Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Second Sabbath
Last Saturday was the second Sabbath of 2017. This sunset to sunset fast was more challenging than the last. With social activities on Friday evening and again on Saturday afternoon, I found that my participation in those activities involved stepping back from a few things. However, the most significant of them involved abstaining from alcohol. I found that not eating seemed easy by comparison. The first was a private concert of Irish folk and modern music, where the Guinness flowed freely. Yet, I drank only water. The other was a wake, where we remembered a wonderful man, husband, father, and friend; few noticed that I was not eating or drinking from the abundant offering. In both cases, this fast provided a new context for fellowship. I enjoyed the concert just the same and I grieved our loss without remorse for food or wine left unattended. At both events, I engaged friends and family with clarity and joy. What more can you ask for?
Friday, January 6, 2017
52 Days Fast
It's early 2017, the first Saturday of the year is on the calendar tomorrow. I have a heart for this goal, a 52 days fast over the year. Not 52 consecutive days fasting (though I'm sure it could be done), no I'm thinking more along the lines of 52 sabbath day fasts. From sunset Friday evening to sunset Saturday evening, every week of the whole of 2017. Technically I started this 5 hours ago. My intention is to be set apart for God's kingdom, to rest on the seventh day, and to resolve my debt. There is much more fruit to anticipate from this fasting goal, but these are my specific intentions.
As those who fast will attest, the practice invariably draws attention to one self. This is difficult to avoid and while I agree that fasting for attention or accolades is dubious, witnessing for the benefits of fasting is a joy. There are considerable misconceptions concerning the affects of fasting on the physical body. In practice it is a rejuvenating and invigorating experience, one that includes specific physiological and spiritual benefits. For this reason, as a witness, I expect to be transparent about my fasting progress and discuss openly my practice and experience. Ultimately however, this is a act of submission; where in I desire to be set apart and identified in Christ Jesus.
Rest, it is the most obvious effect fasting has on mind and body. This begins as the digestive system takes a break and does some housekeeping. There is also rest from shopping for, preparing, and consuming meals, snacks, and the like. Then there is this unique context with the 52 Days Fast, an opportunity to honor the day of rest ordained by God himself. By fasting from sunset to sunset, a biblical view is gained and observed. And with this, I anticipate an experience of Gods will for my life and the Messiahs' sovereignty over all things. To be lead by still waters, to lie in green pasture.
If you're a pragmatist, the fast can bring clarity and inspiration, epiphany and opportunity. I am determined to lead my family entirely out of debt and keep them there in perpetuity. So far I have failed repeatedly to produce this result. And while there are plenty of excuses, an excuse is not a substitute for leadership. By setting this goal as a fasting "intention," I am encouraging myself to prioritize and focus on financial responsibilities, especially where my routine is interrupted by the fast. With a 52 days fast, let there be real progress on the road to freedom from toxic debt.
Thank you for participating with me, if only by reading this post. I appreciate the accountability you and others are providing, in friendship and fellowship, family and community. God bless you, guide you, and provide you with the rest and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
As those who fast will attest, the practice invariably draws attention to one self. This is difficult to avoid and while I agree that fasting for attention or accolades is dubious, witnessing for the benefits of fasting is a joy. There are considerable misconceptions concerning the affects of fasting on the physical body. In practice it is a rejuvenating and invigorating experience, one that includes specific physiological and spiritual benefits. For this reason, as a witness, I expect to be transparent about my fasting progress and discuss openly my practice and experience. Ultimately however, this is a act of submission; where in I desire to be set apart and identified in Christ Jesus.
Rest, it is the most obvious effect fasting has on mind and body. This begins as the digestive system takes a break and does some housekeeping. There is also rest from shopping for, preparing, and consuming meals, snacks, and the like. Then there is this unique context with the 52 Days Fast, an opportunity to honor the day of rest ordained by God himself. By fasting from sunset to sunset, a biblical view is gained and observed. And with this, I anticipate an experience of Gods will for my life and the Messiahs' sovereignty over all things. To be lead by still waters, to lie in green pasture.
If you're a pragmatist, the fast can bring clarity and inspiration, epiphany and opportunity. I am determined to lead my family entirely out of debt and keep them there in perpetuity. So far I have failed repeatedly to produce this result. And while there are plenty of excuses, an excuse is not a substitute for leadership. By setting this goal as a fasting "intention," I am encouraging myself to prioritize and focus on financial responsibilities, especially where my routine is interrupted by the fast. With a 52 days fast, let there be real progress on the road to freedom from toxic debt.
Thank you for participating with me, if only by reading this post. I appreciate the accountability you and others are providing, in friendship and fellowship, family and community. God bless you, guide you, and provide you with the rest and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
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