Soul Talk

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40 Day Fast

Fasting has never been something I aspired to do. I laughed at the comment by Reggie McNeil, "I fast faster than most people. I fast in between meals."

But this past week I felt God leading me to fast. So for the next 40 days I will. My fast is from television. I'll confess to you that my typical schedule includes 2-3 hours of TV at least 4 days a week.

I'm on my third day but already I have enjoyed more time in reading and praying. I'm beginning to feel like the noise that keeps me from sensing God is dimenishing. I suppose it's too early to say, but I honestly believe God is pleased with my fast, and He is speaking to me in ways I have longed for.

There are challenges. Our family time is often around the TV so I'll have to be creative to plan times together away from television, but I embrace the challenge.

I am not suggesting that God is challenging you to fast, but I can say with conviction He has called me to this time.  My fast will be over at the end of March. Maybe I'll have more to say along the way. I'll invite you to pray for me that I would remain faithful, and open to the voice of God.

My Brothers in Blue

I spent a couple of hours yesterday in a leadership meeting exploring a truly amazing partnership between Westside Family Church and the "Inner-change Freedom Initiative" (IFI) at Lansing State Prison.  IFI is an amazing organization that works with men who are about to be released from prison. In the 2-3 years before their release these men are brought into a community of "brothers in blue" where they learn how to succeed outside the walls. The men receive vocational training and mentoring, and are welcomed into a community that is the closest thing to the Acts 2 church I have seen in my lifetime.  I visited the prison once, for about two hours, and met dozens of men whose lives are being touched by our amazing God! I plan to return in a couple of weeks for more training so that I can be a mentor for some of these men.

Tears come to my eyes as I consider the incredible blessing I have received to know these men and the God they love. Here are a few lessons I am taking with me:

1. True life with God begins at the point of complete surrender to Him.

2. The transformational power of God is not bound by the institutions of men. God's spirit knows no bounds.

3. The pathway to life's greatest joy is knowing and serving God as we know and serve others.

Honoring those who give

I have observed a debate among some friends, and others that I love, on the subject of whether or not the church should honor those who give generously. Most of my friends urged caution, or advised against any such recognition.  But I heard an argument tonight that makes me think it is not only appropriate, but is needed.

Consider this: We recognize those who lead groups of others to reach people, or disciple people, or teach children, or help with administrative gifts. Why, when we recognize, and appreciate all of these gifts, would we fail to extend the same grace to those with the gift of giving?

Those who love to give should not be valued above others because of their giving, but all who exercise their gifts in serving the body should be apreciated. Why are we so afraid to thank those who give?