My Daniel Fast: An opportunity to witness

It is a challenge to follow the teachings we receive in scripture, but that is what I am attempting to do during my Daniel fast. I am following in the footsteps of the prophet Daniel, as he refrained from eating certain foods. During one moment of prayer, a scripture verse popped into my head, Acts 1:8. This is another passage we often find difficult to put into practice. Luke records these words of Jesus: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

I think we get caught up in the fear of witnessing, perhaps we feel inadequate or feel we have nothing to say. Or is it that we don't want to bother people or we think another person's faith life is none of our business.

I have a new appreciation for witnessing to my faith in God through Jesus, as a result of my participation in the Daniel Fast. I've had the opportunity to use my experience to share my faith. Last week I was attending a meeting of a social service organization, the Lion's Club, of which I am a member. As part of our gathering, we have some wonderful dinners. Last week I brought my own meal, one that was "fast friendly". This past Friday, I was at a family gathering and once again brought my own meal, in keeping with the fast. In both instances I received numerous questions about what I was doing and why I was doing it. It led to some good faith discussions.

That is the point of witnessing. I don't believe it is to convince another person to have faith. I believe it is to express our faith, what we believe or why we do what we do as Christians. Let God do the rest.

What opportunities has God placed before you, when you have had the opportunity to share your faith?

My Daniel Fast: 2 weeks down...1 to go (sort of)

Okay, so it has been 10 days since my last post, so I told myself I would provide an update on my progress.

The first thing that comes to mind is 3 weeks really isn't that much time. It has gone quickly. With that in mind, I have made a decision to continue the Daniel Fast through the season of Lent. At this point, I feel like I'm just beginning to benefit from the cleansing provided by the fast, so I want spend some more time with this spiritual discipline.

So what have I discovered so far? I've learned that, as a society, we are fixated on food. It seems that every other commercial is either for a restaurant, food product or weight loss service. When you think of the number of countries where getting enough to eat is a challenge, we flash images on the screen and then run to the pantry. I've also been more conscious about what I am putting into my body; reading the product labels more and asking when I'm out to eat, what's in a particular dish. This time has also given me a glimpse into the experience of those with food allergies, having to go through life making sure you don't eat the "wrong" food. I also appreciate my wife a WHOLE lot more, for going along with me on this and doing a lot of the prep and cooking (I do help out some and I do clean up). I also feel God is in the process of revealing some thoughts and ideas to me, but I will talk about this at the end of my fast.

These are my thoughts for this week. I will try to post weekly or as I gain new insights.

My Daniel Fast Update: Day 5

I am finishing my 5th day of the Daniel Fast, so I thought I would give you an update on my progress.

First, I've had a number of questions as to why I was doing this, was I just giving up coffee and why did I start before the Season of Lent. I am participating in the fast as a spiritual discipline and a means to draw closer to God. I am spending extra time in prayer, reading a devotional related to the fast and have started a biography of John Newton. As I stated in my previous post, the Daniel Fast is basically a vegan diet, but more restrictive. In addition to no animal products, there is no processed foods, no sweeteners of any kind (natural or artificial) and the only beverages are filtered water and juiced fruits. I've started before Lent, because I wanted to keep the fast for the recommended 21 days and to tell you the truth, I have some family obligations at the end of the month, that are not fast friendly. Rather than break the fast for those events, I started early. When I've completed the fast, I will review and see if I wish to continue.

So what have I experienced in these 5 days? I have drunk more water in these past 5 days than at any point I can remember (I've been drinking at least a gallon of water a day). I also miss the variety of foods I am used to eating, but I have tried new foods (my wife is proud of me) that I would not have eaten otherwise, some I like and some I still don't. The biggest difficulty, up to this point, is the caffeine withdrawals. It took 3 days to take effect, but I feel it now. I've had some monster headaches the past 2 days.

Overall I am pleased with my progress. I've been enjoying the extra devotional time with my wife and am looking forward to the next 5 days. I will keep you posted.

Lent: A Season of Renewal, Part 2

In my previous post, I shared a bit about the season of Lent. Now I thought I would share what I am personally doing to observe Lent. While the season doesn't officially begin until Ash Wednesday (February 17th), I decided to begin early. This year I am focusing on renewing myself: body and spirit.

To renew my body I have started an exercise program. I am participating in a "Boot Camp", two days a week at 5:00 am. I don't know what is more difficult, getting up and going before 5 or the grueling work out.

I also started the Daniel Fast today (February 7). When I was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church, I was asked a number of historic questions, that have been asked since the days of John Wesley. One that I have struggled with is: "Will you recommend fasting or abstinence, both by precept and example?" I've only participated in partial fasts, up to this point, usually 1 day a week from sunrise to sunset.

The Daniel Fast is based on Daniel 10:2, 3: “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” The fast is pretty much a vegan diet, but more restrictive. I can eat all fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, quality oils and the only beverage I may have is filtered water. What I think will be more challenging for me is what I have to avoid eating: all meats and animal products, all dairy products, all sweeteners, all leavened bread, all processed food products, all deep fried foods, all non-water beverages - yes this means COFFEE!!

In addition to what I feed my body, I will also be feeding my soul, undertaking additional Bible study and devotionals.

I will be participating in the Fast for the next 21 days, and may continue it throughout Lent. Please keep me and my wife (we're doing this together) in your prayers. I will keep you posted on our progress.

Lent: A Season of Renewal

In the crypts of Westminster Abbey, in London England, the tomb of an Anglican Bishop are said to contain the following inscription.

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened by sights somewhat and decided to change my country. But, it too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

Lent is a season in the Christian year that focuses on self change and self renewal. For those who may not be familiar with the term, Lent is a 40 day period prior to Easter and is used for the preparation of the believer — it recalls the ministry of Jesus, guides us through the death of Jesus and celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus. Conventionally it is described as being forty days long, though different denominations calculate the forty days differently. The forty days represent the time that, according to the Bible, Jesus spent in the wilderness before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation.

In this post, I would like you to reflect on what you might do to promote self renewal this lent, which begins February 17th. What spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible study, devotionals, fasting, sacrificial giving) might you undertake to renew your Christian faith and life?

In my next post, I will share what I am doing personally to renew my body and spirit during Lent. I would also like to hear your ideas and suggestions.

Wesley Freedom Responds to Earthquake in Haiti

I’ve heard from a number of people, wondering how they can help the people of Haiti, in the aftermath of the devastation that struck on Tuesday. As you are already aware sources on the ground indicate that somewhere between 30,000 and 100,000 people have died in this catastrophic quake. You likely also know that Haiti is considered the poorest country in the Americas with an average per capita income of $790 per year (less than $2 per day).

The United Methodist Church is mobilizing to assist in the recovery. At this point in time, what is needed most is financial resources and Health Kits. You may give in two ways: you may donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, online by CLICKING HERE or you may bring your donation to worship with you Sunday, designated for Haiti. Please know that 100% of you donation will be sent to aid in the recovery in Haiti.

We will also be collecting supplies for health kits. Below is the list of items we need. You may drop your health kits in the Gathering Area.

UMCOR requests that the following NEW items be placed in a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.

• 1 hand towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27”. No kitchen towels.
• 1 washcloth
• 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
• 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
• 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
• 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes)
• 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
• $1.00 to purchase toothpaste

(NOTE: Toothpaste is purchased in bulk to be added to health kits to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent.)

Because the emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations and strict rules govern product entry into international countries, UMCOR requires that the kits contain only the requested items – nothing more.

Most importantly, please pray for the people of Haiti and all who have been affected by this tragedy. We know God is present in their suffering and we are being called to reach out in love and service.

I'm a Prophet...What are you?

The scripture for this Sunday (January 17th) is found in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. This passage deals with spiritual gifts; in other words our God given abilities and talents. Out of these 11 verses, I want to focus on four of them, particularly verses 4 to 7: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Determining spiritual gifts can often be cumbersome and confusing. Often, we don't understand a biblical gift within a modern concept. I have taken a number of gift assessments and to be honest, some just don't make sense.

Recently I came across a "Spiritual Type Test", which I found intriguing, enlightening and eye opening. So what is my Spiritual Type? I am a prophet. So what does this mean? According to the description I received, a prophet is:

A crusader with a kingdom spirituality. You experience God best through serving others. You value competence and knowledge, and are good at leading and influencing others. Prophets are devoted to their causes, often becoming assertive and aggressive as you implement a vision of the world as God's kingdom on earth. You are our heroic change agents and we admire you for that. Single-minded and deeply focused, you aren't content until society has been transformed.

Prophets are the least represented spiritual type in the general population. You also are the hardest spiritual type to be around, mainly because you make the rest of us feel guilty for not having the same zeal for change that you do. We admire you for sacrificing your personal life for your hope of the kingdom realized on earth, but we are uncomfortable around martyrs.

You have a courageous and sturdy idealism that takes responsibility for change. But, your passion for transforming society can lead you to become impatient with congregations and their perceived lack of concern. You fit best in a hospitable, like-minded community that shares your vision.

Nevertheless, be careful not to become so involved in your cause that you neglect your inner life. Attend as much to your inner life as outer life. One will nourish the other.

Other people with this Spiritual Type are: Mother Teresa | John Calvin | Lucy (Peanuts) | Rosa Parks | Dorothy Day| Joan of Arc | Martin Luther King, Jr. | Jeremiah | Malcolm X

WOW!!! No pressure here. When I shared the results with my wife, she said: Duh!! Of course!! For my readers, who know me, what do you think? Were my results correct?

So what is your Spiritual Type? Want to find out? Click HERE!! Then let me know what you discovered.