Solid Life Church daily blog by Jessica Farias
Day 16 …
Breathe on me again
I want to know You
I want to see You face to face my Lord
Breathe on me again
Jesus embrace me
I’m desperate for your touch
This chorus completely describes how I’ve been feeling during this fast. During the fast our bodies have been eliminating things (not to be too gross or graphic!). Our bodies, through prayer and fasting, have also eliminated things that the Holy Spirit wanted to get rid of – things that we allowed in that should never have been allowed into our lives. I’m desperate, yes desperate, to never go backward in my life. I’m desperate to daily feel a fresh touch of God on my life. I’m desperate to share this with other people. I guess what I’m feeling is a desperation for God like I haven’t felt in a long time.
This is the last week of the fast. I’ve had some precious times with my Abba Father during the fast. It’s my choice now to continue those precious times with Him and not let what happened during the fast end.
jess
FAST 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by David Fisher
Hello! We are more than half way through our fast...it has been good. I continue to be more aware of the Lords voice and guidance in my life and in my daily activities. As I try and tune into Him, I am amazed of how just how much He has to say to me. The scripture is true - "if you draw close to Me, I will draw close to you". That is AMAZING! I had to the privilege of sharing my faith with a perfect stranger this week....we visited for over an hour. The Holly Spirit was there in that coffee shop! He was using me as a mouth piece to share and communicate the love and forgiveness that comes from a life in Christ. My heart was full of the things of the Lord and from that position of strength I was able to pour into some one else! That is very cool! Be encouraged that as you attempt to get close to our Lord, He promises to run towards you!
David
David
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Sherri Fisher
It is the 12th day of the fast, I am doing the Daniel's Fast, I really wanted to do the full fast, but due to medical conditions, I am not allowed to completely fast. Those of you who have been on the full fast, I AM IN AWE OF YOU!!
It is amazing how we crave what we are missing out on.....
I can't have meat, or sweets etc., you would think that I was being completely deprived of food.
It made my heart hurt today and pause to think....why do I not crave the things of the Lord like this? Why do I not yearn for and crave my time with the Lord when I miss it? Why do I not feel starved when I have not spent enough time in prayer?
Lord, that is my desire that I would physically and emotionally long for you.....as if I had been deprived of Your presence. Just that realization was a great awakening for my heart that this fast has brought.
Thank you Lord, for visiting me and speaking to my heart....
Sherri
It is amazing how we crave what we are missing out on.....
I can't have meat, or sweets etc., you would think that I was being completely deprived of food.
It made my heart hurt today and pause to think....why do I not crave the things of the Lord like this? Why do I not yearn for and crave my time with the Lord when I miss it? Why do I not feel starved when I have not spent enough time in prayer?
Lord, that is my desire that I would physically and emotionally long for you.....as if I had been deprived of Your presence. Just that realization was a great awakening for my heart that this fast has brought.
Thank you Lord, for visiting me and speaking to my heart....
Sherri
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Cary Yocum
God is Good...although I find it interesting that it is my turn to blog...and I am in an AIRPORT again. :)
One of today's Chapters is Luke 10. There is a lot going on in there, but what stood out was the story of Zacchaeus. When Zacchaeus repented, Jesus said he found salvation. He responded to the crowd's frustration with the line "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost". That line sums up the reason Christ came to the earth...not just to wait for the lost to come to him, but to SEEK the lost. This challenged me. I desire to be liked so much that I often don't reach out as I should.
Hopefully this challenges someone as well. As you we fasting this week I want to remind us all of our purpose at Solid Life:
"...to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the residence of Douglas County"
Solid Life Core Values
Stay confident in your faith!
Cary
"
One of today's Chapters is Luke 10. There is a lot going on in there, but what stood out was the story of Zacchaeus. When Zacchaeus repented, Jesus said he found salvation. He responded to the crowd's frustration with the line "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost". That line sums up the reason Christ came to the earth...not just to wait for the lost to come to him, but to SEEK the lost. This challenged me. I desire to be liked so much that I often don't reach out as I should.
Hopefully this challenges someone as well. As you we fasting this week I want to remind us all of our purpose at Solid Life:
"...to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the residence of Douglas County"
Solid Life Core Values
Stay confident in your faith!
Cary
"
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Michael
As we enter the second week of our corporate fast, I find myself reflecting on what He’s done for me on the cross and in my life. The Lord is teaching me to ground my identity in being a loved and valued child of God, instead of placing my security in things like my profession and possessions. I’m continually being reminded of God’s abundant blessings in my life and how thankful I am for things that truly matter in life, such as my family and relationship with Him. I encourage you to continually thank and praise God, regardless of your circumstances (Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”). What can you praise God for today?
Michael
Michael
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Jessica Farias
Don't give up! We're almost there. We're turning the corner for the home stretch!
Blogging is new to me. The original blog I wrote was way too long! But God has been doing so much in my life and mind during this fast – I just want to share it all! So, I’ve condensed – here goes …
In this emptying state during this fast, I'm realizing that God enjoys being my Abba Father. He enjoys when I come to Him as His daughter -- not just in my "wants and needs". Might seem like “duh” to you, but so many times I don’t take the time to just stop and get refreshed.
I was cleaning the house and was singing a song (from the 80's!). I haven't sung this particular song or even thought of it in a long time! I noticed I had tears streaming down my face, and I had to just sit and worship and pray. Here are a portion of the lyrics:
I just want to be where you are
Dwelling daily in Your presence
I don't want to worship from afar
Draw me near to where you are.
So many times I ask or tell God to come meet me in my place of need. I tell Him what to do. During this fast I have felt that my Heavenly Father is telling me to desire Him as much as He desires me. He wants me to physically take the steps to draw closer to Him. At His feet, I can rest and find refreshment. I don’t have to be anything but the daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – the girl, the women, the daughter, the sister, the wife, the friend who He created me to be.
I remember when I was a little girl. I would come and sit at my mom’s feet. Without fail, she would start to play with my hair or scratch my back. It was wonderful. That’s what I’m feeling – God wants to play with my hair and scratch my back. He wants to refresh me with His presence. I won’t get that refreshment unless I’m sitting at His feet. God knows my needs – He knows my requests. He’ll never cease to meet my needs and bless my life. But right now my blessing will come from just sitting with my Father and letting Him speak into me without my mouth speaking.
So … I gotta’ go and get my back scratched right now – See Ya!
jess
P.S. Tonight – 6:30pm – my house – 20/20/20 – Love to have you join us!
Monday, January 17, 2011
SOLID LIFE Church Daily Blog by Becky Stutzman
Day 8!
Wow, only 13 more days to go! Today’s reading was soooo good. If you have a hard time reading the Bible and find it boring, try reading the story of Joseph in the old testament (Gen. 40-46). It reads like a novel. I think about the famine they were in and how hungry the people were...funny how things like that stand out a little more- huh?
I want to share with you my S.O.A.P. from yesterday which was in Luke 16:19-31. The story of the rich man and Lazarus- the poor man. In this story, the rich man lived in luxury and Lazarus was poor and covered with sores but sat at the rich man’s gate, never noticed by him. Well, both of these men died and Lazarus went to heaven and the rich man was in...hell, in torment. He could see Lazarus and Abraham and tried to get him to come and give him some water and when it was explained to him that couldn’t happen, the rich man begged Abraham to go to his brothers and warn them how horrible it was where he was at as he couldn’t bear to think about them joining him in torment. I couldn’t help but think about our TOP TEN Lists of people we are praying for salvation. Yesterday, Russ spoke about how we need to be praying for Jesus to return and if we really believed he was returning any moment, we would be more driven to share the gospel with those who don’t know him.
My prayer today is that God will give me more influence with those who don’t know Jesus yet as their personal Savior or have turned away and also that I will slow down, and look for opportunities to take care of the poor and those less fortunate.
Keep up the good work, Solid Life! You are all in my daily prayers-
Love,
Becky
Wow, only 13 more days to go! Today’s reading was soooo good. If you have a hard time reading the Bible and find it boring, try reading the story of Joseph in the old testament (Gen. 40-46). It reads like a novel. I think about the famine they were in and how hungry the people were...funny how things like that stand out a little more- huh?
I want to share with you my S.O.A.P. from yesterday which was in Luke 16:19-31. The story of the rich man and Lazarus- the poor man. In this story, the rich man lived in luxury and Lazarus was poor and covered with sores but sat at the rich man’s gate, never noticed by him. Well, both of these men died and Lazarus went to heaven and the rich man was in...hell, in torment. He could see Lazarus and Abraham and tried to get him to come and give him some water and when it was explained to him that couldn’t happen, the rich man begged Abraham to go to his brothers and warn them how horrible it was where he was at as he couldn’t bear to think about them joining him in torment. I couldn’t help but think about our TOP TEN Lists of people we are praying for salvation. Yesterday, Russ spoke about how we need to be praying for Jesus to return and if we really believed he was returning any moment, we would be more driven to share the gospel with those who don’t know him.
My prayer today is that God will give me more influence with those who don’t know Jesus yet as their personal Savior or have turned away and also that I will slow down, and look for opportunities to take care of the poor and those less fortunate.
Keep up the good work, Solid Life! You are all in my daily prayers-
Love,
Becky
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by David and Sherri Fisher
Day seven of our fast -
I am doing a modified Daniel fast and so far so good!! I am learning a lot and my mind and thoughts are more aware of the Lords presence in my life. I find myself asking the questions "Am I giving enough to the Lord? Is it what He would have me give? Am I really sacrificing?" He has done so much for me.....am I doing my part? Todays reading in Luke 15 speaks very cleary of Gods interest in chasing after the "lost" and being overjoyed when that which is lost is "returned". If you are like me, I have "lost" many things in my life....a job, a loved one, a relationship, an opportunity, a chance to forgive, a chance to love, an opportunity to make a differance. I feel and sense that God is speaking very cleary that His desire is not only to see the lost return to Him, but also that which has been lost be returned to those that love Him and call Him Lord! I am finding that as I return to Him and the things that He calls me to, He is faithful in His restoration and replinishment of those things in my life that were "lost". I am overwhelmed with His blessing in my life the past few weeks!! He is faithful! Much like when I was a kid at grade school and had to make several trips to the "lost and found" box, I have likewise visited the Lords "lost and found" box where I have found much joy, surpises, blessings and restoration. What is it that you have lost? I pray that the Lord of Blessing and "return" grant you the desires of your heart as you seek Him...
David
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As I read my scriptures and did my S.O.A.P. Thursday morning. The 3rd verse jumped off the page to my heart in reading: “Then the Lord said Return….” One of the greatest things that have been revealed to my heart so far during this fast is that God is really telling me to RETURN… Return to what He has previously called me to.
Return to the giftings and ministry that He laid on my heart years ago. This brings excitement and fear to my heart all at once! If He calls me, I know He will strengthen me and equip me to fulfill that call. What an awesome thing, when we set ourselves aside in fasting, I have found so often that it is ourselves that He speaks to us about. Either what He wants to do in us or what He wants to do through us….
You are awesome God that You would know even me!
Chapter 32 of Genesis continued to encourage me and speak to me, as it tells about Jacob fighting for his blessing from the Lord. As Jacob wrestled with the angel of the Lord he said, what my heart longs to say to the Lord, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
Lord this is what my fast is about, I am tired of the old, tired of the statuesque, and
“I WILL NOT LET YOU GO, I WILL NOT STOP SEEKING YOU…. UNTIL YOU BLESS ME!”
Sherri
I am doing a modified Daniel fast and so far so good!! I am learning a lot and my mind and thoughts are more aware of the Lords presence in my life. I find myself asking the questions "Am I giving enough to the Lord? Is it what He would have me give? Am I really sacrificing?" He has done so much for me.....am I doing my part? Todays reading in Luke 15 speaks very cleary of Gods interest in chasing after the "lost" and being overjoyed when that which is lost is "returned". If you are like me, I have "lost" many things in my life....a job, a loved one, a relationship, an opportunity, a chance to forgive, a chance to love, an opportunity to make a differance. I feel and sense that God is speaking very cleary that His desire is not only to see the lost return to Him, but also that which has been lost be returned to those that love Him and call Him Lord! I am finding that as I return to Him and the things that He calls me to, He is faithful in His restoration and replinishment of those things in my life that were "lost". I am overwhelmed with His blessing in my life the past few weeks!! He is faithful! Much like when I was a kid at grade school and had to make several trips to the "lost and found" box, I have likewise visited the Lords "lost and found" box where I have found much joy, surpises, blessings and restoration. What is it that you have lost? I pray that the Lord of Blessing and "return" grant you the desires of your heart as you seek Him...
David
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As I read my scriptures and did my S.O.A.P. Thursday morning. The 3rd verse jumped off the page to my heart in reading: “Then the Lord said Return….” One of the greatest things that have been revealed to my heart so far during this fast is that God is really telling me to RETURN… Return to what He has previously called me to.
Return to the giftings and ministry that He laid on my heart years ago. This brings excitement and fear to my heart all at once! If He calls me, I know He will strengthen me and equip me to fulfill that call. What an awesome thing, when we set ourselves aside in fasting, I have found so often that it is ourselves that He speaks to us about. Either what He wants to do in us or what He wants to do through us….
You are awesome God that You would know even me!
Chapter 32 of Genesis continued to encourage me and speak to me, as it tells about Jacob fighting for his blessing from the Lord. As Jacob wrestled with the angel of the Lord he said, what my heart longs to say to the Lord, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
Lord this is what my fast is about, I am tired of the old, tired of the statuesque, and
“I WILL NOT LET YOU GO, I WILL NOT STOP SEEKING YOU…. UNTIL YOU BLESS ME!”
Sherri
Friday, January 14, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Scott Lasher
Hello Solid Life Church!
It is Day 6 of the fast and surprise, surprise, I am incredibly hungry. God has really been showing me how much we depend on food in our daily lives, and how that dependence we have on food should correlates directly to the level of dependence we place have on him. I have been craving all the foods I love, and every time I do, the Holy Spirit has been whispering it is with that same urgency we should be craving after the Lord.
Well, it may be Day 6 of the fast, but one thing that has been building for many months now is UTurn Winter Camp 2011 – we depart in just a few short hours! What an amazing time to be heading up the mountain to encounter the Lord in an even greater way – during a time where we are fasting after Him. We are traveling to Horn Creek with 39 Uturn Students and Leaders, and many of them will be continuing their fast during our time at camp.
As you are fasting and praying, please be praying for all of us, that we would encounter the Lord in a new and exciting way. Pray that God would prepare the way for us, and that these students and leaders will come back with a craving unlike any they have had before for what the lord desires for their life. I know this camp is going to be one that we will never forget as we travel on the fuel of your fasting and praying and seeking after the Lord!
This is what we are fasting after, Solid Life, that the Lord would impact and influence and make His presence known in the next generation. I am praying that as you read this, you are encouraged in your fasting, that you are fasting after a great big God who is in control of this next generation! Be blessed!
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Becky Stutzman
Day 6!
Wow, I can’t believe it is already Friday, and so far no one has died who call Solid Life home!:) There have been a few “weak” moments this week for me that I thought I might, but God has miraculously walked me through those rough moments. One example is in my mind. It’s amazing what temptations we can overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit in our thought life. On day 3, my body was aching and honestly, I couldn’t tell if I had the flu or if it was toxins (anyone else know what I mean?). So after some research, I came to the conclusion that it was toxins leaving my body. My heart began to get excited as I began to pray and ask God that as those human toxins were being released, that God would also release all the other toxins in my life that have slowly slipped into my heart and mind that I am not even aware of and have rooted themselves deeply in my words, thoughts, motives and actions. In my prayer time, God has revealed some of those areas to me and I have repented and know that I'm on my way to a cleansed life...a spiritual detox!
We had an incredible night of prayer on Wednesday night at Tom and Sondra’s. We are planning a very impromptu night tonight at my house at 7 PM for a time of worship, prayer and sharing what God has done in our lives so far. I hope you can try to come on by- I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday night!
Stay strong, and no matter what kind of fast you are doing, make intentional time during mealtimes or morning and evening, to spend with God praying and...listening to God speak to you. We also have Pastor Russ' message from this past Sunday posted on our website- check it out again and encourage yourself in the Lord and on this journey. Click here for sermon podcast.
I'm so proud of all of you and thankful for what God has already began in all of our hearts-
Love,
Becky
Wow, I can’t believe it is already Friday, and so far no one has died who call Solid Life home!:) There have been a few “weak” moments this week for me that I thought I might, but God has miraculously walked me through those rough moments. One example is in my mind. It’s amazing what temptations we can overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit in our thought life. On day 3, my body was aching and honestly, I couldn’t tell if I had the flu or if it was toxins (anyone else know what I mean?). So after some research, I came to the conclusion that it was toxins leaving my body. My heart began to get excited as I began to pray and ask God that as those human toxins were being released, that God would also release all the other toxins in my life that have slowly slipped into my heart and mind that I am not even aware of and have rooted themselves deeply in my words, thoughts, motives and actions. In my prayer time, God has revealed some of those areas to me and I have repented and know that I'm on my way to a cleansed life...a spiritual detox!
We had an incredible night of prayer on Wednesday night at Tom and Sondra’s. We are planning a very impromptu night tonight at my house at 7 PM for a time of worship, prayer and sharing what God has done in our lives so far. I hope you can try to come on by- I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday night!
Stay strong, and no matter what kind of fast you are doing, make intentional time during mealtimes or morning and evening, to spend with God praying and...listening to God speak to you. We also have Pastor Russ' message from this past Sunday posted on our website- check it out again and encourage yourself in the Lord and on this journey. Click here for sermon podcast.
I'm so proud of all of you and thankful for what God has already began in all of our hearts-
Love,
Becky
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Cary Yocum
Day 5
Today was a good day! I was traveling this week which always lends itself to some great reflection time and interesting conversations with total strangers.
On a side note: An airport is not the best place to be fasting...as there is food everywhere...and people eating it everywhere!
Anyway....I was waiting on my plane when I was approached by a woman who proceeded to ask me about the Bible app on my phone. I told her all about it and showed her my reading plan (SOAP). She was amazed. She even said "I never knew people read the WHOLE Bible anymore". I told her about our church and how we have committed to reading God's word together. She asked me where the church was cause she wanted to come visit. I told her Castle Pines, Colorado and she laughed out loud, as she realized she is in an airport and I could be heading anywhere (she was from Minneapolis...which is where I was flying out of).
That is what I soooooo want for Solid Life. A church where people from all over...want to go to...if anything...just to experience the deep relationship they can have with their Father. Our example of being in a close relationship with God is what is going to draw others to Him.
Let's continue to be that church!
Love,
Cary
Today was a good day! I was traveling this week which always lends itself to some great reflection time and interesting conversations with total strangers.
On a side note: An airport is not the best place to be fasting...as there is food everywhere...and people eating it everywhere!
Anyway....I was waiting on my plane when I was approached by a woman who proceeded to ask me about the Bible app on my phone. I told her all about it and showed her my reading plan (SOAP). She was amazed. She even said "I never knew people read the WHOLE Bible anymore". I told her about our church and how we have committed to reading God's word together. She asked me where the church was cause she wanted to come visit. I told her Castle Pines, Colorado and she laughed out loud, as she realized she is in an airport and I could be heading anywhere (she was from Minneapolis...which is where I was flying out of).
That is what I soooooo want for Solid Life. A church where people from all over...want to go to...if anything...just to experience the deep relationship they can have with their Father. Our example of being in a close relationship with God is what is going to draw others to Him.
Let's continue to be that church!
Love,
Cary
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Pastor Russ
Well it’s day four which means that some of you are modifying your fast today. For those of you who have been fasting everything except for water since Sunday, let me just say, well done! For those of you who have struggled and have had a level of success but didn’t quit achieve your goal, let me just encourage you by saying that God will reward your best effort. For many of you, this is the first time you have ever gone more than a couple of hours without some kind of food so don’t beat yourself up and decide to throw in the towel at this point. Our 21 day fast has just begun and like me, you’re probably feeling a bit tired and weak. At the same time like me you’re probably already experiencing God on a whole new level. Can I tell you that it only gets better. God’s Word tells us that when we are weak, He is strong so you are beginning to let Him take over and be strong for you.
Don’t forget to add a significant amount of prayer and reading of His Word as you fast. You will find that He will satisfy your hunger and you will even be thinking at times, “I wouldn’t trade this feeling of closeness with my Savior for anything.”
I hope that you are starting out strong this year and are participating in our daily devotional reading plan as a church. It takes about 20 minutes for the reading which will be the best investment of time for you each day. The Word of God is here to teach and to train us on how to live a better more abundant life here are on earth. Ultimately, as I say every Sunday, the Word of God is a road map that will lead us to eternal life with God. Implementing the discipline of reading His Word daily will change your life. If you will spend an additional 20 minutes a day journaling what the Lord is saying directly to you, you will find that your perspective changes from it being a daily discipline to being a longing to hear from God each day. If you do not have a journal, you can purchase one on Sunday. We always have them available on the back table. If you would like more information about it click S.O.A.P. on our web site and learn what this overall program looks like. Again, it will change your life.
For those of you who are reading daily know that on Monday we read the account where Esau traded his birth right to his brother Jacob for a bowl of stew. This was the second day of our fast when my hunger pains were attempting to get the best of me. I thought to myself what would I be willing to trade for ANY kind of food at that moment. Many things did come to mind. We are not told how many days that Esau had gone without food, we are just told that he was famished and felt that he would soon die without it. Obviously he was desperate enough that he was willing to trade off his birth right, the blessing associated back then with being the first born son. I’m feeling more famished now on day four than that first day, but the Lord has been reminding me that I too have a birthright that belongs to me. There is nothing, not even a bowl of stew, or cold stone ice cream, or even Carrabba’s,,,,,well maybe,,,,no not even Carrabba’s, worth trading my birth right. Because of my birth right I can claim Philippians 4:13 at times like this; “I can do everything through Him, (including a fast) who gives me strength.” Claim that for yourselves as well.
Stay strong and true to the commitment you made with yourself and with God. I am praying for you daily.
I love you all very much and I love being your pastor and friend!
Pastor Russ
Don’t forget to add a significant amount of prayer and reading of His Word as you fast. You will find that He will satisfy your hunger and you will even be thinking at times, “I wouldn’t trade this feeling of closeness with my Savior for anything.”
I hope that you are starting out strong this year and are participating in our daily devotional reading plan as a church. It takes about 20 minutes for the reading which will be the best investment of time for you each day. The Word of God is here to teach and to train us on how to live a better more abundant life here are on earth. Ultimately, as I say every Sunday, the Word of God is a road map that will lead us to eternal life with God. Implementing the discipline of reading His Word daily will change your life. If you will spend an additional 20 minutes a day journaling what the Lord is saying directly to you, you will find that your perspective changes from it being a daily discipline to being a longing to hear from God each day. If you do not have a journal, you can purchase one on Sunday. We always have them available on the back table. If you would like more information about it click S.O.A.P. on our web site and learn what this overall program looks like. Again, it will change your life.
For those of you who are reading daily know that on Monday we read the account where Esau traded his birth right to his brother Jacob for a bowl of stew. This was the second day of our fast when my hunger pains were attempting to get the best of me. I thought to myself what would I be willing to trade for ANY kind of food at that moment. Many things did come to mind. We are not told how many days that Esau had gone without food, we are just told that he was famished and felt that he would soon die without it. Obviously he was desperate enough that he was willing to trade off his birth right, the blessing associated back then with being the first born son. I’m feeling more famished now on day four than that first day, but the Lord has been reminding me that I too have a birthright that belongs to me. There is nothing, not even a bowl of stew, or cold stone ice cream, or even Carrabba’s,,,,,well maybe,,,,no not even Carrabba’s, worth trading my birth right. Because of my birth right I can claim Philippians 4:13 at times like this; “I can do everything through Him, (including a fast) who gives me strength.” Claim that for yourselves as well.
Stay strong and true to the commitment you made with yourself and with God. I am praying for you daily.
I love you all very much and I love being your pastor and friend!
Pastor Russ
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Jessica Farias
Day three!
I have to admit, last night’s reading in Genesis about Esau's Red Stew had me wondering what that Red Stew must have taste like! HA! I remember last year day three was the hardest day. My head hurt and I was hungry. But I also remember that’s when I really started to feel “in-tune” with why I wanted to fast. Again this year, day three, I’m once again experiencing that same feeling.
This morning’s time in prayer and worship set the tone for the day. I was reminded in my devotional time this morning and through Kelsey’s blog that I need to be specific in my prayers. I want to share a portion of my devotional reading with you regarding prayer. This is a devotional by Sarah Young. In her personal time with God, he spoke these words to her. “Trust Me by relinquishing control into My hands. Let go, and recognize that I am God. This is My world: I made it and I control it. When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; poor out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results. When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way. If you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mindset becomes much more positive. Thankful prayers keep your focus on My Presence and Promises“. (II Peter 1:3&4, Psalms 46:10 (amp), and Colossians 4:2).
One last thought from Sunday’s S.O.A.P. I choose to S.O.A.P on Luke 9:32, “Peter and the others had fallen asleep”. During the preceding verses probably one of the coolest things happened. Jesus was transfigured while praying. His countenance and his clothes changed. Then Moses and Elijah appeared and started talking with Jesus. They were discussing His upcoming crucifixion. All this happened while Peter and the others slept! Reading this on the first day of the fast really spoke to me. Even when I get tired and hungry through this time of fasting, I need to be alert! Something really good is going to happen, and I don’t want to be sleeping like Peter and the others. Could you just image missing out on an opportunity? I’m looking for opportunities to see God and I hope you are too!
Oh, by the way, my S.O.A.P group meets at 6:30 tonight at my house! Hope you can make it!
jessica
Monday, January 10, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Kelsey Lasher
Hi Solid Life Church,
I hope you all are having a wonderful Monday as we continue our fast together. I just wanted to share with you all some of the things that God has been laying on my heart so far. Yesterday was an amazing day as God spoke so clearly to me in so many different ways. I had been so excited about this fast for so long because I was just anticipating some great things to come out of it. However, yesterday, I found myself doubting that those amazing things would happen right away. My thoughts were that it would take a while for God to speak to me or for the fast to show any results since it was just the first day. Boy was I wrong.
When Scott and I got home yesterday, we decided that it would be good to take some time to pray over the prayer list that our wonderful Pastors put on our website for us to pray over during the fast (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, go to our website at www.solidlifechurch.com and click on the fasting resources link under the “extra” tab). The thing about fasting is that you can’t just give up something, your sacrifice has to be accompanied by prayer. So, Scott and I were going through the list praying over our church and I just felt like God was saying, “Tell me what you want. Be specific. Watch my faithfulness in your requests.” It was so cool and so empowering to feel the Holy Spirit nudge me in that way! The boldness that came out of my prayers after hearing this was something that I haven’t experienced before. I’ve always had faith that God will answer my prayers in whatever way He sees fit but this time, I just felt even more assurance and even more boldness in my requests for healing, jobs, freedom, provision, sensitivity, and blessings over our church family. I don’t doubt that my prayers were heard and that God will honor my sacrifice by answering my prayers.
I would encourage you to do as He said to me and “Be specific” in your requests. Nothing is too big for God and nothing you’re going through will surprise Him. He knows where you are and He hears your prayers so pour out your heart to Him and watch His faithfulness during this time of fasting. God pays attention when we give things up. The Bible says to “knock and the door will be opened to you” - this fasting is you knocking. God will open up the doors to you and will let you into His presence in a way that you never expected.
Happy Fasting!
Love, Kelsey
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Pastors Russ & Becky
It’s here!
We are really excited to get started on this year's 21 day fast. We are so glad that you have decided to Join the Fasting Movement with us. Fasting bring you into a deeper, more intimate and more powerful relationship with the Lord and we are all on our way!
Remember on this first day to :
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirst for God, for the living God! Psalm 42:1-2
Pastors Russ and Becky
We are really excited to get started on this year's 21 day fast. We are so glad that you have decided to Join the Fasting Movement with us. Fasting bring you into a deeper, more intimate and more powerful relationship with the Lord and we are all on our way!
Remember on this first day to :
- Pray and stay in God’s Word (if you don’t pray during your normal meal times or spend time with God over and above your normal routine, this will be more like a starvation diet)
- Drink lots of water
- Expect headaches, hunger pains, cravings for food, sugar and caffeine and remember when you feel these feelings it is to be a reminder that we want to have that same hunger/desire for God
- Fill out your fasting contract- it’s between you and God, but you need to decide beforehand what you are going to fast, how long and what your own personal reasons for fasting are and then put it in writing which will help you in the tough times.
- Play worship music as much as possible and surround yourself with the things of God
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirst for God, for the living God! Psalm 42:1-2
Pastors Russ and Becky
Friday, January 7, 2011
Solid Life Church Daily Blog by Cary
I am very excited about what God is going to speak to our church during this fast. Please be praying about how your family is going to participate in this church wide movement.
Pastor Russ has challenged all of us to do a full fast for the first three days (Sunday - Tuesday). I know this will be tough but we are believing for big things from our big God!
Cary
Pastor Russ has challenged all of us to do a full fast for the first three days (Sunday - Tuesday). I know this will be tough but we are believing for big things from our big God!
Cary
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