day seven of the fast

Day seven of the fast

When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.” (1 Kings 21:27-29)

It is day seven. I woke up this morning feeling good. I got really hungry last night, but it was desire not hunger. I do not want to be ruled by desire.

Today we pray for  church planting (that the Lord will revive our church planting nationally with healthy, reproducing churches).

Church planting has always been close to my heart. We planted a church in Odessa, MO, (suburban Kansas City, MO) in 1996. It ultimately failed because of  the simple fact that I did not know what I was doing. But I will have to admit that I loved it.

We went broke, our house burned down, we ended up living in our storefront church in the back section and we scrabbled for money the entire time. We both had trouble finding work. But it was great. To me anyway. I am not sure Ella had that good a time.

Church planting is hard. It takes a lot out of a person. But I would like to do it again. However, I would only try it if I knew I had a core of people who were geared up for it. It is just too hard by yourself.

I am ending the first week of the fast. There are two weeks to go. I believe I am going to do it fine. When I get off the fast, I intend to change my eating habits completely, going more towards vegetables and the like, smaller meat portions and all. It is better for me. I will allow the occasional ventures into fun food, but they will be occasional.

I think too that for the most part, buffets will be out. The China Buffet has great Mongolian Barbeque but that may be all. Desire again raising its head.

You get to a point here in your fast and it seems that your head is clear, that you see things more clearly. I read once that some salesmen fast for a couple of days before a big sales presentation in order to clear their minds. I can see it. Your mind is surely clear. You are aware of things more strongly than usual,

In fact, sometimes, it is almost like when I was on drugs in the army. An almost disassociated feeling, a removal of sorts. I have to admit that I like the feeling. I wish I could get it while eating bacon and steak and stuff, but I can’t. This particular feeling only comes from fasting.

It brings a special awareness too when you are reading the Bible. You see stuff you didn’t notice before. It is a good way to read. Again it would be nice to be able to think like this and eat stuff, but you can’t.

Father God, accept this, the seventh day of our fast. Hear us, Lord. Bless those who plant churches and give them extra strength, extra patience, extra fortitude. Give them imagination and vision. Help them see what they need to do. And give them partners in what they are trying to accomplish. Fill them with your Spirit. I thank you Father for helping me do this. I praise you. Amen.