Where to begin?!?! I had quite a day! I started my first day of work today in a new career! The choir did awesome at church tonight and my solo wasn't a flop! but the best thing happened at the end of the night and it was a true answer to prayer! God has been working in my life and in the hearsts of those I love! and a major development happened tonight! Praise God! It was also nice have a friend from the prayer breakfast on Saturday come to church this evening!.
I was reading in Daniel today. the very beginning, where Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo didn't eat the food or drink the wine from the kings table, yet were healthier than the other young men who ate the better fare.
It reminded me of a local pastor, who is my friend. Recently he fasted from food for 40 days! I know the doctors and world would call that reckless and unhealthy, but I can only begin to imagine what the spiritual rewards of starving the flesh are, when it is done to honor and glorify God.
I could not do that today. I don't even foresee myself coming to a spiritual maturity level where this could be possible, but I can see myself where I am right now, and I know that I need to find more ways to starve the "Old Man"!
I worked 10 hours today, woke up way earlier than usual, went right to church from work and right this moment I would like nothing more than to lay back, turn off the lights, turn on the TV and relax! Taking the time to read my bible and write this journal has been tough! But before I pat myself on the back, I need to think of Pastor Ralph and his 40 days without Cheeseburgers, Pizza, Cheesesteaks..... Cheesecake, sharp cheddar cheese before bed..... I guess this wasn't as hard as maybe I though it was, when I said, I've done so great this week. God will accept church tonight as my devotion, right? I didn't hear anyone from above agreeing with me, so there........
Later in the next chapter of Daniel, the king had his dreams. It struck me how Daniel didn't just cover his own butt, or his 3 buddies..... He urged the king not to kill all of the wise men. I'm sure some of the same men who would later orchestrate his nice stay with Leo. And I'm reminded that my job isn't just to take care of myself, but those around me....
I have been feeling a strong burden for the lost lately, maybe because I can relate to them so much myself lately. Regardless.... I need to be praying for those around me that don't believe. The ones who love me or even like me. And those that don't. Maybe especially the latter!
All I know id the rain has become a drizzle, the sun is shining through the clouds and today this walk has been a little easier and the rewards a little more apparent. Praise God, and don't let me forget why it has been getting better and who I should be thankful to and worship!!!!!!
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