It's My Birthday and I Laugh if I Want To! =D

Some people belive that birthdays should not be celebrated that in doing so you are being selfish. I choose to celebrate my birthday regardless what people think because it is one of those moments in my life in which I reflect on what God has given me and what I have given back to Him.


It is a milestone in my life. I like a defenition I read that went something like this "a milestone can be used to reassure travellers that the proper path is being followed, and to indicate either distance travelled or the remaining distance to a destination." I could not say it better myself!


This birthday makes a great milestone for me. I am in a place in my life where my purpose is clear, I am sorrounded by amazing people and I am blessed with an abundant life. The distance travelled has served as great lessons, memories, wisdom and many goals achieved. I know that what ever my destination might be, the one I plan and the one God has planned for me will be an amazing journey. A journey filled with joy, health and love. With love being the greatest of them all!

 It's My Birthday and I Laugh if I Want To!

Ivis

Gipsy Kings - Amor,Amor (unplugged)

hE IS ONE SEXY DUDE-Great combo-Shakira - La Tortura feat. Alejandro Sanz

She is one sexy latin- love her voice. .Shakira - Illegal (featuring Carlos Santana) ft. Santana

I feel the tug

Forgiveness


I have had this word in my mind for a couple weeks already. I have searched within my soul to really understand why God has been bugging me with it. So I think I found out why.

Sometimes we go around dragging extra luggage, or burdens. Things that are not necessary to carry around that we forget that are still there. But suddenly out of no where we slow down and feel a little less energy than usual or we stop because we feel a tug in our heart and in our soul. All of a sudden we realize the burden is there. When we get in the rhythm of things we forget we are still hanging on to them. Until a bump on the road or a voice from above reminds us that we are hanging on to them.

I believe God has put this word forgiveness, in my heart because I need to ask for it. I need to put it out there in the universe. I need to put out a request for forgiveness for things I have done or said with or without intending to do it but that in the process hurt someone or perhaps caused a bump on their road. It is so difficult to admit wrong doing sometimes. Our ego and stubbornness take over and we continue on our journey pretending that it will go away, or that it never happened.

I speak for myself, but I know that I am not the only one that at some point has done something they know they need to say sorry for. Or something said that they would love to take back. Or perhaps even something never said that would have made a difference.

Forgiving others, asking for forgiveness and forgiving ourselves is liberating. It means no more baggage, no more selfishness or stubbornness. God forgives us everyday for the silly things and crazy things we do. And why should we not do the same? Forgiveness is a principle that free us from ourselves.

I am sorry. I am sorry for the pain I have caused you and for everything that I have done. For those things that where intentional for the ones that where not.

I release only love to you.
 
Your friend,
Ivis
 

Photo from http://blogs.targetx.com/pbu/Sam/

Bruno Mars- Count on me (lyrics/Download)

Talking about renewing

Good morning friends,

Just a thought...
This weekend has not even started and already I have been faced with plenty of challenges. Lack of sleep, sore body from too much exercise some voluntary and some not. Its funny how when you are in touch with God, in touch with yourself through Him, your perspective on things change for the better.

I have been tested to anger, to loose hope, to be tire but instead in the midst of the test I have found myself stronger and forgiving and hope full. I see the purpose behind all things, even the ones that I do not understand. I love it when God surprises you with angels and friends that go the extra mile to help you, to encourage you and to get things done even when you don't ask for help. God is watching, God knows your limits and He makes sure that He supplies the tools and people necessary to make things work.

This one is for you Olga. Thanks for going far and beyond your call of duty. ;)

Your friend,
Ivis

Renewing and Reviving

Hello friends,

The end of blogging the fasting has come so that we may continue to share stories, thoughts and poetry with you. I will continue the daily devotional and fasting on my own and invite you to the the same by visiting the site directly. I hope that this fasting has encouraged you to renew and revive your mind, body and spirit.
It has encouraged me to make a commitment to God and myself to be a better person, to reflect the love of God to the world.
http://victoryatl.com/Default.aspx?p=12518

This week we will continue on our journey together on Oasis of Good News.

Quick updates on the blanket collection in California:
We collected 6 blankets and decided to send them to Cuba. My aunt had just returned from a short trip there and said that there is a great need for blankets as for many other things. So we took the opportunity to make the Blanket Collection International. So excited and blessed to know that in February Cuba will also be touched by the love of those in the USA that donated a blanket-Thanks to Kristy and all her friends. :)

Stay tuned for the Atlanta Blanket Collection~

Your friend,
Ivis

Hillsong - Mighty to Save - With Subtitles/Lyrics

Day 8 - Revival

Day 8 - Revival

Renewal in The Body of Christ

Scripture: Psalm 85:6 (NLT) "Won't you revive us again, so your people can rejoice with you? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation."

Personal Reflection: Revival is an awakening of our relationship with God that motivates us to place him first – first in our thoughts, first in our time, first in our activities, first in the way we spend our money. Out of love, we make Him a priority in our lives. However, much of the American Church has become anesthetized to its need for revival, so distracted by the demands of 'doing' ministry that our ears are often tuned more to the voices of those around us than to the Spirit within us. Although our faith is in Jesus, we've grown complacent and cold toward the disciplines required for a church to be alive in Christ, with a heart for the gospel and a love for a lost and dying world. Ask God to remove any obstacles that would hinder the Body of Christ from experiencing genuine revival and a renewed spirit of evangelism.

Take a moment to journal.


Finish this sentence: I want to commit passionately to...

Additional Scripture Support: Psalms 19:12-14; 1 John 2:3-6; James 1:22-24; Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 9:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3

Praying Through Scripture:

Psalm 139:23; 1 John 1: 6, 8-9; Psalm, 85:6; Psalm 67:2(MSG)

Jesus, investigate your church, find out everything about it; cross-examine and test it to get a clear picture of what it's about. See if we have done anything wrong and then guide us along the road of eternal life. If we claim that we experience a shared life with you and continue to stumble around in the dark, we're obviously lying through our teeth – we're not living what we claim. If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins – walk away from them – you won't let us down, you will be true and will forgive us and purge us of all wrongdoing. Help us make a fresh start – a resurrection life. Then your people will laugh and sing! Then the whole country will see how you work, all the godless nations will see how you save.

Amen.

Day 7- Holiness

Day 7- Holiness

My favorite verse: Jeremiah 1:5 (New International Version, ©2010)


5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,


before you were born I set you apart;


I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”


Week One: Renewal in The Body of Christ

Scripture: Leviticus 20:26 (NLT ) "You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to my very own."

Personal Reflection: In a time when the very foundations of our nation are being shaken, it is essential for the body of Christ to walk in holiness. Holiness is a "setting apart" or "consecration" of God's people from the world. However, in many cases, the church in America is difficult to distinguish from the world around them – living by the standards of culture rather than by the standards of the Word. Pray for the body of Christ that we might return to holiness before God. Not simply pious outward activity, rather, the imprint of God's holy love expressed through unwavering faith, the truthfulness of the Word, kindness, justice, mercy and generosity.

Take a moment to journal.
Finish this sentence: I want to commit passionately to...

Additional Scripture Support: Isaiah 6:3; Rev. 4:8; Jer. 1:5; II Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14; 2 Tim. 2:20-22; 2 Chr. 7:14

Praying Through Scripture:

Deut. 7:6-21 (MSG)

Jesus, I pray for the church to be holy because we recognize that we are people set apart as holy to you, our God. God, our God, you chose us out of all the people on the Earth for yourself as a cherished, personal treasure. You weren't attracted to us and didn't choose us because of our own importance – the fact is, we're nothing. You did it out of sheer love, keeping the promise you made from the beginning. You've stepped in and mightily brought us out of slavery to sin and freed us from the oppression of the enemy. We know that we can depend on you. You keep your promise of loyal love to those who love you and obey your Word for a thousand generations. Holy Spirit, help your church to keep your Word. When the church does its part, obeying your Word, keeping and following it, God will, on His part, keep the promise of love he made to love, bless and increase your people beyond all other people, to get rid of sickness and all oppression from our midst. God you are holy, you are among us, majestic and awesome.

Amen.

Day 6 Endurance

Day 6 Endurance

Week One: Personal Renewal

Day Six: Endurance

*My favorite quote today: James 1:2-4 (New International Version, ©2010)



Trials and Temptations


Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 (NLT ) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."

Personal Reflection: It's easy to run a race when you're energized, well trained and have just the right clothing and shoes. What about when you're tired, don't feel like you've trained enough, and have to run in heavy clothing and boots? The difference is, you'd probably finish the first race, but give up – exhausted – on the second. In this verse, Paul is warning us that the trials and testing of life will slow us down if we don't spend time energizing ourselves through faith. Additionally, if we carry sin around it will easily trip us up and weight us down. Ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you in renewing your strength through the Word and in prayer. Also ask Him to reveal any sin in your life so that those weights can be removed.

Take a moment to journal.


Finish this sentence: I want to commit passionately to...

Additional Scripture Support: Psalms 37:9; Luke 8:15; Romans 5:1-5; Romans 8:18-25; 1 Tim. 6:11-12; James 1:2-4; 2 Peter 1:2-8; James 5:10-11; 1 Thes. 1:2-3

Praying Through Scripture:

Isaiah 48:28-31 (MSG)

Jesus, I know that you don’t come and go – you last. You are the creator of all that I can see or imagine. You don’t get tired, don't pause to catch your breath and you know everything, inside and out. Thank you that you energize me when I get tired and give me fresh strength when I feel like dropping out. It doesn't matter my age we are all prone to getting tired, stumbling and falling. But, I know if I wait on you, you will give me a fresh strength. I will spread my wings and soar like an eagle. I will run and not get tired, and I will walk and not lag behind.

Amen.

Day 5 Lukewarmness

Week One: Personal Renewal

Day 5: Lukewarmness

Scripture: Rev. 3:15-17 (NLT ) "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot or cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked."

Personal Reflection: If you're a coffee drinker, you understand that coffee is either good really hot or really cold, but if you drink it lukewarm it tastes terrible. The greatest danger facing each of us is being lukewarm in our faith - choosing to be indifferent to the commands of Christ, yet remain in the church pew. In America, we suffer from a great malady: those who call themselves Christians and can only validate this claim with statements like, "I go to church," "I was raised in a Christian home," or "I was baptized when I was young." A lukewarm Christian is very hard to distinguish from the world and, a lot of times, is passing off pop-psychology or positive thinking for real relationship with Christ Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the condition of your heart and guide you out of "middle of the road" Christianity toward a burning passion for serving Him.

Take a moment to journal.

Finish this sentence: I want to commit passionately to...

Additional Scripture Support: Phil. 3:13-14; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; Matt. 5:3; Romans 6; Prov. 13:7; Mark 10:24; Luke 1:53; Luke 6:24

Praying Through Scripture:

2 Cor. 13:5 & Romans 12:3 (MSG)

Jesus, test me and teach me to test myself to make sure that I am solid in the faith. Show me anywhere that I may be drifting along and taking things for granted. Holy Spirit, remind me to give myself regular checkups and give me first-hand insight into the condition of my heart. If I fail in any area, reveal it to me so that I can do something about it. I want to continually walk in a deep gratitude for all that Christ has given me and especially my responsibilities as His representative. I want to live in pure grace and not misrepresent myself as someone who is bringing goodness to God but remember that He brings all goodness to me. I commit understanding myself by what God is and what He does for me, not by how I see myself and what I can do.

Day 4 - Complacency

Day 4 - Complacency

Week One: Personal Renewal

Day Four: Complacency

Scripture: Rev. 3:1b-3 (NLT ) "I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive – but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you first heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don't, I will come to you suddenly, as an unexpected thief."

Personal Reflection: Complacency is a sickness in today's world, especially in America. Too often, we become comfortable and self-satisfied because everything seems fine in our life and we're happy and comfortable. It’s this very comfort that puts us at the greatest risk. When we are in need, we take God seriously and seek Him for guidance, strength and wisdom. But, when we are fed, comfortable and prosperous, it's easy to become complacent about God. It's a wise person who remembers that no matter what our circumstances in this life, God is with us daily in times of both need and prosperity. Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in revealing to you areas in your life in which you've become complacent.

Take a moment to journal.


Finish this sentence: I want to commit passionately to...

Additional Scripture Support: Hosea 13:5-6; James 4:17; 1 Kings 11:1-4; 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Peter 5:8; Zeph. 1:12; Amos 6:1; 1 Cor. 16:13

Praying Through Scripture:

2 Timothy 4:3-7 (MSG)

Jesus, I know that there are going to be times when people, maybe even myself, have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food – catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. Help me not to turn my back on truth to chase mirages, but instead, to keep my eye on what I'm doing, accepting the hard times along with the good; keeping your Word alive; doing a good job as your servant. I hand my life over to you, dying to myself so that my life can be a sacrifice to you. This is the only race worth running. Thank you for the strength to run hard right to the finish, believing your truth all the way.

Amen.

Day 3 - Worldliness

Day 3 - Worldliness

Week One: Personal Renewal

Day Three: Worldliness

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Personal Reflection: We must always be careful about those things that come into our lives to deceive us and divide our thinking. The word "worldliness," for most, brings to mind images of sex, drugs and rock & roll; while these things can certainly be an outward reflection of an inward heart turned toward the world, perhaps the most subtle and damaging form of worldliness comes when we allow our culture to define our values; when money, power and/or status cloud our definition of success; when we think our job is our security; when we seek first a career, a mate or material object rather than seeking first the kingdom of heaven. Ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse you of the idols in your life. You can tell whether or not something has taken priority over God in your life by how much time you spend with it or thinking about it.

Take a moment to journal.

Finish this sentence: I want to commit passionately to...

Additional Scripture Support: Prov. 4:23; Matt. 15:16-20; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Col. 2:8; Deut. 7:26, 8:18; Gal. 5:19-24

Praying Through Scripture:

1 Corinthians 1:19-23 (MSG)

Jesus, I would rather the world call me a fool for following you, than to conform to what the world calls smart – for those things that the world considers smart you see as foolishness. You see through the smoke screens of those who think themselves wise. Forgive me where I have bragged in my own conceit and forgotten that I am privileged to call you my Savior, my Lord and my King.

Amen.

Day 2 - Compromise

Day 2 - Compromise

Week One: Personal Renewal

Day Two: Compromise

Scripture: Rev. 2:14-15 (NLT ) "But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching."

Personal Reflection: Jesus and the writers of both our Old and New Testaments warned us that there would be teachers, philosophies, ideas and arguments that present themselves against the Word of God. Where we sometimes go wrong is in thinking that these things will be blatant in their attempts to lead us astray. However, the devil is much more clever than that; rather than blatantly opposing God’s Word, he will entice us into compromise with widely accepted ideas which cause us to relax our moral views on issues in which the Bible takes a clear stand. Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart for any area of compromise, any way of thinking and any unbelief that you may have that is contrary to God’s Word. Allow His cleansing power to burn away your imperfections, causing His light to shine even more clearly through you.

Take a moment to journal.


Finish this sentence: I want to commit passionately to...

Additional Scripture Support: Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:5-6; Rom.3:3-4; Gal. 1:7-8; Col. 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:1-9; 2 Peter 2:13-21

Praying Through Scripture:

Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG)

Jesus, I know that you came not to diminish the Word or the law, but to be its complete fulfillment. Help me to be the true salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors on this earth. Forgive me for the areas that I’ve lost my saltiness and help me to become useful. I commit to no longer hiding my light under a bucket, rather, I’m setting it out so that it may shine brightly and bring out the God-colors in this world. You are not a secret to be kept but a promise that should shine brightly as a city on a hill. Now that I’ve placed you there, give me the strength to shine; to be open with my life, generous and prompting others to open up to you, our generous Father in heaven.

Amen.

Week One: Personal Renewal

Week One: Personal Renewal


Day One: Lovelessness



Scripture: Rev. 2:4-5 (NLT ) "But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you've fallen. Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don't repent, I will come and remove your lamp stand from its place among the churches"



Personal Reflection: We all remember the first moments of our first love; we were captivated by every thought of the one to whom our affections flowed. Putting on our best behavior, doing everything to get and stay in their attentive focus, talking, dreaming and thinking about them all day, every day. But, something happens after a while, the wonder and amazement of those first moments begin to fade and we take the one we love for granted instead, turning our attention to other pursuits – our job, new friends, kids, etc. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area in your life where you've turned from your initial passion and love of God so that you can receive cleansing and forgiveness and set your focus completely upon Jesus Christ and seeking His kingdom.



Take a moment to journal.


Finish this sentence: I want to commit passionately to...



Additional Scripture Support: Isaiah 1; Isaiah 40:28-31; Titus 3:3-7; Col. 3:8-10; Psalm 51:10; Rom. 12:2-3



Praying Through Scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (MSG)

Jesus, I know that it doesn't matter if I speak with all intelligence, or the appearance of angelic authority – if my speech isn't first from a place of love, it's nothing but a creaking gate. It doesn't matter if I speak God's Word with power, revealing mysteries and making everything as plain as day; or if I have faith that says to this mountain "jump," and it jumps, if I don't have love, I am nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and give my very life as a martyr, but don't love – I've gotten nowhere. I know that no matter what I say, what I believe and what I do, without love I am bankrupt. Forgive me for those times that I've forgotten you, my first love.

Amen.



PLUS, DON'T MISS THIS AWESOME OPPORTUNITY!

We also want to make you aware of a powerful event that is happening during this fast. Beginning Monday, January 10th, is the Awake21 Virtual Conference. Inspired by Daniel's passionate example of seeking after God - morning, noon and night (Daniel 6), Awake21.org will host 3 to 4 sessions daily, for 21 days. During the fast, people from anywhere in the world can attend the Awakening Virtual Conference, where over 70 of some of the most influential leaders in the Church today will be speaking on topics such as: Spending time with God
Putting God first in the New Year
Prayer
Fasting
The believer going deeper in their relationship with God. Click here to find out more and to enjoy the conference: www.awake21.org/conference

Hello Friends,

This year I will be doing a fasting along with the Church I use to attend when I lived in Georgia. I am doing the fasting for several personal reasons, but most importantly to be more connected with my Source, with my Creator and in the process continue to pursue my life purpose with a clearer vision.

Fasting is a personal and unique experience with God for each individual. You may choose to fast from food, tv, internet, facebook,sex, sports, texting, vices etc. Fasting is a sacrificial act of obedience and commitment. Although not always an easy venture to begin,  in the end its reward will surpass our expectations. It will creat a different type of hunger.


"When you fast… you become hungry. At first it may be hunger for food or whatever you are fasting from, but as the initial hunger pangs or longings cease, a new desire is formed. Fasting causes you to hunger in the midst of abundance."


I look forward to sharing this fasting experience with you for the next 21 days. I will post every weeks fasting theme and readings. This will be an amazing year for all us. One that will be filled with abundance of health, joy and above all love when we focus not on ourself, but on the power and purpose of our Creator for our lives. 

I will begin my 1st day on Tues 1/11/11 lets do it together.


Let this journey begin!! :)

Ivis





PREPARING: 

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting by Victory World Church.

Isaiah 58:6-9 NIV84

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

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Why Everyone Should Fast


If you’ve never fasted, now is the best time, as this is a joint venture! In the New Testament, Jesus made mention of “when we fast” (not “if”), telling us that this should be a regular discipline in our lives. Types of Fasts You may choose a “Daniel Fast” – a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, or you can participate in a total fast, consisting of water only, or a liquid fast of fresh juices. Other was to participate include fasting from television, radio, internet or anything that you recognize as having control over your life. Fasting is something the entire family can participate in to varying degrees – each person in his/her own way. About Fasting It is much easier to fast while active. Fasting will cause hunger pangs initially, but you will get the energy you need from stored fat in the body. If you are under the care of a Physician, please seek his/her advice regarding the level of participation that is best suited to your physical condition. Why Fast? Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all those discussed in the Bible. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life and produce incredible results. Prayer alone is mighty, but when combined with fasting, it produces a powerful force which hell cannot prevail against. Filling Ourselves During a Fast The secret to being filled with the Spirit of God is first to empty ourselves. Through fasting, we empty ourselves of food so that He can fill us. Food is man’s greatest carnal impulse. Fasting helps you “master” this appetite. When you can control the strongest appetite, you can gain control of the other carnal appetites as well. Your appetite acts as a prayer alarm. Instead of eating to satisfy your cravings, you pray. This keeps you focused all day long. We replace pleasures of the flesh with spiritual pleasure. Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Taste is a trigger, which sets off certain physical and mental reactions or connections. When you taste the Lord through fasting and prayer, it triggers various reactions in your heart.


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Best Ways to Prepare for a Fast


Best Ways to Prepare for the Fast While hunger pangs and weakness can be an expected part of many fasts, you need not dehydrate, faint or get sick while fasting. There are several ways to prepare yourself physically for a healthy fast. Days Before the Fast • Stop eating foods that are high in caffeine and sugar • Begin drinking more water than usual Day Before the Fast • Eat something small every two hours • Avoid foods with caffeine and salt • Drink plenty of water Final Meal Before the Fast • Plan the final meal early enough in the afternoon so that there’s no rush to finish before your fast begins • Plan the menu of this final meal so that it contains high carbohydrates and low salts • Do not eat too much in the meal before the fast, but drink plenty of water Good Advice for Ending Your Fast After 21 days of fasting you may be tempted to “jump right back in” and eat some of the foods you’ve missed. However, it’s much better to ease back into your normal eating habits rather than suffer from an upset stomach by loading it with foods it’s not ready to digest. Here are some healthy ideas for ending your fast: • Begin with the simple B.R.A.T diet recommended for upset stomachs – Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast • Begin with brothy soups and avoid heavy carbs and proteins • Eat something small and light every two hours and drink plenty of water Health Benefits of a Fast In addition to the countless spiritual benefits a person experiences through fasting, there are also many valuable health benefits. • The body goes through a natural detoxification process, allowing the release of poisons and toxins from the system • Energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use, and instead is routed to the metabolism and immune system • You become rejuvenated due to an improved immune system, as well as the increased production of hormones • The body begins to use its fat stores as an energy source, which positively affects your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and weight.


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Fasting Increases Sensitivity to God


Luke 2:36-38 NIV84


There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty‑four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.


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Fasting Increases Sensitivity to God


From this account of the widow woman, Anna, we can see that fasting and prayer had developed such a keep sensitivity in her that she perceived the Christ child at only a few days old. She could hear clearly what God was saying.




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Fasting Works Humility

Psalm 35:13 NIV84

Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,

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Fasting Works Humility

When we fast, we deny ourselves food; we often feel our natural strength waning. In our weakness, we find ourselves more dependent upon God. It is a confrontation with the flesh; a time when we deny it satisfaction and provision. It is a time of turning aside from what we can provide, and turning toward what God alone can give. This is often the setting for a confrontation between the spirit and the flesh. After forty days in the wilderness, Jesus was hungry physically; Satan came to tempt Him – to use His position as the Son of God to create bread from stone. But, instead, Jesus humbled Himself and answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~Matthew 4:4

My New Favorite Song

Next post coming soon! May the new year begin with a smile from cheek to cheek :)