Matthew 6:16-18 And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.  ESV

Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline.  It costs you something i.e. your natural appetite.  If it doesn't cost you anything, then it's not a fast, it's a hunger strike.  God is not interested in hunger strikes.  He's not looking for our sacrifice.  We don't earn brownie points for denying our flesh.  The point is to empty ourselves that we might draw closer to Him.  Paul put it this way in Phil 3:10-11 "...that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."  No grandstanding.  No drama.  Just knowing God.  Simple.

This is Day 3 of our "Three Days of Reign" all church fast.  It has been unique for me this year.  I have used my time to simply draw near to Him.  To stay in the scriptures.  To pray.  To worship.  To write.  To connect with others of like faith.  To be still.  I have not received any stunning "words" from God or "heavy revys" but I have received His peace, His grace, His mercy, His truth, His presence, His love.  I am full.  Food?  Not a big issue this go around.  It could be different next time.  That's one of the amazing things about fasting, it's different every time.  Perhaps you should consider fasting yourself.  Have a great day!

Grace and Peace,
Pastor J
THS

I am convinced that left alone we will always drift toward complexity. It is the path of least resistance, especially concerning matters of faith. Over the years I fell into the trap of thinking that I needed to have an esoteric revelation. The definition of esoteric is intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest. I have been a Christ Follower for 29 years this May and I am finding the closer I get to Jesus, i.e. maturity, the less I really know. That faith at it's core and in it's purest form is simple and childlike.

The apostle Paul was a brilliant and educated man, a compelling orator, yet as he stood before the Christ Followers in Corinth he made it clear that he did not come with fancy speech or persuasive words. In fact he was determined to know one thing and one thing only, Christ crucified. His message was simple, direct, profound. His message was to be a demonstration of the power and sufficiency of God not the clever persuasion of Paul.

I often find that I am quick to try to help God out. It's not the worst thing, but I can get in His way due to my desire to see something happen. My desire to tickle the ears and win people over. My desire to be accepted and loved by others. Did you notice there was a lot of "Me" in those last four sentences. And there lies the issue… Me. As I preach the Gospel (Good News) my heart is to simply know nothing except Christ. That my words will not be clever or cute, but simple, direct, profound.

Continuing on the Journey,
Jimmy

I enjoy getting up early.  Particularly when I'm up before everyone else in the house.  It's some of the most peaceful and serene moments of the day.  It's 4:59am as I write this.  I'm listening to Patrick O'Hearn, sipping a cup of Vermont Country Blend and my little dog Sparky is chewing on his rawhide toy at my feet.  Now this is simple.  When I turned the light on in the kitchen even Flash, my grandson's fish (we are fish sitting) appeared to be sleeping… or so I hope it's sleeping.  I better check on that!

Solitude.  The mystics and desert fathers wrote and spoke of the value of solitude.  Even Jesus was prone to slip away into "desolate places" in order to be refreshed, renewed and restored.  It's in the quieting of the soul that life finds order, perspective and peace again.  I have always been fragmented in some ways concerning solitude.  In my early years I constantly felt the pull to be around people.  I sought the approval of the crowd, bowing to the need to belong and fit in.  At 46 I do not place too much value on the approval of the crowd.  At the end of the day, the crowd is nameless and faceless in that my identity and significance should not be drawn from that place of need.

I have a gift in a couple of quiet hours to recalibrate the scale of my soul and prepare myself to greet the day with a hearty "Good morning."

Grace and Peace

Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  ESV

I like new things.  Opening up a package, box or container for the first time just does something to me.  I'm like a kid all over again!  Christmas has come again, even if it's June!  I also like new beginnings.  They are kind of like "Do-overs."  Do you remember "Do-overs" from your childhood?  If you were playing a game and made a gross mistake you could call out, "Do-over!" and presto, you get another chance to get it right.  Unfortunately in life as adults who are navigating the mine fields of life, "Do-overs" are rare and not without consequences.     

The scriptures give us some good news concerning God's "Do-overs."  The good news is that you get one every single morning of your life!  I'm reeling with a truth-shot even as I write this!  When you got up this morning God's mercies (compassions) were brand new... a "Do-over!"  As you read this, stop and tell God how grateful you are for your daily "Do-over."  Receive it and don't try to figure out why it's not fair.  Just embrace it and strike out on a new day full of faith and the knowledge that you are more loved than you can possibly comprehend.  Have an amazing weekend!

Grace and Peace in 09',
Jimmy aka "Pastor J"