12 ‘Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

Today’s Scripture reading came from www.youversion.com – the 21-Day Fast reading plan.  It is day 18 in the plan if you started on January 10^th – the day our congregation’s prayer/fast began.  Joel 2:12-32 is the entire reading for the day.

The most amazing thing about God – or should I say one of the most amazing things about God is His mercy and grace – His forgiveness.  At times I feel like this prairie dog when I pray to God.  So small and insignificant.  Why would God even listen to me – let alone act on my prayers?

The author of Joel writes these words: ‘Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.  This is just amazing to me.

There are many times – if I was God – I would not forgive me.  Do you feel that way too?  As much as I/we desire to obey God – at times my/our heart is set on temporal things – rather than eternal things.  I/We wrestle like Paul: I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15

There is the time we get huffy with another driver on the road.  The time we are short with our children or our spouse.  There are times when we have lustful thoughts.  There are times when we cheat and lie and outright turn our hearts away from God.  You can easily add to this list as I know I can and yet if we sincerely turn to God – return to God – repent and seek His face and desire His grace – God will forgive us and cast our sin out of His presence.  That is just amazing to me! Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

As we pray and fast before God – as the days countdown to the end of our 21-days – I pray you have felt this loving God hold you with His loving arms and offer you forgiveness and His grace!

Daniel 9:3 – So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Have you been spending more time praying?  Have you set aside time every day to be before the Lord?

Personal Report:  I’ve made it through 17 days without a Diet Pepsi.  I almost gave in yesterday – I was at Panera and wanted the bottomless cup of Diet Pepsi so bad but I hooked myself up with a hot green tea instead.  I hope you are hanging tough with your fast – whatever it is – and that you are finding more time for God.  No Words with Friends – although some friends have invited me to play and some have invited me to play other games – but I have resisted.  No sugar or sweets either – and I have spent at least a ½ hour a day in sweet prayer (the time I would usually have spent playing Words with Friends.  Day 18 is before us – only 4 more days – counting today!

I will continue to pray for you as you walk through these days of our prayer/fast.  I pray God begins to speak to you and that you will share it with others.

If you wish to join me reading the same plans on www.youversion.com they are a yearlong reading plan called Robert Roberts – day 27 today – the Gospels in 30 days  - day 19 today – and the 21-Day Fast – day 18 today.  Join me or try other reading plans.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Today’s Awakening devotion can be found here!

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16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Today’s key passage came from www.youversion.com – the 21-Day Fast reading plan.  It is day 17 in the plan if you started on January 10^th – the day our congregation’s prayer/fast began.  It comes from the reading of the day – Daniel 3.

Are you hanging in there?  Only a few days left.  What is God speaking to your heart during your prayer time?  Starting Sunday I went on leave and have had more time to read, reflect and pray and God is giving me some awesome times in His presence.  I hope to be able to share some of it with you in future poss.

Today’s passage is one of my favorite Bible stories.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were set up to disobey the governing authority while obeying their God.  The punishment for disobeying was death – death in the fiery furnace if you remember the story.  Their faith was in their God so they didn’t disobey Him – and faced the punishment – which if you know the story – God delivered them out of without even a burn mark on their clothes.

What issue are you facing where you have a decision to obey God or the government?  Obey God or your desires?  Obey God or listen to another?  Are you placing more faith and trust in the government or God?  On self or God?  On others or on God?

As we enter the home stretch of our prayer/fast – have we struggled some with obeying the flesh more than the spirit?  The boys believed they might die – but they would not disobey God.  They believed their God could save them – but even if He didn’t – they would not worship the image the King had created.  God was God whether He saved them or not!  Awesome story – please take the time to read it all.

Daniel 9:3 – So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Have you been spending more time praying?  Have you set aside time every day to be before the Lord?

Personal Report:  I’ve made it through 16 days without a Diet Pepsi.  No sugar – fewer calories – no Words with Friends – and more time for me and God.  Day 17 is before us – only 5 more days – counting today!

I will continue to pray for you as you walk through these days of our prayer/fast.  I pray God begins to speak to you and that you will share it with others.

If you wish to join me reading the same plans on www.youversion.com they are a yearlong reading plan called Robert Roberts – day 26 today – the Gospels in 30 days  - day 18 today – and the 21-Day Fast – day 17 today.  Join me or try other reading plans.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Today’s Awakening devotion can be found here!

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1 The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

Today’s key passage came from www.youversion.com – the 21-Day Fast reading plan.  It is day 16 in the plan if you started on January 10^th – the day our congregation’s prayer/fast began.  It comes from the reading of the day – Psalm 27.

How’s your prayer/fast going?  Is God telling you anything?  Have you stuck it out with the fasting?  If you ever slip – don’t stop the prayer/fast – simply pick right up where you left off and continue.  Our God is a God that searches the heart and our intentions.  Now don’t take that as an excuse to break your fast – your vow with God every day.  Paul wrote: 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!  Romans 6:14-15  God’s grace is amazing – but not to be taken for granted!

Today’s passage struck me when the Psalmist wrote: The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?  I often think of this passage: And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15  We have been bought and paid for by the blood of Christ and we no longer live for self but rather we live for Jesus.  So the Psalmist writes that our salvation – our stronghold in life is God – and that is powerful.

I should not fear anything that the world can throw at me – even death – because my salvation – my life – is in the hands of the Almighty!  I have a secure place in the heavens – waiting for me when this life comes to an end – because of the grace of God who sees me as sinless because of Jesus.  Wow that is powerful!  Evil men and women may assail me – attack me – may even kill me – but I am safe – eternally – in Jesus!

Daniel 9:3 – So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Have you been spending more time praying?  Have you set aside time every day to be before the Lord?

Personal Report:  I’ve made it through 15 days without a Diet Pepsi – it is getting easier and harder at the same time.  The no sugar part of my fast has been easier than I thought.  The 2,ooo or fewer calories a day has also been mostly easy.  I haven’t even thought about playing Words with Friends.  Hitting the gym today will be hard but I will endeavor to do it – and play basketball tonight too.  Day 16 is before us – only 6 more days – counting today!

I will continue to pray for you as you walk through these days of our prayer/fast.  I pray God begins to speak to you and that you will share it with others.

If you wish to join me reading the same plans on www.youversion.com they are a yearlong reading plan called Robert Roberts – day 25 today – the Gospels in 30 days  - day 17 today – and the 21-Day Fast – day 16 today.  Join me or try other reading plans.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Today’s Awakening devotion can be found here!

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1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.

Today’s Scripture reading came from www.youversion.com – the 21-Day Fast reading plan.  It is day 15 in the plan if you started on January 10^th – the day our congregation’s prayer/fast began.  The entire 51^st Psalm is the reading for the day.

The Psalmist seems to echo the prayers many of us express.  We are sinners – lost on our own.  We need forgiveness – to have our transgressions (sins) blotted out and remembered no more.  Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

As this day unfolds – I am faced with my sins and transgressions – aren’t you?  The Psalmist writes: For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.  If we are in Christ – our sins way heavy on us – because as Paul writes – I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.  Romans 7:15

Someone once told me that God will forgive our sins – our transgressions.  They said that the hardest part is often forgiving ourselves – because we know that our sin is against God and we are ashamed.  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.

As we pray and fast – as we seek God’s face and desire His grace – we need to remember that God is in the forgiveness business.  He desires to shower us with grace if we simply confess – repent – and seek His face!

Daniel 9:3 – So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Have you been spending more time praying?  Have you set aside time every day to be before the Lord?

Personal Report:  I’ve made it through 14 days without a Diet Pepsi.  Have you ever noticed that when you say you can’t do something or have something – you want it all the more?  Day 15 is before us – only 7 more days – counting today!

I will continue to pray for you as you walk through these days of our prayer/fast.  I pray God begins to speak to you and that you will share it with others.

If you wish to join me reading the same plans on www.youversion.com they are a yearlong reading plan called Robert Roberts – day 24 today – the Gospels in 30 days  - day 16 today – and the 21-Day Fast – day 15 today.  Join me or try other reading plans.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Today’s Awakening devotion can be found here!

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As I begin day 2 of my leave I wanted to report that I am digging into Enemies of the Heart written by Andy Stanley.  As most of you who know me know – I appreciate Andy’s teaching and preaching.  He is a refreshing voice in the landscape of spiritual leaders.  I have attended Catalyst the last four or five years – a ministry for leaders of the next generation – founded by folks from his local church – North Point Church.  I have read several of his books and attended other seminars where he was a speaker.  The picture with this post was a book signing at a recent Catalyst event near Atlanta, Georgia.

A quote on page 11 of this book is so true: …just as a heart attack has the potential to destroy your body, so spiritual heart disease has the potential to destroy you and squeeze the life out of your most valuable relationships.  I pray that as I read my heart will come under examination and God will purify it – and set it on Him and Him alone.  That is my prayer for you as well.

In this book Andy deals with four enemies of the heart – Guilt, Anger, Greed, and Jealousy.  I am enjoying this book and look forward to reading others on my list during my leave.  I am taking notes and saving some examples for future sermons.

I won’t report everyday but will from time to time.  God bless you and I am praying for you – please pray for me!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Today’s reading came from www.youversion.com – the 21-Day Fast reading plan.  It is day 14 in the plan if you started on January 10^th – the day our prayer/fast began.  Today’s reading comes from the full reading of the day – Matthew 5:1-14.

So how are you doing on your fast?  Do you have periods of hunger if you are fasting from something you normally eat?  I now I have had a few times when I wanted to have something sweet – I’m fasting from sweets and junk food – among other things.  If you are fasting from coffee – soda or some other beverage – have you had periods of thirst?  I know I have had a few moments – like when the Ravens lost in the last seconds when I desired a diet soda to drown my sorrows!

Today’s passage is found in the section of Matthew’s Gospel called the Beatitudes.  Here is a larger section of that part of Matthew’s Gospel – Matthew 5:1-12 – 1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

If we hunger and thirst after righteousness – God promises us that we will be filled.  I am praying specifically for our congregation today for a hunger and thirst after God’s righteousness – and the way that God will fill us as we seek His face and desire His grace.

Daniel 9:3 – So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Have you been spending more time praying?  Have you set aside time every day to be before the Lord?

Personal Report:  I’ve made it through 13 days without a Diet Pepsi – it wasn’t easy yesterday when friend was drinking soda during the Raven’s game – lol.  Day 14 is before us – only 8 more days!  I plan to go to the gym every day this week – maybe I’ll see you there!  I’ve stayed under 2,000 calories a day since December 23^rd – recording my progress on an app on my phone called My Fitness Pal.

I will continue to pray for you as you walk through these days of our prayer/fast.  I pray God begins to speak to you and that you will share it with others.

If you wish to join me reading the same plans on www.youversion.com they are a yearlong reading plan called Robert Roberts – day 23 today – the Gospels in 30 days  - day 15 today – and the 21-Day Fast – day 14 today.  Join me or try other reading plans.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Today’s Awakening devotion can be found here!

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But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Today’s reading came from www.youversion.com – the 21-Day Fast reading plan.  It is day 13 in the plan if you started on January 10^th – the day our prayer/fast began.  Today’s reading comes from the full reading of the day – 1 Peter 2.

One of the scriptures about fasting says – “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men 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 6:16-18

While praying and fasting – there may come a time when you feel stressed or out of sorts.  When I get like that – I think of today’s passage – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  I love that God has called me out of the dark places of sin and despair in my life. It is by His grace that I can fast and still look happy and as normal as I can appear – lol.

In the message later today we will preach on being the salt and light of the world – letting Jesus be in us as we flavor the world around us and shine His light before the darkness of the world.  When I am down I simply remember that I am a chosen person – a member of a royal priesthood of all believers – belonging to God!

Daniel 9:3 – So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Have you been spending more time praying?  Have you set aside time every day to be before the Lord?

Personal Report:  I’ve made it through my 12^th day without a Diet Pepsi – my wife is hoping I stay off of them all together.  Day 13 is before us – only 9 more days counting today!  I plan to go to the gym every day this coming week!  I’ve stayed under 2,000 calories a day since December 23^rd – recording my progress on an app on my phone called My Fitness Pal.

I will continue to pray for you as you walk through these days of our prayer/fast.  I pray God begins to speak to you and that you will share it with others.

If you wish to join me reading the same plans on www.youversion.com they are a yearlong reading plan called Robert Roberts – day 22 today – the Gospels in 30 days  - day 14 today – and the 21-Day Fast – day 13 today.  Join me or try other reading plans.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Today’s Awakening devotion can be found here!

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3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Today’s reading came from www.youversion.com – the 21-Day Fast reading plan.  It is day 12 in the plan if you started on January 10^th – today’s reading. The reading is 2 Corinthians 1.  Today’s passage comes from the 3^rd and 4^th verse of that chapter.

So – thinking about eating/fasting during our 21-day prayer/fast – I began to wonder about comfort foods.  Is there something you turn to when you are down or need something to lift your spirit?  Do you have a food or food type that brings you comfort?  Peanut M&M’s are nice!  Pizza is too.  A cold Diet Pepsi maybe!  What does the trick for you?

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

If you’re looking for comfort – in any time of stress or strife – I would suggest we turn to God for our comfort – the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.  And God comforts us – not just so we are comforted for the moment – but so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

We’re on day 12 of our 21 days of prayer and fasting.  If you have removed something – food or something else – that you normally use for comfort – rather than break your fast – turn to Jesus for comfort!

Daniel 9:3 – So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Have you been spending more time praying?  Have you set aside time every day to be before the Lord?

Personal Report:  I’ve made it 11 full days without a Diet Pepsi – in the evening of day 12 today.  Carolyn, Nicole and I ended up at the Bowie Gold’s together today. Next week I plan to go to the gym every day!

I’m praying for you as you walk through these days of your prayer/fast.  I pray God begins to speak to you and that you will share it with others.

If you wish to join me reading the same plans on www.youversion.com they are a yearlong reading plan called Robert Roberts – day 21 today – the Gospels in 30 days  - day 13 today – and the 21-Day Fast – day 12 today.  Join me or try other reading plans.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Today’s Awakening devotion can be found here!

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1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

Today’s reading came from www.youversion.com – the 21-Day Fast reading plan.  It is day 10 in the plan if you started on January 10^th (today is day 11).  The reading is Luke 4.  Today’s passage comes from the first two verses of that chapter.

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.  OK – is this not one of the biggest understatements in the whole Bible?  I’ve only removed a few items from my diet – and I’m hungry – I’ve cut back to less than 2,000 calories a day and I am hungry.  Jesus went 40 days without food while being tempted by Satan – and Luke reports that He was hungry!

Do you ever remember coming into the kitchen as a child and saying to mom – I’m starved – what’s to eat?  Some who are reading this may have actually had a childhood where your family didn’t have enough to eat – but most of us have never been starving.  We might have experienced hunger pains – but not starving pains.  If we’ve ever tried to go a week or 21-days without food we might have tasted a little of the hunger that many children feel every day in parts of our country and the world.

Jesus went 40-days without food and was hungry.  How are you doing on your fast?  What have you removed from your normal diet or lifestyle – in order to focus more on God?  Is it working?  Are you holding steady?  We’re passing the half way mark today!

Daniel 9:3 – So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Have you been spending more time praying?  Have you set aside time every day to be before the Lord?

Personal Report:  I’ve made it 10 days without a Diet Pepsi – starting day 11 today.  I made it back to the gym and will play basketball today – and maybe the gym afterward!  Next week I will go to the gym every day!

I’m praying for you as you walk through this prayer/fast.  I pray God begins to speak to you.

If you wish to join me reading the same plans on www.youversion.com they are a yearlong reading plan called Robert Roberts – day 20 today – the Gospels in 30 days  - day 12 today – and the 21-Day Fast – day 11 today.  Join me or try other reading plans.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Today’s Awakening devotion can be found here!

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Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Today’s reading came from www.youversion.com – the 21-Day Fast reading plan.  It is day 9 in the plan if you started on January 10^th (today is day 10).

The reading was all of Chapter 12 – but verse 2 is one of my favorites and it spoke to me while on the prayer/fast.

It is contrary to the popular opinion that we should restrict/discipline ourselves from anything.  The popular express – that dates many centuries back – is eat, drink and be merry.  But when we fast we are restricting/disciplining ourselves.  It might be something that our body craves.  It might be something that is hard to give up.  Part of a fast is to show spiritual control over a physical desire.

Yesterday I posted on Twitter – I DESIRE ME A DIET PEPSI! Just saying… only 12 more days! Ugh!  A couple of people posted – when my Tweet posted to my Facebook page – that they were praying for me.  That helped as the spirit overcame the physical desire for a Diet Pepsi – one of the things I am fasting from this year.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

It is through not conforming to the patters of the world – but allowing ourselves to be spiritually transformed – that we are able to know and test the will of God for our lives.  I’m reminded today that my physical desires do not define me – unless I allow them to do so.  I am a child of God and if I allow God – He will define me as such!  What desire are you battling?  Don’t forget the spiritual side of this prayer/fast.  Seek the Lord and ask for strength as you show spiritual control over a physical desire.

Remember the key passage I’ve mentioned during the 21-day prayer/fast – Daniel 9:3 – So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I invite you to spend ½ an hour or even a few moments this morning in prayer – in your special place.

Personal Report:  I made it through yesterday without a Diet Pepsi (or any soda) even through it was a tough day.  No headaches yesterday or so far today.  No Diet Pepsi for 9 days – starting day 10 today.  I’m going to the gym this morning on the way to work.

I’m praying for you as you walk this prayer/fast with our fellowship.  I pray God begins to speak to you through the prayer/fast.

If you wish to join me reading the same plans on www.youversion.com they are a yearlong reading plan called Robert Roberts – day 19 today – the Gospels in 30 days  - day 11 today – and the 21-Day Fast – day 10 today.  Join me or try other reading plans.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Today’s Awakening devotion can be found here!

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