21 Day Fast Day 21

Today is the final day of our 21 Day Fast, January 28, 2024.

I hope it went well for you. I really enjoyed this fast. I added  a couple of things to it making it potentially more challenging, but it turned out to be just the opposite. It afforded me more time with my wife and more time to think and pray. I believe the Lord is calling us to a greater level of consecration to him and the plans he has for us. These verses came to mind as I thought about how God thinks of us. The example I’m going to give may seem so far above us, but you never know how God may lead us. We just need to be open, obedient and faithful to do the things he’s calling us to do.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (ESV) 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

The Apostle Paul was not being overly dramatic here when he said, “The time of my departure has come.” He knew it was coming and he wanted to encourage his young protege to be encouraged by what God was going to do for him. I believe it’s also what he wants to do for us, i.e. give us a crown of  righteousness. We qualify if we long for his appearing. This is not a Diadem royal crown, but a laurel wreath like those given to the winner of a marathon. 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV) 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

May God continue to challenge us to go deeper and receive his blessings as we keep in step with him.

Love and blessings,

Pastor Ray
 
Keep reading these verses and let them become part of you!

Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

1 Corinthians 13:4  Love is patient, love is kind.

Acts 1:8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Isaiah 41:10  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Ephesians 2:10  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

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