Some books have a continuing impact on my life. The Mark of the Christian by Francis Schaeffer is a small book that I read and reread. Francis Schaeffer commenting on John 13:33-35 wrote the following. This passage reveals the mark that Jesus gives to label a Christian not just in one era or in one…Read more The Mark
Fasting
I buffet my body
You may have heard the old joke twisting the words of the Apostle Paul to justify overeating, by saying, "I buffet my body." Those words actually refer to Paul's discipline of his bodily desires to line up with his inward desire to be a passionate follower of Christ. Fasting is a useful discipline to check…Read more I buffet my body
Pure love for Jesus – Thomas a Kempis
Jesus has always many who love his heavenly kingdom, but few who bear his cross. He has many who desire his consolation, but few who care for trial. He finds many to share his table, but few to take part in his fasting. All desire to be happy with him, but few wish to suffer…Read more Pure love for Jesus – Thomas a Kempis
Jesus starts the conversation
Our twenty-one day fast is a time to think clearly and precisely about what it means to be a passionate follower of Christ. As we look to Him, it is not even necessary to say anything. He knows we are there! He strikes up the conversation! "The two disciples heard him say this, and they…Read more Jesus starts the conversation
The Fast That Pleases God
My daily Bible reading took me to Isaiah 58 this morning. The classic passage of the kind of fast that pleases God. Since this is the eight day of our twenty one day fast, just a couple of thoughts today from that chapter. One - the fast that pleases the Lord is one that seeks…Read more The Fast That Pleases God
Fasting is Natural and Inevitable
“Fasting is the natural, inevitable response of a person to a grievous sacred moment in life.” Scott McKnight, Fasting[i] McKnight’s definition of fasting correlates with the commands and narratives in the Old Testament and New Testament about fasts. Appointed fasts were one of the ways the people of God remembered and responded in repentance to…Read more Fasting is Natural and Inevitable
Finding Joy in a Fast
It might sound odd to connect fasting and joy together. The quest for God’s direction is intense enough that it is only natural and joyful to forgo food or other comforts. When we enter into a fast with God as the desire of a lover’s heart, food comforts lose their appeal until our appetite for…Read more Finding Joy in a Fast
Comfort Food vs Comfort Foods
Comfort foods! Southern fried chicken, home made mashed potatoes and gravy, German chocolate cake, oatmeal fudge with pecans, I could go on and on. On cold snowy Michigan nights, hot cocoa with chunky chocolate chip cookies with walnuts and coconut, delicious! Today my appetite wants to respond to the snowstorm with all of the above!…Read more Comfort Food vs Comfort Foods
Coram Deo 