Fasting "Journal"...

As we start our week-long fast for God's direction for 2009 at New Life today, you may want to start a fasting "journal" to record insights God gives you during the week.  If you already journal regularly, you can include any insights in it.  If you aren't one who journals regularly, though, this week would be a good time to add that discipline to your routine.  As you are fasting, God may open up new understandings as you read the Bible, or He may show you areas of your life where you He plans to work in 2009.  He may also show you "big picture" ideas that will help you, your family, or the New Life family grow and serve in 2009.  As the old saying goes, "The palest ink is better than the best memory."  That's why a journal is a great idea, especially during times of spiritual growth such as an extended fast.

One additional reminder about fasting:  If you have health concerns "normal" fasts which excludes everything except water and juices, may not be a good idea.  If you haven't fasted before, then a "Daniel fast" which I described in another post, may be a good fast for you to use this week.  In the Daniel fast, meat and "rich foods" are excluded, and water and juice are the only drinks to be consumed.  Remember:  Fasting is NOT a diet.  Fasting is not to PROVE to God that you love Him.  Fasting is abstaining from something--usually food--for a period of time for a SPIRITUAL PURPOSE, in our case to discern God's will for our lives individually and as a church family in 2009!