Showing posts with label 30 day peace fast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30 day peace fast. Show all posts

FAST COMPLETE - NOW GO IN PEACE!

Though it took us almost 6 months to complete a 30 day fast, I am proud of our progress. Today's imprint is the very last and I think it sums up our work to date.

Romans 5: 1-6
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Because we have peace with God, from God and know how to access it, we can tap into that spirit power and conquer fear, worry, rejection, and hurt feelings. I will never forget when my pastor said if our feelings are constantly hurt by others it's because our feelings are invested in the wrong things. That's not to say people won't do things that are not right or offensive and just plain wrong but that the peace we have should cover our reaction to those attempts. Last night in Bible study Pastor Dollar reminded us of the grace of God and how it is given the moment we are saved. Grace is the unmerited mercy of God given to us which makes us full in him, without lack. We know we have this grace by faith and that knowledge in itself should bring us peace. We stand firm in our peace because we believe. We believe in God's promises of Hope which will not put us to shame. We know that even in times of trouble and adversity, God's perfect plan will prevail. Once we can see through God's eyes we can relax in the blessed assurance that everything will be OK. Have peace with that fact!

Maybe we should focus on Grace next???

Day 29

Mark 9:50 - Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

I had to go back and do research on this passage in order to ensure I fed you accordingly. This lesson turned out to be just what I needed today as God is right on time!
 
In the scriptures prior to this Jesus talks about leading people to sin and how it is better to detach a member of your body than to allow it to cause you to sin and go to hell. I'm going to assume this part of the message is either for non-Christians or to those followers that choose to ignore the discernment of spirit.
 
Salt is used for a number of reasons today including to add to, to preserve flavor, and to end grease fires. Verse 49 says everyone will be salted with fire. Fire here refers to trials we will face and salt refers to the quickening of the spirit which helps guide us away from temptation. Jesus calls us to have salt among ourselves - to preserve our faith and limit our desire to sin (of course by renewing our minds in the spirit/ the new identity we've taken on since giving our lives to Christ). He also cautions us not to lead others into temptation and therefore expects that we will be the salt of the world (Matthew 5:13), helping to put out the fire in others that causes them to walk in darkness.
 
If we lose our passion for Christ and live a life of sin how can we be seen as examples of his mercy, kindness and peace? As we walk in His light, as salt of the earth, we too must caution ourselves and heed to our spiritual instincts that bring peace not only within ourselves but with others.

Day 28

Malachi 2:6 - True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.


Memo


Please Remember:
God is with you and will never forsake you. His Word is truly His bond and He will not mislead you, lie to you or teach you to do something or behave in the wrong manner. You can truly trust Him. When He stands by and whispers in your ear, you can trust that your walk will be in His perfect peace. Your ways will be ye and ye, and your heart will find pleasure in doing what is right and turning from sin.


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(wink wink)

Peace Fast Day 27

Malachi 2:5
My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.


I'm glad the conversation of fear and God has come up. There is a little confusion about how we are to respond to God's presence. He doesn't want us to have feelings of distress due to danger or harm in his presence because that is not His objective. Like any "natural" father God has high expectations of a positive future for us all. He wants us to feel comforted and at peace before him regardless of the topic of conversation. I think we are fearful before him sometimes because we have to be accountable for our sins and that can be scary when you're trying to do your best and feel bad about falling short. We will never be perfect. Meditate on that as you strive to be more like Christ. He isn't setting us up to fail but expects us to lean on him for guidance and growth.
 
When the Bible refers to fearing God, it mostly means to be in awe of, to revere, or hold in high regard. He wants us to respect Him, His Word and His voice. We need to be mindful to remember Christ in our daily lives showing and proving that we serve the real power over the earth. God wants us to understand the importance of this difference and to confirm His promise of love He again reminds us of the promise of life (given to live) and of peace (to be still, in harmony with, secure, free from). We have been redeemed by Christ to live our lives to the best of our abilities in peace and with a heart that loves like he does.
 
With 3 days left let us revere God and his genuine consideration and grace towards us that we may understand in the spirit realm how perfect we are in his eyes.
 
Amen!

Peace Fast Day 26 (4 Days Left)

Peace Fast Day 26: The Coming of Zion’s King

Zechariah 9:9-10
9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River[a] to the ends of the earth.


This verse reminds me of Kirk Franklin's song STOMP. That song gets me excited it's a Holy Ghost Party. They are excited and can't explain it or contain it. When they think about the goodness of God it makes them want to clap their hands and want to dance. Zechariah 9:9-10 is a celebration. Everyone is rejoicing for our king is at hand! God comes to us with the victory and it is ours. People don't see it coming because he rides through on a donkey not a Maybach or Benz, so the gold diggers aren't checking for his glory. Though he is rich in houses and land he is humble in is approach drawing those that are weary and heavy laden because he has the power to bring them peace in a moment - in a breath. The bows are broken, the peace is ours and our ruler has come to set us free. STOMP!

FASTING AND PRAYING

During our final seven days of peaceful meditation I'd like to present a challenge, for myself mostly, but in hopes that you too will grow and benefit from the experience. I am excited about the hope God has given me in all aspects of my life, in turmoil and during good times. I have to believe that this restoration is directly related to our peace fast. I believe that the next seven days will be the most impactful days of our fast thus far. Today's verse, Ezekiel 34:25, is probably one of the most powerful that we've studied thus far! With high hopes of positive expectations and the determination to exponentially move forward I challenge us to all hone in on our true desires and match those thoughts with positive action words, prayer and works. As we walk and believe and turn our thoughts to God we will tap into the spirit within us to reach our goals and at least move forward in our faith. Remember the key ingredients include, meditation, prayer, the peace fast and following God, our Shepherd as loyal sheep!



Ezekiel 34:25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

Let's just begin with the first word in this sentence, AND. I'm excited because, before we know what to expect God is already adding to. I know I might sound like one of those southern baptist ministers right now but that's how I feel - I feel like God is pouring more into my cup and surely it is running over!!!!

So we already know that we are in a covenant of peace with God. We learned this a few weeks back and can rest assured that our peace is internal and untouchable. Today we are given the blessed assurance that in the midst of trouble we will remain untouched so God can make true is promise of peace to his people. The thing is, more than internal comfort and joy, God understands affliction that is fleshed based and damaging so he extends our spirit's peace to cover our earthly burdens. In addition to being internally secure in your affects and emotions for God, you have "life insurance" that protects your outer man from any thing that might have you doubt.

I was driving home from work late one night in the midst of a bad storm. I was scared but a friend reminded me that the storm couldn't touch me because I was in covenant with Jesus and that's like having a bubble around me that prevents me from being hurt or harmed. This is the kind of peace God extends to us in Ezekiel 34:25. He says that in addition to proving us with internal security he will remove the beast from the land COMPLETELY so we can safely make our way even to the point of rest. That is a blessing. Today, remember how safe you are in God's grace and let that peace guide your movements. The less we worry the more we can focus on God who's grace and mercy consistently surrounds and surprises us in goodness and in truth.

ONE WEEK LEFT!

Ezekiel 13:10
“‘Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash,"

In this verse God discusses what will happen to false prophets. He declares that their foundations will be torn down and the he will send torrent storms to destroy their weak foundations. Many people ask me where I worship and when I share, they quickly begin to tell me why they don't go to my church and repeat all of the horror stories they've heard about the congregation and pastor over the years. I happen to really enjoy service with the pastor and congregation at the church I attend and have yet to witness any of the negative things I've heard. More so, I've learned more about God, The Bible and my own walk with this group of believers than in most other places. The thing is, church is not about the man or woman speaking. Before I enter most services, I ask that I maintain focus and am made aware of the lesson God has prepared for me or to share with someone I come in contact with. When I allow the Holy Spirit to move and trust that comfort over man's word, I find peace knowing I've exhibited Holy based faith.

God is the only one true judge. He is in charge of exposing false prophets and dealing with their judgment and the consequences attached with lying and misleading his precious, precious sheep. You can enjoy the peace of worshiping at the church you feel good at and learn from the Bible from. As long as their teachings are in line with the Word and your prayer life is in tact, God will surely show up. Trust that his covenant of peace covers your daily walk and your worship life and that He will always comfort and protect you.

22 Days of Peace

Isaiah 52: 7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”


Are you a bearer of good news? Let me explain to you how easy it can be to proclaim peace. All you need to do is realign your thoughts, examine the things that are important to you and compare them to God's plan. Unsure of God's plan for your life? Pick up a Bible! Know that God could care less about most of the things we stress about. We were all placed here to deliver a message, spread the good news, proclaim peace and bring good tidings by preaching the gospel of Jesus. If you're having a bad day and trying to find new ways to lift your spirit, try talking about Jesus. When the story is retold, when you hear of his goodness - that He died for us to be free - there is no way you can remain sad, mad or depressed. Proclaim the salvation of this Earth by acknowleding that OUR GOD REIGNS, and watch the blessing come down!
 
Amen

21 Days of Peace

Isaiah 55:12
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.


This morning my nana (my mother's mom) died. She lived a full life, bore 9 children, raised 8 of her own teenagers, and shared in the life of 6 adults of her womb. She had too many grandchildren to count and so far only 4 great-grand sons with one little girl on the way. Her life was full and even though my family is still only dealing with her passing, we were all blesed to have had so much time with her.
 
Isaiah 55:12 is a great passage to meditate on during this time. It reminds me to find joy despite the physical pain. Our emotional and spiritual lives are so much more than just our physical relationships and experiences. To wake up to bad news and go out in joy is a strong indication that God is the center of your life. Meditating on his desire for your life is just one way to encourage yourself. Others include counting your blessings, giving to those in need and contemplating on the everyday miracles. When we push ourselves to go out in joy, God confirms his commitment by leading us in peace (remember the covenant we spoke about)!

If you're wondering whether you've experienced peace as a result of your joy check out the second part of this verse. Not only is our perspective renewed but our external environments change. The bible says the mountains will burst into song and the trees will clap their hands! Amen. Stabilize your peace to enjoy a joyous outcome.
 
More and more I've come to know that practicing and excersicing our peace produces increased levels of peace. It's like physical exercise! The more you work a muscle the stronger it gets. Three sets and 20 repeitions of bicep curls a day will strengthen your arms. Take this same formula and apply it to your peace. The more you build the harder it will be to disturb. Practice peac to gain peace. Go out in joy and God will lead you, throught the day, to peaceful outcomes.

20 Days of Peace


Day 20: Isaiah 54:10


Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.


What more can I say to convince any of us that God, our father, will not leave or forsake us? We are in relationship with God. He is our father and will listen to and provide for us without it being warranted. His covenant is an agreement between us and Him - where he promises to provide. You have to know the power of a promise from God. He cannot tell a lie! So if God says something, it is so forever more. Not only will his love never fail us but he promises to maintain our peace - to never remove it from our make up. Yesterday I mentioned peace being born into us like one of our organs such as a kidney or lung. The same way God won't come down one day and remove our lungs while we sleep, he assures us that he will never come down and remove his promise of peace. If God promised us peace why are we depressed, stressed and disappointed? Once you meditate and know this scripture to be true in your life, for yourself there is nothing that can stop you - no obstacle too big to be defeated by God's unfailing love for you or the presence of His eternal peace!
 
AMEN.
 
Tomorrow's reading: Isaiah 55:12
Day 19
Isaiah 48:18
Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments then your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

When I read the first few words of this passage I think of the title of Zora Neal Hurston's novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. While here, God discusses what the benefits would have been had his children been obedient, we have a cheat sheet - a real live question and answer manual to help us along the way. If we pay attention to God's commandments we will have peace like the waves of the sea. The waves of the sea ride the shore consistently, which leads me to believe we will have steady peace that washes away the doubt. If ever there seems to be an air of doubt or confusion - LOOK UP! Pay attention to God and His commandments and your peace will flow through fluidly like the waters of the sea.

Next passage Isaiah 54:10
I know I'm behind but we're pushing on nevertheless...

Day 18
Isaiah 32:17
The fruit of righteousness will be peace. The effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.


When I speak about change and growth, I usually mention this blog and my journey of peace realization. I tell people that I've come to know that my peace is a birthright, given to me like a rib that cannot be taken by anyone without my willingness to give it to them. While this is true, Isaiah 32:17 goes on to show that we can experience the fullness of our peace when we practice living in a way that is edifying to it's illumination. In other words, our good works will prove to bring forth fruits of peace, quietness and confidence. Beyond knowing that we own our peace, that no one can take it from us or distrupts its stillness - we have to know how to increase our overflow. This is done by being good shepherds over our lives, choosing to do the right thing and making integrity-based decisions that create calm instead of havoc.


Next reading Isaiah 48:18

Peace fast day 17



Day 17
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts you.

In this song of praise, Isaiah expresses his thanks to God for being a just God and for securing peace in those who are constantly fixed on him. Do you totally trust God with your life? Are your thoughts constantly fixed on His plan for your life? When I start to worry or stress in the least bit I know it's because I am not trusting God and allowing him to move perfectly in my life. Relax and know that He is God. There is nothing you can do other than give him the glory. 

A few sayings to help you trust God and find peace in this trust:
What God has for me is for me.
When man plans, god laughs.
God is in control.
Be still and know that I am God.
Don't worry about anything, pray about everything.
In God we trust.
I trust God to show me the way.
Thank God for what you have. Trust God for what you need.

Tomorrow's scripture: Isaiah 32:17
Day 16
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders and he will be called; Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

If you believe stand up! Amen! In the name of Jesus, believers stand on the foundation that Jesus was born as flesh on earth and redeemed us. He stood up for our sin and sacrificed himself for us to change the way we were governed by God. He made us his righteousness!

As I meditated on this Word, I thought about God's names in this verse.

1. Womderful Counselor - an advisor The consultant we should call on when we need help or are uncertain about an issue, person, place or thing. There have been times when I was going through something Iand wanted someone to talk to but no one was available. In those moments God reminds me that he is present and the only one I should really turn to for advice.

2. Mighty God - Merriam Webster gives a definition of God that describes him as perfect in power and wisdom and goodness, and the one who is creator and ruler over earth. In this instance God in the flesh = Jesus, born to redeem. He didn't have to but he did! With God (the creator) for us no one can be against us (there is peace in knowing that fact).

3. Everlasting Father - HE WILL NEVER FAIL HIS CHILDREN!!!!!! AMEN!

4. Prince of Peace - a prince is ruler under king and or the ruler of turf/ territory. This verse refers to Jesus as the ruler of peace! God rules our freedom. you want to be free? Look to God. Jesus died so we could live freely! Amen it's yours!

Tomorrow's scripture: Isaish 26:3
Day 15
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

Work has been daunting to say the least. I was speaking to my cousin today and she asked me how I was handling all of the "drama." I told her I was focusing on God.

A few days ago we learned that if we find peace with God prosperity will come (Job 22:21). [Prosperity refers to the success of every arena of your life and not just your finances] Proverbs 16:7 extends to say peace with God causes even our enemies to live among us - trouble free! So when I'm in a situation that has been or tries to be negative or hostile in anyway I adjust my focus and remember the peace God has instilled in me.

One of my favorite lines from the 23rd Psalm is "he leadeth me besides the still water." The thought of still water puts me in a place of quiet, of meditation and clarity. Isn't that peace! Try it with me. Close your eyes and imagine being led besides the still water by God. As we walk our walk in this life it's nice to know that despite what was, is or is to come God is with us. Not only is he forever present, he is also directing our path and making peace our traveling partner. If things around you are frustrating and distracting, take time to be present in your peace. The peace God has made available to you is waiting to join you in this walk!

tomorrow's verse: Isaiah 9:6

14 Days of Peace (Week 2)

Week 2 came upon us so quickly. At this point we know that trials and trouble are still lurking (now more than ever) but we've changed our minds so we now know how to deal with this pain in a way that allows us to maintain our foundation and continue to pursue ultimate happiness.

Day 14: Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.


 
Commit your heart to being at peace. Look, I can tell you that this is a difficult task. At least three times a day, I find myself struggling to feel good, fighting the temptation to pay back evil for evil or hurt for hurt and conquering my fear of loneliness. The truth is what sets me free. Believing what God says helps get me back on track. I also remind myself that I have a choice - there are options. I can choose to know I have peace inside of me - planted like the rest of my organs and ready to be used daily for my survival. Recognizing the light inside you doesn't mean things will happen perfectly - it means your better off now than you were before. It means there is a goal to achieve an end point to this thing that will provide the reward we've needed so long.
 
Has anyone ever told you that stress will kill you? Envy - a resentful or unhappy feeling of wanting what someone else has - is a form of stress that will rot our bones. Be careful not to want so much of what others have. I like to remember that what God has for me is for me. No one can open a door that God closes or close a door that God opens. The more we realize that this is God's plan and we are limited operational partners, the sooner we will learn to trust His works. Opening your heart to God invites peace and longevity. Live strong!
 
Tomorrow's scripture Proverbs 16:7
Day 13: Psalm 85:10
LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS MEET TOGETHER; RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE KISS EACH OTHER.


I came across this pic and it really expressed psalm 85:10. I see a loving, thriving, committed community and even though it takes a lot of hard work on all ends to get to this place the effort is mandatory as everyone has a common goal. It is only in the presence of God that we find reason to be all the good and positive things he's called us to be. Faithful, loving, righteous and true - Peace is the blessing we have been granted to bestow upon others lighting the way for their paths.

Tomorrow's passage Proverbs: 14:30

Peace Fast Day 11

Day 11
Psalm 37:11
BUT THE MEEK WILL INHERIT THE LAND AND ENJOY PEACE AND PROSPERITY

I did a search on the word Meek. It literally means humble patience. Both are hard concepts for most of us to understand, let alone practice. Remembering the reward of humility and knowing that its presence breaks down walls to help us better communicate with God and others helps keep us on the right side of the track. I was thinking about a recent break-up, for me the hardest part of the break-up is wondering if my ex's next partner will be better than me. I had to remind myself that we are all God's children, no one better than the other in His eyes and all justified by the blood. This kingdom perspective helps me see the truth about myself and others, recognizing how hard we are all trying to live better lives. Seeing myself the way God sees me helps to keep me humble.

"Patience is a virtue," a term we've heard and have probably used without really knowing how it applies to us. People that practice patience do it from a place that respects moral excellence. It says, I will wait without complaining because you deserve the time you need. This is a challenge for me. I have never had the gift of patience and because I hear you have to be tried in order to receive it I rarely ask for its gift. To know however, that God works on His time and to respect His knowledge helps me find peace; accepting that His movement is made perfectly and cannot be thwarted. The psalm says that the people who can humbly and patiently accept God's movement will inherit peace AND prosperity. What a blessing.

Tomorrow's reading Psalm 37:37
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