Spiritually Unequal Marriage

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Prayer & Fasting – A Day of Reflection

Did you start the fast today? I usually find that day one or two is the most difficult. If you forgot about it over the weekend, I invite you to…

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FastingstartDid you start the fast today? I usually find that day one or two is the most difficult. If you forgot about it over the weekend, I invite you to join us starting tomorrow. Read more about our SUMite community fast here.

The beginning of the year and the beginning of our week-long fast is a good time for some reflection. Think and consider where you are. 

This time of reflection will take you deeper into My plans and purposes for you and will reveal the places where you got off course.  You will see yourself more clearly in relationship to Me and your level of dedication in establishing My kingdom in your place on the earth.  You can now make decisions that will have far-reaching consequences, says the Lord.   

Proverbs 27:19 As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man. 

While we are reflecting, I thought you would enjoy this short video that highlights of our journey in 2013. 

Turn on the sound.

 

Conversation

In the comments below, please share an attribute of God. If you are willing, share an appropriate verse and let us know how you personally experience this attribute.

Also let us know how you are feeling. Was today difficult for you? How did you overcome any challenges?

Prayer

Lord, you are almighty. We love you. Thank You for revealing yourself to us in Your word and in our lives. We raise our hands in praise and celebrate You. Thanks for adopting us and making us holy. If I have strengths, talents, or experiences that I should use in your service, lead me to do so. If I am holding on to a sinful practice, help me to overcome it. Thank You for your grace and patience with us. As we enter this new  year, let us rededicate ourselves to serving You. Let us share Your love with those around us. Amen.

 

{Lynn} Thank you Teresa for a great video. Dineen and I were teary-eyed. We love you and we love every SUMite.

 

{Lynn} On Monday afternoon Pacific Time I will be leading us through a spiritual exercise on our Facebook Page. I have an actual activation I want to release into our community. Please stop in there to be part of that. I expect what we do together will have signifcant impact on our spirit. SUM Facebook.

Comments

79 responses

  1. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    Good morning, Teresa and the rest of the community, and thus begins our week. Teresa, you asked for us to share in the comment section an attribute of God. Well, before I can do this, I am still at this point on your assignment, which is: This time of reflection will take you deeper into My plans and purposes for you and will reveal the places where you got off course.”
    So, for right now, in the early morning hours, God is revealing places I have gotten off track and need to get back on. See you later in the day about the remainder of assignment.
    I love the video, too. Wow is all I can say of how you put that all together.

    Reply
  2. Lynette Avatar
    Lynette

    Love the video. I won’t be fasting everyday as I do a very strenuous workout, and I have to eat on those days. But I will be fasting on the days I don’t workout. I am asking God for a word, He knows what I need better than I do. The attribute I love about God most is Grace. If not for that, I really don’t think I would be alive today considering my past. Looking forward to this afternoon.

    Reply
  3. Dawn B Avatar
    Dawn B

    Great video, Teresa! I see your heart for this community in the video.
    Today is a little hard for me as far as fasting goes because it’s day 6 for me of my Daniel fast and it’s my first day back at work. I haven’t had sugar in a week and our work kitchen is FULL of yummy treats. I walked in the office kitchen this morning to make my fruit smoothie and started drooling – literally. This from the girl who woke up at 2 am on Day 2 of my fast dreaming I was eating Sour Patch Kids, only to briefly wonder if there was still one on the floor board of my car from when they had spilled out of my purse the week before. I love my sugar!! Last week was easier, because I was at home and without temptations. But that’s ok – what’s a fast without temptation?
    What I love most about Our Faithful Father…. Great question. Without a doubt, it’s HIS faithfulness to the little things, those tiny desires of my heart that I sometimes don’t even think are worth mentioning to HIM. That’s where I’m most in awe and feel HIS love the most.
    I woke up with all of you on my heart and in my prayers and there you will be all week 🙂

    Reply
  4. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I actually thought Sunday was day 1? Do not know why I confused it but it was a good start with communion at church. Living in Canada in the winter I had to switch my fast up a bit because of snow shoveling, plowing and a laborious job. So now I am doing one bowl of soup and crackers once a day and besides that, liquids. I was shaky and shoveling snow and ice. Needed sustenance.
    I ended my evening last night with Charles Stanley teaching on Waiting on God’s Timing once again.
    http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/this-week-on-tv
    Amazing thing is I feel like this was one of the very first lessons I started a serious faith walk with, by Charles Stanley and here I am years later listening once again to an updated version by Dr. Stanley on the very same topic.
    I can’t help but feel encouraged and discouraged at the same time if you know what I mean?
    Either way. I know it’s all good because I know God is in control.
    So…if wait on the Lord is what He wants? Then wait on the Lord it is because MY plans are NOT better than my Father’s plans.
    I have so many words I feel are key so it will be AWESOME to discover if there is just ONE God wants me to experience deeply.
    Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
    Enda na Mungu Sumites!(Go with God)

    Reply
  5. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Teresa! You are one talented lady!!! Thank you for the time you took to create such a touching video for us, your Sumite family. LOVE YOU SISTA!

    Reply
  6. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I’m sorry Dawn B but you had me giggling at some of your temptation descriptions. ie: eating candy off the car floor! (smile) You’re right though. We WILL be tempted now even more than ever since we have COMMITTED to something for God.
    What gets me through is to stop and visual the Jesus on the Cross. There is nothing more stronger than an image of his broken and bloody body hanging there for me, us and therefore I think…yeah…I really do NOT need…(place your fasting food items here)
    Praying we all come through with profound words, direction and Divine strength to finish this race! xo

    Reply
  7. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I agree Lynette. Grace. Amazing Grace! Thank You God!

    Reply
  8. olga Avatar
    olga

    I am in. Prayed and wrote down all people and things I will be praying for this week and this year. God’s Spirit is always moving, it’s me or us who are many times not sensitive to His activity. He never sleeps not slumbers. So, I am praying to “catch” the Spirit’s wave for my life and to go with it, praying for my sail to unfold and feel the wind:-) Praying to see when the tops of the trees will be moving:-) Thank you Lord. Come Holy Spirit!

    Reply
  9. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    I was having trouble getting into prayer mode this morning so I started with something simple, praying for blessings for my best friend, whose birthday is today. I found myself asking God to do something special for her today, to surprise and delight her. And was overwhelmed with how our God loves to do that for us. So that is my attribute of God I’m choosing to focus on today. Not sure how to sum it up in a word. God desires to delight us specifically and uniquely. I also loved the pictures of feathers and such in the video, which went along with my thoughts. You did a beautiful job, Teresa.
    I couldn’t think of a scripture that goes along with this, but I was reminded of one of my favorites that says God delights in you.
    Zeph 3:17 (NIV) “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,but will rejoice over you with singing.”
    I noticed delight is translated in most versions as rejoice…which is my word for this year. Oh how the plot thickens 🙂

    Reply
  10. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Wow Jo… This is powerful and I will carry this image also with me when I feel the hunger grow. I will see my Jesus in this agony and I KNOW it will change everything. Thank you. 

    Reply
  11. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    Well, I am at work so I have been really busy with that which has been a distraction to sweets but also to Jesus…. It will get tough when I get home… However, a word that comes to me today is Forgiveness…. It makes sense because last year was a very tough year for me and I am harboring unforgiveness and I know that that doesn’t belong in a Christ followers life… I have high expectations that God will help me work it all out this year and that it will be different. What I am not looking forward to is my part because it’s hard. This should be good…. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Noz Avatar
    Noz

    Thank you Dineen, Lynn and Theresa. The posts are always inspiring
    Phew… Day 1, fasting has become much much harder for me as 2013 progressed. I was supposed to start a fast on the 28th of Dec,i failed. I said I would start again on the 2nd, I failed on Sunday and now I am starting with this one today and I know that Christ’s strength is enough for me.
    I feel that I am under spiritual attack by the spirit of slumber.. Whenever I am trying to pray for longer than ten minutes, I feel so sleepy even during the day.
    What I love most about God is His constancy, faithfulness, grace and mercy.
    I have been so far away from God from my teenage years until about two years ago.. Ohhhhh I still cry at how I could miss out on such abundant grace and the fact that in all those years, He loved me… wooooo it just floors me.. I don’t even know what more to say except without my spiritually unequal marriage I still might not have such an intimate love of my God..
    I enjoy this verse so much Joel 2:25 “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” so my word is restoration..

    Reply
  13. Jodi Avatar
    Jodi

    Hi,
    This is the first time I’m participating in the fast. Keeping it short and simple, I just wanted to contribute this…
    I am focusing on God’s sufficiency. He is all I need – in the rough places, the good times and to help sustain me during this time of fasting.
    Hopeful for what He will show me in this.
    Blessings to you all

    Reply
  14. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    So I just wanted to throw out here that I spoke too soon…. about 5 minutes after posting I was tempted beyond belief with a dessert that was supposed to be given to someone and never was….I thought, “Oh, I will just start my fast tomorrow.” Then, I felt some conviction, prayed and put it back!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

    Reply
  15. Dawn B Avatar
    Dawn B

    Joanne,
    Thank you so much for that. That is truly powerful and I will tuck that in back pocket for the next temptation that arises. Thanks for your wisdom 🙂

    Reply
  16. Dawn B Avatar
    Dawn B

    Heather,
    Amish Grace is a great movie about forgiveness. Just watched it with my girls last night and it put a few things in perspective for me.

    Reply
  17. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Heather, Press into the forgiveness because you will experience breakthrough one you truly forgive. Ask God to help you. 

    Reply
  18. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    O Teresa! The video, so beautiful, tears in my eyes too!
    So, part 1, what one aspect of God do I love most?
    His boundless love and mercy.
    You climbed down from the throne in heaven, just to be close to us, to live what we live so that you could understand everything we go through, so we can know we are never alone in our pain, our struggles.
    Lord, You give everything to us, all of You, You hold nothing back, no blessings, no love; we break your heart over and over and still You hold us close! You run to embrace us even as we smell like a pig!

    Reply
  19. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Awesome 

    Reply
  20. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Gill, absolutely mind-blowing truth… Thank you. My heart stirred when I read this. Love you. 

    Reply
  21. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    Yes I have seen that movie and I can share with others how important giving and receiving forgiveness is, but when it comes to my own life, I am way more stubborn!! It’s terrible the grip that this has on me. Thank you for the recommendation!!

    Reply
  22. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    Thanks Lynn…. I am trusting Him and I know it’s gonna be AWESOME when this is resolved…. I am in His way and desperately trying to get out!!!Love you!!

    Reply
  23. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    After a morning of reading journals from last year, I saw areas I had gotten off track. (where is mine and God’s little secret.) But the good news is and this is God’s attribute for this assignment: Mercy.
    Lamentations 3:22-23: It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.

    Reply
  24. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Amen.. Amen.. Amen. New every morning. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

    Reply
  25. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    Part 2: How’s it going?
    Pretty good so far, I am so looking forward to this time of dedication, self discipline and intimacy w The Lord, as well as revelation. This new year has still been a bit rocky and I just need to get back to what’s most important- and let the rest fall into place. This is the time to stick some new mindsets and habits to make this year even better than the last :
    I went with the Daniel fast, I was just going to do my usual plain food and no treats, but would still have a very full tummy- I’m not nursing any kids that really need nutrients- but also I need to work on getting more fruit and veggies so making them my main focus for the week could help alter my thinking. I’m having fruits and veggies, plain cereal, eggs, soup, – and pasta or rice and some meat as part of a plain supper when DH is home. Drinking water, milk, tea but not juice.
    So far it’s not too hard but this will be less food for me especially for a week! I’m committed though 🙂 also trying to spend less time on the computer and on Facebook.

    Reply
  26. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Love all your descriptive words Olga. Moving. Activity. Catch. Go. Feel. Wind. Tops. His Spirit already has you surfin’ gurlfrend! AWESOME STUFF! 😀

    Reply
  27. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    LOL! Don’t you just LOVE how God moves and keeps whispering messages when you give Him your time to talk. I too LOVE Zephaniah 3:17 after a personal experience with that. There are just SO many attributes for our Heavenly Father even throughout just ONE day! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    You didn’t miss out on the Grace Noz….you just weren’t in a place to realize you had it. But NOW you are in place and now you know His Grace. ((HUG))

    Reply
  29. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    You’re in for an enlightenment Jodi. It’s another level of faith fasting for God’s Words to empower us. Godspeed “gurlfrend!” 🙂

    Reply
  30. Stacey S Avatar
    Stacey S

    This saying has been with me for the past six months or so…”and if not…He is still good.” No matter what happens, no matter how He answers your prayers what’s the worst that could happen? He is still good. My biggest one is if my husband is not saved…He is still good. Hard to swallow but….He is still good!!
    God had two words for me to ponder on….work and humble. Do my work humbly? Work on being humble? I know one of my greatest prayer requests to Him is to find the right words to share with people about Him. I think I never come off humble and it might be off putting to some. Humility is a great attribute to have and one He is showing me I need to work on.

    Reply
  31. Stacey S Avatar
    Stacey S

    Gill, I too am doing the Daniel Fast! When I have idol hands sometimes I like to scrounge for snacks…especially during he treat season we’ve had here at our home. I am trying to keep my food simple and veggie packed since I too do not eat enough of them. What’s difficult about this fast is to not become so focused on looking forward to a meal or an interesting way to make food…instead to spend that mental energy on praising The Lord! Looking forward to what the rat of his week has in store for us!

    Reply
  32. Tamara Avatar
    Tamara

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKITsfQhUBc&list=PL6CD3E01EF8EE543A

    Reply
  33. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    The Lord has me thinking of contentment.. not complaining about things. The attribute of God is love. Jer 31:3.. I loved you with an everlasting love. I’m excited about how the Lord is going to work thru this fasting week.

    Reply
  34. Carie Rolls Avatar
    Carie Rolls

    TRUST. This is what God has been and is continuing to teach me the past couple years…To trust in the Lord with my whole heart and lean not on my own understanding. To acknowledge Him in all my was so He can make my paths straight…
    My two oldest boys headed back to college this morning and for whatever reason the Southwest terminal at LAX was a complete mess. My boys missed their flight, but God put them on one about an hour later. They landed in Omaha about an hour ago and my oldest son’s luggage did not arrive with him. He’s upset, but I told him it will be okay. The weather has been in the negative temps recently so his classes which were to start tomorrow have been delayed a day, so he can spend the night with his brother in Omaha, get his luggage when it comes in and drive to Iowa tomorrow. TRUST. In the big things. In the little things. Even the in-between things. TRUST IN THE LORD! And the one thing I am asking God to work in me this year is LOVE. In everything. In every way. With every one. LOVE. To love the way HE loves. To have HIS heart. That is the desire for myself this year. Praying you’re all having an incredible day. Looking forward to the blessings come down as we sacrifice our lives for our King!
    P.S. My tummy is howling as I write this. So glad we stop at sun-down. Looking forward to having dinner with my family. :o)

    Reply
  35. Carie Rolls Avatar
    Carie Rolls

    TRUST. This is the attribute the Lord has been working in me the past couple of years now. TRUST. To trust in the Lord with my whole heart and to lean not on my own understanding. To acknowledge Him in all my ways so He can make my paths straight.
    My two oldest sons headed back to college this morning, and for whatever reason, the Southwest terminal was a mess. They missed their flight, but God put them on the next one. They arrived in Omaha a short time ago, but my oldest son’s luggage did not make it. So we wait. And we Trust. He’s anxious and and upset, but I told him it will be ok. Classes were set to start tomorrow, but the weather back there has been in the negative temp ranges so classes have been delayed a day. He will stay the night with his brother, pick up his luggage when it arrives, and drive to Iowa tomorrow. TRUST IN THE LORD. It’s all good!
    The one thing I am asking the Lord for myself this year is LOVE. To LOVE as HE loves. In everything. In every way. With every one. Till it hurts. With my whole heart. Give it away and expect nothing in return LOVE.
    It’s mid-afternoon as I write this and my tummy is howling. Never have done a food fast before. Thankful we’re done at sun-down and I can eat dinner with my family.
    I pray you’re all having an amazing day and look forward to the blessings that will come down as we sacrifice our lives for our King!

    Reply
  36. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Love….  Always the perfect prayer. 
    Sent from my iPhone

    Reply
  37. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    It sounds like you have had a good day of reflection. Mercy. I love that.

    Reply
  38. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    You are smart to consider your physical demands in your plans. Grace is powerful. I am trying to exhibit more of it. So glad you are with us!

    Reply
  39. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Thanks for holding us in your prayers. I have also been impressed with His faithfulness even to small details. It will strike me that His hand is in it. I just pause in awe.
    I also have a sweet tooth.
    I am glad you like the video, but it is not me…it was a complication of SUMites who had a good year together.

    Reply
  40. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Dr Stanley would be very happy to be part of your journey. Revivals are good. We need to hear, apply, and hear again. Perhaps a word of focus will come to you later this week. I found that “humility” is at the root of several things I considered. I think that will be my word.

    Reply
  41. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Beautifully written.

    Reply
  42. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Rejoice is a beautiful word to hold as focus of the year. People around you will be blessed too!
    I didn’t do anything except string the photos together. It was the SUMites who had a story to tell.

    Reply
  43. Ian Avatar
    Ian

    Teresa, wow, you spoilt us with that video. Thank you so much for all the work you put into it. And thank you for including Angelguard too.
    I’ve reflected a little in these past weeks about Mary & Martha. We are all naturally inclined to be Marthas, but it’s Mary who experiences the joy from grabbing as much of Jesus as she can. Often in weeks like this one we are sharing in we’re seeking a particular blessing and/or breakthrough which is all good but I sense for me this week may be more about being more like Mary. Just experiencing more of His Presence.
    Yesterday I read in Judges 13, the story of Samson’s parents who asked God for guidance on how to raise their son. God didn’t provide any rulebook, but what He did provide what Himself. He, through the Holy Spirit, offers us Himself too. Let’s soak in His Presence this week.
    Standing with you all in prayer.

    Reply
  44. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    We are to rest in Him. Perhaps He is trying to tell you to get some rest. : -). Or try to pray while standing up. Sometimes if I let my mind wander a little bit, I can open my mind to hear a message. Other times I am drawn to slumber, particularly in the morning. Here is a favorite passage for those times.
    Ephesians 5:14
    for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
    “Wake up, O sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

    Reply
  45. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    His sufficiency is good to remember. Resting in that will bring peace and confidence. : -)

    Reply
  46. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Your love for The Lord comes through.
    By the way I enjoyed the journey of the wise men figures in your holiday photos.

    Reply
  47. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I think humble will be my word too. I think it is often confused with lacking confidence, but it is more powerful than that. We can be humble and confident. I am studying more on what it means and how to live it.

    Reply
  48. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    Good afternoon ladies, as I was asking God all day today what is you want me to focus on this year. The first thought which came into my mind is accept where you are, stop and have patience is something I always need which brought this verse into my mind. It is one if my favorites ” Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me. Isaiah 30:15
    Lord Jesus I pray you always guide my footsteps and I stop listen and obey that small voice you whisper in my heart.
    Love you xoxo

    Reply
  49. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I like the traditional hymns.

    Reply
  50. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Complaining is as easy trap. You will feel so free when living in contentment. Go, girl.

    Reply
  51. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    John 13:34-35
    “A new command I give you:Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
    Those around you will be blessed when you trust and love, agape love.

    Reply
  52. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I love that perspective. What a joy to be in His presence.
    Angelguard is a good read!

    Reply
  53. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Beautiful, Pat.

    Reply
  54. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Pat, you and I are so much alike. LOL! Hugging you, my friend!

    Reply
  55. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    I’ve been thinking a lot about Martha and Mary too, Ian. Hadn’t thought of it this way. Very good insight. I’m trying to be more like Mary too. I came across a note I wrote in my Bible a while back on that very. I wrote, “Martha was a stuffer.” I think she stuffed things down emotionally. Lot’s to learn there. Hugs!

    Reply
  56. Heid Avatar
    Heid

    Well, here comes the straggler 🙂 doing the daytime fast as well as staying off my timeline, it can be such a distraction for me. Im checking in with a few of my Sum sisters an here on the SUM blog. I can see its been a busy day. This is the very first time I have fasted, couldn’t get it straight in my head how it would bring me closer to Jesus, thinking I’d be to hungry to focus. Heck focus is hard for this little day dreamer any way lol. Crazy thing is I didn’t get hungry…weird. weirder yet is my life these last couple days, Lynn I think ya know what I mean. Been journeying towards some spiritual goals of mine 2 difierent minisrties, one on line and one at church. But holy smokes, the devil dug his feet in deep, almost defeated me thinking Im not up to those goals, he was really playing on my you don’t measure up side of me, wasn’t giving upnon God was giving up me the attack on my life from the evil spirits was brutal. I prayed, deep breathed and thought a long time about it , trying to desipher if it was a sign or what. My faith did prevail and see me through this rough patch, a little bruised, but better if ya know what I mean. Anyway today was CRAZY with a captital C today!!!! Revalations (some painful), a plan for my journey revealed, and AMAZING incidents one aftet another, with chills allll day. Today I discovered my stumbiling block, that thing that stops you from REAL growth, that thing that had me always saying why can’t I have what they have (spiritually).
    Such a crazy day, my husband was probably thinking “is she smokin something?” LOL
    Anyway there was soooo much energy around meand through me Im exhausted. Will post my stumbiling block tomorrow. PS love each and every one of my SUM sisters deeply.night.

    Reply
  57. Carmen M Avatar
    Carmen M

    Better late than never. Today was an unusually busy day for me. It seemed as if my day was full of activity, and went by very quickly. Which helped with not thinking about the hunger pangs. However, I did not have enough time in the word. Though I did spend almost all day in prayer.
    As a dear new friend of mine shared with me, wait until you start fasting and the enemy will really turn up the heat.
    Well, I feel it. But I’m covered with the blood of Jesus! Putting on my armor and reporting for duty! LORD USE ME!
    Praying for breakthroughs for all SUMmites and standers! Holy Spirit fill us to overflowing!
    Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

    Reply
  58. Deena Avatar
    Deena

    Hi, I live in east Asia, so I’m on day 2… It’s been awesome time in the morning. I m having a worship and prayer time in the morning for an hr. In the afternoon, whenever the hunger pangs keep rolling in I whisper out to The Lord ‘that I hunger for you Lord more than this food…I need you Lord! Need u so much…ur presence in my life’ my second day went better than the first day ….praying for all of us as we sit in his presence soaking in his love and grace.

    Reply
  59. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I would be interested to hear at the end of this week what you think of fasting since this is your first time around. It sounds like a Loy happened in you today.

    Reply
  60. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    You have a beautiful routine for the fast. Starting the day with worship sets the tone for your day. Love it!

    Reply
  61. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    My day was busy too, which helped. Agreed that we should be on alert for the tempter. Armor on!

    Reply
  62. Caroline P Avatar
    Caroline P

    Oh my, I can tell you right away that the word I need/want to practice is PATIENCE. This is something I feel God has been reaching out to tell me for months now. But I get off track when I start thinking about MY PLANS for my life…”I don’t want to wait! I need all the answers now!” haha says the Lord, in His loving and merciful way. You won’t know squat until you practice PATIENCE–and under that umbrella I feel a calling from Him to acceptance, as well. Of others, of myself, of their flaws and mine (especially mine), because only love is real.
    And what is great about God to me? Well, it would have to be His patience and loving mercy. When I find it hard to forgive myself, it brings me strength to know He forgives me first. AMEN!
    “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
    ~Colossians 3:17

    Reply
  63. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    It brings you strength to know He forgives you first, beautiful!

    Reply
  64. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Deena, I want to thank you for sharing where you live. God spoke to me when I read your post. Thank you for being part of this community across the world. And you are a day ahead and your comment greatly encourages me to stay on track. THANK YOU. And I’m with you…. Praying for all of us as we sit in His Presence soaking in His love and grace. AMEN…

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  65. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Amen! Covered with the blood of Jesus! Praying that for all of us, Carmen. Amen! Hugging you, girl!

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  66. Alice Avatar
    Alice

    Dear SUMites, what an incredible encouragement this community is to me. What a wonderful way to start the year! I’m in Australia so I often read the blog post the following day to when it was posted (the email usually comes in the evening) and it’s wonderful to see everyone supporting each other and encouraging one another. How blessed we are to have this community!
    Pondering characteristics of our Lord I was drawn to the Psalms and struck again by God’s protection – particularly Psalm 121 and 91. He is always beside us, guarding us and protecting us. How wonderful is He!
    My word, well 2 words, for this year are dedication and commitment. I need to recommit myself to the Lord, to become involved in ministry at church again after a time away. I need to refocus my energies on putting God at the centre of EVERYTHING – that’s really got to be everything!! Amazing how God reveals what we need to focus on with such love and patience!

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  67. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Your words of focus are strong ones. Your congregation will benefit when you live them out. It is also nice to think of you somewhere warm. It is summer there, right? It is below zero F here.

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  68. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    I am so encouraged by each and every post I read. The attribute if God that I am focusing on is His Patience. Romans 15:5 Amp version says…Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement , grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may (unanimously) with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Praying that I will become less and He will become more in me, that His Divine patience will flow in me, and in each of us. That our spouses will see Jesus in us, and desire Who we have…Jesus. I will praise Him in the journey! It has been a while since I have fasted, I cannot thank you enough for giving of yourselves to this ministry! What a blessing you all are to me. Thank you.

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  69. Pamela Avatar
    Pamela

    AMEN Heather…..God is so much stronger than our desires….His ability to convict and for you to be open to His leading…..You go girl!!

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  70. Pamela Avatar
    Pamela

    When I think of one of God’s attributes I think of His FAITHFULNESS. He is so faithful! Exodus 34:6 “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,” Some of you may know me from 1Peter3 and my husband professed to rededicate his life to the Lord Jesus but so many obstacles have been put in his path that I am afraid they have choked out the Word that was planted in his heart. Yet, God says that He is FAITHFUL that He is the one who started the work and He will finish it. I am claiming this for my husband. We have had a very trying year financially and for 2014 the Lord has given me the word FAITH. The acronym is Fantastic Adventure In Trusting Him. I believe God has something wonderful for me this year….if only I have the FAITH to believe. I do have that Faith and I am looking forward to the adventure God has planned out. My heart has been opened to the less fortunate among us, animals left out in the cold, homeless people, especially during this cold snap. I have been more in tune to the leading of the Holy Spirit to pray for these less fortunate and also to reflect on how very rich I am today. I have heat, I have food in my cupboard and I have friends who love Jesus and are praying for me as I pray for them.
    Thank you again Teresa for all that you are doing for this group!!! God BLESS you dear one….very much so! Love Ya!

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  71. Alice Avatar
    Alice

    Yes Teresa, it sure is summer! Sunny, hot days here in Queensland. We’ve had a heat wave lately, with temps in the high 30s C and even low 40s C recently – that’s 100F I think! Luckily I was holidaying at the beach though – bliss! 🙂 back to normal now around 30C 🙂

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  72. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    “Fantastic Adventure In Trusting Him.” I love it!!!

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  73. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Oh Pamela, I'm so hopeful for your husband. I am praying for you this hour , and for him. Lord restore this man to a full relationship with Christ. Give a fresh hope to Pamela. Let her see your miracles abound in her life. In Jesus name amen. Love you, Lynn 

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  74. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Alice, I love these Psalms as well. Amen. May God richly bless you. I love you, Lynn 

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  75. Keyara Avatar
    Keyara

    I guess better late than never. Sadly I have not watched the video yet as I have a teething 3month old and I am only able to read these wonderful weekly messages while she is asleep (its 3:10a.m here, when I cant sleep I read the blogs). God is so great and at the age of 20 I’ve been through more than anyone could possibly believe. With that being said an attribute of God that amazes me is his Peace. A weakness in my life that I struggle with trying to defeat is worrying. When I worry I battle with myself because I know God has a plan for my life and that all I need to do is trust him. However when I am faced with something worrying takes over, and I start to doubt God and his power. Prayer has brought me through my battle with worrying and I always seek God for peace in my heart, and it never fails he grants me with peace and I am able to get through any of the trials and tribulations of life. Thank you so much Father.
    My husband and I went through a lot last year and there were many times that I felt lile giving up because I lost all hope. However, I never stopped praying for God to work in my marrage and I stayed strong with prayer and reading his word. I would also like to add reading the blog each week strengthened me too (you ladies are amazing). God has done something’s in my marriage that I never thought I would see and I’m so very grateful. I could go on and on about the goodness of Jesus and all that he has done in my little life. This is my first time posting (I’m so excited) and in this new year I want to give more of myself to Jesus because he’s given all of himself to me. Thank you ladies you have touched my life more than you know. Please pray for me.

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  76. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    I will say a prayer for you 🙂 Nice to see another young face here, I’m 27 now but I got married at 20 and had a little baby by 21 too 🙂

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  77. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    I would also like to share something I learned along the lines of worrying and being in control. God taught me how I could let go by sending me to Texas, but these 4 basics of trust were part of Dineen’s talk and they were just what I needed:
    1. God is Good, (God is good, always good, He is incapable of any selfish motive by his very nature) 2. God is in CONTROL (not just my hubby’s salvation, not just watching over my kids, like everything! Through out the trip God showed me over and over again the lengths He would go to to care for his little girl and also how much He is truly in control of this world despite what said world might think!) 3. God is an equipper: If He calls you to do something He will give you everything you need to do it (and that includes changing the hearts of anyone who stands in your way) 4. God is a redeemer, He will bring good out of every painful situation, and further: There is meant to be resurrection for EVERY crucifixion! (I read it in a marriage article but I have seen it to be true more and more in all aspects of my life especially any and all big things… )
    It’s one of the beautiful hidden truths I cling to 🙂

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  78. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Amen Gill. Thank you for these words. Thank you. 
    Sent from my iPhone

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  79. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    I love you so much Gill. I love watching God work in your heart and spirit. You are amazing. 

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