Spiritually Unequal Marriage

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Holding Fast

Martha Bush

How are you feeling on day 3 of our SUMite community fast? Are you a little shaky? Hang in there. In fact (please forgive the pun), hold fast to the…

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UntitledHow are you feeling on day 3 of our SUMite community fast? Are you a little shaky? Hang in there. In fact (please forgive the pun), hold fast to the Lord.

If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow – to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him – then the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. – Deuteronomy 11:22-23

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens – Jesus the Son of God – let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. – Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus knows our hearts. The Sprit intercedes and He knows our every thought. He understands our situations and has been tempted as we are tempted. (Matthew 4 tells about Him being tempted after a long fast when He was physically weak. So, let’s be on the alert in case Satan tries to take advantage of our hunger this week.)  

We can trust Him. We can trust Him with our problems. We can trust Him to give us good advice. We can trust Him to give us strength.

Whatever we you are praying about during this fast, He hears you. The scripture above tells us that we can ask anything of Him. There have been times that I have not even known what to ask for… the situation was too overwhelming for me to get my head around.  You know what I did? I just took the whole situation to Him. I didn’t even ask for anything. I was too tired. I just held onto Him. (OK. I cried a lot first.) Then, I prayed something like this, “Here it is. It’s ugly. I don’t know what to do. It is tearing me up.” Our King is mighty. He has a better idea of how to handle things than I do.  Do you know what happened? The situation changed favorably in ways that I could not have imagined. Oh, what a great God we have.

Hold fast to the Lord. Think about this as we fast and pray this week. Christ also prayed for us.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world, so I have sent them into the world. – John 17:15-18

Don’t you love knowing that Christ prays for us? And, as we mentioned yesterday with Psalm 23, He calls us to be in the world. We are sprinkled among pre-believers like lights on a Christmas tree. We just have to stay “plugged in” to the Word and God’s power.

Conversation

Please add a comment below. What helps you to hold fast to the Lord? Is this different during times of difficulty vs times that seem ordinary and routine?

What do you think about our calling to be in the world, although we are separate from it?

Prayer

Abba, Father, we praise you. Thank You for showing us such great love. Thank You for sending Christ to not only die as a sacrifice for our sins, but also as an example of how to live on this earth. Thank You for Your constant presence. We can reach out to You with a prayer at any time. This gives us such great comfort, strength, and confidence. Prepare our hearts for eternity. Help us each day to live as a shining example of Your love so that our pre-believers come to know you. 

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2014 Community Fast

Martha Bush

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Comments

86 responses

  1. Noz Avatar
    Noz

    Hello, I am having fun fasting? Why and How? Yesterday morning I did my early morning prayer with a vengeance against the spirit of slumber. I felt fortified and like a spiritual giant. At around 1pm I checked my e-mails and I had gotten a place for my Masters at a local university. I had been praying so hard for the place. My fellow learners had all received their places all the way back in August and November, it seemed like I didn’t get in. I was getting rather despondent (and I still don’t have the fees needed)..So i continued to pray and had even begin to accept that maybe the Lord says it’s not my time, my friend who’s currently doing the program was saying the university was pretty strict on grades and I fell short of the desired grade by 3%, to make it worse one of the students I mentored last year, got accepted… Then yesterday on the second day of the fast I GOT ACCEPTED… OH THE JOY, THE JOY.. I gave such a shout of praise… This is my year… RESTORATION… wooooooo Thank you JESUS!!!! That made my fast exciting and fun because God is always on time. I am not worried about the fees after all my Daddy has a thousand cattle on a thousand hills and all the silver and gold belong to Him. Joy!Joy!Joy! This testimony just makes me more determined to finish the fast.
    My husband did say on Sunday to me, I have nothing further to discuss with you, I am divorcing you (he says he is not going to tell anyone as long as I know he doesn’t love me and is waiting to divorce me). He has said that since June but we still live in the same house and in December, we went to visit His parents and pretended everything was fine. As soon as we got back, the separate bedrooms and moodiness began. Unfortunately now he is particularly angry at me because his brothers said we need to have a discussion on Friday evening because this can’t go on unresolved. But after all this I am not shaken because Tuesday showed me that God is for me, He will never forsake me.
    JOY JOY JOY

    Reply
  2. Noz Avatar
    Noz

    What helps me to hold fast onto Him is His all consuming love and the signs and wonders He shows me all the time.i think i accepted Jesus in my time of difficulty and I am still in difficulty, but the severity of difficultiness means I press in more!
    the calling to be in the world but not of it is very true and I find the more i pray, i get disgusted by some worldly things..

    Reply
  3. Dawn B Avatar
    Dawn B

    Super Congrats, Noz!! I am so happy for you and for your breakthrough yesterday. Like you said, God is ALWAYS right on time! That is such a powerful testimony for this fast.
    I will pray for you and your husband and your marriage.

    Reply
  4. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    That is awesome congrats!!! That is right if God is for you then who can be against you!!!!

    Reply
  5. Patricia Avatar
    Patricia

    This has been a difficult time for my family financially. My husband builds grain bins and they haven’t worked in over two months so our income has dropped dramatically. I am holding on to the promises of God, knowing that He loves me more than the birds in the air or the flowers in the field. He is Jehovah Jirah!!! I have been doing a lot of reading during this fast. Two books that I have been reading have really helped me out they are old but I would recommend them, one is by E.M. Bounds (well actually it is 9 of his books compiled into one), “The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds,” they are about prayer, the other is by John Henry Jowett “The Whole Armor of God.” I have been fasting all solid food from sunrise to sunset each day. I feel I am being led do a complete solid food fast for the last 48 hours of our community fast. I am very excited about what God is doing in not only my life but in this community, my family, and the body of Christ.

    Reply
  6. Patricia Avatar
    Patricia

    Praise God Noz!! He is faithful. Will be praying for you, your husband, and your marriage. Oh the things He has in store for you!! Sending my love and hugs your way!!

    Reply
  7. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Okay, I am relieved by today’s post because it confirmed something for me. I felt a little lost doing the FB spiritual exercise yesterday. What was I supposed to get in those gifts anyway? I think I was expecting the spiritual gifts like those that are listed in the bible. But that is not what I saw, maybe I’m making it up I thought. Well one of the gifts that I “opened” was a box of light. I was reminded of Philippians 2:14-16, another favorite, that just goes perfectly with today’s message. It says to shine like a light and to hold fast to the word of life. I love your analogy Teresa, “We are sprinkled among pre-believers like lights on a Christmas tree. We just have to stay ‘plugged in’ to the Word and God’s power.”
    Philippians 2:14-16 (NKJV)
    “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”

    Reply
  8. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    Thanks Dineen, what makes me hold fast onto The Lord is honoring that commitment I made to fast and how I don’t want to disappointment him, and don’t want to miss out on a blessing. Even if the blessing at this time is just being able to honor a commitment . Knowing I am also planting seeds of victory along the way of salvation, restoration and promises to be fulfilled.
    Honestly, it is easier for me to hold onto The Lord when it is times of difficultly in the desert. ( don’t get me wrong I enjoy the mountain top) but even when I am on that high, I ask The Lord please don’t allow me to forget what it was like to be in the valley I still want that closeness to you. So there are things in my life that I want there to keep me close to him..
    I think feeling like you want not to be looked at “weird” I know this sounds so caddy but it is true. So I work hard against that. I believe the best way I know how to counter that, is to so love, grace,and mercy to people. Then ask The Lord to strength me during the times of temptation. To show me how much Grace He is giving me for that particular situation. Love the verse in James ch1:12. Love you all have a great day blessed 🙂

    Reply
  9. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    So how am I doing on day 3? Pretty good actually…. Last night was a little rough, but we got through it. How do I hold fast to the Lord? Good question… I just think about his promises and the amazing things he has done in the past for me. Yeah, I think it is different in times of difficulty. I often look to a couple other things or people before seeking Him, but I am trying to be more aware of that. This week has already opened up some things in my heart! I know when I am tempted to get a sweet treat or get on Pinterest, I pray first and them I’m all good. Also, God is working on me with the unforgiveness in my heart and each day it’s still difficult, but He’s helping me through it and some relationships are starting to be restored. I believe that I will be ready when Satan attacks…

    Reply
  10. Jody J Avatar
    Jody J

    So on Day 3, I’m struggling with a sinus infection and getting a little weary. Liquids only so far, but may add some broth today. So yesterday, I stayed home from work, watched the Church Channel, listened to Christian music and was notified that a book I ordered was now ready on my Kindle. It’s “A Promise Kept” by Robin Lee Hatcher. Those of you who are divorced, this will bring some comfort. Although predictable, it is well written and relates what many of us are going through in another’s perspective…always helpful when seeking answers. The author based the book on her own life, and in the end, it shows how faithful God is in answering prayers (even the ones we don’t pray, sometimes). I couldn’t stop reading until I had finished the book. Wow! I’ve been seeking to completely surrender. God is showing me, that in many ways, I am well on my way and I just need to relax and allow Him to work. Can’t wait for the days ahead knowing God is smiling down on all of us as week seek Him with all our hearts and minds.

    Reply
  11. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Same here, Liz. Abba gave me two boxes and what was inside was totally unexpected and not one of the 9 gifts. They were very personal and relevant to me. I’m quite blown away actually. And that’s my favorite line from T’s posts all week! It’s so beautiful! Hugging you, my friend!

    Reply
  12. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Oh Noz! I’m rejoicing with you!!! Woohooo!!!! Abba spoke to my heart before this fast that He had promises for our SUMite community. Wow! Love how He shines! Yipppeeeee!

    Reply
  13. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    You are right, Patricia, He is Jehovah Jirah and delights to be so for us. Keep trusting and seeking Him. You bring Him great delight as you do so. Hugs!

    Reply
  14. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Amen, Heather! Stand in Him and He will fight for you! Hugging you, girl! Give Joanna a kiss for me. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Amen, Jody! You make me smile too, my friend. Hugs!

    Reply
  16. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Amen, Pat! Amen. Hugging you, my friend.

    Reply
  17. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    You are an example of waiting on the Lord. In your testimony, you share trust and confidence. Plus joy in all circumstances. Beautiful. Congratulations on being accepted to what sounds as a very prestigious educational program.

    Reply
  18. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Thanks for the book recommendations.
    Lord, provide work for Patricia’s husband who wants to be employed and provide for his family. In the mean time, let Patricia’s faithfulness be a testimony to him. Amen.

    Reply
  19. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    How cool that your gift was light and that you found confirmation in the post. And thanks for the verse. Love it. (I was sitting near a Christmas tree when I wrote that post. It made me think that He is the light of the world. He is so bright. Yet, he also wants us to shine in the world.)

    Reply
  20. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I have prayed about the hunger. I was expecting strength to press through, but instead He made the hunger go away. How cool is that? More than I asked for. So, like Him to exceed our expectations.

    Reply
  21. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Your body might be ill, but it sounds like your spirit is thriving and using this down time for growth. Go, girl. Feel better soon.

    Reply
  22. olga Avatar
    olga

    The Lord is close, and working in ways we cannot see. That’s what I feel as I these days go by. I have one meal a day after sundown, so night time isn’t too bad, lunch hour is the worst.
    But it all fades in comparison to how the Lord is speaking and touching these day. Last night, I felt lead to take communion and then prayed and “walked into the storehouses” and stretched my hands up high to receive whatever my Father has for me. As I started praying, my words changed from “gifts” to “blessings” and I ended up with a blessing in each arm, my arms around them, holding them carefully like swaddled baby twins, one on each side, and sat on the couch the rest of the time crying and thanking my Father.
    Can’t wait to hear his words for today. Thank you Jesus.

    Reply
  23. Adriana Avatar
    Adriana

    Day three going good. I’ve been blessed in that my husband has been out of town all week so there aren’t any food smells circulating around. Just dog food – but no temptation there 🙂
    I did have to do my mother’s grocery shopping last night. When I walked into the grocery store a delicious fried chicken smell hit me. But I used a trick I discovered a while back. If I encounter a tempting food smell I deeply inhale the smell over and over until I saturate my olfactory senses and the craving dissipates. (Try it the next time you walk into a movie theater and suddenly get the urge that you MUST HAVE POPCORN.)
    The last two days have been joyful ones with a merry heart. Nothing earth shattering has occurred…..but the week is not over yet 🙂 I am really enjoying the communion with my Lord. I know that He is at work with everything under his control and in His timing and I’m excited and encouraged to see what comes!
    I’m enjoying reading the post comments.

    Reply
  24. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    What makes me hold fast to the Lord is my secret place. This is a place that the Lord picked out and everyday I go there. It is away from computers, tv, people and all else. Many times while I am there I feel His arms around me. I cry there, talked and talked and talk to Him there. It is a very special place to me. What about those times that are not difficult? I still use my secret place and hold fast to the Lord with praise. I am working on praising Him for everything even the difficult times. As far as my calling to be in the world but not of the world.. I know that I have to live here but I need to be set apart with God, to God and by God. I don’t have to become the world.

    Reply
  25. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    The fast it going good. I am enjoying this time with the Lord. He led me day one to wrote letter to my husband. Now I am praying.. do you want me to have him read this? I tried to talk to him on Sunday about finances as I needed some questions answered but he totally shut down. I wanted to tell him all I was feeling so he would know. But I didn’t know how to talk to this man that shut so totally down. The Lord said write a letter and say it all in the letter. So I did. Does he want me to give it to him? No sure yet. But it was good to write it. My husband refuses to do 2 things in this marriage.. earn a living and communicate with me.

    Reply
  26. leslie Avatar
    leslie

    Day 3 is going … okay. The physical part of the fast is going much better than the spiritual at this point.
    His promises are what keep me holding fast because without them, I think I’d feel pretty hopeless. My purpose for this fast is for some (unknown) breakthrough in me to be more like Jesus, for my unsaved hubs and my adult kids. What God has in store, I honestly do not know … but will hold fast to Him and will believe. Jehovah Jireh!!!
    Enjoying all the posts, too!

    Reply
  27. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    That’s not a problem Aunt Neen!!! I always give her kisses 😉 I also just want to share that during this time, I am noticing that I am falling more in love with Jesus. I am thinking about him more and I like that… a lot!!

    Reply
  28. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    Yes, that is so awesome!!! I am so grateful that he goes above and beyond at times for us!!

    Reply
  29. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    I hope you get feeling better!!! What you said about just relaxing and allowing Christ to work just resonates with me… Something that has come to mind is that I often try to “look” like I have it all together and that because I am saved that I somehow must not be human. God’s showing me that to others, I look like I think I’m better than them and maybe there is some truth to that.. I need to relax and allow Him to work 😉

    Reply
  30. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    Also, this just seems like such an appropriate song for this week…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EySeV5UNt4k

    Reply
  31. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    -He has a better idea of how to handle things than I do….ways that I could not have imagined.
    -He calls us to be in the world.
    -We are sprinkled among pre-believers like lights on a Christmas tree. We just have to stay “plugged in” to the Word and God’s power.
    -We can reach out to You with a prayer at any time. This gives us such great comfort, strength, and confidence.
    AMEN.
    All KEY words for me.
    What truly helps me hold fast to God NOW is an experience He walked me through. Just one heart wrenching, grief stricken, soul shocking experience when the only thing I had to hold on to was…….Jesus!
    I am changed because of it.

    Reply
  32. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Awesome! 🙂

    Reply
  33. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I love. That you are alert to reminding yourself to stay close when you could easily be distracted by the views on the mountain top.
    If you don’t want to look weird, then hang out with me. You will look normal by constraint. Ha. We are called to be separate from the world even while here in it. Some might think that odd. I think I t is good.

    Reply
  34. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    He has taken me to the bitter core too, when all I had was Him. I found my joy there. So changed. And still changing.

    Reply
  35. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Great tool, Adriana!

    Reply
  36. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    The post below is for you. It is hard to type while on the elliptical.

    Reply
  37. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Beautiful and doubly blessed.

    Reply
  38. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Communion with The Lord is a primary goal, so you are doing great! I will remember that trick when around baking cinnamon. 🙂

    Reply
  39. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Your place does sound special. I miss getting outside in nature for my walk and pray.

    Reply
  40. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    My heart goes out to you. Writing can help organize your thoughts. If you decide to speak to him, this exercise prepared you. If you don’t mind me asking, has he been evaluated for depression? Can you eliminate any underlying physical problems. One man I know was like that and learned it was depression. Another man who was similar was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I don’t mean to scare you. But you never know.

    Reply
  41. olga Avatar
    olga

    The Lord has healed.
    For the past few months I have lived with no or very little smell sensation, kindda like when you are on antibiotics and you don’t feel any taste, all food tastes the same.
    So that has been me until this week! I have my smell back and the food smells so good and when I have my one meal a day, I know the taste. Doesn’t the Lord have an awesome sense of humor!
    Reminds me of Ecclesiastes 5: It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-this is indeed a gift from God.
    I must admit I got some over the counter medication at the advice of my co-worker, but who knew? The Lord uses medication to heal too. Other times, no matter what medication you take, if the Lord does not heal you, it won’t work.
    I will see my doctor on Friday to follow up.
    Another thing, the Lord continues to speak to me about His timing and how intimately he knows us. My times are in your hands. Ps 31:15
    Thank you Lord.

    Reply
  42. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I know whatever God has in store for you is good. Your obedience in fasting does model an aspect of Jesus. ((Hugs))

    Reply
  43. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Ha. Yes He does have humor. Your one meal a day must be a sensory treat.

    Reply
  44. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    Day 3 was actually harder for me, I started to feel very unmotivated and didn’t know what to do w my time. Most likely the enemy, after lunch things picked back up, I went and had some more alone time and retrieved my gifts, and then had a close friend over and as usual we blessed each other w our time etc 🙂
    The biggest thing that helps me stay close to The Lord:
    Relating to him in a personal physical way, as with a friend.
    Especially going on walks with him. I can be most free to talk and listen, and revel in His splendor all around me ( can’t wait for the days to get longer, and a bit warmer again, I so miss these times!)
    When times are really hard I just talk to him out loud constantly, surrendering it all to Him ( that is when times are really hard and I know it’s completely out of my control, but of a light bulb to remember the next time I have a plain ordinary hard day)
    Part 2- I love that calling, and also the Christmas light analogy. There is something so beautiful about how God uses us to reach and more of His children 🙂

    Reply
  45. Carie Rolls Avatar
    Carie Rolls

    I just wanted to share the blessing God gave me this morning. This past year I will text my two sons away at college Bible verses I feel the Lord wants me to share with them from time-to-time. My second oldest son will usually reply with a “thank mom, that’s just what I needed today,” and I don’t hear anything from my oldest. But this morning I sent a scripture and right after I sent it my oldest boy said, “thank you momma, I love you soo much.” It’s hard letting our kids go, especially when I know there’s more I could have done to prepare them to be on their own. I took each son out on their own with me before they left to go back after Christmas and shared what I believe the Lord wanted me to share with them. We had great talks, very encouraging, and of course, some tears. They were honest with me about some things I was concerned about, and even though I don’t believe it’s God’s best for them, I still love them and feel honored they were open with me. So now I know exactly what to pray for. And, the Lord revealed to me they need a spiritual mentor in their life. I asked a friend at church and he said yes, but my hubby had to okay it first. So I asked my hubs this morning if he would mind, and he’s fine with it. So a double blessing this morning! I am hoping this sparks an interest in my husband becoming the spiritual leader of our home…will keep praying.
    And of course, I got home tonight, opened the mail, and I got some not so good news. But it’s all good, just the enemy thinking he can trip me up, but I won’t let him. God already knows the need and He’s going to make a way!
    I’ve gotten up early each morning this week and have had a small bowl of oatmeal before the sun comes up, then have had dinner with the family. It’s going much easier than I had expected, considering I work at my kids school and have to work the tables during lunch-time. Not many hunger pangs, very thankful for that and looking forward to what tomorrow brings. May God continue to bless our efforts in unimaginable ways!

    Reply
  46. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    I am still here, and I like the questions you ask, Teresa. It is a time to judge self, and reflection. The questions today, What helps you to hold fast to the Lord?
    When I get discouraged when certain things aren’t manifested after years, I go back to the promises He has made me in His Word, and also re-read prophetic words that have been spoken to me. I know then that it is time to hold fast once again until God’s perfect timing.

    Reply
  47. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    That’s amazing, Olga, absolutely amazing! God is so good! 🙂

    Reply
  48. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Hugging you, Gill! I can just picture you talking to Abba as you go about your day. So precious, my friend.

    Reply
  49. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Carie, I know how much this means to your mama’s heart. You contend for your kids and hubby so diligently and passionately. Your heart is full of hope and love for them. The best kind of conduit for Abba’s love to flow through and bless them. Abba is faithful, my friend, and sees your heart and your sacrifices. 🙂

    Reply
  50. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    I do that too, Martha. Been rereading my journal a lot lately. And writing so much! If I don’t put it down, I’ll forget and won’t have it when I need it. Hugs!

    Reply
  51. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    Feeling frusterated today,tired, shakey and hungry. I was ok with the weak and hungry thing, but felt completely blocked still, as if someone put me in a place where I couldn’t reach, see or hear God. That really bugged me, I was so full of distractions, noise, people, and my always so busy mind. I couldn’t focus AT ALL. I even laid down for a nap, prayed….”God please just let me sleep to be free of distractions and speak to me there”. Didn’t work! Went and took a shower, stareted talking to God again and boy did he speak to me there!!! I’ve noticed lately He speaks alot to me in the shower, I think its because He has a captive audiance, and the white noise of the shower drowns out all the outside noises. I did my own taking out the trash exercise in the shower….crazy emotional, and He then revealed my WORD . S.H.A.G. there is was my block, blocks again S. Shame, H. Hate, A. Anger, G. Guilt,
    All things I need to desperatley work on, shame, hate, and guilt relate to myself and how I feel about me and sins of my past. Anger, to focus more on the sin or addiction, like with my husband, a great guy but has some struggles, I need to turn my anger to the sin, take it to God and only love my husband. Of course the anger thing can work with anyone I might be angry with. So I coukdn’t see how all these things could be my WORD and so much to remember, that when God plant SHAG in my head, Im like that works! I prayed a very tearful prayer to love myself, realease the guilt and shame, and to only Hate sin, and place my anger there, not on the individual who wronged me. I then denounced those lies and literally flushed them down the toilet to the sewer where they belonged. Much work ahead, but I am so joyful and unblocked now, and so excited the healing has begun!!! 🙂

    Reply
  52. Noz Avatar
    Noz

    Thank you ladies, I am still super excited! I just want to praise the Lord for giving me this, it just fortified me so much. I thank the Lord for the SUMite nation, your words and stories fortify me so much. Dineen, before the fast I read your post on how God has huge plans for all of us during and after the fast and I held onto that and I always thank Him for bringing me in touch with mighty people of valour like all of you here.
    Thank you for all your prayers.
    Ladies I have a special request for a group of ladies that I pray with here in Southern Africa, most of the problems are stemming from their marriages, with their husbands finding girlfriends and I think they would really appreciate any prayers from the Sumite nation. If possible please. I am driven to pray especially against the spirit of lust, the spirit of rejection and lack of good communication in their marriages. Unfortunately some of the African culture is very oppressive towards women and this resonates true in African marriages.

    Reply
  53. Noz Avatar
    Noz

    Amen Patricia, His love is just amazing! I commend you on heeding the call for the full solid fast, I will pray for Christ’s strength to carry you.

    Reply
  54. Carmen M Avatar
    Carmen M

    Oh my goodness! How do I feel on day 3….Amazing!! I cannot find words to describe how giddy I feel. I have peace, love and joy in my heart. I truly was not expecting these feelings. So they are a wonderful surprise. Just two weeks ago I was very sad and feeling very battle worn. And I have to admit I came into the fast feeling a bit frightened, thinking of the possible attacks the enemy would bring my way. But God!!! I can honestly say that I have been attacked every day since I started to fast. However, Abba has been so present in my life and thoughts, brining me to a new level of understanding, pulling me in a bit deeper. I don’t even know how to describe it. All I can relate it to is trust.
    I trust Him.
    I know we are not to trust our emotions, but it am so clinging on to these feelings and keeping them in my heart. I feel He is wooing me and I feel the same way about a Him too.
    I am praying for more of this on day 4 and 5… Lord fill me to overflowing with YOU!
    I pray that each and every SUMmite receive an abundance of Joy and peace as they surrender unto you oh Lord.in Jesus name I ask, Amen!

    Reply
  55. Carmen M Avatar
    Carmen M

    Amen! Heart you Joanne!

    Reply
  56. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I miss my our door walk and pray time this time of year too. Talking out loud will benefit your boys. They must hear you. You are modeling for them a good practice. This is part of your legacy?

    Reply
  57. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    There is lasting power in a Mom’s love. Your kids will remember those texts for years. Your love will strengthen them.

    Reply
  58. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    This past year, I am starting to trust God’s timing more. It has been hard to get my little human brain around that. But I find peace when I trust His promises. 2 Corthinans 12;9 He is sufficient.

    Reply
  59. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Wow. He got so much into one special word for you. I also have prayer time while bathing. Some days it is my only alone time. At first I wondered if it was respectful, then I realized that I was in a humble state. Several people have mentioned that they are working on patience with or forgiveness of themselves. I wrestled with it in the past and learned more about grace as a result. Every now and then, some remorse pops in my head again. I thank The Lord for forgiving me of it and cast it away.

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  60. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Oh, I am so happy for you. Cherish this time and draw strength from it when you need it later in the year.

    Reply
  61. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Teresa! The amazing thing in reading your reply? Remember the search for our God given name that Dineen had us study on? My name turned out to be JOY! I never truly KNEW what that felt like until I had a Hero in my life. And by Hero…that is a combination of dog & God!
    Love you TT!

    Reply
  62. Adriana Avatar
    Adriana

    I too have had lots of quality time with God in the shower. Often I’ll get clear answers to problems there that I’ve been wrestling with. It’s also a place where when I’ll go when I need to shed tears over something. My shower is one of the many blessings I’m grateful to God for 🙂

    Reply
  63. Esi Avatar
    Esi

    Wow…It is encouraging to read your post..the circumstances look rather dire but you still have your Joy reminds of a song the Sunday School Kids sing
    I have joy, in my heart, deep, deep down in my heart
    Jesus gave it to me and no one can destroy it. I have joy in my
    heart, deep, deep down in my heart.
    Thank you Lord Jesus for filling Noz with deep down joy despite the circumstance and we know that all things work together for good for those who love you and whom you have called. Thank you for working this situation out for good for Noz and to your glory.

    Reply
  64. Esi Avatar
    Esi

    Thank you for this post Teresa. I had a challenging situation with step-daughter this morning that had me throwing up my arms. I have done exactly what you said given it all to the Lord. Praise God for his goodness. I am enjoying the fast immensely. On day2 I shared my insights with my husband and he seemed genuinely interested and even thanked me for sharing which left me with a smile. Lets plod on to victory everyone!

    Reply
  65. Tina Avatar
    Tina

    Hello all, please pray for me!
    The fast itself is going awesome. – God has been faithful, present, and just plain old amazing. However, I’m feeling as if I’m either being stretched, or “attacked. And I’m leaning towards attacked.
    Obedience is my word for the year, and I didn’t expect this, but God has followed up with other words to help me achieve the first!
    *reading/learning His word,
    *trusting Him,
    *increasing my faith, and yesterday,
    *confidence that who I am is exactly who he created me to be!
    These messages may not mean much to anyone else, but are just on point for me!!! He has been faithful to speak, ever so clearly, to me – after 2 months of me not knowing the difference between His voice, my desires, and Satan’s discouragement. I am so grateful for His love for me, so grateful for this community!
    And the prayer request part: I have been praying for increased self control. In addition to other areas I need to develop control over myself, I have two 7-year old girls and they are spitfires, just like their momma. 🙂 One day, they will be amazingly successful adults – but I just need to get them there. 🙂
    Well, last night was a disaster. n my way to pick them up after school, I reminded myself of ideas from Liza TerKerst’s “unglued” to keep myself from “blowing up”.
    Well, things escalated quickly yesterday. I don’t want to get into all the down and dirty details, but I was praying hard for help last night. I managed to keep my calm, loving spirit for about an hour. However, out of desperation, I felt the need to do what I could to “take control of the situation, in order to try to snap her out of this tantrum! Looking back,I probably just aggravated the issue more.
    After about 2 hours she calmed down. We talked it out, she apologized, I apologized… I told her what her consequences were and she accepted them, and we talked about some issues going on at school that may have started this funk… – but I just felt (feel) out of control, hopeless (I hate that!), helpless, and like a failure. I know these feelings, are not of God. Honestly, I felt like Satan was laughing in my face last night taunting my efforts. So please, pray for me.
    I’m not going to stop praising my Savior. 🙂 I am still fasting, I still have my hope and KNOW that Christ is growing me ever so closer to HIS heart this week. After all – all things work together for the good of those that love Him, right? 🙂 Thank you ladies!

    Reply
  66. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    I first wanted to encourage Noz in regard to her marriage and for those around her experiencing the enemies attack on their marriage. Stand with God for the healing and restoration. This was for me the greatest challenge in my days walking with my Lord, and their have been many hard trials. Remember, our marriages are the representation of Christ and His bride (the church). Husbands are instructed to love their wives, as Christ loves His bride, and wives respect your husbands. If satan can destroy marriages, this is a direct attack at the heart of Gods kingdom. But, greater is He who is in us than he who walks in the world. My marriage was under attack and The Lord led me to Rejoice Marriage Ministries. A ministry God used to point me the The Word of God and His Truth in regard to my circumstances. Much like the encouragement of this SUM community, this godly couple Bob and Charlyne Steincamp yielded to God and began to help others in difficult marriages. My marriage is back together today, not perfect, but gratefully together to the glory of God, I had to fight that battle with the full armor of God, Eph. 6:10-18. Our God is a Mountain Moving God. I have written your name at my desk and commit to pray for you. This is day four for me, yesterday’s word was deeper still. The fallow ground continues to break up, Hosea 10:12.

    Reply
  67. Jody J Avatar
    Jody J

    Maureen,
    Your message spoke so strongly to me, so thank you. God has been so faithful each day this week to remind me of His promises about my marriage, my spouse and my future. I’ve been immersed in Rejoice Marriage’s website as well, and it brings such hope each and every day. Satan definitely worked in both my husband and me to destroy our marriage, but God already has won the battle. Each day, my word has been RESTORE…and only God can do this, so I wait in joyful expectation that the time is coming, and God will get all the glory. Many messages to me have brought me to Hosea, Isaiah and Jeremiah…and yes, the full armor of God. Your message is our purpose, to remind the world that God is in control, and His purpose prevails. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Reply
  68. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I am so happy that you are enjoying the fast and that you found a bit of encouragement that you could use. Let’s link arms and plod along together toward victory.

    Reply
  69. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Lord, I lift up your daughter, Tina. She loves you so much. Right now, she needs help with self control. You blessed her with a strong spirit and bright personality. Use this to your glory. And also help her know when to turn things over to You, Lord. Give her soft words when she needs them. Help her to find alternatives when situations are stressful. You have trusted her with a sacred work to be a Momma. Have the Spirit remind her when she needs to rest in Your strength. Amen.

    Reply
  70. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Thank you for sharing this encouragement and resource. God wants us to be a unified body. When we support each other and when we graciously accept that support, I think He is happy. I hope many others have a chance to read your comment.

    Reply
  71. Mirta Avatar
    Mirta

    I am in awe of your experiences shared here and of all what God is doing here, i praise Him to the sky….. this my third thime trying to write something, the post of today drscribed exactly the past 3 days–it has been “ugly” but i kept hanging on to Him not knowing how to even pray. The breakthrough, i believe is to get ‘spiritually organized” hang on to my the ABCs: keep focusing on Jesus, love Him with all i got, wait on Him; the journey is long and narrow; refrain is another word for fasting, so necessary bb/c God uses to loosen what is in the way to surprise us with His treasures necessary for the journey. Thank you so much for commiting to. Doing this with me.

    Reply
  72. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    King Jesus, we lift this group of women up to You and bind in Your Holy name, Jesus, the spirits of lust, rejection and any and all spirits interfering with communication. We call down and army of warring angels to take these spirits to the pit of hell and chain them there forever. And we forbid in the name of Jesus any spirit like these from coming into these marriages to interfere or harm. Lord, turn the hearts of these men toward righteousness and make their actions repulsive to them. In Your great and mighty name, Jesus, amen!

    Reply
  73. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    I really struggled today at lunchtime. I am doing the Daniel fast as my fast. And I so wanted to drive to Sonic! But instead, I drove to a place with a Salad Bar and had a nice salad. Things have been a bit crazy and hectic and I have not had much time to contemplate a real focus for my fast, except to pray for my marriage and husband. However, I just learned that my brother, Mark, is having a hard time with depression. (I do not wish to go into detail, but it is not just a mild depression, it is pretty severe, and is at a crises point.) Could I have some prayers for him, please? Thank you and God bless.

    Reply
  74. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    King Jesus, we lift Mark up to You today and in Your mighty and powerful name and by the authority and power You gave us through Your salvation, we bind this spirit of depression from Mark and call and army of angels down to take it to the pit of hell and chain it there forever. We declare in the name of Jesus that this spirit is forever bound and no counterpart or duplicate can takes its place. We release healing into Mark, in the healing Name of Jesus, Jehovah Rapha, for He is our healer. And we praise You, King Jesus for what You are already doing in Mark and the new life You are bringing him. Supply all his needs, Lord, and show him how very much You love him and desire Mark to walk with You. Amen!

    Reply
  75. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    Were we supposed to open them all? He told me what one was, (he actually tossed me a big ball of joy and laughter) but the other two are still a mystery…

    Reply
  76. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    No my husband has never been evaluated for depression. It’s ok to ask.. you didn’t scare me. It has been good for me to write this letter. Thanks for your reply!

    Reply
  77. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    I love my secret place!! Lots of exciting talks with the Lord go on there.

    Reply
  78. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Follow His lead, Gill. Ask Him when you should open them. 🙂 I think this exercise will look very different for many of us.

    Reply
  79. Pamela Avatar
    Pamela

    Teresa what a wonderful devotion today! I think sometimes the enemy of our souls taunts us with inadequacies and that we are not doing enough or being enough. These are lies straight out of the pit of hell….”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.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
    I find that my FAITH is tested and stretched in more ways than can be counted while going thru adversities. But it is then that I realize how ever-present our Papa is! ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ Psalm 34:18 I have struggled with some of these thoughts today. That my fast is nothing and meaningless and I might as well quit. I KNEW by the power of the Holy Spirit that these were lies from the pit and I rebuked them. We have had a very emotional and stressful day today and sometimes when we get tired and stressed is when the enemy comes in with whispers and lies. It is so important to recognize the liar and seek the TRUTH, the Way and the LIFE! Hang in there ladies God has something wonderful up ahead. It might not happen this week or maybe even this month. But as we fast we are doing Kingdom work and it all has meaning. TRUST the One who is ALL TRUTH and ALL KNOWING. His times are not ours but we can be sure He is hearing every hearts cry, every murmuring is captured and held close to His heart. He counts and captures our very tears! HE LOVES US!!!! I love you ladies too!

    Reply
  80. Pamela Avatar
    Pamela

    Patricia, my husband has also been out of work since July of last year. We are struggling as well, yet God has proven FAITHFUL time and time again. May I encourage you by this?
    “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:32 – 34 NLT
    Trust God for just today….don’t pick up extra worry for tomorrow. I have an old saying on a poster and it goes something like this: My name is not I WAS, nor is my name I WILL BE, MY NAME IS I AM for I AM here right now. TRUST ME NOW!
    Praying for you and your husbands job prospects!

    Reply
  81. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    Yes a great crying place!

    Reply
  82. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Dear, Lord, marriage is a sacred example of our relationship with you. Strengthen us and guide us who are married to embody your intention for this holy union. Lord, protect marriages from lust, rejection and lack of communication. We especially petition on behalf of marriages in South Africa. Amen.

    Reply
  83. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    You are a shining example of faith.

    Reply
  84. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Heart!

    Reply
  85. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I agree that dogs are such pure love; they must embody an aspect of God who is love. Our newf has been gone over a year now. He is still so irreplaceable! We finally switched species and got the kitten. I love all God’s creatures. I know you do as well.

    Reply
  86. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Amen.the Lord is close to the broken hearted. He is ever present. He has plans to prosper us.

    Reply

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