It was August of 2017 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. We were ministering at the first General Conference of the newly nationalized work. From our bird’s eye view of thegorgeous hotel overlooking the Kota Kinabalu Harbor on the China Sea, there was much to see. I was intrigued by the fishing vessels that would leave early in the morning, and return just as the sun was setting for the day.
There were many small boats that would stay close to the harbor, doing their work in shallow water. They weren’t equipped to go too far, and always kept in sight of land. They put in a hard day’s work, and probably caught enough fish to sell for the day. They were laboring to keep their families fed, but didn’t make any extra.
Then there were the ships. They were outfitted with bigger nets, and carried enough equipment and supplies to face any problems that might arise. They headed out into deep water far beyond the safety of the harbor. When they lumbered into port at the end of the day, they sat low in the water, their holds completely filled with fish. They weren’t only feeding their families for the day. They were affecting the commerce of a nation.
While watching these fishing vessels, the Lord impressed into my spirit that if I wanted to see His great works, I must choose to be like the ships, and not the boats. My first instinct was to remind Him of the obvious…I’m literally 9,000 miles away from home, overlooking the South China Sea, doing ministry. Doesn’t that make me a ship? The Lord’s silence assured me that it was going to take more than simply being willing to travel for me to be a ship, rather than a boat.
“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.” (Psalm 107:23-24)
As I considered what the Lord was revealing to me, He dropped this scripture into my mind. Such a perfect word for the object lesson He was showing me. I began to break down the passage, and noticed that even though the ships were called to go out into great waters, they first had to go down.
We all love to spend time on the mountain top, but sea level is at a much lower elevation. Revival may come on the mountain heights, but the work gets done by first going down to sea level.
The original meaning of the word business here is ministry. Many of us are willing to go and take care of spiritual business, but not all are willing to firstgo down.
To go down means that we must submit ourselves to the Spirit of God. We must get our flesh under control. We must get our self out of the way with all of its emotions, feelings, frustrations, preferences and carnal ways.
Going down is accomplished through consistent, diligent, consecrated fasting with prayer. The mountain top is where our eyes are often focused, and our hearts most desire to be. The anointed worship. The powerful Word. The comfort of unity and fellowship. Who wouldn’t prefer the spiritual heights? After all, the way down is messy, painful and we almost always have to go alone.
I feel like I have to ask…
-How hungry are you for the things of God?
-How desperate are you for a breakthrough?
-How low are you willing to go to draw closer to God?
-How many souls do you want to reach?
…Your level of fasting and prayer will answer these questions.
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.“ (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Most professing Christians have good intentions toward serving the Lord. It’s the day to day follow through that gets in their way. Neither the enemy of our souls, nor our flesh is ever going to make it easy for us to serve God, and be fruitful. There must be something within us (dare I say it?…) in addition to the Holy Ghost. There must be a resolve to continue, to keep pressing, to get back up. Lack of consistency is a major factor in why good people fall away from their walk with God. Here are seven areas where practicing consistency counts:
1. PRAYER
When a baby is born, we listen for that first cry, and rejoice when we hear it. That’s certainly not the only time that baby cries. His voice is heard from that day forward, and matures into full conversation throughout his life. So it is with prayer. When we come to the Lord in heartfelt repentance, we begin our conversation with him. That conversation continues to develop and mature throughout our lifetime. We should wake up talking to Him, go to sleep talking to Him, and visit with Him throughout the day. In his book The Book On Prayer, Rev. Ken Gurley calls this “practicing His presence.” Becoming consistent in prayer isn’t simply asking the Lord for more and more stuff. It’s Lear I g how to be “with” Him.
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
2. FASTING
Most Christians don’t give the process of fasting enough credit. The world and the devil know its benefits, however. This is another discipline where implementing it only one time will likely make you cranky and frustrated. We must give ourselves to the process of fasting with consistency. Ask the Lord to give you a fasting plan, and then be consistent in the follow through. He has promised in His Word that fasting properly breaks yokes, tears down strongholds and causes our our health to “spring up speedily.” None of this will happen if we only fast once in a while.
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)
3. BIBLE STUDY
Being consistent in Bible study makes an invaluable difference in maturing spiritually. Perhaps you read the Bible every day. But do you study it? We can read God’s Word on many levels. One of the first ways we learn to read His Word is by starting with “Bible Stories” such as David & Goliath, Noah’s Ark. Daniel In The Lion’s Den. Perfect. This is absolutely the best place to start. However, there are so many other ways to study His Word in a deeper way. There are so many nuggets to mine out of the Word. Read deeper. Study deeper. Memorize scriptures. What do people’s names mean? They matter. What do the names of cities mean? They matter. How did a Bible character handle a similar situation to what you’re dealing with? It matters. I’m a firm believer that there is an answer in the Word of God for every question, situation or problem we might have. The answer will either be found in commandment, example or principle.
”Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
”Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)
4. SLEEP
This may seem an odd thing to think about being consistent in. Many will be happy to read it here. The truth is we don’t get enough of it. Sleep is when our body and mind heal, resets and gets refreshed. Our generation stays so stressed and filled with anxiety. We go go go, and fill the rest of our time in front of screens. Bodies weren’t designed to function properly in that condition. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Sick? Frustrated? Undone? Overdone? Anxious? Sorrowful? Go to sleep.
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2)
5. EXERCISE
Similar to sleep mentioned above, our bodies need to move. They were not designed to be sedentary. Without going into anything scientific or medical, which I’m not qualified to do, we can simply take a visit back to the Garden of Eden. God didn’t create Adam & Eve, and place them in an office building surrounded by monitors, wires and cushy chairs. He placed them in a garden, and told them to take care of it. From the beginning, their lives were filled with motion and work.Their bodies were, no doubt, healthy, muscle-toned and strong. Their lives were the exact opposite of sedentary.
When we don’t get enough movement, stretching and lifting, our bodies become weak, and depression sets in. Lack of consistent movement affects our mental state. It doesn’t have to be in a gym. I can’t with a clear conscience even suggest that unless it’s a ladies only or men only facility or class time…but that’s for another blogpost. I can suggest, however, that you make time to get outside on a regular basis. Work in the garden, do yard work, walk the neighborhood, take the grands to the park, do jumping jacks on the carport, buy a jump rope…just get moving.
6. GIVING
This one tests our spiritual maturity level, for sure. Christians are called to be givers. The first area of giving we think of is money, and it’s absolutely needful. We are called to give a tithe of our income to the Lord. A tithe is one tenth. Ten dollars out of every one hundred. You might say you can’t afford to pay tithes. Friend, you cannot afford NOT to pay tithes. Scripturally, it belongs to God. We are not only called to pay tithes, but to also give offerings. It is God’s tithe, and our offerings. The Word declares we rob God when we refuse to give.
”Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” (Malachi 3:8)
Beyond tithes and offerings, we have so much we can give. Mainly, our time, attention and energy. When we spend time with people, gifting them one of our most precious resources, we assure them Jesus’ love is working through His people. Make the phone call. Cook the meal. Sit on their porch and visit. Listen to their stories with a smile and a nod…again. Rake their yard. Babysit their children. Do their grocery shopping. The opportunities to give consistently are endless.
”Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)
7. MINISTRY
Here’s an area we need to remind ourselves that takes consistent attention. We don’t say it out loud, but there is an unspoken belief that Ministry will somehow just fall upon us with no effort. Granted, our God-given calling may present itself with no previous thought on our part. God chooses callings. What we choose to do with those callings, however, become ministries. We can sit on a calling, tucking it away unseen, and it will not develop into a Ministry. Or we can focus on it, hone our skills in that area and mature it into a ministry that is beneficial to the Kingdom of God. It’s our choice.
A singer must practice singing. A teacher must practice teaching. A preacher must practice preaching. A writer must practice writing. You get the idea. What are you called to do? What is your gifting? Are you practicing it consistently? Will that song ever get written? Will that lesson ever get taught? Will that message ever get preached? Will that book ever get written? OUCH! I just stepped on my own toes! That thing you’re called to do…practice it daily.
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)
IN SUMMARY
Whatever you are called to do, it’s going to take consistent doing. Let’s do a personal evaluation of what we’re called to do, and how we are working to make that happen. It won’t come to fruition without a commitment to consistency.
”Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)
Anyone who knows me also knows I am a huge proponent of fasting. To be more specific, I am a proponent of living a disciplined and consistent fasted lifestyle. Many of our fears and frustrations over fasting come simply because we don’t practice it enough.
Living a fasted lifestyle has become a way of life for me over the last few years. It has been, and continues to be a wonderful emotional, physical and spiritual journey for me. You read that right. Fasting is not only for spiritual health, but also benefits the whole man.
I would never want to discourage anyone from the discipline of fasting. It is our God-given tool for emotional, physical and spiritual health. However, I’ve learned from experience there are a few pitfalls to watch for on your fasting journey. Again, I’m referring specifically to a lifestyle of fasting, not simply pushing back the plate occasionally.
These are a few areas I’ve dealt with myself. Being able to look out for them is going to put you ahead in your fasting journey:
1. BECOMING DEHYDRATED
Going without food should not include going without liquid. Your body can go a looong time without food, but only a few days without water. You should be sipping water throughout the day. By the time you feel thirsty, it’s too late, you’re already dehydrated.
Much of the “hunger” you feel while fasting is often your body begging for liquid. Approximately 55%-60% of our bodies are water. Literally, every cell in your body is made up of mostly liquid.
Symptoms of dehydration range from fatigue, dizziness, headaches, confusion, UTIs, etc. These can range from mild to very severe. The solution is to stay hydrated, preferably with clean, pure water and electrolytes which help your cells hold on to the water. Sipping herbal teas are also an excellent way to keep hydrated.
“The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” (John 4:15)
2. BECOMING NUTRIENT DEFICIENT
I’m talking specifically about seasons of extended fasting, or living a fasted lifestyle where you are fasting one or two meals most days. In either of these situations, you must make sure that you are consuming enough, as well as, the right kind of nutrients during your eating windows. Fasting brings healing to our bodies when done correctly. Starving ourselves, or consuming only fast food/junk food in our eating windows is not fasting correctly. We are called to be good stewards over our bodies.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
3. TRYING TO FORCE GOD’S HAND
Fasting is powerful. But we should always remember that fasting changes us, not God. While we may have a specific need in mind for the focus of our fast, the biggest need is to subdue our flesh so that we are in tune with what God wants to do in that situation. This allows us to find the mind of Christ in order to pray more effectively. When we get our focus on changing God instead of ourselves, it’s easy to become frustrated, angry and even offended at God for not working in the way we assumed He would. Fasting should always be practiced with the mindset of “More of Him; less of me.” John the baptist expressed it perfectly.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
4. BECOMING PRIDEFUL
Is it possible to become prideful while you are humbling yourself in fasting? I assure you, it is. When you are on an extended fast, or have begun living a fasted lifestyle, your body will naturally experience changes. Sometimes dramatic changes. Not long into my fasting journey, people began to comment on the physical changes.
My husband and I evangelize, so we are in different churches every weekend. There’s no telling how many times I heard comments like, “Hey, Skinny-Minny!” Or “Sis, you’re looking GOOD!” Or “Wow! How much weight have you lost?!” After a while, I learned to simply answer, “Thank you. I definitely feel healthier.”
To be transparent, the comments made me feel good. I liked the way my clothes fit properly which hadn’t been the case since my teenage years. I liked being able to move freely. I liked the feeling of being in control of my self. A person can worship and chase grandkids much easier fifty pound lighter.
It takes discernment and being honest with ourselves to know where the line is that crosses over from feeling thankful and healthy to feeling prideful and sexy. If you don’t pay attention, you’ll begin to walk differently. Enter a room differently. Meet people’s eyes differently. This is yet another reason to make sure our fasting is properly yoked together with prayer.
”Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)
5. BECOMING JUDGMENTAL
This is a mindset that no one wants to admit to, and it’s mostly internal. There comes a point when you begin to feel “successful” in your fasting journey. You’ve worked hard to become consistent, and you feel like you’re seeing the fruit of all your hard work. You’ve experienced some powerful moves of God. You’ve seen signs, wonders and miracles. You feel like you’ve established a direct line to the Throne. Everything you’ve studied in the Word about fasting is being manifested in your life…Then out of the blue, the thought comes to you, “If I can do it, why can’t they? Why don’t they? If they loved God and His Word like they claim, their situation would be different.”
Whoa, hold on there, Wonder Woman! You don’t know what they’re dealing with. You don’t know what’s going on inside of them. You don’t know what infirmities they wrestle with. You don’t know what the enemy is holding them hostage with. You don’t see the tears they’re crying into their pillow at night. You don’t know what their coworker or loved one did or said. You don’t know their fears, exhaustion, anxiety, depression or desperation. Perhaps you should take a pit stop instead of another victory lap, and remember where God brought you from, and how far you still need to go with Him. Oh, and while you’re at it, why don’t you set aside a season of fasting and prayer just for them?
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:1-2)
6. BECOMING INCONSISTENT
It’s so easy to become complacent after a season of intense spiritual warfare. It’s nice to just take a break. After Elijah’s notable defeat of the prophets of baal, it only took one threat from the wicked woman Jezebel to send him fleeing to hide in a cave. His moment of rest would have turned into a permanent residence if God had not sought him out, and got him back on his way again. His work wasn’t finished. He still had to anoint a few kings, and choose his own replacement, Elisha.
One week without fasting leads to two, and then a month, a quarter and a year. It’s fine to rest for a season, but there’s much more spiritual warfare to accomplish.
“In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19)
7. BREAKING YOUR FAST INCORRECTLY
This is a BIG problem! Many people are afraid of fasting because they did it once, and got sick when they ended their fast. Most of the time, this is because they ended it incorrectly. It should take an equivalent amount of time to break your fast as the time you actually fasted. If you fasted one meal, then you should eat simple, non rich foods for one meal afterward. The longer you fast, the longer it will take to regulate your body back to eating. A three day fast, is actually a six day process. (That doesn’t count the days leading up to the fast when you will want to cut back on heavy foods, sugars and caffeine.) If you end a week long fast with pizza, brownies and a soda, you will be sorry. This has led to God’s people being fearful of the fasting discipline.
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5)
8. INTENSIFYING EATING DISORDERS
Fasting correctly does not cause eating disorders. However, if someone suffers from an eating disorder, it can exacerbate the condition. If you know you have a history with eating issues, please be responsible, and speak to your doctor. Don’t attempt to use fasting to control binging or purging. Yes, fasting breaks strongholds, but we are to serve God with our minds. Make good choices. If you begin to think that you are sinning if you eat, this should be a red flag to get help. Gluttony is a sin, eating is not.
”And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13)
IN SUMMARY
Living a fasted lifestyle is the answer to emotional, physical and spiritual health. We do God’s process an injustice when we handle it incorrectly. I hope this helps you on your journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions on the topic.
“But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.” (1 Corinthians 11:15)
You read that correctly. I don’t cut my hair. Ever. This fact is likely to be quite shocking to you if you have never been taught the biblical significance of a woman’s uncut hair. Before going any further, I want to make certain you understand that I am referring not just to wearing long hair, but uncut hair. The original Greek word here for “long hair” is Komao, which means untampered with long tresses. Or to let one’s hair grow long and unaltered. That being said, my hair hasn’t been cut in 30+ years.
IT’S ABOUT SUBMISSION
“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)
How can hair length be such a big deal? 1 Corinthians chapter 11 isn’t only referring to men and women’s hair. It is referring to submission to spiritual authority. Hair length is simply the symbol of that submission level.
WHY HAIR?
In the same way God chose speaking in tongues as the initial sign of someone receiving the Holy Ghost, so He also chose Hair as the symbol of a person’s submission to authority. The simple truth is He’s God, and He gets to choose. One little known reason, however, is that cutting of the hair, and offering it as a sacrifice to idols has been practiced throughout history. This practice was especially rampant in the city of Corinth at the time of Paul’s writing to the Corinthian Church on the subject.
Neither man nor woman is more important than the other in the Kingdom of God, but God has established a spiritual order. We are expected to remain submitted to that order. A woman’s uncut hair declares that she is willingly submitted to her spiritual authority. If she is is unmarried, her first level of authority would be her father, then pastor and ultimately the Lord. If she is married, then her first level of authority is her husband.
Make no mistake. This teaching isn’t only for women. As much as a woman is instructed to leave her her long, and uncut, a man is instructed to keep his hair cut short. In this way, he declares his submission to the Lord.
APPROACHING GOD IN PRAYER
Paul tells the Corinthians that our hair dictates whether we should approach God in prayer. A man’s head shouldn’t be covered. A woman’s head should be covered. To come before God any other way is a disgrace. This is why you will see many men remove their hats during prayer. You might also see a woman with a cap or veil over her head. Although these actions are done to be respectful of God and His Word, they are done out of context.
This teaching in chapter 11 isn’t referring to a natural covering, but the length of a person’s hair. Scripture teaches us to, “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) In order to accomplish this, ladies would never be able to take off their hat or veil, and men would never be able to wear a hat. I much prefer to keep my hair uncut, and thereby be able to approach God at any moment of the day or night.
“Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.” (1 Corinthians 11:4-5)
SIDE NOTE
I’ve had people ask, “If a woman’s hair is her covering, why does she wear it put up, and not hanging down so that it covers more?” Let me reiterate the scripture is not referring to a natural covering, but a spiritual covering. Some women’s hair naturally grows longer or shorter than others. My own hair is not naturally super long, but if it is uncut, regardless of the actual length, I am covered, and living under authority.
ANGELS ARE WATCHING
”For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.” (1 Corinthians 11:10)
The Lord takes the doctrine of a woman’s uncut hair very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that angels take notice of whether we keep it uncut. Women who understand this truth take great care to not even trim their hair, knowing that keeping their hair untampered with adds a level of protection for their loved ones. I feel absolutely certain that many trials, afflictions and dangers have been avoided because I have kept my hair uncut.
”The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” (Psalm 34:7)
DON’T SPEAK AGAINST WHAT YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND
I realize this teaching presents in stark contrast to our cultural norm. We are perpetually surrounded by advertisements featuring new hairstyles. The pressure to conform can be overwhelming. Choosing to be a biblical Christian, however, often situates us crosswise with what the world declares is the right way.
Years ago, I was in a store with my young daughter. We were browsing the aisles when a young mother and her little girl walked past us. The little girl had long, beautiful hair, and I complimented her on how pretty it was. I was completely and utterly shocked when the lady replied in a nasty tone, “That’s what happens when you cut it.” I was so shocked by her audacity that I literally could say nothing in that moment.
This mean-spirited lady walked away feeling pretty good about herself, but in no way submitted to spiritual authority. She obviously new enough to realize we didn’t cut our hair, but doubtfully why. Let me make a few points here.
1. Hair grows from the roots, not the ends. Cutting or trimming your hair does not make it grow. It definitely makes it look fashionable, and more acceptable according to our culture. Aren’t we instructed to avoid conforming to the culture around us?
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
2. If you don’t understand a verse, passage, commandment or principle in scripture, it’s much better to simply acknowledge that you don’t understand. God isn’t angry at you for not understanding, although He does expect you to seek to find understanding. Saying you don’t understand is much safer than speaking against, and treading carelessly upon something God has called holy.
THE OPPOSITE OF SUBMITTED
Let me point out that the opposite of being submitted is to be in rebellion. We think of being rebellious as someone who is committing all manner of vile sins. Certainly, as Christians who love the Lord, we would not consider ourselves rebellious. When we choose to disregard a practice that God has ordained to specifically represent submissIon…Is that not rebellion?
THE GLORY COVENANT
I recently had some trouble with my thyroid which required a change in my medication dosage. This lead to a downward spiral of major hair loss. Perhaps after reading this blogpost, you can understand why such an event would cause an Apostolic lady great distress. Many ladies would have immediately cut or trimmed their hair to make it more culturally acceptable. (*Trimming is cutting in small increments.) I, however, have this Glory Covenant that I take very seriously. I desire to be in obedience to God’s Word. I desire to live submitted to spiritual authority. I desire for the angels who are always watching to take note of my submission. I consider being in this Glory Covenant with God a great privilege and joy.
“But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.“ (1 Corinthians 11:15)
IN SUMMARY
Obviously, for the sake of time and space, I can’t cover every aspect of uncut hair in this post. If you have questions, please reach out. As always, I’m more than happy to discuss any topic that I write about.
Many people think when they make the decision to give their lives to Jesus, all of their frustrations will immediately go away. Granted, some do. But if you’ve lived for the Lord very long, you realize life struggles are no respecter of persons. If you’re wrestling with a lack of contentment, here are ten areas to check.
1. GET INTO THE WORD OF GOD DAILY.
God’s Word is the first and best way that we know Him. The answer to any of life’s circumstances can be answered in the scriptures -either by commandment, by example or in principle. Much of the time, our anxiety and discontentment comes from not knowing the Word of God.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
2. PRAY EARLY, OFTEN AND IN THE HOLY GHOST.
The Lord never sleeps, but neither does the enemy of our souls. The earlier we begin our communication with our Heavenly Father, the more peace and contentment we’ll have throughout the day. We should bathe every moment of every day with prayer. There certainly are times that we need to be on our knees, pulling away from all distraction to seek His face. However, we should also develop the discipline of staying in communication with Him throughout our days. The more we involve Him in our daily thoughts, decisions and activities, the more content we will be.
“Pray without ceasing.“ (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Let’s face it. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed, we run out of words. The needs are too great. The emotions are too big. The issues are too complicated. It’s in those times that we lean into the Spirit of God, and allow Him to intercede for us. As we pray in tongues, the Holy Ghost goes to that lost loved one, heals that grand baby, protects the traveler, softens hardened hearts and delivers the bound.
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
3. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS.
While we are all part of the Body of Christ, we are individuals with our own personalities, giftings and callings. God never intended to have a Church full of clones. When He called you into His service, He had already factored in all your quirks, preferences and nuances that make you uniquely you.
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.“ (2 Corinthians 10:12)
4. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE.
“Sometimes more isn’t better. It’s just more.” -Sabrina
This is one of my favorite quotes. It’s not scripture, but the principle definitely is. Things might bring happiness for a season, but not joy. We should begin systematically examining every area of our lives, and simplifying. That will look different for everyone. Most of us have far too much stuff, have far too busy of schedules, eat far too much in excess and our closets are packed way too full. It’s all just too much, and flesh always wants more.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1;Timothy 6:6-8)
I’m a wannabe minimalist. BECOMING MINIMALIST.COM is a great website to learn about the minimalist lifestyle!
5. DON’T OVER COMMIT.
This sounds much easier than it actually is. (I hear you snickering.) Still, our calendars are packed so full. Every minute of every day must be accounted for, especially if you’re in the ministry. We need to schedule downtime. I know that might sound ridiculous, but that’s probably the only way we’ll get the time. No matter how much pressure is applied to perform, we can only do so much well. When we spread ourselves too thin, then nothing gets done well. I’m not suggesting that you not fulfill your obligations. We only have this one life, and we need to use it working for the Kingdom. I am suggesting, however, that we set reasonable goals, and agree to reasonable levels of commitment.
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30)
6. LIMIT NEWS & SOCIAL MEDIA.
Let’s face it. Neither the news, nor social media are reality. Most of the news we watch or listen to is biased, and slanted toward whatever group think the powers that be want us to believe. It’s best to find a non-biased news source, take a look once a day (or less) and leave the rest alone. The more news you ingest, the more depressed and anxious you are likely to be. Yes. Stay updated on world events, and commit yourself to prayer. You can’t help or change any of it in any other way.
On the other end of the emotional spectrum is social media. Here, we ingest just as much fake news as the actual news broadcasts. But it paints such a flowery, overly perfect compilation of people’s lives that we end up feeling like ours isn’t good enough. We need to remember the highlights we see on social media are only glimpses into people’s lives, and they rarely show the hard, painful and messy parts.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
7. GET OUTSIDE REGULARLY, AND GET MOVING.
God created Adam and Eve, and placed them in a garden. That was our beginning. He could have created a high rise office building full of computer screens for us to thrive in, but He didn’t. Outside with the sun on our face, the ground under our feet and our hands full of earth, plants and animals. This is where we feel most alive. Our bodies weren’t designed to sit staring at a screen day after day. They were meant to move. I’m not talking about getting a gym membership. Just get your body moving, even if it’s a walk around the neighborhood or weeding the flower bed.
8. EAT HEALTHY MOST OF THE TIME.
Remember the saying we heard over and over as a child, You are what you eat? Turns out it’s true. Health begins in the gut. We live in a culture that glorifies gluttony, and we’re inundated with advertisements pushing all manner of unhealthy foods. In order to be content in our minds, we first half to be content in our bodies. I’m not talking about getting sexy. Im talking about getting healthy. Learn to live a fasted lifestyle in a healthy manner. Then eat responsibly during your eating windows. We must take care of our bodies. Not only are they the conduits we use to move the Gospel, they are also the temples of the Holy Ghost. God expects us to keep them in good repair.
”Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
9. PRACTICE BEING THANKFUL.
One of the best ways I know to be content is to practice thanking God for what He has given us, and done for us. When we intentionally focus our minds on the goodness of God, everything we have becomes more valuable. My cabinets may not be packed full, but I have food to cook for supper today. Thank you, Lord, for this meal. You sustain me. I may not drive the sports car of my dreams, but I have a dependable car to get me to work. Thank you, Lord, for my dependable car. You provide for me. Keeping a Thankfulness Journal is a great way to practice this habit. List at least three things before going to sleep at night that you’re thankful for. Before long, your mind will begin to search out things to be thankful for, and you will find yourself much more content with what you have, as well as your circumstances.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
10. ENCOURAGE OTHERS.
Do you feel discouraged? Sad? Frustrated? Hopeless? That’s exactly where the enemy of your soul wants you. When I find myself in this mental place, I’ve learned the best way to get through it is to reach out to someone else. There’s something about ministering to others that brings healing and hope to our own hearts. Send the text. Write the letter. Make the call. Schedule the visit. Pray the prayer. Cook the meal. Even when you don’t feel like it. Be intentional.
IN CLOSING
This is a tried and true list from personal experience. I pray you find a place of contentment in your walk with God as you implement each one.
Because of life circumstances, and the season I’m in, I’ve felt a bit off lately. Sluggish, emotional, frustrated, anxiety-ridden, dull, weighted in spirit…hungry. It started with a circumstance beyond my control -breaking my leg. That was followed by lack of exercise which was followed by sluggishness which was followed by depression which was followed by praying less and less fervently which was followed by anxiety which was followed by …well, you get the idea.
Knowing I wasn’t feeling good physically, I stepped on the scale. It told the tale my ill-fitting clothes had been proclaiming for a while. I had gained weight. Even though my primary purpose for fasting isn’t to lose weight, the scale is a great diagnostic tool to keep me accountable. It told me the truth when I had been fooling myself into thinking I was only off my fasting lifestyle by a few meals, or a few days.
When the reality of my situation hit me, I felt a familiar panic welling up inside. What if I can’t regain momentum? What if I can’t recover control, not just over my weight, but over my self?
The Lord dropped into my spirit a scripture, and I knew it was the answer. Fasting IS the answer. But how can fasting be the answer when I can’t seem to find the mental discipline to fast regularly?
Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord, Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. (Joel 1:14-15)
The answer is to get serious again. When fasting becomes commonplace, it begins to feel unnecessary. We begin to allow it to take a backseat to other things. It becomes the “extra” discipline when we have time, or when we feel better, or when things slow down. If you’ve lived very long, you know those times rarely come.
The Lord reminded me of what I already knew. I must make time for fasting. I must get a fresh determination to live a fasted lifestyle. The original reasons I started on this fasting journey haven’t changed. The need is even greater than before, and will continue to become greater until Jesus returns.
The prophet Joel commanded the people of God, “Sanctify ye a fast.” The word SANCTIFY means to appoint, consecrate, purify, dedicate or hallow.
Not just any old fast will do. Not eating to prove that we can do without is a level of commitment, but being committed is only one element of our fasting journey. Commitment alone becomes stale over time.
We must pray for a fresh zeal. We must remind ourselves of the spiritual warfare our consistent fasting is undergirding. We must sanctify our fast. What has become stale, must be brought to the forefront of our consciousness once again. We must remind ourselves why we are on this fasting journey. Fasting controls self. Self controls flesh. Flesh controls emotions. Emotions control actions. Actions control eternal destiny.
Bring your fasting journey up close once again so that you can see it. Look closely. Be honest about what you see. Has it become a bit unkempt? Pushed to the side like a pet once begged for, but now forgotten. Another task to check off the to do list? If this sounds familiar, it’s time to sanctify our fast.
HOW DO I SANCTIFY MY FAST?
1. Appoint a certain time to fast. One meal a day? One day a week?Ask the Lord to show you what He desires from you, and then appoint that fasting schedule “as unto the Lord.” Make it a sacred appointment once again. Tighten back up the fasting hours you have allowed to get lax.
2. Consecrate your fast. It’s not just going without eating. It’s a specific time set apart unto the Lord. It’s so that His will can be achieved, beginning in your life, then in your loved ones’ lives and ultimately flowing out into all the earth.
3. Purify your fast. Make it clean. Take inventory and purge your mind and life of things contrary to God’s word and will. Be mindful and honest about thoughts, feelings and behaviors that have crept in. Determine to focus your mind on holy purposes and pursuits. Also make a fresh commitment to clean up your eating habits during your eating windows. Junk in equals junk out. The cleaner you eat during your allowed time of eating, the easier and more rewarding fasting will be physically and emotionally.
4. Dedicate your fast unto the Lord. Make sure it continues to be the Lord’s Fast, and not yours for your own pleasure. Dedicate this time away from eating as belonging to God. You are willingly giving it to Him. How does He want you to fill that time? If we choose to fill up on worldly entertainment instead of food, is it truly a fast dedicated to the Lord?
5. Hallow your fast. Whether your fasting schedule is one meal a week or a twenty-one day water only fast, remind yourself it is a holy endeavor, and not to be taken lightly. Purpose to focus your fasting time to think on our Holy God, His Holy Word and His Holy Presence. Give yourself to meditating on passages of scripture, and then applying what you study. Find ways to be obedient to the Word you are consuming, so that it is relevant in your daily life.
MAKE A FRESH COMMITMENT.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline and a tool for a closer and more productive walk with God. Like any tool, however, it is only beneficial if it is used. Let’s pull it out from the dark corner where we’ve had it stored, dust it off and put it to use once again.
With Love & Prayer,
-Pat
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“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12:41-44)
Our UPCI Tennessee Ladies Conference was in March of this year. I serve on the committee, and with that role comes various responsibilities to insure the inner workings of the conference go smoothly. One of those tasks is taking up the offering, and sorting the bills into similar stacks in order for it to be counted and bundled.
The committee members sat or stood around a large conference table where we each dug into our lime green offering buckets. There were all of the standard assortment of denominations. A few $100 bills, and then more of each as they lessened in monetary value.
I was going through the process of pulling a few bills out at a time, separating them by kind, turning them all to face the same direction and placing them in stacks. Bills are often rolled or folded together. If you’re fortunate enough to be the one of those working the offering (sarcasm intended), these bills slow the process because you must unfold or unroll them, and this takes an extra step in the already tedious process.
I do realize, because I’ve done it myself, many people fold or roll their bills in order to keep the amount of their offering private from those sitting closest to them. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I felt a moment of frustration when I reached down into my bucket, and pulled out a tightly coiled set of bills. It was going to add another fifteen seconds of unrolling, and then unrolling once or twice more to conquer my spring-coiled nemesis. Plus the added three seconds of additional flattening.
It always amazes me, though it shouldn’t, how the Holy Ghost can move into a natural situation, and turn it into a divine encounter. That’s exactly what happened here. I finished unrolling the offending bills, and laid them on the table, and began to see them in a different light. The amount was $21. However, something was niggling at the edge of my thoughts which suggested imminent shame of my earlier frustration. Specifically, the denominations of the bills. A $20 and a $1.
This unknown to me lady had both bills in her purse. As the lime green offering bucket passed in front of her, she could have given one or the other. She had options.
1. She could have given the smaller bill, and kept the larger for herself. It would have paid for an item from the vendor booths, her lunch or gas for her car.
2. She could have given the larger bill, and kept the smaller one for herself. It would have paid for a candy bar from the vending machine, a bottle of water or it would have been a perfect small bill to reserve for a grand child to put in the Sunday School offering at home church the next day.
Many present that day likely had the same options, myself included. This dear lady acted on neither. Instead, she opted for a third choice. She rolled both bills tightly together to keep her giving private, and then she gave it all.
It was as though God opened my understanding, and allowed me a window into this precious lady’s heart, and it broke me. It convicted me of feeling frustrated over mundane, yet necessary tasks. It softened my heart toward one unknown lady in a vast sea of feminine worshipers and givers. It inspired me to give more of my time and resources for the Kingdom even when no one will notice. It solidified my belief that one person, one word or one action, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can change one life, one mind and one world exponentially.
The poor widow in Mark 12 will forever be remembered for giving of her lack when everyone else was giving out of their abundance. In like manner, I hope this anonymous lady will be remembered for giving all when she could have held part back for herself.
Precious sister who I may never meet this side of eternity, your selfless giving broke me, convicted me, softened me, inspired me and changed me. May you and yours be blessed with God’s greatest blessings, and may they be more than you can contain in a lifetime. In Jesus’ name.
“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12:41-44)
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)
There have been many days when I did not feel like going to the gym to work out, and sometimes when I got there, and started working out, I thought, “Lord, I simply cannot do this today.” But I press on. I know how undisciplined I can be, and I’m afraid that if I start giving in, the time may come when I won’t show up to work out at all. So it is with the spiritual disciplines. There are some things, if you start giving in and getting slack, it may bother you at first, but the more you give in, the less it will bother you. After a while, you will be very unfaithful. Here are a few spiritual disciplines to focus on:
1. Church Attendance
If you deliberately miss church, it may bother you at first (and it should), but the more you miss, the less it will bother you. After a while, it won’t take much to cause you to miss.
2. Tithing
If you are a faithful tither, and you decide to skip, at first it may bother you, but it will be easier the next time. You have started on a downward path, and it is not easy to turn around, and get back on track.
3. Bible Reading
Bible reading provides a foundation for our faith. It gives substance to our walk with God. The only way I know to be a faithful Bible reader is to set yourself up on a program you can live with. Pick a version of the Bible you can understand.
I like to start my day by reading one or two of the Psalms. It seems to open my spirit to God. Beyond that, for many years, I have read through the Bible at least once each year. You will have to average almost 4 chapters each day to do that.
You may not be able to do that much, but you can start by reading one of the Psalms, and a chapter from the New Testament each day. Do your best to keep it up, and after a while, you will be “hooked on the Book.”
You’ll be glad you pressed on!
-Bro. Johnson
Rev. David Johnson serves as Bishop at Fountain of Truth, UPC in Bartlett, Tennessee, pastored by his son, Rev. Mark Johnson.
