear sisters the concept was totally new. I delighted in the “Berean” attitude that would cause them to search the Scriptures diligently before joining a “band wagon”.
I’ve tried to answer most questions on my blog. At the end of this message I will list the dates and titles of entries on fasting. I will not copy it all here….as many won’t need all the “nuts and bolts”. {G}
OK –We’ve had a few specific requests that I will list here. May our fasting arise from an intense need to hear God and not to shout at Him.
In my time of prayer over this I have felt God giving me three words for our fast.
Believe – let’s BELIEVE that God wants to work, restore and repair marriages. Let’s pray for a generation that would BELIEVE in marriage. Let’s pray that women and men would turn to the Creator of marriage and BELIEVE most of all in Him. Let’s pray that men and women would fall passionately in love with JESUS and then with each other.
Hope – literally translated in Scripture to mean “an eager expectation”. This is closely tied in with BELIEVE. Let’s pray for those who are feeling “hopeless” to be given a new HOPE in Christ. Pray that we would have HOPE for what God would want our marriages to be. Pray that HOPE would be birthed in seemingly hopeless situations as we do battle for each other's marriages
Value – Let’s pray for our generation and for generations of children to see and be taught the VALUE that God places on marriage. In my prayer time I’ve come back to this again and again. Our society has de-valued marriage. We’ve allowed marriage to be de-valued. It’s time for us to begin to recognize and encourage others to recognize the value of the marriage relationship. I am especially concerned for children here. Please pray that our CHILDREN would see the VALUE in marriage as they observe our marriages. Pray that God would mend your marriage if needed so that it would reflect this VALUE to your children. Pray that generations to follow us would benefit from the stance we take for marriage this week.
*How awesome is our God! Organizing this has been stretching for me. I’ve been timid to share. What an amazing thing that as this sat on my desktop I received TWO emails from TWO different sisters telling me that in THEIR prayer time God is leading them to the words “Believe and Hope” and the other one mentioned “value and generational strongholds”. Wow…..God is so very sweet to send encouragement my way! What a God we serve!
Specific Requests (in addition to the above – directly copied from emails – REMOVED FROM BLOG)
If any of you send in victories that you attribute to this time of fasting I will share them (anonymously – unless you request to be known) with THIS list of those who have participated in the fast and will post them on the blog.
Standing with you, dear sisters in Christ!
De’Etta
More posts on fasting at http://not2many.blogspot.com
Feb 12 – MOTIVES (I’ll share now that I was trying to figure out if I should speak about fasting and what would others think – or remain secret ala Matt 6).
Feb 14 – Friends, Lady Friends…call to fast for marriages
Feb 14 – instructions and links to study tools for a topical study
Feb 15 – Bill Bright’s booklet on fasting
Feb 20 – low blood sugar/nursing – things we can fast from
Feb 24 – Motivation in Fasting
Feb 24 – Fasting in Scripture
Dear Friends,
Wow. I’m amazed at God. What an experience it has been to call my dear sisters in Christ to fast for their marriages and for marriage in general! I was unprepared for the response. God has been moving so sweetly in our midst…laying the very same burden on many women around the country. I’m amazed at women who are fasting in Hawaii, fasting on vacation, fasting for two whole days (I’m praying about joining you on this one). By this time you have prayed about participating, you have prayed about a day and hopefully you have prayed about the type of fast you will be doing (partial, food, activity). Now it simply remains to “do it”.
I’m hearing from many that God has led individuals, groups and churches to reclaim spiritual disciplines (not in a legalistic sense…out of a heart of intimacy and gratitude to Christ). What a confirmation. I was unprepared to have several email me and ask for “Scriptural Proof” that Christians are to fast. For these dear sisters the concept was totally new. I delighted in the “Berean” attitude that would cause them to search the Scriptures diligently before joining a “band wagon”.
I’ve tried to answer most questions on my blog. At the end of this message I will list the dates and titles of entries on fasting. I will not copy it all here….as many won’t need all the “nuts and bolts”. {G}
OK –We’ve had a few specific requests that I will list here. May our fasting arise from an intense need to hear God and not to shout at Him.
In my time of prayer over this I have felt God giving me three words for our fast.
Believe – let’s BELIEVE that God wants to work, restore and repair marriages. Let’s pray for a generation that would BELIEVE in marriage. Let’s pray that women and men would turn to the Creator of marriage and BELIEVE most of all in Him. Let’s pray that men and women would fall passionately in love with JESUS and then with each other.
Hope – literally translated in Scripture to mean “an eager expectation”. This is closely tied in with BELIEVE. Let’s pray for those who are feeling “hopeless” to be given a new HOPE in Christ. Pray that we would have HOPE for what God would want our marriages to be. Pray that HOPE would be birthed in seemingly hopeless situations as we do battle for each other's marriages
Value – Let’s pray for our generation and for generations of children to see and be taught the VALUE that God places on marriage. In my prayer time I’ve come back to this again and again. Our society has de-valued marriage. We’ve allowed marriage to be de-valued. It’s time for us to begin to recognize and encourage others to recognize the value of the marriage relationship. I am especially concerned for children here. Please pray that our CHILDREN would see the VALUE in marriage as they observe our marriages. Pray that God would mend your marriage if needed so that it would reflect this VALUE to your children. Pray that generations to follow us would benefit from the stance we take for marriage this week.
*How awesome is our God! Organizing this has been stretching for me. I’ve been timid to share. What an amazing thing that as this sat on my desktop I received TWO emails from TWO different sisters telling me that in THEIR prayer time God is leading them to the words “Believe and Hope” and the other one mentioned “value and generational strongholds”. Wow…..God is so very sweet to send encouragement my way! What a God we serve!
Specific Requests (in addition to the above – directly copied from emails – REMOVED FROM BLOG)
If any of you send in victories that you attribute to this time of fasting I will share them (anonymously – unless you request to be known) with THIS list of those who have participated in the fast and will post them on the blog.
Standing with you, dear sisters in Christ!
De’Etta
More posts on fasting at http://not2many.blogspot.com
Feb 12 – MOTIVES (I’ll share now that I was trying to figure out if I should speak about fasting and what would others think – or remain secret ala Matt 6).
Feb 14 – Friends, Lady Friends…call to fast for marriages
Feb 14 – instructions and links to study tools for a topical study
Feb 15 – Bill Bright’s booklet on fasting
Feb 20 – low blood sugar/nursing – things we can fast from
Feb 24 – Motivation in Fasting
Feb 24 – Fasting in Scripture
SHOWER
Last night's shower was a success. There is something so sweet about having friends into your home to celebrate the blessing of God on a family. Cathy and her daughter were blessed by the gifts they received and I believe by the fellowship we shared.
I scored a coup by sending "just one piece" of cake home with John.....a giant piece....none of us wanted it sitting around. We plan to take up geocaching with this family after their new one arrives and settles in.
Lots of changes coming for this family as John prays about seperating from the army, and re-entering as a Chaplain.
I scored a coup by sending "just one piece" of cake home with John.....a giant piece....none of us wanted it sitting around. We plan to take up geocaching with this family after their new one arrives and settles in.
Lots of changes coming for this family as John prays about seperating from the army, and re-entering as a Chaplain.
Answered prayers!
Thanks to all who prayed for Jared and Stacia yesterday! They are both fine today.
FASTING – in Scripture
*continuing info for you as many pray and prepare to fast on behalf of marriage this upcoming Sunday and/or Monday.
PARTIAL List of People Who Fasted in Scripture:
Moses (Deut 9:9, 18; Ex. 34:28)
Elijah (1 Kings. 19)
David
Jesus
Paul (2 Cor. 6:15; 11:27)
apostles
Nehemiah
Daniel
Esther
*Thanks to Corinne who sent this chart to me via Julie…I appreciate having the info in one concise spot! This clearly shows that believers through the ages have been participating in both individual and group fasts for a variety of reasons. (not sure the chart will copy- if it doesn't and you want a chart - email me - I do compose entries in Word before posting)
Scripture Type Purpose/Result
Judges 20:18-28 Corporate
1 Sam. 7:2-6 Corporate repentance
2 Chron 20:1-19 Corporate Seek the Lord
Victory over enemy
Ezra 8:21, 23 Corporate Direction,
so they would be protected
Neh 1:4 Individual Distress, didn’t know
what to do about situation
Neh 9:1 Corporate Repentance
Esther 4 Corporate Protection, deliverance
Dan. 9:3-27 Individual Repentance & intercession
for nation/spiritual
enlightenment
Dan 10:2-end Individual Vision
Joel 1:14 Corporate Repentance and prayer for the nation
Joel 2:12 Individual Alignment
Jonah 3:5 Corporate Deliverance from judgment
Matt 4:2 Individual Prepare for ministry
Matt 17:21,Mk 9:29 Individual Deliverance from demons
Acts 13:2 Corporate Hearing from God
Acts 13:3, 14:23 Corporate Anointing
PARTIAL List of People Who Fasted in Scripture:
Moses (Deut 9:9, 18; Ex. 34:28)
Elijah (1 Kings. 19)
David
Jesus
Paul (2 Cor. 6:15; 11:27)
apostles
Nehemiah
Daniel
Esther
*Thanks to Corinne who sent this chart to me via Julie…I appreciate having the info in one concise spot! This clearly shows that believers through the ages have been participating in both individual and group fasts for a variety of reasons. (not sure the chart will copy- if it doesn't and you want a chart - email me - I do compose entries in Word before posting)
Scripture Type Purpose/Result
Judges 20:18-28 Corporate
1 Sam. 7:2-6 Corporate repentance
2 Chron 20:1-19 Corporate Seek the Lord
Victory over enemy
Ezra 8:21, 23 Corporate Direction,
so they would be protected
Neh 1:4 Individual Distress, didn’t know
what to do about situation
Neh 9:1 Corporate Repentance
Esther 4 Corporate Protection, deliverance
Dan. 9:3-27 Individual Repentance & intercession
for nation/spiritual
enlightenment
Dan 10:2-end Individual Vision
Joel 1:14 Corporate Repentance and prayer for the nation
Joel 2:12 Individual Alignment
Jonah 3:5 Corporate Deliverance from judgment
Matt 4:2 Individual Prepare for ministry
Matt 17:21,Mk 9:29 Individual Deliverance from demons
Acts 13:2 Corporate Hearing from God
Acts 13:3, 14:23 Corporate Anointing
FASTING – Motivation
Why do we fast? I believe it is important to check our motives before we begin a fast.
Are we trying to manipulate God? If so, we won’t see a thing. Are we trying to show how very spiritual we are? If so, we mock God and ourselves (Matt 6:16 – 18). Fasting to be noticed by men is useless. In fact, most often others should not be aware that we ARE fasting. Jeremiah 14:12 (and general area) teaches us that fasting with a rebellious heart does not move God.
I believe we fast first and foremost out of obedience. Passages such as Matt 6 show us that Jesus expects his disciples to fast. In Matt 9:15 Jesus seems to be saying that a time will come when He will go away and His disciples will then fast. He seems to expect that at some point in time, Christians will be fasting. Fasting illustrates our physical separation from the bridegroom and our yearning for Him.
I believe we fast because it teaches us much about discipline. We do NOT fast in order to keep salvation. We fast because grace has appeared and it teaches us how to live sensibly, disciplined and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:11 – 13). In I Cor 9:27 Paul speaks of “disciplining” his body. When we fast, we put our flesh into submission. We also put our mind and soul into submission as we train them to prayer and worship. We move ourselves into a position to hear from God on any given matter. Fasting stems from a deep need to HEAR God; not to shout at Him. We spend intentional time petitioning His face on behalf of a situation. Fasting humbles us (Ps 69:10). Often a renewed awareness of Jesus’ presence in our life and in the situation we are fasting for results from fasting. This may be a dramatic sense of His presence or a quiet assurance of His sovereign love that comes from focusing on Him, His promises, His sacrifice and His love for us.
One last thought, Jesus is fasting now. Jesus told His disciples on the night he was betrayed that He would not drink of the fruit of the vine until He would drink it anew in His Father’s kingdom (Matthew 26:29). Jesus is sitting at the Father’s right hand in heaven, interceding and fasting (at least a partial fast) for His chosen. We can join Him in the fast.
Are we trying to manipulate God? If so, we won’t see a thing. Are we trying to show how very spiritual we are? If so, we mock God and ourselves (Matt 6:16 – 18). Fasting to be noticed by men is useless. In fact, most often others should not be aware that we ARE fasting. Jeremiah 14:12 (and general area) teaches us that fasting with a rebellious heart does not move God.
I believe we fast first and foremost out of obedience. Passages such as Matt 6 show us that Jesus expects his disciples to fast. In Matt 9:15 Jesus seems to be saying that a time will come when He will go away and His disciples will then fast. He seems to expect that at some point in time, Christians will be fasting. Fasting illustrates our physical separation from the bridegroom and our yearning for Him.
I believe we fast because it teaches us much about discipline. We do NOT fast in order to keep salvation. We fast because grace has appeared and it teaches us how to live sensibly, disciplined and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:11 – 13). In I Cor 9:27 Paul speaks of “disciplining” his body. When we fast, we put our flesh into submission. We also put our mind and soul into submission as we train them to prayer and worship. We move ourselves into a position to hear from God on any given matter. Fasting stems from a deep need to HEAR God; not to shout at Him. We spend intentional time petitioning His face on behalf of a situation. Fasting humbles us (Ps 69:10). Often a renewed awareness of Jesus’ presence in our life and in the situation we are fasting for results from fasting. This may be a dramatic sense of His presence or a quiet assurance of His sovereign love that comes from focusing on Him, His promises, His sacrifice and His love for us.
One last thought, Jesus is fasting now. Jesus told His disciples on the night he was betrayed that He would not drink of the fruit of the vine until He would drink it anew in His Father’s kingdom (Matthew 26:29). Jesus is sitting at the Father’s right hand in heaven, interceding and fasting (at least a partial fast) for His chosen. We can join Him in the fast.
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