Breakthrough Fast 2011 - Day 1 "Getting My Mind Right"

I have to be honest. I don’t have anything profound, theological or even overly spiritual to give you tonight. I’m just trying to get my mind right.

Let me tell you, I prayed and mediated this morning. I went to church and received the Holy Communion. I followed the eating plan and had a warm and filling bowl of oatmeal with fruit for breakfast. But the truth is, my head is screaming for a tall Starbuck’s coffee! The truth is...I can smell the aroma of the blueberry crunch pancakes from J. Christopher’s. And the truth is...I can taste the fried chicken from yesterday...the greasy, crispy, flaky Popeye’s chicken in the refrigerator that has been calling my name all afternoon. (Lord, help me!)

Don’t get me wrong. I remember the warning of Jesus, “When you fast, do not look somber as hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men (people) they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18)

Getting my mind right is more than saying no to my Mama’s New Year’s Day collard greens. Getting my mind right is slowing down long enough to seek God’s direction and receive God’s grace. Getting my mind right is more than fasting to lose a few pounds. Getting my mind right is realizing that I am powerless to change myself. Getting my mind right is not about what I can get from God during these 21 days of fasting. Getting my mind right is about what I can give to God - my worship, my obedience and my praise. And getting my mind right is more than 21 days of self-denial. Getting my mind right is accepting the pruning that God has in store for me the next 20 days.

I’m not naive. Getting my mind right is not easy. But if I get my mind right....if you get your mind right...regardless of where we are in our relationship with God, today was the first day of something new in our lives. I have to go now. I’m about to take the advice of Jesus...and pour a gallon of olive oil on my head and wash my face!

1 Day of Fasting and Going Strong!
Rev. CAM

Goals for Today
- Read Daily Bible Verse for the Day: DONE
- Spend 30 minutes in prayer and meditation: DONE
- Completed Day 1 of The Breakthrough Fast 2011: DONE
- Write blog: DONE
-Drink 1 gallon of water: Still work in progress!