Is Jesus Really Enough?

Today as I sit in my office, I reflect on the tremendous blessings God has bestowed my way.  Just this week a gracious donor blessed RUSH Ministries with a new van and a 24 foot box truck...WOW!  As I stand in awe of this blessing from such an amazing donor, I have to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.  Now, you might be saying, "Marc, just consider it at face value...there is no bigger (or spiritual) picture!"  To which I respond..."there always is!"  

You see, when difficulties come and we find ourselves fighting or disagreeing with a person, we are quick to quote Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  We want to believe this passage as face value! We want to appropriate  any trouble we are experiencing to being an attack from the the enemy.  And be that as it may, why are we not as quick to appropriate the blessings in the same manner?

The Bible says in James 1:17,"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."   Look at the first words again..."EVERY GOOD GIFT..."  Everything that is good comes from God!  It is God that motivates the giver...but make no mistake about it, God is the true giver of any 'good gift'.  Therefore, for me, as I thank this donor for this gift, I must be quick to thank God, who has blessed this giver to give and furthermore, prompted his heart to give!

In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul prayed three times for the Lord to "remove the thorn in his flesh" and instead of removing it, Jesus responded with perhaps the most profound words ever spoken by our Savior.  Jesus said, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Cor. 12:9).   This in an incredibly important verse, as we see one of the most powerful men of God to ever walk the earth, the Apostle Paul, deal with a specific need.  He is praying a fervent prayer for God to deliver him of some ailment in his life that is preventing him from being all he wants to be in ministry.  One would assume this to be a plausible request by the writer of nearly 2/3 of the New Testament.  But in spite of his persistent prayers (3 times), Jesus responds with a contrary verdict...NO!  Yet, instead, Jesus gave him the greatest gift of all...He brings into full view HIS all-sufficeint GRACE!

I love the way Paul responded to Jesus' answer of 'grace'..."Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."  I think my response might have looked more like, "are you kidding me Lord?  I am doing everything I can to serve you!  I have given up my friends, my lifestyle, my goals, etc., etc.!"  BUT the great Apostle simply accepted the grace of God and His sufficiency! Can you do that today?  Is Jesus really enough? OR do you need stuff to determine your joy?  Nehemiah said, "And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Neh. 8:10) 

Now...back to the donor and his gracious gift to RUSH Ministries.  I am blown away every time a person or business invests in the vision to reach the unchurched students around the world with the precious Gospel message.  It is incredibly humbling to have someone say, "The Lord told me to give or do this or that!   However, I have to stay focused on the all-sufficient grace of the Lord Jesus!  He is the real giver of all things...prompting men and women to serve, give, pray, and love in HIS stead.  

 No matter what you are going through...good or bad, joyful or tearful, easy or a struggle, you must acknowledge the sufficient grace of Jesus.  Nothing...and I do mean nothing, can happen without God allowing it to occur in your life.  He is sovereign and in total control of everything!  The question is not why?  The response should be "what"?  "What do you want me to do with the good or difficult situation you are allowing to come into my life"?  
Today Lord Jesus, I shout from the rooftops "YOUR GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR MY EVERY NEED"! 

What about you?  Is He enough or do you need more?

Resting in HIS sufficiency,

Marc

Let the redeemed say “So”!

I once heard an “old-time” preacher bring a message entitled “Let the redeemed of the Lord say ‘So’”.  The theme of the message was how bad things happen to good people, to which he responded, “SO”!

Now, let me first say submit to you, this precious man of God took a giant leap of liberty with this passage found in Psalm 107:2.  To say he was “reading into” this passage is putting it lightly.  But if you allow me a little liberty, I want to use this man’s message to make a point!

The Passage reads, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;”  This verse is only a part of the whole thought which should read in context of verses 1-3, 6, which reads:

“1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;  3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.” 6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.”

Therefore, the “So” is simply restating the fact the “…He is good and His mercy endures forever.”  To which I say a hearty, AMEN!

However, much like the flow of the old-time preacher’s sermon, I sometimes feel like just shouting out “So”!!!!  Do you ever feel that way?  You just want to tell Satan, “look dude…you have thrown your very best at me this week, but I want to remind you that I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; you can’t touch me! You can't harm me!  You are a defeated foe and your days are numbered.  You have launched an all-out attack to which I say… “SO”!!!!!!

I know it seems a little dangerous to taunt satan (not a typo, I never capitalize his name!), the prince of the power of the air. But let me remind you…The Apostle Paul did just that!  Looking to his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul explained in detail the hurt, turmoil, etc. that both he and they would endure, and had endured. 

In 2 Cor. 4:8-16 he states “8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted , but not forsaken ; cast down , but not destroyed ; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death works in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken ; we also believe , and therefore speak ; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. “

Now, if Paul would have stopped right there in verse 16, his point would have been clear. But the Apostle Paul who, himself had be persecuted, shipwrecked, bitten by a serpent, stoned, beaten, imprisoned, and would ultimately be martyred by beheading,  says something profound in the next verse.

Paul concludes this thought…”17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

What???  Did I just hear him right? Did he say,“light afflictions”! Why did Paul say this?  Having studied the life of the Apostle Paul, I believe this was a strategic step of faith to shout both in that day and through the corridors of time, “SO”!  He was saying, “satan, you threw your best at me, but the power that lives in me, is greater that the power you have!  Therefore, with all your efforts, satan, I an Apostle of Jesus Christ say to you, “SO”!

The thought of this truth is as equally profound in application.  You see, when we give merit to the enemy’s impact on our life, we tend to diminish the impact Christ has in us.  I will admit there is a fine line here toward becoming cynical concerning trials, but the safeguard is to realize how trials enter into a child of God’s life in the first place. 

The book of Job tells us of a cosmic struggle that continues over our soul.  Job 1 speaks of the angels going before the Lord and satan also ( v6).  In verse 8 it was God who initiated the attack on Job asking satan “hast thou considered my servant Job…?”  Of course satan had considered him, but since he was such an upright man, who feared the Lord, he could not touch Job.  In fact, satan recognized the “hedge of protection about him…” (v10).   Without getting into the entirety of the storyline, we see God lowering that hedge “so that” satan could attack Job (killing his children, destroying his homes, livestock, and all Job had).

The result of Job’s initial actions were much like Paul’s statement of “light affliction”.  In verse 20 Job “arose, an rent his mantle, and shaved his head(a sign of mourning and prayer), and fell down upon the ground and worshipped .”   And the BIG punch comes in verse 21 as Job says “I came naked into this world, and that’s how I am going out”, as if to say “SO”!

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say ‘SO’!”  Sure, we need to shout of His mercy and love that endures throughout the ages, from everlasting to everlasting.  But, don’t you just think that every now and again, a BIG, LOUD, and CONFIDENT “SOOOOOO” will do us all some good?

If you are a child of God reading this, your sin-stained soul has been made clean; you have been made whole; the old has become new; and you are redeemed, literally placed in a position of acceptance by Almighty God! 

When difficulty comes…and it will, roll down the window of your car, open the back door of your home, or stand up right in the middle of your workplace, and tell satan “SO!”

 James 4:7b says "resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  He won't go far, but he will flee nonetheless!  Today, choose to believe the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in you and refute the lies of satan with truth...His name is Jesus!

 I am “SOOOOO” blessed!

Marc

Fasting and Feasting is NOT an oxymoron!

I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks since I began our corporate fast.  A couple of the aspects of this fast to not watch TV, and to finish writing my book.  So, I have spent most of my time praying and writing to complete my book by January the 28th.  But I had to put my immediate thoughts to paper before there are gone forever(kind of like that sock lost in the dryer!).

Though I have fasted before, I have never done the full food fast for 21 days.  Now despite the private aspects of fasting, I feel God has prompted me to share this with you.  Fasting consists of setting aside time you would normally eat a meal and replace it with prayer or some other pursuit of God.  What I have found though, is that after 8 days, I have been FEASTING during this fast! It reminiscent of a full belly, after my wife's chicken and dumplings, only now its full in my soul, and not my belly.  I feel that God is pouring HIS newness into my very spirit.

I am also feasting on HIS glory in everything I see.   Everywhere I turn, I see God. I see HIS providential hand at work in ways I haven't noticed before.  Interestingly, it has taken me slowing down to see these things.  In fact, much of my day-to-day activity deals with food!  I had no idea how much time I spent "preparing to eat".   Let me explain.  Most people probably take an hour or so for lunch break and about the same for dinner.  Breakfast is a different story.  In our busy lifestyle, most of us usually do the whole "breakfast on the run" or just grab a large cup of Java to kick-start our day.  But God showed me how much time I spend talking about food, or going to this restaurant, or meeting for lunch, or complaining with the "I am starving...what's for dinner" comment (to which I tell my kids, "you are NOT going to starve!).

Here's my point.  As a pastor, a husband, a father and the many other hats I wear in a given day, God has told me to "redeem the time" or "to make the most of the right now" all for HIS glory!  In the last week or so, since I have not built my day around what or when I eat, I am feasting on the glory of God.

 It hit me this morning before church, just how relentless God was when He pursued me.  I was minding my own business and was totally oblivious to HIS love for me.  Why does HE love me so much?  Why does HE love you so much?  The short answer is we are the most important thing on this planet to God!  We have the fingerprint of God on our heart.  We have a copy of HIS precious Word which hold the answers to all of life's questions.  We are already situated in heavenly places. We are joint heirs with Christ, and though He does not need us to tell HIS story, He uses us!

HIS glory is seen at every turn.  Can you see it?  Fasting or bringing your flesh into subjection to the spirit, means that you can feast on the often overlooked glory of God!  He is worthy!  Please don't miss it!

Feasting on HIM!
Marc

Show Me a Sign!

Since the dawn of mankind, people have desired to see "proof" in order to believe anything.  With God, nothing is different.  Today, many still search for "evidence" of the Noah's Ark, the Holy Grail, the Cross, etc., etc.  Why do men seek this "proof"?  In the easiest of terms...because everyone wants that irrefutable evidence to truly believe and maybe then everyone else will too!

However, in the economy of God, it is clear that faith is the means by which we believe.  The Hebrews writer states "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (emphasis mine).  Interestingly, God's Holy, inspired Word (2 Tim. 3:16) teaches irrefutably that we are to believe when we cannot see evidence.  The Apostle Paul teaches in Ephesians "For by grace are you saved through faith..." (this is the same faith whereby no evidence is seen).  Think about it, if you are saved, you were born again, by place full confidence in something you cannot see, touch, smell, or feel; yet you believe!  Talk about supernatural!

Then, how are we to know? How can I tell if I am in HIM and HE in me?  Before I answer that, let me address one issue as it pertains to "signs and wonders", more often referred to as "gift signs".  The Jews  "...require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified." (1 Cor. 1:22-23)  The Apostle Paul deals with this exhaustively in his first letter to the church at Corinth, who desperately wanted an outward sign to reflect their new inner relationship.  In 1 Cor. 12 the great Apostle expounds on the gifts for 30 verses, an then in verse 31 he says something often overlooked..." But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way” The answer to what this "more excellent way" refers to what is found in the next chapter (remember, when the Bible was originally written, there were not chapter and verse breaks. This was added later for better understanding and application). 

In 1 Cor. 13 the Apostle Paul outlines the supremacy of Love to the gifts as "a more excellent way".  But if that weren't enough Jesus HIMSELF states unequivocally in John's Gospel, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."  The key to this passage is the "By this...all men with know...” "This" refers to loving people the way Jesus has loved you and me!  WOW!  Can it be so simple? In fact, it is. 

To know Him, is to love HIM, and to love HIM is to pursue the same love HE has for you (Phil. 2:5).  In fact, to really get down to the brass tacks of "proof" of Christ in you, is found in your ability to bear fruit.  The Apostle Paul writing to the Church in Galatia says "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...” The "evidence" of being a good fruit is to bear other seed-bearing fruit of the same kind.  The greatest "proof" in your life that you are in Jesus and He in you, is your ability to bear like fruit!  Think about this...Jesus could have instructed us to "do" anything as evidence of being in HIM.  Yet, He chose love! 

Do you love people?  I don't mean the ones who love you?  That's is simple and is so easy to do, the Bible says even the non-believers do that (Matt. 46-47).  Love the unlovable...better yet, love the ones who cannot love you back!  That is real proof of Jesus living in you.

Therefore, the greatest "proof", "sign", "wonder", etc., is to "love others, even as I (Jesus) has loved you".  The evidence of such is found in fruit bearing...birthing, if you will, others into a personal, loving relationship with Jesus Christ!  Have you led someone else to Jesus this week?  Last month?  Last year?  Ever!?  Share Jesus today and love the way He loves you!

Here's Your Sign,

Marc

The Daniel Fast

Today's Blog will act more as an instructional writing for those of us who are setting aside January 8-28, 2012 for a time of fasting and prayer.  Today, I will deal more specifically, with the aspects of a "Daniel fast" as promised in previous posts.

 The Daniel fast is a partial fast based of the biblical principle of the prophet Daniel's fast found in Daniel 1.

Daniel 1 says that King Nebuchadnezzar instructed the palace officials to seek out some of the strong, healthy and good looking men who were well learned, who were to be poised to serve in the palace. They were to be taught the language and culture of Babylon, and they would be assigned a daily course of the Kings "best food" to include meat and wine.  But Scripture tells that Daniel  "made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king."(v.8)  Though the official had great respect for Daniel for taking such a stand, he was concerned, since the King's word was clear and his goal was to "grow" the strongest and healthiest men possible.

 Daniel pressed on telling the palace official to "...test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water," Daniel said.  "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's rich food. Then you can decide whether or not to let us continue eating our diet."  So the attendant agreed...” (vv. 12-14)  Miraculously, at the end of the time allotted, Daniel and his three friends actually looked healthier and better nourished than the men who had eaten the best food from the King's kitchen!

The end result of Daniel's stand was "God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for learning the literature and science of the time. And God gave Daniel special ability in understanding the meanings of visions and dreams.  When the three-year training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief official brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar.  The king talked with each of them, and none of them impressed him as much as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego...and in all matters requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, the king found the advice of these young men to be ten times better than that of all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom." (vv. 17-20).

Unlike a total food fast, the" Daniel Fast" is a biblically based partial fast.  As we read in Daniel 1, the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast:

1. Only fruits and vegetables

2. Only water for a beverage

Then in Daniel 10, we read that the Prophet ate no meat, precious breads or foods and he drank no wine (more specifically, juice). So from this scripture, we get a third guideline:

3. No sweeteners and no breads

Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during the fast.  So that's why yeast, baking powder and the like are not allowed on the Daniel Fast.  So, we conclude that neither artificial or processed foods, nor any chemicals are allowed on the Daniel Fast (most grocery stores now have "organic food" sections).

The key with this fast as, with any other, is to not simply "fast" as a means of "showing God how committed you are". But rather to set aside special time for prayer and reading God's Word.  In fact, in my time of fasting, I also commit to non-food items during this fast, to ensure a more concentrated time alone with God.  For example, you may speak with your family about fasting television (before you click "exit" on this page and turn your T.V. up louder...hear me out!)

The average family watches a collective 5-8 hrs. of T.V daily. That is in excess of 50 hrs. per week in some cases!  Imagine what your spiritual connection would be to the Lord, if you spent that time in prayer and studying HIS Word! 

Here's my challenge (and let me warn you, this is not for the faint at heart!)  Try the 21-day Daniel fast with your family, with the added T.V. fast, and be amazed at how your life is transformed!  In fact, some of you who have fasted before may want to consider a total food fast, with only liquids for 21 days.  It is my opinion, however, that anyone wishing to consider such a fast, should speak to a Physician to ensure that he/she has no unseen medical issues, before doing so. (By the way...being "addicted" to Coca-Cola and chocolate does NOT constitute a "medical issue", lol!)

This 21-day fast is your opportunity to alter (or might I say "altar") your marriage, your children, your home, and yourself!  Remember, the palace official was facing a sure beheading for going against the orders of King Nebuchadnezzar.  In much the same way, this fast goes against the grain of your mortal flesh.  But, it is worth the effort to see Jesus high and lifted up...to see HIM, to hear from HIM, to sense HIM like never before!

In Passionate Pursuit,

Marc

Do it anyway!

This blog includes some excerpts from my nearly completed book:

“’Do it anyway…Sounds like the title to a great country song, Huh?  Well, that’s because it is an excerpt from a Martina McBride song, entitled, “Anyway”.  The premise of the song is much like that of The Paradoxical Commandments, written by Dr. Kent Keith ( http://www.paradoxicalcommandments.com/)

The true, yet harsh reality is that the “religious” crowd can be the most condescending and critical of all people groups.  It’s a little too ironic that the very people who should be encouraging you to become passionate, to fast, to serve, and reach the unchurched community, are the very ones who say “you can’t do this or that…”, or “You are just doing that to get a name for yourself”. 

To which I say…”Dare to dream, build, think big, do it anyway!’”

The truth is, people will generally doubt authenticity. They say "After all, no one would be so passionate about just reaching people!?"  Well, I must admit, I am that person!  I find more joy in seeing a person, otherwise on his/her way to a Devil’ hell, as God’s pursuit reaches them unaware!  That pumps me up just thinking about it!!!!!

But even still, people tend to think you have some hidden agenda if you have a passion for serving the Lord with your whole heart.  Much like fasting, many find it to be unnecessary (like it used to) since we live in the dispensation of grace (God’s unmerited favor).  Not so, in fact any “work” we do under grace is not to get God or man’s attention on us, but rather to turn our attention to HIM.  You see, serving God is my desired response to HIS grace! 

A corporate fast, though the challenge is made in the open, still should be entered into with much prayer and done in private. Why?  Because "what you fast" is between you and God.  You may want to "agree" with a spouse or accountability partner to fast a certain thing and pray with you about a certain issue. But, the fact that you are fasting is not something you tell everyone you come in contact with, that goes against God's plan.  Though this may seem like an oxymoron for a pastor to say, I am going to say it ‘anyway’,  “flee religiosity”! The truth is, if you serve the Lord, the religious crowd will shoot you down!  But, as Jesus told His disciples, “just shake the dust off your feet”, which is to say, don’t take it personal, and drive on!

Matthew 6:5 says, 

"And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward."

 The reality, is if your passion, your fast, your serving is to have men look at you...that's all you get! But in the contrary, if you want to hear from God, verse 6 states, 

"But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly."

I don't know about you, but I want the "...reward you openly" deal!

Like with Jesus, personal attack may come your way too. To sit across the table and listen to someone attack your character, integrity, and motives, simply breaks your heart! Not for you though…for them!  They represent the same crowd that Jesus often wrestled with in the Pharisaical community.  How did Jesus react to them? By calling them “hypocrites”!  In fact, Jesus said that they were like “whitewashed tombs, on the outside clean, but on the inside full of dead man’s bones”. Harsh words from a loving Savior!  But, even Jesus had very little patience for such absurdity!

You see, when you fast, when you become passionate or serve, know that you will be placing yourself under scrutiny. I was fortunate to have been mentored by some incredible men of God, to include my present pastor, Dr. Rex King.  But to simply assume that all pastors, church members, etc. will embrace your new-found passion, is setting you up for real defeat!  People will like passions will understand. We should pray for the rest to gain or regain that passion.  A fast, is a good start!

Do it anyway!  In light of all the scrutiny, the personal attacks, the murmuring, and even the in-your-face bashing, Be passionate anyway!  Fast anyway!  Pray fervently anyway! Serve anyway!  Reach out anyway!  Love your enemies anyway!  Get involved anyway!  I promise you, it is worth it!

 Regardless of the venue in which I have spoken; whether a funeral, a wedding, a youth meeting, a conference, or in a third-world country, I try to decrease in me and increase in HIM. Fasting is the vehicle to do just that.  I have been privileged to see thousands of people come to Christ…why?  Because I have given them the opportunity to know the greatest hope, the greatest love, the only answer to all the world’s problems, the person of Jesus Christ!  It is never me…only HIM!

But it is however, my choice to choose to “do it anyway”!  Will you?

In Christ, I’m doing it anyway!

Marc

Are You a Passionless Christian?

Do you ever wander what happened to your passion?  Do you wish you could reclaim that passion you had the day Jesus reached down from heaven’s throne and deposited life into your bankrupt soul?  Are you that Christian that has simply become cynical over years of hurt, letdowns, and loss?

It may be time to fast! Though I will not elaborate on the principles involved in a fast in this blog(whether alone or corporately), let me first admit that I have not always “believed” in fasting.  When I went to Bible college and then to Seminary, I was instructed by some great Theological minds.  But one man in particular stands out (he will remain nameless).  This gentleman was actually a student of the great Theologian, Dr. Charles Ryrie!  So, needless to say, this professor “had me a good morning class”!  The issue of fasting came up and he proceeded to explain that “God was not impressed by one’s fasting” and that “fasting was something of old, done in accordance with the sacrificial system” where one would “show” his/her obedience to the Lord.  But today, fasting was simply unnecessary. 

For me, it was a breath of fresh air, since the thought of depriving myself of food or other “essentials” did not excite me.  But there was a problem.  While finishing my graduate work in Seminary,  and quickly approaching finals, while simultaneously preparing for RUSH Weekend, the biggest weekend in my ministry,  I lost my passion.  Here I was physically worn out, mentally overwhelmed, and spiritually drained to a point of becoming passionless…what was I to do?  After all, I would be leading the RUSH Weekend conference and speaking in the final session…literally hundreds of souls hung in the balance.  So I cried out to God…

In the short of it, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to fast.  Surely this can’t be!  Does HE not know what I’m up against?  I will need rest, plenty of nutrition, etc., to be on my “A-Game”!   I pressed on in prayer…maybe HE was speaking to someone else, and I (being so sensitive to HIS voice) overheard his or her conversation!?  HE said it again…”I want you to fast, get in my word, and pray!” No more guidance, just fast!  I must admit, I was still reluctant, but despite my doubt, I committed to a fast!

Without going line-by-line of the intricacies of the actual fast, I must say I heard God; I saw God; I felt God; And I became hypersensitive to HIS direction.  In fact, God spoke to me in prayer one night and cleared up what the professor had spoken into my life.  God told me that the professor was right…my fasting did not impress HIM one iota!  BUT… by fasting, depriving myself of day-to-day essentials like food, a part of me decreased, so that HE could increase in me.  The result of which was a sweeter anointing, a more sensitive spirit, a clearer vision, a more focused mind, and perhaps most of all, more of HIM in me!  The fast was not to impress God, but rather to sharpen my passion!  Needless to say, I passed my finals with all “A’s” and had an amazing RUSH Weekend!  To God be the glory!

You see, God took a passionless pastor and rekindle a lively hope with me. And the funny thing is, if I never fasted since (which I have and do as often as God leads), I would still retain the passion and the life lesson from that day nearly four years ago! 

As a child of God, your passion is incredibly important!  Your passion or lack of it, is what others see in you.  I you lack passion, non-Christians will wonder why they should desire God in their life…after all, you are no different that they.  BUT, if you have passion, it becomes a beacon of hope; a magnet of sorts, drawing people to the cross; a catalyst by which others come to know the person behind your passion,  Jesus Christ!

Will you join me and others around the world on January 8-28, 2012 for a corporate fast, as we pray for passion back in our churches, our government, our pastors, our marriages, and specifically in our lives!  Stay tuned for more details...

Passionately Yours!

Marc