Good morning! Here we are at day 12 of our annual Fast. How are you doing? I'm hearing some great reports from some people that are fasting. Like I told you before, the first week I was discouraged about some things, but God showed up last week. He caused some things to happen that we've been praying about for a long time. I know it's not easy, but hang in there, you will be so glad you did.
FOOD - Again, Daniel Fast is no meat, no breads and no sweets, BUT it is all between you and God. We allow ourselves tortillas because we are so busy and it is easy for us to wrap something up in a tortilla and eat it on the go. Yesterday I made burritos for us to eat on for a few days. These were super fast and easy. Here's what I did:
2 cups brown rice, cooked
1 can chili beans
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder (more if you want)
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1-2 teaspoons pepper
cheese (your favorite, we like cheddar with this)
ALL SPICES CAN BE ADJUSTED TO YOUR TASTE
I cooked rice in microwave according to directions. When rice is done, add all other ingredients and mix together thoroughly. I wanted to add corn to this also but Kevin didn't want me to. I think corn would be good in it. Heat coconut oil in skillet or spray a griddle with non stick spray. Put some of the mixture and cheese in middle of tortilla, wrap up like a burrito, place in hot oil or on hot griddle and cook until outside becomes golden brown on both sides. I put in individual ziplock bags so we can take to work for our lunches this week.
The last few days I have been completely overwhelmed by how much God loves me. Then yesterday morning, my Pastor preached on that as well. Pastor Phil said "If He gave His son, what would He withhold from us?" Can you imagine giving up your child. Knowing that you are sending him to be persecuted and tortured, to die a horrible death. I love my boys so much. I don't think I could do it. But God loves us so much and Jesus loves us so much that they did it just for me and just for you. Jesus didn't have to come. He could have said "no". The David Crowder song "Oh, How He Loves Us" keeps playing in my head. Here's a link to the video for you. Listen closely to the words and meditate on how much God loves you. There is absolutely nothing that you could ever do to make Him stop loving you. I am so thankful for His amazing grace, His mercy and that He loves me unconditionally.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCunuL58odQ
Have a blessed week!
Lori
Monday, January 13, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
FIRST FRUITS/DANIEL FAST DAY 12
Today's devotion from The Fasting Edge is so good, I'm just going to give you most of that today. Also I want to make Kevin some potatoes with onions and peppers before church.
"Sometimes you can pray for something, but you don't see the answer right away Keep praying. Don't let go of your faith, and do not cast aside your confidence! It may be that the thing you are praying for is just not ready or in God's timing yet. Your prayers will not be ignored or discarded. Prayers don't have an expiration date.
The Book of Revelation even refers to bowls of incense collected in heaven that are the prayers of the saints. Daniel had been fasting and praying for three weeks when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, explaining how his prayers had been heard in heaven since the first day, but the answer had been delayed:
Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come." Daniel 10:12-14
Acts chapter 10 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible. Prior to the events detailed in that chapter, only the Jews had received the good news of the gospel and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But everything changed when one man's hunger and persistence penetrated heaven . Peter went up on the roof of his friend Simon's house to pray. He was hungry because it was lunchtime. But once again, when man was thinking about sinking his teeth into a big juicy steak, God had a far different plan for lunch.
One day earlier, an angel visited a devout Italian man who loved God. The man's prayers and giving had come up as a memorial before God. He was a Gentile, but he and his household believed in God and wanted to know Him. At the end of four days of prayer, and perhaps even fasting, the angel of the Lord appeared to this man named Cornelius and told him to send for a man named Peter. Cornelius's men headed out and arrived the next day while Peter was on the roof - receiving a vision and food of all things. God was using food to show Peter that He desired to pour out His Spirit on all flesh, including the Gentiles. The Gentiles included every one who was not of Jewish descent and were long considered by Jewish law to be unclean.
Two men, miles apart, became connected by hunger. Cornelius was praying with a hunger for God. Peter was on a roof at lunchtime receiving a message from God about food instead of chowing down on lunch.
One man was seeking; one man had the answer. Both men were praying, and a connection was made. Before they ever met physically, their prayers met in heaven. I think that is so powerful! Cornelius was storing up prayer in heaven. The next day the Spirit of the Lord prepared Peter for his role in what had already been decreed in heaven. When Peter went up on that roof to pray at lunchtime, God made the prayer connection, opening the door of salvation to the Gentiles.
I want you to understand that heaven has kindgdom connections for you. When you pray, your prayers plug into God's connection of plans, resources, and power in heaven. All over this world there are connections that God is setting up - things we have no idea about, but by simply following the prompting of the Holy Spirit's call to fast, we take part in divinely orchestrated connections.
Notice that Cornelius's prayers "sizzled" in heaven for awhile before the connection came to pass. In fact, the angel even told him that his prayers and generosity had come up as a memorial before God.
I'm ready for some kingdom connections, aren't you? Have a blessed day.
Lori
"Sometimes you can pray for something, but you don't see the answer right away Keep praying. Don't let go of your faith, and do not cast aside your confidence! It may be that the thing you are praying for is just not ready or in God's timing yet. Your prayers will not be ignored or discarded. Prayers don't have an expiration date.
The Book of Revelation even refers to bowls of incense collected in heaven that are the prayers of the saints. Daniel had been fasting and praying for three weeks when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, explaining how his prayers had been heard in heaven since the first day, but the answer had been delayed:
Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come." Daniel 10:12-14
Acts chapter 10 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible. Prior to the events detailed in that chapter, only the Jews had received the good news of the gospel and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But everything changed when one man's hunger and persistence penetrated heaven . Peter went up on the roof of his friend Simon's house to pray. He was hungry because it was lunchtime. But once again, when man was thinking about sinking his teeth into a big juicy steak, God had a far different plan for lunch.
One day earlier, an angel visited a devout Italian man who loved God. The man's prayers and giving had come up as a memorial before God. He was a Gentile, but he and his household believed in God and wanted to know Him. At the end of four days of prayer, and perhaps even fasting, the angel of the Lord appeared to this man named Cornelius and told him to send for a man named Peter. Cornelius's men headed out and arrived the next day while Peter was on the roof - receiving a vision and food of all things. God was using food to show Peter that He desired to pour out His Spirit on all flesh, including the Gentiles. The Gentiles included every one who was not of Jewish descent and were long considered by Jewish law to be unclean.
Two men, miles apart, became connected by hunger. Cornelius was praying with a hunger for God. Peter was on a roof at lunchtime receiving a message from God about food instead of chowing down on lunch.
One man was seeking; one man had the answer. Both men were praying, and a connection was made. Before they ever met physically, their prayers met in heaven. I think that is so powerful! Cornelius was storing up prayer in heaven. The next day the Spirit of the Lord prepared Peter for his role in what had already been decreed in heaven. When Peter went up on that roof to pray at lunchtime, God made the prayer connection, opening the door of salvation to the Gentiles.
I want you to understand that heaven has kindgdom connections for you. When you pray, your prayers plug into God's connection of plans, resources, and power in heaven. All over this world there are connections that God is setting up - things we have no idea about, but by simply following the prompting of the Holy Spirit's call to fast, we take part in divinely orchestrated connections.
Notice that Cornelius's prayers "sizzled" in heaven for awhile before the connection came to pass. In fact, the angel even told him that his prayers and generosity had come up as a memorial before God.
I'm ready for some kingdom connections, aren't you? Have a blessed day.
Lori
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
FIRST FRUITS/DANIEL FAST DAY 8 - "BROKENNESS"
I'm going to be very transparent today which is extremely difficult for me, but God has put it on my heart so maybe someone else needs to hear it. The most difficult part of being a Christian for me has been to let go of EVERYTHING and let God have control. I am a control freak. I have always been strong... physically, mentally & emotionally. When my body started breaking down and I was becoming weaker and weaker, I was embarrassed and disgusted with myself for allowing that to happen. I am now getting physically stronger everyday. It's slow, but I'm getting there. It's funny how it takes so little time for our body to fall apart when we don't take care of it, but it takes an enormous amount of time and dedication to get it strong and healthy again.
My mother was very weak... physically, emotionally, she was just never a strong person. Both of my grandmothers were incredibly strong ladies and very Godly women. My grandmothers were my heroes. I loved learning from them. I would listen intently to everything they said and try to soak it all in. I always wanted to be strong like them. I promised myself at a very young age that I would never be weak, never depend on someone else to take care of me and always take care of myself. Being independent is a good character trait. Right? But, I also kept God at a distance. I didn't want God or anyone else to think I was needy. So, I would pray everyday, but for YEARS I would never ask for anything for myself. I could take care of myself, there were weaker people that needed God more than I did. He has a way of getting our attention. When my husband's kidneys failed in February 2010 and our lives changed forever, our church family came to our rescue. I love helping others, but I have a very hard time allowing others to help me. I had to learn to put my pride aside and allow others to help us. It was so difficult for me to admit that I needed help. We are so blessed to have some dear friends that saw through my facade and basically just stepped in and started helping. I was broken and finally let go and let God send the cavalry in to my rescue.
From The Fasting Edge "Brokenness is so precious in the eyes of the Lord. Brokenness makes room for Him to release His strength through our weakness in order to accomplish His plans. That is a crucial difference that we need to understand. Most of us struggle with the concept that is is our own strength that draws God's attention, when our strength is the very last thing God notices.
The brokenness that comes through fasting starts with throwing everything we identify as our strength down at the feet of Jesus to say, "Lord, I know I am limited. I'm coming to You in brokenness, not in my strength, but in my weakness. i acknowledge that You can do more through me, broken, than I can ever attempt to do on my own." That is the type of fasting that connects with God."
2 Corinthians 12:29 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
I'm praying for and I hope that you are also praying for me. Have a blessed day!
Lori
My mother was very weak... physically, emotionally, she was just never a strong person. Both of my grandmothers were incredibly strong ladies and very Godly women. My grandmothers were my heroes. I loved learning from them. I would listen intently to everything they said and try to soak it all in. I always wanted to be strong like them. I promised myself at a very young age that I would never be weak, never depend on someone else to take care of me and always take care of myself. Being independent is a good character trait. Right? But, I also kept God at a distance. I didn't want God or anyone else to think I was needy. So, I would pray everyday, but for YEARS I would never ask for anything for myself. I could take care of myself, there were weaker people that needed God more than I did. He has a way of getting our attention. When my husband's kidneys failed in February 2010 and our lives changed forever, our church family came to our rescue. I love helping others, but I have a very hard time allowing others to help me. I had to learn to put my pride aside and allow others to help us. It was so difficult for me to admit that I needed help. We are so blessed to have some dear friends that saw through my facade and basically just stepped in and started helping. I was broken and finally let go and let God send the cavalry in to my rescue.
From The Fasting Edge "Brokenness is so precious in the eyes of the Lord. Brokenness makes room for Him to release His strength through our weakness in order to accomplish His plans. That is a crucial difference that we need to understand. Most of us struggle with the concept that is is our own strength that draws God's attention, when our strength is the very last thing God notices.
The brokenness that comes through fasting starts with throwing everything we identify as our strength down at the feet of Jesus to say, "Lord, I know I am limited. I'm coming to You in brokenness, not in my strength, but in my weakness. i acknowledge that You can do more through me, broken, than I can ever attempt to do on my own." That is the type of fasting that connects with God."
2 Corinthians 12:29 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
I'm praying for and I hope that you are also praying for me. Have a blessed day!
Lori
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
FIRST FRUITS/DANIEL FAST DAY 7
How is your fast going? Kevin & I are doing ok. It gets pretty comical because our son is not fasting so I cook meat for him & Kevin & I stand over the skillet and smell that aroma of beef or chicken. LOL. We have fasted at least once a year since 2007 or 2008, so we know it's worth it and we would never give up. However, we will have a big juicy steak on January 22 and savor every bite. :)
That reminds me of something I want to share with you. When we started fasting in 2008 Kevin decided to give up chewing tobacco. He had dipped tobacco for over 25 years. He had tried numerous times to quit and would always pick it back up. But in 2008, he set his mind to it, prayed about it and quit. What started as a fast ended up with him being set free from over 25 years of tobacco use. I believe that fasting and prayer tears down strongholds.
"Jesus was waiting on God for forty days and nights as He fasted in the wilderness. God was working on Him. There is a work going on in your life right now that you may not be fully aware of, but without fasting, prayer, and wilderness experiences, you will never be qualified to handle what God has for you in the future. Fasting prepares you for what is yet to come.
Fifteen times in the New Testament the Lord says, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says." You were born into God's family with spiritual ears. Having spiritual ears to hear from God is not enough. You must learn to use them. Hearing from God must become the highest priority of your life. Fasting is slowing down to speed up. It's taking time to listen for your next set of instructions from the throne."
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Jentezen Franklin says "one thing I believe all Christians must come to realize is if we are going to walk with God, at some point we need to get out of our comfort zone. Life brings extremes. I trust the Spirit of God has led you into this season of fasting. Continue to follow Him. You will return in the power of the Spirit. with a fresh rhema word from God for your life. We want everything with a shortcut, but remember there is work to be done. His timing is perfect, and your time will come."
Here's a chile rellenos casserole that looks pretty good and would be ok on Daniel Fast.
I am praying blessings and favor for each one reading this post.
Lori
Monday, January 6, 2014
FIRST FRUITS/DANIEL FAST DAY 6
Matthew 3:16-42 When he had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.
Jesus was led by the Spirit to fast and pray in the desert before He ever preached one sermon, healed one cripple, freed one captive, or called one disciple. All the while He was sharpening His edge for what was yet to come. Satan did not want Jesus to succeed in taking back what Adam and Eve had turned over to him when they gave in to their appetites and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
"We are driven by our flesh far more often than we should be. We want what we want when we want it, and we want it now! Fasting "dethrones" the rule of demanding fleshly appetites so that we can more easily follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The wisdom of coming away with the Lord and sharpening our edge indeed brings success. We see it modeled in the life of Jesus more than once. If Jesus needed the power of the Holy Spirit in His life and ministry on Earth, then you and I need that same power all the more. The days are not getting any easier. The church desperately needs to regain the edge for the battles ahead."
Pray for a release of God's power to overcome any situation and for supernatural blessings to pour into your life as you prepare to fulfill the destiny He has given you.
Have a blessed day!
Lori
Jesus was led by the Spirit to fast and pray in the desert before He ever preached one sermon, healed one cripple, freed one captive, or called one disciple. All the while He was sharpening His edge for what was yet to come. Satan did not want Jesus to succeed in taking back what Adam and Eve had turned over to him when they gave in to their appetites and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
"We are driven by our flesh far more often than we should be. We want what we want when we want it, and we want it now! Fasting "dethrones" the rule of demanding fleshly appetites so that we can more easily follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The wisdom of coming away with the Lord and sharpening our edge indeed brings success. We see it modeled in the life of Jesus more than once. If Jesus needed the power of the Holy Spirit in His life and ministry on Earth, then you and I need that same power all the more. The days are not getting any easier. The church desperately needs to regain the edge for the battles ahead."
Pray for a release of God's power to overcome any situation and for supernatural blessings to pour into your life as you prepare to fulfill the destiny He has given you.
Have a blessed day!
Lori
Saturday, January 4, 2014
FIRST FRUITS/DANIEL FAST DAY 4
Today is the first Saturday of the new year. I love Saturdays. I have worked since I was 14 and fulltime since I was 17. Saturdays are the only days that I don't have to watch the clock and rush around. When my boys were little we called Saturdays "snuggle days". They would get in bed with us and we watched cartoons in bed all snuggled up. I am tired. I am praying that my Plexus business really takes off this year so that I can retire or semi-retire in a year or two. I want to have lots of snuggle days with my gandchildren when I get some.
I want to hear how your fast is going. I know that a lot of people are starting tomorrow. Lots of churches do a corporate fast where everyone starts on the same day and ends on the same day. I do believe that churches see great things happen when the body is united in fasting and prayer. I just felt that God told me to begin our fast on January 1, so that's what we did.
Lots of people eat out on the weekends. If you are doing the Daniel Fast you can still eat out. Here are some options for eating out while on Daniel Fast -
Vegetable soup or chowder & salad
Beans & rice
Vegetable plate
Eggplant rollitini or eggplant parmesan
Cole slaw
Shrimp & broccoli (if you are allowing fish & seafood)
Fried rice
Eggs, omelets, quiche
Cheese enchiladas
Potatoes (french fries, baked, etc)
You can find something to eat in any restaurant. Just don't worry about it too much. Again make your focus more on God than on food. Remember that since you are not eating beef, chicken, pork, etc. that you need to get your protein from other sources like beans, nuts, Greek yogurt, dairy, eggs, etc.
Today try to concentrate on all the blessings that God has given you. We get so wrapped up in our troubles sometimes that we forget about our blessings and all that He has brought us through. Keep praise and worship music on today in your house, in your car, wherever you go. It's amazing how much music can affect our attitudes.
Have a blessed day. I'm praying for you. Please keep my family in your prayers.
Lori
I want to hear how your fast is going. I know that a lot of people are starting tomorrow. Lots of churches do a corporate fast where everyone starts on the same day and ends on the same day. I do believe that churches see great things happen when the body is united in fasting and prayer. I just felt that God told me to begin our fast on January 1, so that's what we did.
Lots of people eat out on the weekends. If you are doing the Daniel Fast you can still eat out. Here are some options for eating out while on Daniel Fast -
Vegetable soup or chowder & salad
Beans & rice
Vegetable plate
Eggplant rollitini or eggplant parmesan
Cole slaw
Shrimp & broccoli (if you are allowing fish & seafood)
Fried rice
Eggs, omelets, quiche
Cheese enchiladas
Potatoes (french fries, baked, etc)
You can find something to eat in any restaurant. Just don't worry about it too much. Again make your focus more on God than on food. Remember that since you are not eating beef, chicken, pork, etc. that you need to get your protein from other sources like beans, nuts, Greek yogurt, dairy, eggs, etc.
Today try to concentrate on all the blessings that God has given you. We get so wrapped up in our troubles sometimes that we forget about our blessings and all that He has brought us through. Keep praise and worship music on today in your house, in your car, wherever you go. It's amazing how much music can affect our attitudes.
Have a blessed day. I'm praying for you. Please keep my family in your prayers.
Lori
Friday, January 3, 2014
FIRST FRUITS/DANIEL FAST DAY 3
I hope your fast is going well. Has the enemy tried to make you lose your focus yet? He's hitting me hard! I have to keep reminding myself that the rewards will be worth it. I have to keep my eyes on the prize. I see my Jesus at the finish line waiting for me with open arms.
Today's Fasting Edge devotion is "Choose to do Right".
Romans 12:9 Paul instructs believers "abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."
"Whenever you make a choice against one thing - you make a choice FOR something else. When you make your mind up to abhor evil, you make the choice to cling to what is good. In the same manner, when you choose to ignore the prompting of the Lord in an area, you are making a choice to do something that opposes His best plan for your life. Choosing to do right is not always easy, but God's grace is sufficient to see you through."
"We've all seen Christians who devote their entire lives to God, building ministries or personal legacies, only to watch them fall to pieces when some secret sin or scandal is exposed. Unfortunately, one wrong choice can overshadow a lifetime of service to the King. They ran the race but faltered just before the finish line. I'm not saying God can't forgive and restore. He certainly does. But let's choose today to finish well."
I am exhausted.... mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is taking every ounce of my being to stay focused during this fast. I refuse to be defeated. I'm tired of the enemy stealing my family's blessings. I am claiming blessings and favor and complete restoration for my family 2014. I choose to finish well.
Hang in there, friends! We are in this together. This recipe looks delicious! I LOVE brussels sprouts! Of course for the fast you could omit the bacon, but after the fast, the bacon is going in. :)
http://www.closetcooking.com/2013/11/brussels-sprout-hash-with-sweet-potato.html
Love and prayers,
Lori
Today's Fasting Edge devotion is "Choose to do Right".
Romans 12:9 Paul instructs believers "abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."
"Whenever you make a choice against one thing - you make a choice FOR something else. When you make your mind up to abhor evil, you make the choice to cling to what is good. In the same manner, when you choose to ignore the prompting of the Lord in an area, you are making a choice to do something that opposes His best plan for your life. Choosing to do right is not always easy, but God's grace is sufficient to see you through."
"We've all seen Christians who devote their entire lives to God, building ministries or personal legacies, only to watch them fall to pieces when some secret sin or scandal is exposed. Unfortunately, one wrong choice can overshadow a lifetime of service to the King. They ran the race but faltered just before the finish line. I'm not saying God can't forgive and restore. He certainly does. But let's choose today to finish well."
I am exhausted.... mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is taking every ounce of my being to stay focused during this fast. I refuse to be defeated. I'm tired of the enemy stealing my family's blessings. I am claiming blessings and favor and complete restoration for my family 2014. I choose to finish well.
Hang in there, friends! We are in this together. This recipe looks delicious! I LOVE brussels sprouts! Of course for the fast you could omit the bacon, but after the fast, the bacon is going in. :)
http://www.closetcooking.com/2013/11/brussels-sprout-hash-with-sweet-potato.html
Love and prayers,
Lori
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