40 Days and 40 Nights

So a few weeks ago we were at our friend's house and again the subject of a fast came up. They had gone on a previous fasting period of 40 days with no media. It got me thinking and praying, and asking what God was trying to tell me, and to let m mind be opened to what he wanted for me. Again a few days later the subject was brought up, and I prayed again. God was telling me to take some time away from television. Take some time to spend with Him, His word, my family, and my household. So I spoke about this with Paul and asked what he thought about doing the 40 day fast with me. I told him that I thought it would be important to take this time and lean on God and not ourselves and what we wanted out of this time.

I told some of our friends, and got some mixed responses. Many people think it is a little out there to start right out of the gate with a 40 day fast. I think it is important to be challenged. It would not be hard for us to do a week, because we are always out and about. It is really only Monday Night and Thursday Night that we are really even home to watch T.V. (besides the fact that we normally have it on as background noise to fall asleep to) So we are focused and ready for the challenge ahead.

So today is day one. And so far for me... it is easy, and enjoyable! I came home early today as I thought I was sick. I went to the care clinic at Walgreen's and it turns out my horrible allergies are back with a vengeance. So I left feeling horrible, and most of the time when I am sick I curl up with my jammies and my pillow and watch T.V. until I can't keep my eyes open. Paul is however sick, not allergies (we think) but really sick. He slept most of the early evening and I had some choices to make. I have a book that I wanted to start reading, or I could start reading God's word and dive in there.

So I made the choice to get into God's Word. Not really knowing where to start, I thought about what I had heard with the student this weekend during Premiere Weekend. And how I really did not know a lot of history behind the Bible, and that the History of the Bible changes how things are interpreted. For example in Matthew 16:24-27. It speaks about taking up your cross daily. Well it was taught this weekend the History behind what was going on during this time. Cesar was King, and he was a very jealous king. He wanted to be Lord, so much so that he would send the Roman soildurers into the city and at any time the Roman citizens could be stopped and asked to recite the Roman Law. They would then have to bow their head in reverence place palms facing up and as loud as they could proclaim that Cesar is Lord. Well Jesus had told the Disciples that "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me." It was said that Cesar would have these BIG extravaganzas and invite the Romans, but before they could enter the party they had to go before Cesar and recite the Roman Law. Well it is said that many people were invited and screamed JESUS IS LORD. About 300 Christians were taken around he city as they drug a cross. All at one time they were crucified around the city for confessing with their mouth that Jesus is Lord. And right before they were crucified, the soldiers would tell the Christians "Take up your cross" After the Christians passed no one was allowed to take the bodies down, soon all that was left was a skeleton on the cross.

Had I never heard the history (You had to be there to hear the whole thing) I would have continued thinking the basic say Jesus is Lord. But now that I know, and I know what those people were put through, it changes that scripture TOTALLY. So that being said, I am digging into God's Word (The TRUTH) one day at a time. I went to BibleGateway.com and looked up the Chronological Reader Guide. I went back to January 1st because I wanted to start at the beginning. I read Genesis 1-3 and I read it in all the translations that I have. I first read it in my McArthur NASB Version, then My grandfathers Prophesy (NKJV) Bible, and then The New Living Translation. It is interesting how they are all the same but you get so much from each translation... I am swallowing a bitterness pill as I am reading all of the commentary and footnotes about Eve and her decision. Man how I am like that today. I am stuck in my independence and have never really submitted to anyone. Yes I am a Christian, but I battle giving my heart daily over to Christ. McArthur writes: the woman sinned because she acted independently of her husband, disdaining his leadership, counsel, and protection (did I say OUCH yet?) The man sinned because he abandoned his leadership and followed he wishes of his wife. In both cases, God's intended roles were reversed.

Needless to say, God has me right where he wants me. And as much as I wanted to start reading Twighlight... I think God has captured my attention with something Real and more fascinating then I could have ever imagined. Now to put into practice what I am learning is going to be tough for me... So I will need all of the prayers and support that I can get!

Thank you all for your support in this journey... I know that it is only day one but I am enjoying where God is going to continue to lead me!
Until Tomorrow...