2008, a new beginning

Well, it's 2008 and I'm going to try something new this year. As a Christian I want to grow deeper in my relationship with my God and Saviour. In doing this I'm going to try and share what I have studied and what I have learned. My desire will be a true "fruit inspection" as my Pastor calls it. We will begin this new year with a time of devotion for 30 days. 30 days of prayer and fasting. Putting aside the things that are so "every day" normal and routine for us. Things that we enjoy and things that we "can't do without." Luke 1:37 is quoting the angel Gabriel saying "for nothing is impossible with God." If I put my trust in God and totally submit to what HE wants me to do than I can accomplish it.

As we embark upon this time of Prayer and Fasting many pastors have decided to take the commitment a few steps further. Our pastor has challenged us to take the following sacrifices:
1. To fast food for at least one day per week either morning to morning or evening to evening - one 24 hour cycle. "You can do more if you'd like."
2. To abstain from the Internet, except for work related purposes.
3. To only read books or magazines which contribute to my spirituality.
4. To abstain from TV, movies, DVDs, and any other media influence, and also to withhold them from my children.
5. To read the four Gospels and the book of Acts.
6. To make at least one sponsored church prayer meeting/s, per week.
7. To pray at least once a day on my own for at least 30 minutes.
8. To perform one act of Christian service, per week, that nobody knows about except for who may be on the receiving end.
9. To verbally share my faith in Jesus Christ to at least one person, per week, who hasn't head it from me before.
10. To make every scheduled service, including mid-week Bible study, and be there before the start of the service time.
11. To teach a bible study to my family or a friend.

A list that is obtainable ... but with sacrifice. So after the 6th ... I'll be off the blog for a little while. I will be very excited to share how God has moved in my life during that time. If we are to put ourselves in submission we must make sacrifices. I want my relationship with Christ to grow stronger. By putting my personal desires aside I will be able to focus more on Christ and His will.