Testimonies
January 30, 2008
I have continued to receive numerous praise reports about the Daniel Fast. Not only spiritual break throughs and physical needs being met, but also several who lost significant pounds off their weight. I would like to hear more. Please comment to this blog and let the good reports roll!
Weekly Note From the Pastor
January 24, 2008
My family had the privilege of going to the Fort Worth rodeo this week with the Winters family and a couple of other TCOC families. It had been a while since I had been to a rodeo event. I was reminded of the smells, the dress, and the Black Angus hotdogs that made my “Fast” food of nuts and water very difficult to get down. It is certainly a different atmosphere with the slang grammar and cowboy metaphors reverberating through the coliseum. The toughness of these athletes earns the respect of every onlooker as a glimpse of the old, rugged west is relived.
During the bull riding (the last and most popular event) every person sits on the edge of their seat to see if the rider and clown survive unscathed for a hopeful eight seconds and the dismount and exit that follows. At one point, a horned muscle of beef caught a brave clown coming in to protect a bucked bull rider and was thrown, as the announcer bellowed, fifteen feet in the air. It was a scary moment as every person held their breath hoping to see his bravery rewarded. They got him up, but he did not continue with his responsibilities. He now needed a doctor to tend to his pain.
We all have varying roles to play in life. Sometimes we are in the center ring; sometimes we are in the crowd. Other times we are the protector and yet other times the doctor. Whatever time it is for you, do it as unto the Lord.
“No matter what you do, work at it with all your might. Remember, you are going to your grave. And there isn’t any work or planning or knowledge or wisdom there.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIRV
Fast Food
January 17, 2008
This is an e-mail I got this morning from Mike Herrin. It is not only encouraging, but some good information about an appropriate food supplement to eat during this fast…
Jeff and Shawn, I found a nutrition bar that has helped tremendously. Called Natralean: NO dairy, wheat, corn, soy, peanuts, or MSG. Low glycemic high in fiber; 240 calories12 g protein. I buy them from Tobi Fisk cell is 214 552 8837. If you think appropriate, please forward or post on the blog, etc. Hope you all are doing well. This fast is greatness. Focus and time spent reading, praying, etc. I am extremely grateful.Thanks,Mike
Weekly Note From the Pastor
January 16, 2008
The enemy knows how to hit you where it hurts, especially during a fast. And he never fights fair; he will take cheap shots and hit below the belt every chance he gets. As I warned when we started, his goal, to steal, kill, and destroy, is intensified when God’s people humble themselves and pray sacrificially and in unity as we are. But do not be discouraged, the Scripture proclaims, “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19 NKJV). He may come in with such force that He seems unstoppable. Though, we at times may become weary and distraught, if we faint not, God will raise His banner that holds back any tide. His discernment is most powerful and nothing gets around His defense. We have been assured victory as long as we do not give up.
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15 NIV
Weekly Note From the Pastor
January 9, 2008
Fasting can enhance the spiritual senses if approached with the right heart. It is like being unable to see very clearly and then putting on glasses for the first time. Never realizing just how limited you were because of your natural adjustment, the distinction of the smallest details now become so vivid. Another example is like having bad hearing and getting hearing aides for the first time; what a difference! Suddenly, sounds that you haven’t heard in years are enjoyed with clarity and fulfillment. Those sights and sounds were always there, we just didn’t have the ability to receive them. Fasting can have that same effect if we will look past the dinner plate and allow God to reveal Himself to us. If our hunger pains would turn to a desire for what we have been missing from the Lord, I know He can satisfy our longing in ways we never dreamed.
“What God has planned for people who love him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard. It has never even entered our minds!” 1 Corinthians 2:9 CEV
Daniel Fast
January 9, 2008
Is anyone else hungry or am I the only one? I sure am proud to hear of so many who are making great efforts to do this Daniel Fast with me. Even young people are committed to it! I am humbled by your participation and showing your support in such a way. I believe God will minister to each of you in amazing ways over these 21 days. I have appreciated the recipes I have seen being e-mailed back and forth. And I have heard some very funny and cute stories just in these first three days. I really can’t say it enough; I am just beaming with joy because of the unity! You are in my prayers daily. And I pray we are transformed into who He desires, and not a hungry pack of wolves by the time this over!
Weekly Note From the Pastor
January 2, 2008
When you take on the responsibility of a new pet (at the infant stage), it is like raising a child. There are so many important things: the nurturing, the food, the potty training, the way that you discipline, and right on down the list. Sometimes there is crying and whining involved and you have to get up in the middle of the night. There are messes to clean up, teething issues to deal with, and problems of outgrowing their stuff. There are baths, doctor visits for shots and check-ups, learning to get along with others and sharing. Yet through those experiences, a pet becomes part of the family.
I have been asked on more than one occasion if I believed that our pets will be seen in the afterlife. I am reminded of this each time my kids watch the Disney movie; “All Dogs Go To Heaven.” There is not much scriptural basis to support this theory, but I know God created all things and looked upon it and said it was good. However, I do know that He sent His Son for mankind, and I want to make sure that I am spreading His Gospel to those who are created in His image. For man is the one who sinned and was separated from our Creator, and to whom redemption is offered through Christ.
“At one time you were separated from God. You were enemies in your minds because of your evil ways. But because Christ died, God has brought you back to himself. Christ’s death has made you holy in God’s sight.” Colossians 1:20, 21a NIRV
