Fasting: God will clearly show you this discipline is necessary. Lent is a time to fast from a particular substance or action. Avoidance of the specific item allows for a cleansing period. Sins are confessed and prayer is lifted throughout the allotted time. The individual clings closely to God for guidance and forgiveness. Some engage in fasting from all food at various times throughout the year. The individual prays deeply for themselves or another and seek God for healing or an answer. This time is very intimate between the fasting individual and God. There may be other ways to fast than from food. It would not be safe for me to choose food, if led to a fast, due to my history with Anorexia. I could choose one particular food, one of my favorite events or give up something that brings comfort to my life. Fasting is a spiritual discipline, not a diet plan. Seek God for clarity on what to fast from in your life if called to use this practice.
"so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:18)
Solitude: I love this one. Take time away from life and focus on God's Word. People in this world love to give their opinion, tell you the answers to troubles or fix the problem. Things, events in this world take over our thoughts and they begin conforming to the patterns of this world. We must slow down, step back and spend time in silence. Clearing our mind from distractions, opinions and pressures will bring such clarity to where God would like us to move next. This practice can be done daily; should be done daily. The ways of this world come on stronger with each generation. Do not lose solitude with God; yet, stay focused on His Truth. Run to Him first for answers. Give every thought to Him. He will renew your mind.
"All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath." (Ephesians 2:3)
Sacrifice: Look around right now. You are better than blessed. A roof stands high above your head, your eyes read these words on a computer, your body carries out necessary functions, food sits in the kitchen, etc. Guess what? Some individuals wake up this morning outside, on concrete and not sure if they will get to eat today. Some lay in a hospital bed not sure of the days left to live. And still some try to live among everyone without a disabled body. Practice the discipline of sacrifice. Here is another one done daily. Do without a pleasure to help another. Please God by caring for another child of His. When packing your lunch today, make an extra sandwich to give to the homeless individual you see every day on the way to work. Make some cookies for the neighbor down the road who lives alone. Visit the sick. Pray for the disabled. Seek God for ways to live a little less comfortable so one of His children can live a little more comfortable. He created us to help one another, work as a team and keep our eyes open to the hurts of others. Move out of the "what about me" lifestyle and take your love out into the world. It does not cost much to sacrifice; yet, the reward is immeasurable.
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)
The disciplines are Scriptural and can be studied in more depth by picking up the Instruction Manual for our life. Do not simply go by what I write. Seek God for discipline and He will show you the way to live according to His Word. Seek Him to find what discipline practice looks like in your life. It is amazing the places He will take you if only you obey and practice discipline. Your blessings will overflow.
God, thank you for another day. Guide my thoughts, actions and words to be pleasing to You. Give me proper discipline and align my life with Your Will. I want nothing to do with my will. Open my eyes to what fasting needs to occur in my lifestyle. May I make it a priority to spend time in solitude to focus on You. Show me what I can sacrifice to bless another one of Your children. Use me as a vessel to shine Your light and begin by disciplining me so I may rid myself of any offensive, ugliness in my life. I love You.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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