Fasting ain't for sissies

Every year in January for the past few years, Hallie and I have fasted from something that we are highly addicted to for 21 days.  I usually do a Daniel Fast, and this is when I finally came off DDP last year.  Now I am just as addicted to Tea and sweetener, but I think that has to be healthier than the aspartame in soda.  I feel better, anyway, so that's a plus.

Well this year, with the advent of the Lovelies, and Hallie playing club volleyball, we couldn't give up the carbs, protein and sugar she needs to load up for practice and games.  Plus, feeding the lovelies veggies all month might make them yell in protest, so instead, I've given up Facebook.

Yes.  For 21 days.

I have already started having sweats and shakes.  The withdrawal from this social media, may be far harder than EVER coming off of Soda, and caffeine.

I reached for my phone every single time I was idle today.  It's really concerning how much time I spend on that site.

So, I'm doing the dang thing.  I grabbed my kindle and instead of surfing the web, I jumped into the book,  "Not a Fan", and I have to tell you.... it rocked my world.

It talks about how Christians are either followers of Jesus or Fans.  And there is a BIG difference.

I am really enjoying hearing this man's take on it.  Plus, I started my journey through the bible again this year (having taken last year off) and am back in Genesis.  It's interesting to read the things I wrote in the bible on my first FULL journey through it.

Yes,  I am a Christ Follower and when I finally got REAL about following Him, I wanted to read His word, so I immersed myself in it.  And in the margins of Genesis 3 I wrote  "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust.  Follow anything that makes you want to do right.  Pursue faith and love and peace and enjoy the companionship of those that call on the Lord."

In the book, "Not a Fan", I read a LOT aboout DYING to oneself today.  I've never really understood what that means.  And the best and most concise way to explain it is this.  I wanted to log into facebook today.  It called me and beckoned me, and I really wanted to do it.  BUT, my love for God is stronger than facebook. My love for God holds the key to all my life support, and I made a vow and promise that I wouldn't get on Facebook, and I am going to "Die" to the need to do that.  God is more important.  And I want Him to know that by sacrificially giving up something I hold in high regard.

Everyone's "Dying to themself" is different.  Maybe you like to eat.  Maybe you like men (or women), or Porn.  Maybe you are living with a boyfriend outside of marriage.  Maybe you are stealing from work, or lying to a friend.  Everyone's "Thing" looks different.  In order to REALLY pursue a relationship with God, He asks, no, COMMANDS, you to Die to Yourself.   You have to give up what YOU hold important and by surrender, follow Him.

This trips people up, now.  WHAT???  Give up my stuff?   Don't have that PARTY?   Don't watch that R rated movie???  But, God is FORGIVING and will FORGIVE me.

Well sure He will, but if you want a REAL relationship with Him, you got to give up the way of the world and walk that narrow, winding path.

It's weird, and inconvenient, and He tells you things like, Keep Vietnamese kids, and sell your house, and consider more kids, and give so generously, you have NOTHING.

And then, when you do, and you least expect a miracle....There HE is with one.  Everyone gripes and gripes that God doesn't answer their prayers.  Or He is SOO Slow.

Look in the mirror.  If you have someone you are crushing on in a major way, and you only text them on Sunday one time for an hour or so, and then don't show back up to see them or talk to them, until the next Sunday, how long you think they are going to stick around???

Not too long.

Pursue a relationship with someone that LONGS for you.  And when you look for Him, and learn about Him, and immerse yourself in Him.....He'll be there.

All the time.   Through anything.

Don't be a fan.  Be a follower.