Genesis 6:1, 5-6,17 Now, it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful: and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. . . . And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die.
Genesis 10-12 This will cover the genealogy from Noah’s son, Shem, to the birth of Abraham
Genesis 12:1-3 Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house. To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation: I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 21—-read through and find that Sarai birthed Isaac
Genesis 41:31-41 So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. . . . Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. . . . And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 10:12,13 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?
Ezekiel 18:21-23 “But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?”
Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
Matthew 1:2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. . .
Jewish boys were educated in the Torah, the history which was covered with the Kings, Samuel and the Chronicles, and then the early prophets, followed later by the minor prophets. In those early days, their genealogy was very important. It was very important as part of your family history to know what clan you came from. So certainly, all knew that also, usually introducing themselves with a name, then followed with son of ….., tribe of … For instance, years later, Paul would claim his heritage in Philippians 3:5-6, “If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the 8th day, of the people of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin.” There were only two tribes who stayed loyal to King David, Benjamin and Judah, so this was an important part of the identity of this part of the family.
If girls were educated it was usually by a parent or an older brother. Girls were not encouraged to learn reading and anything that males might need when they are grown and starting a business or bartering. It was important for boys to be educated–women were to be educated in household duties–cooking, caring for the household and family, gardening, and so forth.
In the Torah, God spoke to those He had chosen (Moses, Joshua) to deliver His people. Then, messages were spread by travelers telling others what they had witnessed, heard, experienced. The Israelis were hungry for words from the prophets, especially once settled in Israel and Judah and spread out amongst their areas. Words of God had been passed down by Moses until they reached the Promised Land, then by Joshua as he led the men to finish conquering the land God had designated for them and settling, building their towns, villages, and farms. But they all missed hearing the words of God–they had the Torah, but there must be more.
They then demanded Judges; people who also heard from God and made His rules known to the people. The last judge was Samuel, a Nazarene dedicated and given to a priest when he was 2-3 years of age. He became a listener and speaker of God’s words to the people. But then they wanted a king. (Oh, boy, you have a King–a Creator, One who cares for you and supplies all you need. . . ) But, no, they insisted on making a man their king.
There were good and bad kings. Those who chose to follow God and to do what God decreed, and those who lived by whatever THEY wanted and would give them pleasure. God used prophets to proclaim God’s commands to straighten up and obey His rules. They warned of political unrest with nearby nations, who were sinning, following idols as their many “gods” and not the one true God. Some kings chose to follow God, at least for a short while, while others had no fear. They just did whatever they wanted to. Afterall, hadn’t things been like this for a LONG time, and nothing catastrophic had happened. ‘Haha, why should I give up my riches and change my ways?’
So, in 721 BC, God sent in the nation of Assyria, blood thirsty, cruel and vicious men who destroyed and burned the area and took many hostages. Those not taken tried to eke out a living with no tools, damaged land, and damaged bodies. Difficult to control oxen to farm the land with only one arm. . .
It was about 590 BC, the Babylonians invaded and took 10,000+ as captives, including the teenage Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. These were all young men of royal lineage, well- educated, smart and God fearing. When ordered to change their diet to “kingdom” food according to the king of Babylon, they asked not to do that–and proved themselves healthier and sturdier than the others who imbibed in the rich, high calorie, intoxicating foods/drink. They kept themselves pure–praying and honoring God, the Creator, as their ritual, three times daily, they took no forbidden foods in, and did their assignments without complaint or shirking. That does not mean they lived a life of luxury–they worked while enslaved, and made the best of their captive lives, while still knowing God was in charge and it was He they honored, not the king of Babylon.
When they refused to bow to a craven tall gold image of the king of Babylon, they were thrown into fiery furnace. They said, ‘Ok, but we will honor only our God, the only true God, and it is okay if we die, He is our true God.’ And they were seen inside the furnace but now as four men, not as the three thrown in the heat; thus proved to whatever Babylonians who were present–God was with these three young devoted Hebrew men, and saved them from having a single burn or wound.
He did the same when some jealous Babylonian officials decided they could trap Daniel and have him killed in a lions den. Too bad for them God was in charge and smug as they were initially, they LOST. Daniel walked out without a single mark on him, and those officials and family became the lions meals for a few days running.
When the Persian empire took over the Babylonian Empire, King Cyrus, (God initiated) finally permitted some of the Jewish men to return and rebuild the temple. Some chose to stay in Babylon, some chose to return to Israel. But the temple was rebuilt, and the Hebrews rebuilt the area–putting up housing, planting crops, and taking care of the clean-up which had occurred and allowed to stay stagnant for many years. They started rebuilding a community in Jerusalem, God’s Holy City. The Medo-Persian Empire remained ruling in Israel—Aaron’s familial line of priests had been restored, many Hebrews had returned to Israel as merchants, and the Jews had given up worshiping idols. However, they treated their wives shoddily, they did not tithe and support the Temple, the priests were not caring for the Temple, nor teaching the people God’s ways, and they were marrying pagans.
In 333 BC Israel was in a tug-of-war, which really did not affect them over-much between Egypt and Greece. Israel adopted much of the language and customs of the Greeks, and in Egypt the OT writings were combined into a book of all the writings for what we know now as the OT, called the Septaugint, and then translated into Greek. Much of the studies of the male children centered around the OT and Septaugint, which is often quoted in what we know as the New Testament.
The Syrians also tried to muscle in and did for a while. They overtook the Temple and desecrated the Holy of Holies within the temple. In 165 BC, the Maccabees, led by Judas Maccabee from the Aaron line of priests defeated them and cleansed the Temple, but fighting continued until the Romans came into power in 63 BC.
Then the Romans came clanking in. Oh boy, they oppressed with military presence and cruelty, they increased and increased taxes–and did I mention they increased taxes? As hard as they worked the Israelites could not get ahead, their actions judged at every corner. People were thrown into prison until they could pay their taxes. That always seemed to be a Catch-22. How can one work and make money to attempt to pay taxes when locked in prison? How is there anything but discouragement and then how does one hope to move forward or ever get released?
Educated Jewish men were conscripted to be tax collectors, so it appeared as though they agreed with the Romans, the taxes and penalties being mandated. These men were shunned by their own people, seen as part of the problem, traitors to Israeli beliefs.
Then, it was during this time in Israeli history that a Child was born in a little town called Bethlehem.
Thank You, Lord for all the means I have access to and can gain information and knowledge about those several hundred years and many nations who tried to subdue Your people. You have opened doors in my mind and understanding therefore helping me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Luke 12:25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about , but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
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Before I had a relationship with God, I thought I was in charge, and burdened myself with thoughts on responsibility, duty, keeping all the balls in the air as though they were uncooked eggs. Nothing could fall to the ground, everything had to be handled. And of course, I worried about “what if…” And the spins my mind could whirl and twirl around were horrific. Sleeping was intermittent, as negative dreams would spur me into wakefulness, and the worries would trip over themselves like a running stream.
And of course, NOW I know that not one of those worries helped me. IN fact, I think they were detrimental to me and to my family. I’m sure I was cross, preoccupied with anxiety, fear, and really….”what if…?”
Yes, that devil Satan was alive and well in my mind, consistently showing me my flaws, my failings, my mistakes, and my LACK.
I certainly didn’t totally know God; only knowing Him in a nebulous, cloudy way. I surely did not have a relationship, did not expect answers to questions, and know my prayers beside my bed each night were recited by rote. They were not heartfelt, they were dutiful…although I really believed that “Now I lay me down to sleep…” was wrapping me in His protection. for the most part I believed God was angry and prone to punishment, not loving, patient, and doting.
Because I was spoiled in many ways, I did not perceive His generosity and goodness to His people. In hind sight, how selfish, and full of complaints I was. yet, I always had enough to eat, warm house and snuggly bed to sleep in, loving parents and grandparents, and my list goes on.
Yet, I tried to control outcomes all the time; I certainly had to keep the eggs in the air. Smashed raw eggs are such a slimy mess to clean!
But then I learned more about Jesus, and in all honesty it took a long while for me to grow in a relationship. I mean a RELATIONSHIP? He was God–not a sibling, a friend, a human, touchable parent. He was far too busy keeping the world spinning and the stars in the sky, and having the sun come up, and sending the rain down than to bother with, really care about ME.
I had trust issues, worth issues, control issues, and was frequently frustrated seeking an answer and WAITING. I read–did not really believe then–but read He cared, so I prayed. Did I pray with confidence? Did I pray His will? Did I pray expecting an answer? NO. Then I would wonder ‘Did He answer and I missed it? Is this not important enough for Him to guide me? Am I being foolish with this so He is not going to help? Am I not good enough and He really does not care about me? Maybe I am one of those that He just cannot endure. He is SO busy taking care of everyone in the world, and I am so bad…He must just be disappointed in me all the time.’ And on and on and round and round my worries circled.
Gradually, I learned more, grew in the knowledge He is not dismissive and one to hold a grudge, or not forgive. But it was a slow process for me to develop the trust needed to believe Him, believe that He is Truth and Light. And how could I give up control for this being I couldn’t see, and trust that He truly cared about me and my life and choices? So I tried to stubbornly cling to the things I did know, and of course the process stalled with me pulling all my doubts and “what if…” over and over. How can anyone have so many of those? They are catastrophic scenarios, and they drain the energy away. I felt that I was being drained and stressed, but I did not see another way then.
But then I realized how many wonderful things I have—eyesight to enjoy beautiful birds, flowers, the many blues of a sky, the varied colors of the ocean, the mountains, the autumn colors especially up north, the smile of pleasure and surprise on a face of someone important to me. But wait, that’s not all… I can hear those pretty birds, they also sing and praise God daily, the ocean has a quiet splashing to a mighty, strong and vicious roar, there’s a babbling brook, the sound of leaves falling to the ground and then the swish as you walk through them, and with that pleasure and surprised look on a precious face, there is an exclamation of joy, pleasure, and maybe thankfulness. My health is good, my appetite is much more than I would like–and I am able to overfill my belly frequently. My family is loving and supportive. I am blessed with many friends. Budgeting allows me to afford some extravagances sometimes. I am so very blessed.
Satan loves to lie, to fill us with fear, anxiety, and worry. His goal is to fill us with upset, unease, and negative thoughts. “He comes to steal, kill, and destroy…” John 10:10. Steal your joy, kill you from eternal life, and destroy your peace and harmony and prosperity. The goal is our death—no eternal life, no forgiveness, no peace, no freedom and no confidence that one day you will live with Jesus!
How could I spend time worrying about catastrophic scenarios that MIGHT happen, when I have so much to be thankful for, to enjoy, and realize the abundance of gifts I have been granted? I know that no one is worthy and we are each forgiven and given eternal life by grace, by a GIFT, if we accept Jesus as our Savior.
Satan was certainly alive and well and chatting away to me reminding me how terrible I am, how unworthy, and on and on. And because his voice was familiar–and LOUD– it was easy to agree with him. It took a long time to convince myself he was lying—it had to be a repetitive mantra until it finally sank in, and I was able to face his lies and tell him to move on out of my life. But it frequently happened, he would try to weasel his way back into my mind.
Such a waste of time I spent worrying about things that could happen, and feeling how unforgiveable I am, and being anxious because of it all. I am so relieved and thankful I finally believe He loves me, He has taken my place, and I am awarded eternal life and He has prepared a special place for me. John 14:2,3. How different and smoother, easier and more pleasurable life feels now. Worry is not something I have dealt with in a long time. I have confidence that nothing can mess me so badly that God will not be there to help me deal with it. It is so freeing to not worry, to not feel burdened, and there seems to be even more things in my life to be thankful for. I am blessed and freed and saved!
Lord, I am so thankful that You saved me from all the torment I spun and helped me realize that your love is true and sure. Thank You for all you have done and given to my and ‘mybellaviews.’
Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 31:33-34 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 14:6,15 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me . . . If you love me, you will keep My commandments.
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made , so that people are without excuse.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful ad just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 2:3 And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.
Reformation? change?
The Protestant reformation occurred during the 1500’s. Over the years from the first century to the 16th century, churches had sprung up and again were putting out man-made laws of celebration, and ways to “honor” God without getting to the truth. The truth was as men do, they feel they know better than God, and try to usurp their power onto others. It enhances the power they think they have. There was a mandate to confess your sins to the priests in the Catholic churches which sprang up in Rome then developed widely throughout Europe and Asia. The people were forced to pay for different articles in the church and the priests and others who represented the heads of churches who were gaining power and making rules that God had never intended.
As the original disciples went and spoke of the life, words and love, of Jesus, the miracles He performed while living, they shared He was the Messiah, the Son of God. They included that His death, hung on a cross, and three days later, the Resurrection. They staunchly insisted telling all the Good News as they traveled throughout Europe and Asia; Jesus was the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all who chose to believe and follow Him. They preached that if one believed in Him, and followed Him with a true and repentant heart, they too would have eternal life in heaven on their physical death. People came, heard the message, became believers, and many churches sprang up. These original disciples and the men and women who were taught after His death were so full of belief in Jesus they were willing to die horrific deaths rather than deny Him.
The Catholic Church became a stronghold in Rome and then throughout Europe and somewhat into Asia. But after some centuries, the Catholic Church also developed some man-made rules and mandates, like what many of the religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) had done inflicting more than 613 rules and laws on the Jews, when God had NOT commanded that many at all.
God gave the Ten Commandments and had some food restrictions, (all for our health so we would not get ill ) but did not order all the laws that the priests and high religious men demanded. For instance, the Catholic priests and authorities began not with the message of love, but of the need for people to have confession and one had to confess to a priest to be forgiven. Again, they demanded more monies be donated to the churches to remain in “good standing.” Scripture and readings should only be done by religious personnel and must not be available to the public.
At least Jewish boys went to school and learned Torah. But as the new churches sprang up, access to having a personal relationship with God was discouraged. That is not what God wanted. He had enjoyed that time walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve. But the religious leaders in the new churches began to hoard their learnings and were keeping people from having access to scrolls and readings. The disciples had introduced all Jesus did, how He loved, and how He lived and died for us so we could live an eternal life with Him in heaven upon our physical death. This did not sit well with the people. They felt they too wanted a personal relationship with this “new” God.
In 1517, Martin Luther had 19 theses he nailed to a church door, stating all people should have access to God without having to have pastors or church leaders being the go between. He and many others felt each person, all created equal in God’s eyes, should have access to the Creator. And he felt this was stressed the way Jesus had acknowledged all, touched all, forgave all, and healed all. He was the Son of God, yet He welcomed all. Those who began balking at not being able to know God on their own were called Protestors.
The Protestors believed that through faith all could have a relationship with God, and were saved through their belief, and not through their works. Good works came about as a result of relationship with God and Jesus, not because one could “buy” their way to heaven through their actions. Salvation was offered by divine grace, totally unmerited, but given to all who had a sincere heart, who believed in God and wanted to be obedient to Him. This ended up splitting the religion. The Catholic church, which had developed as a result of the disciples traveling and delivering the truth and good news of Jesus life, but the religious leaders began to enjoy power. They wanted to control all the people believed.
In fact, it was after William Tyndale (one of the Protestors) had translated the bible which was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, to English, (1522-1535) that many in most of Europe could hear and understand it all. However, he was arrested, imprisoned and sentenced to death by burning. While in prison waiting, he continued to translate the Bible. When on the burning post, about to be burned, he was strangled, in the hope to be kinder for him than burning. (They are both horrific, so I choose neither for me).
Because the split between the Roman Catholic Church and men like Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and most of the common people, there was a huge rift. When King Henry, the 8th asked the Pope for a divorce and it was refused, he further separated from the church. The Church of England developed, which offered the English royalty more finances since the monies the Catholic Church had been collecting, were no longer going to Rome, but the churches laws in England remained about the same.
But there was a faction pursued by many who believed each person should learn about God and Jesus, and not need a middleman (priest) as intercessor. The religion developed was called Protestants. There were many factions within this mindset, but the prime belief was that each person could have a relationship with the Creator and could learn and study for themselves.
A group of farmers in Northern England disagreed with the new church which still believed the people needed to be led and taught by clergy. They believed they should have access to the writings and should be able to worship as they saw fit—honoring God without any interference from a governing body. At the time they were called Separatists, and they worshiped in secret—and were hunted down. They determined they needed to find a new place to live and worship. Initially, they moved to Holland, but it was not England, so they wanted their children to know about English culture, so decided to move to the New World.
They landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts in December 1620. There were 102 people who boarded the Mayflower, there were 101 who disembarked, but only 50 who survived that first winter. Half of them died that first year from exposure, diseases, and starvation. After that first year, they learned how to farm and fish. They continued to meet for church worship but recognized they needed to have bibles for teaching and learning.
Quickly, a printing press was set up and bibles were begun to be printed for many, not just clergy. The first primers for children to learn to read were verses from the Bible. As more and more were printed, they were called the New England primers and were used for several years to teach children to read. So Christianity and Jesus’ examples were for all.
I am thankful for the Protestant Reformation as I too believe we should have access to reading the Word of God for ourselves, and to have religious leaders teach, preach, lead and continue to show that God has not changed, no matter how the world has skewed His words or teachings for ‘the times.’ Those times are Satan’s progression to promote sin. I am so thankful I have my copies of the Word and can learn and absorb and grow.
Thank You, Lord that here we can enjoy Your teaching, can read Your word for ourselves and know You are looking out for us. Certainly, You have always been with me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Psalm 69:10 When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach.
Ezra 8:22-23 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayers.
Isaiah 58:6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”
Daniel 10:3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.
Joel 2:12 “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. “
Luke 6:45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Ephesians 4:29, 31, 32 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. . . Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you
Philippians 2:14-16 Do everything without grumbling or arguing.
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. Abd the God of peace will be with you.
GodThoughts “Fasting from Negativity: July 16, 2017 Matt and Rebekah Johnson
A few weeks ago, I decided to learn more about fasting. I had a couple friends who fasted several years ago and had wonderful things happen—including one meeting her future husband, a minister and married him within a couple of months and is still deliriously happy.
I love food, so did not relate to having to give it up without really recognizing its import. I truly did not know enough about why either of these gals had gone on a fast and what the goal was. I assumed it was a weight loss plan. Certainly, at that point, I did not want any other ‘discomfort’ in my present state.
I was new at studying the Bible and learning who I was in Christ. Now, years later, as I was studying the various ways one can fast, I also came across fasting negative words and negative thoughts and actions. And oh, to my great sadness, I found I have a lot to do in that area also. My mouth and mind need to be cleansed; so that issue got raised on my priority list.
To rid myself of negative thoughts, and deeds, I started reading and studying on fasting negative thoughts and words. One can study a Negativity Fast—which is what I am attempting.
So, I am working on that, fasting negative words and thoughts. I am overwhelmed with how negative my mind and judgments could be. YIKES! When I really confronted—thank You, Holy Spirit—how negative my thoughts can be, I was mortified. So much for believing I am mostly kind and considerate of others. NOT. I am judgmental and do speak negative things and gossip at times—more times than I ever considered. I have work to do with the Holy Spirit. I have gotten on my knees and confessed these awful sins. Who am I to judge another? Who am I to speak of another? I don’t know what has occurred in another’s life—and I do not know what my responses would be—I can only guess. God has given to each of us individuality; we each have our own experiences and interpretations of those—it leads to different responses to what happens and how we make choices.
I am still studying fasting food; just fast certain foods—sugars, starches, and/or once I decide if doing full fast, and if so, for how long; or should I just do intermittent fasting, or if I should just fast certain time periods. Since this is my first food fast, I want to be successful at whichever one I choose. And the top goal is increasing my relationship with God. I love sugar and realize that causes my hesitation. Can I omit sugar for a period, or will I fail?
I do know that the Holy Spirit will give me strength, at least mentally I know this. But do I have confidence? No, not much confidence; I know how weak willed I am. But I do have the stronger desire to know God deeper and better.
What if I do not have a closer relationship after I purge sugar from my system. But in all honesty, I should probably commit to 3 days with NO sugar, spending time thinking and praying to God to bring me in closer. And trust that it will happen.
My sugar desire is important for me to deal with; and will take more prayer and attempts. I can remove desserts…but that is only part of the issue. I like sweetened creamers in my coffee, I have a difficult time if offered ice cream and chocolate is a desire I can only walk away from occasionally
At the same time I need to change my negative thoughts and words, and repent of them, and rely on the Holy Spirit to help me rid myself of these disgusting sins. They are sins—negative thoughts and criticism, gossip, and so forth. I am first and foremost working on obliterating my negative thoughts and words.
I have started capturing my thoughts and am pleased to realize I have a better hold on those and correcting thoughts and words. Presently, I am working on my negative words and negative thought processes. And thank you, Holy Spirit, for helping me correct my thoughts and speech. I am not 100% without negative thoughts, but I am catching them, and not passing judgments, and gossiping, criticizing—although yes, I am still muttering about the winds that kick up in the afternoon. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit has reminded me, and stopped me before much uttering. I have become conscious of negative thoughts, and been able to stop them before I speak, and thus I am aware of a criticism, a judgment, the close call to speaking some type of gossip, or complaining.
I have not started this fasting with sugar yet, but it will be in the very near future. I am hoping the Holy Spirit will assist me with my desire to fast sugar and and all the unhealthy things I put in my mouth. Lord, You are cleansing me–and although You helped me with my cigarette addiction years ago, I did not believe that this too would be easier than I expected. Lord, I thank You for helping me fasting my negative thoughts, actions and words. You are always there for me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
Deuteronomy 1:21, 29-30 ‘Look, the LORD your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the LORD God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.’
Deuteronomy 3:22 ‘You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.’
Deuteronomy 31:6-8 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Joshua 1:9 ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’
Joshua 8:1o Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land.
Joshua 10:25 Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”
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.
Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
I certainly think God recognized that we would face times of fear, anxiety, and lack of courage and be dismayed. He urges to go forward, recognizing that we may feel fear, but reminding us we are not alone. But His word promises He is with us, and that makes a lot of difference for me and my life. I sometimes have to remember these scriptures and remind myself Satan is a liar—the best of them, but with that fact in my mind, I know God is with me and will fight for me. it is my job to continue marching forward in God’s plan. Hooray!
There are times in our lives when we are afraid, and sometimes those are justified events. We are in a war in another country, facing a wild situation nearby as violence is becoming more common, and apparently many seem to think life is worth less or nothing to some. We can be fearful when we feel the wheels of our car slip and suddenly we have lost control on ice and things are spiraling out of our control. Maybe we have lost our job and bills are building up while prospects are not appearing. Occasionally, we have made a poor decision and things are catapulting into a huge mess, and we are unsure how to make things right again. Perhaps, there’s been a horrific diagnosis and the treatments and prognosis all sound grim and uncertain.
Fear is a human emotion that God instilled in us. It is to help us be cautious walking into unknown or dangerous situations, it is to keep us mindful and ready to ‘fight or flight’ as the situation calls. There are sometimes we would be foolish not to be somewhat fearful in some situations. I am not a good or strong swimmer and because of my healthy respect of the ocean when its waves are large and powerful, I don’t go further than my knees.
Often God commands us to have courage; ‘do not fear nor be dismayed.’ Our senses can give us information that can certainly give us reason to be fearful. The our minds can translate some of that info and make things seem so much scarier. Walking casually through a den of hungry lions or other big cats in Africa would be foolish; and certainly sinful if one chooses to walk through with some people holding guns ready to kill these creatures because of one’s foolish desire to be close to these creatures. So, God gave us sense, smarts, and He never urges us to be daring and risky.
He does urge us to trust Him, and even when faced with fear and uncertainty; and the devil is filling our thoughts with thoughts of running, “step back, save yourself, don’t take the risk, you’ll be badly hurt or dead….dead is forever.” (But please remember, Satan lies, and if you know Jesus and you have claimed Him as savior in your life–even if your body dies, you have eternal life). God is steady and with us when He tells us to do something. He promises to be with us.
Sometimes, God tells us to move forward to test our obedience and trust. Sometimes, God has chosen us to be a warrior for Him—Gideon, Judges 6 and 7, and David with the many books written of him and his feats. David did not seem to be fearful often, but certainly he was when it was his own son who hunted him.
Fear is a good thing unless it paralyzes us into being immobile, unwilling or unable to move. We have jobs God’ wants us to do. It is not good if we let fear prevent us from doing what God’s purpose for our lives is. But God’s words repeatedly tell us to not fear and to move forward. He is with us. His word promises to never leave us.
We have to MEMORIZE our favorite ‘do not fear or have anxiety’ verses, because life is full of ups and downs and stresses and we can feel our tension building. I have to consciously remember His promises and remind myself God has already won the war—the Book has been written with a happy ending. Will it be stressful, violent, and miserable for many? Yes. Will I experience some moments of apprehension and horror? Yes, I believe I will. But I know God is in control, and whatever horror I may experience is temporary. That is such a relief to me.
I am a wimp and don’t like suffering a hang-nail, never mind torture and the beastly misery spread by the Taliban, the Assyrians, and so forth. But I have the hope and knowledge of faith. So I will experience the moments of fear and anxiety, but I will know that my true future lies with Him. I am not courageous, but I do know He is with and that He offers comfort and everlasting.
Lord, there is so much sadness, unrest, suffering in this world right now. But You are in charge—always have been. My prayers are for those who are being tortured in Your name, and I know You receive them with tears in Your eyes for what they suffered, even as You smile and tell them “Well done, my faithful, servant.”
So I thank You for the fact I know I am Yours, and You hold in Your hands me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Hi, I'm Kathy. Welcome to my website!